Without question, Rex Ryan knows how to put together a great defense. In his ten seasons on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, the Ravens never had a defense that finished lower than 6th in overall total defense.

That’s what got Ryan his first head coaching job in New York, and in his three seasons as Jets head coach, Ryan’s units have finished 1st, 3rd, and 5th respectively in total defense.

Despite the strong performances year in and year out, the elephant in the room has always been the lack of a dynamic pass rushing threat. Ryan’s always found a way to scheme around it, but it’s a tough thing to do.

However, this season the Jets think they’ve got the difference maker they’ve been looking for. With their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Jets believe they’ve found their man.

In the 6’6, 284 lb Quinton Coples, the Jets think they’ve got a dynamic physical talent, capable of making plays, while also being capable of taking on blocks, opening up opportunities for teammates to make plays as well.

Coples officially signed with the Jets this week, and I know fans are eager to see what he can do.

The Jets plan on using Coples mostly at left defensive end, the position Shaun Ellis patrolled for many years. He’ll line up in most formations with Sione Pouha and Muhammad Wilkerson.

Veterans Mike DeVito and Marcus Dixon, along with second-year man Kenrick Ellis will also factor into the equation on the defensive line depending on different game situations.

Outside linebackers Calvin Pace and Aaron Maybin also figure to see snaps as down linemen at times, with Coples having the versatility to shift inside on passing downs and rush from a defensive tackle spot.

With Coples in the fold, the goal will be for the Jets to generate pressure without having to bring extra rushers. The fewer players they need to send after the quarterback, the more players they’ll have available in coverage.

With Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie anchoring the outside, and new pieces LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell in the middle., it won’t be easy for any quarterback to get too comfortable. Especially if he’s under pressure.

The idea is that the Jets will be able to stop the run from the inside out with Pouha, Wilkerson, Bart Scott and David Harris, while also being able to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Of course, that’s always easier said than done. But for the first time since Rex Ryan came to the Jets in 2009, they really believe they may have all the pieces needed to be a dominant defense in 2012.

Time will tell if Tony Sparano‘s exotic offense, with quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, will be able to keep pace and make the Jets a legitimate contender.

Say what you want about Rex Ryan and his unique personality. The man knows how to coach a football team. It wouldn’t be wise to count him out.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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New York Jets’ Signing of S Yeremiah Bell Gives Rex Ryan Versatility in His Defensive Packaging

The 34-year-old Bell spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career in Miami, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2009. The Philadelphia Eagles were also interested in his services but he chose the Jets instead.

What it means, first and foremost, is that Jets head coach Rex Ryan just got another versatile player to fit into his always evolving, dynamic defensive scheme.

Last year, the defensive back depth, especially at safety, was admittedly poor.

You’ve got all-world talent on one side of the field with Darrelle Revis, and Antonio Cromartie is a Pro Bowl-caliber player on the other side. The middle of the field, on the other hand, could use some work.

Eric Smith is the biggest name returning for another season, but the offseason signings of Bell and LaRon Landry will move Smith into a reduced role on defense, perhaps allowing him more snaps on special teams.

The Jets drafted defensive backs Josh Bush and Antonio Allen on day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft, and they also have young DB’s Ryan Steed and DeAngelo Smith in camp, among others.

Right now, I would project Landry and Bell to be the starting safeties, or perhaps the two of them and Eric Smith splitting snaps equally depending on the situation.

Allen could see time in the 46 defense packages that are a Ryan family tradition. The 46 is somewhat unconventional, but the Jets might have the personnel to run it semi-regularly this season.

In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Jets switching personnel packages and formations as Rex Ryan sees fit. 3-4, 4-3, 46, hybrids, you name it. Expect the unexpected in 2012.

They’ve got depth and versatility up and down on defense, from the defensive line to linebackers and now the defensive backs, which get a boost from the affordable addition of the veteran Bell.

Bell is capable of playing close to the line of scrimmage as an in-the-box safety, or as a deep safety if needed. He’s up there in age now, but with the depth the Jets have now, except Ryan to scheme around it.

There are, of course only 11 starters on defense. But don’t be surprised if you see 15-20 or so defenders subbing in and out this year, in any given game, at any given time.

One of Rex Ryan’s goals as a defensive mastermind is to drive the offense crazy trying to figure out which side of the formation is the strong side, and they’ve the pieces now to be even more unpredictable than ever.

That’s going to be fun to watch for Jets fans. Just not that fun for opposing offenses.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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Many consider Allen to have been a steal in the seventh round, as some had projected him to be as high as a third- or fourth-rounder. The Jets were thrilled to see him available when their turn came up again at 242.

After a few trades that left the Jets without any fourth- or fifth-round picks, the Jets had a chance to select Allen in round 6, but instead took another defensive back in Josh Bush of Wake Forest.

