Rumblings Authors Mock, V2.0: Round 4/5 Picks
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Wondering who the Buffalo Bills are going to pick in this weekend's NFL Draft? The authors of Buffalo Rumblings have you covered. Over the entire week leading into the draft, the four authors of Rumblings will be unveiling the second version of their Authors Mock, in which each author makes Bills selections for all seven rounds of the NFL Draft. Rounds 1-3 have already been unveiled (see below for picks); here's how each author sees Rounds 4 and 5 shaking out:
Brian Galliford's Picks
4-114: Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb
- A late-rising prospect from a very small school, Johnston has the tools to become a starting defensive end down the line. He's a typical Bills defensive end in that he's a blue-collar worker with a high motor, but he's actually got better straight-line speed (4.66, without sacrificing size at 274 pounds) than any current Bills defensive end. He's very green and needs a lot of work, but his value as an immediate-impact speed rusher and special teams player makes him attractive at this point. This could end up being the best value selection of the draft down the line.4-132: Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue
- Keglar is a smart, tough linebacker with enough physical skills to be an eventual starter at the NFL level. He's got some work to do shedding blocks and in zone coverage, but he's got potential in both departments. While he's being coached up, he'd be an outstanding special teams player, and would have very little pressure on his shoulders at the outset of his career. Buffalo needs depth at linebacker badly, especially considering the future of the position.5-147: Kerry Brown, OG, Appalachian State
- Brown is a small-school (I-AA) product who is flying under the radar a lot. He wasn't even invited to this year's Scouting Combine. He has the ability to play all five line positions and is a tough, nasty lineman, so the Bills could try him out at either guard or center. He's about as green as a lineman can get, but if the Bills are looking for a solid athlete and person to groom as Melvin Fowler's replacement at center, Brown is a nice option that won't cost the team a third-round pick.
Sireric's Picks
4-114: Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
- There are so many reasons that the Bills should take more than one receiver, even if they take one in the first 2 rounds. The Bills need a better group of receivers as a whole; Reed and Parrish need to be pushed, either to get better, or off the team. Not to mention, Lee Evans is looking at all the money getting thrown around at guys who, let's face it, are worse than him. Yes, the Bills could just franchise Evans and get at least one more year out of him, but I don't see that happening two years in a row, which means as it stands now the Bills have two more years of Evans. If the Bills take two receivers now, the odds that at least one is a quality player two years from now is decent. Coupled with Caldwell, the Bills just brought in two solid receiving prospects. Plus the possibility that the Bills cut Josh Reed to help keep Nick's sanity in check is now closer to a reality. Burton is also a solid kick returner which will help Terrence McGee concentrate on being a solid corner.4-132: Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
- I think since it was announced that the Bills received this comp pick, everyone has ear marked it for Owen Schmitt, and I've got to be honest, I was looking for a DT or DE to go here, but at this point I'm not too enamored with anybody that's left. Schmitt will help this offense tremendously, not just as a lead blocker, but a goal-line ball carrier as well. At 6-2/247 Schmitt is a load, either with the ball in his hands, or as a blocker. Plus, he's got a MOHAWK.5-147: Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
- Another one of the popular names to be thrown around in the Rumblings Community. I really love Velasco's size, strength and versatility; he has the ability to play both center and guard. Even if he can't dethrone Melvin Fowler this year, at the very least he should be the player who finally boots Duke Preston off the team.
Jri111's Picks
4-114: Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
- A little late to take a TE, but WR was just too pressing of a need not to address early and often – especially since I did not take one in round one. Finely is the choice here because I think he has the best chance of being available. If John Carlson, Kellen Davis or Martin Rucker are still on the board, any of those three could easily be the pick.4-132: Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
- I've had him here for a while and I'm not going to change now. He would definitely add another component to the offense and also help Lynch become a perennial Pro Bowler.5-147: Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
- I've had the Bills picking Mike Pollak in the third for a while, but unless they trade down in the first and acquire more picks, that may be wishful thinking. I've jumped on the Velasco bandwagon because I've been hearing a lot of good things about him lately. Also, how can you not love the size?!
