FanPost

Three Player Combos

Hey Rumblers...we've all been debating our best options for the ninth pick, and rightfully so. But I think the first 3 picks (barring Dan Pompei's jump up to #1) are going to be huge if this franchise is going to turn the corner. We had a nice draft last year, but the key to contending is to string several good drafts together (and find a quality QB). With a draft this loaded, I think we can reach a level of consistent playoff contention if we find 3 starters/major contributors in the first three rounds. Super Bowl contention is a whole other story until EJ makes "the Leap", but we can become a Bengals-type team as far as talent and competitiveness.

Anyway, that brings me to the point of this post...I'd be interested to hear which combination of players you think would help the Bills the most in the first 3 rounds. And I'm looking big picture here...not running game, passing game, etc...which players (not positions) do you think would add the most WINS to our record next year? And keep it realistic...no FanSpeak junk where you get Clowney, Sammy, and Jake Matthews in the first 3 rounds and pick up Justin Gilbert as a UDFA.

Personally, I'd go with Ebron, Ja'Wuan James, and Kareem Martin. Here's my thinking:

Ebron: Debated between Ebron and Mike Evans here...gave Ebron the edge because of EJ. Evans' game isn't separation, it's making plays on the ball when he's covered. EJ has yet to show a willingness to throw it up and let his WRs make a play, so that nullifies Evans' greatest strengths. EJ has to SEE guys open to pull the trigger, and I think Ebron will have an easier time separating against LBs and slot corners than Evans will against boundary corners, so he plays better to the strengths of our current QB. Ebron immediately makes us a better team on third down, and gives us a threat that has to be game-planned for by DCs.

Ja'Wuan James: I would have gone with a safety here if I thought any of the top 3 would be available, but I just don't think that's realistic. James is an instant upgrade over Pears in the run game, and will hold up slightly better in pass pro though he doesn't have the feet to be dominant in that aspect. Big, physical, experienced guy that you can plug and play at RT. Fewer drives killed by sacks and holding calls against Pears. I would have gone with Morgan Moses here but I think he goes ahead of our #41 pick. Also, I think it's obvious I would immediately order a Moncrief jersey if we take him here, but I gave OT the slight edge (for this post anyway) since we took a receiving threat up top. Pained me to pass on the WRs here though!

Kareem Martin: Quality DE with some upside. Might not make it this far, but if he does it's a good value. Makes us more stout up front, and provides some athleticism in pass rush situations. Needs some technique work (basically relies on length and strength to win, doesn't have much in the way of counter moves). Can hold the edge and pressure the pocket on obvious passing downs...might not be a "starter" his rookie year, but will give us a some quality snaps and give us more size and athleticism up front.

I'm dying to be talked out of these picks (I really wanted to throw a WR in there somewhere)...who ya got Rumblers?

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.