2014 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Draft Prospects Top 5 Cornerbacks (Video)
By Tony Fischer
Justin Gilbert – Oklahoma State
Justin Gilbert received the highest draft grade of all the corners at this years combine. It is likely that Gilbert will be there when the Lions pick at #10 but is he the right man for the job. The former Oklahoma Sate University standout performer well that the combine but is not known for his instincts often taking undue risk and biting on double moves. The Lions already have a corner in Chris Houston that has a tendency to get burned deep.
Combine Results – Grade 6.3
40 Yard Dash – 4.37 (top performer)
Vertical Jump- 35.5 inches
Broad Jump – 126 inches
Scouting Reports-
ESPN Insider – Position Rank #1 – Overall Rank #13
"Long and rangy with above-average fluidity for a taller cornerback. Most comfortable in press man or zone coverage. Shows some tightness in ankles coming out of breaks in off man coverage. Above-average closing burst and recovery speed."
NFL.com – Position Rank #1
"Big, athletic corner with natural ball skills and instincts. Gilbert bounced back from a disappointing junior campaign to show scouts he has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level."
Mock Drafts
Todd McShay: #21 Green Bay Packers
"Cornerback is a need position for the Packers, but not as much of a need position as tight end, safety, D-line and linebacker. So this is more of a value pick than anything else. Gilbert is the top cornerback prospect in a class loaded with them, and he is an absolute ball hawk with good size and the ability to press or sit back in coverage. Other options: Clinton-Dix, if he fell here, or Louisville’s Calvin Pryor would fit at safety, and Notre Dame’s Stephon Tuitt and Minnesota’s Ra’Shede Hageman would fit as 5-technique D-linemen. I think UNC TE Eric Ebron is the only offensive prospect the Packers would take over a defender."
"Gilbert has some competition to be the first corner taken, but I expect him to put up some pretty impressive numbers at the combine. He should prove to be a pretty big draw in a league where big corners who can battle at the catch point but also have elite speed and quickness are coveted. Detroit should get some development at corner on the current roster, but also could face some turnover. They need to place a bet on another young corner or two."
"After adding Sammy Watkins with the #2 overall pick the Rams bolster the other side of the ball here with Gilbert. Gilbert joins Janoris Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan to solidify the backend of the defense, to go along with a fearsome front 4. The Rams could look to double up on offense to solidify their line or look to move out of this pick to add to their stock pile."