Kurupt's Picks
4-114: Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
- Burton is one of my favorite players, let alone receivers, in this class. I think he is a very underrated prospect and has the ability to play right away. After selecting Kelly (and his injury concerns) earlier, I think it is important to add another WR with the ability to help the offense from Day One as a backup plan at the very least. Burton would give us a WR with decent size, great leaping ability and excellent run after the catch abilities. He is also a good special teamer having been a top kick returner in the SEC. I think Burton has starting potential and would give us another option in case Evans doesn't resign.4-132: Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
- I'm not that high on Rucker, but he would be a very solid pick at this point in the draft. He's another guy who could go earlier in the draft, but he has some question marks regarding his strength, blocking ability, bulk and physicality. He will be able to help our passing game immediately and gives us a nice receiving threat from the TE position, along with a big red zone target, but he has some work to do to become a big time NFL TE. I personally think he can add another 10-15 lbs and remain an effective receiving threat. He has ability and the frame to get there eventually, and he would provide us good value at this point in the draft.5-147: Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
- I had him here in our last mock and he's going to stay here until the actual Draft. He's one of the few center prospects in the Draft with some heft and is good at holding his position inside. I like his ability to slide over to guard and the way he performed in the SEC. I think we can develop this guy into our future starting center and he may even be able to steal some playing time from Fowler as this season progresses.
So that takes us through 5 rounds (and six Bills picks) for each author. Here's a recap of how each author has chosen to this point:
1-11. Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
2-41. John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
3-72. Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut
4-114. Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb
4-132. Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue
5-147. Kerry Brown, OG, Appalachian State
sireric
1-11. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
2-41. Fred Davis, TE, USC
3-72. Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
4-114. Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
4-132. Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
5-147. Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
jri111
1-11. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
2-41. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
3-72. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
4-114. Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
4-132. Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
5-147. Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
Kurupt
1-11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
2-41. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
3-72. Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
4-114. Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
4-132. Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
5-147. Fernando Velasco, C, Georgia
So there it is - you're up to speed. As always, your comments on players selected, strategies involved and anything else mock draft-related are welcome and encouraged. Let's hear it, folks!
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Comments
A few comments..
I’m not crazy about any of the first rounders you guys selected, save for maybe Harvey. I’m more convinced than ever that Buffalo will trade down, so I won’t harp on the first round.
K and Jri both have Kelly going in the second. I wouldn’t mind that at all. Does he really have a chance to fall that far though? If he does fall that far, his workout may have cost him nearly 5-7 million in gauranteed money, if not more. You almost have to feel sorry for the kid.
I like all four of your 3rd round picks. I think Branch could go a little lower, and Nelson and Thomas would go a little higher.
As four the 4th round, I like Johnston a real lot. Burton and Finley would be great picks too. The 4th is too high for a FB in my book. And, I’m not sure if Finley will go that low.
The 5th round almost seems to be a consensus here with Velasco. Is it me, or
has this site fallen in love with the big man? I actually would take him in the fourth.
If I were to do this, using only the guys you have, and in the respective rounds, I’d go something like this:
Jenkins
Kelly
Nelson
Finley
Johnston
Velasco
If I went with Harvey first, then I’d have to get rid of Nelson, and pick Branch. Then I’d replace Johnston with Burton.
All in all, these are all some pretty decent guys, and they would really be a boost to the Bills..
by krytime on Apr 23, 2008 2:40 PM EDT 0 recs
I'll be honest
I put Velasco and Schmitt in there to get a little love back. I took a beating with my selection of Josh Johnson last time, so I had to make it up to some of you guys. They do seem to be consensus guys, but I don’t think they are bad picks either.
On Schmitt, normally i would agree about taking a fullback so high, but don’t forget that the Rams took the Rutgers kid last year, (pulling a total blank on his name) , so it does happen. I think Schmitt is more than a FB he can carry the ball to, and is pretty nimble for a big man.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 2:48 PM EDT
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Brian Leonhard
Its Brian Leonhard. I don’t think grabbing a FB in the 4th is too high if he’ll be gone after it and he’s the consensus best on the board. As some have said, why not when he could make Marshawn that much better for the next decade.
CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft
by poz on
Apr 23, 2008 3:00 PM EDT
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Brian Leonhard
Yes thats him. Thanks Poz.
Yeah he is a bit of a tweener, but he does still play fullback.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 3:03 PM EDT
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FB in the 4th
I will never be on board with that….If we’re looking for a classic lead blocker, we don’t have to reach for one that early, IMO. Those kind of guys can be found late or after the draft….
~K
by Kurupt on
Apr 23, 2008 3:09 PM EDT
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RE: A classic lead blocker
I wouldn’t classify Schmitt as a classic lead blocker at all. He can carry the ball and has good speed for a big man, he agile and has great hands. I think he has many dimensions that can help this offense. That is why I would consider him with what is essentially an early 5th.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 3:14 PM EDT
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Boy, I don’t agree with that. He’s got good speed, yes, and he can carry the rock, yes, but he’d be nothing more than a gadget-type fullback. His bread and butter is run blocking. That’s what Buffalo needs. Schmitt may be a luxury pick here.
by Brian Galliford on
Apr 23, 2008 3:18 PM EDT
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Nothing wrong with a luxury pick
Like I said that pick is essentially an early 5th, and to me that isn’t to high to pick a fullback, especially one that is a lead blocker +
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 24, 2008 6:59 AM EDT
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Whoops
you missed my point. Are we looking for that classic lead blocker OR a guy like Schmitt who can help a bit in other areas? At this point, who knows, but I tend to believe we’re looking for the lead blocker only type of FB….
