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Bills' Seventh Round Picks in NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills will close out their participation in the 2008 NFL Draft with three selections in the seventh round.  Those selections are...

7-219: Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State
- We knew coming into the day that the Bills would try to target an offensive lineman who can play guard and tackle; a "swing" lineman, if you will.  At 6'5" and 303 pounds, Bell is that type of lineman.  He's only got three years of experience in football, but he's a big kid with a load of potential.  In the seventh round, a developmental project with as much upside as Bell has is about all you can hope for.  This is a strong pick for the Bills.

7-224: Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
- I really, really like this pick.  Johnson is a productive receiver coming out of the SEC, and at 6'2", 210 pounds and with 4.55 speed, he has the ability to be an underrated slot receiver at the NFL level.  He's not quick or explosive, but he's a smooth player who scored 13 touchdowns in his one productive college season - outproducing his college teammate, Keenan Burton, in 2007.  This is a nice seventh-round flier selection that could pan out and add some solid depth to Buffalo's receiving corps.

7-251: Kennard Cox, CB, Pittsburgh
- A 6'0", 195-pound cornerback that runs a 4.58-second 40 is nearly a perfect fit for a Cover 2.  He is also the cousin of Buccaneers CB Torrie Cox.  This is the third cornerback that the Bills have selected in this year's draft (though he could also be shifted to safety), and if Cox can't prove his mettle on special teams, he likely won't make the roster.

That does it for the 2008 NFL Draft, at least from the Bills' perspective.  I'd like to thank everyone for stopping by Buffalo Rumblings for your Bills draft coverage this weekend.  I'm tabling my thoughts on the draft as a whole until tomorrow morning (going to sleep on it for a little perspective), so I hope to see many of you back here tomorrow morning for that.  In the meantime, feel free to leave your final draft thoughts in the comments section or in a FanPost.  Go Bills!

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Solid selection

Kid is raw, but has ability. Not sure how much he could contribute immediately though.

AND HE’S KARL MALONE’S ILLEGITIMATE SON!!!!

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:17 PM EDT   0 recs

Yeah… hope that last tidbit doesn’t become his calling card. :)

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

this was the espn mini-scouting blurb on Bell:

Bell is a developmental small school prospect who has the frame, initial quickness and agility to develop into a reliable backup or adequate starter at left tackle for a team that does a lot of zone blocking. However, he isn’t strong, big or explosive enough at this point to play a substantial role so he projects as a seventh round pick.

by Benaconda on Apr 27, 2008 5:17 PM EDT   0 recs

Scouts Take on the kid

Strengths: Gets off the ball well and flashes the ability to get into position quickly. Shows good lateral mobility, can each defender lined up over outside shoulder and can seal the edge. Gets adequate hand placement, moves feet and can sustain blocks. Takes adequate not great angles to downfield blocks, can adjust to moving targets in space and can get into position at the second level. Shuffles feet well and can redirect in pass protection. Has the frame to add bulk, has steadily progressed and should only get better with added experience.

Weaknesses: Undersized, plays too high and can get knocked back at the point of contact. Doesn’t deliver a violent initial punch and hasn’t shown great upper body strength. Plays too high, hasn’t shown great lower body strength and isn’t going to drive defenders off the ball. Doesn’t sink hips enough and gives too much ground to bull rushers. Had never played football before 2005 fall camp, moved from defensive end to offensive tackle three weeks prior to the start of the 2006 season, played basketball at Northwestern State and is raw. Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to adjust to the speed of the game at the NFL level.

Overall: Bell attended Northwestern State on a basketball scholarship, and had never so much as worn a helmet when he decided to try out for the football team in 2005. Playing defensive end in his first season (‘05), he logged 11 tackles, all in a single game. He was moved to left offensive tackle only weeks before the 2006 season opener, and went on to start 22 consecutive games over the next two seasons (‘06-07). He played three seasons for the Demons basketball squad (2004-05 through 2006-07). Bell is a developmental small school prospect who has the frame, initial quickness and agility to develop into a reliable backup or adequate starter at left tackle for a team that does a lot of zone blocking. However, he isn’t strong, big or explosive enough at this point to play a substantial role so he projects as a seventh round pick.

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Sounds a little like Jason Peters a few years ago

Wonder if that wasn’t the plan with this pick, eh?

