Potential Bills Free Agent: DT Randy Starks, Part II

by Brian Galliford on Feb 21, 2008 1:29 PM EST in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Titans fans have consensus on Starks (ViewImages)

In the seemingly never-ending search for help at defensive tackle, many Buffalo Bills fans - including yours truly - wondered aloud whether 24-year-old Titan Randy Starks could be the answer to Buffalo's run game woes. Then, last week, Jimmy from Music City Miracles set the record straight, sharing with us his very negative view on Starks' play at DT last season. Still, we pressed on, believing that Starks' potential and youth would make him a good signing. We asked for a second opinion.

So we went and got one. We're pleased to be joined this afternoon by Drexel Perry, one of a team of bloggers at Total Titans, an excellent (and frequently updated) source for Titans news and fan opinions. I did not change anything, folks - I asked Perry the same exact questions as I asked Jimmy for consistency purposes.

The end results? Original prognosis confirmed.

Obviously, Albert Haynesworth is getting all of the attention up front. How well did Starks play when Haynesworth was out of the lineup last season?

When Haynesworth was out of the lineup, the team suffered drastically. Opposing teams were now able to run the football down the Titans' throats. In a three game stretch when Haynesworth was out with an injury, the Jags, Bengals and Broncos all had a ton of success running the football, especially at Randy Starks.

How likely is Starks to walk considering Haynesworth's situation?

Haynesworth is probably going to receive the franchise tag, so the Titans may decide to make an offer to keep Starks into the fold. There is a possibility that another team may make an offer that is higher than the Titans', so if that occurs, I'd be shocked if Tennessee matched it.

My guess is that Starks walks and the team replaces him via the draft or with an inexpensive veteran such as a Keith Traylor, who was released by Miami.

How was Starks used in rotation? Was he more of a run down or a pass down tackle, in your opinion?

Starks didn't receive a lot of playing time before Haynesworth's hammy issues. In addition to Albert's run stopping abilities, he did a good job of taking up blockers on passing downs, allowing the likes of Antwan Odom and Kyle Vanden Bosch to get sacks. When Haynesworth returned and his hammy flared up at times, Starks would spell him on passing downs.

Discussion Time
So. That's that. Two (what's the opposite of "glowing"?) reviews of Starks straight from the fans that have seen him play most. I'm completely turned off. If the Bills are going to import a young player with potential, I'd rather they did it in the middle rounds of the draft than with Starks in free agency. Sometimes, potential is intriguing; in this case, I think these accounts set the record straight.

You're free, of course, to disagree and still view Starks as a solid potential mid-range signing. All comments on these two Starks reports are welcome. We're not done with Drexel Perry, however; he also offered some very kind comments about our team. Take them for what they're worth, but we have some respect from at least one Titans fan:

As for the Bills, I think you guys have a tough young team that is only going to get better. I admired how you were able to compete despite all of the injuries.

Titans DT Randy Starks
Year	G	Tk	Sk	INT	FF	FR
2004	14	28	5	0	1	0
2005	16	48	3	0	0	0
2006	16	48	3	0	0	0
2007	14	16	0	0	0	0
TOT	60	132	11	0	1	0

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Comments

DT

Sounds like we're drafting a DT to me. (more on that later).

If Kelly resigns with the Raiders, I'm not sure I'd be too interested in any FA DT, even Rod Coleman. I would rather bring in a fresh face from the draft at this point.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 21, 2008 1:50 PM EST reply actions

agreed...

Kelly is the only one left avaiable that I think I would want. I loved that he is known as a run-stuffer, even though he is only average in weight. His versatility would help as well.

Some other guys in free agency I would consider taking a flyer on, even so however, the position will still need to be addressed in the draft (or via trade).

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 21, 2008 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Can' wait

For that prospect report on the DT's tomorrow sireric. I really didn't figure we would get a ringing endorsement this time either so its not surprising. Definitely would rather look at Kelly but would still like to think we could light a fire under him. With that being said even right now with Kelly or Starks (injuries and lazy bad play) make it a need to go.....Its draft or bust at DT!!!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 21, 2008 5:40 PM EST reply actions

Brian - thanks for getting the 2nd opinion.

I blame it all on sireric. He's the one that got me hooked on Starks.

Personally, I'm a little surprised he got such bad reviews. These guys didn't even offer one positive thing about him - that's what finally did the trick for me.

Thanks again. Now I guess we head to Plan C?

by krytime on Feb 21, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions

sure blame me

I find it strange that a guy who has been in the league for four years, and was solid in years 2 and 3, would fall so far.

So who is plan C?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 21, 2008 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

Me too. I don't get that.

I don't really get it either. But it does seem that he has a bad rep, at least in the eyes of those two guys. And while I can't statiscally it's over and done, and he's a bum, I have to give some credence to their comments...

Like I said, they couldn't even say one nice thing about him. That's whay got me. Usually you'll hear something like, "he's teribble at so and so, but he can be good at..." We didn't read anything like that. Makes you wonder if he stole someones girlfriend.

I'm gonna start to look at Tommy Kelly now more. What do you think of him?

by krytime on Feb 21, 2008 10:04 PM EST reply actions