Bush was the second Jets draft pick to sign his deal, after highly-touted second round wide receiver Stephen Hill was one of the first rookies of the entire 2012 NFL Draft to sign a deal.

The Jets also signed their two other sixth-rounders, running back Terrance Ganaway and guard Robert T. Griffin, collegiate teammates at Baylor University who were selected back-to-back at 202 and 203 overall.

With the signing of Allen, only top pick Quinton Coples, third-rounder Demario Davis and seventh-rounder Jordan White remain unsigned from the Jets’ 2012 rookie draft class.

Allen has a chance to make an immediate impact as a rookie, an opportunity not many seventh-round picks are commonly afforded.

But with uncertainty at the safety position, a strong training camp and preseason could earn someone like Antonio Allen or Josh Bush significant playing time in the regular season.

Right now, Eric Smith and LaRon Landry are atop the depth chart at the safety positions, but neither of them are particularly well-suited for the rangy, strong coverage responsibilities of a traditional free safety.

There’s always a possibility that Rex Ryan favorite Jim Leonhard could sign late in the offseason, but the Jets are certainly hoping to see their young players emerge as well.

It’ll be an interesting position battle to watch this preseason, that’s for sure. Aside from starting cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, playing time in the defensive backfield will certainly be up for grabs.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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Both Ganaway and Griffin were teammates at Baylor University, where they started on offense alongside quarterback Robert Griffin III and wide receiver Kendall Wright, who both went in round 1.

The Jets’ Griffin, no relation to his Heisman Trophy-winning ex-teammate with whom he shares a name, is an offensive guard who will likely back up starters Brandon Moore and Matt Slauson.

Ganaway, a big bruising back, has a chance to earn playing time in a backup role behind starting running back Shonn Greene and young backs Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell.

The Jets had previously signed their other 6th-round pick, defensive back Josh Bush. They now have all three of their 6th-rounders signed.

Having also previously signed 2nd-rounder Stephen Hill, the Jets now have four of their eight rookie draft picks under contract.

1st-rounder Quinton Coples, 3rd-rounder Demario Davis, and 7th-rounders Antonio Allen and Jordan White are the remaining unsigned draft picks.

It’ll be interesting to see how much production the Jets are able to get right away out of their rookie class. In the Rex Ryan era, it’s been a little hit-and-miss in that regard.

As far as the 2009 draft class goes, Mark Sanchez started right away, Greene made an impact at the very end of the year, and although Slauson has become a solid starting option, he played sparingly as a rookie.

In 2010, Kyle Wilson got some playing time but hasn’t lived up to his 1st-round billing, and 2nd-rounder Vladimir Ducasse hasn’t been able to translate his raw physical talents into productive play.

Last year, Muhammad Wilkerson emerged as a star in the making as a day 1 starter, but the Jets can’t afford to get production from just one rookie per season.

This year’s draft class, along with the undrafted rookies, will need to produce if the Jets expect to make any serious noise in 2012. With a new offensive coaching staff in place, hopefully that makes a big difference.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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Led by second-year head coach Rex Ryan and second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez, the 2010 season was a memorable one, especially for the folks at NFL Films and HBO, after the program would go on to win an Emmy.

Meanwhile, the Jets didn’t have the hangover that plagued some previous Hard Knocks participants, as they would go on to have an 11-5 season, culminating in a trip to the AFC Championship game for the second straight year.

As much fun as it was for fans, getting a glimpse into the grueling grind of training camp, other teams around the NFL seem to be shying away from being the next team featured in the hit HBO documentary series.

The Atlanta Falcons have already declined an official invite from the show, which has not aired since the Jets’ edition in 2010 due to the NFL lockout in 2011.

As far as a potential return to the bright lights of the HBO cameras for Rex Ryan and company? Don’t hold your breath, football fans. The Jets are trying to minimize distractions as much as possible this year.

Ryan himself indicated this week that he hasn’t even thinking about a possible Hard Knocks sequel, and that reports of the Jets declining an offer are news to him, but not even on his radar.

“It doesn’t matter,” said Ryan, of the impact of being on the show or not. “We’re getting ready to get our team ready to play the 2012 season.”

General manager Mike Tannenbaum backed up that sentiment, though he appreciated the interest and the previous experience the Jets had on the program.

“The experience we had with them was great,” Tannenbaum said. “They were real pros, the people from HBO and NFL Films. It was a great experience for us.”

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and the Jets’ 2010 Hard Knocks appearance will live on in football lore. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, and we were all winners for getting a chance to see it.

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The New York Jets offensive lineman is well aware that his up-and-down play at right tackle made him the weak link on a normally stout offensive line that took a step back overall as a unit in 2011.

