Justin Gilbert will visit New York Jets
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) before the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets need some big-time cornerback help in the 2014 NFL Draft after making Antonio Cromartie a cap casualty and not re-signing anyone to replace him. It’s going to be interesting to see if the Jets address the CB position in the first round of the draft, because they still have a need for more pass-catching help around Geno Smith. Eric Decker was a huge, important signing, but the Jets could use a guy like Eric Ebron or Marqise Lee in the draft. I’d expect them to go for the best CB or WR/TE available in the first, and then they’ll address the other need in the second.
ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini reports that the Jets will host Oklahoma State Cowboys star cornerback Justin Gilbert on a pre-draft visit, and he’s generally regarded as the best CB in the draft class. I would be a tad surprised if he isn’t the first CB off the board, and he’s expected to go before the Jets are available. I actually have Jason Verrett ranked higher than Gilbert, but his size concerns and Gilbert’s elite speed will likely be the difference on draft day for teams.
If Gilbert falls to the Jets at pick No. 18, then there’s an excellent chance that they pull him off the board and make him their No. 1 corner. The Jets also have strong interest in Ohio State Buckeyes product Bradley Roby, and he would be a steal for them if he is available in the second round, should the Jets choose to go for a WR or TE at #18.