2014 NFL Draft: More First Round Prospects for the Green Bay Packers
By Dan Dahlke
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) runs 96 yards for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Richard Rowe-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Justin Gilbert – Cornerback, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 195 (4.47)
Gilbert is only one of two corners in the 2014 draft class that seems to possess true shutdown ability. The other being Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard.
Gilbert has speed, plays physical, and has a natural knack for the ball. He was among the leaders in college football in interceptions with seven this past season.
He also possesses excellent cover skills. Routinely, he was matched up against the opponent’s top receiver without safety help.
Gilbert is also a pretty decent tackler and isn’t afraid to play aggressive near the line of scrimmage in run support.
If the Packers lose Sam Shields to free agency or if they decide to move Micah Hyde to safety, Green Bay could use a player like Gilbert on their roster for next season.
Cornerback is one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Thompson will address the position in the first round.