Bills' depth at WR: a second look
by sireric on Feb 23, 2009 8:15 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
Email
PrintComing off of a 2008 season in which the Buffalo Bills - for what seems like the hundredth year in a row - lacked offensive firepower, the team is still searching for a difference-maker on the offensive side of the ball. Even though the team has some solid young talent in QB Trent Edwards, runners Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and WR Lee Evans, the team still lacks the one consistent threat to provide the glue to a cohesive, consistent offense.
I've seen some fans here hinting (some more loudly then others) that the Bills should acquire a WR this off-season. Whether through free agency or the draft, the talk of adding a WR to the roster made me think of an article that I wrote up a while back discussing the depth and potential of the Bills' WR corps. Approximately six months after the article was penned, a lot has changed.
Lee Evans
"Lee Evans is Lee Evans, a solid, borderline true blue #1 receiver."
That remains true and despite a hefty raise in the meantime, there are still some questions about whether or not Evans is the #1 WR the Bills need.
Josh Reed
"Josh Reed is an average at best receiver (I'll say at best an average receiver to make Superfan82 happy)."
This remains true, and while I think Reed really showed his importance to the team last year, he is still most valuable when playing in the slot rather than the outside. He should be upgraded - on the outside.
Roscoe Parrish
"Roscoe is a terrific slot receiver."
I'm not as high on Roscoe as I was six months ago. He remains a top notch return man, but I am really uncertain just how much he really helps as a WR. If I'm replacing anybody right now, Parrish is the odd man out.
James Hardy
"The Bills' second round draft choice out of Indiana has the size and ability to be a huge playmaker in the NFL. He could be starting opposite Evans before the year is out, and probably will be sooner than that."
Well, Nostradamus I am not. I still think Hardy can be a player in this league, but his knee injury is a big obstacle to overcome. I'm not counting on getting a whole lot out of him in 2009, but I'm not cutting him either.
Steve Johnson
"The second of the Bills' three seventh round draft picks this year, Johnson displayed good size and hands during the preseason and earned himself a roster spot for his efforts."
Johnson has become somewhat of a fan favorite and right now is showing more upside than Hardy. I think Johnson will have a much bigger role next year due to the Hardy injury and the ineffectiveness of Parrish.
Justin Jenkins
"A special teamer a year ago, Jenkins saw limited time at the end of the year and has distinguished himself as a special teams ace, as well as a guy who can play the position of receiver - something that Aiken could never do."
Having been recently re-signed, Jenkins will be in camp again, but he is going to have to prove that he can be a player on offense, not just special teams, if he wants to make this team again.
Felton Huggins
"I'm writing this under the assumption that Huggins will make the practice squad, given that he was there last year. Huggins looked just as good as Johnson did this pre-season, and if the Bills had chosen to keep Huggins over Johnson I don't think any of us would have been totally shocked."
Krytime recently gave Huggins the "kiss of death", so I'm not really expecting much out of him anymore.
Other notables:
P.K. Sam - Known more as a kick returner than a WR, Sam could push Parrish with a good camp.
C.J. Hawthorne - Hawthorne spent the whole year on the practice squad learning the offense. At 5'11" and weighing 168 pounds, he is another guy who could push Roscoe.
***
So what do we really have? A starter in Evans, a slot receiver in Reed, guys in James Hardy and Steve Johnson who are a bit of question marks, then what? Some practice squad fodder and potential return men. That is it. Maybe adding Kenny Britt isn't that crazy.
64 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I highly doubt the Bills go after another WR in the draft. EVERY rookie wideout is a risk. There is NO guarantee that any rookie wideout will produce the way Buffalo needs them to produce. I think they took that risk last year with Hardy, it backfired, and now they’ll look to address it in a different way.
