New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore impressing early on in OTAs

The New England Patriots saw some of their new faces at OTAs last week. As the big offseason signing, all eyes were on Stephon Gilmore.

In very uncommon fashion, the New England Patriots opened up their wallets this offseason when they signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Despite having one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Patriots decided to upgrade in the secondary with the addition of Gilmore. Due to Logan Ryan being paid quite a bit of money by the Tennessee Titans, the large contract that the Patriots gave Gilmore doesn’t seem so bad.

As the NFL changes into a passing league, good cornerbacks are being paid more and more each season. Even though Gilmore had a down season in 2016, he is still a very good cornerback. Also, he has had success covering No.1 wide receivers.

At voluntary OTAs, Gilmore was on the field with his new teammates trying to make a strong first impression.

"“I’m just excited to be out here with the guys and playing the way I know how to play,” Gilmore said to Jeff Howe of BostonHerald.com. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to be great at what I do.”“You really got to go out and just try to see where your help is at,” Gilmore said to Howe. “Work on yourself and not change how you play, but know the people that’s playing around you and work on your own game.”"

Being signed to a large contract will bring some extra pressure for Gilmore. In addition to that, he also received the contract that many thought would be going to Malcolm Butler instead.

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As a member of the Buffalo Bills the past few seasons, Gilmore certainly knows how the Patriots like to operate. Early on, his is making a strong first impression in OTAs. As he continues to learn the defensive playbook, Gilmore could have one of the best seasons of his career in 2017.