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More on Jarron Gilbert
My apologies for a quiet weekend. I spent a few days out of town and wasn't able to update the blog. This week I'm pressed into action at the Final Four but will try to keep providing regular Lions updates here. Matt Stafford's got his private workout with the Lions Tuesday and USC's pro day is Wednesday. After that, it's time for the Lions to firm up the top of their draft board and begin serious negotiations with their No. 1 pick.
A couple quick housekeeping items on first mock draft. I had San Jose State defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert going to the Lions with the first pick of the second round. A few of you wondered about the wisdom of that, saying that's too high or he's a defensive end or a three-technique tackle and the Lions need more of a nose.
My retort is the Lions need playmakers on defense and Gilbert has both the frame (6-foot-5, 288 pounds) and the production (9 1/2 sacks as a tackle last year) to be a monster in coach Jim Schwartz's system. A late bloomer physically, he played defensive end his first three years in college and would retain some of that versatility in the NFL, though I think his ultimate position is tackle. I know the Lions have recent picks Andre Fluellen, Landon Cohen and Ikaika Alama-Francis already on their roster, but none is a locked-up starter on the inside and the Lions are bringing Gilbert in for a visit. Beyond that, I'm not sure there's another defensive tackle (assuming B.J. Raji, Peria Jerry and Evander Hood are gone) worthy of pick No. 33 and that's a gaping position of need.
One other thing on Gilbert, whose father Daren Gilbert played for the New Orleans Saints. He became a bit of a cult sensation with the YouTube video of him jumping out of a pool at one of his teammate's apartments in San Jose. How'd that video come about?
“One day our strength coach said Adam Archuleta could jump out of a pool and everybody was super amazed,” Gilbert said at the NFL combine last month. “I went out there one day – it wasn't that big a deal to me – and I just went and jumped out of the pool. I found out that I could do it, so I put it on film to make everybody else believe me.”
Asked if he planned on being as big a hit in the NFL, Gilbert said, “Definitely.”
“Jumping out of the pool is cool and everything, but being a good player is a little more important than that,” he said.
Here's video of the pool jump. Next time you're at your local YMCA, try it.
Labels: Andre Fluellen, B.J. Raji, Detroit Lions, Evander Hood, Ikaika Alama-Francis, Jarron Gilbert, Jim Schwartz, Landon Cohen, Matt Stafford, NFL draft, Peria Jerry
posted by Paula Pasche at
2:48 PM
6 Comments:
I think Gilbert can probably add another 10-15 pounds of muscle and be the athletic DT that every team wants. And that may be the problem. Guys like Gilbet tend to rise the closer we get to the draft and since he has a dad that played in the NFL, many teams will see that as an added plus.
I agree though that he's a guy to jump on at 33.
Mind you I also think that the Lions may take a DT at #20 (if they cannot trade back a few spots) and address the LB slot with pick #33. There just seems to be more talent at LB than there is at DT. I also do not think Maualuga is flexible enough for Schwartz, but guys like Cushing, English, Matthews, Kruger are - though not all can play MLB.
Lastly, I like another big, tall DT in this draft: Dorrell Scott. The guy had a bit of an off year last year, but he was pretty dominant the previous 2 years and he might still be there at the top of round three.
Thanks,
LionsfaninOttawa
He is a flat out beast. Who cares that the Lions have other young Defensive lineman. Gilbert might have been a top 20 pick if he played against stronger competition.
I don't know Dave. This guy just reminds me of Bill Swancutt and Ikaika Alama-Francis. Maybe The Lions catch lightning in a bottle this time, but the last two lights-out athletic defensive linemen who were just ok against subpar competition didn't turn out so hot.
You would think he would have better stats against vastly inferior athletes, considering where he played, but he didn't. That is telling, as it is likely that his ok stats were a function of him just being stronger/faster than his competition, and not because of his skill. He is going to need to be heavily coached up at this level, and that is a big risk I wouldn't want to spend on a 2nd round pick.
-Marty
Oops, I think I mixed up Bill Swancutt with John Taylor out of Montana State. Either way, I don't feel comfortable with Gilbert in a Lions Uniform, unless he is a late draft pick.
yeah, i like this guy a lot, but i don't think the lions can afford to take any risks with their 1st 3 picks (see, smith and curry over stafford). they just don't have that luxury. Just like Stafford, a physical specimen, but i am left wondering why they didn't produce more. Another problem with taking stafford: if you take him you almost have to take a tackle at 20 or 33, to put him in a position to succeed. They should focus on Defense instead. i say if Peria Jerry's not there, they have to trade down at 20. Smith, Jerry, Lauranitis. then maybe Sidbuby, or Robiskie falls to the 3rd and a cb... whammo. qb next year.
If we take Gilbert we should give Rod Marinelli a call and see if he will come be our D-Line Coach
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