New York Jets: Analysis of Linebacker Darron Lee
Here are some quick thoughts on the New York Jets’ selection of Darron Lee in the NFL draft.
Mike Maccagnan has made his first choice of his second draft with the New York Jets. Although some thought they might choose Paxton Lynch, they decided to stay on the defensive side of the football, selecting Darron Lee, an outside linebacker from Ohio State.
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Lee is an interesting choice. The Jets need to add to their pass rush off of the edge, but it is hard to call Lee a sack master. During his years with the Buckeyes, Lee only posted 11.5 sacks. He did spent a lot of time in the backfield of his opponents, posting 27 TFL’s (Tackles For Loss) over his time at school. He was a solid tackler, posting 80 tackles in 2014, followed up by 66 tackles in 2015.
Matthew Ordazzo of the Jet Press wrote that Lee was likely to be chosen in this section of the first round. But with only two years starting at linebacker, he could take a year or two to make a major impact in the NFL.
It is always good to see a player that has skills that translate to the pros, and Lee has a lot of those. He can seek out and find the ball. His eyes are always on the ball carrier, and he is able to get off blocks quickly to get to that ball carrier. He also has played against strong opponents, playing for the Buckeyes. There is no way to question the quality of opponent, as Lee played against nobody but the best.
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He also can fly, clocking in with a 4.47 forty yard dash at the combine, as well as a 4.20 second shuttle drill. His broad and vertical jumps led the combine at the position as well, at 133″ and 35.5″ respectively.
He does have flaws. Lee seems to understand coverage, but doesn’t look smooth. His change of direction is a little awkward, but some of that is due to him only spending two years at the linebacker position. His hips are a little bit tight, and that will have to improve for Lee to make a solid impact. He also measured in at 6’1″, 237 pounds, which is not bad, but he could use a bit more bulk to take on the offensive linemen of the NFL.
There is no doubt that Lee will see time during his rookie season. At the very least, his ability to find the ball carrier will get him instant access on special teams. He will make some impact on defense as well. The question is exactly where? He is not really a situational pass rusher, and a stable of young linebackers that are strong in all aspects of the game.
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Lee will be very interesting to watch in training camp as we see what type of skills come to the forefront as Todd Bowles and company make their evaluations.