Does Rex Ryan Plan to Hide Vernon Gholston in the New York Jets' Defense?

There is no appropriate way to gloss over any of Rex Ryan's expectations for Vernon Gholston without being dishonest. The sixth-overall draft pick in 2008 is going to be afforded more opportunities than he deserves because of where he was selected.

"There (are) expectations for (Vernon Gholston) individually," admitted New York Jets' Head Coach Rex Ryan. "We're wrong by doing that. We just need to place our expectations on (the defense). If we do that, sometimes in the stats, he may not show up individually...but he might play a great game. ... Let's see how we perform collectively."

That's a step back from the initial assessment made when Ryan arrived with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine in January. Sure, they knew their work was cut out for them with Gholston, but this a significantly softer stance.

"From a physical standpoint, he's got all the tools," said Pettine to the New York Post back in January. "I'm looking forward to meeting Vernon and seeing what makes him tick...if the guy's got it in him, we're (going to) get it out of him."

Rather than getting it out of him, Ryan's comments appear more as if they're hoping to disguise whatever it is within the defensive scheme.Gholston is expected to contribute, and the Jets are hoping to see a return on that guaranteed $21 million investment, principles be damned.

It's understandable that his draft status and guaranteed salary would force the business end of the NFL to take precedence when evaluating Gholston, but it's unreasonable to disregard his shortcomings if he's being supported by his teammates' strengths. 

What good does Gholston bring to a strong defense if he's going to be judged by the performances of the men around him? How's the saying go? You're only as strong as your weakest link. In this situation, everyone knows exactly which link that is.

Given Ryan's comments, it feels as if Jets' fans are being treated to a second round of ice-cold positivity for Gholston's lack of motivation and tenacity. His teammates shouldn't be forced to babysit an expensive project that can't contribute effectively.

The confidence and excitement Ryan exuded in his introductory press conference sounds like it's been replaced by blind optimism — to the point where it feels more patronizing than forthcoming. It's unreasonable to expect Ryan to go on a slanderous tirade about Gholston, but accountability is still important.

The vocal head coach is a far cry from Eric Mangini's relentless code of silence. But there's no difference between guarded speeches and grandiose declarations when fans are left to assume the whole truth.

Mandatory minicamps came and went in Florham Park, and there was nary a report on Gholston that justified his placement with the first defensive unit. It was early in the offseason program, but it's never too early to show something.

The concern remains the same as it was since he was drafted: does Gholston have the heart to contribute in a full-time capacity during a game? Or will he continue to disappear as he did with Ohio State?

Yet, the most eyebrow-raising comment in all of this came from Gholston himself: "I don’t know why people think my rookie year was upsetting or whatever."

Is that so? Or whatever?

Gholston's rookie performances were so uninspiring that the Jets' coaching staff couldn't even find a constant place for him with the special teams units.That was upsetting.

Watching Gholston dance with blockers continues to be upsetting.

But learning that the Jets' defense might as well be one man short every time he's on the field — now that's just heart-breaking.

Ryan's immaculate gift of gab is always on full display, but as far as Gholston is concerned, talk really is cheap.