Matt Light vs. Vernon Gholston. One game result.

In an interview, Gholston stated that his main strength when rushing the passer is the bull rush, rather than the speed rush. Vrabel was quoted that although Gholston has impressive skills, he'll need to learn some techniques as a pass rusher. Add these two comments together and you have a player with lots of upside, needing to learn techniques to complement his brute strength.

There is no way, simple bull rushes w/o proper hand usage will consistently defeat veteran offensive tackles. They are too strong -- and very smart. Now if we're talking about a rookie with a quick first step, adequate strength, good technique, and a relentless motor... that's the kind of player to give Light fits.

Seneschal2 said:

In an interview, Gholston stated that his main strength when rushing the passer is the bull rush, rather than the speed rush. Vrabel was quoted that although Gholston has impressive skills, he'll need to learn some techniques as a pass rusher. Add these two comments together and you have a player with lots of upside, needing to learn techniques to complement his brute strength.

There is no way, simple bull rushes w/o proper hand usage will consistently defeat veteran offensive tackles. They are too strong -- and very smart. Now if we're talking about a rookie with a quick first step, adequate strength, good technique, and a relentless motor... that's the kind of player to give Light fits.

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Gholston is very quick off the edge. I don't agree with this assessment of his ability.

BRiZ said:

Light has trouble against super quick pass rushers like Freeney and Taylor, he just doesnt have the quickness to match them. He does a decent job against physical guys like Merriman. Gholston is not superquick hes a physical type so Light would do decent against him.

Light isnt elite no doubt and could be upgraded but its not like hes hurting the team and is a weakness. Right tackle is more of a weakness.

Wouldnt say tackle or pass rushing olb is our #1 need. We got decent tackles, and we got Adalius and Vrabel on the outside for probably a few more years, Vrabel could be upgraded no doubt but its not a pressing situation. We have -no- corners. We need a replacement for Samuel.

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They don't have Hobbs, Bryant (a career starter), Richardson (looked good last pre-season), Webster (basically on Randall Gay's level), Andrews (if he's not cut), Sanders (depth), Mixon, and Spann?

I get your point, and I think the Patriots need to add another CB (or two) to the roster via the draft, but if you believe the Patriots "NEED" to draft a CB in the first round, then I don't agree. I especially don't agree if you're saying they should select a CB at 7th overall.

Antoine Cason might go in the first round, and he might last into the second. Flowers and Talib are both in the same boat, as well. Then you've got Terrell Thomas, Chevis Jackson, Godfrey, Ikegwuonu, Tribble, and other CB's who'll be available after the first round, and most could have some impact on NE's roster.

I'm not there with you on DRC this year. Last year we both really liked Meriweather, and in 2006 we both liked Chad Jackson (I liked Maroney a little more). Yea, he's related to Cromartie, but he's only a cousin, and he didn't dominate against the horrid teams of his conference. Brandon Flowers completely dominated the competition in college, and he was playing at a much tougher level. I do see the potential in DRC, and he has all the athletic ability in the world, but I also see him as a potential bust, who's getting over hyped because of his draft season performance, and his relation to Cromartie.

Also, I've been reading your mocks, and it seems like you're falling in love with the track stars/top athletes just a little to much this year, instead of trying to find guys who actually make sense for the program...

You're correct about Gholston though, he looks awkward in coverage, is really thick, and can be inconsistent.

PonyExpress said:

Gholston is very quick off the edge. I don't agree with this assessment of his ability.

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Alright. Assessment? Did I say he wasn't quick? Read it again. He said his bull rush was his strength -- not his speed from the edge (ala Groves). And you're well aware of Vrabel's comments concerning techniques. To date, I've yet to give my lengthy opinion of Gholston.

THEARCHIVES said:

I think your forgetting Osi Uminyora. I'm glad the Pats don't have to face that D-Line next year.

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strahan will retire and then we can simply double team osi. plus kawika mitchell is gone.

Seneschal2 said:

Alright. Assessment? Did I say he wasn't quick? Read it again. He said his bull rush was his strength -- not his speed from the edge (ala Groves). And you're well aware of Vrabel's comments concerning techniques. To date, I've yet to give my lengthy opinion of Gholston.

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I guess I misunderstood what you were saying.

Seneschal2 said:

In an interview, Gholston stated that his main strength when rushing the passer is the bull rush, rather than the speed rush. Vrabel was quoted that although Gholston has impressive skills, he'll need to learn some techniques as a pass rusher. Add these two comments together and you have a player with lots of upside, needing to learn techniques to complement his brute strength.

There is no way, simple bull rushes w/o proper hand usage will consistently defeat veteran offensive tackles. They are too strong -- and very smart. Now if we're talking about a rookie with a quick first step, adequate strength, good technique, and a relentless motor... that's the kind of player to give Light fits.

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I think Gholston is intelligent and committed. He will not try to get by strength. He will not try to get by by speed. Both qualities he has, in comparison to his peers, individually, in spades.

He has a few things going for him, despite the knock against his technique. The first is his intelligence. The second is that he doesn't have to rely on speed OR strength.

I hope, for his sake, that he goes to a team that can mold him.

Remix 6 said:

to be honest..i think Light would get creamed. Why? He struggles against speed guys and Gholston's first step is amazing then his strength as well. He'll run around or through Matt Light. Im not saying this because im a Gholston fan but i've seen Matt's ups & downs.

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I can't help but agree with you. Each year, I fall in love with one player. Last year it was Willis. Wilfork's year, it was Wilfork (too), but mainly Steven Jackson. This year, it's Gholston. He won't disappoint.