An informed view of the Draft
by Geronimo on Apr 28, 2008 9:00 AM EDT
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PrintJust reading all that has been written over the evening and this morning, it seems that a majority of Bills fans are disappointed with the Draft--most particularly the second day proceedings. That is certainly NOT the view at OBD. Let's review the last 48 hours from the OBD perspective. Going into the Draft the team's three biggest needs (as they saw it) were CB, WR and a 4th DE in the rotation with some pass rush ability. Check. Check and Check. They covered all three in the first three picks and I will not spend much time reviewing McKelvin, Hardy and Ellis. They are VERY high on Ellis as a situational player--they think he has innate pass rush abilities that are very hard to teach and whatever attitude problems exists will be quickly gone after a few days around Kollar and Schobel. Let's take a better look at the fourth round guys--where most of the disappointment exists I sense.
The Bills looked at Corner totally prepared NOT to like him. All off-season they have gotten bigger and they were ready to readily dismiss him on size alone. Then they saw him on tape and were really dazzled. They view him as an outstanding cover guy--quick, smart, makes plays and VERY tough. They love him. If he were two inches taller they think he'd have been a low first, high second pick. They think he will push Greer for the nickel and may win it outright. The Fine situation is interesting. Most Bills fans wanted an up-the-field TE--somebody who could threaten the deep middle. That is NOT what the Bills were seeking after Keller and Davis were off the Board. They think that C. Anderson and Teyo have as much ability to do this as anybody they could possibly have drafted, and they were looking for a tough, smart, hard-nosed blocker who could also catch a bit to line up opposite Royal on short yardage and goal line. They think Fine is a very good player--and he is really going to push Schouman. They want competition at every position, remember.
Bowen? Tough as nails and solid tackler/player with athletic ability is the view at OBD and he is going to be a special teams demon. You all MUST remember that we have lost Stamer, Haggan, Wire and Aiken off of teams. That is a LOT of productivity and in an area that the Bills take incredibly seriously. They also want to push Ellison and think that Bowen--who is a tireless worker will do that. We also really needed depth at LB after Digi and Ellison.
Omon---they were thinking of a smaller RB at this point but opted for this kid because he is hard, nosed, tough and moves the pile. Freddy Jackson is our situational guy and nobody they could have gotten here would have been better than him. In addition--they really want Wright to work harder and think this kid will help them see exactly what they have in Wright. Or don't have. Why a RB at all?? We only really have our top three--and we wanted and needed some depth.
The tackle Bell? A total and complete project likely two years away--but they see quick feet, bad technique that can be changed, good possibilities and a very hard worker. Only time will tell.
They LOVE the WR Johnson and think he was a real value. They do not think he does any one thing exceptionally well--but everything pretty well. He has size, decent speed and catches most everything. Apparently there are "issues" with him--but certainly worth a 7th rounder. They do think if he works out he can and will play.
Cox---Just a "height, wight, speed" guy worth a flier. They love using CBs on teams and will likely carry 6 on the 53 man roster.
I know you are all asking where is the Fullback? They were looking, but just never ran into the right situation at the right time. They have one on the roster and just signed the UFA from Army.
All in all they are very pleased. I am. The whole thing is a crap shoot as you all know well, but it does make me feel better knowing that there is always a rationale for everything at OBD.
Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.
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Thanks
Thanks for the great post. It is always interesting to hear the Bills perspective on these guys, as opposed to ESPN etc. And it sounds like they got some players they really like, and didnt miss out on any players that would have been an improvement on the existing roster (I thought the TE comment was especially interesting).
I remain a bit worred though about our depth at WR. What happens if Hardy doesnt work out, gets hurt whatever. Seems like a lot is riding on him to deliver that ‘1 missing piece’ the offense lacked in last years unimpressive campaign.
Good stuff as always, G. Thanks for the post.
Question – do you know any details about Buffalo wanting to trade up/down on Day 2? I know you said you would be shocked if they used all 8 picks yesterday, and they did…
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 9:39 AM EDT reply actions
Trading down
I really have no insight here. I assumed they would do a bunch of dealing yesterday simply because they have a profile of who fits them and then targeting them. I was a surprised as anybody when we used all 8 picks.
