Bryan Thomas Vs. Vernon Gholston: The New York Jets Need Passion From One

The 2008 offseason was an opportunity for Bryan Thomas to reflect upon himself, the direction his career was headed, and his desire to be all the linebacker he could be.

Since leading the Jets with 8.5 sacks in 2006, Thomas has recorded only nine over the next two seasons—a meager total for a man whose job revolves around rushing quarterbacks. The performance that earned Thomas his contract extension became a flash in the pan instead of the beginning of things to come.

"I looked at myself and said, 'Why am I not running to the ball on that play? Why am I not taking the extra step on that play?' I could see it," confessed Thomas after the disappointing 2007 campaign.

And so could everyone else, Bryan. Jets' fans accused him of losing his passion after signing a lucrative deal.

"If I don't do it (in 2008), they'll definitely sit my (butt) on the bench," admitted Thomas during the 2008 offseason.

Thomas almost returned to form. He led the Jets in sacks during the first-quarter of the season, until he tumbled down the same well of futility that engulfed him the previous year.

Unfortunately, the Jets couldn't put his butt on the bench. Vernon Gholston wasn't prepared for the responsibility.

Despite Thomas' inability to produce, Gholston's progression as a defensive end transitioning to outside linebacker wasn't quick enough to relieve Thomas of the starting role.

But it wasn't the difficulty of the transition that concerned fans with Gholston. Most people expected him to linger behind as a rookie as he adjusted.

It was the complacency in Gholston's personality that was all too familiar—and frightening.

Perhaps it's his personality that disallows him from showcasing any confidence. Maybe he releases all of his aggression in the weight room.

Whatever the reason, Gholston hasn't displayed the kind of ferocity fans hoped for when the Jets selected him sixth-overall in April 2008.

A year before switching back to his No. 50 from Ohio State, Gholston was prompted to discuss the significance of the No. 56 in New York and the impact of Lawrence Taylor.

"He played for the (New York) Giants, a whole different team," said Gholston. "For me, it's a good number. There are only so many numbers you get to choose from as a linebacker."

Only "a good number"? There wasn't even a remote attempt at insinuating his hopes of bringing new significance to the number. No bravado. No passion.

Such a response may have appealed to Eric Mangini's core values, but it's not what fans wanted to see from a high-priced linebacker who's supposed to be a tenacious quarterback killer by trade.

With both Thomas and Gholston being first round picks, neither has lived up to the potential their draft selection would imply. No one is requesting another arrogant loud mouth in the NFL. But one of them has to take charge.

There's only but so much swagger Rex Ryan and Bart Scott can inject into the Jets on their own; especially if they're playing with guys who lack the heart to execute.

Finding Passion Elsewhere

All reports throughout the offseason hint towards Ryan & Co. favoring Gholston.

The physical phenom has piqued everyone's interest and there appears to be serious dedication in pushing Gholston to realize his potential.

But perfecting defensive choreography is only half the battle for Vernon.

Given the financial investments in both players, the Jets obviously have a commitment to getting results from one of them. But that shouldn't stop the team from considering other players down the roster.

The Jets have stockpiled undrafted free agents who can be versatile linebacker-defensive end hybrids, and could find enough passion and talent in one of them to make up for what Gholston and Thomas lack.

Marques Murrell and Kenwin Cummings are also collegiate defensive ends—at Appalachian State and Wingate, respectively—making the transition to linebacker in the NFL.

Both players appeared to be coming along more smoothly during 2008's training camp and preseason, and neither carries the burden of being a top draft pick.

Also impressing during 2009 minicamps was Rutgers defensive end Jamaal Westerman, receiving praise from Ryan for his natural ability. Dave Hutchinson's report in the New Jersey Star-Ledger praised Westerman for being more instinctive than Gholston last offseason.

"A lot of times when you have a defensive lineman transition to a linebacker spot, it's difficult. And the biggest part of it a lot of times is the mental part," Ryan said. "You start talking coverages and that's totally foreign to a lot of those guys. But with (Westerman), he has picked it up better than any of the other linebackers.

"I think when the pads come on he's actually going to raise his level."

Gholston and Thomas could quickly find themselves falling behind undrafted players with stronger motors if they're not careful.