2009 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills Pick Recap
by Brian Galliford on Apr 26, 2009 7:33 PM EDT
in NFL Draft
153 comments
The 2009 NFL Draft is officially in the books!
Entering the weekend, the Buffalo Bills had three areas that needed immediate attention: their woeful pass rush; their porous offensive line; and a defensive playmaker. The Bills addressed those needs on day one, and coupled with one tremendous value selection on day two, the Bills made out like bandits this draft weekend - whether you're a fan of their late-round picks or not.
Without further ado, here are your eight newest Buffalo Bills...
1-11: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State (Coverage)
We asked for a speed rusher and the Bills obliged. Maybin, by a country mile, is Buffalo's most athletic pass rushing threat since the days of Bryce Paup. He is undoubtedly a gamble, and won't be an every-down player right out of the gate. But with quarterbacks Tom Brady, Chad Pennington and now Mark Sanchez in the division, the Bills needed a guy to put heat on those signal-callers. This is a smart risk for the Bills to take - and Maybin's potential is elite.
1-28: Eric Wood, OG, Louisville (Coverage)
They tried to move up for TE Brandon Pettigrew but weren't prepared to pay out the nose to do it. Instead, they stay put and take a smart, athletic, tough-nosed kid who steps in and immediately fills the right guard position vacated by Brad Butler, who will move to right tackle.
2-42: Jairus Byrd, FS, Oregon (Coverage)
Buffalo went into the draft keenly aware that they needed a playmaker defensively, and particularly at the safety position. This is a risky pick in that they're asking Byrd to make a position switch, but he enters Buffalo as the best DB on the team in terms of pure ball skills. Ko Simpson, beware: you are officially on the roster bubble.
2-51: Andy Levitre, OG, Oregon State (Coverage)
Buffalo traded third- and fourth-round picks to move back into the second round and draft another instant starter in the versatile Levitre. He is a Wood clone - tough, smart, and durable. He has the inside track at starting immediately at left guard; the Bills will move Brad Butler to right tackle and flip Langston Walker to left tackle to replace the departed Jason Peters. And just like that, Buffalo's in-flux offensive line is once again settled - and perhaps better.
4-121: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss (Coverage)
This was by leaps and bounds Buffalo's best selection, if you're asking me. Nelson is one of the finer athletes available at any position in this draft class, and he's also got an incredibly soft pair of hands. He's an immediate upgrade at the tight end position and complements Derek Fine and Derek Schouman perfectly. Even better - unlike some of his "receiving TE" counterparts, he's got upside as a blocker. Buffalo now has themselves a legitimate tight end threat for the first time since Jay Riemersma ran routes at The Ralph, though whether or not he'll contribute as a rookie is another question.
5-147: Nic Harris, OLB, Oklahoma (Coverage)
He played safety in college, but the Bills will move the 230-pound athlete to outside linebacker. This is where Buffalo's draft class crossed the realm from "contributor" to "depth", but Harris was very productive at a high-quality program. He's worth a shot, and he'll compete directly with Keith Ellison for a future roster spot.
6-183: Cary Harris, CB, USC (Coverage)
Zone-based, physical cornerback that provides depth and special teams potential. May have a tough time making the roster considering Buffalo's envious depth in the defensive backfield, particularly at cornerback.
7-220: Ellis Lankster, CB, West Virginia (Coverage)
... Zone-based, physical cornerback that provides depth and special teams potential. May have a tough time making the roster considering Buffalo's envious depth in the defensive backfield, particularly at cornerback.
That's it, folks. Draft weekend at Buffalo Rumblings has officially concluded. Thanks for dropping by this weekend; I know that personally, I had a blast hanging with y'all. Cheers!
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weak Brian you closed the other thread before the draft was done.....boo....lol
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Love the draft........
half the picks on the lines………a couple of playmakers……solid depth……..cant ask for much more than that…….
now its up to Jauron and Co. to coach em up….
um Yippie.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Overall
I think this was a solid draft, our interior line is solidified and we have a well rounded TE to add to our offense. Aside from our last 2 picks which seem counter productive, I’m satisfied.
by kilowatt44 on Apr 26, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
asking Byrd to make a position switch, but he enters Buffalo as the best DB on the team in terms of ball skills.
So does that mean we can officially call Whitner a BUST!!!!!
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 7:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No.....
if you thought whitner was drafted for his ball skills then you were sorely mistaken……..he wasnt a ball hawk in college like Byrd was……
Whitner is what he is…..a solid presence……and a decent leader.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So....not drafted for his ball skills or ability to tackle......doesn't sound like a good #8 pick
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasnt in the war room so i dont know why the chose him
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF Cali? Why weren’t you there?
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't in Hitler's war room either,
but I still know opening up a second front by attacking Russia was a bad move by the Germans.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn’t in Hitler’s war room
Or were you…
Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet.
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Apr 26, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, no, no. Not planning for a Russian winter was a bad move by the Germans.
by NJBillsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So was declaring war on the US, not finishing the English off, the diversion to Stalingrad, etc, etc, etc
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think whitner has a bad move.........
probably not the right or the best……….but not a bad one.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's how I feel.
There were better players out there but they could have done a lot worse… Some of you guys are going to be pissed irritated when they re-sign him.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he has a big top of the head!
