Cleveland, OH – Monday, Aug. 17 (PM)
It’s no secret that Cleveland Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert has struggled since entering the NFL. His performance during joint practices with the Buffalo Bills in Rochester, N.Y., was no exception—he was repeatedly beaten in coverage, highlighting the issues that have plagued him since being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Browns’ decision to trade down from the No. 4 overall pick—passing on standout wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans—to draft Gilbert at No. 8 is looking worse with each passing season. At a time when the team desperately needed help at wide receiver, they instead took a chance on a defensive back whose pro career has failed to take off. In hindsight, it’s a move that continues to haunt former GM Ray Farmer.
But continuing to rehash the missteps of the 2014 NFL Draft serves little purpose at this point. What’s more pressing is the Browns’ current handling of Gilbert. Running him out onto the field, where he’s being routinely embarrassed, is doing more harm than good—to both the team and the player.
Why Benching Gilbert Is the Right Move
Gilbert’s confidence appears to be at an all-time low. Each play he gets burned on is another hit to his self-esteem. While it’s often said that when you fall off the bike you should get back on, Gilbert has fallen off so many times that the “bike” is now symbolic of a wrecked car after a week-long demolition derby. His mental game is fractured, and no amount of live reps right now is going to fix that.
Let’s be clear—Gilbert does have talent. His college résumé at Oklahoma State was impressive enough for the Browns to see first-round potential. But potential alone doesn’t win games. The coaching staff must now take on the responsibility of rebuilding Gilbert’s confidence and refining his skills in a more controlled environment, away from the high-pressure spotlight of live game action.
The Mental Game Matters More Than Ever
Football is as much mental as it is physical, and Gilbert is currently losing the battle before the snap. To expect him to improve without addressing the psychological aspect is not only unrealistic—it’s irresponsible.
Sitting Gilbert down isn’t giving up on him. Quite the opposite—it’s the best chance the Browns have to salvage their significant investment. With time, tailored coaching, and a chance to reset mentally, he could still contribute to this team. But that process won’t begin until he’s removed from the current situation that’s accelerating his decline.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for the Browns
This is what NFL coaches are paid to do—take struggling players, especially high-profile draft picks, and help them find their footing again. It’s time for that process to begin with Justin Gilbert.
Here’s hoping he doesn’t suit up for Tuesday’s practice finale against the Bills. Benching him now may be the only path to him ever standing tall again as a productive member of the Cleveland Browns.
Steve King
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