FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The Jets have done so much right lately that it's hard to remember the last big thing they did wrong.

Oh, right: Vernon Gholston.

The sixth overall draft pick in 2008 was among the players packing up their things yesterday. Was it for good?

Perhaps not. Rex Ryan wasn't the coach when the Jets picked Gholston, but the former Ohio State star still is owed about $11 million guaranteed from his five-year, $32.5-million contract. So Ryan might have to give it one more ol' college try to make Gholston more than a special-teams player.

He has been paid about $10 million, and this is what the Jets have gotten in return: 17 tackles, 13 assists, no sacks.

Is Gholston worried about his future with the Jets?

"No, not really," he said. "All that will take place on its own. Me - just become the best player I can."

Gholston mentioned how he had to learn a new position (linebacker) as a rookie and a new defensive system in his second year. Ryan talked him up in August: "He's really coming on. You expect a player to make a jump from his first to second year, and he definitely is doing that. He's looking great.''

But it didn't end that way. So the Jets have to figure out if they can unlock the potential in the 6-3, 264-pounder.

"I'll sit down and watch every play I did play," Gholston said. " 'How can I play this better? How can I play that better?' Overall, just understand the scheme. That's the thing you've really got to know. Once you're able to do that, then it's letting your athletic ability take over."

Asked if he thinks the coaching staff has confidence in him, Gholston said: "Um . . . yeah. In a lot of ways."

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