3 Things to watch for in Browns preseason game vs. Buccaneers
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
1. Will Justin Gilbert Shake Off the “Bust” Label?
I recently wrote a piece on why Justin Gilbert should already be labeled a bust. Everything from attitude, to work ethic, to on-field production made me confirm my beliefs on the second-year cornerback.
More from Browns News
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
I can’t tell you for certain that he’ll suit up tonight – battling a hip injury – because you can never be too sure who’s ready to go for game-time in the preseason. But if he does, keep a keen eye out for him.
The last time I remember seeing Gilbert, he was burned on a deep ball to Washington Redskins’ receiver, Pierre Garcon. Fortunately for Gilbert, Garcon dropped the pass, but that’s besides the point. Being the first-round pick he was, there needs to be signs of positive play.
This game against Tampa Bay, could either serve as a stepping stone for improvement, or validation for a bad draft pick. The cornerback position has not treated young players kind in recent years. Checkout this list of high draft choices who have struggled in their transition from the college to the professional game at corner:
We’ll see by game-time if he’s a go, but at this moment he should be begging to get out on the field and prove people like me wrong.
Next: Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 Questions with the Pewter Plank