~K
by Kurupt on
Apr 23, 2008 3:19 PM EDT
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Deserving a beating
Trust me on the list of things that i deserve a beating for, the Josh Johnson pick is pretty low.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 3:04 PM EDT
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Is it a cheap shot to throw Rucker and Laws in there too?
by krytime on
Apr 23, 2008 3:07 PM EDT
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RE: Laws
I still really like him and would draft him in a second.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 3:14 PM EDT
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Re: Velasco
Yeah, this borderline obsession with Velasco is odd to me. I don’t have anything against Velasco as a prospect, but it seems like this community likes him because he didn’t suck in the SEC and he’s the fattest center available. Those aren’t exactly good reasons to draft a guy (though it certainly worked for Aaron Merz).
I went with Brown because he’s got upside and is just nasty. With good coaching, he could be a long-term starter here. Velasco projects as more of a backup, in my humble opinion.
by Brian Galliford on
Apr 23, 2008 2:55 PM EDT
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Centers
On guy who I still like and think that the team will at least bring in (possibly as an UFA) is Jeff Cavender, he’s a Bosie state guy and i think Kuglar will give one of his former students a look.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 23, 2008 3:01 PM EDT
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All I know about Brown
Is what you wrote up top, and it sounds good. The thing I like about Velasco is that I heard he has a mean streak as well, and was a team captain.
by krytime on
Apr 23, 2008 3:03 PM EDT
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Merz
I would like to take a moment, and remind you all that at one point in this off season, I projected Merz to be an up and comer this year. I was kind of high on him. Turns out, it seems I was plenty wrong.
So with that said, today I am going to make myself a nice bowl of crow chowder. Hmmm.
by krytime on
Apr 23, 2008 3:06 PM EDT
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Velasco
I like him because he held up very well in the SEC. He doesn’t get pushed around like you know who. Nobody’s calling him fatty, fat, chubbo, whale, Mike Williams, etc, but he’s got the size we really need at C, IMO. I’m sick and tired of watching a Buffalo Bills center get treated like a practice dummy. Plus, he can play G, which will potentially allow us to keep another player at a different position instead of a C AND a G.
I don’t know much about Brown, but if he’s got the upside you say he does, then I’d be on board with him too….
~K
by Kurupt on
Apr 23, 2008 3:15 PM EDT
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jri111
I really like that draft. I would like it better if we found a way to grab Hardy instead of Kelly though. I have wanted Cason since day one though. I think he is going to be a great football player.
Wood
by rwwrodeo on Apr 23, 2008 3:18 PM EDT 0 recs
Rumor has it that the Bills like Cason as well, but not enough to take him at #11.
Hardy is growing on me. I think he’d make an excellent pick in round two.
by Brian Galliford on
Apr 23, 2008 3:31 PM EDT
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36
Didn’t he have 36 touchdowns during his starting years? 36 touchdowns is definitely growing on me too. Wasn’t the red zone our problem last year anyway, I wouldn’t mind bringing in this year’s red zone specialist. I think that rd. 2 may be a bit late for him now. I think he’s passed Kelly on draft boards.
CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft
by poz on
Apr 23, 2008 4:04 PM EDT
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I agree. I think he’s a late first-round guy. But if he slips, and Buffalo takes the top guy on their board (and I think we all know who that is) that’s a non-WR and he’s there in round two, I think he’s the pick. Over Kelly.
by Brian Galliford on
Apr 23, 2008 4:06 PM EDT
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Trust Me ... Hardy Won't Be There In Round 2
It’s wishful thinking that Hardy will be there for Bills in Rd 2. I saw a Mock Draft that had him going to the Jets in Rd 2 and that made me sick. Take Harvey or corner and do what it takes to move up for Harvey.
by MrFurious1 on Apr 23, 2008 4:11 PM EDT 0 recs
No problems here
I like all the picks. Some more than others, but if the Bills 4th and 5th round look anything like this, It will be a good Sunday.
I think the Velasco thing is bordering on obsession though. First off, he isn’t fat (for a center). 308 pounds is big, but he actually weighs less than Fowler (310). I think Velasco is a fine pick in the later rounds, but I don’t view him as a player who could ever be a good starter. I think he will be relegated to center/guard backup duty. He has good strength and should develop into a solid run blocker and adequate pass blocker. Contrary to the popular belief around here, for a center, pass blocking is more important than run blocking. Pass rushing DTs could have a field day with Velasco if he doesn’t get quicker, especially out of his stance. He seems raw and he has supposedly maxed out his athletic ability, so I don’t view him as a player who could ever be an above average starter. That is fine in the fifth round though.
