The former Oklahoma State Cowboy, is one hell of an athlete and a steal for the Browns organization. At OSU, a 2013 Unanimous All-American, Jim Thorpe Finalist, was one of the most experienced and talented defensive players out of the Big XII Conference.
As a freshman to his senior year, OSU fans and the sports world watched Gilbert transform into an elusive, power and explosive footballer on defensive and specials teams as an elite returner and defensive back. As a kick returner, Gilbert owns the OSU record and is tied for the Big 12 record with five career kickoff returns for touchdowns . Gilbert is second all-time at OSU and in the Big 12 Conference's top 10 with 2,228 kickoff return yards. At OSU, he trails only Big 12 record holder Perrish Cox, who had 2,804 yards in four seasons. Justin Gilbert recieved Honorable mention All-Big 12 in the return game in 2011. He entered the 2013 season second among all active NCAA players with his five kickoff returns for scores . Gilbert had a career return average of 26.5 yards.
In 51 career games at Oklahoma State, Gilbert registered 182 total tackles, 157 of which were solo stops, broke up 27 passes and intercepted 12 others. He comes into the NFL after a career year with seven interceptions in 2013.
Gilbert generated a lot of buzz leading up to the draft due to his impressive combination of size, speed and athleticism.
Right away, the Brown's look for their 1st round draft pick to have a great impact on defensive and be a great contributor on special teams as well. ESPN sources say, "Gilbert is showing the flashes and reasons why he was drafted 8th overall in the 2014 draft."
The Rookie CB, Gilbert has agreed to and signed a hefty rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns. Gilbert signed later this month, to a pretty 4-yr/$12.8 million!! The 4-yr contract also includes a nice $7.65 million signing bonus.
Gilbert will learn from the best, with his counterpart All Pro, Defensive Back Joe Haden.
Haden believes that the two will be an unbelievable duo when he develops into a great NFL caliber defensive back and contribute greatly in the Brown's secondary.
All Pro Defensive back, Joe Haden said, "He's a really, really talented player, he turns the ball over. He's able to get the ball back to the offense, very, very athletic. With his return skills, when he gets the ball in his hands, he's automatically ready to get to the end zone. I'm really glad that we got him. He's just got to learn, come out here and work hard, and he could definitely be a big part to help the team."
LS
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