Where Must Bills' 2010 Draft Class Improve?
by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2011 8:30 AM EDT
in 2010 NFL Draft
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PrintAn astute reader recently pointed out to me that whenever we focus on Buffalo Bills draft classes of yesteryear, we tend to focus solely on what that class has or has not accomplished collectively. The further back we go into the team's draft annals, the more sense it makes to attack the issue from that angle - but it doesn't help us get a gauge of more recent draft classes.
This reader suggested that we take a look at the Bills' picks from the 2010 NFL Draft with the idea of evaluating the class not on what they've done to date - which we already know is very little - but on what each player needs to do to improve himself on the field, and to become a contributor for this team.
It's an interesting concept, and one that the NFL lockout affords us the time to explore. This also ties in with the Bills re-watch we've been conducting over the last several weeks, as most of these players have made appearances in those breakdowns. Everything, as usual, is after the jump.
1-9: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Spiller still needs to learn a few rules of the road in professional football. Though he improved as a runner as the year wore on, he still tended to bounce plays outside, ignore his blocking, and failed to finish runs in a satisfactory fashion. Athletically, he's in maintenance mode. Once he gets the mental side of the game down, he'll be just fine.
2-41: Torell Troup, NT, Central Florida. Made improvements technically as the year wore on, but also saw his playing time generally diminish. Needs to get bigger and stronger, which we believe he has done. Already a good hustle player, Troup must continue to hone his technique so as to hold the point of attack more consistently.
3-72: Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State. Slightly more physically advanced than Troup last year, Carrington's problems were technical. Flashed brilliance, but was also manhandled on occasion. Must continue to refine his technique so as to play with more consistent leverage. Has good instincts, but needs to become more comfortable in the system; he appeared to be thinking too frequently last season, and had delayed reactions.
4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Lost his rookie season to a knee injury. First and foremost, he needs to stay healthy - easier said than done without an off-season in an NFL strength program. Technique will be an important area for him, as he came into the league very inexperienced and with a low level of production. Route-running will be key.
5-140: Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech. Wang is another lineman that needs to get much stronger. A hand injury severely limited his rookie season, and the only action he saw came at left guard. Athletically, he's a much better fit at tackle. Aside from strength, technique will be a big issue - and something that cross-training him at guard may actually hamper.
6-178: Arthur Moats, OLB, James Madison. Made improvements as a pass rusher as his rookie season wore on, and made a few game-changing plays. Again, strength gain is a must. Moats must learn to get lower bending the edge, so as to play with better leverage. Run techniques must improve, and he simply needs more time to get comfortable at a new position, particularly in coverage responsibilities.
6-192: Danny Batten, OLB, South Dakota State. Like Easley, lost his rookie season to injury - in this case, a shoulder. Coaches can't seem to decide on a position for him; as a former end, it's clear he'd be best outside. Will still be learning a new position, so technique and comfort level will be big hurdles.
7-209: Levi Brown, QB, Troy. Saw very limited action in the season finale. Struggled reading coverages and placing the football. These are the two areas he must focus on most critically. Has the mental makeup and collegiate background to operate the offense Ryan Fitzpatrick runs as a backup - just needs time and experience. Much more experience.
7-216: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa. The third-most popular draft pick in the history of Buffalo Rumblings is currently penciled in as the starting right tackle of Jerry Glanville's Hartford Colonials, a UFL team.
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7-216: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa. The third-most popular draft pick in the history of Buffalo Rumblings is currently penciled in as the starting right tackle of Jerry Glanville’s Hartford Colonials, a UFL team.
You almost make it sound like sometimes the fans have no clue about players….. :P
Haha. Brian is just trying to keep us humble.
Pretty much any OT prospect picked there would have received a similar rating, at least that would be my guess.
.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jun 28, 2011 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Calloway
had a pretty high grade and some people were even arguing he could be a better pro than his linemate in college Bryan Bulaga.
I also shows that many members of the sports media act as though they know more then they let on.
