The Buffalo Bills will be counting on Stephon Gilmore to improve upon his rookie season with a strong sophomore year. (Photo: USA Today Sports Images)

BBD Staff Writer: Ryan Talbot

Much of the talk this offseason will revolve around the projections and expectations from the Buffalo Bills’ 2013 draft class, but also important to the Bills’ success this season will be the progress and performance of their 2012 draft class.

Buffalo had three strong picks in 2012: CB Stephon Gilmore, OT Cordy Glenn and OLB Nigel Bradham. In the later rounds, the Bills had three duds in ILB Tank Carder, OG Mark Asper and kicker John Potter. The verdict is still out on WR T.J. Graham, CB Ron Brooks and OG Zebrie Sanders.

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be focusing on each of the 2012 draft picks still with the Bills, in my Sophomore Spotlight series. Starting with first-round pick Stephon Gilmore, I’ll discuss each player’s rookie season, look at his best and worst performances and attempt to predict their 2013 stat line. Each player’s actual stat line will be discussed as well as analytics provided by Pro Football Focus (PFF – subscription required for premium statistics).

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