Stephon Gilmore was ranked 9th on the NFL Top 100 list this season, which was second among defensive players. Gilmore rose 13 spots from his 22nd ranking a year ago, highlighting the improvement of his game. The ranking is historic for Gilmore as he is the highest-ranked cornerback since Richard Sherman in 2014. Furthermore, Gilmore joins Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski as the only Patriots players to be ranked in the top-ten in the history of the franchise. Gilmore’s ranking further proves that he is the best cornerback in the NFL.
Stephon Gilmore cemented himself as the best cornerback in football in 2019. Gilmore dominated the season by having six interceptions, two touchdowns, and a fumble recovery. Gilmore reached the level of Darrelle Revis and Deion Sanders as he was able to shut down the best receivers in the league. Gilmore held Amari Cooper to zero catches in their matchup this season, which is incredible considering Cooper was ranked 49th on the NFL Top 100 list. Gilmore’s touchdowns were also impressive as he scored more touchdowns than he gave up. Gilmore’s season culminated in him being named First Team All-Pro and the Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore’s Defensive Player of the Year was historic as he was the only cornerback to win it this decade. Not even Darrelle Revis or Richard Sherman won it this decade. To put the award into perspective, only five cornerbacks have ever won the award, with players including Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson. Gilmore has put himself in a historic group as he can now be mentioned with Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson.
Gilmore’s ranking highlights that the players acknowledge that he is the best cornerback in the NFL. Gilmore has been on an impressive run, and his game speaks for itself. Since 2017 Gilmore has allowed the third-lowest completion percentage among cornerbacks with 50%. Furthermore, Gilmore was the highest-rated cornerback in 2018 and second highest in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. The recognition for Gilmore is deserved, even though he isn’t outspoken. The one thing I love about Gilmore is how he is all about business and doesn’t worry about where he is ranked. You never hear Gilmore boasting about how he is the best cornerback in football because he lets his game do the talking. The players are highlighting that Gilmore is the best cornerback in football because they ranked him in the top-ten. Gilmore doesn’t need to boast about his game because the players do it for him. A moment from the NFL Top 100 episode that stuck out to me, was when Tre’Davious White was breaking down one of Gilmore’s interceptions. When breaking down the interception, White said “Playing Cincinnati, made a pick-six, playing cover-0, playing outside leverage. Do you know how hard that is? I think he’s probably the only guy doing that.” White went on to say how that play made him want to work harder, which I found interesting because some people say that he is a challenger to Gilmore for the best corner in football. Gilmore has reached a level where fellow players are amazed by his plays.
Patriots fans should continue to expect the same level of play from Gilmore. Gilmore is only 29 years old and is entering the prime of his career. I expect Gilmore to challenge for the Defensive Player of the Year again next season as he will be shutting down the games’ best receivers. Gilmore has entered the conversation of best cornerback of the decade and people shouldn’t hesitate to mention him with Darrelle Revis or Deion Sanders. The players got Gilmore’s ranking right as he is a top-ten player in the NFL. Patriots fans should continue to enjoy Gilmore’s greatness next season as he will be one of the few bright spots.
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