I for one, am still shocked that Calloway couldn’t stick on a roster so depleted for depth in the interior and outside. I would have thought that Calloway could at least have been an option at guard if not RT.
Also, everyone loves intriguing late round picks with size. In a few seasons Brian may be making fun of us Rumblers for approving so highly of the Mammoth – Michael Jasper – in the 7th.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I hear you on that.
Well since I predicted the selection of Jasper I had to approve. BTW my nephew said he is down to about 365 lbs. Seems funny writing that last part. Good news though.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jun 28, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
great news
keep it coming if you could, at least until the lockout is over. Thanks man
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Will do, but you know we are talking about healthy young men in their early 20s, and it being summertime and the girls in bikinis all around, these guys are busy gettin’ busy. Given a choice of talking to your uncle or a scantily clad babe, I am waaaayyy down the totem pole.
Got lucky seeing CJ (my nephew) at a birthday party/picnic and got caught up on the Michael Jasper gossip. Man, he can’t wait to get up there.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jun 28, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
hahahaha right !
I forgot that it was you who predicted Jasper (which is still amazing by the way – best draft call in Rumblings history?)
And yes, that last part does sound funny ahahahaha
My hope is that Jasper can follow up those incredible videos and film we’ve seen. I too voted approve, for my money, why not take a 400 lb BEAST in the 7th?
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Whoa!! SLOW down there Jasper.....
…… don’t want you to wither down to nothing!
:-)
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jun 28, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s pointing out how strong we are in our convictions at times.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 28, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he was just seen as a good bargain in the 7th round…doesn’t mean we were right or wrong, just that we saw the value. Him being cut doesn’t really diminish that, I don’t think.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Calloway
I thought he would have made a hell of a guard.
My fingers are crossed that Spiller will be fine . I keep thinking about how it took McFadden a couple of years to adapt to the league and now he’s doing just fine.
Yes I know Levi was released and subsequently re-signed. But I am still impressed that all the picks except Calloway are around for their second year. Eight out of nine still here.
Before anyone jumps on me I also realize Easley and Batten are around primarily due to injury, but they have shown potential to stick with the final roster this season, AND I also realize some of them made the team due to the talent level at their position giving them a better opportunity. They still were an upgrade over the departed.
Too early to grade this class, but right now it has the look of a winner.
.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jun 28, 2011 8:43 AM EDT reply actions
Spiller needs to...
Stop dancing sometimes and just take 2-3 yards falling forward… I think he’s super explosive and will become an excellent back, but really needs to work on just taking what he can get sometimes…
I think most of us are asking Spiller to become the type of back he’s never been. This is why i’m “nervous” about his potential in the NFL. He may never be able to change who he’s always been as a player.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 28, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
this is exactly why I feel Spiller will be successful
Gailey’s job is too insure that Spiller becomes the player he is, not the player that we want him to be.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
agreed..
it’s a change for him not being able to completely dominate lesser competition, but these NFL defenses are fast – he’ll learn…
by JustAskTheAxis on Jun 28, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
on strength – aren’t most rookies faced with getting stronger? By rookies I mean linemen and defensive front 7 but traditionally they are still young guys going against men who have had professional strength training programs. I think that’s a common theme for most rookies – Carrington, Troup, Batten, Moats fall into that category.
When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.
I agree and I would even add Spiller to that group too
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
The need for added strength is indeed the main issue for most rookies
And that fact is nicely illustrated by the Bills 2010 draft class. It’s rare that a guy comes out of college with the strength required in the NFL — they all have to build themselves up over the first year or two.
That said, Spiller, Troup, Carrington and Moats all look like solid picks to me, with Batten and Easley likely to join the list after they get a chance to get on the field and Levi Brown still a question mark. That’s not a bad haul for Buddy Nix in 2010, although I would still argue that he could have done even better by trading down in round one. As for Wang, I doubt he will make the 53-man roster this year, especially with Hairston now on board.
This is all very true.
One has to hope, and I honestly feel, that accompanied by the newly acquired Marcell Dareus whom I am predicting is one of the very few from this years draft may all come together at the same time. Dareus I feel is the cream of the crop coming out in 2011 draft. His first year of strength and conditioning will be a bonus on top of an immediate contributor to our defense. It will be interesting to see how the 2010 class progresses during camp along with Dave’s influence in strengthing the knowledge of these players.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Athletically, he’s a much better fit at tackle
this line is interesting to me, because i agree with you. chris brown obviously said he sees wang better suited to play guard, and ever since then ive been trying to figure out why. wang looked like a tackle to me in college and he looks like a tackle in the NFL, too.
the theme of this draft class is development. every one of these guys, except for spiller and calloway i think, was likely seen by OBD as players that would need some time to hone their technique and/or grow into an NFL body.
the 2011 draft class, by comparison, is full of picks that are more advanced as football players. guys that likely have lower ceilings than the names listed above, but are more likely to fill some kind of role on the team early in their careers.
i wonder if im imagining that comparison, or if its really there and was deliberate on buddy’s part
3-72: Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
Flashed brilliance
When did these specific flashes of brilliance happen? Just asking because I’d like to go back to the tape and see them for myself
Pittsburgh game
Carrington was superb.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Well, he was hit-or-miss in that game. “Superb” is probably overdoing it. When he hit, though, he looked great.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
ok let me qualify that statement
for a third round rookie who barely registered any playing time yet he looked relatively superb :)
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Going out on a limb here and limiting the MUST Improve category too:
C.J. Spiller, Arthur Moats and Danny Batten. Levi Brown could squeeze into this category IMO as well. I still think that the cutting of Levi and resigning of Levi was a planned but risky move by the front office. Levi wasn’t exposed enough to draw interest from the other teams when he was cut. He does have a cannon for an arm, but needs a few more seasons of NFL exposure. He could be the odd man out again or he could make a charge, it is way to early to decide on him. He is in a good place for him.
We need depth and quality production from our roster at RB and LB both inside and outside linebacker. The other players were selected to help transition into a 3-4 defense. Many will get more PT this year as they should but they may not be expected to perform regularly on defense until the team decides where each one can contribute. Many of them should see more rotational responsibilities in year two.
Spiller is my logical choice, he knows this, we know this, the front office better know this, but still we are not going to put all our eggs in Spillers basket in year two. Our linebackers have been a revolving door the past few years with only a couple main bodies available each year to speak of. Poz is the only remaining quality starter that has been on the team more than a couple years. I like Ellison, but he has been beaten up physically the last two years and very well could be let go this year. Moats and Batten, Sheppard and White are the beginning of a new wave in Buffalo, they all fall into the MUST improve category IMO.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
My sleeper pick for the 2010 class is Batten
I think he will be a beast, although it may take another year for him to flourish, as this is his “first” year.
I like to believe this has more to do with the Bills players feeling like they can be something special. They started a year 0-8 and finished 4-4 while taking playoff and championship game bound teams to OT and 3 pt nail biters. All this with one year under a new coach and with a young roster. Im sure they can feel what they are capable of. -poz
1-9: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. Blocking and less fancy feet. I don’t know if he’ll ever justify the 9th pick in the draft, but I have a hard time thinking he’ll be a complete bust. He’ll provide a lot of value to the team.
2-41: Torell Troup, NT, Central Florida. Strength and hopefully that’s what he did. I don’t think he’ll play much more than 25-50% of the snaps at most with Williams at the NT in 3-4 and Dareus sliding inside for 4-3, but he needs to especially be able to make blockers hold their point of attack.
3-72: Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State. I think (hope) a whole season under his belt helps him understand what he’s primary responsibilities are. I’d love to see him get on the field for north of 50% of the snaps and start to develop a slight bull rush. I think his length and improved strength will help him shed blockers as he progresses, but would love to see him start driving people into the backfield on first downs.
4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Every WR says learning to run routes is the most difficult transition to the NFL. Losing camp and reps in OTAs are definitely a slight hamper. If he explodes onto the scene this year it could really help the Bills either a) not re-sign Johnson or b) look to move Evans.
5-140: Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech. Like Brian said, hopefully they just try to make him a backup Tackle at either spot with the ceiling being a starting RT? Not enough to really judge his ability
6-178: Arthur Moats, OLB, James Madison. Needs to become a force in the run game. In the 3-4 he’s going to have to have the strength to take on blockers at the point of attack and shed them when possible. He’ll have to include that strength to his pass rush game, but definitely promising start for a late round pick.
6-192: Danny Batten, OLB, South Dakota State. Tough to say what he can improve on. Given the current depth chart and question marks at LB I would like to see him work his way onto the field this year and hopefully contribute on special teams.
7-209: Levi Brown, QB, Troy. Never expected much out of him and certainly don’t know. Seems like he’ll stay a third string option and make more money than any of us over a lifetime doing so. .
7-216: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa. Leaving this one alone
http://buffalosportsfan.com
by buffalosportsfan on Jun 28, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions
Not re-sign Stevie? I would lose my mind if we let him get away. He sounds like exactly the type of player that Buddy was talking about a while back when he spoke of the Bills having let a lot of talent go elsewhere in FA and play very well for other teams.
by billsnterps on Jun 28, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Not re-sign Johnson? That would be a step backwards, in my opinion.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 28, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
If Johnson goes off this season along with Easley say and the Bills don’t re-sign him early enough you could be giving a lot of money to him and Evans. My point is you would probably need to do something at that point.
I’d pick to keep Stevie since he seems more ‘complete’ than Evans, but I also don’t want $18m tied up in 2 receivers.
http://buffalosportsfan.com
by buffalosportsfan on Jun 28, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
So, to sum up – they all need to get into NFL shape, physically and fundemantally, and they need to have a better grasp of their assignments. In other words, they need to not be rookies anymore. Fair enough.
I think Spiller and Easley will be able to accomplish this no problem. Time will tell on the other guys, especially on defense. Hoping Wannstedt can make players out of em.
CJ Spiller
I think Chan and Buddy found more in this teams youth – and its veterans – than they and the fans anticipated they would. Year one successfully established a better attitude and mindset for the franchise and some promising young players have the trending arrow pointing up for this team. Still there are many holes to fill before this team can fulfill a promise of being competitive in the AFC East, let alone the AFC and the NFL. Fred Jackson should be around well into this team becoming a contender but running backs have short shelf lives and if the Bills plan on preserving CJ Spiller’s explosive speed and quickness for down the line thanks to the great running of Fred Jackson than I believe that requires CJ Spiller to work extensively on improving his understanding of the offense first and foremost and of controlling his impulse – developed because of his magnificient ability to pull it off at prior levels – of running away from his blockers to lose defenders.
Essentially, playbook and film study and developing the ball carrier vision that makes great runners in the NFL. Both are things he can learn in droves from Fred Jackson. There is no need to rush CJ Spiller out onto the field for a developing team when running backs – especially those of his stature do not last long. Fred should carry the load for the next two years before a more inclusive timeshare is instituted which over time will eventually give way to Fred adopting a role of taking lesser carries a few seasons later. This kind of approach will prolong the careers of both Spiller and Jackson and ensure that when this team does become competitive it has two capable and dangerous threats out of the backfield – one of whom is hopefully a full blown gamebreaker. When this team does have to win playoff games both men will be fresher for this kind of long-term planning.
A 34 year old Fred Jackson who is still physically capable and a 28 year old CJ Spiller who is wiser and still explosive will be wonderful tools for a winning, competing Bills squad down the road.
With all that said, what does CJ Spiller have to get better at moving forward? Learning from Fred Jackson.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
With all that said, what does CJ Spiller have to get better at moving forward?
