2012 Senior Bowl: Buffalo Bills Chatting Up Alabama Prospects
With the 2012 Senior Bowl in full swing this week down in Mobile, Alabama, fans of NFL teams have their ears open waiting to hear what prospects team personnel have been spotted with. Thanks to Chase Goodbread of TideSports.com, we now know that the Buffalo Bills have been spotted with two players from Alabama, the winner of this year's national championship.
Goodbread tweeted a picture of Alabama star outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw talking with a Bills scout. Upshaw, the defensive MVP of this year's national title game, is a 6'2", 270-plus pound 3-4 outside linebacker that spent his senior season racking up 51 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and an interception.
The other player that a Bills scout was spotted talking to: Alabama receiver Marquis Maze, a 5'9", 180-pound future slot guy that finished his senior season with 56 catches, 627 yards and a touchdown.
This is interesting news, to be sure, but it's likely far more interesting to a guy like Marcell Dareus, who as an Alabama alumnus is a former teammate of both of these players.
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maze is 5’8 not 5’10 according to senior bowl weigh in’s
and i hope upshaw thing is just due diligence and no show of hands….
i am still not sold on him
That doesnt sound like the
“big time WR” that they would be talking about, more of a replacement for Roscoe? Anyone know what round they have seen Maze in the mocks floating around?
"@Katebits: At this rate Sarah Maclachlan is going to start making sad commercials about the Sabres soon."
Walter Camp Football
has him ranked as the 24th WR prospect.
"@Katebits: At this rate Sarah Maclachlan is going to start making sad commercials about the Sabres soon."
That’s not a very high rating.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 25, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Not at all.
"@Katebits: At this rate Sarah Maclachlan is going to start making sad commercials about the Sabres soon."
Keep in mind...
They could be looking at him as a UDFA or something too.
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by WhyBillsWhy on Jan 26, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Nix talked about getting a big WR AND a quick, slot type receiver (like Parrish, but one that stays healthy).
i dont remember him saying he wants a quick slot type receiver
can you post a link?
by statcruncher on Jan 25, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
He did.
It was back in that Buddy Nix Recap thread from Brian a week or two ago. Said he liked Roscoe, but injuries have always been there with him. Wanted another type of player like him.
"@Katebits: At this rate Sarah Maclachlan is going to start making sad commercials about the Sabres soon."
we already have a roscoe replacement
maybe in david clowney….
he was a 4th round pick… he is very quick and fast… he is taller than roscoe too…maybe he can be groomed… anothe waiver wire success
by statcruncher on Jan 25, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
I haven't seen any mocks with his name that I remember
but he certainly does look suspiciously like Roscoe. I wouldn’t mind getting either a big name in FA or someone early on in the draft and then also picking up Maze in 6th or 7th
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
What is your hang-up with Upshaw
Is it size, talent, character?
Maze reminds me of Eddie Royal. I think he has the skills to be a very good slot receiver in the NFL, I would not mind at all if he ended up taking Roscoe’s place on the roster.
I also like Upshaw a lot. I know some on this board question his explosiveness and lack of length. I believe he is a beast of a football player. He does everything well and is an amazing athlete for a 273 pound guy. In my opinion, he is a safe bet to be a top tier (top 8) 3-4 OLB for a decade. I believe he has the skill and power to potentially become an elite 3-4 OLB. He reminds me of a bigger stronger Elvis Dummervill. Dumervil was downgraded by running a poor time at the combine and not being considered “explosive” enough off the line.
During the 2010 season I thought Hightower stood out in every game I watched. I would have no objection to selecting him. However, I do have some concern with selecting a player who has not played OLB to become a starting NFL OLB. If the Bills are determined to become a 3-4 team Hightower would appear to have the more appropriate OLB skill set.
Hightower has played all over the field. He has line up as a olb ilb and a 43 de.
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by matthew62 on Jan 25, 2012 12:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
not really
a heavy 4-3 DE usually need tall guys like 6’4 and above….
i think he fits a tampa-2 DE… freeney, mathis are both 6’2 – 6’3
but for that he needs speed coz tampa 2 depends on speed. i dont know if he has that speed…
i think he will end up only in 3-4 and maybe just strong side OLB because of his complete game… but no one drafts an LOLB at #10 overall, ie, except the bills
by statcruncher on Jan 25, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Marquis Maze
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Walk away Bills……RUN RUN RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 9:24 AM EST reply actions
Care to quantify this? Because I’d sure like to know why you feel this way.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 25, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah,
its not like theyd be using a top pick on him. After doing a little research, he doesnt seem to be going until the last day of the draft. Certainly worth a shot, late, if Danny Batten was.
"@Katebits: At this rate Sarah Maclachlan is going to start making sad commercials about the Sabres soon."
Too Small for the NFL
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Have we learned nothing from Roscoe?
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I'd take a Roscoe in the 6th Round easily.
And hope that this Roscoe doesn’t get injured as much.
It surely wouldn't hurt
as much as a 2nd rounder for a minny mite that can’t stay healthy.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
As long.......
As it’s not a first day pick, I got sketched like it might be.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Though I would prefer
WRs who are at least 6 feet tall and 200 LBS minimum.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Guys who fit the "mold"
You know, like James Hardy.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Jan 25, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
I'm looking
For another Moulds prototype 6’2" 220 not a basketball player like Hardy.
I think Michael Floyd fits the bill.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Each year
I pick a first rounder for the Bills, I am almost always right, from Ngata to Dareus, I nail it each Year.
2 years ago I picked Bulaga
Last year I picked Dareus, which was the first time the Bills picked who I did.
This year at this point, I am going Michael Floyd. I see the second coming of Eric Moulds in him, Moulds was one of my favorite players, and I see so much Moulds in Floyd.
I think we can’t go wrong with Michael Floyd.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
And I know we need a pass rusher.
I’m just not sold on Upshaw. I would rather take a safe pick we hit on like Floyd like we did last year with Dareus. We really need to hit on our first rounders,
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been reading up on Floyd, and it sounds like he’s really turned a new leaf after his DUI.
I also read somewhere that he worked as a janitor to go to one of Minnesota’s top football high schools (Cretin-Durham Hall iirc). He’s one of my top picks for #10 if he’s available.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
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by NordicBillsfan on Jan 25, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
As a player
He reminds me a lot of Eric Moulds……..
That’s a good thing.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
Today
Is the official day I started the draft Michael Floyd bandwagon!
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
Well I’m hopping on like a hobo.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 25, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
We have plenty of room!
On this train!
So climb aboard!
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
You may have nearly single-handedly created the longest comment train in BR history. Whoa nelly.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 25, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
haha
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 26, 2012 3:39 AM EST up reply actions
gotta admit
I am quite the character!
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 26, 2012 4:09 AM EST up reply actions
Haha I'm there with you
No way I would want to take this guy in the first 3 rounds at least.
@ The Buffalo Kid
Have you learned nothing from Darren Sproles? Each players is different. Can’t say Maze would be any more prone to injury than Roscoe. Everybody’s body reacts differently.
5'9" 180lbs
he may be the exception to the rule, but that is so small for getting knocked around by LBs in the 260-270 range. He’s gonna be a slot guy, so he is gonna take a pounding unlike an outside receiver who is getting took down by CBs instead of LBs.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
There’s always the hope a team finds a guy in the mold of Welker.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 25, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
As a slot receiver pick in a later round?
Please, theres plenty of small receivers in the NFL. I mean, Lee Evans is listed at 5’10" also. Its not like we are talking about taking a 5’4" guy in the second round here.
I see IR for Maze
Lots of time on IR………..
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
180 LBS
Being Hit by 270 LBs at full speed
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Desean Jackson: 175 lbs.
Wes Welker: 185 lbs.
Steve Smith: 185 lbs.
Now I’m not comparing him to those players, I’m just saying that you can certainly play well in the NFL at that weight without getting injured alot.
I just think its silly to mark it down as a sure thing he is going to get injured, and not take a guy in the later rounds because of it.
I’ll toss in a Dexter McCluster and Jaquizz Rodgers as well … very small but quick players who could be utilized in a myriad of ways …
With Fitz
We need big receivers with long arms, who can scoop in his misfires. We could go minny mites if we had a QB who was a more accurate thrower.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 25, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
That's ludicrous logic
Let’s get taller, longer receivers because our QB is inaccurate? How about, let’s draft the best receiver available if we want one. Short or smaller players have always had a place in this league if they could play. You don’t get to the stage that a player like Roscoe or Maize are at being that size without being tough, resilient and really freaking good at your sport.
