2012 NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects, Pre-NFL Combine
by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2012 3:30 PM EST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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Earlier this morning, we posted a list of ten 2012 NFL Draft prospects that Buffalo Bills fans should be familiarizing themselves with during this week's 2012 NFL Combine. This Top 10 list is slightly different: it is my own list of the ten players atop my altogether-too-early big board for April's selection meeting.
I've spent the past several weeks doing as much research and gathering as much intel on draft prospects as I could possibly muster. This list, as any good list, is very much subject to change as we learn more about players, re-assess their college careers and, most particularly, hear more about the team's goals and needs over the next couple of months. But with Combine workouts kicking off very soon, I thought it'd be a good time to give a general overview of my board before things start changing.
You may think of my Top 10 list in this manner: it starts with the obvious names, and then goes down from there in an "if the Bills can't draft him, they should draft him" manner. It is based solely on my own opinions, and you'll find it after the jump.
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. Andrew Luck is a really good quarterback and a really safe prospect. It is a virtual certainty at this point that he'll be taken with the No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. In any other draft class - with the possible exception of 2011, where Cam Newton reigned supreme - Griffin is a lock for the No. 1 overall pick. Luck's presence makes Griffin arguably the hottest draft-day trade commodity since Michael Vick. He'll likely be gone somewhere between pick Nos. 2-4.
3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State. You'll hear a lot about Blackmon's straight-line speed, and how he "needs" a good 40 time to cement his draft stock. That may be true, but you shouldn't read too much into it. Blackmon is an elite-level receiver and a dynamic play-maker, and has the look of being an early difference-maker a la last year's two star wideouts, A.J. Green and Julio Jones.
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. Claiborne is the latest stud cover guy to come out of LSU. He is productive (11 interceptions in his final two seasons) with excellent athleticism, and that's wrapped into a 6'0", 185-pound package, giving him the prototypical size to match up with most pro receivers. Claiborne is one of the safest bets in this year's class.
5. Matt Kalil, OT, USC. I'm of the opinion that tackle would be an "only if necessary" position to address for the Bills in Round 1 at the moment, but I still list Kalil ahead of the trio of pass rushers because he's such a slam dunk. He's huge, rangy and highly athletic, and he's an outstanding fit in any offensive system, but would be particularly effective in Chan Gailey's passing attack.
6. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama. I prefer Upshaw over the other two rushers at the moment for a few reasons. First and foremost, he's a very good run defender. One of the Bills' biggest issues defensively is edge contain on run downs, and adding Upshaw would come very close to outright fixing that issue on one side of the field immediately. He's also athletic enough to play SAM linebacker in some situations in the 4-3, which is appealing considering the Bills have a need there. I also like him as a pass rusher, even though I agree with those assessing that he'll never be an elite sack artist. He's safe, he's dependable, he's versatile and he's aggressive. I think he'd be a great fit for this defense.
7. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. Bills fans with Aaron Maybin fresh in their minds are typically averse to the idea of drafting Coples, which is completely understandable. There's risk in taking a guy who saw fit to coast through a senior season in the middling ACC, regardless of how much talent he has. Here's the thing, though: Bills fans aren't generally mad that the Bills took Maybin; they're mad that Maybin was such a colossal bust. There's nothing wrong with taking a chance on a pass rusher. Coples is talented enough to take a risk on simply because the Bills have such a dire need at his particular craft.
8. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina. I nearly listed Ingram ahead of Coples, but I didn't, and the reason for not doing so was his run defense. I don't foresee a scenario in which Ingram won't be a liability against the run, regardless of scheme or position. I don't like him at the point of attack. He'd be a Top 10 pick in Buffalo, ergo he'd be on the field, ergo he'd either be a run liability, or he'd be a part-time player. I don't necessarily want the Bills to take a part-time player with a Top 10 pick. All that said, he'd still be a good choice, because he's a smart, talented football player with the ability to pressure and sack quarterbacks. The Bills really could use a guy like that, even if he's not an every-down guy.
9. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa. You may have noticed by now that "safe" has generally been good on this list; the Bills still aren't in a position to miss with their Top 10 picks. Reiff is a risk-averse addition to the list. He's a talented blocker, run and pass, and he'd be a strong, sensible addition to the team. He is just not the type of difference-maker that the team needs.
10. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford. The same rationale applied to Reiff applies to DeCastro, who is one of the best guard prospects to come out of the college ranks in years. The Bills don't necessarily need a guard, but they could certainly do with adding a really good football player to its offensive line - particularly if Eric Wood and Kraig Urbik can't eradicate their injury problems.
What does your Top 10 list look like?
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Yes on Upshaw
That’s what I see, and honestly, I don’t understand why draftniks devalue run defense so much. If you watch Ingram, he’s very quick, but he either beats his man with quickness, or he’s pushed back. Upshaw is probably the most difficult player to block in this entire draft. That is HUGE. He just never stays blocked, and he sets the edge better than guys that outweigh him by 40 lbs. I think of Upshaw as the DE version of Kyle Williams. Undersized, crazy active hands, and non-stop motor.
That said, I can see why they might prefer Coples. I just don’t.
by Boogie on Feb 22, 2012 3:44 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Here’s the thing, though: Bills fans aren’t mad that the Bills took Maybin
I’m a Bills fan. I was livid. I wanted Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews.
1. Griffin. 2. Upshaw. 3. Dre Kirkpatrick. 4. Melvin Ingram 5. Coples. (However I wouldn’t touch Coples with a 10 meter cattle prod) Are my top 5. I have Coples 5th b/c he fills the need and his ceiling is high. The red flags on the scouting report scare me however.
I’m a Bills fan. I was livid. I wanted Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews.
I remember telling others that Matthews would be the beast of the bunch (Cushing, Maualuga, and Matthews) because he was a walk on, in a school where they recruit 7 deep. Not just the pedigree (if that was true, Casey would be a beast too). I guess we could still argue any of them… but to me, Clay is the better LB. Cushing is a close second. Maualuga is still quite solid… but by comparison… it’s Clay all Day to me.
My top 10
1. Luck
2. RG3
3. Blackmon
4. Richardson
5. Kalil
6. Floyd
7. Claiborne
8. Kirkpatrick
9. Reiff
10. Still
Honorable mentions to Kuechly, and Mercilus.
I pass on all pass rushers until the second, and see what gets driven down from the top. None of them are worth the 10 pick, to me. Especially if Curry/Hightower/Perry were somehow options still in the second (or we move back into the late first for them).
I gladly take Floyd at 10, since I have him rated much higher than most. I also take Claiborne/Kirkpatrick/Kalil/Reiff, should any of them be available. As long as it isn’t Upshaw/Ingram/Coples, I think i would be ok.
Brockers makes my top 20, at best.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
I wanted Orakpo, had 0 knowledge of him, but just a feeling and I was right.
But Still over Brockers?
Mario Williams.
yep
and I am NOT a penn state fan and have been somewhat of an LSU fan. I think being around that additional talent makes him look better than he is. I might be wrong, after seeing more this week, and Pre- Combine mocks are a joke anyway. I was just throwing down my two cents for my top 10, since that seemed to be the trend.
I expected Orakpo, but I wanted Matthews, or Cushing. I was really really impressed with all three of those USC LBs, but Matthews the most, for getting on the field, at USC, as a walk on. that is impressive. And he looked like a beast. I stand by that assessment, still today. But then, is it any wonder? ; )
I don’t know enough about Brockers/Still… and if I hadn’t put in Still, it would have been Kuechly. Like I said… Brockers makes my top 20, at best. Besides, his being selected earlier, just pushes guys I like more, down towards us. So, I am ok with being wrong here.
I can’t see why WE would take him. We are already investing nearly 1/6th of the defensive cap on Kyle and Dareus (assuming we end up near half and half between offense and defense at around 60 million each, then Kyle + Dareus is close to 10 just for them) .
Why the heck would we throw another 20 million guaranteed (5 per year- making it 15 out of 60 or 25% of all money at one position) not only at that same position, but for a rotational player at best? That makes no sense at all to me. Maybe if we didn’t have needs everywhere except DT, where we have a full third of an active roster, just waiting to see who gets to be the 3 or 4 we keep….
