Why Miami Should And Should Not Draft Vernon Gholston!
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins are facing a quandary when it comes to the NFL draft which is only a short 20 days away. With a first overall selection that holds not one clear cut future all-pro, hall of famer, or for that matter a clear cut starting caliber anyone, the Miami Dolphins will not likely find a trade partner willing to move up and take on that onus. Figure the Phins will make the selection at number 1 and move on. Over the next 2 weeks, I will be taking a look at a few of the names that could be read at the start of the April 26th draft. Names like Long, Gholston, and Ryan. I will also look at why the Dolphins should not draft those guys as well.
Today, I look at Vernon Gholston. This is why the Miami Dolphins should draft Vernon Gholston with the number 1 overall pick.
Vernon Gholston is a winner. No, he has not been part of a national championship Ohio State football team, but for 2 years in a row, Gholston anchored a unit that went to the college title game. Gholston is a mammoth on the field.
VG is fast. Clocking a 4.5 in the 40, Gholston can immediately improve a pass rush defense and be an effective run stopper. Vernon is a weight room monster as well. His body is low in fat and lean on muscle. He has a nose for the ball.
In Miami, Gholston would surely push Matt Roth for the starting job on the opposite side of Jason Taylor, should Taylor remain a Phin. In the event that Taylor is not in Miami, Gholston would likely be penciled in immediately as a starter. Being the prototypical pass rusher, Gholstons’ quick burst off the line could give opposing left tackles a problem should he be lined up on that side.
In the 34 defense, Gholston will play the outside LB role. A job that with his speed he should be able to handle. Gholston is also a late bloomer. Not playing football until his sophomore year of high-school, Gholston has yet to reach what many scouts think will be his potential.
A very coachable young man, Gholston will likely develop quickly under good coaching, something the Dolphins may finally have at their disposal. Despite the fact that Gholston is not as rounded as say a Chris Long, has not scared many scouts away. Gholston is that guy who has room to grow while still being at a level of good play.
Given the strength, background, speed, and ability of Vernon Gholston, the Dolphins should draft him with their first round pick.
Why The Dolphins Should NOT draft Vernon Gholston!
For all the upside to the DE, Gholston still has more questions that solid answers. Tabbed a workout warrior, Gholston only began bolstering his rising stock when he performed very well at the Combine and at his personal pro-day.
Gholston is a guy that loves the weight room. He will not dissappoint in off-season workouts, but the fact that his body is so maintained could also lead to some minor injuries that could worsen with time. Muscle sprains and tears with the rigorous NFL schedule usually effects the guys who become too muscular.
Another knock on Gholston is his tendency to take plays off. Gholston is not a 100 percent all go no quit type of player. That could be troubling for a team not expected to win many games over the next two years. Gholston, although coachable, needs to find that no quit motor that he lacks. Unfortunately he will not be able to do that until he actually begins playing in the NFL. Some wonder if he can.
Gholston will be a top 5 to 10 pick without question, but the lack of answers surrounding him, makes for a cautious choice at the number 1 overall slot. The Dolphins have the coaching staff to mold the youngster, but with a 30 million dollar guarantee attatched to the slot, a more rounded, 100 percent effort rookie is more logical…and safer.
Gholston just doesn’t fit that prototype. Hearing Gholstons’ name anndisappointounced atattachedGholstons’ number 1 will raise some eyebrows and with the potential that he still has, it wouldn’t be a horrible pick. It just may not be the right one for this team this year, unless of course they move down a few spots and take him there.
Gholston has too much left to prove before he is a true number 1 overall. This year, with as thin as it is at the top, there are still better options.