New York Jets Wise to Finally Alter Defensive Game Plan

The New York Jets made quite the curious selection at No. 16 overall in the 2012 NFL draft—at least from a defensive schematic standpoint.

Quinton Coples of North Carolina was one of more heavily-debated prospects in the draft class, but most would agree that he has a top-10 skill set and unique potential in the NFL.

He doesn't, however, have a natural fit in Gang Green's defense. Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine employ a 3-4 scheme where the majority of the pass rush comes courtesy of outside linebackers. Coples doesn't have the skills to play that position and will have to be an end on the line.

That certainly isn't terrible, and the Jets knew what they were getting when they selected him over a number of other potential edge rushers, so they must have a plan in mind.

By the third round of the draft, that plan became more evident—they drafted speedy linebacker Demario Davis.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was quoted by the New York Daily News as saying:

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"The league is evolving that way to be a pass-first league,” said Pettine, who hosted an event Tuesday night to find a match for a Jets’ fan in need of a bone marrow transplant and raise awareness for bone marrow donations. “We felt we were getting – for lack of a better phrase – a little dinosaur-ish inside. We feel we needed to increase our athleticism and team speed ... We feel the division runs through Foxborough. We have to defend them…. You saw all the tight ends drafted. New England has set the trend for it. And we have to respond to it."

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And respond they did. Coples has enough versatility to move around and help the Jets come up with exotic looks from time to time. He's big, fast, strong and has unique potential if he can ever put it all together.

Davis, meanwhile, is basically a safety playing linebacker. And the Jets also used two of their five sixth- and seventh-round picks on safeties—Josh Bush and Antonio Allen—as well.

Although not high draft choices or elite prospects, the Jets did add a ton of depth at a position that will need it the way the NFL offensive game is evolving. On top of that, coach Rex Ryan will be more involved with the defense this season, and that is the best news they've heard since the day he was hired.

There is still a lot of work to be done for the Jets, but they're taking the right steps to give themselves a better chance for success this season.