South Carolina Football: Top-15 Gamecock NFL Draft successes of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 3 NFL Draft Success:
CB Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore (Round 1, Pick 10, 2012 NFL Draft; Buffalo Bills) has been in the NFL for a dozen years after spending three seasons in Columbia from 2009-2011. Gilmore is one of the most accomplished NFL Gamecocks ever, and his list of accolades proves it. Gilly is a five-time Pro Bowler, a 2-time first-team All-Pro, and was the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has a Super Bowl ring (Super Bowl LIII), and he led the league in interceptions one season.
Gilmore is entering his 12th season in the League and is a few quality seasons away from being a Hall of Fame lock. If John Abraham doesn’t beat him to it, Gilmore could be the first Gamecock to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Though a top-10 pick, Gilmore has provided more value to the Bills, Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and now the Cowboys than a top-10 pick could be expected to provide.