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

and Fowler has

outplayed his contract and will probably want a new one or leave via free agency.

by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2008 5:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Still want

interior line help, but it’s something…

by Cinga on Apr 27, 2008 5:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Damn you Carolina

taking Hilee Taylor!

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:24 PM EDT   0 recs

I thought you wanted Erin Henderson? ;)

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

all of the above

I want them all. Wish the Bills did too!

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Omon

I dont know whether to laugh or cry….

From CB:

JUST A STAT TO PASS ALONG ON OMON: Omon if you want to have fun with numbers has outscored the Bills in terms of touchdowns on the ground in this entire decade adding together his numbers over the past four years. Since 2000 the Bills have 87 rushing touchdowns. Over the past four years Omon has 92. Omon had 7,073 yards rushing in his college career and 92 rushing touchdowns, six receiving touchdowns and averaged 5.56 per carry. -

by Thronsen on Apr 27, 2008 5:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Can we please....

...take Adrian Arrington or DJ Hall please?

"my buffalo bills fandom is better than your buffalo bills fandom"- Thanks Nike!

by nickfeely8 on Apr 27, 2008 5:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Figures the Michigan guy pulls for Arrington. ;)

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ain’t that the truth

"my buffalo bills fandom is better than your buffalo bills fandom"- Thanks Nike!

by nickfeely8 on Apr 27, 2008 5:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Your at Michigan?

As am I.

GO BLUE!!!

by Kumario! on Apr 27, 2008 7:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

With you

need another WR

by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2008 5:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wonder if our LB willl be...

David Vobora
OLB (6’1”, 236, 4.629 fast!)

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Dang, bears nabbed Adams

Was hoping if we went two OL he might be the other.

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Really like the Steve Johnson pick!!

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

by sireric on Apr 27, 2008 5:28 PM EDT   0 recs

With you, eric. Like this one a lot.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

YAY

I’m happy!

Love this pick. Stevie Johnson is a really good WR with room to grow. This is potentially my favorite pick of the draft!

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Well, it wasn't one of my guys, but...

...I’ll take it. At least I was on par in the receiver department.

"my buffalo bills fandom is better than your buffalo bills fandom"- Thanks Nike!

by nickfeely8 on Apr 27, 2008 5:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Good player, who's getting better

He needs to work on route running before he’ll make a major impact. He’s not fast, but is pretty quick.

Good size and he attacks the ball. He should be a quality redzone threat, IMO.

Plus he freestyles before games

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow, and I thought we were goign Bowman

Since alot of people were reporting the Bills liked his game tapes.
Grade 44 by Scouts: Anyone see this kid play in person?

Strengths: Has good top-end speed, tracks the ball well and can stretch the field. Explodes off the ball and creates space underneath by driving corners back. Shows a strong grasp of spacing and runs defender into other receivers as well as other defenders. Shows adequate awareness and generally does a good job of adjusting route when sees blitz. Physical for size and has the frame to add more bulk. Isn’t afraid to go over the middle and flashes the ability to make tough catches in traffic. Times jumps well, comfortable extending arms above head and is capable of competing for most jump balls. Is a competitor and has a knack for making plays at critical points in games. Flashes the ability to make the first defender miss and can produce after the catch. Gets adequate hand placement, moves feet and flashes ability to sustain blocks. Isn’t afraid to throw body around and is an adequate cut blocker.

Weaknesses: While tough and plays with a mean streak lacks elite bulk and can get pushed around by bigger corners. Too mechanical at times, doesn’t explode out of cuts and is an inconsistent route runner at this point. Footwork is inconsistent, takes too long to change directions and slips a little too much. Appears to gear down rather than trying to catch the ball in-stride when running crossing routes over the middle and makes it difficult for the quarterback to lead him. Lacks elite sideline awareness and can drift out of bounds when tracking the ball downfield. Occasionally starts to turn upfield before securing the ball and drops some passes that should catch. Doesn’t always take sound angles to blocking assignments and has some problems getting into position as a result. Wasn’t the No. 1 option in Kentucky’s offense and has yet to prove can be a No. 1 receiver. Only played two years of high school football, didn’t line up at receiver until first year of junior college and is still a little raw.

