Gholston vs Groves

[VJCPatriot]

These are the 2 pass rushers that are mentioned the most here as possibilities for the Pats, so lets look at the numbers.

The combine numbers are found here. Groves is listed as an OLB, Gholston as a DE.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/rating...r=2008&GenPos=DE&sortorder=LastName&order=ASC

Size, Speed, Strength, Agility.

Quentin Groves.
6'3, 259 lbs. 4.53 40y dash. 2.62 20y split. 1.57 10y split. 30 reps. 4.42 shuttle. 7.31 cones.

Vernon Gholston.
6'3, 266 lbs. 4.65 40y dash. 2.65 20y split. 1.53 10y split. 37 reps. 4.40 shuttle. 7.12 cones.

Groves has had 26 career sacks and played for Auburn.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombineprofile.php?pyid=16980

Gholston has 22.5 career sacks and played for Ohio State.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/vernon-gholston?id=756

What we have here are 2 elite athletes. Groves has better straight line speed in the 40, but Gholston beats out Groves in the 10y by a hair. Gholston has a little more bulk to him, and more strength. Gholston also got through his agility drills a hair quicker. Overall I would give the athleticism edge to Gholston. But Groves is no slouch himself.

So the question is, given the very slight difference between Gholston and Groves, do you still draft Gholston at #7, or do you trade down to take Groves and pick up an extra draft pick?

 

[BradyManny]

I'm eager to see some responses, I ask myself this plenty. It's a really good question, and probably the one the Pats are asking themselves often as well. The only problem is one requires a trading partner, and then some luck hoping Groves is available at whatever spot the trade brings them too.

 

[Handel]

Why nobody is talking about Derrick Harvey from Florida, who is a better prospect than Groves. I just wonder if he can make it as OLB.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Cause he came from a bigger program does not make him a better prospect i'm sorry I know this is gonna sound short sighted but I remember the Jeremy Mincey fiasco.
I was so happy he fell so far and then he didn't even make it thru training camp.
And so far I hate to say it look at C Jack, for the time being I want to stay away from Gators untill at least the middle rounds.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Why nobody is talking about Derrick Harvey from Florida, who is a better prospect than Groves. I just wonder if he can make it as OLB.

Harvey projects more as a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 OLB. He is also significantly slower than either Gholston or Groves. Further cementing his role as a down lineman.

Stats: 6'4 271 lbs, 4.84 40y, 1.59 10y. He has enough speed for a DE, but not enough speed where I could see him playing in space, like OLBs are expected to, without getting abused.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/rating...r=2008&GenPos=DE&sortorder=LastName&order=ASC

And if you're thinking of taking him as a DE for the Pats, he's 20-30 lbs too light and fighting an uphill battle for playing time with Seymour and Warren. The Pats are not going to spend a 1st rounder on an undersized backup.

 

[ALP]

defenetely Groves, with a high 2nd round pick, which will give us an elite CB....

 

[cstjohn17]

These are two of the rare players that actually played in games I saw.

IMO I would rather draft Gholston, he appears to be more well rounded (can rush the passer and stop the run). Gholston tends to be trending up, his best football may be ahead of him. He is hard working and should be a good locker room fit.

Groves is the best pass rusher in the draft... when he wants to be. Very explosive and really gets to the edge. If motivated he could be deadly, even if not motivated he should get 6-9 sacks per year. The trouble is that the other 300 plays he will be no where to be found. LBs have a certain mentality that he seems to lack, he avoids contact and won't hustle to chase plays down.

If the options are Gholston or Groves at pick #7 I would take Groves. If the options are a) Gholston or b) Groves at 14 and a 2nd rounder then I would take option B.