Don’t be shocked if you hear about the team kicking the tires on Houshmandzadeh and perhaps on Boldin. They’ll grab a playmaker if they can get one. I just don’t think it’ll be a rookie.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 8:33 AM EST reply actions
I completely agree that it makes no sense to rely on a rookie. The perfect solution is to sign Nate Washington in FA. He has the speed and hands to become a genuine #2 WR, and he is still young with room to get better. Best of all, he will cost a lot less than Housh and Boldin.
He has the speed and hands to become a genuine #2 WR
He’s not there yet, and it’d be a bad idea to expect that from him in 2009. Consistency is by far his biggest issue – he’ll make a spectacular catch one play and then drop a five-yard crossing route in his bread basket the next. He’s far too boom-or-bust to rely on as a #2 target next year, IMO.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
I'd like us to make a run at Reggie Williams
A big Strong guy to throw to and he has under acheived in Jacksonville because I think he is better suited to be a #2 receiver. In buffalo I think he could do very well and he would be a heck of a lot cheaper than Boldin or Houz
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
sounds like ernest wilford all over again
If we can finagle DE Brian Orakpo and C Alex Mack I will not complain about this team for a whole season. I promise.
I disagree
Williams has always outperformed Wilford. And like I said he has never played on a team with a real speedy #1 guy. I think he is much more of a possession type big #2 receiver.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
Not really, poz. Williams has more speed and better hands. He’s not ideal, but he’s most certainly a better option than Wilford. He’s younger than Wilford was last year, too.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Reggie Williams last two seasons:
2007 – 38 catches 629 yards 10 tds
2008 – 37 catches 364 yards 3 tds
T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s last two seasons:
2007 – 112 catches 1143 yards 12 tds
2008 – 92 catches 904 yards 4 tds
Anquan Boldin’s last two seasons: (12 games each year)
2007 – 71 catches 853 yards 9 tds
2008 – 89 catches 1038 yards 11 tds
Williams would be cheaper for a reason, and that is because he isn’t close to being as good of a WR as those two. He did have 10 tds in ’07, so the potential is there.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
I never said that he was better
We need to be reasonable. OBD will not bring in Boldin or Houz, especially not after rewarding Evans with the big deal. They need to bring in a solid big #2 possession type guy that can take some pressure off of Lee. Williams fits that bill to a “T”
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
Yes, I know Nate Washington is still developing. My point is that the talent is there. All he needs is experience, and he is more likely to get that with the Bills than was the case with the Steelers. Remember that he improved a lot during the 2008 season, with far fewer drops by the season’s end, and he was of course excellent in the playoffs. But the key thing is that opposing defenses would have to pay attention to him as he streaks down the sideline — they won’t know in advance if he is going to drop the ball or not — and that will free up Evans and the rest of the Bills receiving corps.
no
the Bills look at a big name FA WR or Boldin. they have too much money tied up in Evans to go that route. I think they’ll try to land a “diamond in the rough”, similar to Andre Reed or Colston for NO out of Hofstra.
I certainly am not enamored with our WR corps going into the year but our interior play/players needs to be addressed this year.
Well, the Cards are kicking the tires on re-doing Boldin’s deal even though they’re already paying Fitzgerald and need to shell out $12-15M per year for Kurt Warner…
Here’s a prediction: you’ll hear the Bills mentioned when teams start pursuing Houshmandzadeh. They’ll likely be out-priced, but they’re going to be interested.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
I can see
the Cards doing a sign and trade deal but the Bills aggressively pursuing him, I don’t see it.
saying they are interested and earnestly trying to obtain a player are 2 different things.
saying they are interested and earnestly trying to obtain a player are 2 different things.
No doubt about it. I’m saying the Bills will pursue these guys to a point. They won’t over-pay for a wideout, because I’m pretty sure they think a tight end can have the same effect. I know for a fact that they think Boldin is a bona fide superstar. They’re going to be aggressive, but again, they’ll likely be outpriced.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Boldin is a bona fide superstar
OBD would be foolish not to think that. given the holes that the Bills need to fill we are not in a position to have 2 WR’s make $9mm/year. OBD knows this and they also know a WR of Bolding’s caliber wouldn’t take a discount to play for the Bills so what is the sense of pursing a player, at that position, knowing what the demands will be?