Also, minny is a word for a minnow, or perhaps an abreviation for Minnesota, mini means something small, or reduced in size.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
no he definitely brings up a good point
Calvin Johnson makes matt Stafford better, because Calvin Johnson is huge and has a huge wingspan.
You are now Watching The Throne.
Exactly
twitter @davidjpalermo
by sketchydave on Jan 25, 2012 11:57 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Fitz
definitely needs some big wingspans.
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by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 26, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, but Matt Stafford is a much much better QB than Fitz. Also, Calvin Johnson isn’t just big, he’s also an incredible receiver. If the guy is huge AND a great receiver, then I’m all for taking him over the guy who is a short, great receiver. But if we’re not drafting Maize because he’s short, and he’s the best player available, then we are making a mistake.
I would also argue that Wes Welker makes just about any QB better because of his speed and ability to get open, which his smaller stature I believe plays a part in. I would also argue that Sproles’ versatility out of the backfield makes him a much better weapon for his QB as well. I understand the logic behind getting a larger WR, but if we’re taking James Hardy over DeSean Jackson, or even Eddie Royal then we are making a mistake based solely on the size of the player, and not his skill. We made that mistake once in taking James Hardy. Here is a list of WRs taken after Hardy, to rub salt in that wound a little bit more: Eddie Royal, Jerome Simpson, DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly, Limas Sweed, Dexter Jackson, Earl Bennett, Early Doucet, Harry Douglas, Mario Manningham, Andre Caldwell…
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
Chase Goodbread?
I do the same thing when looking to make a sandwich.
Is that name real?!?!
~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 just make my own.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 25, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Just went to Subway
It’s a new bread option. Jared likes it.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Upshaw’s value depends a lot on whether the Bills want to stick with the 3-4, which they may not. As for the WR… meh. Seems like he would be a late round draft pick, but not much value to be gained from it. We have a good slot receiver in David Nelson, and I would rather see Nix pan for gold on a position with less depth, like an unheralded OLB who came from a smaller school. So far, Nix has found some good late-round pickups, like Moats, Batten, and Rogers. It will be interesting to see who they pick up on day three.
by SiriusRed on Jan 25, 2012 10:19 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I hope.......
That they are “chatty” with many more of the guys. This team needs a lot of help if they are going to get over the hump this year. They need to “hit” on at least 5 spots this year (between Free Agency and the draft, and then rookie free agents). I hope they spend much of their time getting to know at least 100 players to choose from in the 7 rounds.
Look
Courtney Upshaw is an upgrade over any LB we have on this roster who’s name is not Nick Barnett. Alabama had and has the best defense in college football, these guys know how to get it done. I say draft all our defensive players from there. Get some intensity on our squad. Courtney Upshaw was the MVP of the National Title game. Does that not speak volumes with anybody else? This is a a kid who is an absolute beast, has a pro body and comes from an NFL calibre defense. I would take him at 10 any day of the week and twice on Sunday. WE HAVE THE WEAKEST LB CORE IN THE NFL.
If we take Upshaw.
We suddenly have Upshaw, Barnett, Merriman, Kelsay, Sheppard, and hopefully Morrison (I love his depth) Moats and Batten can stick around if they like, but this would give us a TRUE OLB and not plug n play type guy. Look at what Lamar Woodley and James Harrison do for the Steelers, What Pares Harelson does for San Fran, what Suggs does for Baltimore, these are true OLB and Upshaw is a true OLB. Please, please draft Courtney Upshaw!
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Jan 25, 2012 10:33 AM EST reply actions
and this would mean no more SPENCER JOHNSON at OLB WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Jan 25, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
upside to upshaw is too good to pass on...
we should hope he does not get selected before #10.
we should take him….merriman can train him for a year.
they can rotate in and out, depending on the health of the
former….
he is what we need, he is the man, and i would love for
dareus and him to make up, with sheppard, aaron williams
and byrd, the New Men to take this D to the promised land…..
with the other williams and wilson, barnett, kelsay,
edwards, florence, and some free agent 3rd corner, if not
justin rodgers, the defense could be pretty could…….
