Buffalo Rumblings Authors Mock, Take One
by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 8:30 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintThis is the first in a series of posts that you'll see every day this week in which five authors of Buffalo Rumblings put together their pre-free agency, seven-round Buffalo Bills mock draft. First up? Yours truly. If I'm predicting the type of draft I think the Bills would come away with if the draft were tomorrow, here's what it would look like.
Round 1: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
- The 6'4", 260-pound Orakpo is inexplicably getting a bad rap in the land of Bills fans because of an ESPN segment in which his workout skills are portrayed, and the fact that he went to the University of Texas - a school that, thanks to former OT Mike Williams, is largely ruined for Bills fans. But those are frivolous factors that have little to do with football. If you have an issue with Orakpo, center it around inconsistency, because everything else about him screams elite prospect. I still have Florida State's Everette Brown atop my "best fits" list at end for the Bills, but I don't think he'll make it to the eleventh overall pick. Orakpo is a terrific consolation prize.
Round 2: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
- Most Bills fans are ga-ga over Cal center Alex Mack - and with good reason - but in speaking with some scouts, most of the conversation that I'm hearing is that Wood is the 1A to Mack's 1. One scout even had the 6'4", 309-pound Wood ranked ahead of Mack. Wood isn't an upside prospect by any means - he's not the type of guy you draft and know he'll turn into a superstar - but he's a solid, dependable blocker in both the passing and running game that doesn't make mistakes and plays with a nasty demeanor. That's all I need to know. I doubt he makes it out of round two, so he's the smartest pick for the Bills here.
Round 3: James Casey, TE, Rice
- At 6'4" and 235 pounds, Casey - a former pro baseball prospect that's much older than your average NFL rookie - he'll be 25 this coming September - but he's got a great frame and outstanding college production (111 catches in his final college season). Buffalo could certainly address tight end before their third round pick, but considering their wide variety of needs, it's not going to be shocking if they have to wait. A solid prospect like Casey, who is a superb athlete, would lessen the pain of having to wait to address this area.
Round 4: Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
- Most of you are aware that I've made plainly known my desire for Buffalo to add a massive run-stuffing DT prospect at some point in the draft. (Yes, the draft, not free agency.) The 6'4", 328-pound Hill fits that description perfectly. Hill is a small-school prospect, but he's played end in a 4-3, believe it or not, and he's also reportedly been a fantastic basketball player in his time. I like athletes. Hill is an athlete with elite measurables, and he's also apparently quite the driven player. If he's still kicking around in the fourth round - and his name will likely climb draft boards quickly as draft day approaches, so that's far from certain - Hill would be an outstanding pick for the Bills.
Round 5: Lee Robinson, OLB, Alcorn State
- Unfortunately, with so many needs, a rather important one has to wait until the fifth round (again, this draft is based on current needs, not what may potentially be addressed in free agency). Robinson is a mid-to-late round prospect with enough size (6'3", 243) to play the strong-side in Buffalo's defense. He's also got solid special teams potential. Obviously, Robinson wouldn't come close to starting as a rookie and making an impact, but he's as solid a prospect as you can find in the fifth round, so he's worth bringing in as depth.
Round 6: Conredge Collins, FB, Pittsburgh
- When it comes to fullbacks, I'm a guy who likes bowling ball guys. Collins is short (6'0") and stout with the room to get a bit stouter (230 pounds). He's also been part of a pro-style offense at Pittsburgh, blocked for one of the nation's best runners (LeSean McCoy), and he's shown some value as a short-yardage back and a receiver, as well. There are bigger names at fullback, but the Bills would be just fine drafting Collins and plugging him into their fullback role from day one.
Round 7: Terence Moore, S, Troy
- If you're not painfully aware that I'm less than thrilled with Buffalo's safety play of late, welcome to Buffalo Rumblings. Moore is certainly not going to change the team's safety play as a rookie, but he's got two things going for him - good athletic build (6'2", 218 pounds) with solid production as a senior (6 interceptions). Plus, he's spent some time playing next to our very own Leodis McKelvin, which is about as strong a deciding factor on a seventh-round draft pick as you're going to get.
Thoughts? Opinions? Just want to trash this draft? Don't shoot the messenger, folks - the theme here is that the Bills have a lot of work to do in free agency before they can come close to putting together a high-impact draft. Of this lot, only three - Orakpo, Wood and Collins - could be counted on to play significant roles as rookies. The rest are, at best, developmental prospects with high upside. The Bills have had enough of those drafts in recent years to choke a donkey, and it hasn't worked. Still, this is the position they're in at this point in time. Scary, right?
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I could definately live with this draft. I was even thinking of taking TE in 4 and going after OLB or DT in the 3rd to try and get someone who we could just plug in incase of injury or whatever.
i’d be very very happy if this came to fruitition. It’d be even sweeter if Brown were still available at 11
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
So Brian...
Who is your starting OLB next year? Bowen or Ellison? :-)
Wood was initially pegged as a mid-third rounder but he is flying up the boards. He now looks end of 2nd, top 3rd (which is where I have him going).
I like this draft Brian. I can’t wait for mine to come up.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
Who is your starting OLB next year? Bowen or Ellison? :-)
Unfortunately, the same question can be asked of any position that goes unaddressed until the fifth round. And, obviously, the answer to that is Ellison, a guy I’m much more comfortable with than the majority of the fan base.
Speaking of the next authors mocks, when are you guys going to actually, you know, schedule those to air? :)
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
The tough thing about the pre-free agency mocks is that you almost always have to put off a certain need, for much later then you would like. You have to make consessions and be willing to put certain positions off and settle for less talent at a position then you would prefer.
For me TE, I completely agree that the Bills need a god pass catching TE, but if I have to live with Fine, Schouman, and a rookie so I can get a better LB and DT, I will do it.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
guy I’m much more comfortable with than the majority of the fan base.
definately more comfortable than me – unless he gains 15-20 lbs of muscle in the offseason
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Feb 9, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
I actually like Ellison. He's not epic, but he's adequate.
I am higher on Royal and Fine than most people though, so my mock has a TE going later. Plus I don’t have a problem with our DT rotation. It could get better but too many other holes right now.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
too many holes period really – i’d like to look at our holes now and the holes we had the first season of the ivy league dynamic duo and see how different they are. i bet not much
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Feb 9, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
You're not higher on Fine than I am
I love a blocking TE. I’d love a blocking TE who could run fast even more though…
Speaking of the next authors mocks, when are you guys going to actually, you know, schedule those to air? :)
Taken care of…;)
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Mine's scheduled now
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
obviously, the answer to that is Ellison
To you it may be obvious. To me, I think Bowen should be the starter if he plays well in training camp. I know what Ellison can do…he can be mediocre. I think Bowen deserves a chance to prove if he’s a play maker or not.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
He needs a chance to prove he should be on the team...
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Where does all this love for Bowen come from?
He was a 5th round pick that blew out his knee in camp. He is a smallish LB whos game is based on speed. He needs to prove that the injury didn’t rob him of that speed. It is entirely possible that he isn’t even a Bill next year.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
In fact if you look back at the thread from the draft when he was selected you will see lost of grumbling about a guy who isn’t very fast (I was mistaken about that) and smallish.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
to coin a few of you...
the love for Bowen is based on Hope. We’re just wishing that maybe one of our late round draft picks will be an increadible surprise. It would be nice that every once in a while we get a pro-bowler out of a 5th rounder (although i’m not saying that thats what Bowen is).
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Ha...
Josh Johnson…. sorry eric
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Where does all this love for Bowen come from?
My “love” for him is documented in my 2009 Surprise players post.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
I wasn’t questioning you as much as the community as a whole. I remember the pick of Bowen being questioned from day 1, see link. Now I have seen his name pop up quite a bit in conversation, often times mentioned in regards to pushing for a starting spot.
This is an undersized guy with suspect speed who was a 5th round pick and thought to be a special teamer at best who missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury and now we have him pushing for a starting spot? I like Bowen don’t get me wrong and I would love to see him get some playing time and possibly become a starter (I love late round, home grown players, who turn into quality contributors) I just wouldn’t get my hopes up about him developing into a starter. Not this year any way.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
Good draft Brian
I like that you addressed the need for a big NT (take notice Matt). I assume that you assume Mack would be gone by the second round? Wood has impressed lately, and if we can’t land a FA Center and need to start our rookie Center, he could be a good pick. One of the knocks on him is “not a natural knee bender…” which tends to be a red flag for lineman. If we pick up a FA center and can take a year to let him get his feet wet, I still think Luigs has more upside. I would be tempted to see if he falls to the 3rd round.
