Rankings:
Nawrocki: #26 quarterback. Grade: 4.50, solid free agent capable of being invited to an NFL training camp.
DraftCountdown.com: #252 player overall, #12 quarterback. Late round-free agent grade.
Scouts Inc.: #315 player overall, #16 quarterback. Grade: 31, borderline draft prospect.
Biography/Honors:
2013: Started 10 games. 335 for 504 (66.5%), 3,528 yards (10.4 ypc), 21 TDs, 7 INTs. Ran for 267 yards on 83 carries (3.2 ypc) for 6 TDs. Also punted six times for a 39.3-yard average.
2012: Transferred to SMU and could play immediately because he earned a degree at Texas. Started all 13 games. 268 for 506 (53.0%), 2,932 yards (10.9 ypc), 15 TDs, 15 INTs. Ran for 346 yards on 94 carries (3.7 ypc), with 8 TDs. Threw for 5 TDs against Rutgers and ran for two others. Threw 4 TDs and ran for two more against Temple. Had a 500-yard passing game, two 400-yard games and five 300-yard games.
2011: Redshirted (medical) after two games.
2010: (Texas) Started all 12 games. 260 for 441 (59.0%), 2,744 yards (10.6 ypc), 10 TDs, 17 INTs. Also ran for 380 yards on 100 carries (3.8 ypc), with 5 TDs.
2009: Played in 10 games for Texas. 30 for 66 (45.5%), 310 yards (10.3 ypc), 2 TDs, 4 INTs. Played most of 2010 BCS "Championship" game after Colt McCoy was injured, going 15-40 for 186 yards, 2 TDs and 4 INTs. (Texas lost 37-21).
Academics: Earned degree in sports management in 2012.
Off-field:
Father, Gale, also a quarterback, had an eight-year NFL career with the Seahawks, Bills and Chargers.
Injuries:
2011: Missed most of season due to shoulder injury.
2013: Missed two games due to knee injury.
Twitter handle: @QBGGilbert
Pro Day Stats:
(2014 Combine averages for quarterbacks in parentheses)
(Not invited to NFL Combine)
40-yard dash: 4.83 (4.85)
Broad jump: 9'9" (9'1" – Gilbert would have had 2nd-best jump by a QB)
3-cone drill: 7.43 (7.13 – Gilbert would have had 2nd-worst time by a QB)
20-yard shuttle: 4.41 (4.29)
Scouting Report:
Ideal size, a big arm and all the physical tools you look for in a QB. Has the arm strength to make all the throws and is sound mechanically. Knows when to take a little something off a pass. Mentally and physically tough and willing to hang in the pocket as long as he has to. Determined runner with above-average foot speed. Has confidence and a short memory. Can take a hit. Overcame adversity early in career to become a team leader.
Turns the ball over too often. Puts too many balls up for grabs and does not protect ball well when he runs. Doesn't throw well on the move and needs to get his footwork fixed. Accuracy is inconsistent and especially bad when he's under pressure. Not an accurate deep thrower. Did a lot of short passing; doesn't drive the ball downfield well. Gets too many passes blocked at the line. His mental approach to games has been questioned. Doesn't get through his progressions quickly. Doesn't recognize blitzes well. Needs to improve his reads. Must improve his poise and decision-making. Hands are a little small. Has had to learn three different offenses. QBs and WRs who play in systems like SMU's often have a hard time picking up pro playbooks. Compares to: Mike Glennon
Fun Facts:
Garrett played in a BCS "Championship" game; his father Gale played in five straight Super Bowls, with the Bills and Chargers. The Gilberts are 0-and-6 in those games. Garrett did at least win two state football titles in high school. He is also Texas' all-time passing yardage leader.
RamView:
As a developmental prospect, Gilbert looks like a pretty good pickup. With his size, arm and skillset, he has good potential to be at least a pretty reliable backup in a couple of years. The Rams, though, were expected to pick up a more polished, pro-ready QB who could take over right away if necessary. If they were trying to do that, they missed the boat. Thumbs down to the Rams moreso than to Gilbert. The plan, the execution or both did not look to be there on this goal.
Sources: NFL Draft 2014 Preview (Nolan Nawrocki), NFLDraftScout.com, DraftCountdown.com (Scott Wright), Scouts Inc., Austin Statesman, SMU athletics, Sports-Reference.com, Sports Illustrated, Ramview (Mike Franke)