[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.

[The Green Titan]

With regard to Gholston being too small, plenty of guys went in the first 3 rounds of the draft who are his size:

Gholston; 6-3, 264
Griffen: 6-4, 273
RSapp: 6-4 252
Worilds: 6-2 254
Nesheim 6-3 263

But then there's all his other problems. I loved how one reader commeneted about his size and asked "undersized or unaware". Another asked the question biggest bust, Our boy Vern, or Off-the-Markus Russell. Either way, I liked the review, but it doesn't bode well for Vern at DE.

[revisftw]

Only time can tell I suppose

[Kilkenny]

I agree, he isn't the right build for a 3-4 DE. However, the Jets use 46, 5-2, and 4-3 sets at times and he would be the right size for those situations.

[jetstream1066]

Originally Posted by Kilkenny

I agree, he isn't the right build for a 3-4 DE. However, the Jets use 46, 5-2, and 4-3 sets at times and he would be the right size for those situations.

seems to me that Gholston might not be "great" for any set

[heretic7204]

Originally Posted by jetstream1066

seems to me that Gholston might not be "great" for any set

Lets hope he proves us wrong!

[steven]

What's interesting about this move is Rex himself said he's going to put Gholston on the end and make his job "go get the quarterback" when that's really not a traditional 3-4 DE's job.

It's safe to say we don't run a standard 3-4 scheme. I think our personal fits a 3-4, but I've seen 4+ down lineman many many times this past season. I'm hoping Gholston can pull though and generate a six sack season coming off the bench. More importantly, I'm hoping he can eat up blocks and let our linebacks get through just the same.

[jetfan1216]

Whatever side he is on; a 264lb DE going against a 330lb OT doesn't translate into something positive to me.

[gmf1369]

Originally Posted by jetfan1216

Whatever side he is on; a 264lb DE going against a 330lb OT doesn't translate into something positive to me.

Well they stated Gholston needs to bulk up to about 285 for his height in this position at this level...

With his athleticism maybe there is a slight chance that he could be something....

What iffs, who knows, IN REX WE TRUST!

Give Gholston some time to revert to his former position before we make judgments of cutting him....

[loyal2LT]

Originally Posted by gmf1369

Well they stated Gholston needs to bulk up to about 285 for his height in this position at this level...

With his athleticism maybe there is a slight chance that he could be something....

What iffs, who knows, IN REX WE TRUST!

Give Gholston some time to revert to his former position before we make judgments of cutting him....

i hope Gholston knows this and just as importantly, intends to do so. im not so sure a big strong guy like VG would even WANT to go through such an extreme physical transformation. if so good and kudos for not letting his ego get in the way of team goals. im just not very sure if VG has even agreed to gain this weight. does anyone have any info on this?