PurpleHalo wrote: But if they do go defense it has to be a MLB or Dennard, they have no great options at MLB which has been a weak link, and secondary outside of Xman is brutal.
I keep reading that Dennard isn't even the consensus top CB. I'm seeing a lot of Justin Gilbert and Marcus Roberson as of late, even though Roberson dealt with injuries and a suspension last season. I need to watch more tape of him as I don't know much about him.
Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
The Lions went from playing quite a bit of zone coverage in 2012 to a scheme that required their cornerbacks to play more press coverage in man-to-man situations. Detroit needs to find more cornerbacks who fit the mold of a press cornerback. Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert is at his best when he's asked to play close to the line of scrimmage and jam a receiver. He has the hips to turn and run with anyone. It's only when he's asked to play off the line of scrimmage that his footwork suffers
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/ ... ke-bortles
STRENGTHS: A standout over his career as a corner and returner due to his agility, acceleration and ball-skills. Gilbert's ability with the ball in his hands is among his greatest assets. He's taken five kickoffs back for scores over his career.
WEAKNESSES: While terrifically athletic, Gilbert remains a bit lax in his technique.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/play ... in-gilbert
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah was impressed with Oklahoma State senior Justin Gilbert after his first exposure of the CB.
Gilbert is "tall, fluid, tough and instinctive," according to Jeremiah. Oklahoma State's defense became more aggressive this season, and that played right in to Gilbert's hands. He had a down 2012 season, but many NFL evaluators have already mentioned the senior as a first-round pick.
Finalizing game notes on Justin Gilbert (CB-OKState). Would have drafted him over any CB not-named Patrick Peterson in last three classes.
@NFLDRAFTSCOUT on Twitter
The @ATTCottonBowl is barely underway, yet @CowboyFB CB Justin Gilbert already making plays. Natural ball hawk w/NFL size and tools
Bucky Brooks on Twitter
CBSSPORTS.COM ALL-AMERICANS: FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE AS NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS: CB - Justin Gilbert, Sr., Oklahoma State: Where Dennard may be the country's best lockdown corner, Gilbert is the big-play specialist. An extraordinary athlete with the hands, vision and speed to score any time he gets his hands on the ball, Gilbert led the Big 12 with six interceptions in 2013. He's also returned six kickoffs for TDs during his career in Stillwater. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com