2014 NFL Mock Draft: The Chargers Select Justin Gilbert

By Conor Cahill
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Oct 19, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive back Justin Gilbert (4) runs back an intercepted pass against Texas Christian Horned Frogs wide receiver Cam White (88) during the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers have played well enough as of late to fall back into the middle/ second half of the 1st round. However, there is still plenty of talent to be had, and the Chargers could definitely use some of it. According to Matt Miller’s 2014 NFL Mock Draft on BleacherReport.com, (see entire mock draft), the Chargers will select Justin Gilbert with the 15th overall pick.

15. San Diego Chargers—CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

The Chargers are playing well despite holes on both sides of the ball. You might expect to see an offensive lineman here, but that’s not how Tom Telesco and Mike McCoy work. The smart move would be landing a future No. 1 at cornerback, and that’s where Justin Gilbert projects. A big cornerback with smooth feet, Gilbert can be a lockdown man-coverage cornerback and has the ball skills to create turnovers on an island.

Unlike the last mock I posted,

where the Chargers select Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

, I think this could be an effective pick at corner for TT. Gilbert is big, fast, and insanely athletic, but can also make plays on the ball. He is also a great tackler for a corner, which is something this defense also craves. Justin Gilbert looks like a corner in the ‘Darrelle Revis” mold of fast, physical play. He plays in the pass-happy Big 12, so he gets a lot of work on the outside. He even had some experience against

RGIII

,

Andrew Luck

, and

Ryan Tannehill

, picking each of them off. Check out some of his highlights at Oklahoma State:

Gilbert would be a great pick for the mid/ late 1st round, especially if Louis Nix, Khalil Mack, or the quality left tackles are off the board. Either way, I’m excited to watch TT draft again because I have full confidence in him to plug up these defensive holes just as he did on offense.

CC

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