Marcus Gilbert of Florida ~ 6.5/320
"A large, strong offensive tackle prospect who possesses good base strength and does a nice job quickly firing off the football in the run game. Displays a strong set of hands and decent footwork once he is able to lock on in the pass game. Shuffles his feet well through contact and displays the ability to stick to blocks off the edge. Possesses good flexibility off the snap and is doing a much better job this season keeping his pad level down when asked to anchor and through contact as well as getting off the snap count on time.
Looks stiff in his lower half in space and possesses only average range toward the corner. Displays only average range off the edge, looks a lot more balanced this season initially on his kick-slide, but still lacks ideal athleticism to reach the corner vs. speed and will be forced to open up his hips on the edge in order to push the pass rusher past the play. However, understands angles well, possesses a strong punch and is able to quickly regain his body control after contact. Also, displays above-average lateral quickness when asked to play inside at guard in 2008. Looks comfortable sitting into his stance, sliding his feet and extending his arms.
Showcases improved initial burst off the football in the run game as well. Has the ability to create a jolt on contact, get his hands under the frame of defenders and pump his legs through contact, driving defenders off the football. His instincts are improved from last season, but at times still struggles to locate his target and pick up blitzing defenders. Doesn't exhibit a consistent mean streak either; at times looks content to simply seal on the edge and won't routinely finish his blocks. However, exhibits above-average body control at the second level, does a nice job quickly redirecting and picking up defenders off his frame. Isn't overly rangy, but can chip and quickly break down and seal on a defender off his frame.
Impression: Showcased some noticeable improvement in his game from 2009, showcases better bend and overall leverage off the snap and is a coordinated lineman. Lacks ideal range to play left tackle, but has the power in the run game to certainly warrant consideration as a potential right tackle at the next level."
Looks stiff in his lower half in space and possesses only average range toward the corner. Displays only average range off the edge, looks a lot more balanced this season initially on his kick-slide, but still lacks ideal athleticism to reach the corner vs. speed and will be forced to open up his hips on the edge in order to push the pass rusher past the play. However, understands angles well, possesses a strong punch and is able to quickly regain his body control after contact. Also, displays above-average lateral quickness when asked to play inside at guard in 2008. Looks comfortable sitting into his stance, sliding his feet and extending his arms.
Showcases improved initial burst off the football in the run game as well. Has the ability to create a jolt on contact, get his hands under the frame of defenders and pump his legs through contact, driving defenders off the football. His instincts are improved from last season, but at times still struggles to locate his target and pick up blitzing defenders. Doesn't exhibit a consistent mean streak either; at times looks content to simply seal on the edge and won't routinely finish his blocks. However, exhibits above-average body control at the second level, does a nice job quickly redirecting and picking up defenders off his frame. Isn't overly rangy, but can chip and quickly break down and seal on a defender off his frame.
Impression: Showcased some noticeable improvement in his game from 2009, showcases better bend and overall leverage off the snap and is a coordinated lineman. Lacks ideal range to play left tackle, but has the power in the run game to certainly warrant consideration as a potential right tackle at the next level."
"Pass Blocking: Solid pass protector with a quick set, fluid lateral movement and willingness to go out and punch his man off the snap instead of waiting for the rush to come to him. Usually keeps his feet active and arms extended while engaged. Sustains after initial contact and can anchor against most ends. Good balance to protect the inside lane. Reacts quickly to late blitzers on most plays, escorting them around the pocket with his length. Must become more consistent picking up linebackers off the edge against 3-4 fronts. Gets down well to cut block on quick throws, but needs to get more of his opponent to take him out. Will lunge while recovering from strong initial contact.
Run Blocking: Effective size and mobility to be an extremely effective positional blocker at the next level. Anchors against strong defensive ends well, resets his hands to sustain the block. Moves his feet to wall off backside run support and sustain until the play is away. Also has quick feet to the second level; does more than get in the way, will extend his arms to fully negate linebacker (raises them off the ground at times). Good drive-blocker, churns forward after engaging and will usher his man downfield for seven to 10 yards. Could potential turn defenders out of the hole. Athletic and long enough to block down on tackles and still push blitzing linebackers out of the play. Body control and posture must be more consistent; loses his balance when leaning forward against defensive ends or lunging towards linebackers at the second level. Will get tripped up in trash.
Pulling/Trapping: Effective trapping inside and getting out in front of plays run to side because of his quick feet. Moves around the guard or tight end well for his size, is flexible enough to turn the corner and find a target. Takes out linebackers in space by latching on or laying out his tall frame on cut blocks. Needs to use his hands to get through trash and will get tripped up at times because he leans too far forward. Does not always adjust well to inside defenders; can get a hand on smaller defenders but is best when heading straight for his target.
Initial Quickness: Gets off the snap very well for his size, gets into his opponent if man-up on the outside or tries to get to the linebackers in a hurry. Strong punch and arm extension to pass protect or lock up his man on run plays. Quick kick-slide to mirror most strong-side ends, though not elite in this area; his length allows him to compensate against quicker college defensive ends.
Downfield: Has the mix of hustle and athleticism to get a hand inside on the tackle, push aside a linebacker and reach a safety ten yards downfield on a single run play. Does not always hit inside defenders or other intended targets, however, as quicker defenders will sidestep him because he runs upright. Can be too satisfied just getting in the way, needs to sustain downfield blocks longer to prevent his man from chasing down plays.
Intangibles: Reliable, durable player who consistently gives good effort. One of the team's senior leaders for 2010. Mature, well-liked player with no known character issues. Studies his playbook and constantly looks to improve. Father is a retired Secret Service agent."
Run Blocking: Effective size and mobility to be an extremely effective positional blocker at the next level. Anchors against strong defensive ends well, resets his hands to sustain the block. Moves his feet to wall off backside run support and sustain until the play is away. Also has quick feet to the second level; does more than get in the way, will extend his arms to fully negate linebacker (raises them off the ground at times). Good drive-blocker, churns forward after engaging and will usher his man downfield for seven to 10 yards. Could potential turn defenders out of the hole. Athletic and long enough to block down on tackles and still push blitzing linebackers out of the play. Body control and posture must be more consistent; loses his balance when leaning forward against defensive ends or lunging towards linebackers at the second level. Will get tripped up in trash.
Pulling/Trapping: Effective trapping inside and getting out in front of plays run to side because of his quick feet. Moves around the guard or tight end well for his size, is flexible enough to turn the corner and find a target. Takes out linebackers in space by latching on or laying out his tall frame on cut blocks. Needs to use his hands to get through trash and will get tripped up at times because he leans too far forward. Does not always adjust well to inside defenders; can get a hand on smaller defenders but is best when heading straight for his target.
Initial Quickness: Gets off the snap very well for his size, gets into his opponent if man-up on the outside or tries to get to the linebackers in a hurry. Strong punch and arm extension to pass protect or lock up his man on run plays. Quick kick-slide to mirror most strong-side ends, though not elite in this area; his length allows him to compensate against quicker college defensive ends.
Downfield: Has the mix of hustle and athleticism to get a hand inside on the tackle, push aside a linebacker and reach a safety ten yards downfield on a single run play. Does not always hit inside defenders or other intended targets, however, as quicker defenders will sidestep him because he runs upright. Can be too satisfied just getting in the way, needs to sustain downfield blocks longer to prevent his man from chasing down plays.
Intangibles: Reliable, durable player who consistently gives good effort. One of the team's senior leaders for 2010. Mature, well-liked player with no known character issues. Studies his playbook and constantly looks to improve. Father is a retired Secret Service agent."
"Bio: Two-year starter who lined up at both tackle positions for Florida.
Positive: Big and athletic offensive tackle coming off a slightly disappointing season. Bends his knees, sets with a wide base, and stays square. Quickly gets his hands into opponents, anchors in pass protection, and shows strength at the point. Keeps his feet moving, works run blocks hard, and turns defenders off the line. Keeps his head on a swivel. Has shown enough footwork to slide out and protect the edge on the blitz. Better than average skills blocking in motion.
Negative: Struggled adjusting last season and was exploited by quick opponents. Must make better use of blocking angles. Gets lazy with his hands.
Analysis: Gilbert showed flashes of brilliance as a junior yet never developed further during his senior campaign. He possesses the size and raw skill to start at the next level but must really step up his game and consistently play at a high level."
