Rumblings Draft Scouting: Five prospects worth discussing
Even if you're one of our readers that can't stand this type of feature when the Buffalo Bills are still playing meaningful football - yes, I know you exist - I'm guessing that you're, at a minimum, aware of some of the big names floating around in early 2010 NFL Draft talks. We've discussed the quarterbacks frequently. Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, elite DT prospects from Nebraska and Oklahoma, respectively, make Bills fans drool. So do elite offensive tackle names like Russell Okung and Bryan Bulaga.
We even have a relatively good idea what positions the Bills will be looking to address next off-season. Quarterback will probably be the top priority, clearly. The offensive line needs work. The defensive line needs further youthful reinforcements, and the linebacker position has been exposed as a weakness thanks to injuries and below-average play. With those big names and these perceived needs in mind, there are some big-name prospects that deserve to be discussed in Bills-related draft talks - even if you think those are premature. We've got five such names for you this morning.
Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi. Most of you have heard of this guy. He might have been a first-round pick had he entered the '09 Draft, as scouts love his size (6'4", 265 pounds) and production (26 career sacks, including 10 as a sophomore and 8 as a junior). He does, however, carry some injury risk, as he's had more than a few minor injuries slow him down during his career, including at the beginning of his senior season. Some scouts have questioned his work ethic and motivation, as well. Still, if you're looking for a 4-3 end that can defend the run and get after the passer, Hardy looks to be the best option this season, and you'll certainly do much, much worse in the talent department.
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri. There are bigger names at linebacker - Alabama's Rolando McClain and Florida's Brandon Spikes, for example - but Weatherspoon should be mentioned in the same breath far more frequently than he is. At 6'2", 245 pounds, Weatherspoon possesses the athleticism and coverage skill to play the weak side in a Cover 2, where athleticism is at a premium. He can also play SAM, though he's much better in space than he is taking on blockers and shedding. Weatherspoon has had a highly productive career, accumulating 368 tackles, three forced fumbles, four interceptions, 11 sacks and two defensive scores in the Big 12. He's a lock as a first-round pick, and while Buffalo's likely Top-12 pick would probably be too high for a player like Weatherspoon, he'll end up being one of the safer investments come draft day 2010.
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. Given the way he's played in his junior season and his talent level, Davis seems like a virtual lock to leave Rutgers early - though it wouldn't surprise many if he stayed. As it stands right now, he's a high-end first round pick, and as he's answered questions about his ability to pass protect this season, he may end up challenging players like Okung, Bulaga and Bruce Campbell to be the first tackle taken. In terms of being NFL-ready, Davis' body is clearly the closest, as his 6'6", 325-pound frame should let him perform well in the run game, something most of this year's left tackle crop may struggle with. He's not the best athlete you'll find, but he's a sound technician, and he's long and athletic enough to control the edge on the left side. Strong bowl performances should skyrocket this guy's name to prominence, and he might end up being a Top 15 pick.
Charles Brown, OT, USC. This senior is one of the most athletically gifted offensive linemen in all of college football. He's not a very big guy yet (6'6", 285 pounds) and needs to bulk up, but he's got the frame to do it. He possesses elite footwork - almost in the same class as the aforementioned Okung - and he gets to the second level with ease while run blocking. He's by no means a mauler, and until he bulks up and improves his strength, NFL defensive linemen will be able to control him at the point of attack. But Brown will go higher than most expect him to, because he's got the look and feel of a potentially elite left tackle - and right now, those are at a premium in April.
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State. Folks might look at Odrick's measurables (6'5", 306 pounds) and put him in the class of a Kyle Williams - one of those players that's good in a rotation, but can't really anchor a defense. He might not be an elite talent, but Odrick is establishing himself as a first-round caliber talent. He's not a massive run-stopper, but he's got a tremendously strong lower body and plays with outstanding leverage, allowing him to control his blocker on the majority of snaps. He also has that quick-twitch muscle that allows him to split blockers and control gaps, which is clearly a must-have skill in Buffalo's defensive system. Even more impressive, he's flashed the ability, game in and game out, to make big plays; he's currently enjoying an outstanding senior season in which he's picked up 36 tackles and six sacks. He's a versatile player, so plenty of teams - including teams in need of 3-4 ends - will be looking at this guy. He can play.