Moving forward….:-)
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
by fansince60 on Jun 28, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
hahahahahahahahahah nicely done!
hahahahhaa, i laughed so loudly at work. Rec’d
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
developing the ball carrier vision that makes great runners in the NFL
His speed is great – but vision is what makes you successful. If he doesn’t learn that then he’ll just be mediocre. Look at Fred – not fast and not quick but great vision.
when I played football it was my vision that separated me from everyone – I was more quick than fast but my anticipation because of vision allowed me to setup blocks the same way that Fred does. If CJ can’t do that then he’ll be another busted 1st round draft pick.
However – I still have high hopes for him because he is supremely talented
When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.
I too have high hopes for him
his talent is unebelievable and Chan Gailey will figure out how to use him, I have no problem with them maintaining his body if they need to while his mind catches up.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I envision Fred Jackson’s career heading down the path of a player like Warrick Dunn. That’s a good thing, in terms of productivity for “older” RBs.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 28, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
that would be great
I believe Warrick Dunn is in the top 10 most yards by a running back ever. I know that sounds crazy but I think its true.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
nevermind
just checked he s in the top 20 at 19. Still amazing.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
He had a very long career.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jun 28, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
yea
remember the Atlanta rushing attack with Vick, Dunn and TJ Duckett? That running team was absurdly potent.
I was at the game they came to the Ralph and remember being most impressed by how big and strong Duckett was live. I also remember that was teh game that Takeo Spikes tore up his career in Buffalo with his injury. My brother was able to secure us our best seats ever and I remember watching Takeo slam his helmet on the ground right after it happened and thinking “that is one scary dude”.
I loved that LB corp.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
just like our O-Line
our LB corp has been missing for so long. Let’s hope it is starting to come together. Small steps as long as they are the right steps.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
agreed
One of the reasons I like Buddy Nix is that I embrace the “small, right direction steps” as opposed to the Redskins-esque “big, directionless steps” (Albert Haynesworth for $100 mi?!?)
Moats was a pleasant surprise, Coleman has shown something and Batten has yet to get on the field. Considering that SD picked up a great 3-4 LB unit when he was there, one has to hope he can do the same here with an eye for the position.
Personally, I’m holding out hope that Merriman can return to even 75% of his old form.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
The nice thing about Batten is that he was rehabbing at OBD I believe. So while he didn’t play last year, he’ll certainly have a leg up on the incoming LBs this year having been to the LB player meetings.
I think the same could be said for Easley too. Sure, he wasn’t running routes, but sitting on the sidelines observing Stevie couldn’t hurt at all.
Inaugural winner of "The Buffalo Kid’s wittiest post of the year award"
by NordicBillsfan on Jun 28, 2011 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved them too.......
……. and Spikes and Fletcher are both still playing.
And playing well.
And we let them both go. :-(
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jun 28, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree with you for once Poz.... my twin brother separated from me at birth..
Spiller needs to come into the season absolutely pumped and take over at least 50-60% of the load.
THAT will allow Freddie to maintain his body and be a productive Bill for years to come.
He’s a top ten pick brother, and he needs to start producing like one. As in now.
Then, we truly have a real two-headed monster at RB.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jun 28, 2011 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
hahah Sarge, its an honor to be brothers
and yea, I hear you. At some point he has to earn that contract right? I can totally get that, especially because it would sure be expensive to give a man that contract and that slap him with another one down the line when hes just been on the bench.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Moats
I am looking forward to seeing how Moats progresses this year as a player. He has a great opportunity to make a name for himself and I hope he seizes it.
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
As am I. I think moats is going to have a fantastic year
by eze on Jun 28, 2011 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Spiller
Once he gets the mental side of the game down, he’ll be just fine.
That’s all?
I totally disagree that all he has to do is get that aspect of the game down. Physically, he was overmatched for most of last year, IMO. We saw how he was basically incapable of breaking tackles last year and very rarely made anyone miss. His speed never carried over to the field and he never looked like he was going to be that elite speed back so many were expecting. I never saw the elusiveness pre-draft last year, and I still don’t think he’s all that elusive after watching him all last year. He should (I hope) get better in that area, but I don’t know if it’ll ever be a major part of his game. His size, though not a detriment, isn’t something that’s going to help him between the tackles, nor with blitzing LB’s. All of that is physical and it’s all areas that Spiller really needs to improve in.