My biggest complaint would be that their is no late round QB prospect. Hammy is not a developmental rookie any more. Either the Bills think he can be the backup QB or not. If the answer is yes, then make him our #2, and we should be looking for the next Brady in the late rounds. If the answer is NO, then cut Hammy, bring in a FA QB, and we should still be looking for the next Brady in the late rounds. IMO, a team should always be developing a QB, who is not the starter :-)
Teach your children about the four seasons: preseason, regular season, postseason, and off-season
Yes, your assumption of my assumption on Mack is correct. I’ll go ahead and assume that you’ll assume that you’re a Galliford mind-reader.
I agree about QB, but the QB class is thin this year. I like the idea of always having a developmental guy, but honestly, there aren’t any guys worth developing this year, in my opinion. Very weak QB class, though I think the top three guys could be pretty good. That’s why I went FB/S in the last two rounds.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
agree on QBs
I don’t really like any of the late round guys this year, and feel that those picks could be spent wiser somewhere else. There is plenty of talent in this draft, I wouldn’t want the Bills to pass on a talented player simply to get their hands on a developmental QB. I’m sure Fort Worth will agree with me.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
I think we're fine on QB
and by that i mean we’re fine keeping Hammy as our third string and signing a guy like Charlie Batch to be our backup.
Remeber Hammy is Trent’s best friend and a great character support guy on the side lines, and lets be honest, thats really what you want out of a third string that wont see any playing time without a serious string of injuries.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Ageed, this years QB class is pretty weak, there may be a suprise guy down the road
But no one who can explode in the next couple of seasons outside of Stafford, and MAYBE Dirty Sanchez,
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.
i could live with it
after thinkn about the upcoming FA and draft I think this is all the Bills can do.
1) Sign Jason Brown, C
2) Draft best DE at #11
3) Draft TE in Round 2
4) Bring back Crowell
That is all I expect, and I think it makes the most sense. No sense trying to drop millions on a Suggs.
And also hope to God they sign Peters instead of trade his ginormous butt away and leave Trent’s blind side open for all those 3-4 defenses to reak havoc
MARVelous
I like the draft Brian
just two picks i hav a bit of an issue with (5th and 6th rounders). I’d be MUCH more comfortable with drafting Quinn Johnson in the 5th. I really like this guy, think he’s a great lead blocker with good hands to make a difference in the backfield passing game. And with our FB position needing such a big upgrade i’d like to see us drafting him a round earlier than he is projected just to make sure we have him.
Yes i know Johnson is projected as a 6th rounder, but I think he’s the best FB of this class and knowing how much he could help us, i have no problem drafting him early in the 5th just to make sure we have him.
And with that we can draft the best available LB in the 6th. Remember Bower was a late draft pick and everyone, including me, is beaming about his potential, so i see no problem with doing that again this year.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 10:49 AM EST reply actions
Overall not bad with some upside in the future.
What I like.
Rd3. Casey would be a fine addition. Round 3 is where we (hopefully) will take a TE. He has good size and offensive production. If Coffman and Cook go before him it is either him or Nelson. It looks like you are thinking Nelson goes earlier.
Rd 4 & 5. I’d go DT first also. Both would be good value picks.
Rd7. I like Moore’s size. Good choice and the connection to Leo could help.
What I don’t like.
Rd2. We may very well end up with Wood for our center prospect which would, over the long haul, probably work out fine. But Mack is still the man for a pure center prospect. At the senior bowl in wone of his early encounters with Raji I watched him get driven off his block with Raji and in a split second spin around and reengage Raji before Raji had time to reach the QB. Awesome move. If the Steelers go C in the first they are predicted to take Unger for his versatility. Cincinnati will then take Mack before us in the 2nd. Here’s some more feedback on Mack:
http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2009_NFL_Draft/Alex_Mack.htm
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/02/nfp-all-all-star-team/
http://www.draftcountdown.com/rankings/c.php
And scott Wright’s analysis of Wood:
http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/c/Eric-Wood.php
Rd6. I hope we get Fiammetta or Johnson here. I like them both better than Collins. Johnson gets the nod for his receiving ability.
Rd1. I sure agree with you on Orakpo as a pro prospect but am holding out hope that Brown will be there. Orakpo’s issues are taking plays off (which Rajj does too), limited moves, and durability. We have to have a short memory with the Mike Williams experience. Orakpo, with good coaching (frome the Bills?) will be fine.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
Just reading that I get the feeling that you will hate my draft.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
everyone is going to love my draft.