That is somewhere between idiotic, and insane to me.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
haha
yea, I am curious to see if he can play 4-3 DE. But as I posted that would give us a huge DL. Carrington/Kelsay Williams Dareus Brockers. But Williams, Dareus, Brockers can all command a double team, which teams obviously can’t block. However that gives us zero speed rushers, although we could take them later in the draft and have them come in on 3rd down situations. Or do some LB blitzes on first and second to give some sort of speed rush.
Mario Williams.
but that is the exact same scenario
where we do divide the money some… but those same 12-15 guys are battling out for 4 starting postions, and maybe 6 depth spots. Why do we want to add more guys, who are too big, to be with the already too big of guys that we already have? I hope that we might consider a larger 4 man front, and that is why we want FAST linebackers, so they can cover more space.
Sheppard showed he was sideline to sideline capable at the senior bowl last year. I hope that means that we find a couple more starters between Barnett, Morrison, Batten, Moats. I am not holding out much hope outside of Barnett though.
We definitely should be looking at speed rushers, edge rushers, and any kind of linebacker with rush promise…. but to use the top 10 pick on question marks (poor pass rushing class makes someone like, for example Upshaw, look better than they are. He was on a team chalked full of talent. I don’t see him being as imposing in the NFL.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
hit post too soon
should have ended as
) seems like a bad idea. i rather hold off on the pass rusher until later, since there isn’t as significant of a drop, and take an elite target, or elite corner, because this is a passing league, we have needs for both, and we aren’t necessarily thinking QB, when Chan has 3 of “his” guys in there, making him feel warm and fuzzy.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 23, 2012 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I am still hoping for Coples. I know the motor is a possible issue, but his physical talent is undeniable. Get guys like Kyle, Marcel, Kelsay around him, and I don’t think motor will be a problem with him. I see him turning into a dominant sack artist (sooner than later). But, Upshaw is a nice fit for us. I am concerned that both he and Ingram have very short arms for a DE though.
Here is my top 10 (not for the Bills, but in terms of overall talent).
1. Luck
2. Griffin
3. Kalil
4. Richardson
5. Claiborne
6. Blackmon
7. Coples
8. Kirkpatrick
9. Reiff
10. Upshaw
In regard to coples
IMO people are over reacting to his lack of motor tag. I never been in the tar heel locker room but its possible there are no leaders on that team that can hold coples accountable and push him to play hard. I would think this is true for many elite college players with nothing left to prove in college and can get by on their skill alone.
Once this guy gets in the nfl he will not be able to get by on pure skill and will be forced to play as hard as he can. Plus there is enough leadership on the bills with guys like Kyle Williams, Byrd, and especially Fred Jackson that can show coples that you will get no where in this league without putting in the effort.
This is why if coples is available I would take him. I believe he will develop the “motor” people say he lacks and He can be the 3 down de the bills desperately need
by billsin2012 on Feb 22, 2012 3:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I would move up for Griffen
He is smart, motivated and good.
He is a perfect candidate to sit behind Fitz for 2 years and learn a system. That would entail keeping Gailey and not syarting all over agian.
We can get a pass rusher in FA
Re-sign Stevie
Draft a WR
Boom!
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 22, 2012 3:58 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
What you give up to move up to get rg3
by billsin2012 on Feb 22, 2012 4:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’d say a first and this year’s second. Or add in next year’s second too.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
Griffin
There is no way we draft a qb that high and sit him for 2 years … First round picks start right away do they can help the team right away… This is all nonsense…
by Mk209 on Feb 22, 2012 6:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not always, as you’ll recall with Rodgers. Yes, most of the time they step in, but there is something to be said for a young QB sitting for a year or two before being handed the reigns.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Feb 22, 2012 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rogers
Rogers story is a lot different …he was a late 1st rounder and the packers were already very good .. As for the bills they have a 10th pick and the whole team is filled with needs so they can’t afford to waste their 10th pick on someone to sit for 2 years… They need someone (does not have to be QB) to come in and help the team right away.
by Mk209 on Feb 22, 2012 6:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, I agree with all of that. You said that first round picks start right away, I said that’s not always the case, especially with QBs.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Hopefully only in QB's
If I’m drafting a top 30 college player I want him to start day 1! QB is the only exception! This is why the CJ Spiller pick was so bad! It’s not that he’s a bad player, but he can’t get on the field and now, he’s entering year 3 and not the starter!
i dont know if its nonsense
It won’t happen, but that does not mean it should not.
