Justin

Gilbert

His fastest “unofficial” hand time was 4.35. Gilbert goes 5-foot-11 3/4, 202, so he has an outstanding size-speed combination at his position. He also has lengthy 33 1/8-inch arms. Gilbert led the Big 12 with six interceptions in 2013, though his pass coverage was more spotty throughout his college career due to inconsistent technique. Gilbert is still a projected first-round pick.

One of the biggest busts of the past five years, the No. 8 overall pick of the 2014 draft was supposedly having a solid summer before suffering a concussion. The Steelers need cornerback help as much as anyone in the league, but Gilbert’s trade price signals he’s a pure-depth piece that will have to move up the depth chart with strong practices. The fact that Gilbert was traded to a division rival suggests the Browns are hoping the Steelers put Gilbert on the field when they play Pittsburgh (twice) this year.

“He’s been sensational,” said Jackson. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do the way we’ve asked him to do it.” Gilbert is getting first-team reps with Joe Haden still recovering from ankle surgery. Gilbert has flopped since entering the league as a 2014 top-ten pick, but Jackson has promised a clean slate. “The coaches have been pretty clear about starting fresh and having a brand new start and not looking in the rearview mirror and just going straight forward from here on out,” said Gilbert. “It feels good.”

Gilbert was having a solid preseason before going down, posting four tackles and two pass breakups. The injury is a setback, but he should still make the final roster. With K’Waun Williams sidelined, Gilbert is Cleveland’s No. 4 corner.

A bust as a rookie and a total non-factor as a sophomore, Gilbert has been given a clean slate by the new coaching staff. “He’s a talented young man that we need to get the talent from inside of him out onto the football field,” DC Ray Horton said. “There’s a verse in the Bible from Luke that ‘much is given, much is expected,’ and he falls into that category. He has a ton of God-given ability that we, as coaches, have to get out.” The No. 8 overall pick of the 2014 draft, Gilbert is still only 24. The Browns have a barren group at cornerback with Joe Haden (ankle surgery) sidelined. Gilbert will at least be given the opportunity to earn snaps.

Normally a comment like this would not mean much, but every indication has been Gilbert found a new level of maturity this offseason. “I remember Justin in college, coming out, what kind of player he was,” DC Ray Horton said. “I said, ‘I want you to be that type of player.’ He’s done everything we’ve asked, and I’m very happy with him.” Starting with Joe Haden (ankle) on the sidelines, Gilbert showed well in the preseason opener. It is possible he earns a role this season.

The eighth overall pick in the 2014 draft by Cleveland, Gilbert was acquired by the Steelers for a 2018 sixth-round pick around last fall’s final cuts. He failed to earn meaningful defensive snaps and played ineffectively on special teams. The Steelers deemed Gilbert unworthy of his $970,000 salary. Gilbert’s ex-teammates with the Browns have openly suggested he lacks passion for the game.

It helps explain Gilbert’s February release by the Steelers. Still only 25, Gilbert appeared in 12 games for the Steelers last season, but played only 12 snaps on defense. Gilbert is probably just about out of NFL chances.

The increased ban effectively ends 25-year-old Gilbert’s career. The No. 8 overall pick of the 2014 draft turns 26 in November.

“So far, so good,” Pettine said. “Attention to detail, just kind of getting himself into the material, and then the want-to, how serious he’s taking it.” The No. 8 overall pick last year, Gilbert seemed to just go through the motions and collect a paycheck as a rookie, getting torched in coverage before being benched at the end of the year. Gilbert is now competing for a role in sub-packages behind Joe Haden and Tramon Williams.