How Much Is Stephon Gilmore Really Worth?

The NFL has been pretty quiet the past couple of weeks since mini-camp finished up, but there are still some "elephants in the room" as far as contract situations go. Buffalo has a few of them on their hand, such as Tyrod Taylor and Stephon Gilmore. The focus right now is on Gilmore's contract, as he has threatened to miss time if a new deal does not get done soon. Gilmore is an excellent corner who has displayed some amazing skill over his tenure here in Buffalo, and it's time he gets paid. Overall, what will Buffalo be willing to pay, and more importantly, what is he worth? Let's break it down.

There are three main categories in which I value players. Each category is rated out 1-5 (5 of course being the best). At the end, the overall grade of the player will result in how I value said player.

Pass Defense: 4/5

Stephon Gilmore is excellent in coverage, more so man-to-man. He is a physical cornerback who can frustrate receivers (ex. Odell Beckham Jr.) as well as hold his own with any receiver. This past season, Gilmore posted 3 picks, 36 tackles, and an impressive 18 passes defended in 12 games. He will challenge a receiver, and adjusts well to the ball.  He needs to continue to work on his game though, as Gilmore still struggles with reading shorter routes, such as curls. Overall, his Pass Defense rating is a 4, as he could still perfect his game.

Run Defense: 3.5/5

Gilmore, as stated above, is a very physical cornerback who is not scared to try and lay a big hit. Gilmore does not play a big role in the run defense as Buffalo's front 7 has been dominant over the past few seasons. Still, his ability to lay a big hit along with his speed allows him to make a stop when needed. His run defense is rated a 3 as his tackling is not perfect, and he is often blocked out of plays. Gilmore needs to utilize his strength to break into the route of the runningback to make a tackle. 

Tackling: 3.5/5

Despite Gilmore being able to lay out a huge hit at times, his tackling is not the greatest. He is a solid tackler, and relies on technique and form to make a successful tackle. He needs to improve his tackling in space, but overall, his tackling is acceptable.

Injuries: 3/5

Stephon Gilmore's career has had a lot of injuries, and that may be his biggest downfall as a cornerback. He's missed 11 total games in his 4 year career, having a perfect 16/16 games played only in his rookie year. He's had mainly upper body injuries, such as wrist and shoulder injuries. He's gotta learn to stay on the field to optimize his usage and prove how consistent he can be.

Overall: 14/20

I'm grading Stephon Gilmore at a 14/20, which although it seems low, I give more weight to his excellent pass coverage and physical aspect he brings to the game. Gilmore plays a tough game of football, and deserves a big payday for sure. He has the potential, with a few tweaks to his game and of course, health, to become a top 5 cornerback in the NFL. So, that brings up a question, as perhaps a top 10 corner in the NFL, how much is he worth? 

Ideal Contract: 5 years/$12.5M per year.

This is the type of contract I would offer to Gilmore. In my opinion, he is not worth $14m-$15m, especially with 2nd year product Ronald Darby on the rise. It will be interesting to see what Buffalo does, but this is where I value Gilmore.

Stats: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GilmSt00.htm\

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Image #2: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills Mini-camp Wrap-up

As the Summer finally arrives, the Buffalo Bills have just finished their mandatory mini-camp. A lot went down over the past 3 days, and the Bills believe it's set them up for a great training camp in July. “We’ve won the offseason. I will challenge any team. I think we won the offseason, but we need to win July,” Rex Ryan stated today at practice. The Bills have put in a lot of preparation, and are ready for July to roll around. Let's take a look at some key storylines of the Mini-camp.

Robert Woods Impresses:
The 4th year WR looks to make a big leap this season after being plagued by a groin injury nearly all last season. He's had an excellent mini-camp, looking quick, moving well, and making some highlight reel plays. In addition, his route running has also looked solid. Buffalo has a lot of WR's on the roster, and the competition will really be heating up heading into training camp. Buffalo will truly have a tough decision on who to name the #2 receiver behind Sammy Watkins, but odds are, a healthy Woods could be the guy.

Stephon Gilmore Shows Up:
Gilmore is also entering his 4th year in the NFL, and he's been adamant on his contract situation. Arguably a top 10 CB in the NFL, Gilmore is looking for his big payday, much like Marcell Dareus got last season. Gilmore showed up for the mini-camp after sitting out all of the OTA's. Gilmore is a huge piece to the Buffalo Bills defense, but if they can't come to terms soon, he may be on his way out. Him showing up to mini-camp shows he's willing to cooperate with the team, although he still is standing strong on his desire for a new contract.

Karlos Williams Out Of Shape:
The 2nd year RB showed up to mini-camp far from ideal football shape. Karlos had a long offseason, as he was taking care of his pregnant wife, often partaking in her cravings, it seems. "He's nowhere close to where he needs to be," Rex Ryan said. The Bills backfield is stacked, and if Karlos doesn't get himself into shape soon, his role could be taken over by the likes of Mike Gillislee, rookie Jonathan Williams, or James Wilder Jr. It will be interesting if Williams can return to the shape he was last year, and continue his short, yet promising career.


The Bills are done with any on-field activity until July's training camp. It will be a long wait, but there will be a lot to look forward to. It's only a matter of time until the Bills return for the 2016 season. Thanks for reading, and as always, let's go Buffalo!

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Image #2: http://www.buffalobills.com/assets/images/imported/BUF/photos/centerpiece-2016/05-may/karlos-williams-story.jpg

Top Bills News This Week (5/27-6/2)

It's officially June, and as the days go by, we are getting closer to the football season. The Summer is always a slow time, but with OTA's, roster improvements, and injury news, there's always a little something to talk about. Here is this weeks top Bills news.

Roster Moves: 

There haven't been too many moves as expected, besides the rookie signings mid-May, but the Bills added depth to their LB core by signing former Packer and Jet, Jamari Lattimore. The 2011 undrafted FA is 27 years old, and looks to add some needed depth to the Bills while Shaq Laqson recovers from injury. The product, from Middle Tennessee State University, has some size and speed to him, which will fit Rex's tough defensive scheme perfectly. Lattimore will be able to get to the QB, and he'll be fighting for a roster spot throughout the summer. 

OTA News:

Marcell Dareus and Charles Clay are back at practice. Both are key pieces of this offense this upcoming season. Dareus will be trying to help bring the defense back to top 10 form, while Clay will look to keep the rushing game #1 by using his big body to block and open up holes. It's always good to get great players back in the mix, even if it's practice.

Seantrel Henderson will also be making his return to the team after missing extended time last season and most of the offseason so far with Crohn's Disease. He's been recovering for some time now, and will look to take back his spot at RT, as Jordan Mills has been keeping it warm for him.

Injury News:

In addition to Henderson returning, Sammy Watkins is also making progress, about a month and a half after his foot surgery. He said he's hoping to get the boot off [Thursday], and that he is just listening to the coaching staff. Sammy Watkins will also be a key cog this year, as usual, so it's important that he receives the proper medical treatment and follows proper protocol to get back ASAP. 

That about wraps it up for the key Bills news this week. There will definitely be more coming in the future weeks. Thanks for reading, and as always, let's go Buffalo!

Image #1: http://www.buffalobills.com/assets/images/imported/BUF/photos/article-assets/Story-Photos/2016-05/ota-notes-marcell.jpg

Image #2: http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Jets-Bills-Football_News.jpg