Recently, I exchanged emails with Charlie Campbell, beat writer for Pewter Report; a media credentialed site that is an excellent source of inside and breaking news pertaining to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since I wasn’t very familiar with former Buc/current Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jovan Haye, I asked Charlie to provide a brief scouting report on the strengths and weaknesses of the Titans’ new DT.
So, without further ado, here’s Charlie’s take on Jovan Haye.
Jovan Haye scouting report
Vitals
The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Jovan Haye is a self-made NFL player. He entered the league as a sixth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2005 NFL Draft. After getting cut and signing with the Browns practice squad, Haye was signed to the Bucs roster during the 2006 season. Haye, 26, is a high motor player with an unmatched work ethic.
Strengths
Haye is an excellent run defender. He does a good job at the point of attack of shedding his blocker and making a tackle. In 2008, Haye was an essential part in the Bucs defense having great success against the run in the first nine games. When Haye and defensive tackle Chris Hovan played injured in the final four games the run defense was abysmal.
Last season Haye struggled in his pass rush and did not record a sack, but the season before he had six sacks and four fumble recoveries. One fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter at New Orleans allowed Tampa Bay to score a game-winning touchdown with 0:14 left in the game. In 2007, Haye really showed good skills as a pass rusher.
Weaknesses
Haye is a player that losses his effectiveness when he is playing with anything more then a minor injury. He also has to beat his linemen with quickness at the snap of the ball, if he doesn’t and linemen get a hold of him, then he can be quickly taken out of a play. That is a result of Haye being undersized as well.
In 2008, Haye showed no ability to rush the passer, and could not push the pocket to prevent room for quarterbacks to step up and avoid the outside pass rush. By mid-season Haye was being taken off the field in passing situations.
Overall
Haye is a quality NFL defensive tackle. If he can find the pass rush that he had in the 2007 season then Haye is a Pro Bowl caliber player. Without the pass rush he is still a quality player, but not a game-changer.
Across the organization in speaking with defensive and offensive coaches the sentiment about Haye was unanimous, former coach Jon Gruden and his staff said that Haye and Hovan were the hardest working players on the team. That included veterans like Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, and Jeff Garcia who are known for their work ethic.
Haye will let his motor stop on the field and off. Haye is good player that could be great player if he finds his pass rush.
On behalf of Total Titans, I extend a big thank you to Charlie for providing Titans’ fans with an inside look at our new defensive tackle.
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