New York Jets Draft Retrospective: Vernon Gholston 10 years later

March 30, 2018 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select….
Vernon Gholston. Defensive end, Ohio State.

When Roger Goodell’s words echoed throughout the chasms of Radio City Music Hall, Jets fans in attendance roared with delight. They thought they were getting one of college football’s best pass rushers and would finally have and edge rusher that the franchise had desperately been lacking. Scouts and football experts feed into this as they raved about Gholston’s talent and how he could be a Pro Bowl pass rusher. Little did fans and those draft experts know that not only would Gholston become not only one of the biggest busts in Jets history, but one of the most disappointing careers in recent memory.

For many fans, Gholston will be remembered as one of those cautionary NFL combine tales. It’s clear why, he blew everyone away at the NFL combine. Not only did he tie for the most bench press reps at the entire combine, but took first place in most drills among defensive ends.

Vernon Gholston: 2008 NFL Combine Results

40 Yard Dash	4.65 ( 1st among DE)
Bench Press	37 (Tied for Most at combine)
Vertical	35.5 (1st among DE)
3 Cone	7.12 (5th among DE)
Broad Jump	125 (1st among DE)

People remember him as a workout warrior, and while that certainly helped his draft stock you can’t forget that Gholston was a dominant defensive player at Ohio State. In just 25 games Gholston has 21.5 sacks and over thirty tackles for a loss as a defensive end. Many experts, including Mel Kiper Jr. strongly believed that Gholston was the best projected 3-4 pass rusher in the draft.

No matter the position or scheme, Gholston never could find his place with the Jets

It wasn’t a great draft position for the Jets who were coming off a 4-12 season. Even though the team would eventually land Brett Favre in August, much like the 2018 draft the Jets were at sixth with even less quarterbacks to choose from. The only quarterback selected in the top 10 was Matt Ryan. Gholston proejected to fit right into Eric Mangini’s 3-4 scheme and give the Jets woeful pass rush an upgrade. Their sack leaders from the previous season, with five apiece, were middle linebacker David Harris and the now over thirty-year-old defensive end Shaun Ellis.

Looking back nearly a decade later the pick made sense for the Jets, but Gholston was a dud. In his rookie contract Gholston had a clause that if he recorded one sack he would earn a million dollars. He never collected. Even with two of the best defensive minded coaches in football, Eric Mangini and eventually Rex Ryan, neither coach was able turn Gholston into a role player let alone a starter. His career was a failure for a top 10 pick with only 42 careers tackles and as for sacks, to quote Dean from the movie Animal House “zero point zero.”

In the following decade the defensive end position has been boom or bust for the New York Jets. while the team has drafted Leonard Williams, Sheldon Richardson, and Muhammad Wilkerson, the team had another colossal first round bust in Quenton Coples.

It is hard to pinpoint why Gholston didn’t work in New York. Was it a scheme fit? His commitment? There isn’t one specific reason. My take is that he didn’t have the speed and hand skills to get around the corner in the NFL and when he realized this Gholston’s confidence plummeted. That could be part of the reason, but you can never pinpoint one reason why a player fails in the NFL because like in engineering there is never just one cause for a disaster.

In the past decade there might not be a bigger disaster as a first round pick than Vernon Gholston was for the New York Jets.

Giving New York Fitz! Jets in a bind with current QB situation

March 11, 2016March 11, 2016 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

What looked like the perfect marriage is beginning to look like an inevitable divorce. After Ryan Fitzpatrick had a career season with the New York Jets, the 33-year-old quarterback is testing the free agent market much to the chagrin of his former team.

Sources are saying that Fitzpatrick and the Jets are not close in terms of an agreement. The Jets, don’t want to break the bank for the 33 year old journeyman quarterback and do not have the cap space to pay for a rich contract.

On the other hand, Fitzpatrick has seen the quarterback market explode this offseason.

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Despite the career season, the New York Jets are smart not to overpay the 33 year old journeyman.

Brock Osweiler, who has started seven games in his career just signed a four year $ 72 Million deal with the Texans while in Philadelphia Sam Bradford’s 11 touchdown and 10 interception earned a $36 Million two year deal. After throwing a career high 31 touchdown in 2015, Fitzpatrick is poised for his last big payday.