Overall: Johnson attended Chabot College (a California community college) out of high school, amassing 105 receptions for 1,667 yards (15.9 average) and 18 touchdowns in two seasons (2004-’05). He transferred to Kentucky in 2006, appearing in 13 games (no starts) as a junior and grabbing 12 receptions for 159 yards (13.3 average) and a touchdown. In 13 games (and just four starts) in 2007, Johnson exploded for 60 catches, 1,041 yards (17.4 average) and 13 touchdowns. Johnson is a developmental prospect who needs to work on his route running and get a little stronger before pushing for significant playing time. However, there’s a lot to like about his top-end speed, initial quickness and competitiveness so he projects as a fifth round pick.

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Peyton Hills countdown

FB is the last need, right?

right….?

by Benaconda on Apr 27, 2008 5:30 PM EDT   0 recs

I think FB will be a UDFA pickup now

I bet its LB for the last spot, or maybe another lineman position whether or O or D.

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:31 PM EDT   0 recs

My magazine

has Omon as a FB. Bills thinking same?

by RabidBuffalo on Apr 27, 2008 5:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

A pick that makes sense!

I knew the front office had it in them!

by Ron From NM on Apr 27, 2008 5:31 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm with you there....

Center has been completely ignored.

by Ron From NM on Apr 27, 2008 5:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

QB too

I think they decided to worry about C and a backup QB next year.

by south123 on Apr 27, 2008 5:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Got to be thinking

about bringing in a Vet QB next year to backup Edwards.

by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2008 5:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ESPN

Good ol ESPN listed Steve Johnson as having 13.5 sacks and 7 or 8 turnovers and a few dozen tackles. I am guessing that is a misprint!

by south123 on Apr 27, 2008 5:33 PM EDT   0 recs

C

They’ll probably sign Jamey Richard after the draft and bring him to camp. Should probably do the same for a QB – someone to groom to be Trent’s backup.

by Benaconda on Apr 27, 2008 5:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Final pick

Gotta be FB, G/C or maybe another LB.

I think we’ll bring those positions in after the draft too, along with another WR, a DT, a QB and some OL….......

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:41 PM EDT   0 recs

Steve Johnson

Nice pick up. Keenan who?

by jj24 on Apr 27, 2008 5:43 PM EDT   0 recs

Keenan and Kel.

Too modern a reference for everyone?

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 5:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I love orange soda.

"my buffalo bills fandom is better than your buffalo bills fandom"- Thanks Nike!

by nickfeely8 on Apr 27, 2008 5:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Welcome to Good Burger

There’s a Good Burger near me in NYC and it’s actually pretty good

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Second day picks so far

I like Ellis
Fine is o.k., I would have prefered Barnidge or Kellen Davis, but I can live with Fine
The Bowan pick surprised me, but I think we all expected a LB at some point.
Omon was surprising as well, probably my least favorite pick.
Love both the 7th round guys.

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

by sireric on Apr 27, 2008 5:44 PM EDT   0 recs

This is a random question.

Anyone know how fast Evans ran the 40 out of college? Just wondering.

"my buffalo bills fandom is better than your buffalo bills fandom"- Thanks Nike!

by nickfeely8 on Apr 27, 2008 5:44 PM EDT   0 recs

It's the second to last pick of the draft

it will be completely off the cuff. Xavier Lee, Kyle Wright, Ali Highsmith, or maybe T.C. Ostrander.

by RabidBuffalo on Apr 27, 2008 5:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Yeah, Mr. Really Irrelevant.

He doesn’t have a day set side for him, so he’s the most irrelevant player in the draft.

by Krenn on Apr 27, 2008 5:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Last pick, last name in draft

Zenon, Jonathan

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:55 PM EDT   0 recs

Surprised the Seahawks waited till their last 7th rounder to take a K

Brandon Coutu, who has and I quote “Durability” issues as a PK, which always amuses me when I read that:
Strengths: Didn’t miss a field goal attempt inside 40 yards last year and is consistent form that range. Powerful and can connect on long-range field goal attempts. Gets good hang time and excellent distance on kickoffs. Handles pressure well and is poised. Punted at the high school level and is versatile.

Weaknesses: Accuracy from beyond 40 yards has been streaky at times. Durability is a big concern after missing considerable time with hamstring and quad injuries as a junior in 2006.

