State Of The Buffalo Bills Roster: Biggest Defensive Need?
by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2012 12:02 PM EST
in State of the Buffalo Bills Roster
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In the four-plus weeks since the 2011 regular season ended, we've been conducting our annual State of the Buffalo Bills Roster series, in which we go over the Bills' personnel player by player and position by position.
We finished up reviewing the defense yesterday, so after the jump, we've reviewed the positional outlooks in each area. Give them a re-read, put on your thinking caps, and then cast a vote in our poll (also after the jump) as we try to determine what the Bills' biggest positional need on defense is.
DEFENSIVE LINE: In Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, the Bills have the true foundation of their defense, regardless of what scheme they're running. From there, the Bills have a clear delineation between heady veterans (Dwan Edwards and Spencer Johnson) and project-type youngsters (Alex Carrington, Torell Troup, Kellen Heard, Lionel Dotson, Jarron Gilbert and Jay Ross). That's solid depth no matter which way you cut it, and there's quite a bit of talent to be had from top to bottom. Everyone's under contract, so it's hard to envision much movement here.
PASS RUSHERS: Bleak. Obviously. Chris Kelsay has never been a cornerstone player, and 2011 all but confirmed that Shawne Merriman - even when healthy - is a shell of his former self as a pass rusher. Kyle Moore, Arthur Moats, Danny Batten and Robert Eddins are all project-type pass rushers that got more intense looks from the team than they should have because of how poor this position is. The saddest reality here, however, is that all of these guys have an extremely legitimate chance at making the team next year. That's the bleakest statement one could make about Buffalo's pass rushing situation.
LINEBACKER: In Nick Barnett and Kelvin Sheppard, the Bills have stability, a diversity of skill, and some upside at the top of their linebacker depth chart. From there, things are incredibly hard to discern. There are four veteran unrestricted free agents (Bryan Scott, Kirk Morrison, Reggie Torbor and Andra Davis) and two scrappy youngsters that aren't ready to play (Chris White and Scott McKillop). Scott has a defined role, but may be replaceable, while Morrison has value as a depth player, but doesn't play much otherwise and may be looking for more playing time. The team seems interested in maintaining the veteran depth status quo at the position, and they're always on the lookout for young linebackers, particularly in the later rounds.
CORNERBACK: In Drayton Florence, Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin, the Bills have a trio of veterans that will make it difficult to determine the direction of this position until there's movement with one or more of them. Florence should be back, but it shouldn't surprise anyone if McGee or McKelvin is released to make room for guys like Aaron Williams and Justin Rogers to rise up the depth chart. In fact, it would only be mildly surprising if both were released, although McKelvin's contract is pretty reasonable to at least keep him around competing for a roster spot. Williams and Rogers have been fast-tracked for playing time, but both players are still green. The team has no true pecking order at this position, which works in their favor solely from a game-planning perspective. All of these players can be beaten, and there's no true No. 1 guy on the roster.
SAFETY: Jairus Byrd headlines a strong group of 2013 unrestricted free agents for the Bills, and aside from Frd Jackson may end up being the team's top priority in getting a deal done once this year's crop of free agents is handled. Ideally, he'll be the free safety for a long time. With George Wilson and Da'Norris Searcy, the team has a game plan at strong safety. The real issue here is depth; the team could really use one more body as a fourth safety, considering they're playing one more than half of the snaps at a different position.
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I don't know
how you could pick anything other than DE. We’ve needed a pass rusher for years.
Is this your homework, Larry?
by Schooled You on Jan 31, 2012 12:05 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
DE & pass-rushing linebacker
Was watching old 90s highlights with Bruce and Leon Seals and Cornelius Bennett. Was fun to see. Wanna see it in real-time now. Soon, please!
by MythicPicnic on Jan 31, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
DE
Right defensive end has to be addressed with one of Buffalo’s top 2 picks. If Buffalo does not see one of their liking at 10, they may need to trade up with their 2 to address this gaping hole that compromises the entire defense. The days of just sitting back and executing the picks no matter what are over. All avenues must be pursued at this point.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 31, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Nix has tried to trade up before its trading down thats not gonna happen.
