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Jets' linebacker Calvin Pace was suspended without pay July 2 for violating the NFL’s policy on Performance Enhancing Substances.
His absence leaves the Jets with a big playmaking void to fill as Pace recorded seven sacks last year, a team-high five forced fumbles, and tied for the NFL lead with four recoveries.
NYJets.com's Eric Allen thinks second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston has the ability to fill Pace’s shoes.
The sixth pick in the 2008 Draft has been putting in hard work this offseason, his sophomore season, to assure he can move his way up the depth chart.
If his pass-rushing skills that made him a star at Ohio State can translate to the NFL, with 14 sacks in his last year and 22.5 career sacks, the void felt by losing Pace will not be as bad before week five.
If talks of the Jets' signing Willie McGinest die down he looks like the best option.
Consider the new system that should be implemented as well under first year head coach Rex Ryan, who’s excited to develop such a talented player.
"I see some things in his play that I knew that I would like to coach this young man because I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface of the kind of player he can be," Ryan said.
The Jets' linebacker corps also consists of new acquisitions Bart Scott, Larry Izzo, veteran Bryan Thomas who recorded 5.5 sacks last season, David Harris, and young reserves Marques Murrell and Jason Trusnik.
If Scott can go back to his 2006 form where he grabbed 9.5 sacks and two interceptions, this Jets' linebacker corps will be full of playmakers.
Would Ryan accept anything else?
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