Stephon Gilmore's first season with the New England Patriots in 2017 was a bit of a disappointment, but this past year, he re-assumed his position as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, and Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the top cover corner for 2018.
Stephon Gilmore owns the highest coverage grade among CBs from the 2018 season. pic.twitter.com/TqRFN0PDNZ
— PFF (@PFF) May 23, 2019
Gilmore played in all 16 games this past season, registering 45 tackles, a sack, a couple of interceptions, a couple of forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 20 passes defended en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.
The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 10th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He immediately started all 16 contests for the Bills during his rookie campaign, finishing with 60 tackles, an interception, a pair of forced fumbles, and 16 passes defended.
Gilmore went on to spend the first five years of his career with Buffalo, developing into one of the league's best corners and making his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2016 after totaling 48 tackles, five picks, and 12 passes defended.
That ensuing offseason, the Rock Hill, S.C. native signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots.
His first year in New England was shaky, as he participated in 13 games and logged 50 tackles, a pair of interceptions, and nine passes defended while struggling in coverage.
But, Gilmore did a phenomenal job of bouncing back in 2018, enjoying arguably the best season of his career and helping lead the Pats to their sixth Super Bowl title.
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