RB Omon is Bills' Sixth Round Pick
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 3:41 PM EDT
in 2008 NFL Draft
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With the 179th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected NW Missouri State running back Xavier Omon.
Despite having solid depth at running back thanks to last year's top selection, Marshawn Lynch, and the emergence of a solid backup in Fred Jackson, the Buffalo Bills have added Xavier Omon to the positional mix. A Division II prospect out of Northwest Missouri State, Omon has been regarded for some time as one of the best small-school prospects available in this year's draft.
Omon is a big (5'11", 228 pounds), versatile back that does everything well but no one thing great. With such bulk, Omon is a tough inside runner who absolutely dominated the Division II level, scoring 92 career rushing touchdowns, including a whopping 37 as a senior. He added six more career scores as a receiver, and though he was not used much in this capacity as a collegian, he reportedly has soft hands. There are also some NFL experts who believe that Omon has the ability to become a ball-toting fullback, considering his size and the fact that he's an above-average blocker.
There are some concerns with Omon, namely ball security and wear and tear. Omon logged 1,271 carries in college, so there is definitely some wear on his tires. He's not the fastest (4.59 40) or quickest back, either, which should make him a one-dimensional smash-mouth runner. That's a nice complement to Marshawn Lynch if he can make the team - and it may speak to Buffalo's feelings on their current number three back, Dwayne Wright.
The Bills have three picks in the seventh round. Stay tuned - Buffalo Rumblings will have those picks covered for you as well.
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It's official
Buffalo doesn’t give a rats ass about need. Justice is on the board and they take a RB?
I thought that was pretty obvious last year, Ron, when picks like Edwards and Wright came in. Or the year before, when Simpson and Youboty were picks…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Past 2 years
2 years ago they got Whitner. Okay, I can see it (don’t agree with it) given how important the safties (strong and free—so Simpson fit) are in the Tampa 2. I’ll chalk Youboty up to their fascination with Ohio State DBs.
Last year they wanted their Lynch and took for need. Last year they needed a RB in the worst possible way and took Lynch. Again, I can see it. If I remember correctly, Lynch had some college injuries so Wright was a cheap insurance policy. As for Edwards, well Nall was beaten out by Losman and we all know how much he liked him so a backup QB was needed.
Everything beyond round 2 has been kind of random. DE and another CB before even trying to get a TE? No offensive linemen at all? No fullback? Just random guys…
Wow
OBD continues to baffle and frustrate.
This kid is a carbon copy of Dwayne Wright, which is something that we sure didn’t need. If we were going to take a big RB, why not Chauncey Washington from USC? He’s got good speed and produced at this highest level….
~K
i don't understand it, but I'll say he's a pretty darn good back
by osmanBAE on Apr 27, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I was disappointed
with DE in the 3rd, but I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. After that….WTF!!!
Experiment
Day 2 seems like a psychological experiment to calculate and quantify suffering on a numeric scale.
But seriously, did the Bills hire Nick Saban last night?
Nick Saban or Bobby Petrino, or did they get Ditka?
I would not be surprised now if we traded all three 7th rounders so we could move to the top of the 7th to draft a new Punter because Brian’s leg is somehow about to fall off.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Jeeeeeezzz, guys… y’all are ornery. :)
They can only trade their top two 7th rounders, as compensatory picks can’t be swapped. Don’t expect any of these next 3 guys to make the roster.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
The same names that have been mentioned a couple times here – Hubbard and Monk.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I am going to go the other way here
We are a run first team and depth at RB is important. Though I would have loved a Mike Heart experiment it’s tuff to argue with this kids production. He’s a threat catching passes and he will push the other bu RB’s.
This team has a good record of identifying OL talent late in the draft and I bet we grab at least one in the 7th to give us some depth. I don’t think our OL is a pressing need now and if things go as planned (Evans, Crowell) we are in a great position to build the trenches in the draft next year.
What are they doing???????????????
I am absolutely stunned with all of todays picks. I would grade the second day a D-. No TE, offensive lineman, WR’s, Fullback. Now we have 6 corners, 4 running backs, and 3 TE’s. We had a chance to really help our team today, and just didn’t do it.
Well, we did get a TE…
Honestly, I don’t know why we expected anything but this. This is what happens every year on day two. I’m not shocked at all.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You can make that argument, but the Bills disagree with you. They think he can play – check out Chris Brown’s comments at BB.com.
Would I have liked a different TE? Sure! But the Bills drafted one they liked, so I’m not complaining yet.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course not! I’m as perplexed as all of you. I just EXPECTED to be perplexed. Really, all of these picks are solid players. Are they weird? Yes. But I’m not shocked at all.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Perspective is a great thing, Fort. I think some of us were expecting to be as thrilled as we were with the Lynch/Poz picks last year, and came away as thrilled as we were with the Whitner/McCargo picks. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Just imagine...
if the Bills had selected Colt Brennan at #11 overall. I know that I was prepared :)
Washington had a great draft for us...
Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly, Chad Rinehart, Justin Tyron
Just looking at the first 3 names makes me shake with envy. Can you image Evans, Thomas, Kelly, Davis and Lynch with Edwards behind a decent line? Instead we have Evans, Hardy, Reed/Parrish, Royal and Lynch. Ugh. It’s going to take me a while to get over this.
Ron and Co.
Read up on X-factor, especially the Q&A then you can see why the Bills picked him. http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/xavier-omon?id=2641
Draft thoughts
I loved our first three picks and before I explain why I’m upset with almost all of day two I think it is important to note that the draft has already made our team better. Giving us one offensive starter, one defensive starter and situational player on the D is great. However, they really dropped the ball after the third round.
Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?
Kind of early to say they dropped the ball...
Don’t you think? We may have left some holes but we did draft players we need (especially on special teams – and late rounds are the times to do that).
I agree
You’re right Syr, we do have a number of 7th round picks to analyze before I pass my final judgement. However I do feel a little numb about the Fine, Oman, and Corner. Schmitt and Keller were still on the board and I would have liked to see us go in that direction. I will admit, Corner could definetly find a niche on our D with a little development.
Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?
Gotta admit
Day Two’s draft has me baffled. I don’t understand any of these picks. This summer will be very interesting in Rochester.
I won’t go back and reitirate what I’m sure has been said many times about needs but, boy, this draft is just strange. Not what I was hoping for.
However, I can’t wait to see some of these guys in minicamp.
Adarius Bowman is still out there, the Bills liked him on tape, and the 7th may be a good time to take a flier…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey Joe!!
Valesco’s still out there too… But someone will jump in front of us to get him, I’m sure..
I think I know
who the next pick will be. It will be John Doe, a tweener CB/S out of SE Idaho State. A bit undersized but great heart. Runs a bitchin cone drill and one of the best thumb wrestlers left on the board. Don’t mind that he is a polygamist. We can overlook that.
I am so sick>>>>
of our constant search for character, motor, and heart guys. Give me some guys with an attitude and want the damn ball. That is why I like the Hardy pick so much. Now we are back on our trend of weird picks. Can’t wait to hear about their character, motor and heart in the press conference.
For the record – finally got the chance to scroll through my Sporting News draft mag. They were VERY high on Bowen and Omon. Of course, they also had Jake Long listed as the #3 OT…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:17 PM EDT reply actions
I can't believe
a team with the 31st ranked offense would be this careless with the draft. We upgraded our defense undoubtedly in free agency, with no attention given the offense. Now more of the same in the draft.
Careless? That’s a bit strong, I believe. Their plan obviously was to re-build the special teams after they lost their top five guys, then take BPA. Nobody here has to agree with the plan, but there WAS a plan.
They’re definitely putting a lot of pressure on Harvey…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait a minute
Is Erin Henderson still available? That would have been a GREAT pick in the 5th at OLB. I can’t believe that kid is still on the board….wow….
He’ll probably be a Patriot, ugh
~K
Yeah… was just thinking that. Counting on him being a Patriot though.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Hard to believe he’s still there… maybe we just missed it. Can’t see him drafted anywhere though…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope
he’s definitely still out there
and NE just passed on him too.
I wonder what the story is. He was a consensus top 3-4 OLB in this draft and a likely 3rd rounder. I still think he would have been a GREAT pick for us.
~K
Draft
Although picking players in positions the Bills already have depth is confusing, they are probably looking ahead to people they might lose next season. Of course then they should have taken Dan Connor.
I guess they really like their tight ends, which is good. They did sign them. If they don’t think the tight ends in the draft project well in the pros, then there you go.
I guess it just goes to show you that NFL teams draft boards look way different than an outsider’s draft board.
What can any of us say...
The Bills never cease to amaze me… I have no idea what they were thinking… We still have 3 more picks to find our fullback, WR, and the reserve OL they kept screaming that we needed. No chance to get a pass catching TE with what’s left in the draft. Welcome to another 7-9 season gentlemen… Can’t wait for next year.
Regards, ChaosthePitbull
by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions
Can’t predict a record after this draft. We got impact at our first 6 picks, whether it’s noticeable impact (McKelvin, Hardy) or special teams impact (picks 4-6). We may very well go 7-9 next season, but it won’t be because we passed on guys that the front office didn’t like.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
It is not that bad
as Brian said earlier, it puts a lot of pressure on Hardy and hope that one of our FA TEs can play.
I won't go there...
We all may be pi55ing and moaning, but the Bills got 3 quality, potential starters in the first 3 picks….And though we questioned them all, the other picks will help special teams and depth, if nothing else…
Thought
I believe the Bills feel they have decent depth on the Oline and are ok going to ‘08 with the 4 TE’s on the roster and 1 they drafted. I believe you will see the Bills get a mediocre veteran WR when the June 1st cuts come along.
Overall, I am thrilled. You have the potential for an elite D (top5). YOu have 4 solid DT, you now with your new 3rd rounder have 4 solid DE’s. You have a solid 3 LB’s and now with your 5th rounder have 3 solid depth LB’s. You improved the secondary.
Again, as I have said all week you did not lose anything for last years offense other than a Gaines. You have now brought in Hardy and 2 FA TE’s. The line is solid with some ok depth and you have 4 young RB’s. The Bills generally only keep 5 WR’s on the roster anyway (sometimes 6). The team is better no problem using the picks to improve the Oline but I am surprised by some of them.
Prediction: THe bills will find at least 1 undrafted free agent who will make the roster as an offensive player.
Seahawks have done very well on day 2
I really like a lot of their picks, Red Bryant, Owne Schmitt, Tyler Schmitt, these were all solid additions. The only pick I didn’t like of theirs was Lawrence Jackson in the 1st round.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
The Bengals have taken some good WRs
If Chad Johnson has to sit out the season, I wonder if he will grow up!!!!
Everyone
Would you all be more disappointed if the Bills had selected Mike Hart at #11 and Erik Ainge at #41?
Is that a serious question? Of course…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotta love a guy with this name:
Andy Studebaker
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
I just saw more pressing needs just like everyone else did...
Drafts take 3 years to evaluate… Its just the Bills and everyone else made it quite clear was we absolutely had to do in this draft. I like Wright as our third back… But I’m not so exited about Royal… Fine was tabbed as a FA signing after the draft… No way a 4th rounder. I so desperately want the Bills to succeed. I have no hair left from all the scratching I’ve been doing….
Regards, ChaosthePitbull
by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions
the draft
Fine might be to us (fans) considered an after-draft FA, but what if another team had him ranked high and wanted him?
It doesn’t matter where a player is drafted as long as you get the guy you want and he performs.
As Geronimo stated this morning, the Bills – for better or worse – are fine with Fowler.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Geronimo also
said the Bills liked Kelly. Not busting on G, just pointing out that he is not always right.
Yeah, but he said that months ago – and it was true.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
fullback.... Definitely
Regards, ChaosthePitbull
by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 4:55 PM EDT reply actions
TE
the Bills needed a tight end, identified the one they could get, and went for it. The Fullbacks you all seem to drool over didn’t go high either. Peyton Hills is still around.
Your perfect 7th round for us?
me:
Fernando Velasco G/C
Marcus Monk/Adrian Arrington/Steve Johnson/Adarius Bowman WR
Mike Cox/Peyton Hillis/Carl Stewart FB
~K
Brian Johnston just went… I had his name circled as a potential Round 7 target…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
A pass rusher would be a nice addition at the end too
Hilee Taylor is my guy
Curtis Gatewood, Jonal St Dic, Curtis Johnson could all be nice picks too….
I might sub one of those guys in for a FB and grab one after the draft….
~K
New thread coming, but I’ll ask you guys:
- One thread for each pick?
OR
- One thread with all three picks?
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 4:59 PM EDT reply actions
Jamey Richard
from Buffalo has got to be the pick.
at least for PR purposes.
one thread for all three picks. They are 7th rounders after all.
I hate to say it.... Chiefs had a great draft!
Regards, ChaosthePitbull
by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
Check his comment in Krytime’s FanPost.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
One
at 219, the other at 224…. Wishful thinking anyway… Prolly be someone else we’ve hardly heard of
Erin Henderson
Was he riding shotgun with PacMan Jones before the draft or something?
I sort of understand Ali Highsmith (flunking the combine and all)...
I'd still take Henderson here
Very good player, though I have no idea why he’s fallen so far. He’d be a bigtime upgrade to Ellison. I think he’d be able to contribute more defensively than Bowen too….
~K
NEW THREAD on the home page for all 3 7th round picks…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions
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