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[Top 50] # 34: Stephon Gilmore, all-track defender | Touchdown Actu (NFL Actu)

From May 15 to July 3, TDActu presents its Top 50 NFL players. To arrive at this ranking, each member of the editorial staff voted for the 50 players they would like to have on their team to start the coming season. These rankings were then compiled to form the final Top 50. The opportunity to debate, but also to present 50 profiles to those new to the NFL.

Stephon Gilmore – Cornerback – Patriots

ID card : 30 years old – 1.85m – 91 kilos

Draft : n ° 10 in the 1st round of the 2012 Draft – South Carolina

CV : Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, 2x All-Pro First Team (2018 and 2019) and 3x Pro-Bowl Selected (2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020).

Stats 2020 : 11 games played, 11 times started, 37 tackles, 1 interception, 3 defended passes and 1 forced fumble.

Career stats: 124 games played, 122 starts, 359 tackles, 25 interceptions, 114 defended passes, 2 TDs, 1 sack, 7 forced fumbles and 2 covered fumbles.

Why is he here?

Because it belongs to a rare, endangered species: shutdowns cornerbacks. That is to say the defenders able to follow a receiver everywhere while completely extinguishing his impact on the game. They are rare in this league to be able to do it at a high level (most are in this ranking) and Stephon Gilmore is one of those -the. Even if his 2020 season was mixed, in particular because of a knee injury which reduced it, he remains among the cornerbacks most feared by opposing pitchers.

The Patriot is able to follow any type of receiver anywhere on the field. An invaluable weapon for Bill Belichick. Often, the coach opts for a two-man take on the opposing top receiver and leaves Gilmore to fend for himself with forward number two. The former South Carolina often wins his duel thanks to his physical qualities – he is great for his position – but also his game intelligence.

Characteristics that allowed him to pocket the title of defender of the year in 2019. A trophy rarely awarded to a defensive back. You have to go back to 2010, and Troy Polamalu, to see a defensive back register his name on the charts (2009 for a cornerback, Charles Woodson). That is to say the performance. The icing on the cake, Stephon Gilmore also knows how to be decisive in hot times. During the last title won by New England, the Patriots can thank their cornerback who knew how to make high class actions. Like this turnover caused at the Super Bowl.

What objective in 2021

Above all else, he must regain his health. At 100%, he allows his coach to build a defensive scheme around him. Especially with JC Jackson, he can once again form one of the best cornerback duo in the league. “Can” because we are not yet quite sure that Stephon Gilmore is a Patriot at the start of the season.

For several months, rumors of transfers have been rife. Bill Belichick and the leaders have already had discussions, last year in particular, to send their cornerback to another team via a trade. This summer, the old Bill could well become a bargaining chip… (to attract Julio Jones why not?). In any case, no matter what jersey he wears in 2021, he will do his team a lot of good.

Heard in the editorial

“Gilmore is like good wine: it gets better with age. “ – Victor Roullier.

“The best shutdown cornerback in the league. “ – Mehdi Julien.

The general classification

34. Darious Leonard – LB, Chargers
35. Tre’Davious White – CB, Bills
37. Joey Bosa – DE, Chargers
38. Mike Evans – WR, Buccaneers
39. Julio Jones – WR, Falcons
40. Justin Simmons – S, Broncos
41. Zack Martin – OG, Cowboys
42. Alvin Kamara – RB, Saints
43. Chandler Jones – DE, Cardinals
44. Jamal Adams – S, Seahawks
45. Chase Young – DE, Football Team
46. Lavonte David – LB, Buccaneers
47. Nick Chubb – RB, Browns
48. Corey Linsley – C, Chargers
49. Lamar Jackson – QB, Ravens
50. Fred Warner – LB, 49ers

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