What’s not to love about 7 hall of famers?
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
whoops.
seven future hall of famers
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
I was gonna say, I like Bruce as much as the next guy, but I’m not sure he’s the answer at DE right now.
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Feb 9, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I'm still on the Raji bandwagon
and want him at #11, if he’s available. They must atone for the Ngata/McCargo miss and fiasco, respectively. I’m not sold on Orakpo now, given the way he’s being questioned by many. Chris Brown opened my eyes with his comment about being a 1-trick pony.
Everette Brown would be my #11 pick for them, if he’s available. Not likely, so i’d like to see Raji join the team.
"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 9, 2009 11:41 AM EST reply actions
Yes, but if you recall, I also had Raji off the board when the Bills picked. So really it came down to Orakpo, Maybin, Mack, Pettigrew and Brian Cushing to me. Which wasn’t even really a decision.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
They must atone for the Ngata/McCargo miss and fiasco, respectively
They have Stroud, Williams, and Johnson. I don’t think that DT is as big of a priority as that. I would like to see them grab a DT, (they need 4 anyway) but at the point when they passed on Ngata and took McCargo they were in bigger need of a DT then they are now.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
See...
I think DT is as huge a need now as it was then. There’s no push, at least to my eyes.
Brian, I somehow missed your point out that Raji would be gone. Everette Brown should be a Chief, if they don’t go QB, so I agree that he’s not even worth discussing.
"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 9, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Brian, I somehow missed your point out that Raji would be gone.
That is based on the top 11 mock that we did earlier.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
also
DT is a need, I just don’t see it as a bigger need then DE, LB or even TE. That said just because a guy is taken in say the second round of a mock doesn’t mean that the position that guy plays is a bigger need. I don’t make a list a needs, prioritize it, and then draft in that order.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
As unpopular as it seems, and as little real-world sense that it would make:
Jason Peters could become the sacrificial lamb for the team’s greater needs. It would ONLY work if there was someone waiting in the wings, or if they weren’t trying to replace one of the “top” LTs in the game. But, couldn’t he garner them at least 1 more 1st-rounder and a 2nd? Then, they’d be in a much better position to fill their multiple needs.
Yes, I know they’d need a new LT. You cannot overlook the Gandy experiment in AZ, who managed to keep Warner, at 37, shiny all season.
I know it’d be a bad move for the line and for Trent, but you cannot deny that his trading would help this team add 9/10’s of their other needs.
Such a quandry.
"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 9, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Its great to fill the needs, but sometimes the cost is too high… i can’t for the life of me imagine trading away Peters
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
It wouldn’t be wise, but it would help address much of this team’s problems. If only Peters were willing to work for the contract he signed. It’s too bad these guys don’t see that sharing the wealth with teamates helps get them a better shot at a ring.
"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 9, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I wish i could hold out from my boss for more money… but then i’d get my ass fired… these athletes have it good man.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Gandy nearly got Warner killed multiple times this year. The Super Bowl was about as bad as it gets.
I just don’t like the idea of filling one need by creating another.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
I agree, with this particular situation
But I do think a Peters trade would help fill MULTIPLE needs, and leave that hole on the left side. Though, he needs to pick his play up (in my opinion) if he’s going to be considered elite.
"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 9, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Mock draft/ offseason
I like that draft a great deal. Just from a position standpoint, that’s not far off from how I’d attack the draft in a perfect world. From a player standpoint, Casey is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. But if Buffalo wants to avoid a possible 4-12 or 5-11 season, even a solid draft like the one above will not be enough. Over the past few seasons, Buffalo has averaged two new veteran starters in the first weekend of free agency (‘06- Tripplett and Royal, ’07- Dockery and Walker, ’08- Mitchell and Stroud). By refusing to put the blame for the last three years on the Bills coaching staff or the current front office, Wilson needs to do more this offseason in terms of pricey free agents. I think he needs to get a starting WR (Toomer), OLB (Hill), and SS (Landry) as well as a significant #2 QB (Batch). Do that, add the first 4 picks from above, and pray that Trent Edwards takes a jump from mediocre to elite (the honeymoon and baby steps excuses are over, Trent- younger QBs than you win and play at a higher level all the time, so it’s time to put up like September ‘08 every week or get out of the way in 2010) and Buffalo will have at least given themselves a shot to improve in ’09. Another year of players like Chris Kelsay, Keith Ellison, Ko Simpson, Robert Royal, Josh Reed, and Duke Preston being counted on to produce as starters when their track records prove they can’t and Buffalo’s looking at more of the same crap in the final standings.
The passing of the torch is finally complete.
They could probably swing that offseason under the cap, too.
Not a bad list Salem.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
I have to agree with MRW on your list Benjamin
I think the moves you outlined along with some combo of the first 4 picks Brian outline (I prefer Brown to Orakpo myself) and that would be as solid an offseason any team could ask for.
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.
Bob Matthew's, from the Rochester D&C, posted an interesting blog last week:
On how the Steelers crafted their top D:
How the Steelers built the NFL’s top defense
The Super Bowl XLIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defense in the NFL.
Building a defense requires smart drafting and free-agent signings — plus some luck. The smartest teams usually have the most "luck."
Here’s how the Steelers built their defensive uinit (13 key players):
THEIR OWN FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS — NT Casey Hampton No. 19 overall in 2001; S Troy Polamalu No. 16 overall in 2003; LB Lawrence Timmons No. 15 overall in 2007.
OTHER PITTSBURGH DRAFT PICKS — CB Deshea Townsend No. 117 overall in 1998; DE Aaron Smith No. 199 overall in 1999; LB Barry Foote No. 128 overall in 2002; DE Brett Keisel No. 242 overall in 2002; CB Ike Taylor No. 124 overall in 2003; CB Bryant McFadden No. 62 overall in 2005; LB Lamar Woodley No. 46 overall in 2007.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS SIGNED BY STEELERS — LB James Harrison in 2004; S Ryan Clark in 2006.
FREE AGENT DRAFTED BY ANOTHER TEAM — LB James Farrior, No. 8 overall pick by Jets in 1997, signed by Steelers as free agent in 2002.
Look how they drafted. It seems to be that Jauron goes the same route (defensively), but likes to build from the back up.
"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 9, 2009 12:09 PM EST reply actions
I agree that to build a great deffence you have to draft well, but i’d hardly say that Jauron that Dick is draft a Steeler’s type deffence.
Speaking of Steeler’s defence, anyone remember why in god’s name we got rid of Lebeau after his 2003 season with us?
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
He was given the title of Defensive Coordinator, which he didn’t have in Buffalo, unless i’m mistaken.
"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 9, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
No your right, with us he was only a coach’s assistant… which was a mistake on our part i would think
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
He was ASST. Head Coach
He wanted to go back to the Steelers. It’s where he made his name.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
to paraphrase Marlin Brandow “we should have made him an offer he couldn’t refuse”
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions
Curious Brian
Why James Casey over Travis Beckum from Wisconsin? Beckum will be around in the third and would have gone higher if not for an injury. Beckum is a fantastic receiver and is known to be a great route runner and red zone receiver and runs a 4.6 40. James Casey played in a pass heavy offense at Rice which always worries me with tight ends and isnt he projected to go in round 4 or 5?
Also, I’m not questioning your information I’m just curious if you’ve actually talked with scouts who are saying that Wood is the second ranked center? I only ask because it seems like Unger would have been more difficult to surpass as the number 2 center. I mean, Unger is a very very good player. Luigs has really fallen off the map huh?
For the record, I like Orakpo better than Brown.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
I’m just curious if you’ve actually talked with scouts who are saying that Wood is the second ranked center?
I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true, friend. I’ve been talking with scout(s) (there are only a couple) as far back as September about Alex Mack, and the line I heard then was “I consider Eric Wood the top center in the nation”. That’s only changed slightly, as that same scout has he and Mack neck and neck at this point. The other guy I’ve talked to have had Mack and Wood 1-2 all along.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
wow
look at you, hitting it big time with access to real sources in the industry. I’m impressed, nice work.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Feb 9, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, well, it’s not like I’m out talking to Buddy Nix or Marc Ross, but these guys know what they’re talking about.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
Funny thing Bri, you ARE getting more internet pub these days
Over at SI these days your site is now showing up as the top news item every day there. Good work man, and good work ALL of us for making this site rock!
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.
DUDE!!!
