Can Feisty CB Zyon Gilbert Win a Giants Roster Spot?

With so many new additions in the secondary, can Zyon Gilbert crack into the 53-man roster?

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
Jun 1, 2023 3:00 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

Zyon Gilbert, Cornerback

Height: 6-foot | Weight: 193 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 3 / GS 1, 14 Tackles, 1 Sack

Cornerback Zyon Gilbert was a do-everything defensive back at Florida Atlantic University. During his five-year career for the Owls, he played in 60 games and was considered one of the best defensive backs in Conference USA over his final three seasons.

Gilbert lined up all over the field down in Boca Raton, logging starts at perimeter cornerback, nickel, free, and strong safety. Most likely, that versatility attracted the Giants, who gave him a three-year $2.56 million contract as an undrafted free agent.

When New York was struck with many injuries in the defensive backfield last season, Gilbert had his number called to fill a role on the defense. During the back half of the season, he made three appearances on the active roster for the Giants.

His first appearance was a Week 13 start against Washington. Gilbert tallied 56 snaps and made seven tackles. In Week 14, he recorded his first sack. In Week 17, he made his final appearance of the season against the Colts.

It was clear that he was impressive enough to gain playing time but not impressive enough to keep the Giants from loading up on the position in the offseason. Now Gilbert finds himself in a defensive back room with 18 other guys, including three 2023 draft picks and two free-agent signings. The competition will be stiff to earn a spot in this defensive backfield in 2023.

Best Case Scenario

Gilbert will need to show his versatility in training camp. It is simply too crowded at cornerback to think he has a realistic chance of making this squad primarily as a cornerback.

His experience playing all over the field allows him to be a super sub who can fill in all over the field. He will need to show that he can also be a reliable asset on special teams, which he should be able to do based on his tackling ability and physical nature. That would allow him to backdoor into a roster spot and, once he's there, work his way up the depth chart.

Worst Case Scenario

If we assume health and that no players get traded away or cut, there are probably eight spots already accounted for. That is before you include the two free-agent signings and two late-round draft picks.

This is where not being a specialist could work against Gilbert. NFL teams normally keep ten defensive backs on a roster. The Giants may keep 11 because they simultaneously play so much with five and six on the field. Even if they keep one more than the typical team, only three spots are available.

Gilbert could just find himself on the outside looking in based on the team's value on the free-agent signings and new draftees. He will be up against legitimate starting experience and the allure of the unknown. That might leave him outside the room.

What to Expect in 2023

The defensive backfield was disappointing last season. Part of that was due to injury, and the other was due to inconsistent play. Players like Cordell Flott and Aaron Robinson have yet to show what they can do thanks to injuries. Amani Oruwariye came to New York for a fresh start to prove he could be a starter in this league.

Mix them with the incumbents, and seeing a place for Gilbert on the roster becomes difficult. Add the presence of the late rookies, and it may be difficult for Gilbert to find a place on the practice squad, making the 2023 season one in which Gilbert could end up with a different team this fall.