Bills WR Nelson Making Most Of Major Opportunity
by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 9:09 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintBack in late April, the Buffalo Bills weren't any different than they are right now at wide receiver. They were young. Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish aside, the team was stockpiling young talent at the position, inheriting former second-round pick James Hardy, classmate Steve Johnson, and adding fourth-round pick Marcus Easley to the mix.
David Nelson? He was a nice prospect as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, but let's not kid ourselves; he was very close to being an afterthought. Kind fans suggested he had a shot at the practice squad. | MRW Talks To Nelson
Nelson, however, has been perhaps the biggest rags-to-riches surprise for the Bills this preseason. Aided by injuries to both Hardy and Easley, Nelson's consistency has quickly earned him the No. 4 receiver spot behind Evans, Johnson and Parrish. He's seen a great deal of work with the first-team offense, and has arguably been the most dependable receiver on the team through two preseason games.
For a guy that set a career high in receptions with just 25 as a senior at Florida, that's a phenomenally quick ascent up an NFL depth chart.
Nelson, too, has been injured. Twice, in fact, during training camp. He was back within days both times, with his most impressive recovery coming on what looked like a fairly serious ankle injury after rolling it during practice. (The other was a hamstring injury, also tricky to deal with.) As a result of his quick healing ability, he's missed only a few practices and one preseason game, and his absence hasn't knocked him down the depth chart.
His play might have something to do with that. Nelson is one of three Bills skill players, all rookies - joining first-round pick C.J. Spiller and fellow undrafted free agent Joique Bell - to score multiple touchdowns this preseason. Both of his touchdown receptions have come off the right arm of Ryan Fitzpatrick; he's tied for the team lead in receptions with Parrish (7), third in yards (82, trailing Evans and Parrish), and leads all receivers with two scores.
It's unclear how much upside the 6'5", 217-pound Nelson possesses. His clear advantage is his size, where his height and long arms make him a matchup nightmare out of the slot. For a player his size, he's an unusually smooth athlete with good agility, though he doesn't seem to possess elite deep speed. He's got big, soft hands and plucks the ball easily out of the air, and can make people miss once the ball is in his hands.
Buffalo's starting offense is clicking well enough at this point that it would be unwise to try to force Nelson further up the depth chart, and as he's still learning his craft, he's most valuable as a situational player anyway. If he continues to produce - and we've yet to encounter any reason why he shouldn't - he'll see the field in four-receiver sets as a rookie, and could have a major impact there. For a player that caught 46 passes in his college career, Nelson's quick impact has been very impressive to behold.
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Im really starting to like Nelson. I think he sticks as the #4 WR. Thats the perfect spot for him. Should have been Hardys… but thanks to Chans “Every position up for grabs” he was won that away from him… so much so that Hardy is most likely to get cut. What a find this kid could turn out to be. And the quick healing is a very nice addition. Everything that Nelson has shown so far, Hardy has not. Keep pushing 86!
Where else would you rather be?
So true
When Hardy made that first catch Saturday I thought: maybe the book isn’t closed on Hardy. Then he dropped the next two (which were highly catchable) passes thrown at him, and made a ridiculous illegal shift penalty. He is good as cut by now.
Fear the Grier!!!!
He Just Looks Good Out There
I also thought it looked really cool seeing him and Hardy line up next to each other. They’re definately keeping Nelson and I hope they keep Hardy too. It’s too early to quit on Hardy.
He does look good out there. The fluidity in his route running is not only refreshing, but surprising for a rookie. Under the radar in deed and I think this might be a Gailey pick up from the SEC that has him smiling. You can even hear it in his voice when he speaks about Spiller in this way, that now that he is in the NFL, he likes that he has been able to grab someone that gave him nightmares as the opposing coach
It is Brohm’s Bills jersey that is the least stained with doo-doo... GO BILLS
Chan coached in the ACC. CJ Spiller played at Clemson, an ACC team.
Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.
by syrbillsfan on Aug 30, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
righto
some reason I thought they were all sec, but whatever… just a type before i research/think post… per the usual.
Anyway, I like the team right now and am excited to see how we do
It is Brohm’s Bills jersey that is the least stained with doo-doo... GO BILLS
Chan...
is a UF alum, like Nelson.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/CBB rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Aug 30, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Give me the BABY!!!!
With that being the mind set of our new coach/FO it is hard to see how Nelson does not make the team. He has shown all the things we wanted in a big WR that Hardy has not been able to produce.
Has he been playing out of the slot for the #2’s or as a wide out? Also, how much play time has he been getting as compared to Hardy, and Johnson? I would think less which makes his production even more astounding.
I am also not willing to give up on Hardy yet. It is to early to tell if he has been very unlucky, or is he just injury prone.
I think the phrase is “show me the baby.” We just crossed a line from curiosity to theft. :)
by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
HEY
When your a Bills fan, you gotta do what you gotta do ;)
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak" "Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor!!??"-John Belushi
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Aug 30, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
LOL
Yes I guess I did get a littile to posesive, and I personally can’t cross that line over to the dark side. But what is the fun in constantly just looking a what you want for your team. I want them to bring, show, pass it around to the fans, and keep the baby here in Buffalo for a long time. Hey maybee the baby will grow up and be a bills fan. OF coarse you are right “show me the baby” will have to stay the mind set if we want to stay out of the big house. And I do!!
Well, the saying is to get the baby you have to take it. You can’t just wait for it to be given to you.
Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.
by syrbillsfan on Aug 30, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Holy ouch Batman!
sounds painful.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
Former Bill’s coach who’s now in Cinci— told my friend—his old OP neighbor— that Fitzpatrick is very high on Nelson
It was Cookie's turn to lead the "easiest exercise" during the Monday practice after a game-- he said-- "we're going to do deep breathing--everybody inhale--dehale "
Oh, yeah?
Well a guys brother knows this other guy, who’s dating a girl thats sister lives across the street from a guy that has a friend that likes him too. ;)
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak" "Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor!!??"-John Belushi
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Aug 31, 2010 3:00 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah
Statement made at the Hyatt Hotel for lunch on gameday. Cinci was staying there. They are very good friends.
PS—I know that girl you’re talking about :)
It was Cookie's turn to lead the "easiest exercise" during the Monday practice after a game-- he said-- "we're going to do deep breathing--everybody inhale--dehale "
by radan on Aug 31, 2010 7:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Touche'
P.S. she dates Kevin Bacon
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak" "Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor!!??"-John Belushi
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Sep 1, 2010 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Nelson has been this pre-season's best surprise in my eyes.
Not only should he be this team’s 4th receiver, but if for some reason Johnson doesn’t pan out as the team’s number two, I se Nelson jumping up and taking that spot right from under him.
Not saying that we should expect Nelson to be a great rookie. But he could be a good surprise and have a productive year for a rookie receiver. I’d be VERY happy with anything over 400 yards and 2 TD’s from him. Heck even 300 yards would be good.
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 30, 2010 10:15 AM EDT reply actions
It’s nice that the Bills might actually have some flexibility behind Evans. It looks like Roscoe might actually get his day in the sun, and if that works out it might take some pressure off of Evans and give Johnson / Nelson some breathing room.
If we can get half a Welker out of Roscoe, we’re in pretty good shape.
Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.
by syrbillsfan on Aug 30, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
A great route-runner AND blocker
What surprises me the most about Nelson is that he is already doing two things you don’t expect to see from a WR until their second or third year. He runs very polished routes, as in that TD play on Saturday night when he made a picture-perfect move to evade the FS. It was a route worthy of Lee Evans, not an undrafted rookie. Equally impressive, he is an excellent blocker who fully understands leverage. On one of Spiller’s runs to the outside in the first quarter, Nelson completely took out a LB, making the run possible.
I agree completely with Brian that Nelson should be the #4 WR for now, but given all he is showing us he may well start to climb the depth chart sooner rather than later, becoming the authentic #2 we have all been waiting for. He has run the 40 in 4.49, which is pretty durn fast (Shawn Nelson’s best time is 4.52), which means that he can be the guy going down the seam as well as a slot receiver (the Bills have been lining him up in both places in keeping with Gailey’s belief that wideouts should be able to do both). I do think that with Nelson on board, and with Easley and some other young WR’s showing lots of promise, this position will not be a priority in the draft next year.
Its not really fair to judge him based on his college career.......
considering the type of offense Florida ran……………it wasnt exactly Texas Tech throwing the ball 60 times a game.
Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!
by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 10:57 AM EDT reply actions
Nelson is perhaps the biggest pleasant surprise for Buffalo this year. Gotta like his attitude and making the most of his opportunity.
And with the 9th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select...C.J.Spiller?
Agree – I think J. Bell would be up there as well if he weren’t so far behind the other RBs. I’ll actually be ill if the Bills cut Bell.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Aug 30, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Malcom Floyd
from San Diego. 6’5", doesn’t have extreme speed, wasn’t a high draft pick, also scouted by Nix.
Great point...
and he is gonna be starting this year as the #1 WR with VJ not in the mix right now.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Aug 30, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
That's exactly who we should be comparing Nelson too
Floyd was a raw, unheralded player out of Wyoming that took a long time to develop. It’s just not paying dividends for them. Both are rather skinny too.
Chaz Schillens is another comparison, though he’s a bit quicker and more athletic. Maybe even Drew Bennett, though that guy was extremely skinny.
~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."
If anybody says they saw this coming I will call them a liar. And not in a kidding way. In the old West way that you call someone a liar and ultimately end up at dawn or high noon on opposite ends of the street.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Aug 30, 2010 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
… are you saying you’d be willing to shoot someone about this?
by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
i’d be willing to have a duel – with either a nerf gun or super soaker. Who wouldn’t want to duel with a super soaker?
I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....
I’d be all for breaking out the good old laser tag!
Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.
by syrbillsfan on Aug 30, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
slap fight.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Aug 30, 2010 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
too many Bonanza re-runs there Hoss.
Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!
by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
i saw this coming
totally:) But seriously how many guys are pre-season superstars and we never hear from them again? But I do love this kid’s size and with Roscoe as small as he is in the slot, having a big target like Nelson as another option for Trent especially with Nelson out 4 games, I can’t see anyhow he doesn’t make the roster
"Show me the baby: - Buddy Nix
Leave the gun, take the cannoli
I implore you!
~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."
Saw it coming
(UF homer)
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5
by silverstreak3k on Aug 30, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s on like Donkey Kong eating a case of dancing prawns at dawn.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Aug 30, 2010 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Very early, however.......
given what I have seen thus far, if he can stay healthy and stay consistent….. this guy is one of my favorite targets on 3rd down. he just seems to have a knack for getting open.
Giggity
Uof Florida
I live in SEC country & see lots of games. Two years ago Gators had a receiver named Percy Harvin getting most of Tebow’s throws. Last year HC Urban Meyer thought his defense was lacking a little & decided to have a top-heavy rushing attack to control the clock. So Nelson, who was highly coveted out of HS, was a team player & did all that he could out of that offense. Watch some Fl games that are rebroadcast & see Nelson do some serious blocking on LB’s. I’ll say this – if he does not make the team he WILL be picked up by another team & have a great NFL career.
Speed is not the 2nd best quality in a receiver (after catching) – ability to separate is. Nelson has that.
by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Aug 30, 2010 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
after hearing Gailey’s comments on Nelson and watching his play in particular he’s almost a lock for the final roster. did you notice him with the ones against Cincy?
I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....
by J2 on Aug 30, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Nelson
But I like Chad Jackson #4 and Nelson #5
Why? Nelson has outplayed Jackson by a large margin. Who cares where they were picked or how much NFL experienced they have. The better performer should be higher on the depth chart. And that’s Nelson.
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 30, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
He didn't mention anything about where they came from or experience they possess
Maybe he likes Jackson more because of his speed and potential YAC ability. I kind of agree with that, but do think Nelson deserves to be #4 based on his play thus far.
~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."
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