Geronimo
Thanks
Good stuff
Any idea what the “issues” with Johnson are? Everything I’ve read and heard of him describes him as a hard worker, leader and a good teammate who is a bit raw at WR and may be a one-year wonder. I didn’t know he had any other issues…
They think Corner will challenge Greer for the nickel spot? What about Youboty and James, are they potential cuts? I figure you are thinking McKelvin will start right away, which I’m not sure of yet as we’ll wait to see how he can go from a lower level D1 program to starting NFL CB. I thought for sure James would be up in the top 2-3 CB spots. And they must really hate Youboty at this point….
~K
I think
he might have meant as a player, I didn’t hear any negative reports about work ethic or character either. I know he is raw and struggles with drops. He will drop the occasional easy catch and sometimes struggles to catch balls while running. He is better when he can stop and turn to face the ball. If it is a concentration or confidence problem, then maybe the Bills can help him with it.
interesting
stuff as always. I always get somewhat disappointed with Buffalo’s day 2 picks over the last couple years. However, there reasoning is finding guys that really fit their system. Why they want a TE that just catches flat patterns and can’t run seam routes to beat a safety is beyond me. I know, G said that if Davis or Keller were there they would have taken them, but I just didn’t understand why not moving up to get at least Rucker. I’m guessing they think Fine is just as talented or more than Rucker? Maybe I’m just a little too in love wit Rucker.
I’m just disappointed we didn’t come away with a top 3/4 TE. I thought after getting McKelvin/Hardy that getting a pass-catching TE would have made the draft a total success. However, I guess I’ll just have to see how Corner, Fine, Omon, Bowen, etc pan out. I just hope they have more of an impact than just ST’s over the years.
How bout the interesting competition at CB? They must really think they needed to improve and if Corner is as good as they say they did really improve there. McGee, McKelvin, Greer, James, Corner, Yoboughty?
MARVelous
Rucker
I liked Rucker as well—-apparently he can’t block a lick. At all. And they thought Teyo and C. Anderson as pass-catching TEs brought more to the table (for them) than Rucker and the opportunity loss of not taking somebody else.
I think CB is now a strength--but as we all know-it is usually only as good as your pass-rush. I see that imporved as well.
Actually-if we can stay healthy-the D has the potential to be VERY VERY good.
Geronimo
D-Line
I still have a lot of doubts about the D-line. Obviously there is a lot of hesitation there bc of Stroud’s ankle injury, and can Ellis and S. Johnson improve this D-line? I still think we need another upgrade at DE.
Here is what I pose Geronimo. Who else would have the Bills taken at #11? If Harvey was there would he have been the pick? How close was DRC rated compared to McKelvin?
MARVelous
Bryant
I was screaming at my blackberry when Red Byrant was available in the 4th round and we didn’t take him…. the next Pat Williams slipped thru our fingers.
That’s high praise. Pat Williams was a UDFA… I’m not seeing the comparison. Bryant is a good player though.
I’m growing on his Corner kid. I haven’t read a negative about him yet other than “too short”...
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Corner
I don’t doubt that he is going to be a good player. In fact, I can envision him starting in the coming season. However, I question picking him as our first 4th rounder.
Bills fan half way around the world
Why? What’s wrong with, in your view, picking a potential starter in the fourth round?
I understand the argument of drafting for need and filling holes, but that’s not how the Bills do things, and it hasn’t been since the current regime took over three years ago.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually....
Geronimo seems to be saying the Bills drafted largely to fill holes.
“Going into the Draft the team’s three biggest needs (as they saw it) were CB, WR and a 4th DE in the rotation with some pass rush ability.”