“I had good games, I had great games, but I also had some bad games,” Hunter said. “Being the new piece in the puzzle with the O-line, I didn’t pick up where [Damien Woody] left off.”

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum was noncommittal about handing Hunter the starting right tackle job, even after the Jets did not select a single offensive tackle in the 2012 NFL Draft.

“There are a number of young players on our offensive line that we’re excited to see,” Tannenbaum said. “Having Wayne Hunter back for another year, he’ll still be competing for a position here.”

“We’ve got three young guys we like in Caleb [Schlauderaff], Austin [Howard] and Vlad [Ducasse],” said Tannenbaum, “so we’ll see how that goes.”

Hunter, on the other hand, is very confident about his ability and his starting job, regardless of the competition he’ll face in camp.

“I’m the starting right tackle, that’s as simple as it is,” Hunter said. “Whatever happens come opening day, during the season, so be it, but I am the starting right tackle now and that’s all that matters to me.”

“My focus this year is to get better and I’m going to get better. I’m the starting right tackle and that hasn’t changed whether people like it or not.”

It’s hard not to love his confidence, but after his performance last season, how can anybody who watched him be as confident? I sure know where fellow Rant Sports writer Chris Gamble stands, that’s for sure.

“I was the weakest link last year,” Hunter admitted. “This year it’s a whole different mentality. I played like a rookie last year and this year I’m playing like a nine-year veteran.”

Believe it or not, I don’t think it’s too farfetched to expect Hunter, or whoever ends up starting at right tackle in 2012, to improve upon the right tackle play from last season.

One of the Jets’ biggest upgrades this offseason was the jettisoning of former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, and the hiring of former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano in his place.

I had been a longtime Schottenheimer critic over his six seasons in New York, and although Sparano was not my first choice to replace him, I could not be more thrilled to have Sparano at the helm.

Listening to some of the comments from the Jets’ offensive players, I don’t think I’m alone in that thinking.

“[Sparano]‘s to the point. He’s a no-nonsense guy,” said quarterback Mark Sanchez. “He’s exactly what we need and we’re excited about his arrival. He’s really pushing us.”

Receiver Santonio Holmes indicated that it was “a little difficult to understand the language in Schottenheimer’s offense” and that Sparano’s scheme is similar to one he used to play under with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For Hunter, who former Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan raved about in the past for his pure athleticism and physicality, Schottenheimer’s scheme was often too complex and had him thinking too much last season.

“It was a shock mentally for me,” Hunter said. “Everyone knows physically I can get the job done, they’ve seen me get the job done. It was a shock as far as being that number 1 guy consistently, and consistency was my problem.”

Although it’s only May, Hunter already likes what he’s seen from Sparano and new offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.

“I like [Sparano]. I like him, it’s night and day from Schotty but I think it’s a good change,” Hunter said. “In an attitude way, just the presence he brings is night and day but change is always good I think.”

For what it’s worth, Hunter also indicated that his public spat with Holmes in the wake of the Jets’ disappointing Week 17 loss to the Dolphins is water under the bridge, and both men are focusing on moving forward.

“We came up to each other and I told him ‘clean slate,’ and he’s been great,” Hunter said. “Tone has been great. … He’s been a team player, and it’s been a good change.”

As bad as Hunter played at times last season, it’s not as if the Jets really gave him a ton of support, either.

He was more often than not left out on an island against the league’s top pass rushers, without much help from extra blockers or anything along those lines.

Sparano is not stubborn enough to recognize a problem and try to let it work itself out. If he sees the right tackle struggling, he’s going to do something about it, something Schottenheimer puzzlingly never did.

The New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, as an example, suffered through bad tackle play last season as well. Worse, believe it or not, than Hunter.

Yet, those teams schemed around it with extra blockers and protection adjustments. Of course, when you have elite quarterback play, you can get away with it more, but the point remains the same.

Additionally, the Jets also had instability with the rest of their line, as Nick Mangold, Brandon Moore and Matt Slauson all played through injuries and D’Brickashaw Ferguson had an off-year as well.

Wayne Hunter’s not going to miraculously transform into a great right tackle. But there’s no reason to think he can’t be competent after what amounted to a worst-case-scenario type season last year.

It stands to reason that this year, with a better offensive scheme, and hopefully healthy players alongside him, Hunter can hold his own at right tackle.

He’s clearly got the right attitude about it, which is an important first step. Now, it’s time to back up that bravado with results.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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The 47-year-old Clinkscales (center, above) had previously been a candidate for the St. Louis Rams general manager job, before St. Louis hired Les Snead instead.

Clinkscales had been the Jets’ VP of college scouting for the past four seasons, and had been in the Jets’ scouting department for the last 17 years.

During the 2012 NFL Draft, Clinkscales’s name was floated out as a possibility for the Raiders because of his friendship with new Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.

