Sleepers from Lasts Year's Draft

by MrFurious1 on Apr 1, 2009 1:40 PM EDT Comment 20 comments

This is the time of the year when all of the excitement is geared towards the upcoming draft, and rightly so. But for me, it's also a time when I look forward to the growth in players from last year's draft. I'm hoping for some surprises, because right now it's looking like a weak crop. I know, I know ... it's early. But seriously folks, is it too much to ask to get a little more out of your top three picks. McKelvin definately came on and gave us reason for excitement, but Hardy was lost (and now hurt) and Ellis was even more lost. The guys in rounds four and below look like they can contribute, but the Bills need more than depth from their drafts. They need to get depth and at least 2-3 studs. I'm not optimistic we're going to learn a lot more about Hardy this year and I'll give him a pass due to the injury . It may do him good to learn the game. If Ellis and/or Harper surprised us this year it would change the whole complexion of things. My offensive dark horse is Fine. I don't think he's going to be the next Antonio Gates, but I have a feeling he's going to become a key target for Trent. I'd love to know what the rest of you think and in particular, have there been any progress reports on Ellis. What do the coaches think of him??

This FanPost was written by a registered user of Buffalo Rumblings. Its views do not necessarily reflect the views of Rumblings' editorial staff, but are just as valued as our own.

0 recs | Comment 20 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

If Ellis and/or Harper surprised us this year it would change the whole complexion of things.

My guess is you meant to say Alvin Bowen and not Alvin Harper (maybe the Dallas WR from the 90’s?)
I agree about Fine. I think he is going to develop further this year and become a dependable option for Trent.
My hope for Hardy is that he has watched a lot of film and has learned how to run routes and read defenses. In his defense he has never had to do such a thing so hopefully this down time has allowed him to do so.
OBD needs Ellis to show up this year. He at least needs to be a contributor in the rotation. This year could be make or break for him.

by gatornation on Apr 1, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oops. I did mean Bowen. Not sure where that came from.

by MrFurious1 on Apr 1, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

MRW!

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Apr 1, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have the feeling Fine will be a backup

To Pettigrew…i just have that feeling we will continue to try and beef up the offense. And with a possible Peters trade looming, three positions on offense LT, LG, and TE could certainly use some high draft picks…our defense was servicable last year, and with Schoebel back, and if Ellis can contribute at all, we might be able to patchwork a another okay defense, to keep us going. The Bills don’t have holes on defense like they do on offense, just “desires”, so the draft could go either way, but i expect the offense to be addressed more than the defense, but I am against drafting specifically for need at 11, and get the best player possible (in most cases, not all)

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Apr 1, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

have there been any progress reports on Ellis. What do the coaches think of him??

There is no way to know. It’s not like the Bills are practicing. All offseason stuff before OTAs is just weight training and conditioning. So at best, Ellis is working hard on getting stronger. We will have plenty of chances to watch Ellis in the preseason. He will be one of those guys that makes the 2nd half of preseason games worth watching just to see what he can bring to the defense.

I’m not so sure that Ellis needs to contribute this year, at least not that much. If Buffalo goes DE in one of the first two rounds than that player will almost certainly be used situationally before Ellis is. So that leaves three first down type DEs (at least in OBDs view) in Schobel, Kelsay and Denney ahead of Ellis on the depth chart with two pass rushers (Schobel and a rookie) ahead of Ellis too. I think Ellis’ real value could come slowly over the next few years when Denney’s contract ends this year, Kelsay’s next year and Schobel gets cut in a few seasons.

I think Demetrius Bell could be the most important of the unproven rookies next year. If he ends up as the third tackle, he could see some really important minutes at some point next season.

by kaisertown on Apr 1, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good points

My biggest concern with Ellis was that the coaches seemed to be down on him. So I know there’s no new data, but I’m anxious to see a coaches comment on what they expect. I hope your right about Bell. I was impressed last year, but it may have been relative to low expectations. For a “project” he seemed to play pretty well in preseason games.

by MrFurious1 on Apr 1, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I trust what coaches say during the offseason about as much as I trust what politicians are saying during a campaign. Coaches are always going to have a rosy outlook on things at this time of year and an endorsement in Ellis would be meaningless. What will be curious is to see what Chris Brown, Paul Hamilton and any other beat writer types say about how many snaps Ellis is getting during OTAs and training camp. That will be the first indication on whether they think he can contribure this year.

I’m not sure I think Bell has all that much of a chance to be our best rookie sleeper, I just think he may end up being the most important of all of last year’s second day draft picks. If he is the third tackle and has to start 4-5 games, he may end up having a more significant impact on the Bills’ record than Derek Fine or any other 2nd year player not named McKelvin.

by kaisertown on Apr 2, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ellis's problem

The reason Ellis didnt see the field last year was because of strength issues. He couldnt hold up against the run. This off-season i’ve heard he’s put on some lean muscle working out in buffalo at the facilities alot. Also dont forget about Cope Bryann he showed some really good edge rushing late last season. He was getting to the quarteback. I think their is going to be a big cut a DE this training camp. It will b a big competition for spots. Also dont forget Ellis was injured late in season and went on IR. I live 2 minutes from training camp in Pittsford New York. This summer Im going to be on here alot reporting things I see and what not. I’ll keep my eyes specifically on DE position.

Gabezababe

by Gabezababe on Apr 1, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I live in Brighton.

See you at Training Camp.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Apr 1, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm in webster

can’t wait for camp this summer!!!

LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!!!

by BenAllen on Apr 1, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm In Boise

Yeah lame i know
One day i might make it to a game even…….
until then this is all i got….Sad

Wearing this Jumpsuit, my new Nikes and drinking the Bill's flavoured Kool-Aid pretty much all my life.

by Stabby Mcshank on Apr 2, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im with you my man......

Heck Bills play both Niners and Raiders last year…………..and BOTH were in Buffalo!!!!! I mean come on

Confrontation simply means meeting the truth head on - Coach K

by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 2, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was stoked when...

I saw early on the bills played the afc and nfc west. i mean one game had to be played in seattle or cali, right? Not so fast. another year of being the only bills fan at old chicago. lol

Wearing this Jumpsuit, my new Nikes and drinking the Bill's flavoured Kool-Aid pretty much all my life.

by Stabby Mcshank on Apr 2, 2009 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

knock on wood

I’m in central Florida and this will be the third year in a row we play in Jacksonville. That is unheard of considering they aren’t in our division. I get Miami every year too and will definitely make it to Atlanta this season.

Where else would you rather be...

by Slick Shifty on Apr 2, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool

Take some videos or photos if you can!

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Apr 2, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last year I was an observer...

on here, and at camp. This year I am going all out!!! I don’t necessarily work during the summers so I get to pretty much do what I want. Especially if it’s cheap. Training camp is cheap.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Apr 2, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Corner?

4 pass break ups in one game surely deserves a mention.

by Ron From NM on Apr 1, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Especially considering Whitner’s 6 career break ups – and just 2 in the last two years!

by karovda on Apr 1, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ron

I consider you our resident OL expert. Where do you think Demetrius Bell fit into the Bills plans this year and did you see enough of him to draw any conclusions?

by Byrdeputt on Apr 1, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s never played a down in the NFL. There is nothing to form an opinon on really. Definitely nothing that would allow Ron or anyone to draw a conclusion about him for this upcoming year.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Apr 2, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs