The Buffalo Bills have announced this Thursday morning that they have signed their first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, to his rookie contract. It will be a fully-guaranteed, four-year contract, and should be worth a little more than $12 million - which is what last year's No. 10 pick, Blaine Gabbert, signed for.
Gilmore, 21, is the second Top 10 pick from April's draft to sign, following No. 9 pick Luke Kuechly. Gilmore is coming off of a strong weekend in his first official action with the Bills at the team's rookie mini-camp, where he made several interceptions working exclusively at right cornerback. The 6'0", 190-pound defensive back is fully expected to start as a rookie.
With this signing official, the Bills have just two remaining unsigned draft picks - second-round left tackle Cordy Glenn and third-round wide receiver T.J. Graham. Both of those players participated in last weekend's rookie mini-camp, as well. Who doesn't love the new rookie salary slotting system in the new CBA?