Bills Draft Buzz Starting to Pick Up

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 1:08 AM EDT in NFL Draft Comment 38 comments

Quick note: I'd like to apologize for Buffalo Rumblings being down for extended periods of time over the last couple days. In upgrading hardware configuration for the influx of the new 2.0 blogs, SB Nation ran into a spot of bad hardware, causing the first major outage since I've joined this fine network. The hardware issues have been fixed (clearly), but we've also been cautioned that they could resurface under heavy traffic loads. Please be assured that the network's tech gurus are doing everything in their power, 24/7, to ensure that every blog on this network is up and running as smoothly as possible, as quickly as possible. With that said, if we're down again in the next couple of days and you want a status update, feel free to e-mail me at buffalorumblings@gmail.com. Let's get back to blogging.

With the 2008 NFL Draft less than 38 hours from starting (!!!), rumors and speculation are starting to fly at a much more rapid pace, and the Buffalo Bills are at the center of some of those discussions. Here's what has gone down to this point (sorry for the lack of linkage; I'm typing this in bed after a two-hour respite, so I'll add the links in the morning):

Bills Interested in CB Sheppard?
The Eagles are actively attempting to trade CB Lito Sheppard this weekend, and the Bills are one of the team's potential suitors , according to SI's Peter King. The Eagles are also reportedly dangling Sheppard in front of the Arizona Cardinals in the hopes they can swing a deal for disgruntled WR Anquan Boldin.

Bills/Chiefs Talking Trade?
NFL Network, as well as ESPN's John Clayton, are reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs - who hold the #5 and #17 picks in the first round of the draft - contacted Buffalo as soon as they traded DE Jared Allen to Minnesota about a potential trade opportunity. The Bills, according to NFLN, are interested in making a deal if the cornerback that they covet is off the board. Buffalo Rumblings can confirm for you, thanks to a friendly insider tip, that that cornerback is Troy's Leodis McKelvin, whom Buffalo's coaching staff and scouting department regard very highly.

The Chiefs are likely attempting to trade up in the hopes of landing one of the top two "second-tier" linemen available, either Boise State's Ryan Clady or Virginia's Branden Albert. They may not get that opportunity, however, if McKelvin is on the board.

Let's hear it folks. Feel free to speculate or add anything else I may have missed while snoozing. Things are getting exciting!

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Comments

KC Trade

Interesting article on ESPN about how the greatest risks come with choosing a WR in the first round. 1st round WRs historically have had by far the highest chance of becoming a bust of any other position looked at.

I used to be thrilled by the idea of this trade, then taking a WR with 17 and picking up a pick. Now Im less keen, thinking the Bills might want to take a great player (DE or CB) with 11, then go receiver in the 2nd round when there will still be plenty remaining. Im still a bit confused though with the OBDs focus on CB, considering the low priority that has in Cover 2.

by Thronsen on Apr 25, 2008 1:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Those crazy Bills

are at it again. Trying to be a good team making solid decisions? What the?

I would love to get Lito, but at what cost? Swapping firsts? That would be acceptable. Maybe give them a third.

A trade with KC to slip to 17 would be great. We would probably get at least two of KC’s third rounders giving us a great shot to either move around in the second round or add some quality depth in the third.

by RabidBuffalo on Apr 25, 2008 1:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lito Trade

The Eagles have absolutely no leverage with other teams, Lito isn’t coming back to the Eagles, they already signed Samuel, so they aren’t going to give him his money. Swap firsts and give the Bills Lito is fair and about all the Eagles could hope for.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Apr 25, 2008 6:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd round pick

If the Bills do go BPA with the first pick, which is obviously not going to be a WR, who then would they pick next? (I would assume WR) I know Hardy has character issues, with his off the field problem, but did they not say the same thing about Marshawn before the draft last year, and look at what a model individual he is, its always team first with him. I cannot wait to check this site Sat night, LETS GO BUFFALO!!!

by Hassanali181 on Apr 25, 2008 1:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bravo, Touche, etc..

