Thomas doesn’t fit Jets’ 3-4 scheme

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, June 20, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

New York Jets
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When the New York Jets switch over to the 3-4 defense for the upcoming season, former defensive end Bryan Thomas will turn into a linebacker. At least, that's what first-year head coach Eric Mangini is hoping for. The team is attempting to switch him from a down lineman to a standup linebacker in their new scheme. The transition is unlikely to be successful, though, because he just doesn't fit the prototypical mold of a linebacker. Thomas is working hard to succeed at his new position, but the odds are against him.

While he doesn't fit the normal description of a linebacker and doesn't have most of the tools solid ones have, Thomas could make a slight impact. The main problem is simply that the position isn't easy to learn and is quite difficult to play. No team wants to have a glaring weakness at the position, as offenses will quickly exploit it.

The one positive Thomas has on his side is his straight-line speed, which could allow for him to be a good blitzing 'backer and effective pass rusher.

The biggest problem with the move is that the 266-pound Thomas lacks the athleticism to drop back into coverage. Another weakness is his below-average agility, which would certainly be exposed when he runs from sideline to sideline.

Those two weaknesses vastly outweigh the positive that Thomas possesses, and should be cause for concern among the coaching staff of the "Gang Green."

Thomas is coming off arguably his best season since entering the league. He recorded 37 tackles and registered a career-high 3 1/2 sacks. Because of that, it's somewhat odd that the Jets aren't keeping him in the defensive end rotation. Unfortunately for Thomas, there is a glut of talent at the end positions, which includes free-agent acquisition Kimo Von Oelhoffen, Shaun Ellis, Trevor Johnson and Monsanto Pope.

In any event, the 27-year-old Thomas doesn't project or look to fit well at linebacker, so Jets fans shouldn't be angry at the four-year veteran, if and when he fails.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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