Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma St.) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #8 by CLE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State)

Overview: Justin Gilbert was a highly regarded cornerback coming out of Oklahoma State, known for his exceptional athleticism, ball skills, and playmaking ability. Standing at 6'0" and weighing around 202 pounds, he possessed the physical attributes that NFL teams covet in a top-tier defensive back. Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Gilbert showcased elite speed, allowing him to keep pace with fast receivers. His agility enabled him to change direction quickly, making him effective in man-to-man coverage.
• Ball Skills: He had a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his high number of interceptions during his college career. Gilbert demonstrated excellent tracking ability and timing when jumping routes.
• Size and Length: His height and wingspan gave him an advantage in contested catch situations, making it difficult for receivers to get separation.
• Return Ability: In addition to his defensive skills, Gilbert was also a dangerous kick returner, adding value as a dual-threat player.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: There were concerns about his overall consistency in coverage. At times, he struggled with technique and did not always maintain proper positioning.
• Tackling: While he showed potential as a tackler, his tackling technique could be improved, particularly in open-field situations, where he sometimes relied too heavily on his speed.
• Film Study and Awareness: Concerns arose regarding his awareness and ability to read the offense, which could lead to lapses in coverage or missed assignments.

Overall Projection: Justin Gilbert was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft class. Teams looking for a dynamic defender who could contribute immediately in both coverage and special teams were particularly interested in him. Potential Fit: Gilbert was seen as a fit for multiple defensive schemes, particularly those that employed aggressive, man-to-man coverage. His ability to return kicks also made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their special teams unit.
Justin Gilbert's talents and potential made him one of the standout players in the 2014 NFL Draft, with expectations of becoming a key contributor at the next level.