Instead of advocating a tough-love approach with New York Jets outside linebacker Vernon Gholston, last year's extremely unproductive first-round draft pick, it sounds like coach Rex Ryan is trying to build up the former Ohio State standout with a few kind words.
One year removed from a rookie campaign where Gholston failed to record a sack and was credited with just one solo tackle, the former No. 6 overall pick of the NFL Draft has apparently impressed the new coaching staff, according to Tim Graham of ESPN.com.
"I think he'll have to earn his role no matter what it is," Ryan said during the Jets' Organized Team Activity workout this week. "Whether he is a starter? Is he this? Is he that? I know one thing: He is going to be a major contributor for us."
Signed to a five-year, $21 million contract, Gholston played in 15 games last season with no starts.
Yet he failed to make any kind of significant impact and drew criticism as he was labeled as the latest example of a workout warrior washout.
"I am really excited about Vernon," Ryan said. "I think he is where I thought he would be right now in this stage. He is working and getting better every day. ...
"I think we are seeing a guy now that is confident. He's right there. He knows what he is doing, and you're seeing that natural talent that he has."
During his last season at Ohio State, Gholston set the Buckeyes' single-season record with 14 sacks and was named the Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. Then, he excelled at the NFL Scouting Combine and significantly boosted his draft stock.
Ohio State does it again.
A few thoughts on Vernon Gholston...
It's rare you see a physical specimen with measureables like Vernon Gholston in the NFL. Add in the fact that his college production, at a competitive program, was very good, and simple logic would suggest that he's an unlikely candidate to bust in this league.
The problem I saw in Vernon Gholston last year was that he looked completely lost on the football field. Gholston apologists will claim it was because of Eric Mangini's overly complex schemes, but c'mon people, football is football. It looked like Gholston never wore shoulder pads before (I guess that's what scouts meant when they said he had "poor instincts."
He sucks...Jerod Mayo had a 24 tackle GAME.That is a player
“Ryan On Gholston: “He’s Going To Be A Major Contributor””
I guess the Jets need a towel boy too...
When it comes to Gholston there's nowhere to go but up
Why is he such a bust, already? He's been playing one year. Nobody can be labeled a bust in one year. There's a huge difference in OSU's 4-3 defense and the Jets 3-4. It's been one year, give him a break. Anyway, I love what Ryan is doing to the Jets defense. I think they'll be a top five defense this year, at least. Maybe top three in fantasy.
HE is a BUSTTTTTTTTTTTTT! The guy could not even play special teams......
I wouldn't say he's a bust quite yet, but I'm a typical hopeless Jets fan, however he did suck something awful on special teams last year. Saw him miss/not finish off a few tackles and it drove me insane. Hopefully he can at least be used as a situational pass rusher this year, but I'm not exactly going to get my hopes up about that.
Gholston is going to be a monster. Might not be this year, but eventually he will be.
Such a big difference in the 34 and the 43... I mean Gholston had so many new responsibilities like... pass rushing (oh wait, he was a DE...) and tackling (oh wait... he was a defensive player), and block shedding (oh wait... he was a DE).
Vernon Gholston achieved one whole solo tackle. One. That's downright pathetic. If he triples his production from year 1 to year 2, he'll have 3 solo tackles and 0 sacks.
I realize pass rushing is one of the hardest things to come to the NFL and do, but 1 tackle isn't a result of the system or lack of instincts. It's called being a girl among men. Warren Sapp, one of the greatest players of all time, said he was afraid of contact. What do you expect.
The only place Gholston will be considered a monster is at a Chinese buffet.
You left out the last three words of the headline: ...On Special Teams."
What a stupid article. What is Ryan gonna say? Gholston sucks ass and I am going to put him on the bench? And for the people here that ask how anyone can call him a bust....He had ONE tackle in 15 games!! Are you kidding me? I could probably manage that kind of production! I want millions!! LOL
It usually takes at least a year for a 4-3 end to convert into a 3-4 outside linebacker. Now that he's used to the new position he could definitely be in for a big year. There is a big difference between playing end and playing linebacker. As a steelers fan i've seen similar learning curves with many of our linebackers and judgment should be withheld until after this season.
Huey Richardson
The author's post needs to be edited, because Gholston didn't sign a "a five-year, $21 million contract." He signed a five year contract with $21 million GUARANTEED, and a base value of $32.5 million, worth potentially up to $49-50 million if he reaches incentives (unlikely, at this point).
Sources:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3504625
http://www.nyjetscap.com/vernongholston.html
We'll trade Michael Huff for him.