Inside The Bills

Gilmore a different breed

Bills top pick Stephon Gilmore has looked like he belongs at the NFL level from the first day of OTAs. That’s why his chances are very good that he’s not just a starter on Buffalo’s defense, but a difference maker.

First-round picks, even top 10 picks aren’t always locks to be playmakers as a rookie. For C.J. Spiller the light bulb went on in year two and he was the ninth overall selection. For Mike Williams it never went on. Gilmore however, has a lot of things working in his favor.

First, he’s a quick study that digests a playbook in short order. Second, his playing style is suited to the NFL game. Third, he has a work ethic that has him prepared like a veteran. And fourth, and perhaps most important, he’s going to get an awful lot of help from his front four in terms of pressure on the quarterback. All of that could translate into a very productive rookie season for Gilmore.