I doubt they pursue Boldin. I just threw in his name because I’ve heard his name mentioned directly. But he’d require a trade.
Houshmandzadeh, on the other hand, wouldn’t, though I have no idea what their opinion on him is.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
Housh
is a perfect player for this offense. Great hands, tough, over the middle, playmaker, great in the red zone. Now whether they want him, or think highly of him is a diff’t story. But the more I htink about Housh, the more I think he would be a great addition
MARVelous
I, too, am starting to warm to the idea.
Still don’t like it but it’s not disdain anymore.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve heard the Giants are high on him. He will draw a lot of interest. After the Senior Bowl week and combine, it looks like Britt and Robiskie are the standouts that we could go after. Both look like they’re above the pack. Britt showed good body strength and Robiskie has been mentored well. He is NFL ready.
I sure agree with Sireric in that Parrish shows little as a WR. It would be disappointing if we go into camp with the WR roster as it is. If we trade down out of 11, we could take either Britt or Robiskie in the second. And then it depends on whether our vaunted coaching staff actually uses the guy. After watching Philly utilize Desean Jackson (they had to) either Britt or Robiskie could play a large role immediately. Probably asking too much again.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
Britt and Robiskie
looked decent. Robiskie is bigger then I thought he was which is a benefit as well. He played with a freshman QB for much of the year so his production suffered because of it. If any WR is NFL (mind especially) ready it is Robiskie.
by gatornation on Feb 23, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
they might already have that diamond in the rough
in Steve Johnson
If we can finagle DE Brian Orakpo and C Alex Mack I will not complain about this team for a whole season. I promise.
If anyone has the ability to do so, please pass along this message for me.
Dear Felton,
I’m sorry. Best of luck going forward. Om.
Kind regards,
Kry
No drafting WRs please.
We have enough of the developmental receivers. We need an established vet in the position.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
i have no probem
taking Maclin at #11. I think the kid has “playmaker” written all over him. Our WR and pass-catching TE corpos is pretty pathetic. We just don’t have the playmakers. Roscoe has never shown to be able to be a full time WR. Evans is what he is. But there is no complmement. Jackson/Lynch do not have break away speed. We need one more guy that can be explosive opposite of Evans, and have been looking for that guy since 2004. Whether its Owen Daniels, or a rookie in 2009 draft, or a surprising miracle from James Hardy, I don’t care who it is but this corps needs to BE UPGRADED. Bottom line is our offense can’t score points and we need to add a player to the mix to help this offense do that. CLEARLY, the PLAYERS WE CURRENTLY HAVE OUR NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
MARVelous
I think the kid has "playmaker" written all over him.
There are more receivers than just Maclin worthy of such praise. But the Bills aren’t likely to add another rookie receiver simply because it’s another gamble. They’re not going to gamble this year in the draft, because they’re in full-fledged “win now” mode. There won’t be any Hardy or Ellis picks this year. They’re going to draft guys who can play right away. I doubt they put Maclin in that category.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
win now mode
I would argue that Maclin would be a “win now” mode guy. ANy rookie that comes in doesn’t have to catch 75 balls. All we need is a guy that can do his limited role and do it well. Undoubtedly a WR or pass-catching TE has to be addressed in FA or rounds 1-2 of the draft IMO. The need is #1 IMHO. The draft is always a gamble, but the one thing the Bills have acknowldeged is their lack of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Safety, LB, DE, WR, TE are all positions where they want guys that had big production and a nose for the football. McKelvin was the first step in that direction last year, and St. Johnson showed flashes of it as well. I hope they don’t look away from some of the talented WR’s at #11 just because of what happened with Hardy. We have to get more weapons and whether its Housh, Daniels, or a WR or TE in round 1 or 2 we have to get that guy
MARVelous
I didn’t say they wouldn’t consider a WR, just that actually taking one is more likely. One of the three speed rushers, Pettigrew and Maualuga are far, FAR likelier options.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
All we need is a guy that can do his limited role and do it well
But how would that provide a win now benefit if our 1st overall pick is a limited role player? I would much rather OBD select a player that will be playing a majority of the snaps which allows the chance for that player to be more of an impact.
by gatornation on Feb 23, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
I would much rather OBD select a player that will be playing a majority of the snaps which allows the chance for that player to be more of an impact.
