State of the Roster: Bills Cornerbacks

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2008 9:47 AM EST in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Can Greer (left) retain a starting spot in '08? (BuffaloBills.com)

Let the debate rage on: with the Buffalo Bills running a Cover-2 defense - a zone-based scheme that requires a specific type of cornerback - how high is this position on Buffalo's off-season list of needs? Despite enduring a rash of injuries at the position in 2007 (what position didn't escape this fate?), Buffalo's cornerbacks found a way to perform consistently throughout the season. There were some surprises at the position (Jabari Greer), and there were also some disappointments (Ashton Youboty).

Before we determine how much of a need the position is, let's examine the personnel:

Terrence McGee
Don't underestimate the season that McGee had in 2007. He'll always be a cornerback who gives up some plays - his size and this type of defense pre-determine that - but he's also a very tough player who makes a lot of plays on his own. McGee finished the season fourth on the team with a whopping 78 tackles (#12 among all league cornerbacks) and picked off four passes to boot (leading the Bills). He's as sound a tackler as you can find at the position, and his big-play ability could make him an elite corner if the Bills ever find a pass rush. The 27-year-old is just entering his prime, and should be in Buffalo for the foreseeable future.

Will Improve in '08 if - the Bills can bolster their pass rush :: he becomes quicker at leaving deep routes, jumping underneath ones :: he can continue to stay healthy

Jabari Greer
After losing two starters (Jason Webster and Ashton Youboty) to injury, Jabari Greer stepped in as a starting cornerback and even after Youboty returned to the lineup, Greer held on to the starting job. Like McGee, his size often hinders his play in this style of defense (where strength, height and tackling ability are required skills), but he makes up for his shortcomings with great ball skills and a knack for the big play. He may be a player better suited for nickel and dime work (although the Bills do like Kiwaukee Thomas there due to his bigger stature), but one thing is certain: Greer proved in '07 that he deserves a long look in '08.

Will Improve in '08 if - he's utilized more in man coverage :: he refines his tackling technique a bit

Jason Webster
The biggest enigma at this position as we enter the off-season. If the Bills decide that they'd like an upgrade over Greer on the outside, do they look elsewhere, or re-sign Webster? The oft-injured veteran was injured in the season opening loss to Denver and missed the entire season; he'll also be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2008 season starts. My guess: he's not a Bill next season.

Kiwaukee Thomas
Thomas, who was signed to what is believed to be a two-year deal last off-season, was placed on IR on November with a groin injury. Thomas is a favorite of the coaching staff as the nickel back because at 5'11" and 188 pounds, he brings a physical, technically sound presence to the underneath areas of Buffalo's zone defense. Expect him to re-assume that role next season simply out of familiarity with the staff; if Greer is able to join him in those underneath duties, it would really diversity Buffalo's defense, especially in terms of making plays.

Ashton Youboty
Year Two of the Youboty Experiment is in the books, and as of yet, the former third-round pick has not been able to lock down sufficient playing time. Injuries, family tragedies and a steep learning curve have kept Youboty on the sidelines; when he has been on the field, he has often looked lost. However, he still shows flashes of potential - his interception of Donovan McNabb in the season finale being the obvious example. He's got the makeup to play the position; with an off-season of diving into the playbook and getting stronger, he may surprise and steal Greer's starting spot back next season. Call that a very early gut feeling.

Will Improve in '08 if - he can stay healthy :: he gets stronger :: he refines his tackling technique :: the young man studies up

Jerametrius Butler
A veteran of the Cover-2 defense, Butler was added mid-season after injuries ravaged the position. He, too, missed time due to injury, and was an inconsistent performer on special teams. It was nice to have his experience, but with the position much healthier heading into the off-season, Butler's time in Buffalo seems to be up.

Dustin Fox
Fox is another former third-round pick (of the Minnesota Vikings) who has failed to live up to expectations at the NFL level. He's got solid size (5'11", 200) and the pedigree (Ohio State); he also played well on special teams. He may earn a spot on next year's roster, but only if this position goes untouched during the off-season.

Other Team Members: E.J. Underwood. Underwood is currently on the practice squad.

Off-Season Outlook: Really, there isn't a ton of work for the Bills to do at this position. McGee is a certain starter - whether it's as a #1 or #2 - and they also have solid veterans in Thomas and Greer, along with a developmental project that could still pan out in Youboty. An unexpectedly stable position, if in need of further stabilization, will get it from either a mid-round draft pick or a veteran; it might be hard to find something in between.

