Garrett Gilbert could be the Buccaneers secret in May’s draft by Kyle Marks April 3, 2014
Colt McCoy and Garrett Gilbert What jumps out first about Garrett Gilbert, who quarterbacked SMU the past two seasons, may be a series of years at Texas that would make one simply “skip” over him altogether. Yes, Gilbert struggled and struggled often at Texas compiling a line of stats including a completion percentage 56.7 percent, 13 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.Gilbert transferred after his third season at Texas — a year in which he was no longer the starter — to SMU. Year one at SMU was not much better for Gilbert, a one to one ratio for touchdowns to interceptions and another lackluster completion percentage of 53 percent.Something changed during Gilbert’s second year at SMU. Gilbert saw an increase in accuracy and production capping off the 2013 season with a completion percentage of 66.5 percent, 21 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions.Why would Garrett Gilbert pique the interest of the Buccaneers?Gilbert has a very good overall skill set but needs a lot of refinement. The specific traits that would be appealing to the Buccaneers are very easy to spot with Gilbert. Gilbert has a quick release, gets through his progressions and appeared to have a good feel for when to make plays on his own. Gilbert isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket, has good habits of staying in until the pressure is on top of him in which case, he does a good job of evading. Gilbert has good ball velocity to all levels and has good functional arm strength. Gilbert’s struggles appear to stem from a poor base at times and sketchy footwork. He has a habit to force the ball and will take some risks but really stepped up his level of play in 2013.
Another area where Gilbert shines is mobility. Given the Buccaneers interest in Josh McCown and bringing him in to be the starter, Gilbert would be a prime candidate to come later in the draft and sit behind McCown while learning the nuances of the game. Gilbert gets out of the pocket to extend plays and even makes some, as you see below, with his own two feet.
Gilbert has gone under the radar in college despite receiving high praise coming out of high school. He is scheduled to work out for Tampa Bay in the coming weeks and could be the Buccaneers’ secret in this year’s draft. With multiple offensive coordinators and a school change now behind him, could he see better days ahead wearing pewter and red?Follow Kyle on Twitter: @Kmarks24_Bucs http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/garrett_gilbert_could_be_the_buccaneers_secret_in_mays_draft/16159564?linksrc ="story_team_tampa_bay_buccaneers_auto_module_head_16159564"
