"REX RYAN was not around when the Jets selected Vernon Gholston with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2008 draft, but he said yesterday that he would not have chosen him that high at that time.

"I thought there probably needed to be some development there," Ryan said. "Now? I would. Right now I like the way how he plays."

Gholston, a standout linebacker at Ohio State, switched to defensive end as a rookie under coach Eric Mangini, but has yet to record a sack in 35 career games. Ryan reasoned that Gholston has taken a longer time to develop than the franchise expected, but he has been diligent in improving and accepting his role in dealing with the dirty work. He has collected five tackles in seven games as a reserve this season, his third.

"He's going to be an excellent player, I really think that," Ryan said.

Ryan added that heightened expectations came with the number attached to the pick did not help Gholston."