My article is linked on SI.com
Holy cow I may have to start writing better stories.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 10, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure they’ve been linked by SI since the site began, or soon after. It’s tough to find them anywhere else. They used to be linked on BB.com, but I can’t find those news links anymore.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
They were only linked on SI under the “Bills Blogs” section. Thanks to some work on the part of the SBN techies, Tyler Bleszinski and Jim Bankoff, most NFL blogs at SBN are now linked on SI.com. They deserve the props, not me.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 10, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
keep it up
a few more inside sources like that and you may get into OBD yet… or at the very least get one of them to read this blog… may we only hope that he listens to the fans
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
I really hope that is not what the draft looks like. I don’t know if that’s what you want Brian or if it is what you think it will look like. If the Bills take Eric Wood in the second round i’m going to be SO disappointed.
In my opinion, you don’t take a guy in the 1st or second round unless you think they will be an immediate impact. You don’t pay someone a bunch of money up front to sit on the bench. This is why I believe the second round pick might be Tyrone McKenzie OLB from South Florida if he lasts that late.
I have a hard time believing the Bills will draft a lineman in the 2nd round when they have had success developing Brad Butler and Jason Peters (two very late rounders). Also, I don’t think the Bills will take a TE in round three considering the development of Derek Fine.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
You talk about Wood potentially not having an immediate impact, but talk about Tyrone McKenzie like he’s the next Lance Briggs or something. McKenzie should be no higher than a 3rd or 4th rounder, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he fell to the later rounds.
And the Bills need a starting Center, not another developmental O-Lineman. And they need A LOT more than just Derek Fine at TE.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
You…talk about Tyrone McKenzie like he’s the next Lance Briggs or something.
I think Tyrone McKenzie will be as good if not better than Lance Briggs with 3 years of experience. He’ll be as good as Kawika Mitchell immediately.
I think you underestimate how badly the Bills need a starting OLB. Kawika Mitchel can barely tackle, Angelo Crowell is out, no one wants Keith Ellison to start, and Bowen is coming off an injury.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
No I don't
Keith Ellison stinks, Mitchell is slightly above average and Poz is average. Crowell doesn’t even count.
OLB is a must this offseason, but filling it with a 3rd or 4th round talent is not what I want done. I find it funny that you think he’ll be better than Briggs and better than Mitchell immediately. If that’s the case, shouldn’t he be drafted in round 1 or so? We need to fill the starting spot with a FA that will play right away, not a rookie that probably won’t.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
I thought Hill was a solid choice, and I personally don’t think he’ll cost THAT much. But yeah, other than him, not a whole lot is out there.
If the BIlls think a 3rd or 4th round OLB can come in and start right away, OK. I just don’t think that that’s how they should operate heading into FA/draft.
We have so many holes, as usual, so it’s always hard for us to bring in the number of upgrades we need.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
We do have F/A money krytime
If we don’t re-sign Crowell we can easily add Hill.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 9, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
Sure we could easily add Hill...
But, that would eat up a good chunk of the available change, just as Crowell would.
Sad to say - this is so true
“We have so many holes, as usual, so it’s always hard for us to bring in the number of upgrades we need.”
Ugh.
We have so many holes
Not as many as we had before Dick came in :)
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
by buffaloboy90 on Feb 9, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! I JUST FELL ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING!!!!
We have so many holes to fill….not as many as we had before Dick came in!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
whooooo
ok, im done laughing. My stomach hurts though. phew…..Playboy should do one of their dirty joke comic strips about the Bills and find a way to use that line….phew….thanks buffaloboy, that was one of the longest laughs I’ve had in a while.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
wow
yea that’s embarrassing
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
by buffaloboy90 on Feb 10, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I just have nothing to say.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
by buffaloboy90 on Feb 10, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
If the BIlls think a 3rd or 4th round OLB can come in and start right away
We should take McKenzie in the 2nd round, not the 3rd or forth. Paul Posluszny started for us right away and we took him the second round…
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
If the guy has the talent to start then he should start. I don’t care what round he’s drafted in.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 9, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
shouldn’t he be drafted in round 1 or so?
Yes, he should, but I think he might fall to round 2 because of where he played in college. I think Paul Posluzsny is better than Kawika Mitchell and thus is above average. Just my opinion though.
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.
- Plato
I really like this Draft. I would be happy with every single pick. I love the immediate impact the early round guys can have combined with the boom or bust potential of some of the later round guys.