"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 31, 2012 12:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hopefully FA and then one of the top 2 picks.
I really hope we can land a competent DE in FA to give us some flexibility at #10.
It’d be great if we could chose between the best DE, WR, CB or even OT at that spot and not feel like we still have a gaping hole on the roster.
"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
DE
I could easily see 2-3 draft picks being used on pass rushers.
by Dr. Brackish Okun on Jan 31, 2012 12:11 PM EST reply actions
Heck, use all 8 picks!
Then let the chips fall where they may!
"Fred Jackson has the power to run over linebackers and the agility to dance on their pancaked corpses." ...Munchausen
I’m seeing two of their top 3 picks used on rushers. probably going with 3 rushers overall.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
If we land a stud DE from a certain location in NC, we could have one of the best lines in the game.
and land a certain OLB in the 2nd round from certain location in NC. Maybe throw some sand in there shoes to slow them down at the combine.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 31, 2012 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely DE
They need help at OLB and CB, but they can probably find those in the middle rounds of the draft. A pass rushing DE needs to be taken within the first two rounds unless they can somehow land a stud DE in free agency. Improving the pass rush will make the linebackers and DBs look a lot better as they won’t have to stay in coverage for so long.
by SiriusRed on Jan 31, 2012 12:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Not so sure its de
With darius and williams now back in their best position to pass rush. The ends will have a easier time. The biggest need in my opinion is cornerback we have a gem in williams mckelvin is decent florence and mcgee are on the downslope of their careers corner by far is biggest need
With the first pick in the 2012 draft the Indianapolis Colts select Robert Griffen III
by Gpluehri on Jan 31, 2012 1:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Our front 7 would like great if..
We signed Mario Williams (doubtful) and drafted Upshaw.
D-Line: LE Kelsay DT Williams DT Dareus RE Williams
LB: SLB Upshaw MLB Sheppard WLB Barnett
Then we would have strong rotational depth such as Carrington, Moats, and Merriman.
Even if we had to pass up adding quality to our CB depth this front 7 would be worth it. Worry about adding a CB next year if need be.
With us going 4-3 I think the chances of us drafting Upshaw have greatly fallen.
Upshaw is a prototypical 3-4 OLB and I think he would be limited to the strong side DE in a 4-3, which we already have Kelsay for. Now I’ll agree that we could use an upgrade over Kelsay, but at this point in time that would be a luxury with the 10th overall pick.
Especially when you take into consideration that we have absolutely no one that can man the RDE spot. If we draft a DE with the 10th overall pick (which we should) it would most likely be to fill the RDE position, not the LDE.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
cb
olb prob should be 1st but w/2 rookies looking better than the vets; along w/Florence & Leo really struggling plus #24’s age/injury issues., I went cb
"Will&Work2Win"coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Jan 31, 2012 1:24 PM EST reply actions
It's the same exact need it's been for YEARS
Basically over the past decade or so. I feel like I’ve been harping on this issue for as long as I can remember. It’s just been so obvious, yet consistently overlooked and unimproved.
The Bills remain in desperate need for pass rushers. They don’t need just one either, as they need multiple players than can generate pressure, harass QB’s and make life easier for the secondary. It almost doesn’t matter who we have in the defensive backfield if the guys in front of them can’t bother the QB.
~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 Jan 31, 2012 1:29 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
disagree
about the same for years. For years, they have had multiple needs on the OL. They also needed interior help because Poz was always hurt and besides Meatball, no one else could be counted on. These guys can only do so much per year. It is very difficult to take a team with very little talent that is not a hot spot to play in and turn them around via the draft.
They have shored up most other spots on the team. Now, they can focus on the pass rush.
K’s point is irrelevant to other positions. He said that the pass rush has been a need for years, and it has been.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Correct
Obviously, they’ve had other needs through the years, but overwhelmingly, the pass rush has been right at the top of that list each year.
~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."
It’s no small coincidence that their lacking a strong pass rush and a dominant QB has kept them out of the playoffs. I find that pressure is a defense’s QB.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
DE
Nick Perry DE USC not the prospect I see most mocks but has talent and it is his natural position
by ONEREALMAN on Jan 31, 2012 11:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
and with the Bills defense it does not matter who the opposing offense has in thier backfield either!
making stars out of some of the worst QB’s in the leauge.
I expect a REC from J. Campbell, M. Sanchez, M. Moore and M. Hasselbeck.
Whats odd is we also embarrased Cassell, Brady, Vick and Tebow. It would seem it was feast or famine.
Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.
It wasn't for a lack of trying...
The big problem was that Tom Modrak was terrible at evaluating pass rushers. (In all fairness, he was terrible at evaluating just about any position.) Over the past decade, we spent high-round picks on Aaron Maybin (1-2009), Chris Ellis (3-2008), Chris Kelsay (2-2003), and Ryan Denney (2-2002). Only Kelsay has been productive, although he has never been a superstar. In general, most draft picks under Modrak were flaming disasters, and very few of them are still in football, let alone still with the Bills. So far, Nix seems to be a much better judge of talent.
by SiriusRed on Jan 31, 2012 1:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
I miss you, K. We haven’t gone at it in a while. Married life has changed you. :-)
by MattRichWarren on Jan 31, 2012 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
I can tell your not married Matt.
Because marriage changes every man, but never in the ways that you’d like them too.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
We haven’t gone at it in a while.
TWSS.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jan 31, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Although
a TWSS doesn’t seem as appropriate as a TWHS in real life.
~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."
Truth.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Feb 1, 2012 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
Au contraire
Married life has nothing to do with it. I’m just so beat down from the Bills. It’s hard for me to get as crazy as I used to because of where I feel this franchise is right now. I want back in though! I’m just so tired of watching the Pats, Giants, Steelers, Saints, Packers, etc WITH THEIR FRANCHISE QB’S at the top of league every year and sad that our Bills have no chance to be in that class any time soon. Also, it’s college basketball season and it’s been a good one….
~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."
Rec'd because your 100% right.
And you’ve been musing over this since I’ve been blogging at the rumblings, so your right it’s nothing new.
In an ideal world we’d sign a DE (or two) in free agency and then draft another with the tenth overall pick. Our front office’s first goal in order to create an effective pass rush should be to gain enough quality DE’s that Kelsay becomes our top backup and no longer a starter.
Buffalo Rumblings
Where shoes are haute cuisine.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
rec'd - look at Houston
a perennial 8-8 team, draft JJ Watt and Brooks Reed and get a new proven DC and what happens? playoffs, despite being without their top 2 QB’s.
Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/
by Billsdownunder on Feb 1, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t understand what the big deal is really. Gailey said at the end of last year, Jan 2011, that they were going to be more of a four man front but that it would also depend on their opponent. Hence, the hybrid term. Buddy Nix said that the Bills played in a 4-3 47% of the time and in the nickel 47% of the time this past season. So that means at most the Bills were playing in a 3-4 6% of the time. Why all the hubbub over 6% or less? From what I can tell, they will be playing pretty much the same defense that they played this past season. (Der Jaeger can and probably will correct me on that one). Well all know that the Bills needed a pass rusher and they still said that they were going to be mixing in different looks also. So it appears to me that the 3-4 still won’t go away completely anyway.
I remember hearing the 47% for the nickel, but I dont remember the 47% in the 4-3.
That sounds way to low of a percentage in the 3-4. They propably meant they played 4-3 (47%) of the remaning 53% that they did not play nickel. That gives you a (47%) in the nickel, (28%) in the 3-4, and (25%) in the 4-3. Still your point remains that they will still play some 3-4 and will only be moving away from 28% in the 3-4.
Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.
DE--and this is the yeat for that spot
If you take a look at this year’s draft—who is avaiable and our draftling slot— this is the year that things fall in line for us.
There are 3 DE’s that are considered top 15 talent : Coples, Ingram and Perry. There is a very good chance that only one of them is off the bpard by pick 10..and, if JAX goes WR (which I think they will due to Mularkey wanting a top target for his QB) then we will have our pick of all three.
