2008: Vernon Gholston, DE, New York Jets
More than a handful of NFL Draft analysts wondered, aloud, whether Vernon Gholston was more of a “workout warrior” then bonafide stud prospect. That didn’t stop the New York Jets from selecting Gholston with the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.The Jets drafted Gholston to be a pass rushing force, but in three seasons in the NFL, he didn’t record a single sack. Look at those arms! It’s shocking that a player with that type of gladiator like physique (and no major injuries) could amount to so little in the NFL.
Plain and simple, Vernon Gholston was a much better athlete than an actual football player. His impressive pre-draft workouts helped him earn a top 10 selection, but he could never translate his physical gifts into sacks or tackles. Gholston lacked the desire to truly be great, often loafing around on the field and not putting forward his best effort. Some of the players drafted after Gholston; Aqib Talib, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles.