Opinion: Buffalo Bills Have A Gem In Aaron Williams
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2011 12:30 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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In recent weeks, Buffalo Bills fans searching desperately for something positive to discuss have seized on the fact that the team's rookie draft class is starting to contribute heavily. In Sunday's loss to the New York Jets, five drafted rookies started: nose tackle Marcell Dareus, cornerback Aaron Williams, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, safety Da'Norris Searcy and tackle Chris Hairston.
We've seen draft classes contribute heavily before. (Remember Terrance Pennington in 2006?) I'll reserve judgment on the totality of the class, but one player I've been consistently impressed with of late is Williams, the second-round corner out of Texas.
Williams got his starting opportunity thanks largely to the inconsistent play of Leodis McKelvin and the season-ending injury to Terrence McGee. Thus far, he's made the most of it.
Fans have quickly forgotten that coming into April's draft, Williams was fairly widely viewed as a safety. This was a weak year for safety prospects, and some scouts (and when we say scouts, we mean the scouts you read, and not actual scouts) questioned whether or not Williams had the long speed to play corner in the NFL. Many viewed him as a free safety - and when the Bills took Williams No. 34 overall, a small number of Bills fans even questioned whether or not it meant anything for the future of Jairus Byrd.
In Buffalo, however, he'd be a cornerback. The team likes bigger athletes there, and he fit in with their off-season goal of getting better defending the run. (In fact, ESPN's Mel Kiper called Williams the "toughest run support corner" he'd graded in the last five years.) He started the year as a dime back, but was quickly forced into nickel duty when McGee injured his hamstring on the first defensive play of the season.
Williams took his lumps early in the season, and was abused in particular by Wes Welker in the first half of a Week 3 win over New England. He got hurt in that game colliding with a teammate, and didn't return until a November 20 game against Miami. When McGee hurt his knee and was lost for the season, Williams became a member of the starting lineup, and made his top-unit debut Sunday against New York.
Since returning from injury, Williams has looked sharper. Yes, he's still making mistakes; he admitted after the game that he dropped Santonio Holmes in coverage on what proved to be the Jets' game-winning score. Right now, his mistakes are mostly mental, and that's encouraging. What's more encouraging is that watching him play, he looks excellent physically.
They say you can't teach size in basketball. In football, you can't teach size and athleticism. Williams has both - and while he's not the biggest, fastest or strongest, he is a large, aggressive cornerback with great athleticism, especially in the short area. Corners like that are not easy to find; when he's more consistent mentally and technically, Williams is the type of player that will be able to cover a wide variety of receiving options in this league.
Keep in mind, also, that Williams is the youngest player on this team; he won't turn 22 until right around next April's draft. Watching him play over the last two weeks, I have grown genuinely excited about him as a player. If he can lock down the finer points of the game and become consistent, he has the look of a high-end starting cornerback that'll play in the NFL for a long time.
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McGee’s gotten several contract extensions, and Florence got one in the off-season. I get the joke, but it’s starting to get stale. Williams will be here for three-plus more seasons, anyway, so it’s almost irrelevant.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
But I stress But
IF we can not even keep a class act like POZ which he is from same type of area and only needed to be there 6 months a year so how are we going to keep high maintenance players which skill players usually are thanks Deion! The Guys seem to love Chan . Buddy I don’t know clearly there is no enthusiastic coach or authority figure who will occasionally rise the level of play by offending and or crossing the line somewhere with somebody getting A game out of them like Perry did with less.
Wow
Not sure I follow you.
Buffalo Bill's are like family to me. dysfunctional mind you, but after some thought, just like my family:) Go Bill's!
by buffalobacker on Nov 30, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s hoping he does have a long successful career with us.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Nov 30, 2011 12:34 PM EST reply actions
agreed, one of the bright spots next to Dareus and Sheppard
overall I really liked this draft by nix
I am not as high on Sheppard as most. I might be higher on Williams than I am on Dareus.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
On this i dont agree
If i had to throw my hat behind williams of dareus, it’d be Williams. He’s played much better as a rookie and I see his upside increasing in spades with more experience and with better support beside him. He has already been a force in quite a few games.
Of course, better play from Marcell and the line will hopefully translate to better play from all our corners. Its a good conundrum to be in.
Ha – I was gonna say. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Nov 30, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I said this consistently throughout the draft. I thought Dareus will be a good player, and for a long time. I just never saw anything that would make me think he will be a “special” player, ala Bruce Smith or Warren Sapp. I really hope I am wrong, but I think when you draft in the top 3, you need to draft an elite playmaker. Dareus will never be that player in my opinion.
Back on subject, I am excited about Williams also. I’ve actually met him before (as well as Chris White) and he seems genuinely down to earth, passionate about football and willing to work hard. As Brian said, you can’t teach physicality, and he has that in spades. Also, he seems more mentally prepared in 2/3 of a year than McKelvin is in 3 years. That is encouraging.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
It may be that Dareus needs to play inside to be that special player
When Kyle Williams was in there, Marcell played capably as a starter, but when KW went down and Dareus stepped inside, the improvement was tangible. It was like he was waiting all season to show what he could do in the middle.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
problem is this
does KW have the ability to move outside? he isn’t long… he is stout. he isn’t a “run stuffer” per say- he is a pure penetrator. he blows up gaps. That can be good for the run, sure… but he isn’t necessarily going to translate outside, having never done it. At least Dareus has been shifted around some, and shown ability to still get to the passer. Ultimately, in a 3-4, your DEs don’t generate many of the sacks… it is more about the 4th and 5th rushers from the LB spot (you know- the guys we don’t have- hence no pass rush. )
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Great point. If the Bills ever get some pass rushers that play LB, then that will force RB’s and OT’s to spend their time dealing with the edge rushers. This will keep more offensive players in the pocket (so less running routes – better for our secondary) and open things up for the big men inside.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
That IS the problem.