I don’t think that’s necessarily true, though it’s obviously ideal. Since it’s ideal, that’s why I think the Pettigrews and Maualugas of the world are stronger candidates than the ends (sorry, K). But I wouldn’t rule out a situational player at 11. The three speed rushers obviously wouldn’t be every-down players in Buffalo.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
And that’s why this team continues to suck. Instead of going after a potentially dynamic player that wouldn’t be able to be a full-time player right away, they’d rather get a blocking TE that shouldn’t be taken in round 1 or a MLB that might not be the best fit, simply because they are more capable of contributing right away.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
We keep saying that Pettigrew is a blocking TE but..
He is also a fantastic receiver. The way he makes his cuts and uses his body is incredible. He looks a lot like Gonzo and we have a chance to draft him and I think we should. Having an every down TE that does both jobs very well is a huge asset because it provides a lot more deception possibilities.
Both Maualuga & Pettigrew would start day one and drastically improve our team, they are both worthy of our #11 pick. A part time pass rusher is a waste at #11 and besides that’s what we drafted last year in Round 3. If there was a real 4-3 type DE that would not be a liability against the run then I’d agree but there aren’ any, they are mostly all 3-4 OLB type players.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
He is also a fantastic receiver. The way he makes his cuts and uses his body is incredible. He looks a lot like Gonzo and we have a chance to draft him and I think we should. Having an every down TE that does both jobs very well is a huge asset because it provides a lot more deception possibilities.
Very true. I really think that people need to drop the blocking TE label from Pettigrew. He has the ability to be a huge factor in the passing game. Just because he is a great blocker doesn’t mean he is a bad receiver.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Tony Gonzales will never win a track meet
But he is still the most prolific TE that has ever played the game.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
And that’s why this team continues to suck.
Yeah, it really isn’t. We point at everything we don’t like and say “this is why we suck”. We suck because we don’t have a consistent quarterback yet. That’s the bottom line.
I agree, though, that taking a risk on a part-time contributor should be part of the equation, but is it really so hard to understand why they’d prefer a contributor over a situational guy? They’re in win now mode. They’re going to take the guy that will be the best player this year.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
We suck because of more than the QB. That’s been the longest running problem, but there are a ton of issues which cause us to continue losing.
If they are indeed in “win now” mode, we have to expect something to get done in FA. Getting a TE or LB in round 1 isn’t going to be what puts us over the top. Obviously, we need A LOT more than that!
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
We suck because of more than the QB, sure, but the QB is the quickest and easiest way to fix it. For a one-shot team like the Bills (thanks to their retained coaching staff, they’re most definitely “one shot”), that’s all that matters next year. It’s all on Trent.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
It’s all on Trent
for the 12 games he plays – up to whoever the other 4
Oh. Uh, will you hold my wallet for me while I take the test, please? There's a thousand dollars in there... or maybe there isn't. Know what I mean?
by J2 on Feb 23, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
situational
is a better word. A guy that has a simple role from day one of OTA’s. I want a guy with a ton of college production and who can come in right away and contribute offensively. I am just so impressed with Maclin’s production and his character as a person from the interviews I’ve seen and he got hurt at the combine and still finished up. He seems like a good egg. I don’t want a guy that can get on the field in 2009, but if he is on the field 1/2 the time and makes those snaps count, that would be perfect for me.