While the market for the quarterback seems to be slow and in the Jets favor, one dark horse team in the mix could be the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have a Super Bowl caliber defense and now have a gaping hole at the quarterback position would be a possible destination for the veteran signal caller.

Still, Fitzpatrick’s best seasons have come under Jets’ offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and another year in that system could mean an even better season from Fitz Magic in 2016. However, if another team does come along, it would be disastrous for the Jets.

What direction would they go in? Back to Geno Smith? Bryce Petty? This year’s draft? Trade for Colin Kapernick? Try to revitalize RG III? All of these options are less then ideal for a team that has the potential to be a contender. Given that the young quarterbacks on the roster or in this upcoming draft puts the Jets in a tough position. The problem is only exacerbated by less then ideal veterans options whose baggage and contracts outweigh the upside. The Jets are also smart not investing a ton of money in someone that is not going to be the franchise quarterback for the long-term.

Either way if the Fitz Magic has officially run out, then general manager Mike Maccagnan will have to perform his own magic trick to salavage the quarterback position for next season.

New York Jets 7 Round Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl Edition

February 14, 2016 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1 Pick 20: Ezekiel Elliott: RB: Ohio State

Last year Mike Maccagnan went with the philosophy of taking the best player available when he selected Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick. In 2016 look for the Jets to follow that same philosophy as they select the best running back in the draft class. Elliott has proven he can be an every down workhorse with back to back 1800 plus yard seasons including 23 this past season for the Buckeyes. Given the devaluation of the running back position, Eliott falls to the Jets at 20 and gives the Jets a workhorse and potential star at running back. Given that the Jets have three unrestricted free agents at the position, and Pro Bowler Chris Ivory in line for a major pay day Elliot not only gives the Jets a talented first rounder, but fills a crucial need.

Round 2 Pick 51: Le’Raven Clark: OT Texas Tech

The Jets have two problems at tackle. On the left side D’Brickashaw Ferguson is past his prime and beginning to show signs at regression, while on the right side Breno Giacomini has been a huge disappointment and figures to be a cap casualty given his bloated salary. Clark figures to solve both those problems and could start at right tackle while being groomed to take over the blind side eventually. Clark will have to adjust from playing in a two point stance primarily at Texas Tech, and while he could struggle initially in run blocking there is no question that he has the skill set to protect the passer. Clark is a project but is the best offensive lineman and player available at this point for the Jets.

Round 3 Pick 83: Jordan Jenkins OLB Georgia

The Jets need to upgrade their pass rush and address that need in the third round. The outside linebacker position was anything but set in the Jets base 3-4 last year. While Lorenzo Mauldin played well enough to seemingly earn a starting spot at one of the positions, it’s clear the Jets need another edge rusher. While Bruce Irvin is an enticing free agent that the Jets will pursue, you can never have to many pass rushers and anything would be an upgrade over the 35 year old Calvin Pace. Jenkins finished with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 12 QB hits, and 4 sacks for Georgia last season. a hybrid pass rusher who can stand up on the outside or put his hand in the dirt, Jenkins knock is that he is not a great coverage guy. However, he shows great pass rushing ability and was a great leader as the team’s defensive captain. A smart player with a constant motor, he fits the bill of the type of player that Todd Bowles is looking for an could finally give the Jets pass rush a big boost.

Round 4 Pick 115: Cardale Jones QB Ohio State

There’s an old saying in the NFL. Draft a quarterback every year until you find the right one. Cardale Jones has tools that are off the chart including a rocket arm and great mobility. However, New York would be the perfect situation for Jones to learn and develop as a quarterback and not face the pressures of being the starter in year one. Given Gailey’s quarterback friendly system that gives the quarterback plenty of passing and throwing lanes, Jones could thrive in New York once he gets a year or two under his belt learning the offense. A sleeper pick that has top notch tools, Jones could be a franchise quarterback in the making if New York can develop him.

Round 5: Bralon Addison WR Oregon

No team lined up with more 3 or 4 wide receiver sets in 2015 then the New York Jets. Given their value on the wide receiver position, Gang Green could always use another weapon. Addison is another burner from Oregon who not only could stretch the field, but give the Jets a slot threat they lacked in 2015. Another perk to drafting Addison is he would be an explosive returner for New York, something they severely lacked last season. A player that fills two needs is right up the Jets alley.

Round 6: Pick Traded to Houston for Ryan Fitzpatrick

Round 7: Nile Lawrence-Stample DT FSU

In 2015 Damon Harrison was the best nose tackle in football. The problem? With Muhammad Wilkerson likely to get the franchise tags, big snacks will probably be playing somewhere else in 2016 as New York doesn’t seemingly have the cap space to keep every member on the defensive line. However, if Harrison has taught the Jets anything it’s that you don’t need to spend a high pick to find a quality nose tackle. Harrison was an undrafted free agent but New York will look for his replacement in round 7 with Lawrence-Stample from FSU. A second All-ACC selection last season he is a big run stopper in the middle which is what the Jets stout run defense will need. If Bowles wants to continue with a 3-4 base instead of a 4-3, the Jets will need to find a nose tackle to fit the scheme. Lawrence-Stample has the upside to be a great nose tackle in the NFL.

Don’t Come A Colin. Why the NY Jets Should Avoid Kaepernick

February 4, 2016February 4, 2016 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

It has been reported that quarterback Colin Kaepernick wants out of bay area to become a quarterback on Broadway for the New York Jets. Even if Kaepernick wants to be the new leader of the Jets, the issue is that New York should have no interest in him.

Before this dream can even happen, a lot will have to happen with the 49ers. There are many different avenues the organization can explore. The first, and most likely is to keep him as their quarterback because of the lack of enticing options in the upcoming draft and more importantly the franchise has brought in Chip Kelly. Kelly’s option offense and use of a mobile quarterback seem like too much of a perfect fit in his system and I personally feel that one of the reasons Kelly wanted to be in San Francisco was to insert Kapernick into his offense.

However, Kaepernick has shown regression in throwing from the pocket and appears to have lost the locker room around him. Don’t froget, he played so poorly that the 49ers felt that Blaine Gabbert was a better option at quarterback. There are many things that are open to debate in the NFL except for this, Gabbert stinks.

If the 49ers are ready to move on they have until April 1st to cut Kaepernick before his $11.9 Million contract for 2016 becomes guaranteed. True, the Jets could sign Kaep as a free agent, but if the 49ers really want to move on, they will try to trade him in order to get some type of compensation.

Even if the stars do align and Colin Kaepernick becomes available, the Jets should not sign Kaepernick. There are a myriad of reasons why New York should not be enticed by the young quarterback.

For one, he has shown regression in throwing from the which is the most important aspect of playing the position in the National Football League. Another major reason is the contract. The Jets cannot afford Kaepernick at his current salary and even if they could sign him, the team is limited in what the can do for cap space.

But the biggest reason for New York not to pursue Kaepernick is that they already have a better and more cost efficient solution, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now does Fitzpatrick have the potential upside of a Kapernick? No, but he’s a more consistent quarterback who is

Brandon Marshall is already endorsing Fitzpatrick to be the starter in 2016

coming off his best season as a pro. Also with a year under his belt in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, Fitzpatrick could take another step forward in 2016 while the organization continues to develop last year’s fourth round pick Bryce Petty. It’s also clear that despite his horrendous three interception game in Buffalo to end the season, his teammates are confident in his abilities for next year.

On ESPN’s First Take Brandon Marshall vehemently responded when asked about Kaepernick to the Jets said “I don’t want Kaepernick,” … “I think he’s good. My guy’s Fitz. It’s nothing against Kaepernick. … I have my quarterback, so I’m good.” For good reason both Marshall and Fitzpatrick are coming off career years with Marshall snagging 14 of Fitzpatrick’s 31 touchdown passes.

While the Jets may think that the grass on greener with Kaepernick under center, their best option for 2016 is already in the building for a fraction of the cost.

Mo Money Mo Problems for New York Jets

May 30, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Wilkerson’s contract could become a concern for the Jets

When the New York Jets selected USC defensive end Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft two things instantly became apparent. The Jets would have a dominant defensive line and now a contingency plan for star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

Since being drafted by the Jets in 2011, Wilkerson has emerged as one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. In four seasons Wilkerson has started in all but four games for New York and has been the stalwart of the defense tallying 145 tackles, 24.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. His reputation in the trenches has earned the admiration of his peers as for the second straight year Wilkerson has made the NFL Top 100 players list.

With that track record in mind the defensive end is looking to cash in. Wilkerson could look seek a deal that would pay him at least $ 10 Million per year after J.J. Watt received his $16 Million per year contract. While Wilkerson will earn $ 6.49 Million this season, this will be the first time he has earned $ 1.5 Million for a season. By most standards Wilkerson has been underpaid and at the age of 25 is ripe for a long-term deal. However, Wilkerson finds himself in a difficult situation with the depth on the defensive line for the Jets when it comes to negotiating a new contract.

Sheldon Richardson is emerging as a superstar at defensive end earning the defensive rookie of the year in 2013 and following up with a sophomore campaign where he had 8 sacks. With Leonard Williams now in the fold after New York selected him in the First Round of the Draft, the Jets now have a surplus of young talented defensive ends.

Leonard Williams could form a tremendous trio with Wilkerson and Richardson. However, he also gives the Jets leverage and a backup plan if a deal with Wilkerson cannot be reachedWilliams in the fold, a prospect that most scouts felt was the best defensive prospect in the 2015 Draft, Wilkerson does not have the leverage with the Jets for a mega deal. While the Jets have reported that they want to keep Wilkerson, and would be a better team in 2015 with Wilkerson on the field, if the contract becomes too rich, New York may decide to move the star defensive end.

Don’t get me wrong the Jets would be a better team if they could keep Wilkerson. While the team will play a base 3-4, new head coach Todd Bowles has been known to adjust his defensive scheme for an opponent and handled a similar situation with getting talented defensive linemen on the field in Arizona. There have even been times where Bowles will play five defensive linemen and given their versatility it would not be surprising to see the three talented ends play different positions along the line for New York.

However, considering the Jets depth at the position if another team gives the Jets a great trade offer, Wilkerson may have played his last down as a Jets.

One team to keep an eye on for Wilkerson could be the Cleveland Browns. Mike Pettine was Wilkerson’s defense coordinator under Rex Ryan and could use Wilkerson’s versatility in his defense.

The only thing for certain is that this will be the biggest story that surrounds Florham Park this offseason.

Giving Geno Fitz? Why Ryan Fitzpatrick Could Mean Trouble for Geno Smith

March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

When the New York Jets traded for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick they sent a clear message to their “franchise” quarterback Geno Smith. Put up or shut up. After two frustrating years filled with interceptions and movie trips to see Gone Girl the night before games, Geno Smith’s career in New York could be on life support.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is by no stretch a true franchise quarterback, but at the moment could be the Jets best option for opening day starter in 2015. Why? Chann Gailey is the Jets new offensive coordinator and has worked with Fitzpatrick before. Not only does Fitzpatrick know Gailey’s system, but his best success in the pros was in this system. In three seasons Fitzpatrick threw for more the 10,000 yards and 71 touchdowns in the new offense the Jets will run. Without Gailey, Fitzpatrick has only thrown for 52 touchdowns.

Now will Geno Smith be given ever opportunity to win the job out of camp? Yes, but this will be the final opportunity. Smith has the talent to be a very successful NFL quarterback, but has to show the consistency and mental toughness that are required to be effective at the position. With the new weapons around him and the attempt by the Jets to improve the offensive line, there will be no more excuses for Smith especially with a more than capable backup in Fitzpatrick.

Is New York a legitimate contender with Fitzpatrick? No, but they at least have a solid game manager who won’t turn the ball over and keep them in games. Wither way this is a defining year for Geno Smith. Either he will prove that he can be the future franchise quarterback for the Jets, or he will force New York to once again look for their first true franchise quarterback since Joe Namath.

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