Compared to what I've been watching on TV the last couple weeks
We’ve still got a LONG ways to go !
It was Cookie's turn to lead the "easiest exercise" during the Monday practice after a game-- he said-- "we're going to do deep breathing--everybody inhale--dehale "---As told by Jack Kemp at my high school sports banquet circa 1966.
by radan on Jan 25, 2012 10:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Upshaw
Is he tall enough for Gailey to play OLB? :)
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
Chris Kelsay is a good football player.
No specially since he weighed in at 6 ft 1 not 6ft 2
"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 Jan 25, 2012 12:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
6'2" & 270
Now if he can just run a 4.3 40, and a 1.4 10, and a 6.3 cone and jump 40".
Ah, the off-season — always so much promise and potential. Too bad the regular season and reality ever have to start
Upshaw Can Play
We’re in that time of year when every player gets picked apart for reasons outside of playing the actual game. There are NO GUARANTEES whoever is picked by any team. But if you believe Nix’s philosophy, Upshaw is his type of player. He’s big, strong, has a history of production over time, not just one year, has played against the best competition and stood out. Good athlete. Upshaw at 10 is a real possibility.
No, he’s not super explosive, but he doesn’t have to be necessarily. Dareus and Williams, one would think, if healthy, will push the pocket and Upshaw would have lanes. He’s as safe a pick as a team can make. That being said, there is nothing written that the Bills wouldn’t draft another pass rusher in the 2nd or 3rd round who is more “explosive” even if they take Upshaw at 10. Bills also have issues stopping the run, let’s not forget, and Upshaw is good in that department too.
I don't know how others feel
No, he’s not super explosive, but he doesn’t have to be necessarily.
but I really don’t want to have to make excuses for whomever we select.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 25, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what I was dreaming as well. Upshaw is solid. Pick up another pass rush type lb later rounds too
twitter @davidjpalermo
by sketchydave on Jan 26, 2012 12:02 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
I'm no college football eye for talent guru
But when I watched Bama a few times Upshaw always stood out! Tough kid great instinct. It would be awesome if we got him and the kid from cuse in second or third round or later. I hope we don’t get a wr. We do need a big big Calvin type to attack the ball, i live stevie but he gets beat on jump balls every time
twitter @davidjpalermo
by sketchydave on Jan 26, 2012 12:06 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
From National Football Post
There will always be folks who see things differently, but one observers take on Upshaw and others:
Thats what I want to see out of him to be ok with him. I want to see him using diffrent rush moves and not just relying on.his strength. I wonder what tackles he has been facing in one on one drills.
"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 Jan 25, 2012 1:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I have also read that the bills were one of many teams to be talking to Michael Brockers
On draftcountdown.com if anybody cares.
by TheHesterEffect on Jan 25, 2012 3:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
there seems to be better talent and fits for us out there. hopefully it is just a smoke screen. we have c.j. for playmaking and speed. we need a freak of nature at WR now. somebody who won’t get the ball stripped or punched out but rather lay the DB out with one stiff arm and fly into the end zone. i want a 4-3 DE.
Dont'a Hightower
I think he is the best linebacker on the Albama defense. That is why I want to look at him more than Upshaw.
Hopefully the 411 can be given by Marcell who is actually worthy of the #10.
Both versatile, can play in either defense. Dont’a can play inside and outside and on the line.
He just has more size at 6 foot 4 and 260 than upshaw. OLB they made a big deal with moats and his height. Hightower is a play maker and I like him more than Upshaw in whatever defense we decide to play.
Melvin Ingram I wouldn’t mind either though he is a freak of nature his legs are that of a runner he has different type of power.
is it possible to get both Upshaw and Hightower
who knows between now and the draft outside of the top 1-5 picks i see a lot of movement happening.
What i really want to know…is what the bills did differently between their 1st year of drafting to the 2nd year under Nix and Gailey.
If we have another draft like last years we will be right there at the cusp of the playoffs.
We got value out of everyone of our picks. We got all of them later than where they were projected. From Aaron Williams to Sheppard.
by mike$bills on Jan 25, 2012 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

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