The mental side of the game is harder to determine and figure out, but yeah, he definitely needs improvement there too. Understanding his role in the offense better, learning how to use his blockers, improving his woeful vision and avoiding fumbles are all major aspects of improving in the mental part of his game. Those are going to be just as hard for him, IMO. I think he’s pretty far from being a truly effective RB at this level, at this point. I thought he was terrible all season and never really showed much in terms of flashing potential and big play ability. That absolutely needs to change this season.
~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."
His speed never carried over to the field
That is patently false. You may say rarely, but certainly not never. He had plenty of 10-20-30-yard runs in which his speed was plainly evident. Like, smack you in the face evident.
We saw how he was basically incapable of breaking tackles
I don’t bring that up, because I don’t expect it to improve. It’s not his game; don’t know why we’d expect him to suddenly be proficient there.
You didn’t see elusiveness because, as I say, you could literally see him thinking too much. He needs to get more comfortable in the offense, and get fully used to the speed of the game. That alone will accentuate the elusiveness skills he already possesses in spades.
His vision isn’t “woeful,” either, it’s just underdeveloped. He’s never had to have vision. I saw him set up blockers beautifully at times last year, and other times look completely lost. That’s a work in progress.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I still don't think that speed was all that evident on the field...
That is patently false. You may say rarely, but certainly not never. He had plenty of 10-20-30-yard runs in which his speed was plainly evident. Like, smack you in the face evident.
What 20 and 30 yard runs are you talking about? He had one 20+ yard rush all season. It was a 20 yarder in the Minny blowout. He only had 5 carries that were 15 or more yards all season and just 8 of over 10 yards. He also only had one catch over 15 yards all season too, the 41 yard fly pattern against New England. My comment was more about his big plays, which again, we didn’t see out of him, so I still don’t think his speed carried over onto the field last year. Bouncing an inside run to the outside and beating the DE to the corner to get 3-4 yards isn’t exactly a great use of the speed. You can say that my comment is patently false, but in reality, there weren’t any of those 20 and 30 yards carries smacking me in the face like you say….
Why does he possess elusiveness skills in spades? I didn’t think he showed a ton of those at Clemson, instead utilizing his burst against college defenders to really excel. He made guys miss from time to time, but I don’t think that area of his game is elite or even great. He could still be pretty good in that area, but hasn’t shown it at this level yet. That’s why I’m worried we may not see much of it.
Underdeveloped vision that he hasn’t needed suggests to me that it’s woeful. Luckily, that’s an area that he can definitely improve in with experience, but he really needs to run a little more patient in terms of setting up his blocking and then hitting the holes when they are there. He can’t always try to bounce it outside.
~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 wrote “runs,” but meant “plays.” My bad. (They run on every play.)
Bouncing an inside run to the outside and beating the DE to the corner to get 3-4 yards isn’t exactly a great use of the speed.
If an NFL defender has an angle on you and you can beat that angle with speed, no matter how much additional yardage for gain, that’s a “good use of speed.” We’ll agree to disagree on that one.
I didn’t think he showed a ton of those at Clemson, instead utilizing his burst against college defenders to really excel.
You just explained it yourself. If I don’t need to use a hammer building a birdhouse, it doesn’t mean I don’t have a hammer.
Underdeveloped vision that he hasn’t needed suggests to me that it’s woeful.
It’s really not. Like I said, he can set defenders up, can see in levels. He’s just never had to do it consistently because he was that much more talented than everybody else at the high school and college levels. This is the one area where I don’t think he’ll ever be great, because it’s something that needs to be learned and honed over many years. He can get it to a point where it’s good enough that he’ll be more consistent, and that’s all that matters.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I should probably write more clearly!