Trust me, I readily agree with you. If Dareus needs to play inside, what does that mean for Kyle or the defense?
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
means we just created a hole in the depth chart
after Troup’s surgery just did that. Unfortunately, we may still need dareus to be a tackle- so i am not going to be terribly surprised if we run a 4-3 next year, until Carrington, and maybe “the new guy” are ready to play. We have NO depth if Troup doesn’t make it back. we have 2 DTs, Carrington, Dwan Edwards…and…. project players. Kelsay. that’s it. we would HAVE to run a 4-3. I expect we will take another DL, and some LBs next year, and hope some of our practice squad guys work out. Eddins is a good OLB (3-4)/DE(4-3) prospect.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
The 4-3 is looking better and better at this point.
I’m a huge fan of the 3-4, but it does have some problems with covering tight ends and such. I honestly think the hybrid thing works well. I think the ultimate solution is that Dareus can be moved around. He can play at end when we’re in the 3-4 and at tackle in the 4-3 subpackages.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
yup
and that is where his true value lies. Some might feel he was a reach at 3, but he gives us the versatility that Gailey seems to like to employ, as the NFL is all about packages, and matching up. Defenses of old, would employ all types of fronts. It takes time for these guys to learn systems, and so to throw every front at them at once is doing everyone a disservice. however, the more we play in both alignments, the more we learn from each, and the more we can introduce either, depending on opponent, or down, or personnel. He provides us a lot of versatility, as well as depth at more than one position (kind of like Brad Smith, everyone’s new favorite whipping boy. Hopefully his sick TD makes a few guys want to give him more of a chance. Can’t say I know of any other 3rd QBs with a TD catch this year)
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
which is why we need to play 4-3
we would have two elite DT’s on the line doing what they do best, not what they have to adjust to do. and that’s penetrate. you can’t let a guy like kyle walk or make him play a position outside of his natural strength. you let him do what he does best and build you line and defense around HIM. and that means you play 4-3 with him as DT. then you draft more players to cater to him. dareus will be awesome next to kyle inside of a 4 man front, NOT a stinkin 3-4 hybrid! then put kelsay back on the weakside where he’s better, and all you lack is a pass rushing strongside DE. looking at it this way makes wonder what DE prospect we could have drafted in Troup and Carrington’s place…especially Troup, smh.
yeah!
and then we can watch Brady shred us over and over like always.
we need a system that confuses, and brings pressure. 4-3 doesn’t necessarily do this. especially when we can’t get to the passer with our 4 man rush as it is.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
Perhaps your right, but that we never Dareus’ position. He was a 34 end in Alabama, and I think when Williams returns he will be a 34 end in Buffalo. I’m sorry, but Kyle Williams healthy is an all pro NT, whether he is the classic type of not. Dareus has not shown me enough to make me think he deserves to play there over Williams.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
this is kind of a different spin
on my shared view. I don’t know that KW is anything more or less than an amazing DT. I would like to say that 4-3 is the better consideration, than shifting KW outside. I think Dareus is capable in any of the 3, as he has already demonstrated. I think he is a safety blanket- we can use him wherever we need on the line, whether it be injury, or matchup- he will produce or at least eat space, from any of the 3 or 4 dl positions.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't say All-Pro..
He’s had an off year to be sure. The thing is this, no one’s saying that Williams needs to be moved. The problem, though, becomes: what if Dareus plays just as well as Kyle inside? Dareus has an advantage in there, he occupies blockers and takes them off the linebackers.
Not saying trade Kyle or move him to end, but I’d be lying if I said it was unthinkable.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
went to the pro bowl.
so… by definition… he is kinda an all pro. i agree that he, like fitz, got a contract after really only a year of decent production… but I think that both can be the guy at their respective positions in the immediate, and should they not be worth the money in 3-4 years, we will trade or release. Otherwise, they are solid investments in continuity, veterans that have produced, and would be even more serious needs, should they not be on the roster. as evidenced by our decline once KW (who was playing injured) was gone- even with a first rounder in his place. We need him back, healthy, and at the Nose. That’s how i feel, at least
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Well pro bowl and all pro are different, and yes Kyle Williams was an all pro last year (2nd team). All pro is certainly a bigger honor, since there is no fan vote, only 50 writers who are more in the know than the average fan.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
It's one thing to say someone has been an All Pro
and another to say that he’s an All Pro when he’s healthy. Williams hasn’t had anything resembling an All Pro year, although he has received that award previously.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
I feel equally about sheppard and williams. Dareus does a good job manning the line, but he obviously needs help. He is doing his job taking up space and moving the whole offensive line.
Sheppard to me has made some good plays and seems like a natural leader. He might not have to upside potential as williams but I think he will be a solid starter for us for a while
Sheppard does not llok good to me
Not to get off topic but Sheppard looks to get pushed around way to easily by OL, FB, and RBs when he is trying to fill holes. Not sure he is as good as everyone thinks he is.
he looks good enough
as he was selected in the third round, and is already on the field, and isn’t unproductive. He too is learning on the fly, and the guys in front of him (and around him) keep changing too. He was a captain/starter while playing for LSU… Need I say more?
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I tend to agree, I'm at least bullish on Shep
It can be acknowledged that Shep’s got some question marks, but who doesn’t? I think what’s being underestimated is his ability to learn from playing alongside Nick Barnett, a fellow middle linebacker and a Great model. If Shep’s a student of the game at all, he’s going to pick up some things and improve JUST from playing with Barnett.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
this is a good point. He does seem like a great student of the game so seems that the Barnett help will be great for his development
definitely a student of the game
i remember earlier in the season, someone commented that he was shouting out the exact play that was going to be run, because he was so familiar with the tape on them (wish i remembered who that was against but i just don’t). That is EXACTLY what i want from my rookie MLB. hahaha.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Getting pushed around in the NFL is 80% technique and 20% strength in my opinion. All these guys are so strong that you can easily get dominated with improper technique. I think once Shep learns to get the pads lower, use his hands better, and anticipate where the blockers are going to come from he will be just fine.
