San Francisco 49ers: Who is linebacker Jimmie Gilbert?
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s “Who Is?” series on 2017 San Francisco 49ers players rolls out our next installment on undrafted free-agent pickup, linebacker Jimmie Gilbert.
The San Francisco 49ers netted two notable Colorado Buffaloes in 2017, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and EDGE Jimmie Gilbert.
Gilbert, of course, was an undrafted free agent — signed to the tune of $62,000 once the draft was finished.
This is pretty good money for an undrafted player, but Gilbert’s collegiate stats are worth evaluating when measuring up against the deal:
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/26/2017.
Those 11 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss his senior season mark the kind of production San Francisco hopes to get out of Gilbert.
While he has a long way to go, and the 49ers front-seven depth is good, Gilbert provides an enticing option heading into training camp.
Let’s see what may be expected.
San Francisco 49ers
Why He’ll Improve
As an edge rusher, Gilbert has some notable talents worth pointing out.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about him:
"Human slinky with exceptional flexibility in hips and upper body to flip around the edge of blockers. Big closing burst to quarterback. Keeps feet moving through a tackle’s initial punch. Strip-sack specialist looks to attack throwing arm when possible."
Indeed, Gilbert’s ability to get to the quarterback and force fumbles is notable. He had six of them last season.
And the signs point to Gilbert having more than just a simple pass-rushing move in his arsenal. He’s flexible, uses his speed and can get around the edge in a hurry.
Why He’ll Regress
Gilbert’s 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame is a little too lean and lanky for a prototypical edge rusher. And he might have difficulty adding more weight in a serviceable fashion.
He won’t be used in run-stopping situations either. Tackling isn’t his forte, and the Niners are likely viewing him strictly as a situational pass-rusher. The lack of strength — he benched pressed only 12 reps — means he’ll have difficulty trying to take down ball carriers at the NFL level. And it will limit his abilities to get past blockers who are able to engage him.
What to Expect in 2017
San Francisco likely has its defensive front figured out, the only exception being the LEO position between Arik Armstead and Aaron Lynch.
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Still, Gilbert is a long ways away from having a chance to compete for a spot here. Even on the depth chart. Guys like Ronald Blair and Pita Taumoepenu are already slated ahead of him, in terms of depth.
The 49ers may like the idea of stashing Gilbert on the practice squad, hoping he’s able to add some bulk and strength to his lanky frame.
Next: Top 10 49ers who'll have the biggest impact in 2017
If he can develop nicely there, the Niners may have a decent pass-rushing specialist in the works.