New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum still haunted by Vernon Gholston pick in 2008 drafts
A National Football League (NFL) franchise general manager has a tough job as he negotiates contracts with players, helps the head coach get the assistants he needs and most importantly evaluate and pick talent during the drafts which might make or break
the team’s season.
With the April 26th drafts date approaching closer and closer every NFL team general manager is evaluating the tape and statistics about players they want to bring to their franchises.
Sometimes the drafts are a hit and the new entrants lead the team to glory with their wonderful talent and at other times they are big busts that set the franchise back for years to come.
New York Jets general manager, Mike Tannenbaum has had his fair share of big draft hits as he signed names such as cornerback, Darrelle Revis and quarterback, Mark Sanchez who for all the criticism he received this year has a brilliant track record.
Tannenbaum had busts as well most notably in the 2008 drafts when he picked linebacker and Ohio State star, Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall pick.
Gholston was heralded as a big signing as he impressed at the NFL Combine and was slated to become a great linebacker, however, things did not work out that way and after starting just five games over three seasons for the Jets, the linebacker was released.
Speaking at a pre-draft press conference, Tannenbaum still acknowledges that he made a mistake with Gholston and he has learnt a lot from the experience.
"We all make mistakes. We're going to learn from ours. Ultimately, that was my decision. There was a lot of things we liked about Vernon: his measurables, his production. Obviously, it didn't work out.”
Adding further he said.
“Vernon gave us everything he had. It didn't work out. We all make mistakes. From where I sit in the world, it's most important that we learn from it and obviously do everything we can so it doesn't happen again."
The Jets pick 16th overall in this year’s drafts and Tannenbaum will hope that the player he now brings in will be a hit rather than a bust for the franchise as they prepare to get back into the playoffs for the new season.
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