Brian, I got a question for you. If Buffalo were to get a late round comp pick or two, what other positions would you address? In other words, what positions or even players just missed out in your mind in the 6th or 7th round?
For me, I’d pickup a quick RB and a potential situational pass rusher…..
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
A second DE to basically play the Copeland Bryan role would be nice, at least assuming that he would be more athletic than Bryan. I guy like Angelo Craig, Brian Johnston or Hillee Taylor who all went in last year’s 7th round would be awesome.
You really can go so many different ways, but I think I would go with a versatile interior offensive lineman to take the place of Preston. I know that is one of those, a vet would be better spots, but if this is done independantly of FA desires then I think you can find some value on offensive lineman that late in the draft and fill a need at the same time.
In other words, what positions or even players just missed out in your mind in the 6th or 7th round?
Oh, there are a lot of ways I could have gone with those picks position-wise – RB, interior O-Line, DE and LB in particular – but I’d probably go BPA.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Feb 9, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
haha of course best player available, but this is a mock. I doubt you took Terrence Moore because he was the best player available in your 7 round mock. I know you could go a number of directions and if you can’t decide on one then that is cool, but I guess what I am trying to say is, if your mock went 8 rounds, which position or player would you take (if you can narrow it down to one)?
My thoughts on your draft Brian
Round 1- Orakpo/Brown/Maybin DE, I understand your taking Orakpo here, and I agree, we need a DE with this choice at this point. Personally I like Brown better than him, I just fear the soft Texas background, the fact that he has been seen taking plays off, he is a one trick pony, and he looks like suspect #1 for any Steriod or HGH investigation. But if no Brown, Orakpo then Maybin for me.
Round 2- Woods C, Like you I think Mack is gone by early 2 and what I am hearing about Woods puts him at #2 for me as far as Centers go, I would be fine taking him and letting him start at this point.
Round 3- Sammie Lee Hill Jr. DT, I have been putting his name forward for a long while now in the offseason and I am glad to see your taking a shine to him. The fact he can penetrate (see his time as DE) and that his is BIG and can kill the run just makes me happy. I think we need Stroud insurance pretty bad, and I think he is a talent that would never make it too Round 4 so he goes here.
Round 4- Jared Bronson TE, I love Casey, and I hope he makes it to us in either the 3rd or 4th, but with the way things look, he might not reach us, thus why I swapped Sammie above with Jared here. He is not getting good press right this moment (wait till after the combine), but he is fast and he was the #1 target for his team and he doesn’t fumble like Royal, so he would be a nice pickup for a pure pass catcher with Fine as our #1 Blocker.
Round 5- Jason Williams OLB, This kid can play any position at LB and is 236 right now and has been reportedly bulking up for the combine and NFL season. He is fast and was the Defensive captain for his college team the past 2 seasons and make the calls on D as well. He has good sideline to sideline speed, good range in space and has solid hands, perfect for Fewell;s scheme.
Round 6- Lawrence Sidbury DE, I think we need to get Bryan out of here too, yes he did make some plays, but we cannot just get one DE this year, and this draft has a bumper crop throughout it to help us out. I think he would be a great depth guy who could spell Denney while Brown/Orakpo/Maybin can spell Schobel.
Round 7- Tony Fiametta FB, there is some talk he will get drafted or not, might as well be sure. This works because he can carry the rock, loves to run guys over and he played at SU which would draw in some more paying customers who can fatten the Bills coffers a bit more.
But, if push came to shove and Brians draft happened, I would be fine with it. The Bills would spackle over most of our holes and we MIGHT be better than where we started the year out last year!
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.
so this is WA's mock draft...
I was confused for a while that he was commenting on Brian’s draft
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 10, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Hill is a huge project. I can’t envision anyone taking him in the 3rd round. It’s not like he dominated his lower level of college. He’s had trouble beating double teams, even at Stillman, and really added about 50-60 lbs in the last few years. To be honest, he’s a late round pick to me, and you’ll see that Thursday.
He also didn’t do a whole lot in the East/West practices, which leaves the question of whether he can compete against better players.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
I like your choices!
- If the Bills can get even the first 3 picks, they would have what I would say a draft that makes me pretty pleased!
- Orakpu had a bad game against Ohio State, but otherwise is pretty solid.
- And you are right, most draft experts are raving about Wood from Louisville. He supposedly stood out during the Senior Bowl.
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