The Bills drafted 3 CBs, 2 WRs and 1 DE so 60% of the picks went to what the Bills reportedly defined as ‘need’ areas. The team must be higher on Teyo and Anderson than anyone else as they didn’t see TE as a great need. While I don’t see either of them being big contributors I hope OBD is right and I’m wrong. Maybe they’ve got that “Daylight come and I wanna go home” track ready to roll in anticipation of Teyo’s (hopefully) many TDs…
I see it more as they took BPA as long as it logically made sense to the roster. Three corners were drafted because that position was pretty weak last year, and we only had five on the roster, so you can justify adding a BPA in Corner or Cox because of that fact. Ace Bowen, Xavier Omon, and Demetrius Bell weren’t necessarily need picks, but they’re good players (or good athletes) that are worth the time and help us hit numbers at their respective positions.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The future
The Bills may also be looking down the road at McGee, Greer, and Youboty’s situations with the team. I could be wrong, but aren’t McGee and Greer’s contracts up in the next few years? Also, if the weekend showed us anything it’s that Youboty better get his act together during the OTA’s, mini-camps, and training camp if he wants to be on the team come week one. I wouldn’t be too comfortable if I was him.
Greer is a free agent after the 2008-09 season (this coming year), and McGee is a free agent in 2009-10.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
In fact, may as well string it out – Youboty is a free agent after ‘09 like Greer, and James is a free agent after ‘10 like McGee. So those top four guys we were counting on aren’t exactly here long-term.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Not exactly right...
I think this is semantical discussion. I did post on the morning of the draft they would be looking for a TE but after Davis and Keller were gone—they viewed the other “pass catching” TEs as projects who either 1) didn’t fit into their system or 2) would not contribute more right now than C. Anderson or Teyo. Fine filled a need for another TE who can block (and catch) on short yardage and goal line.
I understand the skepticism—but that was the thinking anyway.
Geronimo
What about Red Bryant?
Geronimo, what was OBDs feelings about Red Bryant? I liked the kid and thought he would be awesome 4 th round pickup to assist the DLine in stopping the run. Did they just not like the idea of spending a higher 4th rounder on him than I did?
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Who else
As I posted on the morning of the draft, they considered D. Thomas, D. Harvey, Rodgers-Cromartie and K. Rivers at #11 before McKelvin emerged as the consensus pick. I know DRC was their second rated CB—but am not sure how far behind McKelvin he was. My impression was he wasn’t really that close. Assuming Kelsey/Denney are healthy (I hear they will be fine for camp), I think they are pretty much set at DE at least for the moment.
Geronimo
LOL. I’ll never understand why “Chris Brown” is an insult or a jibe at a homer. Chris Brown is the man. :)
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
On a serious note, I thought the draft accomplished a lot.
I say give it a year to see what we have in Teyo and C.Anderson before addressing TE any further.
The defesnse will be vastly improved, but doesnt OBD wanna see Trent succeed, G? Seems hard when we didnt vastly improve the offense. Now Im not saying it will be down right horrible like last year, but it definitely wont be anywhere near the likes of some other playoff caliber teams?
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
Bills PR man
G, sounds like you are the Bills PR man I was asking for ;)
Bills fan half way around the world
Geromimo
I am curious about the QB situation. Will they shop Loseman more actively, maybe in trade for a WR? What are the long term plans at QB? Loseman leaves at the end of the season, then what?
I'm not sure what you mean
“Will they shop Loseman more actively?”
I don’t think they were “shopping” him in the first place. Every team in the league knew what the Bills were looking for in return for Losman. Nobody offered it. I think it is that simple.
“What are the long term plans at QB?”
Trent Edwards
“Loseman leaves at the end of the season, then what?”
I didn’t realize next year’s backup QB was such a concern. I doubt they have a specific plan, they certainly don’t need one. The Bills have Hamden and Luke Drone on the roster and they will battle for the third QB spot. That player will then have all season to prove to the coaching staff that they can be the long term backup. When neither player proves that they are a legitimate backup the team will either sign a vet next offseason or grab one in the middle rounds of the 09 draft.