One of the good things I have noticed recently is that Shep seems to be getting better at picking through the trash to get to the ball. Barnett does this very well I think, slipping blocks, and being small when he doesnt want a blockers hands on him. Shep seems to be learning from Barnett.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Barnett definitely diagnoses faster
but he should, right? Sheppard has plenty of size. He has the strength. He has better speed than some might expect (he played sideline to sideline in the senior bowl, as they can’t blitz) and in the long run- he is the guy. Anyone who doesn’t see that, or disagrees, is probably going to be disappointed. so far, he has played like a rookie, but a decent rookie.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
There are a lot of captains and starters for top notch programs that means nothing I am just going by what I see. As noted by Brian “In football, you can’t teach size and athleticism”. He may be athletic but size may be his undoing.
Just for clarification- do you mean he has the size but athleticism may be his undoing? I thought Shep was considered big enough but not very athletic? Could be wrong, just wondering
he had a pulled hammy
when he ran at the combine. he still managed like a 4.7 40. That is good enough for a MLB, IMO
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Size? Really? Shep is one inch bigger, and the same weight as Ray Lewis. Shep is also an inch bigger and ten pounds heavier than Patrick Willis. He is certainly big enough to be the middle linebacker. Again, he needs to learn better technique and develop better instincts. I think size is the least of his problems.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
i didn't question size
did i? scratch that- we both know i didn’t. He is prototypical in almost every way, and can from a stout defense where he was a multi-year starter, and captain. good enough for me.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
I was writing down the thread, but was referencing mquintieri comment.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
yup
i realized that. i had to go back and make sure i didn’t say something like that, since, i don’t feel that way at all. haha
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Ya there are too many people hung up on size. Nick Barnett is 230 lbs but no one ever complains about that, and Paul Posluzsny was only 3 lbs lighter than Patrick Willis but caught an unholy firestorm for his size by too many Bills fans.
by NordicBillsfan on Nov 30, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
disagree
I don’t think “it means nothing”- at all. in a locker room full of young guys, and only a couple veterans really- we need players who will be the leaders of our team moving forward. He is likely to be one of them.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
from what Im seeing out there
it looks to me like Sheppard is essentially like having a younger Posluszny on the team – he seems more the same guy than Barnett is.
Getting a Posluszny in round 3 is a very good deal, just ask the Jags who paid 42 million for one.
A good, smart, heady, hustling, leader who is an excellent tackler? Sign me up. Its why I liked Posluszny and its why I like Sheppard. What a solid pick for the third round, glad to have him.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Nov 30, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
you are
so right poz. I don’t think we could do better in the 3rd round. Shep is a true leader already, in his rokkie season, i think he will be our MLB for a long time
by Fernando brazil on Nov 30, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
He was a captain/starter while playing for LSU
so was JaMarcus Russell – I don’t think it matters at all what he did in college – it’s a different game in the NFL. I think Shep can be good, he’s only a rookie after all, but he has failed to impress me so far.
by JustAskTheAxis on Nov 30, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
ok- then how about this (nfldraftscout.com)
played and started all 13 games in leading the Tigers to an 11-2 overall mark and a top 10 final ranking … Earned First Team All-SEC honors from both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press … Team leader of a defense that ranked among the top 12 in the nation in pass defense (No. 10 with 169.8 yards per game), scoring defense (No. 11 at 18.2 points per game), and total defense (No. 12 at 307.2 yards per game) … Led the Tigers in tackles for second straight year with 116 to his credit, 46 of which were solo … Added 11.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks … Forced two fumbles and recovered a pair of fumbles … Finished third in the SEC in total tackles (116) and tackles per game (8.9) … Had double-digit tackles in six games…2009: The emotional leader of the LSU football team … Had best year of his career, leading team and ranking third in the SEC with 103 total tackles … Added 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception … Had at least seven tackles in all but two games … Recorded 13 tackles in three-straight games – vs. Florida, Auburn and Tulane
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I definitely think Williams is helping the defense more
by being our only true man-to-man corner. Terrence is too oft injured, Florence is too slow, hence the holding calls, and McKelvin is a fast runner, but slow, if you get my drift. I was initially, and have continued to be a huge fan of the kid. He has crazy good body control too. Anyone who hasn’t seen his highlight reels (granted he only had one pick as a senior) and his “Playmakers” episode, has to feel good about having this kid on our team.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
oops- anyone who HASN'T seen those videos SHOULD
and those of us who have- should feel good about having him. poor proofreading again. My bad.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
have u watched Dareus hes a monster hes in the back field regularly, really a game changer. Sheppard has good instincts but needs to work oun a few rough edges.
Yes, I have watched Marcell Dareus play football. Quite a bit.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
wait you watch the Bills? No way ;)
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Dec 1, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Lower on Dareus? I give him the credit for shoring up the run defense this year. Even if he doesn’t penetrate, he’s been hard to push around. And that’s only going to get better with offseason training in Buffalo.
I said “higher on Williams,” which technically means I’m lower on Dareus, I suppose, but carries an entirely different connotation. I’m high on Dareus, too.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Really? Are u saying Dareus will not be an elite player?
