DE Vernon Gholston (New York Jets)

[CausticMick]

Naysayers please step forward?

I would think my words speak volumes to credibitlity now.

Originally Posted by CausticMick

Yes you do. You claimed the average LB in the NFL "is at least 10lbs heavier than 240." I provided links so you could read my homework.

You should read up on D-Linemen in a 3-4 scheme. Typically, the DL in a 3-4 are man eaters- meaning they consume space and bodies freeing up the LBs and safeties for pash rush. If you read my original post:



My claim is not that a 260 pound man can't play LB in the NFL. My opinion is specific to Vernon and my interpretation of his style.

BKB, what was your weight at OLB when you played in the League?

[Buckskin86]

Originally Published: May 29, 2009
Gholston, others looking to rebound
Several 2008 first-round picks eyeing better results in Year 2
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Football is basically a game of repetition, one learned by experience but also fortified by rote, so for several players from the '08 first round, some degree of redundancy should translate into a positive step.

Arguably, no one knows that more than Gholston, a linebacker who seemed to become the poster boy last season for first-round underachievers.

Despite being the sixth overall selection in the draft, and securing a five-year contract worth $32.5 million ($21 million guaranteed), Gholston did not start a game as a rookie. The former Ohio State star, coveted for his alleged outside pass-rush skills and hybrid abilities conducive to the 3-4 defense, managed one solo tackle and no sacks.

Gholston was the only player in the top 10 who failed to start a game. He was one of only three top-10 selections to start fewer than eight contests.

First-year Jets coach Rex Ryan has lauded Gholston's work in the offseason, and even compared him (some would suggest ill-advisedly) to Baltimore defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs, who had 12 sacks as a rookie in 2003.

Gholston might not live up to such lofty comparisons, but he agrees that his second season in the league figures to be a lot more productive for him.

"The biggest thing is that last year at this time, I wasn't here," Gholston told reporters after a recent minicamp practice. "I was back at Ohio State. Now, you get the chance to go through the defensive [installation]. You can work on it and work on your technique, and the different ins and outs of the defense. I think that's pretty big."

The Jets linebacker is hardly the only first-round underachiever from 2008, and he isn't the only young veteran banking on a strong second season.

NFL: Len Pasquarelli examines a group of 2008 first-round picks who are hoping for better things in their second season - ESPN

[Buckskin86]

Chill the bust talk, Ryan has big plans for Gholston
June 4, 2009
By Clark Judge
CBSSports.com Senior Writer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- This is the time of year when, as New York Jets' coach Rex Ryan put it, "we expect big things out of everyone." Only the expectations for some players are higher, and, yes, I'm talking about linebacker Vernon Gholston.

A year ago he was the sixth player chosen in the draft, and a year ago he did virtually nothing for the Jets. He seldom played. He made few tackles. He produced no sacks. In short, he had no impact.


Gholston got a late rookie start and never made an impact in Eric Mangini's system. (US Presswire)

But one year later the Jets -- OK, Ryan -- are talking him up, saying Gholston will be a factor, and potentially a major factor, in an improved defense. Ryan is reluctant to define what role he envisions for Gholston, but he is straightforward about his future.

"Vernon definitely will be able to help us this year," he said. "We're expecting him to."

Well, hear, hear. That is welcome news for owner Woody Johnson, who sank millions in Gholston, and the legions of Jets' fans who cheered Gholston's selection at last year's draft.

The former Ohio State star was supposed to be the perfect fit for then-coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense -- with Gholston himself predicting that "I'm going to make things happen." Only, he didn't. His 13 tackles barely made a blip on the Jets' radar, with critics slapping a "bust" label on the poor guy.

But they were premature, and they may be wrong because Gholston is on the right team at the right time to make something of himself. Not only has Ryan taken him on as something of a pet project -- once declaring that, "We hope he can be a great player" and that "if he can't do it for me and this team he's not going to do it" -- but his defense is ideally suited for Gholston's considerable talents.

"Certain players have different skills," said linebacker Bart Scott, "and it allows them to do those things. No matter what occupation you're in you want the freedom to be yourself. Nobody wants to be a robot. If that's the case, go play Madden."

But a robot is what Gholston felt like last season, trying to get his steps and the discipline of Mangini's defense down after missing early workouts because of school commitments. It wasn't easy. It never is for rookies. So Gholston struggled, and the more he fell behind the steeper the learning curve became -- with the Jets not suiting him up for their 14th game.

"The biggest difference is just being here," Gholston said after Wednesday's workout. "Last year [at this time] I was at Ohio State sitting on my couch and eating chips. Now you're actually going through the install and working with the team, getting the calls and signals and learning the ins and outs of the defense.

"Overall, I would say that this defense is more suited to me because I can just play rather than think. That makes a difference because that's how I like to play."

But I'll tell you what else makes a difference: Having Scott around to serve as Gholston's mentor. Scott excelled in Ryan's defense in Baltimore and was the Jets' most notable free-agent acquisition. Without Ryan, Scott would not have considered joining the Jets. But he's here, and he's here to help Gholston who, it just so happens, comes from Scott's hometown, Detroit, and played in the same high-school league.

"The guy works hard, he's coachable and he listens," Scott said of his teammate. "Plus, he's a genetic freak. He's fast. He's athletic. And he's strong.

"But he has to decide that he wants to be great. It's not only to put the work in physically; you have to put the work in mentally. The more you know and actually mature in this game, the more it slows down for you and allows you to take advantage so you're not reacting.

"I don't know what the situation was here last year, but I know it was a different attitude, a different vibe and a different energy that was going around. Now it's a different vibe, a different energy and he can embrace it. He can make football more enjoyable again. And he can really be the player we know he's capable of being."

Chill the bust talk, Ryan has big plans for Gholston - NFL - CBSSports.com Football

[Jake]

I think Ryan coming to the Jets was a big break for Vernon.

[Buckskin86]

Eichenberger
Q&A with ... Jets OLB Vernon Gholston
Posted: June 9, 2009

Vernon Gholston, the sixth player selected in the '08 draft, struggled mightily as a rookie. He recorded only 13 tackles--eight solo--in limited playing time. A standout at the NFL Scouting Combine a year ago with his unique combination of size, speed and strength, Gholston is determined to translate those skills into a more central role with the '09 Jets. He talked about his goals with Sporting News' Bill Eichenberger.

Q: What's different this spring compared to a year ago?
A: The only thing that has really changed with me is I have a year under my belt. And, of course, the rookie year is the roughest--a new situation, new experiences, coming into a new environment. But all that is out of the way. I've gotten accustomed to being in the NFL.

Q: Do you feel the extra pressure that comes with being a first-round pick? Is it frustrating to know you haven't played up to expectations so far?
A: It is what it is. For me, I'll tell you upfront, I have more expectations for myself than anybody else. So I don't really get into what other people think. For me, it is about coming in and doing what I need to do and going where I need to go.

Q: Are you excited to play in new coach Rex Ryan's aggressive 3-4 scheme? A: Yes, very excited.

Q: When hired, Ryan said one of his priorities was to help you reach your considerable potential. Have you received any special attention from him so far?
A: No, he hasn't singled me out. The biggest thing is that he understands the situation with me last year. He's seen my college films; he knows the type of player I can be. He's just told me to work toward being a great player.

Q: Is there a different atmosphere with Ryan? Are you having more fun?
A: I can't speak for anyone else, but for me it has been more fun this year because it's not my rookie year so I have a lot of the learning and the growth off my back. So I'm more relaxed. Plus, it's been great to get a chance to be here this time of year and go through the installs of the defense and learn everything the right way as opposed to being rushed into it like I was last year.

Q: Is this process of proving yourself new to you, or did you have to convince the doubters at Ohio State as well?
A: It's pretty much the same thing all over, even going back to high school. When you come in, you start at the bottom of the totem pole. You're a rookie. You go through your learning experiences. You learn the defense, become a better player. It was the same thing in college. Once you know that, you don't come in expecting to be great all of a sudden. You know that things worth having are going to take some work. It's just about coming in and putting your work in.

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NFL Football stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NFL Football columnists

[Buckskin86]

June 11, 2009
Key Sophmore Jet players to watch this season pt.2-Vernon Gholston
By Ronnie Shumake

Since this year's coach Rex Ryan is a defensive guru with an attacking style, I chose to focus on defense this week in my sophmore player review. It's only right that after a review of Dwight Lowery with the initial story, we now focus on Vernon Gholston.

Some may argue that Gholston should have been the first story. Taken as the number six pick in the first round, he was a much higher pick and thus received more attention overall last year. In Eric Mangini's system (former DB coach), Lowery got more playing time and had a bigger impact last year. Many argued that Gholston was a bust after one year with relatively little playing time. This year, Ryan and Mike Pettine have called out Gholston stating if they can't make him a player, then no one can. Looking at the feedback from Pettine who so far has said that "the signs are there" regarding Gholston's focus and progression from OTA workouts, you tend to think he will answer the challenge this year.

Ryan and his staff will put the players in situations to succeed. I really don't see them asking Gholston to drop back and cover passes a whole lot this year. For additional depth with coverages, keep an eye on undrafted Jamaal Westerman out of Rutgers making the team. They are the same size and he seems more at ease dropping back in pass coverage than Gholston. Vernon Gholston has the speed skills to play either way, but his game is all about the rush and attacking the QB. He is a classic speedy defensive end in the Julius Peppers/John Abraham mold. I think Jake Long still has nightmares about him and we play Long and the Miami Dolphins twice a year. I like the thought of Gholston, Jenkins and Ellis rushing a QB with our core of LB's behind them. If you line up in a 4-3 or 4-6 with the extra tackle, it will only help create more opportunities for sacks as now teams can't double team any of the three with a Sione Piouha, Howard Green or Marques Douglas (another ex-Raven) also on the line.

Key Sophmore Jet players to watch this season pt.2-Vernon Gholston - The Cockpit

[Buckskin86]

Pace's suspension an opportunity for Gholston.Photos
Posted July 02, 2009
By Matt Sohn

Jets OLB Calvin Pace has been suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL?s policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced on Thursday. The suspension is effective as of Sept. 5, eight days before the Jets? season opener at Houston, and ends following the Jets? Week Four matchup at New Orleans.

The PFW spin

Although Pace?s suspension will force new coach Rex Ryan to tinker with his lineup, this isn?t a crushing blow to the club?s hopes for a turnaround following their bitter ending to ?08. In terms of importance to the defense, Pace ranks below D-linemen Kris Jenkins and Shaun Ellis, fellow LBs Bart Scott and David Harris, as well as DBs Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes.

The solid numbers the ex-Cardinal tallied a season ago are a bit misleading, as his solid contributions came with numerous periods of inconsistency in former coach Eric Mangini?s conservative 3-4 scheme. Yet the early returns from spring ball were encouraging for Pace and the rest of the club?s high-profile linebackers, as they had been responding well to the more-attacking, less-structured scheme that Ryan has implemented.

Pace?s suspension also presents a golden opportunity for 2008 first-round pick Vernon Gholston to atone for a disastrous rookie campaign. Gholston, a physical marvel, had so much difficulty adapting to his OLB job after playing defensive end at Ohio State that he was declared inactive for the regular-season finale.

However, Gholston?s no lock to be automatically shuffled into the starting lineup, with his training camp and preseason performances looming large.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Pace's suspension an opportunity for Gholston

Pace Suspension Puts More Pressure On Gholston
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on July 2, 2009

Maybe Vernon Gholston will get on the field after all early this season.

Calvin Pace's suspension should open up playing time for last year's first-round pick, no matter how discouraging his summer has been.

The Jets aren't deep at outside linebacker, so Gholston will seemingly have to be a factor.

The only real option to keep Gholston off the field would be to move versatile import Bart Scott to the outside.

In that scenario, the Jets could play undrafted rookie Jamaal Westerman on the inside with David Harris. Westerman has been tearing up OTA practices, and the Jets faithful would love to cheer on an underdog Rutgers product.

They also won't be shy letting Gholston know what they think if he doesn't take advantage of this opportunity.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...e-on-gholston/

Gholston's Summer Was "Not Encouraging"
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on July 2, 2009

Early in his introductory press conference, Rex Ryan was asked about how he'll fix last year's first-round pick Vernon Gholston.

He compared him to Terrell Suggs, and hasn't stopped building Gholston up publicly since.

Adam Schefter, who has started his Twitter account with fingers a'blazing, indicates that a different story has developed behind the scenes, and "the signs from OTAs were not encouraging."

It's very early, but this is troubling news for the Jets. Football in shorts should be where the athletically gifted Gholston shines.

Instead, the No. 6 overall pick of last year's draft may be showing the new coaching staff what the old staff reportedly saw in him: "next to nothing."

We'll know soon enough how much Gholston has developed. Verbal backslaps are nice, but coaches tend to speak loudest with playing time.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...t-encouraging/
http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/statuses/2439817045

[OregonBuckeye]

He's not a rush end. Let him keep his hand in the dirt and go after the QB.

[Buckeneye]

Thats what I said when he was drafted (I did think he could be a solid OLB though)

Fact is, he's a natural 4-3 DE imho. Sure he can rush from the standup and move around, hell occasionally drop into coverage but in the end you want him with the front four going after a QB.

[3074326]

Hope Vern can get after it out there.. I obviously hope he does well, but I'm a little concerned about what will happen if he doesn't..

[DontHateOState]

Originally Posted by 3074326

Hope Vern can get after it out there.. I obviously hope he does well, but I'm a little concerned about what will happen if he doesn't..

He retires a millionaire?

[3074326]

Originally Posted by DontHateOState

He retires a millionaire?

I was thinking more along the lines of him being labeled as one of the biggest busts in recent memory, maybe more.

[billmac91]

Originally Posted by 3074326

I was thinking more along the lines of him being labeled as one of the biggest busts in recent memory, maybe more.

yup. It's tough for him. He'd have been a great 4-3 scheme like the Indianapolis Colts, but his combine was so impressive he became labeled as a 3-4 OLB.

I thought he'd be able to et it done, but laterally, Vernon may struggle a bit for that position. I still feel like he has the potential to become a goo dplayer in the league even if he struggles thisyear. The Jets will cut ties, and a team that recognizes talent, will walk away with Veron on the cheap as a 4-3 DE.

The guy can wreck havoc. I hope he does it as a Jet, but it just may be a bad fit.....

[osucollegebuck]

Call me crazy but I trust Rex Ryan over this guy. Rex Ryan seems like a no BS guy and if he's excited about Vern I believe it. I do have to add the caveat I'm a Gholston and tOSU homer .

[3074326]

I believe the Schefter report.. the new coach isn't going to come out publicly and throw last year's top 6 pick under the bus like that IMO. Maybe if Vern had earned himself a starting spot and shown that he can play OLB at the NFL level I could see a coach saying something, but not when the guy was a healthy scratch and is being labeled a bust already. Can't kill his confidence like that.

Maybe Vernon will catch on with a 4-3 team and use his true strengths on the d-line. I hate the Jets anyways.