Buzz: Wilhelm a fit for LB-needy Jets?
Jets Confidential did some digging — well, more like scouring the waiver wire — and found a potential match for the suddenly LB-in-need Jets. Recently released San Diego Charger Matt Wilhelm.
Matt Wilhelm, a former starter in San Diego, who is in his prime at the age of 28, is now on the street.With Calvin Pace out the first four games, and the Jets a little thin at linebacker depth, perhaps they should sign Wilhelm.
Wilhelm, at 6-4, 245 pounds, has perfect 3-4 size, and can play inside or outside.
The Jets could certainly use a LB with Calvin Pace suspended and Wilhelm has the size to play on the outside in Rex’s system. The question becomes whether the Jets are unimpressed enough with their internal options to consider a veteran option. It wouldn’t necessarily be a bad idea to have another body in camp. As much as everyone is enamored with Jamal Westermann’s potential, it remains to be seen what he or VG or anyone else can do on the outside. The other side of it is a potential loss of camp reps for the aforementioned players. So what do you think, is it worth it?
14 Responses to Buzz: Wilhelm a fit for LB-needy Jets?
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vbsiena24 says:
This guy can’t stop the run at all. That is why he was cut.
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Kirk says:
Well we have a need for LBers who can drop into coverage, so there might still be a place for him on 3rd down
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BigKatFan says:
i dont want to sign ANYONE else until Jones and Washington are given extentions
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igs says:
What about Derrick Brooks? Wouldn’t you atleast want Derrick Brooks over THomas if for no other reason? I know he wouldn’t be a perfect match, but neither is Thomas if you let the numbers tell it.
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NYJ09 says:
i second derrick brooks, if they can get him cheap. i know brooks isn’t suited for the 3-4 but although that’s the base of ryan’s defense we’ll get plenty of 4-3, 46 looks where i think brooks could help.
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Rich F says:
I don’t see them signing Wilhelm being that they just said Gholston will be starting…What kind of message would that be to the team and fans ‘Oh, we said Vernon will be starting…NOT!’ Don’t get me wrong, Wilhelm is a heck of a linebacker, but I think they’re going to give Gholston every chance to succeed or fail.
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Dave says:
Wilhelm’s an inside LB, and cut from a team that isn’t exactly set at the position next to Stephen Cooper.
If he comes here, he’s depth behind Scott and Harris.
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Derrick Brooks mixes with this defense like water and oil.
He’s an OLB in name, not in abilities for a 3-4 defense. The defense he played in for so many years in Tampa was about keeping OL off him and letting him run free, due to his game as a fast but undersized linebacker. In the 3-4 it’s just the opposite, you’re often required to blitz and engage linemen.
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Lj says:
Greg Ellis
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nvm raiders
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nickp says:
why cant we just let VG play and actually give him a chance to rebound from mistakes in the game..once he made a bad play or missed a tackle last year he was taken out. just let the kid play, hes ready to go.
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MrJetGreen says:
The Jets should compare Wilhelm to what they have in place for depth at ILB. I think Trusnik can play and possibly Cummings but we will be in big trouble if Izzo or Renkart are on the field.
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Le' Sean Roberts says:
Inside yes, hell no to outside. Outside linebacker ? The guy is decent, SD never took him seriously. Before he became a starter, he was the one-year deal or practice squad type.
He’s probably an upgrade over Thomas, regardless of the loss of Pace. Worst case, he’d be our backup ILB.