"They’re a very special group of men. Cherish them, you will not see their like again."
by chaucer on Nov 30, 2011 4:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I didn’t say either will be an elite player, did I? I mean what I say, folks: I am higher on Williams than I am on Dareus. It’s that simple. I like both guys just fine. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Agree across the board on this
~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."
i do like him too
The biggest mistake this team ever did is get rid of Jabari Greer, next year we need to be looking for an extra corner back, personally florance might have one more good season left in him, especially watching him get killed in the Dallas and Miami game…
Don't forget NYG game!
florance might have one more good season left in him, especially watching him get killed in the Dallas and Miami game…
Greer was too short to match up with tall WR’s. My main memory of him was Chris Chambers going high to beat the Bills at the final gun of a classic come from ahead defeat in Miami.
Too short...
But still would make our team better.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 30, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
We didnt get rid of jabari
he left. Now, we certainly could have paid him more. That would make our secondary look a lot better right now.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 30, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with this write up 110%
Hopefully, Williams does a better job getting over the mental thing than Leodis did.
Good
Good to hear some positives.
Buffalo Bill's are like family to me. dysfunctional mind you, but after some thought, just like my family:) Go Bill's!
I still think I would have preferred Brooks Reed
Given the needs of the team, but Williams has been promising.
if we are going to talk about pass rushers the team should have taken with that pick
its got to be Sam Acho who is on fire already. That said, Im very happy with Aaron Williams and think he can be a great player
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
acho
went in the 4th round anyway… no point using hindsight to draft him in the 2nd round… brooks reed would have been the right pick
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
agree
and Acho was a STEAL in the fourth. I remember though, he was graded as a late 2nd in a number of pre-draft analyses and mock drafts. he, like shepp, seemed to slide in a year when LBs were not exactly plentiful…. i still don’t really get why.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
thats fair
but I’d rather have Chris Hairston with our 4th pick, I love that we got a rookie LT who could play off the bat that late. We needed it.
Early return on this draft class much better than last years. Of which Alex Carrington is the only true hero.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
As content as I am that we selected Carrington, I’m still disappointed Eric Decker became a Bronco and not a Bill.
by NordicBillsfan on Nov 30, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Do you think Eric Decker would have stifled the development of David Nelson?
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Hairston
Was our 2nd pick in the 4th Rd. Searcy was the 1st pick in the 4th Rd, so the comparison is between him and Acho.
Yeah, Reed was the guy I was hoping for at the time, and someone a the bobbleheads thought we were taking in their second-round mocks.
by usuo mojinga on Nov 30, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Aaron Williams
has looked good to me from the get go. You are correct in my opinion, that athleticism and size really stick out when hes on the field. However he needs to get the mental part down pat because Leodis McKelvin did – and still does – show off incredible athleticism and speed but hasnt been able to get his head on right.
I’d like to see both young men figure it out and add to the Wilson – Byrd combo in the secondary.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
At this point
I’d like to give Justin Rogers a good look, even if it is at the expense of Leodis McKelvin. By this I mean it’s fair to have Leo and Rogers split time at the same duty, whether that is nickel or dime. It’s not yet time to shelve McKelvin, but it is time to look at alternatives in the long-term plan, particularly when Rogers shows promise.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
probably the staff agree
hence his usage in the nickel last week. One PBU, in the redzone, nothing to jump up and down about, but he is gonna be ok. Still need one more guaranteed man corner, as McKelvin is fine as a dime, Flo can play slot all day (at least for another year- then i say make him safety depth as we have none) and since Terrence tends to be hurt often… we still need a reserve which will either be Rogers, or “the new guy” should we get one. I suppose one of the Miller’s on PS, or Nesbitt could be “the new guy” but I personally hope to use Nesbitt as the backup free, and draft a CB for the opposite of Williams, should Rogers not be able to make the move from inside, out.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
I saw that the coaches had Jairus Byrd running some corner routes.
I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Byrd is unpolished at corner, but he was a CB prospect coming out of college. Since we have a talented safety corps (Wilson, Byrd, Scott, Searcy), it may be an option in at least some formations. Lets us get our best 11 on the field against some offensive looks.
In the end though, I’d rather not play Byrd at CB even if we do have a strong safety crop. LIke you, I’d like to get another option in there.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
I wouldnt be opposed to giving Rogers some of McKelvin's reps
if only because the benching of McKelvin seemed to have inspired him. Going very unnoticed in the game against the Jets was that Leodis McKelvin was one playing as one of the biggest difference makers for both teams on special teams. He was playing possessed like he had something to prove and I respect that he do so despite being relegated back to special teams duty.
Some players respond well to being benched, if McKelvin is one of those guys playing Rogers could be a great move.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
he already got them last week
Leodis did fine as a gunner/returner- nobody to cover on those plays.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Rogers was the nickle I believe?
I thought it was Aaron Williams eating into Leodis’ PT, though I guess that it was McGees?
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
i see it as McGee.
I feel like, AW took over for McGee, McKelvin was demoted from where Flo is, and Rogers took the nickel, which would have been McKelvin’s new landing spot. I believe that he can still be good. He definitely has talent, he definitely has mirrored routes at times, and he hasn’t given up huge TDs this year, as often, if at all. He is being more conservative, which means he is less feast of famine, and in the long term, can maybe still be a solid nickel, or even outside corner. I think that depends on Rogers’ production, entirely.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't overestimate this game
The more games that McKelvin plays, the less of an impression each game makes in terms of his identity. It’s been what, three years now? It might not be fair to say that McKelvin’s a known commodity by this point, but we’re rapidly approaching that point. I guess what I mean is that I’m less impressed by his game-to-game play. I want to see consistency if I’m considering Leodis as a serious candidate for our starting corner going forward, and I’ve not thrown in the towel with him, but after three years I’ve got the towel in hand. Rogers has some more leeway as his sample size in games has yet to be established.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
this is valid
and i agree. Ultimately, we need at least 4 CBs to be able to play against teams that spread it out. AW, Rogers, and Leo make for a solid nickel probably, and that means we demote McGee and Flo to depth- which they are not only suited for- they are GREAT depth.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Rogers may in time be a better CB than Williams
It’s still very early, and Justin Rogers has only had significant playing time in the nickel role for one game, but he sure looked like he belonged out there. Remember that he came from a small-time college program and has a ton of technical things to learn, while Aaron Williams played for Texas, a virtual DB factory. The coaching staff apparently thinks Rogers could be a real star. Let’s keep a close eye on him over the next five weeks along with Williams. He could be just as or even more important to the future of the Bills’ defensive backfield.
