Cornerback Justin Gilbert had a disappointing rookie season after being selected eighth overall by the Browns last year, which led to owner Jimmy Haslam and Gilbert’s teammates to say that he needs to mature if he is going to make good on the promise that made him such a high pick.
One of Gilbert’s teammates in the secondary has been working out with him since the start of the offseason and has seen signs of that growth. Cornerback Joe Haden has been talking to Gilbert about how to “carry yourself like a pro” and says he has seen his lessons taking hold.
“He is growing up,” Haden said, via the team’s website. “Justin’s a very, very talented player. It’s just going to take a little bit of time.”
Gilbert said that he’s learned that playing in the NFL is a business and that he needs to “come to work every day and prepare like it’s your last day” to be successful. That was lacking last season, with General Manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine both talking about personal issues that they felt held Gilbert back.
Whether or not impending free agent Buster Skrine returns, the Browns could use a big improvement from Gilbert in Year Two as their defense looks like it will have to be a major strength for the team to improve on their results in 2014.