Cleveland Browns: 4 things we learned from training camp
By Thomas Moore
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
Outside of quarterback Johnny Manziel, no player has caused more hand-wringing and consternation that Manziel’s fellow second-year player, cornerback Justin Gilbert.
With so many injuries in the secondary Gilbert has had numerous opportunities to show that after a rough rookie year he is finally learning what it means to play cornerback at the NFL level.
Related: Justin Gilbert’s very bad day
But a horrible game against Washington, followed by a rough practice against Buffalo showed that Gilbert still isn’t ready or able to take that next step. While he is in no danger of being cut, Gilbert is still out with a hip flexor injury that isn’t going to help his development.
“He’s further along than where he was last year. I still think he has some ground to make up.” – Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil on Justin Gilbert
The problem isn’t physical talent when it comes to Gilbert, but the mental side of the game. Rookies Danny Shelton and Xavier Cooper have been seeking out advice from the veterans on the team, but we haven’t heard of Gilbert doing the same. Instead, he comes across as a player who is set in his ways and doesn’t believe he needs to change anything.
You don’t have to read too deep between the lines to understand that is what defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil was talking about when asked if Gilbert is making any progress.
“At the end of the day you have to be able to fall back on your technique and your teaching,” O’Neil said. “To me that’s what gives you confidence out there. You can just go out there and play and– I’m not saying he’s doing that but to me if you have a good foundation, if you’re having a bad day you can always fall back on that.
“He’s further along than where he was last year. I still think he has some ground to make up.”
There’s no reason for the Browns to give up on Gilbert, but if he wants to be part of what could be a talented defense, he needs to start listening to his coaches and get his mental approach on par with his physical talents.
Next: The defensive kids are all right