Justin Gilbert was a high first-round pick for the Browns in 2014. There are many expectations surrounding the cornerback in his second year, especially after a very disappointing season last year, both on and off the field.
Gilbert didn't help himself much over the weekend, proclaiming his performance against the Redskins "flawless." That comment wasn't appreciated by Browns coach Mike Pettine or remotely true; Gilbert let Pierre Garcon do a polka dance into the open field. Only a horrible drop saved him.
Time to check in on how things are going for the Redskins: pic.twitter.com/Nol71qQh8s
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) August 14, 2015
If Monday's practice against the Bills and Sammy Watkins is any indication, things are not going ... well for the corner. Browns fans should probably stop reading at this point.
Let's just say Justin Gilbert was not flawless working v Sammy Watkins in that drill
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 17, 2015
Before that, #Bills undrafted free agent WR Andre Davis made Browns former first-round pick CB Justin Gilbert look silly on a deep ball.
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 17, 2015
Matt Cassel hits Andre Davis over the middle, beats Justin Gilbert. Follows w nice bomb to Robert Woods. #Bills-#Browns
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) August 17, 2015
In the same period, undrafted rookie WR Andre Davis got behind former Top 10 pick Justin Gilbert for a long gain.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) August 17, 2015
As I wrote yesterday, Andre Davis just keeps making plays. Did again for a spectacular TD catch over Justin Gilbert.
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) August 17, 2015
For a top ten pick, Justin Gilbert sure does get beat a lot in practice.
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) August 17, 2015
Robert Woods post corner for a TD, beats Justin Gilbert. Cassel on the throw. This is getting comical with Gilbert
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 17, 2015
Facts are facts: Justin Gilbert has been beaten for two long touchdowns today. Bills throwing his way a ton
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) August 17, 2015
#Browns CB Tramon Williams with two more breakups in red zone 11 on 11. Meanwhile Justin Gilbert still being routinely toasted.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 17, 2015
These are all Bills or Browns beat writers currently present at the joint practice and by all accounts it is getting UGLY for the former Oklahoma State star out there on the practice field.
It's also entirely possible that Pettine huddled up with his former boss and current Bills coach Rex Ryan to have him teach the young man a lesson.
Justin Gilbert getting torched in joint practices w Buffalo, eh? Pett got w/ Rex on that. Guaranteed. Gilbert's "flawless" remark? SO dumb.
— Ryan Burns (@FtblSickness) August 17, 2015
But maybe that's a BIGGER problem. Remember this is EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor picking on Gilbert. Watkins or no Watkins, that's a bad look.