Overall: Coutu arrived at Georgia in 2003 and redshirted the year. In 2004, he appeared in 12 games, handling most of the team’s kickoff duties and going 2-for-3 on field goal attempts and 3-for-3 on extra points. He played in 13 games in 2005 and converted 23 of 29 field goals (with a long of 58 yards) and 45 of 45 extra points. He appeared in the first five games of 2006 before a right hamstring tear cost him the next seven games. He finished 10-for-11 on field goal tries and 17-for-17 on extra points. As a senior in 2007, Coutu appeared in all 13 games and went 18-for-23 on field goals and 49-for-49 on extra points. In his four-year career with the Bulldogs, he had 221 kickoffs for 13,411 yards (60.7 average) and 56 touchbacks (only one recorded after his hamstring tear). He missed the second half of last season’s Georgia Tech game because of an injury to the same right hamstring, but he returned for Georgia’s bowl game against Hawaii. He also suffered a quadriceps strain in 2006 but missed no games. Coutu missed substantial time with an injury in 2006 and he wasn’t as effective from longer ranges last year but he’s exhibited enough power, accuracy and confidence to develop into a reliable NFL kicker. Despite not being invited to the combine, we think he’s the most talented PK prospect in the 2008 class.

Only two PKs taken this whole draft.

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Jee-zus

How many Centers do the Colts need to draft? WOW

~K

by Kurupt on Apr 27, 2008 5:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Colts

Just took Richards…. 3 centers… Little greedy are we???

by Cinga on Apr 27, 2008 5:57 PM EDT   0 recs

I wonder if they plan on selling them to the highest bidder or something?

Need a center? Come see the Colts slightly used Center’s lot where we have a special today on late round centers to play for any scheme!

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

The Colts took their third center and took Richard…...

Regards, ChaosthePitbull

by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 5:57 PM EDT   0 recs

BLOODY Colts, they just snagged Richard

That really makes me angry, I wanted him for the Bills!!

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 5:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Jeff Sturday must be thrilled

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

by sireric on Apr 27, 2008 5:59 PM EDT   0 recs

For the record – Dungy mentioned earlier today that they plan on playing Pollak at guard. My guess is it’s the same story for one of the other two guys…

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 6:00 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Great weekend

Well Rumblers, this was a great weekend! It was fun blogging with all of you. There should be some big named LB’s and WR’s available in free agency. Hope the Bills move fast after the draft.

by the Skycap on Apr 27, 2008 6:00 PM EDT   0 recs

See ya Sky

Regards, ChaosthePitbull

by chaosthepitbull on Apr 27, 2008 6:02 PM EDT   0 recs

BEST DAY TWO PICK

Stevie Johnson Kentucky WR!!! Looks like a good slot guy to sub rosco.

by funnangame on Apr 27, 2008 6:03 PM EDT   0 recs

Gotta go with Chris Ellis as the best day two pick, though I do like Johnson.

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2008 6:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed...

And though I’ve complained a little… All in all, a decent draft… Really wanted interior o line though…

by Cinga on Apr 27, 2008 6:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

after the draft

usually the Bills are pretty quick to sign some quality undrafted players. They are probably on the phone now…

Maybe they’ll address the FB/QB needs there, with a TE for the hell of it?

by Benaconda on Apr 27, 2008 6:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Just for fun...

Thinkin’ the Bills should run out the clock on pick 251, so Rams pick, then we get to select Mr Irrelevant….

by Cinga on Apr 27, 2008 6:07 PM EDT   0 recs

well I think this team rebounded and actually picked up a couple decent players,

Johnson being one of them, Ellis, and Bowen.

The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ

by NYTXFAN on Apr 27, 2008 6:09 PM EDT   0 recs

I like the Johnson and Ellis picks

Bowen I’m still on the fence a little bit, unless they feel he can replace Crowell in 2 seasons. And that has me wondering, what if the Hardy pick gets Lee to resign long term, Crowell refuses to do so, so we tab him the Franchise next season, and then have Bowen learn behind him for two seaspns before let Crowell go?

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

by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2008 6:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Mr Irrelevant Award

Is the search for Miss Irrelevant confined to a Curves gym?

by Ron From NM on Apr 27, 2008 6:20 PM EDT   0 recs

for the last pick...

i like Velsco© (obviously), Chase Ortiz (DE), or Adrius Bowman (WR)

John I.

by jri111 on Apr 27, 2008 6:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Throw in

Johnson, DE/LB tweener out of Clark Atlanta…

by Cinga on Apr 27, 2008 6:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Steve Wyche of the AJ-C

He picked McKelvin as the rookie to make the biggest impact.

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

by sireric on Apr 27, 2008 6:30 PM EDT   0 recs