Versatility is something not every defender has. If you are a bruising defensive tackle, you can’t switch to play cornerback every other snap. For the few special players that are able to slot into multiple positions, there can be ample opportunities to contribute. Such is the case for Tyrell Gilbert, who is a hybrid-style safety/linebacker. He is not solely a member of the secondary, nor is he just a guy on the front seven.
After playing safety pretty much exclusively in his first two years for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Gilbert played some strong side linebacker last year, competing with Jarell White for the starting job down the stretch.