I really disagree that the 4th round is too early for a FB. Historically that is where the first FB is taken and most of the league’s best FBs were taken before the 6th round.
Lorenzo Neal – 89th overall (4th round 1993)
Terrelle Smith – 96th overall (4th round 2000)
Heath Evans – 82nd overall (3rd round 2001)
B.J. Askew – 85th overall (3rd round 2003)
Jeremi Johnson – 118th overall (4th round 2003)
Justin Griffith – 121st overall (4th round 2003)
Mike Karney – 156th overall (5th round 2004)
Then again, players like Tony Richardson and Mack Strong went undrafted.
Most of the best blocking FBs in the league came from the middle rounds of the draft. You can find adequate FBs in the 7th round or after the draft, but most FBs taken that late never make an impact. The Bills comp. pick is 132nd overall. The players taken 132nd over the last ten years are:
2007 – Ryan McBean
2006 – PJ Daniels
2005 – Chris Canty
2004 – Trey Darilek
2003 – LaBrandon Toefield
2002 – Ed Ta’amu
2001 – Elliot Silvers
2000 – Paul Smith
1999 – Peppi Zellner
1998 – Wilmont Perry
There is one great player there in Canty (Parcells sure does look like smart sometimes), a couple backups, a FB and a bunch of busts. It gets exponentially harder to get a good player every round. We talk about all these late round guys like they are sure things, but almost all of them will never start more than a handful of games. Schmitt could come in and start right away and will make a bigger impact than almost all of the players taken around him.
by kaisertown on Apr 23, 2008 4:18 PM EDT 0 recs
agreed
we may not agree on McKelvin kaiser but you sure make a good arguement here. Great research that really puts some backing into taking Schmitt in the 4th. It’s good to know when history is on your side.
Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?
by poz on
Apr 24, 2008 2:59 AM EDT
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Hardy
I have been preaching Hardy for a long time. I say take him in Round 1 if you can trade down. I think it is unrealistic to think he doesn’t go in the top 25. I believe he will go to Phili at 19 if they dont trade.
Question: If we package our 2nd and third how high do people believe we can move up?
by Berg79 on Apr 23, 2008 4:35 PM EDT 0 recs
St. Louis cannot negotiate
The rams cannot negotiate a contract contrary to what some people have stated. I apologize if this has already been cleared up. Here is the link
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Apr 23, 2008 5:08 PM EDT 0 recs
How to link
Just type the words you want like : Rams wont be on the clock , highlight them, then press the chain link next to the picture of the tree. and insert link.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 24, 2008 6:41 AM EDT
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Hardy
It wouldn’t shock me (or bother me) if the Bills took Hardy at 11. I know everyone will freak out over that, but we saw with the Donte Whitner pick that the Bills are not afraid to pick who they really believe in. The Draft gurus of the world can talk all they want about maximizing value in the draft, but players can bust from anywhere. At the end of the day you still have to get who you think can do the most for the team. That’s what they did with Whitner. They might do it again.
by MrFurious1 on Apr 23, 2008 5:10 PM EDT 0 recs
Excellent points
I personally don’t want the Bills to draft Harvey, but I wouldn’t be that bothered by it.
We do need more pass rush, so he wouldn’t be an uneccessary pick.
by RabidBuffalo on
Apr 24, 2008 6:00 AM EDT
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Two WR's
I agree that the Bills should draft a “project” WR behind Thomas/Kelly/Sweed/Hardy and I do like Burton, but I think there are some WRs that could be had later that show promise.
What do you think of Paul Hubbard (from Lee Evans’ alma mater, a former track star who is unpolished as he was late to football and needs to develop his route-running, but his athleticism, along with his size (6’3”, 221) could potentially be devastating for smaller DBs trying to match up with him), Marcus Monk or Adarius Bowman (I’m not sure where he is slated to come off the board now, I now his draft stock took a dip, but I think he has the size (6’4” 220) and skill set to make it, solid work ethic and good YAC, not afraid to go over the middle)?
by thejimbo on Apr 24, 2008 7:43 AM EDT 0 recs
Two WR's
I really think that the Bills should add two WR’s. I like Hubbard, and Monk. Jerome Simpson from Coastal Carolina and Arman Sheilds from Richmond are two other that I like. Bowman, while I like him, has had some trouble staying away from the police. If he can keep his head on straight he could be a real find late.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on
Apr 24, 2008 8:05 AM EDT
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Brian Galliford's Picks










