Mo,
While I'm not dismissing these negative hits on Gholston, I'm not sure we can take them at face value, considering they come from anonymous sources in the NYdailynews.
Gholston had more sacks over the past 2 seasons than any other Div I player.
Gholston dominated the best competition he faced, Michigan and Wisconsin, and was solid if not spectacular vs LSU. On the LSU game alone I would have rated him a mid to late 1st rdr, because his NFL caliber strength was obvious. For comparison, he made more of an impact vs LSU than Woodley did vs USC last season.
Gholston is only a junior. For comparison C. Long had 4 sacks as a junior (i understand that C. Long was playing glorified DT, not Leo end).
Gholston had 14 sacks despite what people describe as an inconsistent motor. C. Long had 14 with the greatest motor I have ever seen on a college player. (C. Long is unquestionably the #1 player on my Pats board).
I'm not really sure how to react to Gholston's lack of humility, as reflected in this article. Sometimes great talents aren't shy about their ability, although my preference would be for a more humble player.
The bottom line is that Gholston can get to the QB, is strong at the POA, is very young and still developing, has been very durable, is dedicated in the weight room, and shows up in big games vs good competition. Those are big positives, not easily dismissed.