Justin Gilbert yet another Browns bust
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert (21) runs back a kickoff during the first half against the Washington Redskins in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
I’m going to sit here and say it. Justin Gilbert is a bust. All of the characteristics that define a bust: poor attitude, weak work ethic, immaturity, and of course poor production; he has. We know the physical attributes are there, but clearly the technique and mental approach isn’t.
After calling his own game “flawless” in the team’s first preseason game against Washington, he’s received some scrutiny for being delusional. If anything, many think his game has actually digressed over the course of camp.
I didn't see #Browns CB Justin Gilbert break up a pass. I think he gave up a catch every time he was targeted. Never seen such a rough day.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 17, 2015
To add insult to injury, Gilbert suffered a hip flexor injury in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike Pettine doesn’t believe it to be serious, but it’s another hurdle for a player that really could do without it.
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This offseason, the team felt so insecure about the young cornerback maintaining a starting gig, that they went out and gave former Green Bay Packers cornerback, Tramon Williams, a three-year deal.
As a Browns fan, when does it become comical? The last six first-round picks for this organization have all been complete dumpster fires. Ranging from Phil Taylor, Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, and Barkevious Mingo, to the aforementioned Gilbert, and of course Johnny Manziel.
When do things get better?
Currently, the team is dealing with injuries to Joe Haden and Pierre Desir, and even though neither seem serious, it could’ve really opened the door for Gilbert to get meaningful snaps in their upcoming game against Buffalo.
There’s not much he can do to avoid a hip flexor injury, but he could sure use more playing time to realize he isn’t as flawless as he originally thought.
Related: Training Camp: Justin Gilbert’s very bad day
It also came out this offseason, that he’s dealt with big-time off-field issues that haven’t been surfaced with full detail, according to an article in ESPN. Some of his teammates even disapproved of his work ethic throughout his rookie season.
When anonymous comments begin to surface from inside the locker room, you know you have a big problem.
At this point, I think the team has all but thrown in the towel on his career with the organization, even if they won’t publicly admit it. Because of his high draft status, he is almost guaranteed a roster spot by the start of the season, but that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed playing time from what we’ve seen so far.