When I said it wasn’t a good use of his speed bouncing it outside, I was trying to talk about his reluctance to bust through a hole up front, instead preferring to bounce outside numerous times. Yes, the speed helps him get the corner and whatever few yards he may have picked up, but its bailing on plays that could turn into something more. Those bounces to the outside didn’t result in much and simply running hard through seams would, to me, utilize what skills he has better. That all comes back to vision, patience and experience I guess.
You said he has elusiveness skills in spades….why do you say that? I haven’t seen much of those, even if he hasn’t truly needed to elude defenders as much. I don’t think he has those skills (in spades) because I don’t think his ability to make quick cuts or slip by defenders is there. He’s always looked a bit slow or stiff in that area to me, even dating back to Clemson. What makes you think otherwise?
I guess I could take a Spiller who’s vision is good enough, but that would still be a bit disappointing. Since he’ll never be a power backs who runs through tackles and may not make many guys miss, he will certainly need good vision and the patience to let blocking develop. If that doesn’t happen, what would we have in him? It really is an intuitive skill that I really hope he can further develop and hone.
~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 Jun 28, 2011 3:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You said he has elusiveness skills in spades….why do you say that?
Because it’s true. Elusiveness can mean a few different things. Spiller’s speed alone makes him elusive. His COD can improve, and I think that’s probably what you’re referring to in the first place. I have seen him make quick cuts and slip defenders. The fact that he doesn’t do it as often as a player with his size and speed should is probably why you hold the opinion you do.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jun 29, 2011 5:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm
It will be interesting to see how these players fare for the rest of their careers. They are the first draft class during a transition year for coaches and management.
Transition years…..
Chuck Knox 1978
1-RB Terry Miller ~~best players taken 4 – LB Lucius Sanford , 10 – C. Will Grant
Kay Stephenson 19831-TE Tony Hunter 1B-Jim Kelly~~ other notables 2 – LB Darryl Talley, DB Matt Vandenboom
1985 had Stephenson (0-4) & Bullough (2-10) coached the team
1 -DE Bruce Smith 1B-DB Derrick Burroughs~~other notables 2 -WR Chris Burkett, 3 – QB Frank Reich, 4 – WR Andre Reed, 4 – OT Dale Hellestrae, 7 -DB Ron Pitts
Note-Bill Polian was promoted to general manager of the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 30, 1985,
1986 Hank Bullough (2-7-0) & Marv Levy (2-5-0)
1 – RB Ronnie Harmon 1B-1 – OT Will Wolford ~~other notables 7 – LB Mark Pike ,7 – Butch Rolle TE
1998 Wade Phillips
2 – LB Sam Cowart
2001 Gregg Williams
1 – DB Nate Clements~~other notables 2 – DE Aaron Schobel, 2B- Travis Henry RB, 3 – OT Jonas Jennings
2004 Mike Mularkey
1 – WR Lee Evans 1B – QB J.P. Losman
2006 Dick Jauron
1 – DB Donte Whitner 1B – DT John McCargo ~~other notables 3 – DB
Ashton Youboty, 5 – DT Kyle Williams, 5 – OT Brad Butler, 6 – LB Keith Ellison
Needless to say how important the 2010 & 2011 drafts are after 10 years of futility. The players taken could very well be the resurrection of the team or the final nails in the coffin of the future of the team. The fans are the biggest plus to keeping the Bills in Buffalo and sooner or later they will stop going to the games if the product continues to flounder and all hope is lost…
"Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP."
- Joe Namath
My vote for the breakout player of the year will be ...........
Marcus Easley. His injury was already healed by the end of the season. He will be 110%, but won’t see much action until the latter half of the season when the Bills have their annual wave of injuries.
Moats. He will be stronger, smarter, get more playing time, and really make us smile this year.
The Troop. The man will surprise us all this year and give Meatball a good replacement during rotations. Keeps them both fresh.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jun 28, 2011 7:02 PM EDT reply actions
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