I should have said long term plans for #2 QB
You should always be developing your next potential starting QB. Ideally, he should be your backup, but could be your #3 if you have a vet backup. If you end up with 2 starters, then great, trade one and pat yourself on the back. We all know J,P. is gone at the end of the year. So, who are the Bills going to have backing up Edwards next year? If Hamden and Drone have starting potential, then great. If not, then what happens if Edwards gets hurt? Most QBs do not develop overnignt, espicially FA and mid round ones. I was simply asking G if he had any inside info for us, that is all.
Anquan Boldin
The Cardinals had a good draft, and they may be looking to shed his contract soon, especially if he decides to give up on being a “good” teammate. Though I think our big FA pickup from another team may end up being a TE, as some guys will be displaced after this draft.
Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....
Derek Fine
I realize what the Bills were looking for in a tight end. I was hoping for an all-around type TE who rarely had to leave the field for speciality players. I just don’t think Derek Fine is that kind of guy. I think he is more of an H-Back type than a true inline TE. He is a high effort blocker, but scouting reports cite a lack of size and upper body strength. I saw Kansas play a few times and they really moved him all over the place. In their spread offense they used him as a TE on the line and just of the line of scrimmage. He was often in the backfield and in the slot as well. When Kansas put a player in motion it was often Fine. They said they were going to switch to a more traditional FB this season, but they didn’t draft one and they drafted a TE that is a better fit as an H-Back. I don’t get it.
It’s not that I don’t like Fine, I just don’t know what the Bills were looking for other than intangibles. I did like this line from NFL.com
“Good effort and open-field tackling ability on special teams.”
Special teams were clearly a factor in most of their late round picks.
For your FB/HB concerns, keep in mind that they already have Darian Barnes on the roster. He’s a nice solid veteran lead blocker. He’ll be the starting fullback. The transition from the HB has already been made.
I like Fine as a short-area passer that will be a pain to bring down because he’s tough. He could be a threat in the red zone as well, though clearly the red area will be Hardy Time this year. He’s a nice player, but until the Bills get a Gates-like impact from the position, I don’t think any of us will be truly happy.
by Brian Galliford on Apr 28, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
FB
They also just signed a kid from Army who was supposedly one of the best lead blockers available this year. He won’t offer much else, but his blocking skills are supposedly very good….
~K
The kid from Army
The kid from Army is 5’ 9”.....240+ lbs. Read this…....I suggest we send him to Iraq asap. He sounds like a total beast. He’ll clean that mess up and be back by Camp.
Bills Sign FB Mike Viti, Armyhttp://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbc…0343/-1/SPORTS
Geronimo
Hey thats my local paper
I’m not sure if this is the link you wanted, but the one you put up didn’t seem to work.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Yeah
Other than Bennett, I didn’t care too much for the TE class this year, regardless of the need. If they were going to get another weapon, I would have preferred another WR rather than a TE. If you find a Gates or a Winslow, then make your move.
FB/HB
I don’t understand the position really. A guy who can block and basically just catch some short passes. I just think the need for a stretch the field TE is so pressing. Our offense is so bad at scoring points, I just don’t see much of an immediate impact from Hardy/Fine/Johnson. I guess the hope is that the scheme of the offense will allow Schouman, Fine, Royal, Anderson, Teyo Johnson or whoever wins the job(s) the opportunity to make plays. My concern is not between the 20’s cuz the offense was ok at moving the ball.
The Bills offense struggles at Big Plays and Red Zone efficiency at scoring 6 instead of 3. And to improve in those areas you need more weapons and a variety of weapons. I just don’t think they did enough to improve there. A pass-catching TE was a must IMO in this draft, and that is why I am really disappointed with this class.
MARVelous
Well
The Bills red zone offense was bad. The Bills scored a solid 88.2 percent of the time when they made it past the oppositions 20 yard line. But that is only solid if you ignore the fact that the Bills scored a TD only 38.2 percent of the time. That was the third worst TD percentage of all teams.
The Bills were also bad at finding the red zone. The Bills were in the red zone only 34 times last season. Only San Francisco managed to enter the red zone less often. For comparison’s sake. 17 teams had 50 or more red zone appearances and New England had 72.
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Statistics/Inside+the+Red+Zone/2007/finalredzn.htm
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