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Speaking to his injury concerns, Hardy is out for the season after his wrist injury last week.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
by thatguy34 on Nov 12, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
In that case, look for him to be a first round pick of the buffalo bills.
by quantumuprising on Nov 12, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha you got me at first. I saw Hardy and automatically jumped to James not Greg… even tho this thread is about prospects. I got really pissed for about 3 seconds haha.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Nov 12, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Weatherspoon might be the best LB in the draft. Great player. Would be very happy with him in a Bills uniform.
by Berg79 on Nov 12, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Scary thing is
He may fall to us in the second round. Outside linebacker is not a high draft position usually. He would be the steal of the draft in the 2nd round!
by The Irishman on Nov 12, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OLB usually is a higher draft position
at least compared to MLB
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Nov 13, 2009 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's too bad we can't get like 4 of these guys
OT, LB, DT, DE, QB, WR….so many needs, as always.
It seems like OT, specifically LT, might be pretty deep this year. If we could get a starting LT early in round 2, after picking up our QB, that’d be excellent.
Weatherspoon would be a great addition. I’d love to have him on the Bills….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Nov 12, 2009 10:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jauron's epitaph
“You can never have too many DBs”
by fansince60 on Nov 12, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why does that matter? It was a good thing since we’ve had so many injuries back there. You can’t stockpile every position in the draft.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG
by MattRichWarren on Nov 12, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we don't take QB I think we have to go LB in round 1
The defensive line needs shoring up, but our LB corps is in a state of emergency. But I’ll go with whatever helps improve our run D most effectively.
Mmmph rrgh prrmf! - someone with his mouth gagged
by Dyl on Nov 12, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed the LB core is pretty bad
But having a solid DT rotation helps to cover some of the deficiencies of the LB core. And I think the Bills have an excellent shot at getting Gerald McCoy with their first round pick, while in the 2nd round I don’t see a huge drop off in talent level of LB.
Then again IMHO having a good/great line on either side of the ball can cover up problem areas else where.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
by Ghetts on Nov 12, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ellison is a free agent at the end of the year with a salary cap. Without it he is a RFA again so if we want to keep him we can.
I don’t think it’s an emergency. We have three capable starters though you could argue for an upgrade over Ellison. That would shore up the backup spot by re-signing Ellison and putting him as good depth. Nic Harris and Ashlee Palmer are inexperienced and we don’t really know how good they are but provide depth, too. I think the LB corps is only one starter away from being very good top to bottom.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG
by MattRichWarren on Nov 12, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we’re 2 starters away and possibly one depth player in the LB corps. Ellison is not a starter, we’ve said it over and over again. And we have no idea where Mitchell will be after his recovery. His health might not be sound enough to take the spot next year.
Harris looks like he has potential but having hope is not the same as having a plan. Palmer hasn’t exactly acquitted himself well so far either. A big question mark is DiGi, but again, this position is the most questionable of any we have. If we get lucky and everyone comes back healthy and improves the way we hope, yeah, you’re probably right. Otherwise, we need some serious talent there.
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by WhyBillsWhy on Nov 13, 2009 8:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
DiGiorgio is no longer with the team in any capacity, IIRC.
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"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 13, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And that answers that question…
To continue… yeah, we need linebackers. A lot of them.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Nov 13, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you've got the next...
.. Cornelius Bennett or Patrick Willis available when you pick (and can you ever really know?) it’s better to take a LB later.
Lots of effective, athletic LB’s are available outside the first round, and many first round talents slide to round two because the LB position isn’t valued as it once was.
by Der Jaeger on Nov 12, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am actually a big fan of Weatherspoon and I think he would really improve our LB core. However I do agree that the Bills will have too early of a pick to grab him and I think a DT in the first round anyways will improve our LB core. I would love it if Weatherspoon slipped to the 2nd round and we got Gerald McCoy in the first.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
by Ghetts on Nov 12, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Brian, what are your thoughts on Stanzi the QB from Iowa? I don’t even know if he’s coming out but from what I’ve seen I like, in particular how well he plays when the pressure is on. And speaking of Iowa, the DE Clayborn i think is his name is a good prospect. The times I’ve watched Iowa this year, the guy is making plays all over the field.
by NickinRoc on Nov 12, 2009 11:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stanzi’s injured too so again good fit for the Bills
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by pasaluki on Nov 12, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stanzi is a good athlete and he’s smart. He doesn’t make too many mistakes. But he’s a below-average NFL prospect, and projects as a backup.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 12, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's thrown 14 INT's already
that’s a lot of mistakes
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Nov 12, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, but that number is up from 9 in his sophomore season. There is no chance he’ll leave this year, so he could really boost his stock as a senior by cutting back on that number.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Nov 12, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I also don't
like the fact that he can be shut down at the college level. He seems to relish in being behind and then providing some big plays, but an NFL prospect, unless you are in the SEC, should stand out and carry a team.
by Ono on Nov 12, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They all look like they can help us, especially the defensive players.
