He's already a fan favorite
The Jets tried to improve their pass rush in a big way yesterday, selecting speedy and powerful defensive end Vernon Gholston out of Ohio State with the sixth pick in the NFL draft.
The selection of Gholston, expected to play outside linebacker in New York's 3-4 defense, was met with big cheers from the notoriously critical Jets fans at Radio City Music Hall. The 6-foot-4-inch, 264-pound Gholston should boost New York's pass rush, which had just 29 sacks last season.
With the Jets on the clock, their fans made it known who they wanted. They chanted "Ver-non Ghol-ston!" as they waited for the announcement of the selection, and one fan had a sign that read, "Jets: Let's Score A Ghol!"
Much to their delight, the team went with a player who set an Ohio State record with 14 sacks last season despite facing double teams regularly.
"I'm going to make things happen," Gholston said moments after his selection.
The Jets have made major improvements to their defense this offseason, trading for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and signing defensive end/linebacker Calvin Pace to a six-year, $42 million deal that included a $20 million signing bonus.
While Pace and Gholston are considered similar players, the Jets made it clear that they want to get to opposing quarterbacks with more frequency. Gholston gives New York some flexibility at the position with Pace and Bryan Thomas, who also play the hybrid defensive end/linebacker spot.
"Vernon's got to come in and establish a role, and we look forward to him doing that," coach Eric Mangini said. "We've got a nice mixture of guys now to fill that outside linebacker position."
Gholston was a defensive end in Ohio State's 4-3 defense, his combination of speed - he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash - and power - he benched a team-best 455 pounds and squatted 405 pounds 20 times - made the Jets think he's a perfect fit for their defense.
"He can help in all phases of our defense," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "He can rush the passer, I think he does a good job of setting the edge in the run game. He plays over the tight end as well, so there's a lot of different things he can do and that's why we're excited to have him."
The Jets also moved into the bottom of the first round, trading a second- and fourth-round pick to Green Bay for the 30th overall pick, and selected Purdue tight end Dustin Keller. The converted wide receiver raised his stock at the Scouting Combine, and was the first tight end taken.
The speedy Keller is expected to add a much-needed vertical threat to the Jets' offense. Keller had 68 catches for 881 yards and seven touchdowns last season for the Boilermakers. His selection clouds the future of starter Chris Baker, who recently asked for a trade after the Jets didn't restructure his contract.
Dolphins
There was no secret to whom Miami was taking No. 1 overall. The Dolphins committed to Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long when they signed him to a five-year contract last Tuesday for $57.75 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
All that was left for Long was to walk onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall, shake hands with commissioner Roger Goodell, and pose for photographs with a Dolphins jersey bearing a No. 1.
"I was a little more relaxed just knowing where I was going and just being here to make it official," Long said in a conference call.
With Long to help him celebrate were his parents, two brothers, and girlfriend.
Goodell's announcement of Long's name got a negative reaction from the Jets fans. "I got booed pretty bad," Long said with a chuckle.
He'll be in South Florida this week for the Dolphins' three-day rookie minicamp beginning Friday.
With the first pick of the second round, the Dolphins selected Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling, a powerful pass rusher who had seven sacks and 78 tackles last season, including 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Miami took Michigan's Chad Henne with the 57th pick, adding a tested passer from the Big Ten to challenge incumbent starter John Beck.
Bills
With the 11th overall pick, Buffalo upgraded its secondary and special teams with Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin, one of the fastest players in the draft (4.39 40-yard dash). He's not big (5-10, 190) or physical, but he makes up for it in coverage with his speed and leaping ability (38 1/2-inch vertical).
With the 42d overall pick, the Bills took Indiana's James Hardy, one of the tallest wide receivers in the draft (6-5 1/2) who had 36 TD catches playing in the Big Ten.
