Bills vs. Bears: Expected Bills Receiver Depth Chart
by Brian Galliford on Aug 13, 2011 11:15 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThe Buffalo Bills are set to take on the Chicago Bears in each team's pre-season opener tonight at Soldier Field. Thanks to yesterday's trade of receiver Lee Evans to Baltimore - not to mention the fact that Roscoe Parrish will miss tonight's game with a hamstring injury - things are going to look remarkably different for the Bills at the receiver position.
I've been asked countless times in the past 24 hours what Buffalo's receiving corps would look like without Evans. I attempted to answer that question yesterday. I've also been asked what the receiving corps will look like tonight; here's my best guess on that front:
- Stevie Johnson will start, of course, and play a quarter - perhaps slightly less. He's the man now, so expect his on-field stay to be a short one.
- David Nelson, Donald Jones and Naaman Roosevelt will all work in with the ones in some capacity, and likely in that pecking order for now.
- Marcus Easley and Buster Davis will get a lot of action tonight, and I consider the duo enough of a wild card that it wouldn't shock me to see them get some very early reps with the ones, as well.
- Felton Huggins, Paul Hubbard and rookie Kamar Aiken will round out the depth chart, and I expect each to get long looks as well - particularly Huggins, who seemed to be a Chan Gailey favorite last summer before getting hurt.
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Was it Hubbard or Huggins who got arrested recently?
"Aw snap, aw snap, come to my macaroni party and we'll take a nap!"
by J0ckam0 on Aug 13, 2011 11:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hubbard. Not sure where court or NFL action stands.
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 13, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
nooo
just found out i work tonight and tomorrow so im gonna miss the starters play… and i cant watch the replay on nfl network tomorrow cause of work. this weekend officially sucks
Follow me on twitter @matt_young28
other than taping it, all I can offer is that it’s also replayed Wednesday 8/17 at 4PM on NFLN
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
That sucks.
I just got home from work because I had to go in and do stupid reports that I couldn’t get done yesterday because the server was down.
Gonna go sign up for my NFL Preseason ticket now!
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 13, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Mark Gaughn on David Nelson
On his weekly live chat yesterday, Mark Gaughn of the Buff News was asked who would be the #2 WR now that Lee Evans is gone. His immediate answer was either Easley or Buster Davis — pointing out that Easley had the same combine speed (3.9) as Lee Evans — but then he added that David Nelson was fully capable of running deep routes and that Nelson “would love to do it.” I wouldn’t be surprised if Gailey experiments with that during the preseason. In fact, as Gaughn suggested, he may send all his WR’s down the sidelines at times over the next month to see what they can do.
I'm really excited......
to see our receivers play…..I’m really excited to see our LBs play, especially the young one….
Troup, carrington, dareus! Can’t forget about dareus!
Bell and Pears..will they embarrass? I sure hope not.
Kyle and lights out together under the big lights, can’t miss that!
CJ and Brad…..
I’m excited!
gobills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Receivers....
I wonder if gailey plans on using his receivers in packages, based on receiver skills and opponents. To play the receivers who best match up with the defenses corners etc.
I think there is a chance this year that gaily and the bills get national attention for an exciting, explosive and innovative offense that changes a lot in game and game to game……
… Or is that the paxel kicking
Go bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Seeing it broken down like this...
it’s even more obvious we have a logjam still at receiver. Even if the top 5 mentioned make the squad, along with Roscoe, we are gonna cut some terrific, albiet young, wideouts that will make some other team happy to have…
Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!
Let's keep our fingers crossed Stevie stays healthy
And everyone for that matter. Anyways, I’m very exited about this receiving corps.
I asked this in an earlier post, but got sunk due to the Lee trade and all the talk. But how is Davis ahead of Hubbard and Huggins at this point? I have to believe all three are on an equal level to make the team no?
I might venture...
to guess it’s because he was a #1 draft pick.
Davis...
I think he is higher on Bills and brian’s depth chart…..Probably because of NFL exp.age, / /#1 d.p./and has a #1 pick size /speed #s..
gobills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
by podunkowego on Aug 13, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Hats off
My hat is off to you Brian, covering this team, may be the toughest job on the planet!!!!!!!!!!
Donald Jones will be starting for this team opposite Stevie
ok, I have no way of knowing that but I like the kid A LOT and think he could be the man.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I like all the receivers alot....
Yep, must be the paxel is kickin’ in…..
gobills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
by podunkowego on Aug 13, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
@Poz
Main man, I have been saying the same thing about Jones. I think he will wind up #2. Reminds me of E. Moulds (not that he’s that good yet, but his style of play) and he can move. He’s not a guy who can’t run. It seems folks think he is a slower receiver and I don’t see it. I think he showed good things last season receiving and blocking in the run game and obviously special teams.
I’m just telling folks, don’t be shocked if it’s him and he produces in a serious way.
Quick slightly off topic question?
Just trying to prep for tonight, I live in Woodside queens. Any fellow rumblers know how to watch tonight? Is it on tv?
Run Freddie Run!!!
by detricblackstone on Aug 13, 2011 12:03 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
TV....
I doubt it is on, but the NFL network is replaying it tommorrow night in it’s entirety. I’m in baltimore (they are dancing in the streets on aquiring evans) and will have to wait till tomorrow, but I don’t care cuz I just wanna see whats what.
gobills1
PodunkO - The great post ender!
by podunkowego on Aug 13, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
You know I’m also in Baltimore and have had a lot of mixed reactions from people. I’ve heard cautious optimism but some felt a fourth was too much. Draft picks really are gold to a team that has drafted as well as the Ravens. People are also waaaaay to high on Torrey Smith because he is an MD kid.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
Definitely not going to be on here in Queens
Replayed tomorrow on NFL Network though. McFadden’s is showing it tomorrow night at 7.
~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."
There is always the internet
I live in Thailand so that is what I do (the NFL has no package here before you get on my back for stealing)
#86
steps up- most productive receiver in 11.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 13, 2011 12:11 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe it's just the angle of the photo
but that looks like a bunch of hobbits playing football.
by NordicBillsfan on Aug 13, 2011 12:15 PM EDT reply actions
smurfs....
No, that’s just roscoe! that rascally receiver! I don’t know who the bear in photo is, Currently, on the bears roster, there is no 36 or 38 if the roster i pulled up is accurate…..I thought it’d be funny if it was devin hester…..
gobills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
by podunkowego on Aug 13, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
My guess is that
the coaching staff is hoping Easley earns the #2 outside spot. The obvious void Evans leaves is the speed element, and Stevie simply isn’t that type of receiver. There’s no doubt that Davis was brought in knowing there was the chance of moving Evans and to give us another speedy WR option. Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t think want Nelson to be on the outside. I think the Bills love his skill set on the inside (slot) running seam routs and quick outs for first downs. The good news is even if Easley doesn’t win that outside spot outright or for injury reasons, we’re going to see a lot of WR by committee. The dark horse in this competition to win the #2 spot and play a ton is Roosevelt. One thing hasn’t changed with the departure of Evans is the Bills are going to throw the ball a lot.
by As Smart as I Look on Aug 13, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions
My point on David Nelson is that he will keep lining up in the slot, but run frequent sideline routes. I could be wrong, but I believe what Gailey tries to do above all is be unpredictable, and he likes to keep defenders guessing about where his receivers are going to go. That’s why he was trying to get Lee Evans to do short routes over the middle (it’s unclear how happy Lee was about that, and it might have been a factor in the trade). So we may see Nelson and Jones starting ff inside, and then going outside a fair amount of the time to take advantage of their size and route-running skills.
I think your right on the unpredictable part, but I don’t think we’re going to see Nelson starting off inside then going outside a fair amount. I think if that happens it will be rarely. Not sure what level it was a factor in the trade, but I think it’s clear Gailey wanted Lee to “learn” to run better short routes and go over the middle.
by As Smart as I Look on Aug 13, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Donald Jones is our opening day starter opposite Johnson
I think he’s the most well-rounded of the options at this point.
~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."
My guess
I agree w/Kurupt, Jones will be opposite Johnson, Roscoe, Nelson, Roosevelt, and Easley(if he can stay healthy) will make it. I think Davis is just fodder ala Chad Jackson last year. Huggins is doomed probably. I can see Hubbard and Aiken making the Practice Squad!
Ask me about a Cosby Sweater!
by brendar of the bills people on Aug 13, 2011 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
@ MFDoom
Doesn’t mean they can’t play. And they showed last season they can when given playing time. Davis was a first round pick. Nothing much so far. Not how you come in it’s what you do when you get in.
Have fun buddy!!!!!
