The Final Countdown: OLB Bryan Thomas
Don’t worry, we’ll get through the countdown before camp opens. Just means Bassett and I will have to pull a few two-a-days to get there…
Position: Outside Linebacker
Player: Bryan Thomas
Summary:
When the Jets drafted unheralded “workout warrior” Bryan Thomas with the 22nd pick in 2002 out of UAB, they already had Shaun Ellis and John Abraham playing defensive end. Thomas was therefore used as a situational pass rusher and made little impact, recording just 5 tackles and half a sack. He was just a back-up for the next two years, after the Jets quickly aborted an ill-conceived plan to convert Ellis to DT, but with Abraham’s “injury” problems, he saw plenty of opportunities to play, including two starts in the playoffs at the end of the 2004 season. He started the opener against KC in 2005, but they ran right at him, blowing out the Jets 27-7 and his performance that year was a huge disappointment, leaving him unable to shed that dreaded “bust” tag. The switch to a 3-4 system in 2006 revitalized his career and he led the Jets with 8.5 sacks and earned himself a big contract extension in the process. However, 2007 was another disappointment and he even admitted he hadn’t approached the year fully committed. Vowing to be more consistent in 2008, he got off to a great start, but had a disappointing second half of the year so who knows what to expect in 2009?
Thomas was drafted for his incredible athleticism (4.47 forty time!), but has proven to be a more steady player in the pros. His skillset would seem to be more suited to the weakside (WILL) position, but Mangini mainly seemed to use him on the strongside. Initially, it was thought that this was due to a limitation in Victor Hobson’s abilities, but when Calvin Pace replaced Hobson, he seemed to be the WILL more often than not, perhaps suggesting that Mangini believed Thomas’ speed would be more of an asset against slower right tackles. He can be a productive pass rusher, but seems to lack consistency for whatever reason. Last season, he had 4.5 sacks and 5 QB hits in the first 5 games and 1 sack and no QB hits thereafter. Theoretically, if he could produce consistently throughout the season, he could be one of the most productive defensive players in the NFL.
In the past, Thomas has had a reputation for only having played well because he was in a contract year. If that’s what it takes to motivate him to play well, then perhaps he will have a good year this year, since if he fails to perform well this year – and possibly even if he does manage to play well – the Jets might consider releasing him and he will have to seek a deal on the open market.
Moving Forward:
Thomas’ role this season is vital, especially in the first four weeks of the season when Calvin Pace is suspended. The Jets need him to produce consistently throughout the season, whether as a weakside pass rusher or in the more complete role on the strongside.
Questions:
Will Rex Ryan use him on the weakside or strongside? Can he mentor Vernon Gholston on how to bounce back from a quiet rookie year? Was the reduction in his statistical productivity last year due to the fact he had to keep dropping into coverage as the scheme became less aggressive? Why DID they draft him with Ed Reed on the board, anyway?
8 Responses to The Final Countdown: OLB Bryan Thomas
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Harlan Lachman says:
Bust.
BLT is not only inconsistent, in many of the games he gets sacks, those are the only good plays he makes. Consistently beat back or unable to seal the edge. And 8.5 sacks is like half of a good pass rusher.
harlan
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Bent says:
Well, I did hear a rumor that his middle names are Ulysses and Santiago…
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Jeff says:
I hate reminding myself that we picked BT instead of future HoF’er and top-10 safety in NFL history – Edward Reed.
I mean we had Harmful Edwards and Terry Badway running the show. So when you have 2- Pro Bowl defensive ends, and I remember we needed a safety. Then why draft a DE???
Same as trading a 1st rounder for Doug Jolley w/ Heath Miller on the board!!!
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vinnywasthebest says:
yep. I agree with everyone here. This guy is a slightly below average, gets a few sacks every season and is no better than ok against the run. We could do alot worse though. But i feel he should be cheaper.
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Head_coach says:
Bust…
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Prez says:
I think we have been waiting for BT to have this break out season for years. How many episodes of Jet nation did i see Greg B or Ray L say that ” this is the year that BT does special things” Please! His window is closing. This Jets have their best opportunity this year to do good things on D. There are two key players on D that no one talks about. BT is one of them. The other is Lito S. If this two guys play well this year, Im not worried about Miami or the Pats!
IMO BT may flourish in Rex’s system because there is less read and react , less thought, and more of just go. I think you will see Bryan on the strong side because of his ability to cover the Tight End, and his ability to stop the run. He has such long arms, he covers the 6’6 TE’s very well. I think you will see him play a lot of DE, shifting Ellis inside to play a Three Technique Tackle. If you think about it that little shift, switching easily and quickly from a 3-4 to a 4-3, can cause oroblem for the OL in blocking assignments. I think they also like Pace to be free on the weakside, and I am one of the strong supporters of Murrell, as a dynamic wekside LB.