Comparison: Kirkpatrick - Gilmore

[HeatCheck]

In terms of ability, Jenkins and Claiborne are the top 2 CBs in this draft. But neither will end up in Carolina in all likelihood. One is a risk while the other is not going to be available at 9. So that leaves us with comparing Dre Kirkpatrick and Stephon Gilmore as the next best options. Kirkpatrick was rated #1 CB prospect (for who knows why) at one point in this process and is slipping while Gilmore who had been flying under the radar is rising.

What makes this an interesting debate is that both players have similar builds and similar styles of play. Both are rangy and physical players.

Coverage: Both players are serviceable in coverage, but not great. I think Gilmore is more fluid than Kirkpatrick but he also doesn't have the instincts compared to Kirkpatrick. Gilmore can better can turn his hips and adjust to the receiver if he is beat. Both players love to play bump and run at the line and have the physical make-up to succeed with that. But they also seem to play off man a lot. Dre is better than Gilmore in this regard because of his instincts. Gilmore sometimes gives up too much ground and doesn't have the instincts to react and at times is caught out position.

EDGE Even. Both have different aspects that need work in their respective games. So it could come down to what scheme they are placed in and personal preference of what you want out of your CB.

Ball Skills: Whether it's his short arms or lack of timing Dre doesn't have the ball skills that Gilmore does. Although Dre's positioning at least makes it difficult for receivers to get a good look and he still competes with the ball in the air. Gilmore is able to locate the ball and make a play on the ball better.

EDGE Gilmore. Will end up getting a hand on the ball or even intercept it more often because of his ball skills.

Tackling: Both are physical CBs but Gilmore seems to miss more tackles than Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick is a more sure tackler and also has the ability to jar the ball loose. He hits hard. Gilmore is not a bad tackler by any means just seems to miss some because he doesn't wrap up nearly as good as Kirkpatrick.

EDGE Kirkpatrick. He will be a bigger factor in the run game and stopping the receiver at their catch because of his instincts and tackling.

Conclusion: There is obviously other small factors that play into this comparison but just wanted to give a broad overview. Personally I think Dre Kirkpatrick will be the better overall player. Gilmore is a good option but he doesn't do anything that great. He is better at turning his hips and adjusting to his receiver's route better but not enough to give him the edge. Dre can at least combat this weakness by playing press coverage to get his hands on his receiver. This can limit the separation his receiver gains. But that's not to say Dre doesn't get beat off the line, because he does. But where he might shine the most is playing off man or in zone. His instincts are great. He breaks on a play so well that there is hardly room to make yards after catch if you are a WR or yards after contact if we are talking about a RB. Not saying Gilmore is an average CB but he doesn't shine in any one area, just has an edge in ball skills and better fluidity. But those can be combated with what Dre does well.

I am sure others can make a case for Gilmore and a lot of it's personal preference. My top priority for CB is coverage ability. But neither player is going to shut down their side of the field enough to sway my opinion. So looking outside of coverage, Kirkpatrick seems to offer more to a defense.

Are either worth a 9 pick or is it worth trading down in hopes of picking one them up later?

[Dash Global]

Id say Dre is def better in coverage.

Only edge im giving Gilmore is ball skills.

[HeatCheck]

Id say Dre is def better in coverage.

Only edge im giving Gilmore is ball skills.

It depends on what you want from him in coverage. If your strictly talking man to man cover you guy, Gilmore is more fluid in that aspect. But if you are looking for someone to succeed a zone scheme or press man then Kirkpatrick is your guy.

[Dash Global]

It depends on what you want from him in coverage. If your strictly talking man to man cover you guy, Gilmore is more fluid in that aspect. But if you are looking for someone to succeed a zone scheme or press man then Kirkpatrick is your guy.

I disagree. I like Dre better in man and zone compared to Gilmore. Dre on tape appears to stay with his man better and not get beat / lose separation like Gilmore does every game.

When it comes to blanketing and shutting down his man, Dre wins hands down.

When it comes to getting int's, Gilmore wins hands down.

[HeatCheck]

He plays better with the ball in front of him but if he has to turn his hips and stay with his man you have to give that to Gilmore because he doesn't lose separation as much in that sense.

[Dash Global]

He plays better with the ball in front of him but if he has to turn his hips and stay with his man you have to give that to Gilmore because he doesn't lose separation as much in that sense.

Thats the problem, he gives up short - med passes due to playing off the ball / man then gives up the deep stuff from getting beat / not having the best instincts.

Like I said, only edge id give Gilmore is with the ball in the air, he is better at coming down with it. Which is not worth much if his coverage skills are lacking.

[HeatCheck]

Thats the problem, he gives up short - med passes due to playing off the ball / man then gives up the deep stuff from getting beat / not having the best instincts.

I don't think instincts have much to do with getting beat, that's more with recognizing plays in front of you.

If I had to bet Gilmore got beat more when he gave cushion. But if he was close he did better. It's just about putting him the right situations.

Like I said, only edge id give Gilmore is with the ball in the air, he is better at coming down with it. Which is not worth much if his coverage skills are lacking.

I agree with this. That's why I also gave the edge to Dre.

[Panthro]

Now do one of Lavonte David vs Kendricks

[HeatCheck]

Now do one of Lavonte David vs Kendricks

I wish I had watched them play. I only have other write-ups to go buy.

[kman72]

ive always liked dre kirk, i really wanted him with the 9th pick, and i still do even though i think we can trade down and still get him, watched him alot in bama solid coverage and great tackling skills. def the #2 corner in the draft.

[HeatCheck]

He's not better than Janoris.