The Browns, after initially moving back from the fourth overall pick to net a 2015 first-round pick, surprisingly selected Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert. Gilbert -- listed at 6'0, 202 pounds -- will likely step in to start immediately for Cleveland.
NFL Draft 2014: Justin Gilbert looks to give Browns fearsome defensive secondary
Defense wins championships.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The bottom line goal with this pick, and one could argue about whether or not he's the top cornerback in the draft, is to try to build a physical, tough, shutdown pass defense in the mold of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
During this offseason, Cleveland has gone out and signed free agent safety Donte Whitner, a physical hitter in the Kam Chancellor mod, and now drafted Gilbert, who will pair with All-Pro corner Joe Haden, one of the best in the game. It's a proven formula, and one that the Browns' front office obviously believes in.
Gilbert is a physical freak with fluid athleticism and has shown he can be a ball hawk on the outside. After registering seven picks and seven pass breakups in 2013, the Browns will count on him early as opponents look away from Haden’s side. An intriguing pick, for sure, and the Browns still have a lot of ammo to use this weekend.
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