BTSC Mock Draft - Pick #4 by Oakland Raiders: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 11:05 AM EDT in News

maryrose checks in with the Oakland Raiders' pick at #4. A wise choice that Al Davis would be smart to consider if Gholston's on the board. Knowing Davis, he won't, but that doesn't mean the pick doesn't make sense. That means the Kansas City Chiefs and nerves of steel are now on the clock

Oakland Raiders -- Vernon Gholston, Defensive End, Ohio State University

Al Davis has been burned in the past when he did not follow his instincts in drafting sexy, high-impact players (see Robert Gallery). Mr. Davis, please meet Vernon "Mr. Impact" Gholston. When Davis resigned Tommy Kelly in free agency, it was with the idea of moving him inside to replace the retired Warren Sapp. This is good strategy, but now leaves a hole opposite Derrick Burgess at defensive end.

Enter Vernon Gholston. At 6'4," 265 lbs., Gholston is an incredible physical specimen, and rumblings amongst some NFL Scouts (backed up by the size & tone of Gholston's arms) suggest that the Buckeye pass-rusher may very well be the single strongest player in this year's Draft. Gholston burst onto the scene during his Sophomore season, racking up an impressive 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (totaling 86 yards in losses) in addition to 7.5 sacks. Ohio State coaches predicted that Gholston's 2007 campaign would be one of the best in school history, and they were right. Gholston was absolutely dominant off the edge this past year, surpassing current New England Patriots LB Mike Vrabel for first all-time in school history with 14 sacks in a single season! Even more, three of those sacks came against school rival Michigan, as Gholston shockingly made top Draft prospect Jake Long (LT) look very beatable in pass protection.

As an added bonus, Gholston could also move to outside linebacker when they go to a 3-4 look and that versatility can't be underestimated. In the words of Emmitt Smith, "Vernon Gholston blowed up at his combines." Seriously - Gholston ran in the 4.5s and notched a 42-inch vertical. Based on his talent, strength, power and quickness, the sky's the limit for Gholston. I can't imagine Al Davis not salivating all over that option.

#1 - Miami Dolphins, Darren Mcfadden
#2 - St. Louis Rams, Chris Long
#3 - Atlanta Falcons, Sedrick Ellis

Poll

Will Gholston win Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors in 2008?

Yes

115 votes

No

49 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

gholston

Never seen him play (can;t stand Big 10 football) but my initial impression is the NFL is about to welcome another physical freak to its ranks. He definitely seems more cut than Woodley. I'm not sure thats a great or fair comparison and like I've said, I haven't seen either play too much in college if any at all, but I'd imagine that Gholston will have an immediate impact.

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Wow

I hadn't paid Gholston a second of attention since it's obvious that the Steelers have no shot at him but he certainly looks like a player and so far he's got the stats to back it up. I'd feel sorry for him, as I would any player, if he went to Oakland though. The absolute worst run franchise in my opinion.

by cgolden on Apr 3, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

OSU

While I haven't absorbed all the local teams, living in Ohio has given me some appreciation for OSU. I think they've gotten a bad rap for utterly choking against Florida 2 years ago. The LSU game was a lot closer than the final score would indicate. Everyone is going to be pissed if they make the title game again this year, but they're good enough to. Beanie Wells is pretty damn good, and then there's the defense. Boeckman (the QB) is the only question mark. The OSU-USC game will determine a lot.

Anyway, Gholston is an absolute freak of nature, but he doesn't have great technique (basically just a speed rusher), and is inconsistent. Also, don't let his arm strength convince you he's Reggie White or anything; he's still undersized for the 4-3. Certainly not as polished as Long, but if he has a good attitude and is focused on getting better, there's no reason to think he won't be just as good. I think he'd be best in a 3-4, but teaming him with Burgess would be pretty lethal. That would give them 2 undersized speed rushing DE's, though, which isn't ideal for stopping the run.

by BadMaafala on Apr 3, 2008 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

dont forget about Terrelle Pryor

FEEL THE OSU PRIDE BABY

* till next time wave those towels proud

by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Apr 3, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Big Ten

I believe Big ten produces more successful NFL players than any other conference in the NCAA.

* till next time wave those towels proud

by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Apr 3, 2008 12:55 PM EDT reply actions

maybe so

It's just the games and competition that I find awful. Minnesota vs. Iowa?? Couldn't pay me to watch that. It's just the plodding style of so many of the offenses that irks me. Thta said, there is a lot of talent on the field at those schools, agreed.

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I could say the same

about Vanderbult vs mississippi. (this is football only disregard vandy being a basketball powerhouse)

* till next time wave those towels proud

by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Apr 3, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

sec

I somewhat agree..the SEC is rather boring. I dunno, I just went to a school were there wasnt much of a football program so I don't have an alma mater that I follow. There's plenty of good football games each Saturday, but I only have so much time for football and I typically save it for Sundays.

Your point about the most NFL talent coming from the Big 10 only highlights in my mind that the games should be more exciting. The offenses are pretty vanilla (except Northwestern), and generally speaking, the games are low scoring defensive affairs, especially once the weather turns in November and even October.

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

Gholston is an absolute beast, but

if Dorsey is really available here, the Raiders jump all over him.

by Terry @ Behind the Steel Curtain on Apr 3, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

agreed

Dorsey is the kind of player/person the Raiders would want. No regard for injuries or anything like that. Davis will like his demeanor and will think hes a perfect fit to replace Sapp.

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't be surprised if Dorsey slips

farther than people think.

by maryrose on Apr 3, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

But if he goes super early, it will be right here at #4 is my guess.

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

Dorsey isn't that great. Nobody should take him before around pick #9.

by BadMaafala on Apr 3, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

WAC

No one can say Hawaii is boring to watch!! Unless they're playing Georgia...

I love defensive games, although there is a fine line between good defense and bad offense. Nothing boring about Chris Wells though; he'll hit you and keep running.

Good to see some Buckeye love, DC. It will be interesting to see how they use Prior. He's not a very good passer, and I don't think OSU has ever used a spread offense. If they had a clutch QB, Prior could play WR, but that's the weak spot on the roster. Todd Boeckman is the anti-Roethlisberger. OSU outgained LSU, but still lost by 14 points because they couldn't convert on 3rd down.

by BadMaafala on Apr 3, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

Boeckman

Least inspiring BCS Title game QB ever.

Sorry guys, you'll get no love for tOSU from me.

(running for cover and ducking)

by Michael Bean on Apr 3, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

his numbers weren't terrible, but the running game was humming and just needed him to keep the drives going occasionally, but he never did.

by BadMaafala on Apr 3, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Let the record show!

The new Mayock poll now has Gholston going to the Raiders fourth...Let the record show that the first poll to send the Columbus Beast to Oakland was the BTSC Poll!!

by maryrose on Apr 6, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply actions