Hassanali181, I’m glad you are aboard. I was thinking the same thing yesterday, but couldn’t get on the site. Didn’t Marshawn have a similar incident to Hardy with his girlfriend? Listen, like I posted on another site, James Hardy reminds me of Plaxico Burress when you watch him on tape. He makes catching the football look effortless. Plaxico, in my opinion, makes Eli Manning a better QB. I’ve watched Giants games where Eli just threw the ball up near Plaxico and with his height and great hands made the play. Plaxico just seemed to be the bail out guy for Eli when there looked to be nothing else available and a guy like that would be a great weapon for Trent Edwards and the Bills offense. Devin Thomas may have the YAC, but he is only 2 inches taller than Lee Evans. James Hardy is half of a foot taller. Hardy also played in cold weather in his collegiate career which is another plus for me and pushes Sweed and Kelly to the back of the bus. Hardy has said in his interview that he has matured as a person and I would love to see him in a Bills uniform.

by the Skycap on Apr 25, 2008 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just as we thought

I find it very interesting that the two trade options we have all talked about the most on this blog are still likely to happen. I’ve been an advocate for the swap 1sts and Lito trade for a while and I won’t stop now. This trade is IDEAL. Chiefs trade would also make me extremely happy but if we can get out of the 1st round with Lito Sheppard and Devin Thomas/Limas Sweed…WOW! In fact, I would guess that we are the most likely trade partner from Philly’s perspective as well. They’ve been trying to use Lito to get Roy Williams, Chad Johnson, or Anquan Boldin, none of which are going to be traded. Really, their best option is trading with us.

We all know the obvious reasons for KC’s interest, wouldn’t they be happy to get a QB and OT or even a DE/CB combo to shore up their defense with Jared Allen and Ty Law gone and Pat Surtain nearing 40.

Point of this post is, Lito Sheppard is young and very good and moving down in the 1st would let us take a reciever without reaching. Bam…our two (arguably, with a nod to sireric) greatest needs are filled and we’ll still have nine more picks to go!

Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?

by poz on Apr 25, 2008 1:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lito Shepperd Going to Tampa

this from Fox sports.com

The long-rumored Lito Sheppard trade appears to be getting closer.

FOXSports.com has learned that Sheppard was in Tampa on Wednesday to visit with the Buccaneers, who have emerged as the frontrunner for the two-time Pro Bowler, and is likely to be traded by Saturday.
It appears it will take a second-round pick plus and additional pick or player to get the deal done.

Two or three other teams are interested in the cornerback, who has played with the Eagles since entering the league in 2002.

Sheppard is the only player in NFL history with two interception returns of more than 100 yards, turning the trick in 2004 and 2006, both against the Cowboys. He has 15 career interceptions and three touchdowns.

by Hassanali181 on Apr 25, 2008 2:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fine by me. I’m not too high on Sheppard – he’s got some (minor) injury issues and will want a fat contract. I’d rather have Leodis McKelvin – and I’m not too keen on him, either.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 7:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would like to get Sheppard

but as I said earlier, it would have to be the right price. I wouldn’t mind giving them our second. If we traded with KC and picked up another third in the process, we would still be in position to get a WR in the first and get plenty of solid depth and possible future starters in the third.

A lot of “ifs” in there unfortunately.

by RabidBuffalo on Apr 25, 2008 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Egh...

I love the trade with the chiefs idea, but McKelvin? I dunno if he is the type of hard nosed player I think belong on the bills. but who knows maybe he will be great.

It's hard for me not to sing the shout song all day long.

by Lance in Germany on Apr 25, 2008 2:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Trade with Chiefs, then make a play for Lito

If Lito is still with the Eagles on Sat, I would seriously consider using our #11 pick to trade with the Chiefs for their #17 pick, one of the their early 3rd and a 5th. Then use this same package of picks, minus the earlier 3rd and use our later one to trade with Philly for their 19th along with a say a 3rd and our 6th or maybe a 7th?

This way we now can still snag our WR in the later portion of Rd. 1, we now have a new CB to pair with McGee and we can then target another WR and a pass catching TE in the 2nd round using our additional picks to move up to get say Bennet and Jordy in the 2nd. How would that grab you guys?

Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....

by WABillsfan on Apr 25, 2008 2:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you would still be swaping 1st round picks with philly, so that doesnt make sense

by pastj12345 on Apr 25, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is fun,

bring on the rumors. I look forward to this weekend.

