With The 8th Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns Select: Justin Gilbert
- Updated: May 8, 2014
The Cleveland Browns have acquired the eighth pick overall in the 2014 NFL Draft from the Minnesota Vikings, in exchange for a fifth round pick and their first round pick (9). 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. Why This Works: This could be potentially beneficial for Cleveland, adding another potential shut down corner across from one of the league’s best in Joe Haden. The Browns have made upgrades to their secondary in the off-season by acquiring Donte Whitner. However, the Browns passed on a possible franchise quarterback in Johnny Manziel and talented wide receivers in Odell Beckham or Marquise Lee. Draft Grade: B
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