http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5120564 Sources: Gholston working on D-line The Jets' acquisition of Jason Taylor Tuesday is a tacit admission the organization has lost hope for Vernon Gholston. In fact, Gholston's days as a rush linebacker appear over. After mulling the move for weeks, the Jets are leaning heavily toward making Gholston a full-time defensive end, league sources told ESPNNewYork.com. The former first-round pick has been working out with the defensive linemen for weeks, sources said, and now the Taylor signing all but clinches it. The team will wait to see how things shake out in the draft before making it permanent. Gholston, the sixth overall choice in 2008, was drafted to play outside linebacker in the base defense and rush the quarterback on passing downs. But he has yet to record a sack in two seasons, earning the "bust" label. He's entering the middle year of a five-year contract that pays him $21 million in guarantees, arguably the worst money the Jets ever spent. Rex Ryan inherited Gholston from the previous coaching staff, promising big things for the former Ohio State standout. It was one of the few bold predictions that Ryan failed to deliver. The move to defensive end means Gholston is one step closer to the door. In Ryan's 3-4 scheme, the end is a non-glamour position. The ends have a two-gap responsibility, tying up blockers so the linebackers can make the plays. It's believed that Gholston will serve as Shaun Ellis' backup. Ryan, speaking Tuesday night to reporters, said he plans to use Taylor, Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas in a rotation as outside linebacker. He never mentioned Gholston. Ryan wants to keep his pass rushers fresh for the fourth quarter, with the hope of avoiding some of the late-game meltdowns that almost ruined the Jets in 2009.
This is his natural spot, he was handled like this in college. Preseason will be something to worthwhile to watch for Vernon. Never thought VG would be an effective OLB but more so needed to be a DE. JMO though.
He's strong, but is a 265 pound DE going to be able to handle 2-gap or 3-tech responsibilities? Doubtful. I doubt Gholston sees the field much, and if he does it's in the 4 man front nickel and dime packages when Taylor and Ellis are winded.
i think this is going to be a good move. hopefully he can put on some weight and give us some good depth.
Really like this move for two reasons: First and most importantly, Rex hasn't completely given up on Ghost and is still willing to work with him and trying to use him, hopefully that can spark something in Ghost. Second I have seen a lot of reports, ever since he hasn't been producing on how hard a shift is from DE to OLB and some players simply can't make the adjustment. Hopefully the only problem with Ghost this whole time was that he has been in the wrong position. But I definitely like the move.
No its not. 3-4 DE is nothing close to a 4-3 DE. 4-3 DE = OLB in the 3-4, thats where we were playing him. As the article says, hes going to be DE, which is a stop-gap position.
That's where he was most of the time last season anyway. He certainly has the strength and we know he can drive blockers back.
If we Convert him to DE probably gonna have to give him another year with the team. Aint easy to add on the poundage
Rex mixes the fronts up. We may see more 4 down linemen formations this season with the emergence of Pouha and a healthy Jenkins, especially if the Ghost proves worthy at DE in the NFL.
yeah but as pointed out before, unless he puts on 20 lbs.. he wont be our 3-4 DE. Instead he will be on the line during our 4 man fronts and situation nickel packages..
Even if he adds 30 pounds that doesn't automatically make him a good 3-4 DE, there are also certain skills required. He is strictly a 4-3 DE
We've already seen him at 4-3 DE in the NFL. We used a lot of 4-3 last year and Gholston had chances (moreso at the start of the season) to show what he can do. He's a piece of trash, and they're going to try to use him at 3-4 DE to see if he can do any-fuckin-thing at all. I'm all for this move of desperation, but I don't expect a really strong 265-pounder to be able to play good 3-4DE.
I find the article vague, first of all. Is Gholston working out as a 3-4 DE or as the DE in 4-3 packages? The latter would imply a significant decrease in Gholston's use; the former, a significant increase. I say fatten up this pig and see what she can do occupying blockers. Worst case scenario: Gholston fails and the Jets give him heart disease in retribution.
So we are supposed to cut Shaun Ellis, where it says here will start at DE and Gholston will back him up. And we are supposed to cut BT, where it says here he will play a in a rotation of Calvin Pace, Taylor, and Thomas. Mike Lombardi is an idiot.
