The New England Patriots have not had much to boast about as of late. However, cornerback Stephon Gilmore can take solace in the fact that he has earned some favorable ratings from Pro Football Focus.

Gilmore has been one of the most reliable players at his position over the last few years. PFF has him graded as the best cornerback in the NFL thus far in the 2018 NFL season:

Gilmore's status among the top of the league may come as a bit of a surprise. He is not often mentioned in the conversation of the best cornerback's in the NFL. However, his numbers this season prove otherwise.

He has registered 41 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions while allowing just 38 catches on 77 targets for 436 yards and five touchdowns. Perhaps even more impressive is that he done this against while guarding every opponent's No. 1 receiver. This includes the likes of Houston Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins, Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown, and Green Bay Packers wideout Davante Adams.

The Patriots went against the norm when they broke the bank to sign Gilmore prior to the 2017 campaign. Fortunately, he has since given them plenty of bang for their back as their No. 1 corner. He also helped lead the defense to Super Bowl last year and has now earned his second career trip to the Pro Bowl. He and quarterback Tom Brady were the only two Patriots to make the cut this year.

Regardless of how the season ends, it is clearly time to start referring to Gilmore as arguably the best corner in the NFL.