Cleveland Browns: 2019 7-Round mock draft, Vol. 1
By Peter Smith
Round 7 (Via KC): Ulysees Gilbert III, LB, Akron – 6-1, 230 lbs. (Listed)
- 130 solo tackles (11.7 percent), 27 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 interceptions, 7 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown.
Ulysees Gilbert III is an undersized linebacker that just consistently finds ways to contribute. He has really embodied what Akron’s defense has been under now retired Defensive Coordinator Chuck Amato. Small, athletic guys who just fly around and get involved. And Gilbert has been the leading tackler for each of the past two seasons.
That defensive scheme has catered to Gilbert quite a bit, not unlike it was with Jatavis Brown, moving Gilbert around and letting him make plays and he’s taken full advantage. Gilbert is fast and really agile for the position. He’s not someone that is built to take on and shed blocks, but rather beat the opponent to the spot and make the play before opponents can get hands on him.
In that respect, he’s the MAC version of Telvin Smith of the Jacksonville Jaguars who played at Florida State. Gilbert doesn’t appear to have as much talent as Smith did, but that is the game he plays. When opponents get hands on, he tends to get pushed out of the play. The plays he blitzes or diagnoses quickly enough to get to the ball he makes.
His speed allows him a ton of range and the ability to help in coverage, be it man coverage or just playing underneath zones. Gilbert has experience in both and has shown the ability to make plays on the football.
His size and speed make him pretty ideal for coverage units on special teams. He flies around and tries to do anything he can in order to get to the football and make plays. Gilbert looks like someone who can be the first guy to get to a kickoff or fly down on punt. He always plays with a ton of energy and just keeps going.