Why did Tanny draft Gholston in the first place? Consensus is he was drafted because he is fast and overpowering and would be able to pressure the QB off the edge in the mold of guys like LT(bad example but you get my drift) The problem I have with this CS developing him as a "Complete" linebacker, is he doesn't believe in having linebackers rush in passing situations, he takes them off the field anyway. Does anyone believe we have the staff that can teach a true edge rusher the NFL game and utilize them? I don't at all. Mangini and Sutton both believe in flooding the defensive backfield with players regardless of talent and trying to fool the QB into mistakes. Usually around 10 Mississippi the QB finds one of his own players with enough space to drop the ball into him. If we want to train Gholston as a complete Linebacker, get a defensive coach in here who believes in using power and speed to disrupt the QB to teach him how to be a complete linebacker. We believe linebackers are for stopping the run and being beatin by running backs and TE out of the backfield.
Interesting point. One I don't disagree w/ either. I stated right after VG was drafted that the best role for him was one similar to that of Shawn Merriman in which he was primarily used to attack the LOS in the passing and running game. He has good athleticism for coverage and such..but seems to lack some instinct...the way to negate that is allow him to rely solely on natural ability. it doesn't get more simple than pass rushing, taking out a lead blocker, or chipping a tight end and disrupting his route.And w/ his size, speed,strength and power...he could be very successful in this role. Unfortunately this regime doesn't seem to believe in this type of role/philosophy.
I've always been one to wait 3 years before calling a draft pick a bust. But even I am thoroughly disappointed with Gholston's lack of impact this season. As a #6 pick the guy should be doing something on the field. A team can't prosper if big chunks of its salary cap like him are just sitting on the bench.
This is our pass rushing problem, these 270 pound linebackers are not meant to pass cover, it makes absolutely no sense, how often do you see guys like Demarcus Ware or Shawn Merrimen drop back in coverage? They are meant to rush the passer...
