Defense:
Eric Mangini is bringing over the 3-4 defense to the Jets. A conversion like this can be very difficult when it comes to having the proper personnel. In the 3-4, it is vital to have outside linebackers that have the ability to both rush the quarterback and drop back to defend the pass. It's also very important to have inside linebackers that can shed blockers and stop the run.
As for outside linebacker, three players are competing for the starting spots. Victor Hobson is a player with good size, strength, and tackling ability, but he lacks the speed that the typical outside linebacker possesses. Bryan Thomas, a former first-round pick, has little experience at the position. However, Thomas' raw talent is very impressive. He is very quick and fast and figures to be a good option at outside linebacker. Matt Chatham, a Jets free agent pick-up, has experience at the position and provides solid depth. The other outside linebackers are Jamar Enzor and Ryan Myers, two players with very little experience.
At inside linebacker, the Jets have two very good players. Jonathan Vilma is coming off of a season-leading year in tackles and Eric Barton is an experienced veteran with the size to stop the run in the middle. The only question with this group is Jonathan Vilma and whether or not he'll be able to adjust to a lifestyle of shedding blocks. The Jets drafted Ohio State linebacker Anthony Schlegel and signed Brad Kassell to provide depth on the inside.
The Jets' defensive backs are without Ty Law this year, but it won't be much of a problem. Andre Dyson was signed along with Ray Mickens. Justin Miller showed promise last year, playing decent coverage and laying down big hits. David Barrett is next on the depth chart. The Jets drafted Texas Christian University cornerback Drew Coleman to provide depth. The defensive backfield could be a very underrated group going into 2006.
The Jets have some questions surrounding the defensive line, especially at the nose tackle position. Dewayne Robertson figures to start, but he isn't exactly nose tackle material. Robertson's strength is his agility. At nose tackle, he'll be needed to take on offensive linemen while maintaining his ground on the line of scrimmage. Behind him is Sione Pouha. Pouha might be a better fit at nose tackle, but he's only in his second year so his inexperience could hurt him.
The Jets are pretty much set at defensive end. Shaun Ellis should make a very good end in the 3-4 scheme and the Jets signed Kimo von Oelhoffen and Monsanto Pope.
Synopsis
The Jets are in a transitional and rebuilding year. The offense is very young and the defense is inexperienced in its new 3-4 scheme. The veterans will have to get used to Eric Mangini's coaching style which is much different than that of former head coach Herman Edwards.
It will take a few things for the Jets to have any success this season. First, the quarterback that Mangini chooses to lead his team must play well. Second, the offensive line must gel quickly. Third, the nose tackle position must be stabilized. And fourth, Jonathan Vilma must adjust well to his new position.
If all of the above happens, the Jets could surprise many by having an 8-8 or 9-7 season. However, it is very unlikely for these things to happen. Realistically, I see the Jets going 6-10 this season. The Jets have a bright future, but it won't start this year.