Steven Gilmore 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Experienced track & field athlete in high school (100m, 200m, long jump, and 4×100 relay)

• Younger brother of New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore
• Opted to play at Marshall despite offers from Duke, Georgia, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, South Carolina, and others

System: 

• 2022 projected role: Starting perimeter cornerback

Pros: The younger brother of NFL star Stephon Gilmore, it won’t take you long to find the guy on the field with elite NFL play in his family. Steven Gilmore is smart and showcases very good fundamentals for the cornerback position. His patience in off coverage is one area where he shines. He doesn’t waste a lot of movement or steps and he’s quick to drive and attack to undercut throws and attack the catch point. The Herd has charged him with playing both inside and outside throughout the course of his playing career and that willingness to travel will serve him well. I’m not sure he profiles as a perimeter corner in the NFL but has the quickness and agility to shine in the nickel. Gilmore, despite only modest turnovers forced, has good ball skills and adjusts well to the football in flight. Adding even further value to his profile is some high-level play on special teams units. Gilmore has been tasked with covering kicks and made a number of strong open-field tackles. 

Cons: Steven Gilmore’s fundamentals stand out in a big way but there are some physical limitations to be aware of that may put a glass ceiling over his NFL forecast. He’s not particularly big and not particularly long, and functional strength to effectively play press-man coverage is a bit of a question. He’s a good tackler but can he, at his size and stature, fill the alley against NFL competition? That’s not an easy question to answer. How far his technique and IQ can carry him beyond his size limitations will ultimately determine his NFL future and how much confidence he can instill in 2022 will determine his stock.

Steven Gilmore NFL Draft Scouting Report by Kyle Crabbs