agree
I am high on Rogers too… But second rounder versus, what like a 6th? i should hope we found the better guy earlier.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Look at all the UFA’s and 7th rounders who have become star performers for the Bills over the last five years or so. That should teach all of us the lesson that it literally doesn’t matter what round a player is drafted. There is no reason in the world why a CB from the University of Richmond with extraordinary athletic skills but little development prior to reaching the NFL can’t be a top-flight starter. Let’s see what happens before reaching any judgments.
by Macktruck on Nov 30, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
idk if i can call any of them "STAR" performers
except probably Steve, and maybe Fitz (depending how you feel about the guy).
I understand your point: Guys selected late are still performers. For sure; if you are in the NFL, you can play, or have real potential to play. That said: both these guys play the same position, and were in the same draft. If ANY other personnel evaluater agreed with you, he wouldn’t have been selected in the 6th round. I am not judging anyone. I am simply estimating who has a better opportunity to be productive long term. AW still holds an edge in that regard, in MY opinion. You don’t have to agree. Personally, I was always a believer (bill-iever) in Jabari while he was riding the pine. So I am more than aware of the point you are making. But that doesn’t mean that 2nd round pick (who might have gone late 1st had so many QBs not drove him down) should still trump a 6th pick, when they are from the same draft, evaluated by the same GM, and play the same position.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
dang it.
SHOULDN’T. No reason the 2nd round pick SHOULDN’T be the better prospect than the 6th, all things considered.
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by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
Except . . .
One is from a big D1 College that is known for producing DB’s, so he was a hot commodity on the market and if a team wanted him it had to use a high pick on him, while the other guy was from a college that is essentially small-time and hadn’t had a chance to show what he can do against big league competition — which meant no one was going to take him until the later rounds. It’s a free market thing. But the fact is that the 7th round guy (that’s where Rogers was taken) can easily turn out to be the better NFL player if his underlying talent is high enough.
On late rounders or UDFA’s turning into stars, I would include Fred Jackson, George Wilson, David Nelson, Kyle Williams, and Jason Peters, in addition to Stevie Johnson, Fitz and Jabari Greer. The point is that it happens often enough around here that those of us who are Bills fans should be aware that low draft status doesn’t mean much once a player makes the roster.
As I clearly already pointed out, I am aware. Though, I am not ready to anoint every later round guy as having as much potential as an earlier round guy, at the same position, in the same draft. Sure smaller school can play a factor, in a somewhat decreased demand or look or level of comp or whatever- so inherently was the challenge the player was presented, and the potential relative learning curve. As a side, never was terribly impressed w Peters or the TE to LT experiments (see: d bell as well) and Fred came a long way, and likely his experience in setting up blocks may be his best attribute… I still expect a good deal of potential when it comes to draft evaluations and the scrutiny of the system, as millions of dollars, and jobs are at stake. Sure, teams miss, as some variables are weighted differently by each team or GM or whoever based on need/ philosophy/ style of play- all which create more variables. As a rule of thumb- if looking at pro bowl players, or player ranked in the top 100, more than half are 1st round, and approx another 1/2 of the remainder are seconds. Rest are mixed back, but that is still only as many as second round gets alone. Those numbers are certainly skewed by teams trying to get return on investment but fact is, earlier your picked, the better your chance to stick. At least with normal teams. We deviated from that, but likely in an effort to change the faces, and impression of what we are going to be moving forward.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Dec 1, 2011 3:58 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
ugh
Mixed bag, not back
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by ThaRealTruth on Dec 1, 2011 4:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I never said that higher round picks don’t tend to be more successful — just that lower round picks and UDFA’s sometimes become stars as well. Rogers may well be an example of that.
actually
you said:
Rogers may in time be a better CB than Williams.
which is basically the opposite of the higher round pick will more successful than the lower round pick. SO, kinda, you did say that.
also:
It’s still very early, and Justin Rogers has only had significant playing time in the nickel role for one game, but he sure looked like he belonged out there. Remember that he came from a small-time college program and has a ton of technical things to learn, while Aaron Williams played for Texas, a virtual DB factory.
this sounds contradictory to the earlier statement. Basically it says: “Williams has more experience, and comes from a better program, known for producing DBs” and yet the sentiment is somehow Rogers will be better? I guess what is confusing is why you have this feeling, while providing NO evidence; In fact, you provide contrary evidence. I guess, i will stick with: seems like a stretch to me.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
well maybe
we could have picked a late rd NT instead of a 2nd rounder in Troup cause I’ll be danged! LOL! Sorry, just had to throw that in there.
hindsight.
no saying that surgery won’t fix him, and he will then be improved to what we have seen.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
he was a FS/CB prospect, as he didn't have "burner" type speed
but in a 3-4 system, you don’t necessarily need to be a really really fast corner. Champ Bailey has done fine in his career with similar speed. That said, he has improved so much in his tackling, and he understands his role- he can still be a GREAT FS in the long term, i say: not broke, don’t fix it.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
This year
it may be a good option in some formations, but as a plan for going forward you’re right. Don’t fix what’s not broken.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
i am all for specific packages, should that be a benefit to us
but asking him to learn a new system in back to back years, and then moving him to a “new” position once he has some system knowledge… serves no one. long term, i can see how you might want someone bigger than 5’8" at safety (he might be listed at like 5-10" but so are a handful of our other guys, and standing side by side- he is at least 2 inches shorter. I was amazed how little he looked at minicamp last year.)
