Vikings Draft Targets: Todd McShay Downgrades Justin Gilbert

Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) before the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

If Justin Gilbert pays attention to Todd McShay’s big board, then Justin Gilbert is probably not a happy camper this morning.

In an ESPN Insider piece, McShay downgraded the Oklahoma State cornerback from #11 all the way to #24, a drop of 13 spots.

An eye-catching downgrade at this point in the process. And the reason for McShay’s decision?

Tightness.

No I don’t mean Gilbert is drunk, I mean he is tight in the hips. At least according to McShay.

“Gilbert can be inconsistent at times when it comes to his focus and is a little tight when he turns and runs, and I don’t think he’s deserving of an early first-round pick,” McShay explained (via Rotoworld).

Ideally, you want your cornerbacks to be fluid and consistently focused.

Gilbert may lack those qualities, but he is still seen as a tremendous athlete possessed of great speed and above average ball skills.

Daniel Jeremiah sang Gilbert’s praises recently, saying “He has that prototypical size. The length. The ability to go up and play the football down the field. That is what he does better than anybody else in this draft class.”

Dane Brugler on the other hand agrees with McShay’s lukewarm assessment, saying he projects Gilbert as a 2nd round pick, but believes the CB will be overdrafted due to his physical attributes.

The Vikings will reportedly visit with Gilbert, so they will get a first hand look at Gilbert and his attributes, including that hip tightness. He could be in play for the Vikings at #8 or at a lower position after a trade down.

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