~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 Apr 26, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
malcom jenkins said whitner was the best player he ever played with...
said he made everyone on the field better because of his work eithic, and his film study… there were many times when he would call the play out that the offense was running before they ran it.. and i think whitner is also a pretty good tackler for the most part.. everyone is going to miss tackles from time to time, it’s simply part of the game
by Shovel51 on Apr 26, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he's a great leader
Except when he getting arrested… Oops
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
by keysh67 on Apr 26, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we
did take a lot of “tweeners” so hopefully the projection of Buffalo’s scouting dept is correct. That’s the only concern I have about the majority of these picks…..and the fact that Dick Jauron drafts 3 DB’s every year
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
by MARVelous on Apr 26, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
flip Langston Walker to left tackle to replace the departed Jason Peters. And just like that, Buffalo’s in-flux offensive line is once again settled – and perhaps better.
Until Walker realizes he is not being paid like an LT and holds out :-)
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dont give him ideas Joe!
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on Apr 26, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus he needs to be paid like 1.5 LT's
~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 Apr 26, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Walker as LT?
Is Walker really the long-term answer at LT? With his size and skill set, isn’t he a natural RT — much more so than Butler? Until today just about everyone commenting on Walker as an LT was very unhappy at the prospect. It was said again and again that he can’t handle edge speed-rushers. Has that magically changed? Or are the Bills putting him there on a temporary basis — for one year or even less?
by Macktruck on Apr 26, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He held his own against SEA last year
Did a pretty good job. I think with Derek by his side, he’ll be just Fine!
Actually, it’s nice to see that we potentially have more starting quality than positions. I ultimately think that our line will be (2-3y from now)
Bell, Wood, Hang, Levitre, Butler
but hopefully Walker can get the job done until then
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
by keysh67 on Apr 26, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That underestimates Walker
Walker’s stats for last year placed him among the best RT’s in the league. He gave up only 3 sacks, for example (one of which was while he was playing LT, I believe). At RT, his 365 lbs. can be a real advantage. I don’t see why the Bills would want to replace him permanently at RT with Butler as long as Walker is still in his prime. So far as I can tell the plan is to put him at LT only until Bell is ready to protect the blindside, and that is likely to happen no later than 2010 and perhaps in the middle of this season.
by Macktruck on Apr 27, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is the 2009 answer at LT.
Not the long term answer. The Bills coaches feel that is Demetrius Bell IMO.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like the Maybin pick, love the Wood and Levitre picks, meh on Byrd, love the Nelson pick, ok with Harris, and yeck on the two corners.
Overall, really liked this draft. I understandably have some reservations about Walker at LT but really love the middle of our line now. (Note to Turk Schonert: Please, please, please run the ball a minimum of 30 times a game next year – up the middle).
Do you think when Schobel, Denney, and Kelsay see Maybin rush the QB, they’ll think he’s an alien? Or perhaps, some sort of cyborg defensive end sent from the future to destroy them?
No exaggeration, I could not love a human baby as much as I love this blog.
by thatguy34 on Apr 26, 2009 7:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully the later
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, hopefully
and hopefully he succeeds with one of them!
~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 Apr 26, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like to include the UFA signings in with the draftees, and I will wait until they get signed before saying whether I like the draft or not. I would say that I am leaning towards liking it, but I would really like to see some more o-linemen brought in.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cadogan?
McCoverage- McGee and McKelvin :D
by Toronto? on Apr 26, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully we bring him in
try to develop him on the PS. It’s worth a shot, for sure…
~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 Apr 26, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got one OT already
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2009/4/26/855276/bills-sign-undrafted-fa
OT Joel Bell (Furman)
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Maybin, Wood, and Nelson
We should have addressed LB with the Byrd pick. Unless Byrd starts day one, it was a bad pick because an LB like McKenzie most likely would have. Levitre is a good pick, but not given the trade up. He cost us to much. Again, like the player, but not smart drafting. We were incredibly lucky Nelson fell to use in the 4th (didn’t we have him going in round 2?), but I am surprised we didn’t draft a CB given our obviously need for depth at the position (comment drenched in sarcasm). The Harris pick is OK, but should not have been necessary if we had settled it in the 3rd. The last two picks are a joke. As a whole, I give this draft a B for overall talent and a D for execution by OBD.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's about where I come out, Joe
If Maybin booms (instead of busts) he’s a great 1st round pick but why take him at 11? Was OBD worried about Denver? I am happy that Buffalo at least made an attempt at addressing the pass rush.
Wood was taken about the only spot the Bills could have gotten him. True, 28 was too early but he wasn’t going to last until 42. Of course, Unger would have but the Bills must have had Wood graded quite a bit higher. I’m glad Buffalo got him—got to love no-neck guys on the OL.
Byrd? With Brown on the board this was simply an awful pick. Even had the Bills gone with Levitre here it would have at least made some kind of sense. Worse still, it led directly to the loss of 75 and 110.
Levitre appears to be a solid pick-up. He does give Buffalo some options on the line that weren’t there before—namely kicking Butler out to tackle. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find Butler at LT sooner rather than later as he’s somewhat better against speed guys than Walker. Nevertheless, moving up for Levitre cost Buffalo a shot at a real LB. Instead two guys who used to play safety will pillow fight for a starting LB slot.
The Nelson pick salvaged what had been a miserable three rounds (2nd through 4th) for Buffalo. I think I would have preferred Ingram but, with him coming off of injury, I can see why OBD went with Nelson. It would be great if he could be half the blocker Fine is….but I don’t know that we can count on that. We can count on him loping down the field at an ungodly speed for a 6’5" guy weighing 240+.
