Buffalo Bills Add More Pre-Draft Visits

by MattRichWarren on Apr 9, 2011 11:30 AM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills have been busy this week adding to their pre-draft visit total. On Tuesday several big-name defenders visited One Bills Drive but later in the week some potential later round prospects made the rounds at Orchard Park.

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post is reporting the Bills met with Arizona center Colin Baxter but doesn't specify when that meeting may have taken place. Also confirmed to have been at the Bills facility on Thursday this past week were Iowa DE Christian Ballard and North Carolina OLB Bruce Carter.

Baxter is recovering from a knee injury and is considered an undrafted prospect unless a team takes a late-round flier on the otherwise durable center. To his credit Baxter was a finalist for the Rimington Award in 2010, given to the nation's top center.

The scheme-versatile Ballard had a great Senior Bowl and would be a target for the Bills in the second round. Carter tore his ACL in December and hasn't worked out for teams but could still be a late second round pick based on his fine career as a Tar Heel. Carter's visit likely included a look at that knee to see how it is progressing.

Based on our count from various sources the Bills have now had 20 visitors. Here's a breakdown:

Seven defensive linemen: Da'Quan Bowers, Cameron Jordan, Marcell Dareus, Nick Fairley, J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn, and Christian Ballard
Three quarterbacks: Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder
Five pass rushers: Von Miller, Ryan Kerrigan, Justin Houston, Brooks Reed, and Bruce Carter
Two inside linebackers: Kelvin Sheppard and Quan Sturdivant
One offensive tackle: Gabe Carimi
One center: Colin Baxter
One cornerback: Patrick Peterson

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2011 Draft

I was thinking the other day how this will be one of the most invested, in terms of hours, drafts. With no FA, all the GMs/Owners/coaches/scouts/etc. have to do is focus on the draft. Seems like there have been more pre-draft visits than I can remeber or they are being more reported since nothing else (FA) is going on.

"...You play to win the game. Hello? You play to win the game. You don't play it to just play it. That's the great thing about sports: you play to win, and I don't care if you don't have any wins. You go play to win. When you start tellin' me it doesn't matter, then retire. Get out! 'Cause it matters." ~ Herm Edwards

"Talk's cheap. We all know that. It's like I've always said: 'Don't tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby.' " ~ Buddy Nix

by Jason from OH-IO on Apr 9, 2011 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

I’d guess it’s better reported now. At least with the Bills they seem to be more public with who they’re bringing in.

Obviously there’s still time, but I think it’s interesting that Locker, and maybe Colin K, haven’t had visits. And also just one OT prospect is a little odd to me.

But having 12 of 18 being in the front 7 should be telling.

by Pistol on Apr 9, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions