Depth Charges: Linebackers
OK kids here’s what you’ve all been waiting for, Rex’s next defensive “pet projects” as we bring you the breakdown of the Jets signings meant to bring depth to the linebacking corps:
Brashton Satele:
Contrary to Mike Westhoff’s suggestion, the second-year linebacker out of Hawaii did not open up his “pizza shop in the Bronx” and is back for another shot at a roster spot. Satele showed some promise during training camp last year, when he was healthy that is. The truth is Satele spent more time riding the stationary bike than on the field, which hurt his development and his ability to digest the playbook as he looked lost during the Jets final pre-season game against the Eagles. This year’s training camp is pivotal for Satele to see if he can stay healthy and contend for a roster spot.
If I were a betting man:
Considering inside linebacker is one of the thinnest positions on the team and the Jets did not address that issue through the draft, Satele’s odds of making the team are probably alot better than they were last year…provided he can stay healthy. Obviously Satele is not someone who has what it takes to be starter material but, with Lance Laury’s free agency, he may ultimately be deserving of a roster spot.
Brian Toal:
This name may ring a bell for you New Jersey Jets fans as Toal is the son of North Jersey high school football power-house Don Bosco Prep head coach, Greg Toal. Toal was the 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey and later went on to become a stand-out at Boston College. However, his college career and subsequent pro-career has been plagued by all sorts of injuries. Toal was an undrafted free agent in 2009 and opted instead to play for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL. Since his stint in the UFL, Toal has been invited to training camp by several NFL teams including the Giants and Jets.
If I were a betting man:
Toal would need to have a “lights out” training camp to even have a shot of making the team and even that might not do it for him. One thing Toal does have going for him is his lineage, as we know Rex has a soft spot in his heart for “coach’s sons” but that only goes so far.
Garrett McIntyre:
McIntyre has been all over the professional footbal circuit including stints with San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League as well as the Seatlle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. Most recently, McIntyre has been a stand out in the CFL as a member of the Hamilton Tigercats. The former Fresno State star has a lot of miles on him as as a football player but maybe his time in the CFL has helped him polish his game enough to make the roster of an NFL team. As a member of the Tigercats, McIntyre primarily played defensive line but the Jets are looking to convert him to a stand-up 3-4 outside linebacker, with his size (6″3, 250) its not really a stretch.
If I were a betting man:
Like most of the players already mentioned, McIntyre is a project but he is a high motor player with solid size. Having said that, he looks like he could hang around on the practice squad and could even be activated at some point, but one step at a time.
Brandon Long:
Brandon Long is cut from a comparable cloth to McIntyre, a former defensive lineman in college at Michigan State that the Jets are looking to turn into a stand up outside linebacker. The Jets are looking for the next unsung “diamond in the rough” pass-rusher a la Elvis Dumervil to wreak havoc on quarterbacks. Long’s size makes him worth a look, however long that may be (no pun intended).
If I were a betting man:
I wouldn’t put too much stock in Long’s ability to make the team, if Mike Singletary didn’t see enough in Long to keep him around I don’t think Rex will either. He may soon be just a footnote but what do I know?
6 Responses to Depth Charges: Linebackers
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How do you differentiate starters from backups? keep in mind you cant measure someone determination!
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JetOrange says:
Westoff may be the “decider” for these guys. Toal is kind of interesting because he also plays FB, and has the ability to cover receivers, skills that just may improve his chances
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If Satele is healthy, I think he will make the team. If not, I think Toal would be a dynamo on specials, which is why Laury was on the team. I think Westy will love him. He’s too light to play defense, though.
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SackDance99 says:
McIntyre had 8 sacks with the TiCats and is known for his high motor. I’ll take sacks from anywhere and while he’s no Cameron Wake, he appears to have a skill set that the Jets need.
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Bent says: I still can’t get over the fact there was a pass rusher like Wake hiding in the CFL.
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dang, Anyone of these guys capable of being starter? or atleast good pass rushers?