Buffalo could have just let the clock expire on rounds 5 through 7. Better yet, the Bills could have shipped 220 off to Denver for Jarvis Moss (#17 overall selection in 2007). Or maybe 183 and Kelsay. Or 147 and Kelsay and Simpson.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be great if he could be half the blocker Fine is….but I don’t know that we can count on that. We can count on him loping down the field at an ungodly speed for a 6’5" guy weighing 240+.
Why do you think Ingram would have been any better? These guys are all, as Todd McShay called them, “Rocked Up WRs.” None of these guys, Casey, Coffman, Ingram, Cook, Nelson, or Beckum, were all that great at blocking. That is why I wanted Pettigrew so badly.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you there
Pettigrew was the TE Buffalo really needed.
I think Ingram had more to offer than Nelson. Again, I think Nelson was a great pick. We just could have had Nelson and Ingram (bye, bye Schouman) if we had held on to 110.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ingram did a little more blocking at Florida if I am not mistaken.
But he’s not that much better at blocking. I also think Ingram is a little stronger than Nelson. I still think Nelson is better and considering the knee injury, probably the safer pick.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Levitre is a good pick, but not given the trade up. He cost us to much.
We came out 100+ points ahead in that trade on the value chart… we ripped the Cowboys off in that trade.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Apr 26, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excuse me for not getting excited about 100 pts for a guy we could have picked up without giving up an extra pick.
Levitre cost us another possible starter.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And excuse me for pointing out a fact… didn’t mean to offend you…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Apr 26, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would I be offended?????? "Excuse me" is just a figure of speech in this case.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easy, Joe
Brian was just making sure you weren’t mad…and wouldn’t be packing up your lucious avatar and heading home.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!!! Not mad at all :-)
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, Joe
Levitre didn’t cost Buffalo another starter. Byrd did.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We gave up
a 4th rounder to move up 25 spots from the 3rd to the 2nd round to get a probable O-line starter. And, as a bonus, the TE we wanted was still available when our other 4th came around. Seems like it was the right move to me.
by shouldbeworking on Apr 27, 2009 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure why the Cowboys agreed to that. Jerry Jones must have been getting bored. It was kind of a weird day in terms of picks and their chart values. Some were well below and others well above the chart values.
Chart values aside, Buffalo screwed itself with that pick—particularly when paired with the decision to pass on Levitre (or Brown) at 42.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Todd McShay said the Cowboys didn't get one impact player.
That had an ungodly amount of picks on day 2. They got crapola. Bye Bye Wade. Back to being a defensive coordinator somewhere.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grades
Aaron Maybin: A-
Eric Wood: B+
Jairus Byrd: D
Andy Levitre: A-
Shawn Nelson: A+
Nic Harris: C
Carry Harris: C+
Ellis Lankster: C
Overall: C+
by fami1y_first on Apr 26, 2009 8:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why a D for Byrd? If he starts this year, that’s a god pick.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
because ...
… there were far better players available with that pick, including the FS position that he’s supposedly going to switch to with the Bills. Just a horrible pick … For instance, Sean Smith would have been a much better pick here for that kind of a player (i.e. a player switching from CB to FS). Or they could’ve taken a true ball-hawing FS with Rashad Johnson or Sherrod Martin!!!
I would’ve even have liked to see the Bills draft Everette Brown instead of reaching for Byrd … just a bad pick through and through …
by fami1y_first on Apr 26, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is opinion
I have posted this elsewhere I think but I believe that we ALL underestimated how much OBD perceived a centerfielder who could play the run AND with real ball skills as a “need” position. As an FYI, they had Byrd rated as a second round pick—and Johnson as a 3rd. Martin as a 4th. You may not agree—your right totally—but that’s how it is.
Geronimo
by Geronimo on Apr 27, 2009 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the whole key of that is the "ball skills" thing.
They wanted a playmaker to stick back there who could make some picks. In my first mock way back in February I have the Bills taking Randy Phillips from Miami, a former cornerback with great ball skills. Brian had the Bills taking a safety in the first round of one of his drafts. It’s not like we didn’t see this coming guys. They need playmakers. They got McKelvin last year. They added Maybin and Byrd. We can’t keep complaining about the lack of big plays then complain when they draft a guy who makes those big plays.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the draft, probably better than last year's
Maybin – I believe, as I have had time to think about could be an amazing pick, and his versatility and speed may allw him to even come in and play OLB, so to have two DEs and Maybin coming off the edge…our defense may be very innovative and exciting…all good things
Wood – is an instant upgrade up front, and I really like the interior of our line, with the only ? being LT….but I am willing to hold off judgement till we see how things shake up, and if ol’ Demetrius has put on 20-30 lbs in the offseason.
As for the rest, the Oregon St CB, might be a very good Safety in the pro-game, which you can argue that we could ave gotten a different player or whatever, BUT, if he starts at FS and is all over the football, no one should be dissappointed….jury is officially out and ready
Nelson at TE is the last thing I want to comment on….awesome fourth rounder, and glad we waited….we got our TE, we got our pass rusher, and we got our G/C….no LT, but before the Peters BS, we weren’t talking tackle, and perhaps the Bills brass feel comfortable with what we have, and that is very scary
OLB….we’ll have to wait and see….Go Bills
The Bills CAN win every game
by killascript on Apr 26, 2009 8:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As for the rest, the Oregon St CB, might be a very good Safety in the pro-game,
the Oregon Duck (not OSU) was a reach. It sucked, and that’s it. moveon.org
But how about a happy thought:
What if the real reason Peters felt like leaving is because he knew Bell was going to challenge him for a job? If I were part of the inner circle, I would sign Fred Jackson and Leroy Hill to 3 year contracts. This is a good off-season. Walker/Chambers helped the Bills out to a 4-0 start last year.