So you are saying a team can only draft a first round qb if they currently do not have a qb? Why waif untill you are in dire need of a qb to get one?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 22, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
we will not get Griffin
Nix will not deal away draft picks. Griffin will not be there at the 10 spot. Buffalo should go after the highest rated prospect available. I don’t want them to reach on a pass rusher if thier isn’t a impact one available when they pick.
It’s been a half-hour, and not a single person has yet berated me for putting Blackmon significantly higher than the trio of pass rushers. My question: is it because people are so keen to try to separate the pass rushers, is it because people agree, or is it because nobody has even noticed?
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2012 3:58 PM EST reply actions
Can’t speak for anyone else but it is a list similar to many others I’ve seen. No big surprises, just different order.
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
I’m honestly not enamored with any of the pass rushers. I don’t think any of them scream “elite level player” to me.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
this is where I am
i see way better WR/CB prospects where we select. Plus, I agree completely on Kalil. I think we have an obvious need, and we have obviously got to address it; I just think that we should consider that we have used two full drafts on defense. At some point, we need to add some talent to the offense too.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
As of now, Buffalo’s top two receiving options under contract are David Nelson and Donald Jones. WR may be as dire a need as any other position on the team depending on how free agency goes.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Feb 22, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
I think Blackmon is going to be a dominant receiver…so you do not deserve any berating. I also, like many Bills fans I assume, am nervous with the possibility of drafting another pass rushing bust. That is why I like Upshaw so much (and am glad you put him where you did). I think he will be a solid, versatile player for a long time. As i posted once before. I am buying what Bama is selling. Fill our defense with Bama and LSU players!!!
I don’t think anyone here is confident that we’ll resign Stevie Johnson. And, if we don’t, I don’t think anyone is confident we’ll get one (let alone two) of the large free agent WR class to come here.
by Slick Shifty on Feb 22, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Stevie Johnson
If the bills aren’t willing to pay their good players (they never pay their proven players;Jason peters) … There will be no way they will sign a big WR free agent if they can’t even pay Stevie johnson! Pay the man cheapass BILLS!!
by Mk209 on Feb 22, 2012 6:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They paid Fitz this year, they resigned McGee 3 years ago, Florence this past offseason. They pay their players but under their terms…. Say what you will about Jason Peters, but he held out the year before, and threatened to hold out again. I’m not paying a guy 6 years 60 million if he holds out. Honor your contract and you’ll get paid! I was happy the day they traded him. If Stevie really wants to stay they will get a deal done…. He might want to test the market, then the price for the Bills is probably too high.
Say what you will about Jason Peters, but he held out the year before, and threatened to hold out again.
So many people “forget” this part of that situation.
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Jason peters
It’s true that He was holding out but y? Because damn Wilson didn’t want to pay the man! He was a probowler (still is) and demanded to get paid that’s y he held out. Like I said cheap Wilson never wants to pay his elite players… Fritz and McGee and Florence getting paid yeh but they r not elite players (stars)… Who is a star in the bills team ? No one because they can’t keep any or can’t get any… Enough said
by Mk209 on Feb 23, 2012 7:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You are missing the point. Peters held out, signed a new contract with lots more money, then the following year held out again. If it was one hold out and OBD balked at giving him more money then I could see complaining. But to hold out the next year after signing a new deal, well that’s on him
Stop with the revisionist history..
