Duke CB Mark Gilbert a 2021 NFL Draft sleeper on the rise

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2021 NFL Draft CB Mark Gilbert (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report

Games Watched: ‘17 Baylor and Virginia Tech ‘18 Northwestern

Man Coverage: Gilbert has great eyes in man coverage, works receiver-to-ball. Uses his hands to maintain leverage without impeding the wide receiver’s route. Super savvy, anticipation is there, tough to get him in comebacks. More often than not Gilbert is forced to play the wide side of the field. NEVER seems to be out of phase. (13/15)

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Zone Coverage: Again, trained eyes, knows where to look and how to identify his keys. Peripheral vision allows him to see/focus on multiple things at once, uses it to get into passing windows, watching both the quarterback and wide receiver. (10/15)

Ball Skills: Strong at the catch-point. Doesn’t panic, plays wide receiver first, ball second. Plays through the wide receiver’s hands. Constantly making plays at the catch-point. His technique is about as good as it gets in this field, make contact/find wide receiver, locate the ball, make a play. (14/15)

Press: He plays a lot of soft press (soft shoe) and is quite good at it, has the athletic ability needed for this technique. Familiar with the traditional press as well, his transition to the next level should be quite seamless with his knowledge of multiple techniques. Patient at the line of scrimmage. Keeps his shoulders square as long as possible, without giving up any advantages. (13/15)

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