Pelzman: Gholston Can Only Start on Merit

by John B on Jul 8, 2009 11:07 AM EDT

Late in the spring, Ryan noted that Gholston "gets better every day," yet, truth be told, two other young linebackers stood out more often during practices observed by the media. Marques Murrell and Jason Trusnik, both third-year players, had eye-opening springs, and Ryan even cited Murrell for his good play on the final day of mandatory mini-camp. And Trusnik has something neither Murrell nor Gholston can boast of, an actual NFL sack, recorded during the 2008 season finale against Miami.

Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine believe they can unlock Gholston's potential. But maybe the best idea for using Gholston right now is to make him a situational pass-rusher, and take advantage of his obvious college strength.

No matter what happens, Ryan and the Jets must follow general manager Mike Tannenbaum's oft-stated mantra that "the best players will play" and start. If that means the guy from Appalachian State (Murrell) or the guy from Ohio Northern (Trusnik), then so be it.

This kind of goes without saying. Rex Ryan is in the business of winning football games, not justifying high salaries. Gholston's high salary and top ten status probably hurt him more than help him right now. His awful rookie year makes it seem like he has a longer way to go than an undrafted free agent like Trusnik or Murrell, who have contributed almost as little.

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Gholston

I for one am tired of the speculating,lets see what happens on the field and give this kid a break until then.Noone can say anything until he falls on his face.Vernon hasn’t even been on the field yet.

by dreaux on Jul 8, 2009 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Isn't that kinda the point?

Isn’t the point exactly that…that he hasn’t been on the field? I mean this kid represents a heck of lot of time and money for this team and he hasn’t even been able to hang with the special teams squad. As a fan aren’t you a little miffed at knowing that we need things like depth for both lines, a wide receiver and a blocking TE but this kid has something like $50 million in cap tied up? I mean it’s not like he had an off first year….he had a non existent first year and it’s already sounding rather bleak for his second year. I don’t doubt Gholston was a force to be reckoned with in college but we all know this does not always translate to stellar NFL careers. Anyone else remember when Ryan Leaf was touted higher than Peyton Manning? Fact is they don’t all work out and this is starting to look quite similar. in particular because he is a defensive guy….a QB you can forgive and even use the fact that it was his rookie season as a viable excuse in his favor but as a defensive guy….one can’t help but think, “how hard is it to learn to hit guys?” Yeah I know it’s not as simple as that but still, it raises eye brows for sure.

Xander is a staff writer for AFCBeast.com - The Best Damn Jets Fan Site Ever!

by Xander Diaz on Jul 9, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions