EJ was never fast and that bum knee killed his mobility. Last season the Titans thought they had a grand slam trade value after one game, but then realized what he was and moved him. He is a between the tackles ILB now. Plus rusher, sure. And I like his instincts in his drops. But the dude has limits on range and that is easily upgraded.
That 3 year deal he signed with Seattle... They will cut him before that is done. Watch and see.
EJ has his limitations. I think the frustrating thing is that moving him didn't upgrade the position for us at all. The so-called limitations he had...he had as a rookie, and made some big plays for us in that super bowl season. Him dropping back into coverage for that pick in the endzone that year at Arizona helped that really be a turning point for us in that season really. As depleted as we were in that game and to still win on the road was huge for us that year.
...and I'll say that EJ being a between the tackles ILB is exactly where we were needy this year. Saquan Barkley ran for a ton of yds between the tackles on us over a couple of games this year.... had we stopped him just a couple of times in the snow we could have gone all the way this year.
I'd agree EJ had his shortcomings....but moving on from him and not upgrading in the short term...particularly your first season without the greatest Defensive Tackle ever retired...that put us in a tough situation.
My hope is that we look at the ILB position group as a rotation where we use multiple guys who are REAL INSIDE LINEBACKERS...and play to their strengths... ...but some between the tackle hit you in the mouth style ILB play is needed in Pro Football...Speights may be that guy, but we need a solid partner next to him.