Justin Gilbert

I think the problem with Grant was he didn't know the system. He showed he was a solid tackler and run supporter but had just too many missed coverage assignments. At least that's the company line we're given to suppose. I find it odd they gave up on him so quickly. Maybe another year on the ps and in position meetings he would learn it. After all, he has the tools to be a good CB. I guess Wil Gay should be counting his blessing he didn't have this coaching staff early in his career.

Cajun

 

Ahh, another misnomer. Gay was usually in position to make a play...He just didn't early. He worked his technique and got smarter, now he's making plays.

 

Mega bust is right. On a bad team with a terrible secondary except for Haden and he had 50 snaps all season. He has poor coverage technique that worked in college but not in the NFL. He had a terrible attitude and work ethic . I truly believe in life second chances and forgiveness is a must so I'm ok with acquiring him ( but not with cutting grant loose so quickly) BUT he Must be on a short leash!!!!

As long as he is on time and shows a willingness to fit in and learn and grow and contribute positively to this team I'm happy but if he starts having the same attitude and work ethic here as in Cleveland I Pray they cut him immediately. Kill the cancer before it spreads.

Hopefully he develops into a probowler as will Burns. We have a secondary that has unlimited potential though as of right now it is unrealized.

Your time is NOW Mr. Lake!!!

Cajun

 

I was being a bit of a smart tail. I was a fan and supporter of Wil Gay when everyone else it seemed vilified him. I defended him when he led the team in tackles and was " coached up " on the fact it was because he had to because he couldn't cover. Fact is as a slot corner his role was to cover the slot WR or RB coming out and also to support the run and fans seemed to not realize LeBeau didn't like press coverage but wanted everything kept in front, bend but don't break, and Gay did exactly that rarely missing any tackles which led some fans to suggest he move to safety. He has grown and being able to play outside CB shows it, but he belongs inside where his strength resides.

Cajun

 

Cajun,

In all honesty, I don't think the FO was in love with Grant. My guess is they gave him 2 years to learn the system...he still didn't know it....so he was let go. They didn't believe that he was ever going to get up to speed. Maybe the Bills are able to find something in him that we couldn't.

 

we let him go too. if mcfadden wouldn't have been so injury prone gay may not have gotten his chance to be our best corner as he is now over the then 2nd rounder. sound familiar? golson/grant, mcfadden/ gay.

 

Thing is he didn't have two years. He had one year then the next preseason. If he becomes a good corner in the NFL then our coaches need to be re-evaluated because they moved on from him quite quickly after investing a 4th rd pick. The fact he can play safety means little, we have enough safeties and Davis will probably move back to safety someday.

Gilbert was given Grants #24 jersey so they are clearly done with Grant. I wonder, was it just some missed assignments in coverage?

Cajun

 

I just can't help but believe that was enough for the coaches. For instance, he just kept making the same mistake over and over. Maybe he was asking the same questions, doing the same things, and the coaches kept correcting it, but it was not taking. At some point coaches go...nice kid, but for pete sake he just doesn't get it. So they move on.

 

shamarko?

 

Landry Jones, Ziggy Hood, Jarvis Jones, Hubbard , Mike Adams

Was Grant that bad, that dumb or was it a numbers thing and they went with Gilbert over Grant???

We may never know.

Cajun

 

I mostly agree, but I think you have to drill down a little more. I hate playing the "the Steelers staff knows more than we do" card, but ... I have to believe that the coaches and front office have way better insight into other organizations than we do. They'd be in a better position to know how much of a draft-pick-we-liked-but-didn't-get's lack of production was due to the player v. the organization/system he was in. Most times, I think you're right. Here, though, I lean more toward .

 

Mac I understand your point, you really had promise for him and maybe moving him to safety. Even though he has been in the system he really hasn't progressed enough to keep him on the roster. And he couldn't grasp one spot let alone two. As far as the practice squad I thought he had a punchers chance to land a spot. But it doesn't surprise me that he was cut. I wanted him to succeed when he was drafted. Just didn't happen.

 

Butler likes what Gilbert brings to the table. Danny Smith likes what he sees as well. Doesn't sound like a return only guy.

 

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/0...-smith-discuss-addition-justin-gilbert-units/

if he can do things our way.

 

Listening to SNR on the way home today and they said the Steelers have been very impressed with Gilbert's two days of practice.

 

WELL
i guess he's no
Allen Iverson

 

return to sender
don't be cruel

 

I think the Steelers will end up happy returning this to sender.

 

I came to this party late and didn't read this whole thread so if I repete someones post I am sorry. I love love love this deal. I worry about AB returning punts and now between Gilbert and Rogers we have guys who can do it. We give up a 6th rounder big deal we cut 6th rounders all the time, **** last year we gave up a 5th for scoobie doobie do! This is a guy who had 1st round talent, who went to a team that kills peoples careers. I hope the Steelers can put this kid back on the right road and his talent comes out and we end up smelling like roses.

Now look at the youth we have in the secondary, Golson, Burns, Davis and now Gilbert. Throw in even Thomas, Dangerfield and Cockrell and we have a ton of youth to mold and improve our weak pass coverage. Lets not forget most of these guys have talent as well. We have nothing to lose in this deal and I hope this kid turns it around........

 

I read this article yesterday and it was really interesting.

http://www.steelers.com/news/labrio...-Gilbert/580f9c7e-b099-4c35-b530-e32b434bde5e

 

some good insight there...

 

i hope it works out for both parties.

i'm not sure how many punts gilbert will return NY since he hasn't done that since his freshman year in college. as far as kick returns, there usually isn't a great deal of chances to do that anymore. his abilities will be used as a cb more than anything for us. that will be a stretch unless we have an injury. burns didn't look lost in the last preseason game either. him cracking the lineup will be a challenge and i hope that doesn't cause a setback for him mentally.

 

A good article Thorn, thanks for linking it.

Also, I don't think Gilbert is a PR, he just returns KO. It'll be Eli and AB on punts I think.

Now, having DHB and Gilbert outside defending punts , that's some fast motors charging down the field..... Any kind of serious hangtime on Berrys Punts should allow them to get there and negate any type of return .....


Cajun

 

I think having Gilbert here actually helps Burns.

Burns is a high character guy, a very responsible young man with a great work ethic and strong desire to succeed.

Having Gilbert here does this:

1) it has a high pedigree CB with all the physical tools to succeed pushing Burns to Compete harder.

2) it takes the pressure off Burns to have to play Right Now and play well... It gives him a little time to absorb this new challenge .

3) he knows he has a legit opportunity to make it as a starter because Gilbert isn't gauranteed anything and might implode and/or Gay moves back to the slot or he beats out Cockrell.

We have the makings of a dynamic secondary ........ In time

Cajun