"The Jets have an abundance of riches on the defensive side of the ball, but the one thing they still lack is a solid pass rusher. In Vernon Gholston's opinion, the Jets might have had one if they'd simply given him a fair chance to develop before releasing him in March.

Jets coach Rex Ryan responded Tuesday to the barbs from the former Jets defensive end, who a day earlier said Ryan didn't give him a fair shot to become a contributor on defense.

"I don't agree with him on that," Ryan said at his daily press conference before practice.

Jets fans will forever remember Gholston as the 2008 first-round pick who was supposed to be a freakishly athletic pass rusher, but vastly underwhelmed by failing to record a sack in his three seasons with the defensive-minded team.

Gholston, now a Chicago Bear, gave his thoughts on Ryan while in town Monday to play against the Giants. The Ohio State product, who arrived in New York a season before Ryan became the head coach in 2009, said he felt prejudged by the coach."