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
Ya, if Da'Norris Searcy shows decent potential
and Byrd can switch to corner, it might be better for the entire unit to have Byrd/Williams at corner with Searcy/Wilson at saftey.
by NordicBillsfan on Nov 30, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
except that
we have no backups at FS then. Byrd is probably our FS period. Running some plays at corner, is likely a contingency plan, and we have shown we obviously need to consider those things, with the number of injuries we have/had.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'd be very surprised if Aaron Williams didn't at least settle in as our No. 2 cornerback for the foreseeable future
if not our No. 1. Buffalo’s got a lot of serviceable corners, but we find out in the games that that’s all they are, serviceable. Williams is servicable at worst. That’s not to say he doesn’t have weaknesses in his game or things he needs to improve on, but I agree with you, Brian. His physicality, speed, and agility are good enough to matchup with receivers from around the league. He’s got the look that Terrence McGee had in the earlier part of the last decade: of someone who will easily stick in a starter’s role for a long time.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
All 5 mentioned
look like long term fixtures.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working hard till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud." coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Nov 30, 2011 12:53 PM EST reply actions
not sheppard
i understand the need for us to believe all our picks are awesome but i doubt sheppard will be a long term starter unless he becomes an ILB who takes on the OL
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
exactly, solid player, nothing special, but you know what, most teams have guys like that, and you need them to win
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
This may depend on our status at nose tackle
Kyle Williams is a fine player there, but he’s a penetrator, not a take-on-two-blockers guy. Dareus on the other hand is a good old fashioned clogger. Not that either player is better or worse for Buffalo there, but Dareus may be better for Kelvin Sheppard since he occupies those O linemen.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
I think
he will produce for quite a while.
No training camp & then injured is tough on a young LB’s.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working hard till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud." coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Nov 30, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
whenever i hear
a set of reasons for a player, i know they are not good enough… reasons like – no training camp, got injured, guys in front of him are not good, guys along him are not good
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure Chris Johnson is a darn good running back. The OLine is terrible (cant open running lanes) and there are no other threats on offense (stack the box). You certainly can be good and not show it on the field because, as you know, football is a team game.
"That's why you keep playing, gentlemen"
-Chan Gailey-
by Eric Murawski on Nov 30, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
chris johnson had already proven 3 years in a row… infact he ran 1400 yds when nobody expected he would in his rookie season… why dont the bills get stars like that?
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
but there are reasons for everything
very few come out like all pros from the git.
if you dont explore those reasons/factors and then adapt to them your looking at 0-16.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working hard till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud." coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Dec 1, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
He is doing that
He’s playing the Mike ILB, who has the job of taking on blockers so the Will ILB, Nick Barnett, remains free.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Pass Rusher in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
this feels like we are grasping on any hope that we have good players
i havent seen anything that stood out by williams yet…. i know he has the size and athleticism and physicality but i think he is still learning… i havent seen anything yet to say, yes, he is going to be great in the future..
compared to some of the guys taken during the DJ years, I'll take someone with a real chance to be special over
someone like Corner any day
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
i never said corner is better than williams…. obviously, anyone would prefer someone with a real chance to be special..
my point was, there was no need for this post now… he hasnt done anything and this just looks like we are desperate…
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
Or perhaps Brian and the editors are tired of beating the losing streak dead horse
and would prefer to move to a topic for a little while that is a bit more optimistic
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
then you write something
and if it is solid, it will get bumped to the main page. until then, why exactly are we picking on Brian for giving us something to read and discuss, regardless of what it is?
i havent seen anything yet to say, yes, he is going to be great in the future..
and sorry: but that is just redundant. “he hasn’t been good, but he will be great” ? What?!? want to talk about no need for a post…. needn’t look far.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i apologize
i read that wrong. it isn’t redundant. I thought you meant something you didn’t. So before you get upset (hopefully) i will revert to my original point: It is nice to have SOMETHING to discuss. I appreciate that you haven’t seen enough to buy into the kid. I just think he will be cool in the long run, and has been serviceable to this point.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well, that’s kinda what makes it an opinion piece.
As you duly point out, it’s not guaranteed, but make no mistake, there’s been some good play there already along with the fact that his physicality makes him a bit of a standout on this Bills roster. Size alone doesn’t make a great player, but the fact that Williams is playing well for a cornerback of any size then makes it an asset that many other good corners don’t have.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
i dont understand
what good plays? like i said, nothing stood out…. for all the other players something stands out… if i think of dareus, i can think of several plays he did through the season, not just the sacks…
williams, nothing stands out… no pass defended, nothing… yet…
by statcruncher on Nov 30, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
I thought he broke up a Santonio Holmes touchdown in the endzone in the first half?
It looked like a great play to me, maybe it wasnt him?
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
It was him. He played the ball and raked at Santonio as he was going to the ground.
Compared to Leodis always getting turned around, it was very nice to see.
I thought all of our DB’s did a good job of playing the ball this week. Especially Williams, Florence and Scott (while on Keller no less). Seeing a performance like this leads me to think it’s more the pass rush, instead of DB’s in that chicken or egg argument, that is killing our pass D.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
That's just it, nothing really happened
Like offensive linemen, cornerbacks are often best known for what does NOT happen when they play well. Williams faced off against Santonio Holmes and held him to the 16 yard TD catch and one other catch for 6 yards, despite Holmes being targeted often during the game. Pretty good for a rookie, eh?
