Cleveland Browns: 4 things to expect at training camp
By Joel W. Cade
Yes, Justin Gilbert will be a breakout performer this season. Ok, that statement is going way out on a limb here. However, Gilbert worked with the first team during last week’s OTAs, which is a great sign for the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
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Gilbert, who has all the measurable a scout could ask for, has yet to live up to his potential. The best thing that could have happened to Gilbert was the hiring of Jackson and defensive coordinator Ray Horton, whose 3-4 scheme will ask Gilbert to play a lot of man coverage behind exotic blitzes. This is what Gilbert was drafted to do, and Horton will also bring clear expectations and defined assignments on defense. This will help Gilbert as he has looked lost the past few years.
Jackson will bring discipline and accountability. There were reports of Gilbert missing meetings and oversleeping last season, he often missed assignments on the field, and his technique looked bad. Yes, he never seemed to progress during the season, but this will not happen in the Hue Jackson era.
Gilbert has a chance to respond positively to defined responsibilities, clear expectations and accountability. Gilbert will rise to the occasion and, if not, this will be the end of the Justin Gilbert era in Cleveland.
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What do you think Browns fans? What storylines are you most looking forward to during training camp this summer?