MARVelous
it's difficult
to make these calls until the FA rush later this week. this is a good conversation topic come next week some time, or it may be therapy for some!!
by gatornation on Feb 23, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
The problem with drafting a WR is that this team needs to win NOW. A rookie WR is a big question mark as far as first year production goes, (see Hardy James.) Can this team afford to get zero production out of a first or second round pick this year they way they did out of Hardy last year? I don’t think they can.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Can this team afford to get zero production out of a first or second round pick this year
The team probably can, Jauron and Co. can’t.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
If Wilson wants to win now
he’d shell out the money/compensation for Boldin. There is no other WR out there who offers them what he would. Housh is great, but he’s already 31. I want a guy with more than (the way I see it anyway) 2 good years in him.
I know everyone keeps coming back at me with how they can’t / won’t afford what Boldin will command, but he would be THEE difference-maker who would help diminish some of those 8-man backfields Trent has seen so much of.
Owen Daniels won’t do what Boldin will, and he’ll cost nearly as much (in the “scheme” of things).
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 23, 2009 10:13 AM EST reply actions
Would anyone be willing to trade Roscoe? I would. If so, what do you think he’d fetch? I’d say anywhere from a low 2nd, to a mid 4th.
Unfortunately, it might be that Buffalo has done such a masterful job unmasking Roscoe’s deficiencies that no one would overpay for him. I doubt he’d get more than what Donte Hall got the Chiefs: a 5th.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 23, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt he’d get more than what Donte Hall got the Chiefs: a 5th.
I’d take it.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
I'd be happy with that
Cap hit would be $1.5M I think. His contract was set up in a really odd way. Nothing too hard to handle for trading him.
2009: $1 million (+ $1.5 million “signing” bonus + $500,000 roster bonus)
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Why release him when you can get something for him?
That’s silly talk.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Plus you prolly don't like him cause he's a Miami guy. :-)
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
WRs gonna be released?
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Home_NFL.aspx
According to rotoworld, Harrison has asked for his release and Javon Walker may be released. That’s crazy!!! Walker’s cap hit is like $11M this year if they release him!!!! His salary is even more outrageous, though. Good job out there in Oakland guys.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
I’m just saying no to Harrison.
I know that wasn’t your point – but I dont’ want the guy – I think he’s washed up
Oh. Uh, will you hold my wallet for me while I take the test, please? There's a thousand dollars in there... or maybe there isn't. Know what I mean?
by J2 on Feb 23, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Harrison
He was so washed up he had more receptions and yards than our #2 WR. I am not saying we should bring him in but he still has some gas left in the tank.
60 rec., 636 yards, 5 TDs.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
I would take that production. The question is whether or not he could do that without Peyton throwing to him.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Excellent question.
Answer – I highly doubt it. Unless the QB is Kurt Warner…..
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 23, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
In Buffalo weather!
No chance. He should retire.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
Don't draft WR, please...
Too many other needs.
Reggie Williams is a great idea- tough guy, goes over the middle on intermediate routes (not just short ones), and is pretty good in the red zone. Anquan Boldin might be a pipe dream, but he’d be ideal for the Bills.
I think Washington is just kind of a one-dimensional deep threat. I wouldn’t mind him if they didn’t already have Evans, but they do, so whatever. Amani Toomer is washed up, not a red zone threat, and has almost no speed left…he’s never been a great over the middle guy either. Wouldn’t want Housh for the money he’ll cost at his age.
by Make a play Whitner on Feb 23, 2009 6:07 PM EST reply actions
Friday will be FUN!
Brian, like last year, I am happy to lend my interweb talents to updating the Blog with all the overnight action going on. Do we want to do this like last year with the single article and then we post what we hear to it?
Anyway, I think Reggie William, Amani Toomer, or in a pinch Washington could be good #2s for Trent this season. The issue is whether the staff wants a long term fix, short term fix, and most importantly, TYPE of WR fix applied for this season.
I told the witch doctor that I was in love with the Buffalo Bills, and instead of telling me to say "Oh eeh oh oh ah, ting tang walla walla wing bang" in order to make me feel better he told me to buy a gun and end it.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