Positive: Big and athletic offensive tackle coming off a slightly disappointing season. Bends his knees, sets with a wide base, and stays square. Quickly gets his hands into opponents, anchors in pass protection, and shows strength at the point. Keeps his feet moving, works run blocks hard, and turns defenders off the line. Keeps his head on a swivel. Has shown enough footwork to slide out and protect the edge on the blitz. Better than average skills blocking in motion.
Negative: Struggled adjusting last season and was exploited by quick opponents. Must make better use of blocking angles. Gets lazy with his hands.
Analysis: Gilbert showed flashes of brilliance as a junior yet never developed further during his senior campaign. He possesses the size and raw skill to start at the next level but must really step up his game and consistently play at a high level."
"Positives: Good athlete... Versatile... Good size with reasonably long arms... Good arm extension... Good strength... Can anchor well at POA, holds up well versus bull rushers... Very solid pass protector... Very solid lateral movement and slide... Can stay with his blocks but lacks consistency in this area... Very solid run blocker... Displays a solid burst into his run blocks... Flashes good power but will struggle to establish leverage... Good hand punch... Can control defender once locked on, kind of a mauler... Can get to the second level, more of a obstacle than actual blocker in space... Solid flexibility and body control... Very solid balance... Tough... Gives a good effort... NFL Right Tackle.
Negatives: Footwork needs work... Lacks consistency redirecting... Can be slow getting into his pass set... Can be beat by speed... Will lunge to reach the corner and maintain contact... Doesn't possess very good blocking range... Allows defenders inside his frame... Is too often pushed back into the pocket... Doesn't stay on his blocks long enough, not a good finisher... A little awkward looking in space... Doesn't break down consistently well and will miss some moving targets... Doesn't appear to play with a mean streak."
Negatives: Footwork needs work... Lacks consistency redirecting... Can be slow getting into his pass set... Can be beat by speed... Will lunge to reach the corner and maintain contact... Doesn't possess very good blocking range... Allows defenders inside his frame... Is too often pushed back into the pocket... Doesn't stay on his blocks long enough, not a good finisher... A little awkward looking in space... Doesn't break down consistently well and will miss some moving targets... Doesn't appear to play with a mean streak."
"Coming into the season I was less than impressed with the play of Florida offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert and was even more confused due to the fact that in some draft circles he was ranked as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation.
However, after watching him a number of times this year, I still don’t think he’s an NFL-caliber left tackle, but he showcases good enough power, balance and fluidity in my opinion to hold his own on the right side of an NFL offensive line.
He possesses a thick lower half, has a good first step off the football, keeps his base down through contact and knows how to extend his arms under the pad level of defenders and drive his man off the snap. Plus, he showcases good balance not only through the play in the run game, but when asked to redirect and quickly pick up a free man at the second level.
As for the pass game, he isn’t overly rangy off the edge and will get caught having to open up his hips and lunge into blocks toward the corner. However, he displays good body control and can regain his balance quickly. Is a physical, coordinated puncher and does a nice job anchoring at the point and moving his feet through contact. Overall, he’s not in the same class as some of the other top offensive tackle prospects, but this guy definitely has the ability to mature into a potential starting right tackle at the next level."
However, after watching him a number of times this year, I still don’t think he’s an NFL-caliber left tackle, but he showcases good enough power, balance and fluidity in my opinion to hold his own on the right side of an NFL offensive line.
He possesses a thick lower half, has a good first step off the football, keeps his base down through contact and knows how to extend his arms under the pad level of defenders and drive his man off the snap. Plus, he showcases good balance not only through the play in the run game, but when asked to redirect and quickly pick up a free man at the second level.
As for the pass game, he isn’t overly rangy off the edge and will get caught having to open up his hips and lunge into blocks toward the corner. However, he displays good body control and can regain his balance quickly. Is a physical, coordinated puncher and does a nice job anchoring at the point and moving his feet through contact. Overall, he’s not in the same class as some of the other top offensive tackle prospects, but this guy definitely has the ability to mature into a potential starting right tackle at the next level."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Marcus Gilbert
As a Right Tackle, or as a Guard, particularly in a Smash Mouth Scheme, Marcus Gilbert could develop into an excellent LineMan. Projected around the 3rd or 4th Round, he offers potentially exceptional Value to the right team.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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