Draft Profile Series: Justin Gilbert
- Updated: April 24, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Justin Gilbert, CB, 6-0, 203, Okla. St.
Key stats: Had 7 interceptions and returned 2 for touchdowns in 2013.
Strengths: Athletically gifted. … Has great size-speed combination and very good ball skills. … Can really get off the ground, and does good job making high-point interceptions and deflections. … Has very good hands. … Does good job of opening up, and running on deep sideline routes. … Experienced and successful kick returner. … Locks up well on bigger receivers. … Does good job of dislodging balls as receivers try to tuck it away and also stripping the ball from runners.
Weaknesses: Gives up too much ground when playing off, which allows easy underneath throws. .. Really needs a lot of technique work. … Has too much weight on his heels when in backpedal. … Not a great tackler. … Tends to duck his head and lose sight of ball carrier. … Seems too worried about getting beat deep. … Gives away the inside too easily. … Allows receivers to get on top of him and create separation when in man coverage.
Conclusion: A lot of his deficiencies seem to be easily corrected with good coaching. … With his athletic ability, Gilbert should have been more of a shut-down cornerback. … He made plenty of big plays, but also allowed many more catches than one would expect from a corner with his skill set. … Is best suited to play against bigger receivers at this point, as quicker guys will give him trouble. … Gilbert’s ability to return kicks is also enticing and could be where he can help a team most early in his career while he develops into a better technical corner.
NFL comparison: Prince Amukamara/Devin McCourty.
Draft projection: First round.
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