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NFL Draft 2013 Scouting Report: William Gholston, DE, MSU

A top-end speed rusher does not need to be taken at 10 overall. William Gholston will be a much better choice.

By Kenneth Goit
He's tall.
He's tall.
Gregory Shamus
William Gholston is not anywhere near the best defensive end in this year's draft. That is exactly why the Titans should take a look at him. The team has higher needs than speed rusher entering the first day of the 2013 NFL Draft. There are many reasons that Gholston has possibility of slipping to the third round for the Titans to snatch the former Michigan State Spartan.

Measureables

Height: 6'6" (1.98 meters for our non-American friends)

Weight: 281 lbs (127.46 kgs)

40-yard dash: 4.96 (23rd of 37 defensive linemen at the combine)

Bench press: 23 reps (T-27th of 37)

Vertical jump: 28.5 inches (28th of 38)

Broad jump: 110.0 inches (24th of 38)

(courtesy of mlive.com)

Statistics

Sophomore Year (2011-2012):

  • 70 tackles
  • 16 tackles for a loss (50 yards)
  • 5 sacks
Junior Year (2012-2013):
  • 59 tackles
  • 13 tackles for a loss (49 yards)
  • 4.5 sacks
  • 1st in FBS for defensive linemen with 10 pass break-ups
  • Defensive Player of the Game in Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU (17-16 MSU) with 9 tackles, a sack, and a pass break-up

    (courtesy of MSU.com)
Positives





Negatives

There were reports that Gholston did not work hard during practice and was possibly going to lose his starting job if it were to continue during his sophomore season.

Also, there was an incident against MSU's arch-rival in the 2011 season where Gholston punched a Michigan Wolverine.

Overall Impression

William Gholston has some flags of immaturity from his sophomore season, and he does not have stellar statistics; however, he has the physical ability and potential to be a great pick. Physical ability and potential are not two great bases for an early round defensive end; therefore, he would be a great pick in the 3rd or 4th round, which is very possible, while we address needs such as offensive line and safety in the first two rounds.

Here is another analysis I have of Gholston from before the 2012 season.

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NFL Draft 2013 Scouting Reports

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