Character and Intelligence
by the Uncommon Denominator on Apr 27, 2009 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't a reach.
He went in the low 50s in a lot of mock drafts. It’s not like they picked a 7th round graded guy in the 2nd round man. Let him play before you demolish him. He had a great career at Oregon.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m happy with the draft, though I wish they had gone in a different direction with the last two picks (…duh). Other than that, I’m perfectly happy with it. I’m eagerly awaiting Geronimo to chime in, I’m curious why Cadogan dropped off the face of the earth, among other things.
Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet.
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Apr 26, 2009 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
interesting
an all white-meat interior O line. Change you can believe in.
Hopefully OBD’s return to seeking intelligent lunch-pail technicians pays off. Guess they got their fill of the Crowell/Peters/BongMode personality disorders.
We did better than I expected, for that I am thankful.
by dzil on Apr 26, 2009 8:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thats racist
lol
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn’t mean it that way. sorry if I offended anyone
by dzil on Apr 26, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
didnt offend me.....im just "that guy" who feels like being a jerk right now....
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well,
you are an Angels fan so I don’t blame ya.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
by NYTXFAN on Apr 26, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not nearly as bad as a couple of east coast teams fans which are oddly enough......playing on NESPN
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But they don’t matter because the Jays are in first WOOOOOOOO
Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet.
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Apr 26, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and because they arent fast enough to play for Al Davis......
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no prob
re-reading it now, does look that way. oh well. just listened to all the OBD interviews and they keep repeating the intelligent hard worker theme for every pick.
by dzil on Apr 26, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
damn. that was s’posed to be a reply. hate that there is no edit option here.
by dzil on Apr 26, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rose Colored Glasses ...
Brian, you are truly an optimist and that’s a good thing. If this draft turns out as good as you’re laying it out it will be one of the best drafts ever. Of course they don’t always turn out as planned. I respect the decisions the Bills had and that’s all you can ask for, but as we all know good decisions don’t always have good outcomes (see Mike Williams).
I need something from Bowen and Ellis this year before I give this regime the benefit of the doubt.
by MrFurious1 on Apr 26, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brian has to be an optimistic........to balance out all the rest of us pessimistic fools
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian is a little bit of an optimist, but even more then that he isn’t one to jump off the handle. When the Byrd pick came in he wasn’t going crazy like everyone else was. He is the kind of guy who will take a wait and see approach every time.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Apr 26, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s what you would call “well-balanced”…you know, that thing that the rest of us aren’t so much. Haha.
Penn Staters belong at Penn State. The problem with a lot of kids is they just don’t know they are Penn Staters yet.
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Apr 26, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New type of D?
The Bills took 3 corners who were projected as CB/FS tweeners.
Did DJ and PF create a new DB position?
by rat on Apr 26, 2009 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Longtime Reader, First Time Poster
Watched the Pre-Show on ESPN and the heads were raving about the Bills’ Day one. I admit, I tuned out after Byrd and missed the Levitre pick altogether, but went to bed thinking what I usually think about this team that I love. They did one thing right, one thing so so and I’m scratching my head at the DB pick. Same thing today. Like the TE, don’t get all the extra DBs.
Maybe we are creating a new scheme. Speed rusher, Schobel back and a bunch of ball-hawks in the defensive backfield? Almost like a cover two scheme, huh?
Keep up the good work all, and GO BILLS!
by milwaukee on Apr 26, 2009 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
welcome....................
to the site.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 26, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All the DBs are perfect for the tampa 2 scheme.
Just don’t know how all of them will make the roster.
Welcome. Thanks for posting.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i
just will never understand why they don’t put more of a premium on pass rushers….the whole damn cover 2 is predicated on getting to the QB or the “threat” of getting to the QB. Maybin has to have a significant impact in year for our Def to improve. However, if Schobel regains form and Maybin can get after it some, I absolutely love the potential of our secondary. But, if we can’t put pressure on the QB once again, it doesn’t matter how many DB’s Jauron drafts cuz no one can cover welker, moss, etc for an entire game without making the QB rush some throws
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
by MARVelous on Apr 26, 2009 9:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We drafted Ellis and Maybin high in the last two years.
They are putting a premium on pass rushers, Marv. Plus Schobel has never missed time until this one injury, which could admittedly hamper him for the rest of his career.
Our defense did not cost us games last year guys. We lost to the Niners because we couldn’t score two TDs. We got goose-egged by the Pats. Our offense lost us games against the Dolphins and the Jets, not the defense.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bills sign David Lindquist (DL) from Illinois
by tripl21 on Apr 26, 2009 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know it’s a bad idea to get my hopes up, but I am salivating at the potential offensive attack we’ve got going. Between Trent working with TO, Evans, Reed in the slot, a TE that can catch passes, and (hopefully) a much improved o-line, he has all the weapons to succeed. Having Lynch and Jackson running through holes Wood and Levitre can hopefully create ain’t nothing to sneeze at either.
by Burger Trench on Apr 26, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The forgotten men
Everyone keeps talking about Nic Harris competing with Keith Ellison for the starting spot… i think people have forgotten about another 5th round LB of the Bills in Ace Bowen… who is a much better prospect than Harris (IMO) and has a leg up on him with a year in the NFL. If his knee holds up, I think he steals the job from Ellison.
another dark horse is chris ellis…. if he has a good preseason say goodbye to kelsay or denney
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
by ForeignArrow on Apr 26, 2009 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Great point about bowen and I agree with you about him being a dark horse starter. They were really high on him in training camp before the injury.
by tripl21 on Apr 26, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he looked real good in camp before the injury!!!
LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!!!
by BenAllen on Apr 26, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Jauron was out to get Kurupt with all of those DB picks he’ll make sure to hang onto Kelsay for pure spite.
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More than likely, yes
~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 Apr 26, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else hoping for a Geronimo post to give us some insight into day 2?
by Ron From NM on Apr 26, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but I bet he is still trying to get a good
explanation for picks 6 and 7.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 26, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
I have no further insite on Day 2 other than my own jubilation over the Nelson pick and think the converted S into LB sounds like a football player. I will try and get some dope on the 2 DBs for you guys. I can tell that you are thrilled. LOL
Geronimo
by Geronimo on Apr 27, 2009 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks G.....look forward to any insite you have :-)
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One thing is for sure….watching the Maybin highlight 1 on 1 video on BB.com shows how explosive he can be, and shows that he is a really intelligent guy. Two good things
by billsct11 on Apr 26, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
eric wood
when he was in bad santa! not really, but looks just like the kid!
LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!!!
by BenAllen on Apr 26, 2009 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
He was also in that Geico commercial a few years ago:
~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 Apr 26, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
wow!
I laughed out loud on that.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!!! very funny K....run!!!! Wood is going to find and kill you :-)
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope not
I need him to protect me from Kelsay
I forgot to post the video of the commercial before too!
~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 Apr 27, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!!! Good stuff
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely Hilarious
I loved that movie!! I just showed my wife and she almost pissed in her pants laughing so hard.
by Long Beach Bills Fan on Apr 27, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manofest has the top 10 draft lookalikes...
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just seen the draft
i couldn’t watch last night, combination of trying to get mt 10 week old son to sleep and needed to get an early night as i start a new job today.
At first glance, wtf why so many DB’s at second third and fourth glances wtf why so many DB’s!
6 and 7 wasted picks, before that i am very happy. Our OL has improved significantly, the interior has gone from a liability to a strength, TE is also big upgrade, this makes our Defence better straight away and should help us get into stiuations wher the opposition is chasing games, competition from Maybin will hopefully light a fire underneath our other DE’s and give us an upgrade there, Byrd give us better strength at safety, watch simpson get cut in the next few weeks
overall a good weekend i am looking forward to next season now, and i haven’t said that for few years
Football. Bloody Hell!!
by gregeng on Apr 27, 2009 1:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
congrats on your new job!
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 27, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everette Brown
Why is every one so wound up that we did not choose him? Every team ignored him at least once. He might not be as good as his reputation?
Football. Bloody Hell!!
by gregeng on Apr 27, 2009 1:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im with you man....
I dont really think the guy is that good……
but there are plenty of people that I think are good that others dont…….
so time will tell I guess.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Apr 27, 2009 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is an upgrade over Kelsay and Denney at least on passing downs.
But I am with you guys. If every team passes on him obviously something didn’t mesh.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nelson was my choe as I put in my mock draft on here back in January, Why do you guys keep saying Pettigrew was the target?-Alex Mack was the target at #28 and the rest is some nonsense created by fans.
by Fam_1st on Apr 27, 2009 3:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No. No, you’re just wrong. Pettigrew was the target. And isn’t your saying Mack was the target also “some nonsense created by fans”?
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2009 6:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was very upset when both went (Petti & Mack) so soon. But I quickly realized that the price to trade up would have been too much. All my bobos went away as soon as they announced that Shawn Nelson was a Buffalo Bill. They sure waited until the last minute and risked not getting him and I must admit that I would have preferred Pettigrew but not at the cost that it would have taken to move back up.
I am happy with Maybin, Wood, Byrd, Levitre & Nelson
Very good draft in my opinion.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
by keysh67 on Apr 27, 2009 6:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they missed on Nelson there were still other TEs on the board.
It wouldn’t have been jumping off the ledge time or anything.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nelson was my choe as I put in my mock draft on here back in January,
Dude you made like 10 mocks and included like 500 prospects! Of course you were bound to have Nelson in one of them!!! Haha
~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 Apr 27, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to say this for me was a Jekyll and Hyde style draft by the Bills
With a day to sleep on the Day 1 picks and keeping up on the day 2 stuff while running errands and us signing several UDFA’s this is how I see our draft.
Maybin- B for boom or bust, speed and step are ungodly, lack of bulk and run stopping ability limit chances to make an impact every down for us, but hey, if he rolls up 9+ sacks this season, worth the pick.
Wood- A+ for getting a tough nasty lineman who looks to finish guys off like I look to finish off a cheeseburger with fries after a night of drinking. Great pick for the Oline and the team.
Byrd- C+ for getting a playmaker, who we now have to teach a new position to get him on field. This grade could goes alot higher in my book IF he shows he is better than Ko and Whitner come OTAs and TC. He also gets docked for costing us picks later for the Levitre trade up, not his fault, it’s OBD’s.
Levitre- A- for getting yet another lineman who looks to maim and hurt the opponent every play. He makes us now rock solid through LG to RT now that Butler is moving there. Only question is LT for me, and he gets dinged slightly due to the trade of our 3rd to get him. BUT I love the player, not the strategy to get him, but the guy himself.
Nelson- A for getting a guy who can fly up the field, catch the ball (and NOT fumble it ala Royal, YAY!) and who is a willing blocker with frame space for some more muscle. Makes an awesome combo TE in conjunction with Fine, this was a great pick all around.
