[The Green Titan]

Gholston really does not translate into a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme.
Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc


I really doubt this move will pay off, as Gholston really does not translate into a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme.

This is an unusual move in that very few players who have the abilities of a 3-4 outside linebacker have anything close to the abilities to flourish at end in the same scheme. In reality, Gholston probably has neither. This is a desperation play. The Jets are now well fortified at outside linebacker and there really isn’t much room for Gholston. He wasn’t able to bend the edge, could not translate speed into power and lacks a variety of pass-rush moves to go along with his poor recognition skills. Meanwhile, the Jets are light at defensive end right now and are hoping to get something from Gholston at that position.

While Kyle Wilson was a fine value in the first round for the Jets, I contend that they would have preferred to have taken Jared Odrick with that selection. [...]

[...] Gholston [...] has poor instincts for diagnosing plays and finding the football [...] is not an instant reactor and is too methodical in his recognition. Moving him closer to the ball probably will not help. In fact, not only will Gholston be adapting to seeing the game from a new position on the field, but things happen quicker on the interior, and with more brutal force.

Gholston is undersized for a 3-4 defensive end. You want players at this position to look like Richard Seymour or Aaron Smith. Gholston resembles neither. The reason for desiring a big, long-armed body type is simple: playing this position is very physically demanding. A 3-4 end needs to be powerful enough to hold the point of attack against offensive tackles that weigh 330 pounds and come off the ball with power and leverage. They are often asked to explode into these massive offensive linemen, quickly gain inside position with their hands, press these behemoths away from their body and control one or two gaps. They have to be sound powerful tacklers and cannot be caught out of position due to over pursuit or a lack of discipline. Gholston has not exhibited any of these characteristics since joining the NFL.