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
this
and he had an interception before getting injured early in the season, when he was playing in the slot. not all guys can go from inside to out. he obviously has shown he can.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
the guy doesnt have to be great now
in order to be great in the future, as I suspect that’s what you’re looking for…of course he’s still learning, he’s a rookie who has missed significant playing time due to injury (which is a fact, period). but that’s why it’s called potential. from what we’ve seen so far, there’s no reason NOT to believe he won’t be great in the future. at the end of the day however, potential means NOTHING if it doesn’t materialize…which is why we must rely on this 4 letter word we hate called “time.”
I like Williams perhaps the best out of our rookie class, followed closely by Hairston and Dareus.
Hairston has been a big surprise to me, and I think he could become a serviceable LT for us, which isn’t bad at all for a later round pick!
Sheppard is going to take some work I think, but he could become a solid starter, he won’t wow you, but he won’t kill you either, which for this team, is trending the right way!
Rogers is also showing flashes, and could be a huge steal for us as a nickel back.
Dareus, he can be something I think, we just need to make sure we keep getting talent around him. Honestly, I wonder if we shouldn’t move back to a 4-3 when we get Kyle back, that way Kyle can rush up field Dareus can make plays at the line, and our ends can redirect people back inside.
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
agree
Many know, that I am a huge fan of Hairston, where he was selected, and his overall body of work prior to his arrival in the league. He practice regularly against solid DEs in his college career. I literally was on the phone w my friend bitching about taking Searcy instead of Hairston… and lo and behold, Nix was right again. Again, because I thought (and i KNOW they considered) Shepp would go in the second, but after watching tape on Aaron Williams, they couldn’t pass him up. Glad that Nix trusted his board, because we got both.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
I’m encouraged by the play of both A. Williams and Searcy. A safety trio of Byrd, Wilson, and Searcy should do the job for the next couple of years.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Nov 30, 2011 1:14 PM EST reply actions
i would like just ONE more.
so that god forbid Byrd hurt a shoulder or something- we have A guy to put in. right now, we would be kicking searcy over, and running B Scott at SS- and that makes us a touch slower on the back end, which wouldn’t be a problem, if Florence could still keep up.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
John Corto? j/k
Yes, maybe a 4th or 5th round pick, use on drafting a safety
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Nov 30, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
i would be happy with an undrafted
as he is only going to be depth (hopefully) for a couple years regardless. I think that is probably how they see Nesbitt. Though, I can’t be certain, and having not seen him as anything but a QB and in limited preseason action- idk what he even is.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Searcy surprised me too.
I assumed he was a warm roster spot and wouldn’t likely blossom much. After this game, I’m still not jumping to conclusions, but I’m bullish on his talent now. I need (and want) to see more.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
he is solid too, IMO
and given George has played amazingly this year, he will likely be the guy long term, moreso in the immediate. He does equal out to ALL our depth right now though.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
We have to remember George's age though, unfortunately.
He will be 31 next season, and while speed isn’t a big part of his game it certainly can be a factor in a season or two.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
no doubt. i think i elude to that elsewhere in the thread
and speak to why we need to develop some additional depth.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Too early to tell
McKelvin was supposed to be the sure thing based on his athletic ability.
Before that, we all thought Ko Simspson was a free safety lock for the next 5-10 years after a strong rookie season as starter. That didn’t pan out either.
Ko "Millions" Simpson should have been a starter for a decade
Still upset at him not panning out, injury bug didn’t help, but still
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
btw, not upset at Ko the person, just upset at the situation that he didn't pan out
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
I think that Wilson just grabbed Jauron's eye
Wilson had worked his way up from wide receiver and fought and scratched for every chance at the 53-man roster he had. Remember he was working against Josh Reed and the host of other receivers we had here, when that was a position of major strength. Jauron moved him to safety because he wanted to keep Wilson on the team, and when Wilson played well enough in Ko’s place, I think it made Jauron want to want Wilson to succeed, particularly when Ko Simpson was acting a fool.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
agree
Jauron gets to be the whipping boy for a terrible era but a number of our starters who have played well, can be attributed to their staff. They started building for the future, just in time to get canned.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Well, Tom Modrak didn't help Jauron build very well.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
jauron wasnt building for the future. he wasnt building for anything besides a pathetic roster.
2006 to 2009 i count 34 draft picks by dick jauron’s regime. there are 8 still on the team, and as only one has received any extensions from the organization, its likely that next season another 2 or 3 of them are out the door. he simply did an awful job putting a roster together.
it gets even worse when u consider that D.bell and stevie johnson were just dumb luck
umm... their last draft/promotions of current roster players, including:
Wood, Levitre, Williams, Wilson, Byrd? nuff said. They were obviously moving in a better direction, at least to some degree.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
“inconsistent play of Leodis McKelvin”? I’d argue that mcKelvin has been bad just about week-in-week out from the midpoint of last season until he finally got benched….
