IDP Spotlight- Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills
Bee Salamat, Rosterwatch.com Lead IDP Analyst

With the 10th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select CB Stephon Gilmore, from South Carolina. Arguably the best cover corner in the draft, Gilmore and had an impressive career as a Gamecock.

In three seasons at South Carolina, Gilmore racked up a total of 181 tackles (140 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 7 interceptions, 23 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Seven sacks coming from the cornerback position is impressive and goes to show he’ll attack the QB and get behind the line of scrimmage. He’s already stood out in since rookie camp and continued it through training camp, where it didn’t take long for him to impress his teammates.

Gilmore has excellent man-to-man coverage, and good lateral speed. He can cover ground- and quick. During camp then-WR Derek Hagan was open, then out of nowhere Gilmore closes in and breaks up the pass. Quite a few people may say there’s some pressure on Gilmore’s shoulders since he’s a rookie and he’s starting as the CB1 with Aaron Williams opposite.

You’re wondering how impressive Gilmore has been through rookie camp up until training camp, this is what Bills #1 WR, Stevie Johnson had to say about the rookie:

“I think Stephon has what it takes to be an elite cornerback in this league.”

I believe Johnson, and Gilmore was busy covering Johnson all through rookie camp and training camp. Gilmore was my favorite cornerback in the 2012 NFL Draft, I loved his ball-hawking skills, attitude and press coverage. To me, he had it all. He just has to continue to work and want to improve.

In the IDP world, Gilmore rarely gets drafted, but if your league scores for return yardage he’s one to keep an eye on as he’s expected to return kicks as well. For now, Gilmore fits the bill of a DB2 or DB3 with upside of a DB1. If you’re waiting to see what this kid can do, he’ll be on Santonio Holmes in week 1.

Gilmore will become the Bills playmaker from the cornerback position, he can become their “Charles Woodson.” The one who does a little bit of everything on the defensive side of the ball, whether its attacking the QB or sticking to the opponent’s best WR. He’s definitely one to keep on your roster, especially in a dynasty league.