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 23, 2012 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
"Honor your contract and you'll get paid"
So Wilson is a scumbag for releasing Dockery and Walker because they underperformed their contracts? It works both ways. The bottom line is good teams know when to give in so they can keep the players they need to keep. Dumb teams take a hard line stance at the wrong times while rewarding lesser playes when they find they have nobody else worth locking up,
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
I totally agree that Blackmon is better then the pass rushers. I’ve seen a few games he’s been in and it blew my mind. It’s almost like watching Calvin Johnson play.
Violence: If its not solving all your problems you simply aren't using enough of it.
by Dana H on Feb 22, 2012 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
SAFE
Last year, the “safe” picked worked out just fine for us with Dareus. I would settle for a “safe” pick again this year, and Blackmon seems like a can’t miss. Obviously, someone who can rush the passer is a huge priority, but I don’t see any reason to try for a guy like Coples who might not work out.
I think it’s more about expectations…. The expectation is that those first three guys are gone by the 7th pick…Meaning there’s no chance of Blackmon being on the board at 10. If you look at it from a need perspective, the need at receiver is just as great as the pass rush need… With Stevie being an impending free agent, I wouldn’t be comfortable with Jones, Nelson and Easley being the top 3 wide-outs!
I really like Blackmon a lot
From the first time I saw Blackmon, I thought he was going to be a stud-WR. But, given Oklahoma State’s bad history with WRs who excel in college, but not much in the NFL, I wanted to check him out more to see if my initial opinion would hold—and it has.
I don’t really care what kind of 40 time he runs, Blackmon can play. He reminds me a bit of Crabtree in his ability to make plays on the college level, but with, I think, more speed. I could easily see him going to St.Louis if they don’t go for Kalil.
Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
by LifetimeBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 3:42 AM EST up reply actions
I vote no on Ingram
Bills cant afford to draft a situational, not every down player with the #10 pick. That seems insane to me. Instead take a safe OT from Iowa or Stanford. Cmon now ..
If RG3 lasts beyond pick 2, the Bills better do what needs to be done to get him. I don’t care what they have to do.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
What if he is selected at pick three? Should the Bills do the ELI MANNING scenario with him?
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
No. The Bills should be the ones selecting third.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
I guess my point is what difference is it from 2 to 3? If the Bills are willing to go to pick 3 then they should be willing to go to pick 2.
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
… my point is what difference …
Change to … my point is what significant difference …
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t believe anyone other than the Rams will pick second. (see post below). So I think the Bills ability to move up happens at pick three. If the Rams are foolish enough to pass on RG3, then the Bills need to stampede the podium.
Even if the Rams don’t want RG3, they should draft him and trade him that weekend. It makes not sense to mess around with any other pick when he’s available. Even if they need a LT.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
OK.
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
If the rams to take RG3, I’d be very happy making a move for Bradford. I would think the Rams would be very attracted to 2 picks in the top 10.
by As Smart as I Look on Feb 22, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
The way I see it, RG3 has to be the second player selected. He’s an elite prospect playing the most important position in the game. He’s not the top pick because he’s not the “safe” pick. But if the Rams stay put and don’t draft him, it’s officially a steal for any team taking him. He shouldn’t even be considered as anything less than the second pick.
So if he falls at all, the Bills need to get him.
I think the Rams want too much for their pick.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
OK.
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
OK
Like Bill’s are gonna move-up? Are you serious? I’ll go into shock if that occurs.
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
Make sure you have “LifeAlert” ready. ;-)
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When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 22, 2012 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Naw
Wanna go quick! might as well be Bill’s related.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Agree on the top 5
next 5 I have are
Coples
Hightower
DeCastro
K. Wright
Reiff
by NoiseIsTheBestRevenge on Feb 22, 2012 4:55 PM EST reply actions
My top 10
1. RG3
2. Luck
3. Blackmon
4. Richardson
5. Kalil
6. Claiborne
7. Reiff
8. Brockers
9. Coples
10 Captain Kirk-patrick
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Feb 22, 2012 4:58 PM EST reply actions
Upshaw currently is not a good pass rusher
But he’s a hell of an athlete and can play the run. But no pass rush moves and seems slow off the snap
BCS title game w/ Upshaw highlighted
Top 10 Overall:
1. Luck
2. Kalil
3. DeCastro
4. Claiborne
5. RGIII
6. Richardson
7. Coples
8. Upshaw
9. Blackmon
10. Martin
- Brockers will be top 5 on this list if he has the combine I expect.
