Rex Goes Scouting For A Pass Rush – Spotlight Melvin Ingram

November 26, 2011; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd (10) is pressures by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Melvin Ingram (6) on a pass play in the first quarter of the game at the Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

A day after Tebowmania was introduced to the NY/NJ area Rex Ryan decided that he needed to address the other side of the ball. First Rex said that he has spoken with Bart Scott and he believes that Bart will be returning to the Jets next season.  On Tuesday  Coach Ryan attended the South Carolina pro day and had his eye on DE Melvin Ingram.

As I stated in my previous draft spotlight the Jets are in need of a natural pass rush.  Although Rex and his defensive coaches have had some success with different blitz packages sooner or later an offense is going make a big play on a defense when they blitz.  If you look at the 2 big wins vs the Patriots in 2009 home opener and 2010 Divisional Playoffs, Tom Brady was chased, rushed, hit, beaten and bruised.  In 2011 Qbs looked as if they were reading a book while they had all the time in the pocket against the Jet defense.

Ingram is listed on South Carolina’s official athletic site as 6’2″ and 276 Lbs. He missed all of the 2008 season with a broken foot.  Ingram’s scouting reports are very inconsistent to say the least.  Some reports I have read make me reminisce of a modern day Joe Klecko.  Klecko played a number of different positions in his prime with the NY Jets.  Ingram has played both ends and has even played defensive tackle  and OLB when asked to do so.   Ingram has been described as very quick and very good in pursuit. He can seal the edge very well.  He has good hands and makes the tackles.  So far he sounds great right?  Well with the good comes the bad.  Ingram has been said to be non-instinctive on plays and will over pursuit at times. The biggest criticism I have read numerous times is that he is slow on the snap.  Now at the college level his speed and strength may make up for that snap time lapse.  But in the NFL an offensive lineman will eat you up if you are a fraction late on the snap.

In his senior season at SC Ingram had 13 1/2 tackles for losses (lead team) and 1 of his 3 touch downs came on a 68 yard fake punt.  Ingram also had 3 INTs.  In  51 college games he has played in he has has 72 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles, 22 sacks with a total loss of 148 yards.  He had 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery.

After reviewing his scouting reports and statistics Ingram can be a asset to any team that chooses him in the draft.  Rex who is a defensive minded coach can get creative in the way he is used. But unfortunately it is projected that he won’t last to the Jets pick (#16).  It has been said that Kansas City (11th pick) and Dallas (14th pick) are interested in Ingram.  In order for him to drop to the Jets something unexpected will need to happen in the 15 picks prior.  I don’t think the Jets will trade up to get Ingram.  But who know’s maybe Scott really wants out and the Jets package him to move up.  The Jets need to make moves to gain more picks in the draft, not just move up in the draft. But if Ingram is still there at #16 I think the Jets have to grab him.

And for all of you who are already sick of the off season – just 29 days until the draft and 162 days until the Wednesday night season opener!  The season can not come soon enough!