Mark

Gilbert

Gilbert (6'0/186) could have potentially seen Day 2 or even Day 1 love several years back, when he first attained eligibility for the draft. Injuries have slowed his ascent, though, as Gilbert missed essentially the whole of the 2018 season due to a hip issue and likewise the majority of the 2019 season due to a foot injury. For obvious reasons, the cornerback’s medical checks are going to matter for his draft slot. Do keep Gilbert’s name in mind, though. Someone could end up with a steal if he continues to slide under the radar (assuming health). Gilbert’s cousin, by the by, is Darrelle Revis.

Gilbert (6'1/175) has struggled with injuries for much of his time at Duke, most recently undergoing foot surgery in late-September after accounting for eight tackles and an interception in the Blue Devils’ first two games. After suffering a dislocated hip early in the 2018 season the redshirt senior underwent a second surgery to address the issue in August 2019, which sidelined him for the entire season. With an eye towards the next level Gilbert has good size for a cornerback, but the medical evaluations will have a significant impact on his draft prospects.

This is an unfortunate break for Gilbert (6'2/175) who made eight tackles with an interception while starting Duke’s first two games of the season. Gilbert also missed the 2018 season after two games when he suffered a hip dislocation that required surgery. In 29 career games the redshirt senior recorded 65 tackles, seven interceptions and 17 PBU. Since all players participating in the 2020 season will have 2021 eligibility, he will not have to appeal for a sixth-year exemption if he chooses to play next season.

Gilbert (6'2/175) suffered a dislocated hip in Duke’s second game of the 2018 campaign, an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season and all of spring practice. According to Duke HC David Cutcliffe the second procedure was of the “clean up” variety, but it is unknown when the standout defensive back will be able to return to action. With the Blue Devils opening the season against Alabama, players such as Josh Blackwell and Leonard Johnson will have their work cut out for them in covering the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Taylor and Henry Ruggs.

Gilbert (6'2/175) barely saw the field at all last season, as he sustained a season-ending hip dislocation against Northwestern in Duke’s second game of the campaign. When healthy in 2017, the redshirt junior posted 35 tackles (3.0 for loss) and six interceptions across 13 games played. He earned first-team All-ACC recognition for his work that season and should be in that conversation again upcoming assuming he can maintain his health. In his first big board for 2020, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller ranked Gilbert as his No. 8 draft-eligible cornerback prospect.

Gilbert (6'2/175) missed essentially the entirety of the 2018 campaign due to season-ending hip surgery which he underwent in early September. The coming season will be a pivotal one for the redshirt junior as he looks to build his stock back up. During a healthy 2017 season, Gilbert registered 35 tackles (3.0 for loss) with a hearty six interceptions over the course of 13 games played. At this early juncture, Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline hits up the cornerback with a UDFA grade.

Gilbert was unable to put any weight on his leg while being helped off of the field, according to reports. This would be a significant loss for Duke should Gilbert be forced to miss game action, as he’s coming off of a 2017 season in which he earned first team All-ACC honors. Gilbert’s injury was one of two significant injuries suffered by Duke players, with starting QB Daniel Jones going down with a clavicle injury.

Gilbert (6'2/175) suffered a dislocated hip in the second quarter against Northwestern. It’s a devastating loss for both Gilbert and Duke. As a sophomore, Gilbert earned All-ACC honors and entered 2018 as one of Pro Football Focus’ players to watch for the 2019 NFL Draft. At this point, Gilbert will have to prove he is healthy if he has plans to leave for the NFL after this season.

Duke’s defense will have a couple of names to watch according to PFF, as they also are big fans of junior LB Joe Giles-Harris. Gilbert was one of the breakout stars of the ACC last year, intercepting six passes and finishing with 15 breakups as well. As PFF notes, he allowed just a 38.3 completion percentage, and his frame (6'2/175) “puts him on the NFL radar.”