Anfernee Jennings

[DoubleDeluxe]

If it's a close decision, I think Vrabel will pick the new guy, (his guy) over holdovers from the last regime(s). Not saying that's a bad thing, it's just my perception.

Agreed, especially when you consider potential. At this point we know what Jennings is, a steady player against the run with not much to offer as a rusher. Whereas Swinson had very impressive pass rush numbers last season, numbers that should've warranted a higher pick than where he went. I would think most D coaches think they can coach a player to better run player, much easier than turning a player into a good pass rusher.

 

[Water Boy]

Is setting the edge as important to this system as it was to Bill's?

I kind of thought with the aggressive system Vrabel is running that the edge guys would get up field too and play the run along the way to the QB and not necessarily have to set the edge.

I don't have a clue regarding Vrabel's system. Stopping the run is my absolute biggest concern. I can't imagine a scenario where DEs are encouraged to fly up field in running situations unless there is safety and linebacker help to the outside. Maybe that's part of the scheme.

 

[mgteich]

Who would have beat of Jennings? Isn't this our list of 14 defensive front players?

White, Landry, Chaisson, Jennings, Swinson
Spillane, Ellis, Tavai, Gibbens
Williams, Barmore, Tonga, Farmer, and Pharms or Roy

 

[Joey007]

Looks like the writing is on the wall. Good call on this.

Definitely not one I saw coming heading into camp. Wonder if we could get a late pick for him.

 

[signbabybrady]

Looks like the writing is on the wall. Good call on this.

Definitely not one I saw coming heading into camp. Wonder if we could get a late pick for him.

It's not the same as playing late in preseason game 4 like the past but not a great sign. Similarly for Mapu too. In Jennings defense he was at least making plays Mapu was making his 15 yards down field.

 

[mgteich]

Who would have beat of Jennings? Isn't this our list of 14 defensive front players?

White, Landry, Chaisson, Jennings, Swinson
Spillane, Ellis, Tavai, Gibbens
Williams, Barmore, Tonga, Farmer, Pharms

Has Truman Jones become the most likely to beat out Jennings for the last LB spot?

 

[n1997y]

Has Truman Jones become the most likely to beat out Jennings for the last LB spot?

For this minute

 

[Family]

It's not the same as playing late in preseason game 4 like the past but not a great sign. Similarly for Mapu too. In Jennings defense he was at least making plays Mapu was making his 15 yards down field.

He's a goner IMO, unless something dramatic happens that has nothing to do with him.

The guy fought to be healthy enough to get on the field early in his career, and now is being smoked out because he's a bad fit to a new system.

I feel for Jennings. He seems to have done everything right, and is a NFL player.

I hope he does well somewhere else, if the writing on the wall is correct.

 

[BobDigital]

My front 14 Looks like this....

DT: Williams, Barmore Tonga, Farmer, Pharms
Edge: Landry, White, Chaisson, Truman, Swinson (for upside)
LB: Spillane, Elliss, Gibbens Tavai

Ponder, Pharms, Tavai, Swinson and Jennings in reality are 5 guys playing for 3 spots. I think Truman is now solidly on the roster unless he does something to lose the spot.

Swinson has upside and draft capital invested which should give him an edge. But has he played himself onto the roster? Not exactly.
Tavai helps a kind of short handed LB room... but you could argue Mapu does too... Tavai doesn't fit the mold here well.
Jennings doesn't fit the mold either, but at least he run blocks well.
Ponder has a lot of upside athletically, but nothing seems to indicate he can't slip to the PS.
Pharms is likely on.... but i won't call him a lock either depending on what they want to do. Maybe they go 4 DTs and have edge guys pass rush inside often... meaning more room for Swinson or Ponder?

 

[TheRainMaker]

I wonder how some triggered posters will cope if he doesn't make the team?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

If we are cutting Mapu and Jennings, then we must have a great D. Not All Pro players, but NFL players.

 

[PatsFan2]

I wonder how some triggered posters will cope if he doesn't make the team?

 

[mgteich]

My front 14 Looks like this....

DT: Williams, Barmore Tonga, Farmer, Pharms
Edge: Landry, White, Chaisson, Truman, Swinson (for upside)
LB: Spillane, Elliss, Gibbens Tavai

Ponder, Pharms, Tavai, Swinson and Jennings in reality are 5 guys playing for 3 spots. I think Truman is now solidly on the roster unless he does something to lose the spot.

Swinson has upside and draft capital invested which should give him an edge. But has he played himself onto the roster? Not exactly.
Tavai helps a kind of short handed LB room... but you could argue Mapu does too... Tavai doesn't fit the mold here well.
Jennings doesn't fit the mold either, but at least he run blocks well.
Ponder has a lot of upside athletically, but nothing seems to indicate he can't slip to the PS.
Pharms is likely on.... but i won't call him a lock either depending on what they want to do. Maybe they go 4 DTs and have edge guys pass rush inside often... meaning more room for Swinson or Ponder?

I agree with your choices.

I would add that Rice may also be competing for one of the 3 spots.

Of your list of 14, Swinson seems most vulnerable.

 

[Ring 6]

My front 14 Looks like this....

DT: Williams, Barmore Tonga, Farmer, Pharms
Edge: Landry, White, Chaisson, Truman, Swinson (for upside)
LB: Spillane, Elliss, Gibbens Tavai

Ponder, Pharms, Tavai, Swinson and Jennings in reality are 5 guys playing for 3 spots. I think Truman is now solidly on the roster unless he does something to lose the spot.

Swinson has upside and draft capital invested which should give him an edge. But has he played himself onto the roster? Not exactly.
Tavai helps a kind of short handed LB room... but you could argue Mapu does too... Tavai doesn't fit the mold here well.
Jennings doesn't fit the mold either, but at least he run blocks well.
Ponder has a lot of upside athletically, but nothing seems to indicate he can't slip to the PS.
Pharms is likely on.... but i won't call him a lock either depending on what they want to do. Maybe they go 4 DTs and have edge guys pass rush inside often... meaning more room for Swinson or Ponder?

Jennings is a better run defender than all the guys you are keeping

 

[rkarp1]

seems Truman Jones is also showing well.
the Pats may be in a position at the end of August to make some deals. assuming a healthy next 3 weeks, Bourne, Jennings, Romo, Dugger, Strange, Sow, Epps all vets that could be available.

 

[mgteich]

If we are cutting Mapu and Jennings, then we must have a great D. Not All Pro players, but NFL players.

The open question is whether Ponder or Rice are better choices, or even someone off the waiver wire.

 

[rkarp1]

The open question is whether Ponder or Rice are better choices, or even someone off the waiver wire.

also opens the question of "not who is the better LB" but who is the better, more versatile ST player?
Does Mapu or Jennings offer more ST value, with Mapu playing all 4 phases?
ditto Truman Jones

 

[Ring 6]

The open question is whether Ponder or Rice are better choices, or even someone off the waiver wire.

Vrabel will regret cutting Jennings if he does, but I can’t see how he would. Edge run defenders are necessary in any scheme. He’s a top quality edge run defender, probably one of the top 5 or 10 in the NFL.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

The open question is whether Ponder or Rice are better choices, or even someone off the waiver wire.

Why is that an open question to you?

 

[Rob0729]

Good player. Doesn't fit Vrabel's system. He will likely be cut or traded.