STRENGTHS: At just shy of 240 pounds, Richard Gilbert comes in as the largest back in this draft class. A downhill runner, Gilbert is deceptively fast given his size and physical strength. He hits the hole hard and fast, and does not hesitate to utilize his combination of speed and size to run straight through defenders. Described by former coaches and teammates as a high motor guy, Gilbert was not known for causing issues in the locker room, often being described as quiet and almost robotic in his approach to football. As one coach put it “you’d be lucky if you got more than a handful of words out of him without directly asking him, but that competitive spirit was always in his eyes”.
WEAKNESSES: While Gilbert displays impressive speed for his size, his quickness is about what you would expect. Often he will attempt to go north/south through multiple defenders where he would be better served going east/west around them. While his size should help make him an effective blocker, poor technique leaves him worse off. Not reliable as a receiver out of the backfield due to relatively poor catching ability. Will need additional conditioning to become more than a situational back.
OVERALL: Richard Gilbert is the archetypal one-cut back. He is fast enough to break off big runs, but does not have the break-away speed to finish them. Given his poor pass catching ability, blocking technique, and mediocre endurance, Gilbert should generally be kept out of passing situations. He will need to continue developing if he is to become more than an early down/short yardage back, but has the drive to develop into a more complete back. As such, his role and ability to contribute may be severely limited when playing from behind.
FINAL VERDICT: While promising, certain skill limitations and the current valuation of running backs mean Richard Gilbert is projected as a late-mid round pick.
WC:322
WEAKNESSES: While Gilbert displays impressive speed for his size, his quickness is about what you would expect. Often he will attempt to go north/south through multiple defenders where he would be better served going east/west around them. While his size should help make him an effective blocker, poor technique leaves him worse off. Not reliable as a receiver out of the backfield due to relatively poor catching ability. Will need additional conditioning to become more than a situational back.
OVERALL: Richard Gilbert is the archetypal one-cut back. He is fast enough to break off big runs, but does not have the break-away speed to finish them. Given his poor pass catching ability, blocking technique, and mediocre endurance, Gilbert should generally be kept out of passing situations. He will need to continue developing if he is to become more than an early down/short yardage back, but has the drive to develop into a more complete back. As such, his role and ability to contribute may be severely limited when playing from behind.
FINAL VERDICT: While promising, certain skill limitations and the current valuation of running backs mean Richard Gilbert is projected as a late-mid round pick.
WC:322