I want Jake Long, but Vernon Gholston would be the BPA at a need position

[kennyrat923]

The only scenario in which I could see Gholston as the pick would be if the team is planning to either trade Burgess (possible) or to let him walk after this year (more than probable). In either of those cases, then you have this kid on board as an immediate or eventual replacement on the D.

You know I've been thinking that same thing. I mean we franchised ASO, gave Kelly some bread as well as Fargas but nothing for D Burg.

[OTF]

you compile alot of stats..... and do a ton of reading and put together a basis for who you would like the Raiders to pick.... But I wonder.....


Have you even seen Gholston play???

Did you see the BCS game??? He was pushed back out of every play.......

Not true and I have already provided video to prove it. Furthermore if we are going to downgrade Gholston based upon the game against LSU then:

1. we also have to downgrade Jake Long based upon his performance against Gholston.
2. Clady also had a bad game at the end of the season so you have to count him out.
3. Dorsey has leg, back and knee injuries so you have to count him out.

You can always find a reason not to like someone and everyone has bad games.

[R8Rshawn]

Not true and I have already provided video to prove it. Furthermore if we are going to downgrade Gholston based upon the game against LSU then:

1. we also have to downgrade Jake Long based upon his performance against Gholston.
2. Clady also had a bad game at the end of the season so you have to count him out.
3. Dorsey has leg, back and knee injuries so you have to count him out.

You can always find a reason not to like someone and everyone has bad games.

yeah maybe we shouldn't draft anybody.

[Anotharaiderfan]

Clady

[BayArea831]

Really? I watched the game and disagree! Below is a link to some of the highlights, while he didn't get a sack he did get consistent pressure. If he was able to get the same pressure in the NFL we would be in good shape. That means more turnovers because QBs would be forcing passes or throwing incompletion. Remember how good Brady was when he was pressured? Burgess & Gholston would make a great combo!

YouTube - VERNON GHOLSTON - Ohio St. (BCS CG)

Also go back and watch the Michigan game where he had a field day against Jake Long and the rest of their OLine. If Jake Long is the best OT then Gholston is for real; as not only was he fast enough to go around him but Gholston was stong enough to go through him.

14 sacks in a season shows consistent pressure! Merriman was not as fast, strong, big or productive in college yet he was good enough to be DROY.

I watched the whole game, and what I saw was Gholston giving up constantly on plays, and not making much of an impact in the run game if at all. As for him against Jake Long, that should come as expected, I mean Long has always had trouble with speed, most tackles in the NFL don't have that problem. Gholston is not the way to go. He is the next Kamerion Wimbley basically....

[OTF]

I watched the whole game, and what I saw was Gholston giving up constantly on plays, and not making much of an impact in the run game if at all. As for him against Jake Long, that should come as expected, I mean Long has always had trouble with speed, most tackles in the NFL don't have that problem. Gholston is not the way to go. He is the next Kamerion Wimbley basically....

I watched the WHOLE game too! I specifically watched Gholston and did see him give up on a few plays but I also saw him forcing the QB to throw the ball away and make some bad throws. He may not be the way to go but every player can be picked apart, we have to take someone...

[raiderHEAT]

I agree with Gholston as a pick at #4.
Or we trade Jordan to Green Bay for KGB, draft McFadden first round. Best DT available in second round. Make some people nervous by adding some major new evil pieces to our puzzle.

You had me at "whilst".
LOL
Thanks, man.

Good read. I like that negative yardage when run at stat.


-Heat

At the moment, our roster is beginning to take shape.

The position where we appear weakest is currently at defensive end and with rumours of Kearse returning to the Titans as well as Antwan Odom, Justin Smith, Ebenezer Ekuban and Travis LaBoy all having been signed elsewhere, it leaves little in free agency that could still make a difference.

In fact, the pickings are so slim that Al Wallace, who is nearly 34 might one of the best of those remaining, along with Marques Douglas, who has managed 17 sacks in the last 5 years of starting. Others include Josh Thomas (all of 6 sacks over 4 years) and Corey Smith (4.5 sacks over last two years).

Given the position, its clearly a priority for the draft.


Whilst we'd all like Chris Long, as much due to his Raider heritage as his skills, a more likely candidate to be available at number 4 is Vernon Gholston.

Its possible to argue that number 4 would be a reach, but its a reach I'd rather take, than gambling on Ryan Clady, a player whom I've discussed elsewhere. Pass-rushers are a prized commodity in the NFL and Gholston's forte is getting to the QB.

Here are a few snippets of whats been said about him:









NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Vernon Gholston


Vernon Gholston Scouting Report - 2008 NFL Draft Prospect









Vernon Gholston, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect



*Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State - 2008 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange


Don't get hung up on this talk about him converting to OLB. He's best as a 4-3 Defensive End.

Its a position of real need, so if Chris Long has gone, he'd be a great pick.
In fact, if we want mainly a pass-rush from our DE, then Gholston might be better than Long - he has a quicker first step!

[#32 Allen]

If we draft Gholston, I can see him whip Marcus McNeil's arse. And I would love every bit of it. I wouldnt mind to have him and call him Ghost cuz they come out of nowhere. He would be Rivers' biggest nightmare.

[ULEN]

I heard Vernon ran a 4.58 and recorded a 42" vert at Ohio State's Pro Day.

[Raiders Own You]

I heard Vernon ran a 4.58 and recorded a 42" vert at Ohio State's Pro Day.

This is true... Those are crazy numbers for someone his size..

[cad]

hes a talent thats for sure his burst is amazing

[crizpynutz]

You know Bram, you made some very good points, but I think that you could create a new thread;

I want Vernon Gholston, but Jake Long would be the BPA at a need position

Who is our starting LT or RT? Nothing set as of now. I know you could write a post and provide tons of info supporting Jake Long just as well as you have in here for Gholston. I agree with your post here, and I think I would agree with the reverse of this post as well.

That means, IMO, that DE and OT are our two most important needs by position right now and a case for Chris Long, Jake Long and Vernon Gholston could be made and it would be tough to disagree with any of the 3.

[MT/Cali Raider]

wouldn't mind him in silver and black but no way @ #4 period. it's just to high and i think we all have recent memories of REACHING to get someone higher than we should have i.e. Huff, Fabs, Brayton, D. Russell, etc. etc. trade down a few slots and pick him up along w/ either sweed or clady and i would be real happy. but a trade is pretty unlikely so i still say it Dorsey or J. Long.

[kyraider37]

To be honest, the only player at the top that blows me away is McFadden. Last year I wanted to trade down get more picks and take Quinn. I just felt that Quinn could be had cheaper and provide us with more ammunition via the picks and the drop off between him and Russell was negligible to me. This year I love McFadden but we don't need him. So, again, I hope we trade down especially this year considering the lack of a 3rd round pick and the fact that we could still get a couple of quality first rounders (if the trade partner has them). But if we keep the pick, Gholston would fill a need but I don't like converting college DEs to LBs. If you want a DE draft a real one or go with a DT. Go Raiders!!!!