Eye on the Draft: Justin Gilbert

Photo Credit: Brett Deering/Getty Images

The NFL Draft is getting closer by the passing day, and since the NFL season is officially over, fans will be looking forward to May which possibly is the biggest NFL off-season event. While the Patriots defense has been improving, this year in the draft, the class is pretty deep in one position that'll tremendously help out the Patriots. DB, and one player in particular, Justin Gilbert.

Justin Gilbert is a 6'0, 194 pound DB out of Oklahoma State. Gilbert had a great senior year at OK State, he had seven interceptions in the 2013 season, over 40 tackles, seven pass deflections and was a versatile threat as he made some big plays in the return game as he returned a kick for a touchdown.

Strengths: Gilbert is probably the best pure cover corner coming into the draft and has the potential to be a lock down corner in the next few years. While he has around average corner speed, he does anticipate and snaps his hips around very well so he is very agile and can have a great acceleration towards the ball. Gilbert also is a above average tackler who can make tackles in the open field. While Gilbert grows, his ability to cover should only increase, thus giving the Patriots a possible shutdown duo if they keep Talib and draft Gilbert.

Weaknesses: While Gilbert is a bit taller than the average DB, he doesn't serve as a threat in the physical game. He is by no means a press corner although he does play the bump and run extremely well. With that being said, if a catch is made over or around him, odds are the WR shouldn't have to fear too much seeing Gilbert come into view since he won't be making any jarring hits.

Grades:

Speed: B
Strength: C
Size: B+
Technique: B+
Man to Man: A-
Hands: B

Here is a highlight video showing Gilbert's career highlights at OK State.



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Let us know in the comment section what you think of Gilbert joining the Pats!