In the latest round of mock drafts, one name that has been picking up steam is South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore, with both Rob Rang of CBS Sports as well as Drafttek.com linking him with Dallas Cowboys at No. 14:
Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: The Cowboys awarded free agent Brandon Carr a $50 million contract in free agency but with depth a concern in a division featuring Eli Manning, Michael Vick and soon-to-be Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, cornerback remains a key area of need. Gilmore has the size, athleticism and physicality to be a standout in Rob Ryan's aggressive scheme.
Gilmore, a 6'0 190 junior CB from South Carolina, has put himself in the mix with Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick for No. 2 CB in most draft boards behind Morris Claiborne, whom the Cowboys are rumored to have been considering trading up for.
A four-star recruit out of high school, Gilmore took over one of the Gamecocks CB positions as a true freshman. He was named a Freshman All-American and never looked back from there. In 2011, he had 46 tackles, 7 pass deflections and 4 interceptions.
With excellent size as well as 4.4 speed in the 40, Gilmore is a prototypical first-round CB with both the production and the measurables of an elite prospect.
A look at how Gilmore performed against top competition in the 2010 season:
For the latest news and analysis on the Cowboys draft plans, check out SB Nation Dallas' exclusive storystream, while Blogging The Boys is your off-season home for all things related to America's Team.