Every year there are NFL draft prospects who fly under the radar. These are players who are typically productive in college or incredibly athletic but have some gaps in their skill set push them down in the draft. It can also be a case where a player can only fit in a particular role in a particular scheme which limits opportunities.
This seems to be the case for Akron linebacker Ulysees Gilbert. But he might just be a fit for what the Steelers want to do. He’s met with the Steelers and there is a good reason why.
In studying Gilbert’s game, he’s very much a linebacker/safety tweener. He’s got better length than his height would indicate and he’s learned to make up for his lack of size with speed and physical aggression. But if he’s going to play for the Steelers, he needs to be sound in coverage and he’s fairly inconsistent in this area.
Gilbert is definitely a player who could benefit from NFL coaching and a quality strength program. If the Steelers can get him late enough, he’s a solid project player but nothing more.