For DT, would love to give a shout out to Cam Thomas from UNC. Probably a later round guy but stout and anchoring one of the best defenses in FBS.
by sabre74kkn on Nov 12, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
O-Line needs the most help
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, struggle for this team this season has been staying on the field on offense. This line doesn’t seem to be good enough to sustain drives down the field. That causes the defense to be on the field way too much, making them suseptable to injury, fatigue, and getting run all over.
I think, at this point, if the offense had sustained a few more drives and taken more time off the clock, their record would be better and less guys on D would be injured. Those late game melt downs (NO, Houston) may not have happened if the D wasn’t totally whipped by the 4th quarter.
Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!
by fansince83 on Nov 12, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I should add
They need OTs, big time. Like last year, try to get 2 before the 2nd round is over. Get guys that will push Bell and Butler for their starting jobs.
Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!
by fansince83 on Nov 12, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I should think 1 stud OT would suffice in the short term. Probably an LT. One of either Bell or Meredith should improve in the offseason with the conditioning program and experience from this year. If not, we’ve still got Scott, who is not spectacular, and Butler, who gets injured. They have probably been better than Bell and Meredith this year. The area of concern to me is still C/G. If Hang goes down, we’ve got, well, McKinney, which is not confidence-inspiring.
I just don’t see how we can justify all early picks being on O (QB and OT) with our D in its current injured state.
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by WhyBillsWhy on Nov 13, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With their first round pick....the Buffalo Bills select.........
HC Jim Harbaugh……….Stanford.
Pass the chocolate cake!
by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 12, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Hardy is a really interesting prospect. Loaded with potential and it has translated into his on-field production, but the injuries are a huge concern. Lucky for Buffalo, I don’t think he’s a guy worthy of the top 15 pick that Buffalo will have and it’s very unlikely he’ll be hanging around in the 2nd. So, it won’t be a decision Buffalo will have to make. If they were in that position, I’d rather have Derrick Morgan or maybe Everson Griffin than Hardy, even though he was one of my favorites prospects this time last year.
I know there are a lot of Spikes fans out there, but after McClain, Weatherspoon tops my board at LB. He’s infinitely better in coverage than Spikes. One guy is a two down player in the NFL, the other could probably play all three LB spots on our defense. Both have great production, but one plays in a start studed defense and the other plays in the conference where all the hype goes to offenses and other teams. I’d be pretty shocked if a 4-3 team drafted Spikes while Weatherspoon was available. A scheme change to a 3-4 or a much more aggressive 3-4 might flip where I have those two ranked on my draft wishlist.
I’m still far from convinced that Davis can handle the blind side at the next level. When I’ve seen him play, I havn’t been super impressed. I’m not considering him a candidate for a top 15 pick unless we’re confident that Bell can continue to start on the left side.
I love Charles Brown and his potential. I think he could run block pretty well in his first couple seasons in the right zone scheme too. He might not be ready to maul people, but I don’t think his size makes him a liability, especially considering he’ll be bigger come the draft and even bigger once next season roles around. I’m not sure he’s worth a top 15 pick either, but I’d draft him over Davis for now.
Odrick can be run at, but he’s a penetrator who makes plays in the backfield and rush the passer. He’s the type of guy who won’t demand the double team on short yardage, but then beats his blocker to make the big play in the backfield. I think guys like Odrick always get underrated by fans leading up to the draft because the huge NTs and their big listed weights alwasy end up being very overrated.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
by kaisertown on Nov 12, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agree with most
Hardy is kind of moot. Great prospect, questionable attitude, not a top 15 talent.
I think Weatherspoon is a 15-25 overall type of guy. I see Spikes sliding into round two, similar to Laurinaitis, Maualuga, and Posluszny. He’d be best in a 30 front, but could excel as a strongside 40 front LB, in a similar scheme to Cincinnati’s.
I’m watching Davis right now. More to follow… Davis is a later 1st rounder right now, IMO. He’s handling George Selvie pretty easily right now.
I’m not totally sold on Brown. He doesn’t have the core stength or anchor strength right now. And bulking up prior to the draft rarely translated to functional strength. Brown needs a year in an NFL training system, working mostly core muscle strength, and legs. He’s a bit of a project IMO, but one from a great program that produces NFL calibur linemen all the time. He’ll likely get drafted higher than normal, as Brian states, because he plays LT, but he isn’t an immediate starter in ’10.