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 13, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I expect that to continue barring injury
As long as Jones has a solid preseason and proves he can handle blocking duties in the run game, I think he’ll start alongside Johnson (and Parrish) on opening day. Heck, Nelson might join them in a 4-WR lineup as I think Gailey will be ready to fling it on opening day….
~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."
Gailey....
I think Gailey knows how to score and score often in the NFL and will prove it this year.
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
No Brad Smith?
just wondering is he injured or just expected to play 3rd string QB? At $4 mil. a year that seems a little steep for a guy who is only going to be 3rd string QB and a wildcat RB.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
This is the wide receiver depth chart. Even if he plays time at wideout. He does not a
Effect the receiver depth chart.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Aug 13, 2011 3:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
alright thanks
for clearing that up, wasn’t too sure with all the other names and his name wasn’t included.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
Yah its chix taking advantage of the new 3rd qb rule.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Aug 13, 2011 3:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He has caught some passes in camp. Hes just not going to in the regular rotation, but I wouldnt be surprised to see him getting a couple reps there today.
well I highly doubt
that Felton Huggins, Paul Hubbard, or Kamar (have you ever even heard of me) Aiken will be in the regular rotation either when the season starts. I think matthew above was correct in that he’s just not listed on the WR depth chart he’s considered on the QB depth chart.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
I hope Huggins makes the team this year
He has good speed and hands, and he’s been to like every camp in what seems like forever.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I never said I don't like Huggins
just that I don’t expect him to be a regular rotational player. I’m hoping Naaman Roosevelt gets a good chance this year myself. Hometown hero sort of guy after playing so many good years at UB. Not that I expect him to, just would love to see him be successful.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
Bills @ Bears
Bills take it on the chin tonight as they are still shell shocked about Evans….
Bears 31 Bills 13
.
"Only in a rock and roll band can someone like Keith Richards perceive himself as the responsible one."
-- Malcolm Gladwell
I look at it the other way around
young receivers go ballistic smelling an open starting job up for grabs. Look for Jones, Nelson, Roscoe, and company to go at it. If a no2 spot is open, that means a no.3 spot is open, and a number 4. Plus, Stevie needs to prove he can be the go to.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
exactly
i see a lot of passes thrown, and hopefully many caught balls. i dont think the running game needs a ton of work so it should be mainly passing plays.
that being said it could be a low scoring game with many drops and incompletions as im sure fitz doesnt play more than a quarter…
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5.
by silverstreak3k on Aug 13, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
One 100-yard game in his last 34 games....
That says all you need to about Evans….and why the Bills wanted to clear him out…
by Barman23 on Aug 13, 2011 3:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It says on NFL.com that Huggins was cut
"Aw snap, aw snap, come to my macaroni party and we'll take a nap!"
by J0ckam0 on Aug 13, 2011 3:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
That would be odd
They’re already down a few bodies at WR with Evans gone and Roscoe injured.
~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 Aug 13, 2011 3:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bills on the radio/internet?
What radio station carries the game on-line? I would like to at least follow the game audibly. Suggestions would be greatly welcomed.
sorry
the bills site says 97 rock and their page confirms this:
I prayed for patience and I'm STILL waiting for an answer
i cant find
any nfl games on my tv today as well as mlb. is it just no sports day in the west?
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5.
Getting excited for another season...
For some reason I’m really looking forward to see our rookies and our new toys in action tonight. Good luck, stay focused, and come out healthy!
#2 Receiver
I would love for Nelson to step up and become an amazing #2 receiver since I am a gators fan but doubt that is going to happen. I am putting my money on Jones to start on opening day and today. But it is possible that Davis decides to finally live up to his potential but not holding my breath on that either.
Is there any way to watch the game tonight?
I know its on NFL network tomorrow at 7 but I’d rather watch it live online or something
You can sign up..
At NFL.com for the preseason package and watch it on line… It’s only 20 bucks this year and you can watch live, or rewinds of all the games…
Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!
ONLY $20
no such thing in this economy, I’m saving all my dollars to buy canned food and ammunition for when we have to fight a WWIII against china and the muslums.
by badnewsBills on Aug 13, 2011 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
WWIII will have to wait....
it’s time for some football!!!!!
;-)
Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!
Open thread Brian?
First preseason game?
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 13, 2011 7:23 PM EDT reply actions
Just what's needed...
Reports the field is covered due to rain in the area. The field is suspect already; We don’t need rain to compound that issue!
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