Harris- B- guy is a playmaker and can bring the lumber and lay it down on fools coming up the field, and will now compete with Bowen and Ellison for the starting SLBer spot, unless we get Leroy Hill somehow. I ding him slightly due to the loss of our third which could have been Tyrone McKenzie, but beyond that I think its a solid pick.
Harris pt.2- C- a player at a position that we didn’t need anymore bodies at. I don’t care if he was BPA on the board, at some point you have to look at other spots like the Dline and make an informed decision to take a gamble on a fat man or rusher to try and get a diamond in the rough guy.
Lankster- F at this point I think DJ was just trying to piss me and K off royally and this was a complete and utter spite pick. Once again, my arguement above about depth at other spots that we need more and better bodies at holds true over just plain BPA.
UDFA Class so far- B
TE Travis McCall Alabama
OT Joel Bell Furman
OLB David Lindquist Illinois
K/P Danny Urrego Portland State
All are players at spots we need more people at, just sad we missed on Korey Sheets the Purdue RB, kid has a sick second gear in the open field. We could use a FB to get rid of McIntyre, and I think Philip Hunt would be a good pickup to stash on the PS to gain some weight and refine his pass rush moves, but over all I am happy with the bodies brought in with the UDFA class.
Overall grade for the Bills draft- B
If the Bills were a drug, I could only hope they were like speed so I could lose some weight as well.
by WABillsfan on Apr 27, 2009 3:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Even if I graded out at B...
that’s not exactly getting ahead in the AFC East.
Character and Intelligence
by the Uncommon Denominator on Apr 27, 2009 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the rate CBs were coming off the board
Byrd would not have been there at #75, which is why they pulled the trigger (I Guess). Then the Levitre possibility presented itself they took it. I for one am not that upset at it, 17 INTs in 3 season is really good production and we really need a playmaker in the secondary and Whitner is not that person.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
by keysh67 on Apr 27, 2009 6:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We did not give up a 3rd
to get Levitre. He basically was our 3rd round pick – we gave up a 4th to move that 3rd round pick up 25 spots into the second round. Does that bump him up to an “A” ?
by shouldbeworking on Apr 27, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get your hopes up on him contributing 9+ sacks...
I’ll have to write a story on rookie DEs. :-)
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just because
A guy played safety in college doesn’t mean he will not be a good pro LB. Brain Urlacker played safety in college and I think he turned out ok. I’m excited about the potential with Harris, and c’mon he has to be an upgrade from ellis already.
by LanceinDE on Apr 27, 2009 4:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LanceinDE: We could have picked from a number of decent LBs at that pick including Zach Follet and Marcus Freeman. Why take a chance on converting a safety?
by bobb498 on Apr 27, 2009 4:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
I assume that Harris has some skill set that they coveted more….. what that is over the other guys? I don’t know all the dirt on all the prospects so I wont comment on that, I just wanted to make the point that just because he played safety doesn’t mean he wont be a good backer.
by LanceinDE on Apr 27, 2009 5:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CBs
I read the argument between Brian and basically the whole board yesterday about the Bills taking so many cornerbacks. Brian is right, you take the best player available no matter what the position in the later rounds. I don’t doubt that the player they selected was the best player on the board at the time.
However, my issue with all the cornerbacks is that I feel the Bills overvalue them. I mean, 4 CBs taken and 2 of them are supposed to switch to new positions.
Let’s just say you have 22 positions on the draft board, I’m not a math teacher, but what are the odds that CB is at the top of your draft board 50% of the time.
To me, the Bills have a little too much faith in cornerbacks. Its almost as if Jauron says “we have a hole here, let’s find a CB that can fill it, they’re the most diversified players anyways.”
New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com
by BillsNYC on Apr 27, 2009 6:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I also read
the argument, and have to disagree with You and Brian. I’m not overly emotional about this topic, and do like our draft as a whole, but the BPA no matter what philosophy in the late rounds is not the right way to go, even if our cornerback ratings were right on. You have to balance in need a little bit at least.
The argument that you would be selecting a player you don’t like as much applies less in the late rounds, because how much of a difference can there be between the ~200th player on our board and the ~201st or ~210th or whatever. Our management seemes to forget that they make the rules (selecting BPA no matter what) so they can change the rules – Like selecting the BPA unless it is another friggin’ CB.
Or maybe there is some logic to these picks that I don’t know about, like keeping them away from other teams looking to sign them as UDFAs. Either way, I’m over it and am looking forward to seeing the new guys on the field.
by shouldbeworking on Apr 27, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not even balancing need
it’s balancing numbers. When you’ve got 6-7 CB’s already, why do you need to add another? You are definitely right in that how much different can number #200 be from #210?
~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 Apr 27, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need more DBs. We should have drafted 8 DBs and then signed every DB FA in the world. jk.
I guess the other players available were so bad that DJ had to over flow a unit that was already full. I doubt it.
That’s why they play the game.
http://thepragmaticprogressive.blogspot.com
by Cookie G on Apr 27, 2009 7:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who gave the Bills great grades?
Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Trent Dilfer all have Buffalo as one of the top drafters this year guys. We got some players.
Nelson was one of the best values of the draft. Maybin improves the pass rush. Wood is going to be a ten year stud for this team and so it Levitre. That is four significant upgrades.
They added a playmaker in Byrd at safety, like the move from CB or not. The worst that NIc Harris will be is a special teams demon.
McShay’s words on Mike & Mike this morning as I am typing this:
“Aaron Maybin was the best pass rusher in the draft. They solidified the interior of their offensive line. Top to bottom they drafted well.”