Possible additions: mid-round rookie, Tier 2 veteran free agent
Possible subtractions: Webster, Fox

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Comments

I'd like to add a player with some size

Whether that's through the Draft or FA, I do not know, but to me, our CB's size hurt them at times this year.

I'm okay with McGee/Greer starting, but I'd rather have someone who will hold up better against the run in there over Greer. I see him as more of a 3rd/4th CB type, but the #1 backup if a starter goes down.

I really think we need to add more talent at the position. Thomas is an ok vet, but nothing that couldn't be easily replaced. Youboty is a GINORMOUS question mark. He's got good size and skills, but I'm not sure he has the makeup to ever be a big time threat for our D backfield. Maybe it's just me, but he seems like a kid out there while everyone else is a man. I think some facial hair could quelle that notion though.

If we were to add a vet, I guess Drayton Florence would be the best, cheaper option. I can't see us in any universe going after a Samuel, Asomugha or Trufant. I'd love to have a talent like that, but it's not happening. Another option may be Brian Kelly, but he's in his 30's, so he may not be the right fit here. However, he's got plenty of Cover 2 experience and is a very good player, so I'd love to add him to push Greer to #3.

If we go the rookie route, I don't it's in the first couple of rounds. Some mid rounders I'd look at would be Antoine Cason of Arizona, who would probably go in round 2, but may fall if he runs poorly; Terrell Thomas of USC, a guy with excellent size; Domonique Rodgers-Cromarties from Tennessee St, a small school player with big talent and nice size; Zack Bowman of Nebraska, a guy with injury issues but a ton of talent, was one of higher rated CB's at one point; and Tyvon Branch of UConn, who may be my favorite here. Branch has good size, speed, experience and something I'm looking for this offseason: good kick off return abilities. I think it may be necessary to ween McGee out of the full time KR role. Branch is probably a 4th rounder at this point.

If we went with a CB earlier than expected, we could look at Leodis McKelvin from Troy in the late 1st/early 2nd, another guy with bigtime kick return ability, or maybe Aqib Talib of Kansas, a big time playmaker. If we did draft a CB in the first 2 rounds, I would hope it's after we traded down from #11 to get more picks or filled some of our bigger needs in FA.

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2008 10:23 AM EST reply actions

Corners

This is one of the positions that I think the Bills should fill in free agency, rather than the draft. I agree about Drayton Florence, I think he'd be a good fit, there are guys out there that might be better fits,(Samuel, Asomugha or Trufant) but those guys could get pretty pricey. If the Bills add Florence, to the group of Mcgee, Greer, Thomas, and Youboty, thats a good group of five corners that I can live with. They could draft a guy in the 3rd or 4th round area, but would he be a big upgrade over whats already there? If the Bills are looking for an upgrade the likes of which, Florence would give them, I think they'd have to take a corner earlier, say second round. I would rather see them use that pick on somebody other than a corner.

Who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Jan 22, 2008 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Branch

I, too, like Tyvon Branch. Very underrated prospect; we could conceivably nab him with our second 3rd-round pick. He's a good prospect, especially for the Cover-2.

Agree with you about KR as well. We need to be looking for a replacement for McGee - we can't keep wearing him out like we have been. Parrish isn't the answer at KR either - he's too small and doesn't have the tackle-breaking ability that McGee does (or did).

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2008 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

+1

Couldn't agree more about Mcgee. Even though he is a tremendous talent and one of the best K.R. why even chance him going out and injuring himself. If that happens we are doomed at Corner.

Youbooty needs to step it up, imo. He has the tools to be a threat.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Jan 22, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

KR

I really think kick return is a position that very few people are thinking about. McGee's best KR days seem to be behind him, so it's important that we find his replacement sooner rather than later. Adding a player like a Branch, who could develop into a solid CB himself to take over KR duties would be the best way to go about it. We have enough picks where we can gamble on a player with excellent kick return abilities.

If I were to put together my perfect offseason, it would include signing Drayton Florence and drafting Branch in the 4th (I'd release K. Thomas). We'd improve our starters, depth and KR with those 2.

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2008 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Branch

The guy is good, but who says your kick returner has to play corner? I think cutting K.T. would be a mistake. Like you said the Bills have a lot of picks they can afford to take a guy simply to return kicks. The panthers drafted Steve Smith in the 6th round simply as a return man, and he developed into a great WR.

Who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Jan 22, 2008 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

my bad

That should be 3rd round, not sure who I was thinking of.

Who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Jan 22, 2008 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Cornerbacks

I think one of the reasons that the Cover 2 defense is so prevelent is because it is so difficult to find cornerbacks that can actually cover receivers in single, man coverage. Cornerback is one of the toughest positions to play. Their counterparts, wide receivers, have it easy. Receivers run forward and they know where they are going to run. Cornerbacks must essentially run backwards at the same speed and react to wherever the receiver runs. Plus, the rules of the game are stacked against the cornerbacks. For cover cornerbacks, quickness, fluid hips, transition, and closing speed are critical. Since those talents are so hard to find, it is easier to grab someone off the street, teach him how to tackle, play zone coverage, and give him safety help over the top (Cover 2). Let's face it, if cornerbacks like Champ Bailey grew on trees, base Cover 2 defenses wouldn't be nearly the necessity that they are. Sure, every cornerback gets beat, however Bailey gets beat much less than others.

Whether we like the Cover 2 or not, the scheme will likely be a consideration relative to roster management. However, I do not believe the Bills should pass on a great player just because he is not an ideal fit in their scheme. For instance, Deion Sanders would not have been an ideal fit in a Cover 2 defense. However, there is no denying that he is a great player, and it would be a shame on any coach not to adjust his Cover 2 scheme to take advanatage of Sanders' rare talent in man coverage. Tell me the Bills could not use this type of cornerback to match up versus Randy Moss. Sure, elite cornerbacks are difficult to find, but that shouldn't stop you from looking for them.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2008 10:48 AM EST reply actions

I've heard this before

You've mentioned this line of thinking before, and I will say that I don't disagree with you completely.

But let me ask you, would you pay a guy like Asante Samuel Nate Clements money ($80 million)? because that is what it would take. Samuel is easily the best corner available, and he's better then Clements. Nate got $80 mill last year, who's to say Samuel can't get more than that this year. If I were to plug Samuel's name into your scenario above instead of Deion, It would still work so the question is, do the Bills break the bank for a guy like Samuel?

Who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Jan 22, 2008 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

No.

Eric,

Thanks for your comments. No, the Bills do not need to break the bank for a guy like Samuel. They can still get great cornerbacks without spending a boatload of money, particularly through the draft. Although personally I would not rule out breaking the bank on a cornerback if I think he is special. Samuel is a pretty good cornerback, but I don't think he is special.

Regarding cornerback acquisitions in general, I am just trying to expand other fans' minds beyond the traditional big, slow, stiff cornerbacks that are great tacklers, just because they are ideal fits in the Cover 2 defense. Don't pigeon-hole your interests and don't settle. Trust me, complete and versatile talents at all positions and in all phases of the game give teams the best chance to be the best.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2008 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Cover 2 and CB's

I agree with Fort Worth as to why the Cover 2 is so prevelant. I also feel team's have shifted to this defense because it's vanilla and thus, easier to learn which is attractive to team's who constantly change personnel in the free agency era. If teams were able to keep the players they drafted and developed when they hit free agency, I think you'd see less Cover 2. With Buffalo running this conservative scheme, we won't see any big name corners being signed in free agency. Does it help to have a great cover corners in any scheme? Of course,- just look at what Tampa has been able to do with Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly manning their starting CB positions for so many years. By having great corners, Tampa is able to shift out of the Cover 2 from time to time because their corners can also play man-to-man. Consequently, their vanilla base defense becomes more effective because it's complimented by more aggressive looks several times throughout a game. Buffalo could certainly use an Asanti Samuel type of corner on their roster, but they'll never break the bank to get one as they're content with cost-effective mediocrity. Our best chance at improving the CB situation would be striking gold with a 2nd or 3rd round pick rather than signing some bargain bin corner in free agency that gives you nothing more than what Jabari Greer or Kiwaukee Thomas already provides- cheap, dependable, but ultimately, unremarkable play.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Jan 22, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

throw me in...

on the drayton florence bandwagon. I think he would fit in perfectly with Buffalo. A former starter that wouldn't demand outrageous money that only lost his starting position becuase the second year player (Cromartie) behind him grabbed a league leading 12 interceptions when their other all pro CB (Jammer) went down for a few games in the middle of the season.

Drayton is 27, 6'0 and 195 pounds. He would add some much needed size and stability to the DB's while aslo rounding out a very good CB group:

McGee
Florence
Greer
Thomas
Youboyte

John I.

by jri111 on Jan 22, 2008 11:45 PM EST reply actions