Browns rookie cornerback Justin Gilbert has taken criticism from coaches and teammates who question whether he has worked hard enough this year. And Gilbert, the eighth overall pick in the draft, promises he’s going to prove anyone who doubts him wrong.
“I will be great,” Gilbert said, via ESPN.
Gilbert hasn’t been great so far this season, and veteran teammates including safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Karlos Dansby have complained that Gilbert doesn’t prepare like a pro. Gilbert didn’t seem to appreciate that, saying that Whitner is “the guy who’s always just talking” and that the public criticisms are things his teammates “could have been kept to themselves.”
Still, Gilbert acknowledges that his teammates may have had a point.
“I’m not mad at anyone about it,” Gilbert said. “I brought it upon myself. I can take that and roll with it. I messed up. But I can promise my teammates I’m going to make it right.”
It’s too late for Gilbert to make it right this year. But the Browns need Gilbert to play a lot better next year.