If I’m a 3-4 team GM, I’m scooping Odrick up somewhere between picks 30-50. He reminds me of Luis Castillo: college DT that really doesn’t anchor well playing 3, 1, or 0 technique; but has tremendous movement skills, is tall, and can rush from the edge a bit. He’s a 5 technique in a 30 front all the way for me.
I didn’t get ot watch much CFB this weekend (had to work), so I just watched Florida and then FSU play, but didn’t really scout much outside of Tebow and Ponder.
I’m a Florida fan, so this needs to be taken with that in mind, though I will try to be objective: Tebow had some really gret throws this past weekend. All of them came when his mechanics and footwork were correct. A great indicator of when he’s doing things right can be seen in the flight of the ball: accurate, hits the receiver in stride, and the ball has almost no wobble. After three straight weeks of watching Tebow, I’m convinced that a year as a third stringer will correct everything, and his upside is undeniable. Tebow is a solid 20-30 overall pick for me.
Ponder says he isn’t coming out, though he’s a solid second round pick IMO. He’s the most naturally accurate passer in CFB right now. McCoy and others have their numbers inflated by the system they play in. Ponder runs a pro style offense and is every bit as accurate. Showed a bit more arm strength than I thought he had (running right, throwing deep for TD). If he stays, he’s got the opportunity to put the program on his back and carry it. If he does that, he’s a first rounder in 2011.
by Der Jaeger on Nov 12, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Tebow does climb that far, the Bills will be in a tough spot if they want a QB in round one
If he can fix most of his mechanics by the Senior Bowl, maybe he won’t be a reach for the Bills, depending on where the Bills pick of course. We don’t need another long term project OT like Brown, at least not with a high pick. Assuming Russell Okung and Bryan Bulaga are gone, I like the idea of Davis with our 1st round pick. We need someone that can start day one. Worst case, he starts at RT. Yes, that is a high price to pay for a RT, but remember that is worst case and not a complete waste of the pick. So many of the QBs in this draft seem to have big holes in their game. To many questions. We need to get it right this time.
"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa
by Joe P. on Nov 12, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats a lot...
14 picks already is a lot. I didn’t bother to look at stats before I threw it out there so thanks for the info. Whichever QB drafting strategy they take, I hope to God it works out b/c that is the biggest need of this team I believe (followed very closely by OL). My wish for the draft would be for them to come away with 2 QB selections…ok I’ll stop dreaming now.
by NickinRoc on Nov 12, 2009 2:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Iowa St people
I know Iowa State is ranked pretty high defensively. I watched them a few times and their defense does seem fairly decent.
Any experts seen them? like them? see any useful prospects?
by Ono on Nov 12, 2009 3:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If we end up getting a DT this year in the first I think we at least need to take another look at one rounds 4 to 7.
by neverbeentobuffalo on Nov 12, 2009 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know this is off topic, but Aaron Kampman is going to be a FA next year, and after having a down year trying to swtich to a 3-4, we might be able to get a deal on him.
He’s a classic Bills DE – Hansen like with better speed and a great motor. Should generate a pass rush, even if we only use him on passing downs. If we picked up McCoy at DT in Round 1, then signed Kampman, we could go after a OL or QB in Round 2, then a LB in Round 3. Or maybe shoot for a QB in Round 1, then a Marvin Austin type DT in Round 2?
Thoughts on the possibility?
by T McGee on Nov 12, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Kampman is a classic 4-3 DE.
6’4", 260 lbs.? yeah, total 4-3.
I like my 3-4 DEs about 6’5’ 280 lbs. and mobile.
I’d rather us keep getting our lines through the draft and keeping the vets we have.
Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.
by NeverendingOptimism on Nov 12, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know he’s not young. Is he 30 yet?
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
"Matt’s pretty valuable to y’all. Cherish him." - BG
by MattRichWarren on Nov 12, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Turns 30 in a few weeks
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
by kaisertown on Nov 12, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone seen anything of Blaine Gabbert of Mizzou?
That guy’s going to be a top 10 pick in a couple years. He has a cannon for an arm and runs like a gazelle with the prototypical NFL body. Weatherspoon is going to be a pro-bowler.
by live6453 on Nov 12, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen some of Gabbert. He’s under the radar because there were no expectations for Mizzou and he isn’t draft eligible, but you’re right that he’s got that kind of potential. He’s struggled in Big 12 play and most of his stats were piled up against junk opponents, but he’s only a sophomore and first year starter. He’s certainly a guy to watch next season.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
by kaisertown on Nov 13, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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