At the time, Clinkscales was defiant about his commitment to the Jets.

“I expect to be here,” Clinkscales said. “I understand where the connection comes in, to be honest with you. Reggie and I have played high school and college ball together. We were in each other’s weddings. I’ve known Reggie forever. But this is where I started, and this is where I plan on being.”

Evidently, Clinkscales has had a change of heart and will join McKenzie in Oakland after all.

I wish him well on his future endeavors, and hopefully his final draft class with the Jets will be a great one.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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Of course, by putting his cards on the table so bluntly, Ryan unintentionally revealed that former starter Mike DeVito will have a decreased, or at least modified role.

DeVito, who originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007 out of Maine, has developed into one of the premier run defending 3-4 ends in football over the last few seasons.

However, the 27-year-old battled injures in 2011, and the addition of Coples will allow the Jets to keep DeVito fresh by playing him primarily on running downs, which plausibly could maximize his effectiveness.

“I know [DeVito] is a tremendous player,” Ryan said in regards to the addition of Coples. “To explain his exact role right now, I don’t feel like I can do that right now.”

Last week, the Jets decided to let go of fellow defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua, which I interpreted as a bonafide endorsement of DeVito and the rest of the defensive line depth.

The unsung DeVito apparently has made a commitment of his own, agreeing to a pay cut that restructured his contract to a more cap-friendly deal for the team.

DeVito was due to earn a 2012 base salary of $2.26 million, with another $1 million in bonuses. With his restructure, he will earn a base salary of $700,000 instead.

Various bonuses are expected to push DeVito’s total 2012 compensation to a guaranteed $2.5 million, which essentially is an assurance that he will be on the roster this season, which I’m happy to see.

He can become a free agent after the season, so it’s possible that this will be his final year in New York. Hopefully, we can see him stay healthy this year and have a strong contract year.

Mike DeVito has been a key cog and an underrated part of this Jets defense over the last few years, and it’s nice to have him back for what could be one last hurrah.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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Last week, they signed 2nd-round pick Stephen Hill to a deal, making him just the second player in the entire 2012 NFL Draft to sign, after the Chicago Bears came to terms with their 2nd-rounder, Alshon Jeffrey.

Today, the Jets announced the signing of 6th-round draft pick Josh Bush, a defensive back from Wake Forest. The 23-year-old officially signed his deal after practice on Sunday.

Bush was drafted to be a sub-package guy, capable of playing both the safety and cornerback positions as needed.

“You need guys that have man cover skills,” head coach Rex Ryan said. “Especially if you play a defense like us, and guys with range. I think [Bush] has that. He has ball skills.”

The Jets needed an infusion of youth and athleticism at the back of their secondary, as it was a major weakness for them in 2011.

Eric Smith is the only returning safety who saw a lot of playing time last season, and the Jets also signed former Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry to a one-year deal as a free agent this offseason.

The Jets are hopeful that Bush and the rest of their 2012 rookie class can give them some much needed depth in the secondary, behind their dynamic duo of cornerbacks, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

There’s a possibility that former Jets Jim Leonhard and/or Drew Coleman could be brought back into the fold. Chris Johnson‘s name has also been floated out as a possibility. But that all remains to be seen.

For now, the Jets are pretty pleased with their rookie class, and the youth infusion they’ll bring to the table. Now it’s time for them to play like Jets.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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After the departures of Donald Strickland and Marquice Cole in free agency, the Jets are hoping to find a reliable number four cornerback, a position that’s become more and more important in recent years.

A few weeks ago, the Jets brought in former Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson for a private workout, but they never extended him an offer.

Now, there are rumblings that a potential reunion with Drew Coleman could be in the works.

Coleman, a 29-year-old veteran cornerback, was originally drafted by the Jets in the 6th round of the 2006 draft and played five seasons in New York before playing one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011.

The Jaguars recently released Coleman, and the word is that the Jets have expressed serious interest in bringing him back into the fold in 2012.

Reportedly, the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions are also bidding for his services, so the veteran can way his options before he makes a decision as to where he’s going to play this season.

Coleman had an up-and-down Jets career as a special teamer and reserve cornerback, but his last season in Jets green was arguably his best.

In 2010, Coleman started a career-high four games, intercepting one pass while defending four others.

In Rex Ryan‘s exotic blitz packages, Coleman also recorded five sacks that year, including one against Tom Brady in the Jets’ upset victory over the New England Patriots in the 2010-11 NFL playoffs.

If the Jets do decide to bring him back, Coleman would be a nice short-term fit at the fourth cornerback spot. He knows the system extremely well, and he could be had at a reasonable price.

Keep an eye out as the Jets ponder bringing the veteran cornerback back for another go-around in the Green and White.

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88  / Contact me at metsjetsnets88@gmail.com

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