Not if you click the safety link. And you are forgetting Jon Corto. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 31, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Went on IR in the pre-season. But yeah we still have him.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
for my money
the biggest single positional hole is at sam linebacker.
pass rush is the glaring weakness, but the bills do have bodies that could theoretically rotate at RDE (moore, merriman, even moats, eddins and carrington). im not sure the same can be said about strong side backer. i dont think they have anyone on the roster who can really play there on any down without being way out of position.. biggest defensive need: SOLB.
Its fun to think quarterback, but i think the odds of nix taking one in the first are close to 0%.
D-Line
I dont know what you mean by solid depth any which way you cut it. This defense over the last 2 years have not been able to stop anybody on any regular basis. And their two biggest problems have been stopping the run and rushing the passer. There is very good talent at the top but after the Williams and Marcel, I disagree completely with the talent level. It is below average. The stats and their play has proved it over the last 2 years.
You did it again!
Your breakdown of our defense is different from your ballot of the defense….
Cut that out!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Someone to scare the QB, please.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 3:45 PM EST reply actions
We already had that. His name was Mike Williams. He got our QB concussed when he whiffed on a block.
Oh… you meant to scare their QB. Yes, definitely. ;-)
by SiriusRed on Jan 31, 2012 4:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That sums it up TAT!!
I voted OLB on the assumption that Williams will be and stay healthy to join Dareus on the line. We don’t have an OLB that can cover OR get to the QB, so I voted for what I thought is the more needy position although DE is a close 2nd IMHO.
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Jan 31, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
In order
1) DE- who can put the heat on a QB
2) CB-shutdown corner
3)OLB
4-8) Depth
1 – Pass rush
2 – SLB
3 – pass rush
4 – Back up SLB
5 – dime CB
I almost put pass rush as Nos. 1 & 2.
I did put it as the top two needs.
Fact is that if we want a true pass rush in a wanny style 4-3 then we need two ned starters at DE and (in a perfect world) have Kelsay as the top backup at both DE positions.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
Can't argue with that
Pass rush makes the pass defenders look better. I do think you are ignoring a glaring hole at CB. McGee is done. Florence is well Drayton Florence. Williams is young and McKelvin has been very inconsistent. The addition of a steadying force back there would be helpful.
I'd say we need more than a Dime CB too...
~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."
How could it be anything else than DE. In fact we shoudl try to get new starters on both sides f the line.
Chris Kelsay right now is best suited to be a backup, not a starter. And in the Stash’s scheme, he could be the top backup for both sides of the line. While he’d be an adequate starter, he’s better as a backup.
But we should definitely be going after two new starters for the DE positions. Going after guys like Mario WIlliams (the dream) or Robert Mathis, Cliff Avril (the realistic targets) or a trade for Osi should be the top priority during free agency.
We should also be drafting DE’s early and often in this draft. I’m partial to Ingram, Perry and Curry myself.
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by CanadianBillsFan on Jan 31, 2012 6:10 PM EST reply actions
Whoops didn’t put text.
Here is my reasoning:
The Bills haven’t been able to stop the run consistently, so people would run all over them, and not have to pass too much. When they do pass, we have Drayton Florence to hold them, McGee playing on the wrong side of 30 and playing at 70%. We have Leodis McKelvin who is unable to cover anyone most of the time.
With a pass rush, we get interceptions and can get by with average CBs.
But when they throw, we don’t have a shutdown corner.
We could use a Jared Allen and/or a Darrelle Revis.
Shawne Merriman
To say that even when healthy Merriman is but a shell of his former self is, in my opinion, iinnacurate. While in training camp and the early preseason games, Shawne was an absolute terror. Even Fred Jackson stated that “he’s back”. In the preseason game against the bears I believe he had 3 sacks in 5 snaps. He definitely flashed his former skill. The achilles problem was mishandled by the training and medical staff. He lost his explosion and THEN was only a shadow of his former self. He made the right decision to have surgery and truly fix the problem. Remember that he did not rupture the tendon. This makes rehab and recovery that much quicker. Will he be the same player he once was? Perhaps not, but I’m willing to bet that he will not deteriorate as easily as was the case last year.
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