New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore is Belichick’s greatest defensive player

Stephon Gilmore is playing at an all-time level now with the New England Patriots.

Last season, in his second with the New England Patriots, Stephon Gilmore put himself in the conversation of being the best cornerback in the league.

This label is often talked about every year around the league because it such a well-earned title considering the talent level of wide receivers in the NFL. Since then, Gilmore has risen his game even further.

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Now there really shouldn’t even be a conversation anymore. “The Gilly Lock” has risen far and above everyone else. He has that shutdown label, where most opposing quarterbacks don’t even like looking his way.

He remains tied for fourth so far this season with 4 interceptions and has allowed the lowest reception rate from CB’s with 70+ targets at 48.6 percent. He has given up 0 touchdowns, 401 yards and an average of 12.0 yards per catch.

All numbers that put him on a different planet compared to other corners. No Bill Belichick player through his historic run in New England has put up these kind of numbers.

If he can contain Tyreek Hill this Sunday, Gilmore will ultimately staple his Defensive Player of the Year campaign.

It is also worth mentioning that he and DeAndre Hopkins exchanged some words following Sunday night’s loss in Houston. Hopkins posted a tweet implying the Patriots limited him by doubling defenders on him the whole game. While Gilmore corrected him by saying he was only double-teamed 2 snaps throughout thee duration of the game.

Gilmore is just the 8th highest paid cornerback in the league, averaging $13 million per season. This rank should continue to fall as well, with other future cornerback stars, such as Jalen Ramsey hitting the market this offseason.

Outside of Darrelle Revis‘ one year pit stop in New England, Bill Belichick has never really had this level corner since Ty Law back in 2003 season.

You can certainly make your case for other Belichick defensive greats, but given Gilmore’s numbers with his “let play do the talking” character he ranks very high on Bill Belichick’s best Patriot defenders ever.