Is The Clock Ticking On Vernon Gholston?

New York Jets linebacker, Vernon Gholston was supposed to be the perfect fit. The 6'3", 266 lbs lineman-turned-linebacker was supposed to terrorize quarterbacks around the league with his speed, strength and “long limbs."

He was supposed to be the pass rusher from hell. Selected No. 6 overall by the Jets in the 2008 NFL draft and signed to a 5-year, $50 million contract—with $21 million in guaranteed money—he was supposed to be a beast.

Yeah. Right. The former Ohio State sack machine has produced about as close to nothing as is possible.

Gholston's rookie season was a hot mess. He did not start in any games, and of his 13 total tackles, only five were solo efforts. His Achilles heel is proving to be the 3-4 scheme. It seems the change is eating him alive.

Under the 4-3 scheme, Gholston's college career caused his name to be thrown into the mix as a possible first pick of the 2008 draft. So far, under the 3-4, Gholston has been rendered a ghost on the field.

Enter Jamaal Westerman. Also a defensive end-turned-linebacker out of Rutgers, Westerman has reportedly been impressive at his first Jets minicamp. Westerman's transition to the position has been smooth so far—reportedly he "looks like a natural" and "more impressive and instinctive" than Gholston.

Certainly sounds like quite the contrast, doesn't it? Also sounds like clock might be ticking on his Gholston's career as a Jet.

Rex Ryan's defensive game plan depends on the ability to disguise who is rushing the passer and who is dropping in coverage, so players with the skills to do both is simply a must.

Westerman has managed to impress his new head coach by seemingly adjusting to the addition of pass coverage to his responsibilities.

Too much more of this, and I suspect he will seal the fate of coach Ryan's "special project."

There has been a lot of talk floating around about the Jets needs and trades for names like Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards. If Westerman keeps this up, Gholston may hear his name thrown into that mix.

That's if his horrible performance record hasn't completely tanked his trade value.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief for AFCBeast.com