Buffalo Bills

This sleeping giant will emerge for the Bills in 2015

Published Jul. 21, 2015 9:39 a.m. ET

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The Buffalo Bills had a relatively strong season in 2014, finishing the year 9-7, good enough for second in the AFC East. Of course, the 9-7 record wasn't enough to unseat the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots as perennial division champs, but after nine-straight seasons with losing records, the Bills finally got off the schneid.

Now, the Bills are looking up with confidence. Adding LeSean McCoy via trade will give the not-so-potent offense some spark, while the defense and pass rush will continue to be strong. One particular player on defense is a potential breakout star at a key position. Being in the AFC East with Tom Brady and Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, it's important to have a strong secondary. That's why I'm picking this guy to awaken as a sleeping giant:

Stephon Gilmore, CB

In three seasons in the NFL, Gilmore has only managed six interceptions -- not a huge number for a top-10 pick at cornerback. However, he's upped his number of picks each year, from one in 2012 to three in 2014. In Rex Ryan's high-pressure defense, there's no reason Gilmore can't eclipse four interceptions this season.

He's yet to make a name for himself since being drafted out of South Carolina the way guys like Desmond Trufant, Janoris Jenkins and Xavier Rhodes have since coming into the league, but there's still time. He's young and extremely talented, and a new-look defense should benefit the former Gamecock.

In the second half of 2014, Gilmore was rated the 11th-best cornerback in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. That's solid for a corner in a defense that lost a playmaking safety in Jairus Byrd and had little help at the opposite corner spot. The addition of rookie Ronald Darby should help shore up the secondary in Buffalo, as well, which is just another reason why Gilmore will have a big year. He'll have ample opportunities to make plays on the ball with plenty of pressure coming from pass rushers, which will increase his interception numbers.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA Today Sports

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