My Bills Top 10:
1. Luck
2. RGIII
3. Clairborne
4. Kalil
5. Coples
6. Upshaw
7. Blackmon
8. Martin
9. Ingram
10. Floyd
Kenny Powers is back!
Good list - I like your second list as the overall list better than the first list
I like that you didn’t put Reilly Reiff in the top ten. Not strong enough to anchor, and his feet aren’t top 10 left tackle quality. And he’s lazy with his technique. Don’t agree? Go actually watch his play. When “elite” college ends, like Oklahoma’s Frank Alexander, can consistently bull rush a “top ten pick” all game, it makes me ask questions. And the more video I went back and watched, the less impressed I became.
Not a fan of Floyd in the top ten. I think you ought to include Brockers in now. I’d put him in your second list at six. And I’d add Richardson. Purely on talent, I’d take your second list and re-align it like this:
1.) Luck
2.) RGIII
3.) Kalil
4.) Claiborne
5.) Richardson
6.) Brockers
7.) Blackmon
8.) Coples, though I’m not a fan
9.) Ingram
10.) Tannehill.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
I might replace Ingram with Kirkpatrick, upon looking again
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Kirkpatrick
would be awesome to have. We would have 3 good young corners.
But what are your thoughts on Brockers. Could he possibly play DE? Although that would give us a huge DL, if Carrington/Kelsay started on the other side. But Brockers, Dareus, Williams all could command a double team which teams just can’t block. No speed rushers though, which could be a problem, that could be addressed later in the draft and rotate in on 3rd down. What are your thoughts?
Mario Williams.
I don’t know if he could play DE in a 4-3. My initial thoughts are that he can’t…. but that’s not to say it’s definite in any way.
When I see Brockers, I see a young Richard Seymour. Seymour moves very well for his size, but even in a 4-3, he’s a DT.
I think if Buffalo remained a 3-4, Brockers would’ve been a great pick, with a Brockers-Williams-Dareus line. I don’t see it the same way now.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Thanks for the Analysis, Brian.
I’m not well-informed about college players. I’m one of those weird guys who really doesn’t enjoy college football, even though I love the NFL. Your list and descriptions give me insight about important players in this draft class. Thanks for that.
I have a question. Whitney Mercilus is a name I hear often in the same breath as the Bills in the first round. What are your thoughts on Mercilus? Anyone else can feel free to answer as well.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 5:22 PM EST reply actions
Turning our biggest weaknesses into strengths
is the fastest way to improve this team.
The more I consider the need for upgrades all over the roster, the more I think Demetrius Bell and Chris Hairston are totally acceptable at the tackle position.
If Kalil fell to us at ten, I could see it maybe, but even he isn’t a big upgrade over a healthy Bell. We basically have VACANCY signs out at DE and Sam LB, and def. need a number 1 receiver (Stevie J being an ideal 2).
Getting an elite, or at least very good player to replace a vacancy is much better than getting an elite or very good player to replace a pretty good player.
Kalil
He’s the best OL prospect in 4 years. He would be a monumental improvement over Bell.
Kenny Powers is back!
Yes
And Fitz concurs!
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
My dream offseason
The Bills trade this years 1st 2nd and 3rd round picks as well as next years 2nd to St. Louis for the 2nd overall pick. The Bills draft RG 3 and spend the rest of the draft selecting quality depth players at lb, cb, and both lines.
The Bills resign Stevie and Chandler. The Bills roll over their cap and sign Mario Williams to a 5 or 6 year deal and $100 million. I’d sell him on the fact that he Kyle and Marcell are on the line and who do teams think they will be able to double team? Kyle was taking on double and triple teams a year ago and was STILL causing havoc. I’d compare it to the Vikings of a few years ago. If people think Jared Allen has put up good numbers just wait until you see Mario lined up next to Kyle and Marcell.
Also our only real weak spot would then be at cb. I think the line of Mario, kyle, Marcell, and kelsay is great. The lbs of Barnett, Shepard, and Morrison are solid. The safeties of Byrd and Wilson are great. Only potential problem is cb but with a better pass rush maybe that helps eliminate some fear.
Our fan base would be rejuvenated. Ralph would e laughing all the way tithe bank with he sellouts and RG3 jerseys and Mario Williams jerseys flying off the shelves. The team can spend future drafts upgrading other positions and giving griffin more weapons when ea ready to take the reigns. But finally the bills have their premier pass rusher and franchise qb on the roster.
97% sure it won’t happen but again it’s my dream offseason. It could happen, I just don’t see Nix or Ralph willing to write that check or having the cajones to make that trade. Ahh but one can dream.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
by panekattack on Feb 22, 2012 5:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Drafting quality depth players in rounds 4-7 isn’t as easy as you make it out to be.
Kenny Powers is back!
Well depth in general I mean
Areas where they have the fewest numbers or poorest talent they should target.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
Bills
The bills will never pay for elite talent and if they want to the players would not wan to go to buffalo… Now Stevie Johnson wants to be in buffalo and has proven his abilities for 2 1000 yard seasons… Yet the cheapass Ralph Wilson does not want to pay the guy!! I guess they will draft another 7th round pick and hope he becomes another Stevie johnson .. Yeh maybe another 3 years will do… Im a very dissatisfied bills fan year in year out… I see history repeating itself cuz they never can keep or sign elite talent!!
by Mk209 on Feb 22, 2012 6:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would definitely put Ingram ahead of Coples
Coples is clear a guy with a bad attitude. I don’t think you take a chance on him with a first-round pick, no matter how talented he is. Athletes like that often give you a very limited payback in the long run. Ingram seems to me the best pure pass-rusher available this year (which is what we need most). In addition — and this is very important — he can also drop back into coverage and handle TE’s (something Upshaw has not yet shown that he can do). As for playing the run, as Pete Prisco observed this morning Ingram is not bad at that right now and could become very good given a little coaching given his strong athletic skills. So I don’t see him as a situational player at all and would definitely rank him ahead of Coples (way ahead, in fact). The big question for me is whether he should come in ahead of Upshaw.
suprised
that you have Upshaw ahead of Brockers. I have seen him around 15 on most big boards.
Mario Williams.
Brockers, along with Trent Richardson, didn’t make my list simply because the Bills don’t need a player at that position.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Feb 23, 2012 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
Coples
Agreed regarding Coples coasting thru last yr. He’s playing it safe for his pro career, can’t say I agree but I don’t care as long as he performs in NFL. And he has all the tools to do so.
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
That top ten looks alright
Im not really into the pass rushers though just because I have no idea how they project from college.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Feb 22, 2012 9:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I really liked Upshaw for us before our switch to the 4-3, not so much now. Simply NO to DeCastro for us.
I really like DeCastro, but we have good interior OL starters and have a capable starter as a backup for all 3 positions in Rinehart. In the same fashion that so many hated the Spiller pick, I would hate the DeCastro pick.
It will be interesting to see how Upshaw does in his mobility drills. I just have a tough time seeing him 5 yds off the line for us, which is a real shame.
"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
could DeCastro
Play C? I love Eric, but his injury history is becoming significant.
I called him by his first name on purpose.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 22, 2012 10:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'd probably say they'd have Urbik move over in that case.
There’s no real need though. C/G is one of the few positions where we have above average starters and very solid depth with Rinehart. Urbik, Wood and Rinehart all graded out very well by PFF.
Before we drafted DeCastro I’d hope we’d be able to move down a bit. I think trades may happen a bit more in the first round now since the guaranteed money isn’t as insane as it was in years past.
"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
how do ppl
Feel about brockers at de?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 22, 2012 10:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions
OK SO
I understand the liability Ingram might be vs the run – but he is such a good pressure player – and we cannot pressure the QB for the life of us. Isn’t pass rush more important right now?
We have Williams and Dareus in the middle – and a 4-3 scheme will be more effective with those two players.
IDK
Take off Upshaw and add either Floyd or Brockers to the list and I’d agree with it. Nothing against Upshaw, but just haven’t been impressed with his play.
