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NFL Hot Seat: Justin Gilbert Leads Bust Alerts

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert (21) runs back a kickoff during the first half against the Washington Redskins in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

One year in and it’s clear several picks from the 2014 draft are beginning to separate from the pack, both in good and bad ways.  Based on current arcs, which players could be sitting on the NFL hot seat this season?

Justin Gilbert (CB, Cleveland Browns)

It’s a sad reality but defensive backs have an increased miss rate when taken high in the draft.  Proof positive that it’s not always about talent but also attitude.  Justin Gilbert is proving that.  There was no question the Oklahoma State product was the most gifted corner in the 2014 draft, but time has shown he lacks a certain something that sets the best ones apart.

Is it a lack of work ethic, a lack of confidence or a simple case of not responding to the coaching staff?  Ultimately, it doesn’t matter.  Gilbert is a top 10 pick who is performing nowhere near the level expected of his draft status.  That is what Cleveland Browns fans will focus on until he either corrects it or gets benched.

Bishop Sankey (RB, Tennessee Titans)

Some scouts claimed they saw visions of Emmitt Smith when they watched how Bishop Sankey ran at Washington.  The thing is Smith had a the great fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in history most of his career.  Sankey has not enjoyed that same blessing with the Tennessee Titans, and it’s exposing how limited he is as a runner.

Though he was the first running back drafted in 2014, he was a 2nd round pick and that affords fewer chances than those who go in the 1st.  Unless Sankey finds a way to pick up his game, the Titans have options on their roster now to replace him.

Dee Ford (LB, Kansas City Chiefs)

Anybody remember this guy?  He was on the hype train big time during the combine and pro day portion of the 2014 off-season.  Dee Ford looked like the prototypical 3-4 linebacker with enough athleticism to challenge what Jadeveon Clowney was doing at times.  Yet, like Clowney, Ford has done next to nothing in his NFL career.

He was supposed to be that third rusher to help compliment Justin Houston and Tamba Hali with the long-term outlook of replacing the aging Hali.  However, the second-year linebacker has made little progress from his rookie season, giving way to belief that he was another workout warrior who lacks actual game prowess.

Next: NFL Draft: 10 Biggest Running Back Steals Of All-Time

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