Akron linebacker Ulysees Gilbert was in Green Bay for an official pre-draft visit with the Packers on Tuesday.
Gilbert, who impressed at the East-West Shrine Game in January, tallied 353 tackles, 28.5 tackles for losses, 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and five return touchdowns over 51 career games at Akron, tying the school record for games played.
Gilbert (6-0, 224) was a three-time All-MAC pick. His best season came in 2017 when he delivered 141 tackles, 9.5 tackles for losses, five sacks, three interceptions, seven pass breakups and two return touchdowns.
Gilbert put himself firmly on the map for the NFL draft with an exceptional pro day workout last month. He ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds, hit 39.5″ in the vertical and 10-6 in the broad, did 20 reps on the bench press and finished the three-cone drill in 6.94 seconds. The Packers had representatives in Akron for the workout.
Although undersized as a linebacker and built more like a safety, Gilbert has the movement ability, coverage experience and special teams production to be an asset at the next level. He could be an especially good fit as the hybrid, subpackage linebacker the Packers have used on defense the last few seasons.
Most have Gilbert pegged as a late-round pick or priority free agent.