"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
Just focusing on the Bills is tough enough
I suppose that I could come up with a top 10 list for the draft (thank you Brian for doing so!), but just focusing on the Bills draft has been tough enough for me because I think a lot really depends on what they are able to do in terms of re-signing some of their own players and filling needs in free agency. And, the health of some of their returning players is also a key as well.
For example:
If the Bills don’t re-sign Stevie and are unsure about the health of D.Jones and/or M.Easley, M.Floyd and K.Wright will suddenly move up in my rankings and become a possibility.
If the Bills re-sign Stevie and add a speed receiver in FA (or feel that Jones and Easley will be ready to compete with Clowney for the speed receiver spot), but can’t sign D.Bell or think that he’ll never truly recover from his injuries, Martin, the OT, from Stanford (who I like better than Reiff), will start to look a whole lot better to me.
If Merriman truly has put his injury issues behind him and can hold down one DE spot for at least half a season, Upshaw is going to look great to me.
As things stand right now, from my perspective the Bills’ biggest need—if they re-sign the players that they want to re-sign and don’t add a significant FA—is DE and I’m very much torn as to who would be the best fit for them at that position.
Coples has all the talent you could want, but he’s never impressed me for a whole game (although he was dominant for a half at the Senior Bowl).
Upshaw isn’t a great pass-rusher, but he is a terrific all-around player who makes a lot of plays. At worst he would be a stouter Kelsay at DE, but I doubt he can become the dominant pass-rusher the Bills need.
Ingram might have more speed and pass-rushing ability, but he had a tendency to disappear at times in the games that I saw S.Carolina play and I don’t consider that a good sign.
Mercillus put up outstanding stats last season, but against who? I have concerns about guys who are one-year wonders and I barely noticed him in the Senior Bowl game.
Perry intrigues me. I don’t know if he was at the Senior Bowl or not, but I saw a couple of USC games where he was very good (one where he was dominant). But, like Mercillus, # 10 might be a tad high to take him.
Brockers is an interesting possibility if the Bills think that Dareus could play DE (which he did some at Alabama). He would give the Bills a huge D-line that should be able to keep the offensive linemen off of their LBs.
The guy I really like and who impressed me the most at the Senior Bowl was Curry, the DE from Marshall. I would really like to see the Bills draft him (if they sign a good DE in FA or draft Upshaw @ #10), but #10 is too high for them to take him because he’s still raw and will need some time to develop before he steps into the lineup. Still, he might not last until the Bills pick in the 2nd round. Should the Bills trade down or trade up to take him…or any of the potential additions that I have just mentioned?
A lot should/will take place between now and draft day and, depending on what happens in that time, I could be happy with any of the players I have mentioned above. Of the players likely to go before the Bills pick, the two that I would most like to see the Bills be able to pick, but know aren’t going to last until the tenth pick are RGIII and Blackmon (I like Kendall Wright a lot—even more than M.Floyd—too and he should last until #10, but not if the Bills re-sign Stevie and either add a speed receiver in FA or get back D.Jones and/or M.Easley).
Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
by LifetimeBillsFan on Feb 23, 2012 4:33 AM EST reply actions
like it
would switch the og @ 10 to the OT thou
"Will&Work2Win"coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Feb 23, 2012 9:34 AM EST reply actions
you mentioned Ingram being a liability against the run, keep in mind he most frequently was playing DT (at 272)
while Upshaw was playing OLB at about the same height/weight, Additionally Upshaw was “protected” by a good DL, including 301 pound NT Josh Chapman, to some degree Ingram WAS the NT at SC
defensive end?
I am so not sold on any De with our top pick. I pray that coples gets picked ahead of us. I’m just sayn, the tallent isn’t there for areach to fill a need. Say no to BNP. This team lacks stars. If claborne or trent richardson fall to ten pick, I take him! Id rather hope we pick up kuechy or dre kirkpatrick. I just hoping we can get de help via fa. Or make a call to the ny giants for Usnimora. He’s old. So what? They need a rb? Give em fred jackson. Straight up.
JLK
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