Williams has shown flashes and given the finality of knowing for certain now that McKelvin isn’t good enough to play a prominent role in a NFL backfield as well as knowing for certain now that McGee is too brittle to count on again going forward, Williams becomes one of the team’s most important players going forward. I expect him to start opposite Florence next year with a very high draft pick (1st or 2nd round) rounding out the top 3 rotation in this passing league. Rogers and a late round pick will probably provide the depth below as there is a changing of the guard at cornerback for the Bills and Williams will go a long way in deciding whether or not the team has a leg to stand on next season.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
McKelvin has improved
look at how many times he bit on double moves from last year to this year. He has allowed some catches, but they weren’t 60 yard TDs… they were 6-10 yard standard NFL plays. And he hasn’t been the sole reason for any scores either, that i recall. Most of those plays have been mis-communications it seemed. IMO.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree wholeheartedly and the coaching staff’s decison to elevate Justin Rogers above him in the middle of a playoff push as well as some candid comments by Gailey about his play indicates agreement with what I’ve seen from my couch. Where the team goes in the draft and free agency at the position will be the ultimate proof, but my money’s on McKelvin’s being out of the league by this time next season.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Gailey said on monday
that Leodis played well, and obviously is trying to earn his spot back on the defense. He didn’t elude to the fact he couldn’t. In the mean time, why not find out what Rogers is? we obviously needed a KR, with Spiller and B Smith being promoted to starters. McKelvin has done it before, and somewhat successfully (like his production at corner though, it has been up and down on ST as well) and ultimately, he did well. Additionally, if you haven’t noticed- age seems to be not much of a factor to them. They seem to WANT veterans as well as young guys, they seem to be all for guys getting second and even third chances, and i think that they are willing to be patient with Leo based of what he has shown to this point, being a young player, from a small school, who plays with passion, and sometimes gets beat (like every other guy in the league). I just don’t know that we cut ties with yet ANOTHER 1st round selection, unless we have a guaranteed upgrade entrenched by this time next year.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
What?!?!?!?
I just don’t know that we cut ties with yet ANOTHER 1st round selection, unless we have a guaranteed upgrade entrenched by this time next year.
You mean actually THINK about repercussions BEFORE pulling the trigger?!?!? That’s just UN-Bill-like, aka smart. We don’t do that. Or maybe we will now?
"Teams that don't deserve to win.... usually don’t. Today is no exception." -- Mr Huge Pecs
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Nov 30, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
hard to say
i hope we don’t cut ties for sake of cutting ties. We lack depth, therefore need depth, desperately. He isn’t completely useless, though there will be a point where he may cost more than he is worth, if he doesn’t already. I say one more season, and then consider restructuring his deal (idk whether he is under contract beyond next year or not) or consider letting him go. he isn’t junk though (imo), as many want to suggest.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 30, 2011 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
McKelvin has improved.....
From last season, we just need him to continue improving and, obviously, finish plays….
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Sheppard.....
Also needs an offeseason in the weight-room. He hasn’t played that well IMHO, but I like him a lot as a prospect. Very good combo of size, athleticism, toughness and character. Next year baby!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Dareus.....
I don’t think we play Dareus as an end very often. He is usually covered by Kelsay or his back-up. So he mostly plays tackle for us. The problem is that our brain trust has him eating up blockers too often. Dareus can do that that pretty well, but what he is best at is shooting gaps. I think we need more packages that let Kyle and Dareus both shoot gaps to better make use of our talent (Dareus).
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
but what he is best at is shooting gaps.
i totally disagree. in college dareus was a run stopper first and a pass rusher second. most of his snaps for nick saban were about stacking the guy in front of him and playing gap control football. i always thought dareus’ best role in the pros would be to give him a gap (or two) to control and then take ur mind off it- no running back is finding a hole there. i think hes too much of a wide body to really be effective and shooting into and slipping thru a gap in the pros consistently
you are absolutely right....
about how dares was used in college. Saben needed him to do that and he did it very well.
Still, in the pros, he doesn’t dominate at that skill (like a Ted Washington would).
His best game as a pro, is shooting gaps in a straight line ala warren sapp or kyle williams. I am not making this stuff up. Just watch him. Also a ton of football writers have said his best position is inside for this very reason. He excels as a gap shooter in the pro game.
PodunkO - The great post ender!
completely agree on williams. santonio holmes was largely eliminated from sundays game. remember that when u play for the bills u need to cover forever because that pass rush is never getting home. sure sanchez is terrible, but it was still impressive for a rookie making his first start. i think hes got the makings of a stud
and right before the half someone tried to hurdle him and williams leveled the dude.
Williams is good -- it doesn't mean get rid of McKelvin.
I think people are being too hard on McKelvin. People are too hard on CBs overall because it’s the easiest thing for a layman to see and blame when the defense gives up a big play. All of our CBs have given up big plays this year because we have no pass rush. McKelvin’s given up some plays but he is athletic enough to be there step-for-step with his man. It’s a lot harder than it looks to know when to turn, find the ball and perfectly time your jump to knock it away. Even the best shutdown corners will get beat on a perfect pass or a great play on the ball by a big, athletic receiver. I am not in favor of letting Leodis leave simply because he doesn’t necessarily live up to first round billing. We’ve been reminded lately of the importance of experienced depth. I’d love to see the Bills stop making the same old ‘one piece in, once piece out’ mistake here that they’ve been making for years, perpetually keeping themselves going nowhere on a treadmill of talent.
@sawyervanhorn
by Sawyer in Boston on Nov 30, 2011 2:53 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Plus
Before McKelvin got injured he was playing some outstanding special teams. Good enough to keep him on the roster as a dedicated ST-er and sometime corner if nothing else.
Yes
I wouldn’t mind if he replaced Brad Smith as the primary kick returner, given that Smith has been hugely disappointing in that role.
@sawyervanhorn
by Sawyer in Boston on Nov 30, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
What makes you excited about Williams beyond his measurables?
And his youth? He hasn’t been beaten any less than McKelvin.
GO BLUE!!!
happy birthday
Williams is 22 today and next he’ll become a 10 years starter here
proud to be a die hard bills fan from france
Prediction for 2011; 9-7 and a wild card ticket
Draft 2012,1st OLB, 2nd ILB, 3rd CB,4th OL and WR
And all this with a shortened training camp and no Rookie camps?
Thats gotta say something too right? I think this is a great draft class, all the way to Justin Ro(d?)gers who is even getting PT right now. .
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