Overall I am very happy with this draft guys. Impact was the key word and they got playmakers.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i still don’t like that two of our draft picks will likely be cut during training camp. those could have been used to fill up other positions – maybe another DT/DE and a true saftey rather than these conversion guys.
by the_prophet on Apr 27, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many 7th round picks make the roster?
I understand your frustration but let’s be realistic. We drafted a DE in the 7th round a couple years ago. He got cut in training camp too. This is undoubtedly a sign that McCargo has turned a corner in the coaches’ eyes.
I don’t have a problem with them drafting Byrd to play safety. They have two acceptable starters in Scott and Whitner and because of that they can bring Byrd along and insert him when and where he will be successful like they did with McKelvin last year.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a good draft Matt,
but it could have been better. They talk about Maybin, Wood, and Levitre being good picks. They also ding us for not getting an LT.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tim Graham killed us for not taking a tackle.
It could have been better. But the guys we got, especially rounds 1-5, can come in and contribute immediately. Could we have taken a tackle? Sure. But they spend so much time on their draft board and when it fell out, they didn’t have any value on the OTs when they were picking.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As concerned as I am about the OT position, I couldn’t kill the team for not taking one. Once Andre Smith was off the board, what exactly were we to do? The team didn’t like Oher enough, so it’s understandable they don’t reach for him at 11 or trade up for him from 28. Why pick a guy like Eben Britton, a RT, when we have enough suitable RT’s on the team in Chambers, Butler, Walker and potentially even Bell. Britton never made a lot of sense to me, so it’s fine by me they passed on him, though apparently it wasn’t acceptable to him! I liked Beatty and would have loved to have had him in round 2, but he’s a bit of a project, and who knows how much better, if at all, he is than Bell….
Now if the team had passed on Monroe and Smith at #11, then it’s a different story, but they weren’t available, so I don’t know how the team can be ridiculed for not addressing OT. I wouldn’t have been opposed to a late round developmental player, but that guy doesn’t help the team at LT anytime soon.
They did well with the hand they were dealt. Hey, we didn’t get a royal flush, but we also didn’t get dealt a hand with a 3, 8, 4, 5, and 9.
~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 Apr 27, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To further this point – if last year’s Super Bowl teams proved anything, it’s that you don’t need an elite left tackle to win. Their success would tell you that you don’t even need a competent left tackle to be successful, but that’s obviously not true, either – particularly considering who their quarterbacks are and who ours is.
We do not need an elite left tackle to field a competent, productive offense – contrary to public opinion. We need consistency – and beyond Andre Smith, what left tackle was going to be more consistent protecting Trent Edwards’ blind side than Langston Walker? Yes, he absolutely has faults as a pass blocker, and putting him over on the left side is a risk even as a short-term fix. But it does not cripple the offense by any stretch of the imagination. There are a multitude of ways to mask pass blocking deficiencies. Trent can start that ball rolling by being decisive and getting rid of the ball on time (and I’m not saying he isn’t at least solid in that department already).
Bottom line is that playing Langston Walker at left tackle was the best course of action, in the team’s eyes, outside of playing Andre Smith at the same position. I do not necessarily disagree with them considering the sheer amount of needs that they needed to address. Let’s put it this way: I’d rather Langston be anchoring our revamped O-Line from the left side than have him stay at RT with Andre Smith and still have needs at OG, TE and mediocre safety play. The Bills did the best they can with what they had ammo-wise in terms of picks. They came out of the draft with two to three playmakers (Maybin, Nelson and perhaps Byrd), a fortified interior O-Line (Wood, Levitre), and a flawed but underrated and consistent new LT in Langston Walker. Things could be much, MUCH worse.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My bad… replace “Andre Smith” in the last sentence with “Eben Britton”.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent breakdown.
You said what I said using specific examples. With those choices, I am more than happy having Walker play LT.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Beatty quote in King's MMQB is priceless.
Something along the lines of “every team that didn’t draft me is gonna pay for the entire history of their franchise.”
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was Britton
The guy is always mistaken for someone else. Maybe that’s why he’s so upset.
People say the glass is half full. But they don't say of what.
by patamunzo on Apr 27, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops.
Guess he’ll come after me now.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Sportscenter discussing the winners of the draft:
Mel Kiper:
They didn’t get that left tackle but they needed that pass rush and they got it in Aaron Maybin. They solidified themselves everywhere except that left tackle.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 8:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ooops....didn't see your Kiper quote :-)
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem.
I was reporting what they said. It wasn’t meant to prove or disprove anything. I could be a little more comfortable with the OT situation but I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I think Walker will be fine on the left side. Not great but fine. Dominic Rhodes will be in to do some pass protection and Fine will chip in on that side too. Have two TE sets where you can put FIne on the left side and Nelson on the right make sense too.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but not sure why everyone likes Walker over Chambers at LT
If Walker was the better fit at LT, then why did Chambers get time at LT at the end of the season?
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the only reason I can think of...
Because as an injury replacement it made no sense for him to hop over and play LT. But as a full-year, full-offseason guy it makes a little more sense to have your best OT at LT. We all may end up being wrong, but I don’t see how one of three big offseason moves could sit; Hangartner followed by Wood and Levitre – who they traded up for they wanted him so badly. And then you have Butler and Walker…. Chambers is not better than either of them I don’t think so IMO Walker will start at LT and Butler at RT. If Butler or Walker stink look for Chambers or even Bell to step in.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are G and T really that interchangable?????? Because we are talking about it like there is no significant difference.
