It took some maneuvering, but the Cleveland Browns eventually ended up with their guy, and then some, with the eighth overall pick.
Cornerback Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State is the newest Cleveland Brown. The 6-foot, 208-pounder is revered by many scouts as the top cover corner in the draft. His footwork, his deception skills and his speed (4.37 in the 40-yard-dash) were ultimately too good for the Browns to pass up.
The Browns also added the Buffalo Bills' first and fourth round selections in the 2015, while giving up this year's fifth round pick to move up one spot with the Minnesota Vikings.
Gilbert registered 12 interceptions in four seasons with the Cowboys, was a first-team All-American in 2013 and was a Jim Thorpe Award finalist, which recognizes the top defensive back in college football.
Gilbert is known as a smart football player who can adjust to routes on the fly. He was a special teams stalwart too, returning a Big 12 record six kickoffs for touchdowns.
We all saw what the Seattle Seahawks secondary did on their run to a Super Bowl title. Pairing Gilbert with Pro Bowlers Joe Haden and Donte Whitner is a daunting task for any quarterback. And don't forget emerging impact of safety Tashaun Gipson, who picked off five passes in 2013. Eventually, the Justin Gilbert pick could make the Browns secondary one of the most formidable in the NFL.
The 22-year Huntsville, Tx. native will be in Berea tomorrow for his introductory press conference.
