Hempstead, NY -- (Sports Network) - The New York Jets signed their first round draft choice, defensive end Vernon Gholston on Friday.

According to the New York Daily News, the Jets finalized a five-year contract worth nearly $40 million with Gholston, the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The deal also includes $20 million in guaranteed money.

"It's great to get it done -- it's great for him and it's great for us," head coach Eric Mangini told the team's Web site. "From a coaching and a player perspective, you want to get as much time (with him) as possible and as much work done as possible."

The 6-3, 266-pound Gholston, had 37 tackles, 15 1/2 tackles for loss and a school-record 14 sacks as a junior at Ohio State in 2007.