Vernon Gholston SELECTED BY: New York Jets Round 1(6)

SI Grade 4.25 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors last season after totaling 37/15.5/14. Sophomore-year totals included 49/15/7.5.

POSITIVES: Explosive college pass-rusher who makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Displays outstanding first-step quickness, plays with good pad level, and fast off the edge or in pursuit of the ball-carrier. Gets leverage on blockers, stays within his pass-rush angles, and effortlessly alters his angle of attack to make plays in any direction of the field. Constantly doubled, yet deceptively strong and holds his ground. Possesses a great closing burst of speed and very explosive in his all-around game.

NEGATIVES: Stiff moving in reverse when asked to play in space.

ANALYSIS: Gholston has been an impact player at Ohio State the past two seasons and he offers tremendous upside for the next level. He offers potential at a variety of positions in either a three-point stance or standing up over tackle. Gholston should be off the board during the initial 10 picks of round one and has the potential to quickly produce as a rookie in the NFL.