"Get ready for the pain women…the pain train is coming Whooo Whooooo !!!!!" – Terry Tate Office Linebacker
by Joe P. on Apr 27, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some players it is....
The Bills seem to think that Butler, who played tackle in college, can play tackle at the pro level. I’ve seen nothing from him that says he can’t do it. Nor have I seen anything that leads me to believe he will be good at it.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 28, 2009 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 Bills Draft (toned down)
I had to tone this down some but here you go:
This had the potential to be the best Bills draft in history. Maybin, Woods, Levitre, and Nelson were all great picks.
That being said they completely wasted 1/2 of their draft on DBs. Our Defensive backfield is the strongest area on the team. There are quality starters and backups at every position.
Why would we waste 1/2 our draft on DBs? Any 10 year old kid who watches the NFL with his dad on Sunday can tell you that you build a successful NFL team from the trenches out. The "genius" we have for a head coach thinks you build a team from the defensive backfield in. Why else would almost 1/2 of our picks in the drafts that he has been here for go for DBs? He played DB in the NFL and he thinks that is the most important area. Where does he get the idea that he is smarter than everyone else? Hard to believe from a head coach with a career .550 record.
We draft CBs to turn into Safeties and Safeties to tune into Linebackers? If we have such a brilliant coaching staff who can take these players and teach them completely new positions, why couldn’t they have taken a potential superstar pass rushing DE like Michael Johnson in the 2nd Round and make him great? Why take a Safety hoping to turn him into a LB when there were ready-to-play LBs available? Try Marcus Freeman or Zach Follet.
Our Defensive Line is old and average at best excepting Shobel and Stroud who are both on the downside of their careers. We take 1 DE and no DT but can take 4 DBs? You can have the greatest defensive backfield in the history of the NFL and still allow 300 yard passing a game when you have no pass rush. This is not rocket science. Anyone with a passing interest in football knows this but our coaching staff, scouting staff and personnel people do not?
Jauron will never coach in the NFL again after he is fired this year. Russ Brandon should have stuck with marketing. Our entire scouting department should be fired. Hire the mail boy from the Patriots Staff and make him our GM. I can practically guarantee you he will be better than the people we have running things now.
by bobb498 on Apr 27, 2009 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well first I need you to distinguish between safeties and corners.
We have great depth and good starters at CB. At safety not so much. I think we have good depth but Scott is a marginal starter. And for the record none of them outside of McKelvin has proven that they are capable of making plays like INTs.
Now onto the draft picks. Byrd will play FS, likely taking time away from Scott which I don’t have a problem with. Nic Harris, who you are referring to as a DB, will be playing LB for us. I don’t think it’s fair to label him as a DB in your analysis. I understand why you did, though.
Any 10 year old kid who watches the NFL with his dad on Sunday can tell you that you build a successful NFL team from the trenches out. The “genius” we have for a head coach thinks you build a team from the defensive backfield in.
We also spent half our draft on the trenches. Maybin, Wood, Levitre, and Nelson will all be in the trenches. Plus of all the guys we signed after the draft as undrafteds, one is a kicker and the rest are trench guys. So yeah he’s building in the trenches.
We draft CBs to turn into Safeties and Safeties to tune into Linebackers?
Brian Urlacher played safety in college didn’t he? He is either a huge, slow safety or a quick, nimble LB who needs to add a little weight. I’d be willing to bet he can add weight easier than he can get faster.
Last year the biggest problem wasn’t Stroud, Williams, and Spencer Johnson. We still have McCargo and our UDFA DT. They played well last year.
DJ will coach in the NFL if he is fired but never as a head coach. You are probably right about that. I, for one, am not rooting for him to lose his job. I am hoping the Bills go 10-6 and earn a wild card birth.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 27, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 NFL Draft
I understand the reasoning with Byrd as an upgrade at FS and turning Harris into a LB. My point was that our coach is fixated on DBs to the point of ridiculous. I understand that they want to turn Harris into a LB but the fact is, he was a DB in college. Marcus Freeman is sitting there for us and we took Harris who is a project. Freeman might have stepped right in and started. Chicago took him just a few picks later. It will be interesting to watch these two players and compare.
Yes I know we could use an upgrade at Safety but why not William Moore who was at one time a borderline top-10 pick? I was not that unhappy with Scott but if they want to upgrade why not Moore or trade up a few spots for Chung? I just think that pick #42 could have been better used on D-Line. Sorry but I thought Spencer Johnson was a waste and basically invisible last year. There were several good players on the D-line there at #42 and I believe the pick would have been better spent on D-Line.
Even so, I can understand Byrd for a Safety and I guess Harris for a LB but why the final 2 picks for CBs? Sorry but in most fans minds, that was just like throwing those picks away. My main point is that DJ is fixated on DBs. To use 1/2 of your draft on on area of strength on this team is misguided at best and stupid at worst.
For the record, I hope we go 12-4 next year and DJ is named NFL Coach of the Year and we win the Super Bowl and he stays here and passes Marv as the Bills best coach ever. But, do you really think that is realistic?
by bobb498 on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But how can one man's supposed fixation dictate how an entire team drafts?
Each prospect is rated by like 5 guys including Jauron. It’s not like DJ is walking the card up to the podium against the scouting dept’s wishes.
Geronimo said they liked Chung. The Pats reached a little for him after they lost out on Wood. Johnson had like 20 tackles last year and a bunch of assists. I thought he played fine when he was in. He is a capable back-up who is, IMO, a little overpaid but still does a good job.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 28, 2009 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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