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2021 NFL Draft: Mark Gilbert Player Profile

After finishing a successful career at Duke University Mark Gilbert will continue his path in the 2021 NFL Entry Draft

Mark Gilbert 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’0.1
Weight: 186 lbs
School: Duke University

Pro Day Stats

Hand: 08 3/4
Arm: 31 1/4
Wingspan: 76 1/4
40-Yard Dash: 4.48
20-Yard Dash: 2.60
10-Yard Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 13
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10’10”
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.38
3-Cone Drill: 7.10

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Mark Gilbert 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Overview

Born on June 1st, 1997, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Mark Gilbert attended Terry Sanford High School. He was rated by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, 247Sports.com, and Scout.com as a three-star prospect. Espn.com rated him as the U.S’s 37th-best cornerback, 42nd by Scout.com, 53rd by 247Sports.com, and 62nd by Rivals.com. Scout.com also rated Gilbert as the second-best cornerback prospect in the state. He received the Laurel Wreath Award and represented North Carolina in the Shrine Bowl in the Carolinas. Gilbert received NCPreps.com All-State Team Honors as a senior and helped lead his team to a second Cape Fear Valley 3-A Conference title. He committed to Duke University.

In his first freshman season, Gilbert completed 14 solo and four assisted tackles. As a true freshman, Gilbert had 19 solo and 16 assisted tackles with six interceptions of seven yards. In his sophomore year, Gilbert completed four solo tackles. As a junior, Gilbert missed the entire season due to injury. As a senior, Gilbert completed seven solo and one assisted tackled with one interception.

Gilbert received Second-Team Freshman All-ACC honors by Athlon Sports. He was a 2017 First-Team All-ACC selection. In the sophomore season, Gilbert injured his left hip, which prematurely ended his season. During his junior season, Gilbert has season-ending left hip surgery on September 9, 2018.  In his 29 game career at Duke University, Gilbert completed 65 tackles, five for loss, seven interceptions, and 17 pass break-ups. Gilbert shares the school single-season record with Erwin Simpson with 15 pass break-ups in his true freshman season. He was invited to the NFL Combine.

Strengths

  • Good hands for catching interceptions or knocking down passes
  • Playing basketball in high school helped to develop his jumping/leaping prowess
  • Has a good read on passes made downfield
  • Quick and athletic with the ability to keep up with receivers
  • In 2017, he broke up 15 passes and had six interceptions

Weaknesses

  • Can be overaggressive at times leading to unnecessary penalties
  • Has a detailed injury history (hip and foot)
  • Injuries have limited his time on the field
  • He will be an older rookie as he will be 24
  • Can get pushed around due to being on the smaller side

Player Comparison: Tre’Davious White

Teams With Need At Position: Buffalo BillsArizona CardinalsLos Angeles RamsNew Orleans SaintsDetroit Lions

Draft Projection: Seventh Round

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Bottom Line on Mark Gilbert

Unfortunately for Gilbert, injuries have most certainly hurt his chances of being drafted above the final round or being drafted at all. He has incredible athletic talent and awareness for covering receivers and defending passes. He had an amazing 2017 season; however, those injuries may have affected his speed and flexibility. The fact that he has lost so much playing time on the field is of great concern. If not the last round, Gilbert will be a priority free agent for a team looking to swing for the fences.

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