Adam loves him some Lard

by NYTXFAN on Apr 25, 2008 5:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah NYTXFAN...................

the new B3J

Adam loves him some Lard

by NYTXFAN on Apr 25, 2008 5:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would imagine being a Rangers fan is similar to having an ax implanted in your skull. Very apt avatar.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Apr 25, 2008 6:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, at least someone gets the avatar,

Adam loves him some Lard

by NYTXFAN on Apr 25, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, a Rangers fan

I used to live in Ft. Worth and went to see the Rangers all the time in old Arlington. I still like them, but that team is just terrible. It always has been.

by RabidBuffalo on Apr 25, 2008 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

DFW

i’m in DFW, Texans think they have great sports fans down here. what a joke, all fair wheather losers. great bills bar here, gotta love the Bills Backers, we are the best in the NFL.

by pastj12345 on Apr 25, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its hard to really say they are terrible, yes they have one of the worst records, but

they also have one of the best farm teams. Their pitching isnt great but not bad. They have a great young nucleus in Hamilton, Kinsler, and Salts. I mean I just dont understand them sometimes. Its very rough being a Rangers fan and also through in the fact that Im a Buffalo fan. God truly does hate me.

Adam loves him some Lard

by NYTXFAN on Apr 25, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sheppard

Sheppard will want to big a contract. The deal makes sense but I dont think the Bills will pony up for him. They can draft a CB for 17 million over 5 years as oppose to pay Lito 50 million over 6. Sheppard has the same value as the CB from Seattle Trufant (I think it was) who signed for 6 for 51.

Another note is that back in the Levy/Polian years they had a tendancy to use 1st round picks on Defensive backfield players. Anyone remeber JD Williams? 2 yrs ago went with Whitner. dont be surprised if OBD goes with McKelvin if available. I have suspected for a long time Mckelvin was their #1 CB but I felt CB was your #3 or #4 need behind WR, DE and maybe TE.

I suppose the Bills have a lot more faith in our current DE’s and their inj concerns than I do. I think they feel that Johnson can play DE on run situations since he is about 290. That leaves Schrobel, Kelsay, Denney with slightly less snaps and hopefully more effective.

I still want Harvey or Hardy but I am doubting either player will be one of our draft picks. I also like Keller TE from Purdue for his WR skills. Anderson is 6-6 and more blocking oriented and Royal is also more blocking oriented so I want a pass catching TE if we go that direction.

by Berg79 on Apr 25, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s exactly how I feel about Sheppard. Word is that the likelihood of Sheppard coming to Buffalo are very remote.

It’s a good point about DBs in past drafts, but not one that applies here. This is a completely different front office with different tastes. That said, McKelvin will almost assuredly be the pick if he’s available.

Less than 29 hours! Can’t wait!

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No to Sheppard and McKelvin

Sheppard is a great CB, but for the money the Bills have to put up it just doesn’t make sense to the team. The Bills can draft an excellent CB and pay much less.

I just don’t see what people see in McKelvin. I think he is going to be a big time bust. DRC has better upside and less likely to go bust than McKelvin. My favorite pick, Antoine Cason, is guaranteed to contribute immediately in his first year. I’d rather pick Cason than McKelvin anytime. Someone please help me to understand what does OBD like in McKelvin.

Bills fan half way around the world

by moncheri on Apr 25, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand and share your concerns about McKelvin being overhyped, but I don’t think he’s going to be a bust. He’s a very solid player with outstanding instincts, intangibles and athleticism. He can play, and he’ll play well. I do believe he’s the best corner available this year as well. I just don’t think he’s worth the #11 pick. There’s better value.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still want a CB

even if we trade back with KC. I think that would be a great move. Move back to seventeen and we can still get my favorite CB Antoine Cason. Then with the extra picks we can move up in the second to get James Hardy and grab Jordy Nelson in the third and still get a good tight end. These are our biggest holes and this is the way to get the best value when we pick.

Wood

by rwwrodeo on Apr 25, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jordy Nelson will not be available in the third, and James Hardy probably won’t be there in the second. If they take a WR in the second, look for it to be Nelson.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think J. Nelson is the best value pick the bills can get at WR, I dont even mind if we take him at 41. I would prefer to get 2 WR in this class to help increase the chances of getting at least 1 good WR for the offense. (similar to what the Cardinals did in the 2003 draft)
I want the bills to have trade for 3 picks in the first 2rds and select 2 WR and 1CB or 1TE, not particular in which position comes first as long as the Bills get Nelson.

Would you rather win one superbowl or Lose four in a row? Which defines your teams place in history more ... 1yr wonder or Perennially 2nd best?

by Rudy916 on Apr 25, 2008 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

i do like this idea, but dont expect hardy ihat far down in the second.

by pastj12345 on Apr 25, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cason

I agree that Cason would be a great pick at 17 if we traded down. Then, if need be we could use our second and our third (we will have a higher third from KC) to get back into the bottom of the first for Hardy/Kelly or Thomas/Sweed if they are someone still there. Though I am of the opinion that one of Hardy or Kelly will be there when we pick in the second, but we may not want to risk it (I’m not big on Nelson that high). I think Cason and Hardy would be a great first day.

by thejimbo on Apr 25, 2008 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree

I agree Hardy wont be there in the 2nd nor Nelson in the third. If you dont use your first round pick on Hardy I dont think we can package enough to move back up to get him. I predict he will be the first or second WR taken. I dont see him falling below TN. Nelson might be there middle to late second but not third. Potential to use your #2 elsewhere and move back up with the picks from KC to get him (if that deal happens). Unfortunately, I have always been low on Sweed and now really question Kelly. Sweed was not productive enough for me to warrant even our 2nd rounder on him. If they choose to go CB in round 1 I hope they can get Nelson and one of the top receiving TE’s(kid from Purdue or USC).

On a side note, I agree its a different front office but levy’s teachings and thoughts are still prevelant as he is only one year removed.

by Berg79 on Apr 25, 2008 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just to add

the Tampa papers are now saying the Rams have entered the mix as competition for Sheppard’s services. Draft tomorrow…I cant concentrate at work right now

Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?

by poz on Apr 25, 2008 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No to Shepard... yes to Chiefs

I would much rather resign Evans and Crowell then to resign Shepard and have trouble coming up with the money to resign our guys.

Not to mention that a trade with the Chiefs will allow us (more than likely) to land the #1 WR in the draft (Thomas) and have the picks to move around and select our #1 rated TE. I also think that we can land a good TE in the 3rd round or with a total of 12 picks, move up again and take a CB in the late 2nd.

by hilliarddavid on Apr 25, 2008 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There's a possibility that the Bills stay at #11

...and pick Devin Thomas (if Leodis McKelvin is not there)! This according to a post on KFFL on Tuesday, citing Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News.

On a separate issue, why oh why did the NFL change the start time for the draft to 3p.m.?!? Now we have to wait even longer for it to start. Am I alone in thinking that this is a bad idea? Who cares if the 3rd round was moved to Sunday?

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Apr 25, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

time change

I like it for this year as I have a football game at 1pm to play in. If the draft was still at noon, I would definitely be missing the Bills pick. Now I can at least get to the bar at the very least.

I wish it was still all 3 rounds in day 1 though. The true diehards are the only ones who care about the draft as it is. Not too many casual fans are going to spend their afternoon/evening watching the draft.

by Kurupt on Apr 25, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Time

I agree it would be nice to have the draft time at noon but I think it has to do with west coast viewing. The most expensive commercials will be at the beginning and that is when they want the most viewers. The draft has a lot of casual viewers who turn it on if they have nothing else to watch and 3ets is the best overall time for that.

by Berg79 on Apr 25, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually, the later viewing is an attempt to get more prominent picks and teams into prime time viewing. Look for the Giants and Pats to be picking after dinner (east time), when everyone is settling into their easy chairs. That’s the ultimate goal here.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 25, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who cares about the west coast??

Sorry labill.

I like the shortening of the time between each pick, but you could still do the first three rounds in the first day.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Apr 25, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope someone else takes McKelvin....

If the Bills really are set on McKelvin if he’s on the board at #11 then I hope he’s not there. Maybe the Pats will do the Bills a favor by taking him. The trade with the Chiefs is just too good to pass up. The Bills can drop down in the round and pick up at least a high 3rd pick all while still getting the #1 WR on their board. Now if they could find a way to get the Chiefs to agree to taking the #11 pick and Losman for the #17, #35 and #66 picks…..

by Ron From NM on Apr 25, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I wouldn’t mind if the Bills took McKelvin. His athleticism and upside are intriguing, but there are a few players I prefer.

If McKelvin goes in the top 10, one of Brandon Albert or Ryan Clady would likely still be available and the trade rumors about KC may become more than just specualtion.

I don’t think the Chiefs would want Losman if the Bills gave away for free. They have Brodie Croyle penciled in as the starter and Damon Huard still has two years left on a contract. The Chiefs would owe him a couple mil in signing bonus money if they cut him. KC also likes Huard as a mentor and looker room guy. Considering that the Chiefs are also likely to draft a QB, they just don’t have any room on their roster for a soon to be FA quarterback.

by kaisertown on Apr 25, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs