Buffalo Rumblings Authors Mock: Round One

by Brian Galliford on Mar 17, 2008 6:50 AM EDT in NFL Draft Comment 55 comments

With more than two weeks fully elapsed since the start of the NFL's free agent signing period, the Buffalo Bills are hitting the home stretch in terms of veteran player additions. The team made an early splash in the period, adding plenty of help to their defensive front seven with the additions of defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson along with linebacker Kawika Mitchell. The team has since added tight end Courtney Anderson and is poised to make serious bids to add DE James Hall and CB William James as well.

For the most part, however, we as Bills fans can now focus on the next big event - April's NFL Draft. With the Bills re-tooling their needs list (and our community following suit next week), the authors of Buffalo Rumblings - sireric, Kurupt, jri111 and myself - thought it would be prudent to bring to y'all what we're calling the Buffalo Rumblings Authors Mock. Coming to you this week, we'll have seven rounds of mock draft excellence, ripe for your analysis and critiques.

We'll start with Round 1 today; Rounds 2, 3, 4/5 and 6/7 will follow throughout the rest of the week. Once we get through this mock and the re-tooling of the community needs list, we'll have our own community-wide mock draft, in which Rumblers far and wide will be able to vote on who they believe should be picked in each round. We'll go with the consensus vote and come up with our own community mock - which should be very interesting, to say the least. For now, we'll stick with your analysis of the authors mock; Round 1 is below.

Brian Galliford's Pick

1-11. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas.
- When push comes to shove, the Bills' top priority in the draft will be to find as much offensive impact as possible. Sweed isn't a sure-fire future Pro Bowl player, but he's tall, very athletic, has good hands and is dependable over the middle. If he can stay healthy in the early part of his career, his future is bright - and he'd finally give the Bills a good (potentially elite) threat in the red zone. I prefer Sweed over Malcolm Kelly at this point based on the fact that Sweed was willing to work out at the Combine, coupled with Kelly's lingering knee issues. My mind could certainly change before the draft - and I'm sure I'll flip-flop several times - but for now, the pick is definitively Sweed.

Sireric's Pick

1-11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida.
- I'll go with Harvey even though I would love Vernon Gholston; I just don't think he will fall that far. Harvey, at 6'4" and 271 pounds, is a solid pass rusher, and could easily boost a stagnant Bills pass rush. One more note - I know Harvey is considered a DE/LB and the Bills have been calling a lot of zone-blitzes of late (one factor that I believe led to some of the diminished sack numbers). So who would you rather have drop back in zone coverage: Derrick Harvey or Ryan Denney?

Jri111's Pick

1-11. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas.
- I did a 7-round mock two weeks ago and I had the Bills selecting Malcolm Kelly with their first round pick (however, I had them trading down in that scenario). The more I look at the two receivers however, the more I like Sweed. Last season, prior to the injury, Sweed was my top receiver coming out. Somewhere along the lines Kelly slipped past him, but now I'm back with Sweed. At 6'4", 215 lbs, Sweed would be the perfect compliment to Lee Evans. My favorite attribute about Sweed is his ability to be aggressive when catching the ball. He always fights for the ball and attempts to make the catch at the highest point. I picked a WR here (even though I am in the camp that believes they can only contribute so much in their first year), because I think it's the Bills' biggest need along with corner. I don't like any of the first round corners at #11 (with the exception of McKelvin, who I think will be off the board by then) and don't get me started on the possibility of taking a DE. The only way I would consider taking a DE is if Gholston fell, which I don't think is likely either.

Kurupt's Pick

1-11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
- I have said it numerous times, and will continue the onslaught until we upgrade our pass rush. I would be kind saying it was non-existent last year. With only 3 DEs on the roster (sorry Ryan Neill and Copeland Bryan) and the fact that they are either on the wrong side of 30 (Schobel, Denney) or approaching it quickly (Kelsay), it's time to get younger and faster. Toss in Kelsay and Denney coming off of significant injuries and we're looking at a big-time need here. Harvey has good size (6'4", 271 lbs), is very quick off the ball, really improved in run support this past year and is known for his pass rushing skills. He's the perfect fit for a Cover-2 defense, which requires speed off the edge, and will help our underwhelming secondary improve. I've been getting tempted to go after a CB or WR at #11, but I don't like the value there to go with some question marks (injury and experience concerns), nor do I like the DE prospects after the top four.

So there you have it - round one of the Authors Mock. And, surprisingly (even to the four of us), it was a clean sweep for Derrick Harvey and Limas Sweed. Now it's your turn, Rumblers - do we even target a defensive end in the first round with Hall on the radar? Is Sweed really better than Malcolm Kelly, or even Devin Thomas? And where the heck were the first-round cornerbacks? All questions you're welcome to ask/attempt to answer in the comments section. Have at it, folks.

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Comments

My take

I like picks the author's have made, however with Hall coming in and the outrageous contract given to Kelsay last year I just don't think they CAN go with DE with the first pick. Sweed is a possibility, especially because he is a Bills kind of "character" guy. But my pick is going to be Talib for the first round. I just don't see Jauron going on the offensive side.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 17, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I should clarify

That this mock was assembled last week before Hall and James came into town on visits.

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

by Brian Galliford on Mar 17, 2008 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I could do it over...

With the Bills losing out on Bryant Johnson, and the possible signing of James Hall, I would have to consider a WR in the first a little stronger. I'm still a little apprehensive about that, as I feel a rookie receiver almost always take a while to transition into a legit NFL player. That said IF I was to take a WR in the first it would be Devin Thomas of Michigan State, and the biggest reason is due to his ability to return kick-offs. As a kick returner he will be able to contribute to the team even if he's having trouble doing so as a WR. Remember Eric Moulds did almost nothing as a WR his first two years, but he was a great punt returner in that time.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas

Thomas scares me because of his lack of playing experience. The way Buffalo's roster currently sits, I think if you draft someone like Thomas, it makes signing a Darrell Jackson-type to compete with him in training camp even more urgent. I also like Sweed more than Kelly until Kelly is given a clean bill of health. Until another WR is signed, I can't look at taking Devin Thomas and his one year of playing college football in the 1st round. If Buffalo adds a WR, and Kelly is given a clean bill of health in the next 6 weeks, I'll be mulling over Sweed, Kelly, Thomas, McKelvin, Talib, and Jenkins come draft day. If vthe draft was this afternoon? You have to go Limas Sweed.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Mar 17, 2008 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

with everything said here by Nick. You can't discount Thomas' kick return skills, but we need a guy who can play offense right away - or at least has the best chance of doing so. At this time, Sweed is that guy; I've got a hunch he'll be that guy in late April as well.

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

by Brian Galliford on Mar 17, 2008 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

The Bills have a tendency to go their own way when it comes to WRs in the first. Lee Evans was considered a lesser prospect then Michael Clayton, Michael Jenkins, and even Rashaun Woods, mainly due to his injury history. But the Bills took him because they needed a speed guy. Also Moulds wasn't a consensus first rounder due to attitude problems he showed during the senior bowl.

The point being that if everyone seems to think it will be a guy like Sweed or Kelly because they are considered the top guys, it probably wont be, so look for somebody a little different. Thomas fits the bill.

Sweed might well be the pick, and for the sake of every Bills fan, if he is he better catch on quick.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That may be true

Sweed>Kelly in my book

Thomas is up there at Sweed's level, not sure who I'd put first at this point though.

Still not liking a WR at #11 though. There's still time for me to be swayed however. Any kind of trade down would be a good move, IMO.

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas

I agree with that point because not only is THomas a decent considersion but he is also used to the weather that we get late in the season since he was born and played football all he's life in buffalo. As we have all seen by the way the bills played in the bad weather situations that we need someone used to playing in those conditions. Which is why we should get Thomas instead of get some the played in warm weather whole career like sweed and kelly

by The Buffalonian on Mar 17, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong Guy Brian

I think it is going to be a WR at #11 barring a deal to move down. (Unlikely). However, you got the wrong guy Brian--they like Kelley better.

Varying opinions at OBD on Hardy by the way---some folks love him. Others don't.

Geronimo

by Geronimo on Mar 17, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

say it ain't so

You're gonna make me cry, Geronimo. I hope his quad heals itself by the time training camp opens. It's only been injured for how long now, and it was his knee before that. I guess I just want somebody a little tougher.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

interesting insight...

I gotta admit, I like Sweed more then Kelly, but as long as they do thier hw, I would be happy with eitehr one. Question for anyone, if the Bills go WR in round 1, would you expect them to address the position again in the draft? and when?

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 17, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Buddy, buddy.....

Normally I am with you and actually up to the other day I was as well, but I am officially off of the Devin Thomas train. This kid had 15 yes count'em 15 drops last season! I love the Harvey pick (you know that). If I'm making my pick between Thomas, Kelly, and Sweed...I'm takin Sweed seven days a week, yes, I know about the wrist but he is exactly what we need and has lesa injury concerns (now) then Kelly, and better hands then Thomas.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 17, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know

In all honesty I don't really care for any of the three. I like Jordy Nelson and Earl Bennett, the best of this WR class, and 11 is too high for either of those two.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats what I'm talking about

Jordy, and Earl Bennet (haven't seen too much of him) are better options IMO as well. I mean I hate drafting people on measureables both of the aforementioned WR's have been nothing but CONSISTENTLY PRODUCTIVE. I want a player who can come in and contribute immediately, Nelson and Bennet are both that player where as I see Sweed, Kelly,and Thomas as the classic hit or miss, as usual I think you repped real on this draft Eric, hey and by the way Happy St. Patty's day!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 17, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jordy Nelson - what's the obsession?

I don't understand the obsession with Nelson. Did he have a good season last year? Yes, but to call his college career overally productive is a bit of an exageration. In 2007 he had 122 receptions for 1606 yards and 11 TD's. However, in 2006 he only had 39 receptions for 547 yards and 1 TD and in 2005 he had 45 receptions for 665 yards and 8 TD's.

He does have the size-i'll give you that (6'3, 215 pounds), but overall I think he may just be the product of a high-octain offense in a conference which is known for it's horrible defense. He has a lot to like about-don't get me wrong- but there is a reason he's considered a mid-round talent then a potential first rounder. He has upside, but there are a lot of question marks too. His ability to stretch the field. His blocking. His ability to compete agaisnt top competition. He would be a great pick-up for Buffalo in the 3rd or 4th round, but not as the answer for a starter this season. I would take him in the in one of those rounds with Kelly or Sweed in the first.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 17, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

15 drops

Is that true? Where did you see that?

WOW WOW WOW

He sounds like he should be a Seahawk then.

What we need is a guy with reliable hands, who can go over the middle and can go up and get the ball.

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Devin Thomas - 15 Dropped Passes

Per NFL Network's Mike Mayock. I think it was for the entire 2007 season. I believe this is the correct link to the source:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807339b1

What the Bills need the most in their passing game is a red zone threat and YAC. As you alluded to, YAC is irrelevant if the receiver cannot catch passes to begin with.

I'm not a big fan of Limas Sweed. I do not really have any logical, concrete reasons why, though. I'm just not real high on Sweed.

As far as Malcolm Kelly versus Devin Thomas, I think what it boils down to is they both have great size, however Kelly has outstanding hands and Thomas is outstanding at getting YAC.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 17, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the deal...

I have watched too much o Kelly, Sweed, and Nelson and by far I am takin Nelson, however with that being said...the only one I truly do not like is Kelly. I mean the kid is a JR. has had no bit of consistent production, and on top of that has passed up the whole off season due to a quad? Seriously, coming rom Big 12 country here is my rankings on the WR's coming out of our division....Nelson, Sweed, and Kelly. Nelson has been nothing but Productive, and healthy, while Sweed, and Kelly have been eye opening, but anything but consistent!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 17, 2008 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I agree with you to an extent. Nelson should be talked about more, but let's not be mistaken here, he's not as talented as the other two. However, he just seems like one of those guys who will always get the job done. He shouldn't be talked about before the 2nd round though, and that may even be a stretch.

I like Sweed much more than Kelly. He is more of a playmaker and to me, he uses his body better. I do like Kelly, but not at #11 and not if we have the chance to get Sweed. I am also very curious as to why Kelly's been sitting out of workouts because of a quad injury. I think his prior knee injury may be causing some discomfort. Or maybe he actually tore the quad muscle. Whatever it is, it is either worse than reported or he's a bit soft.

I still like Nelson in the 2nd or 3rd the best of our WR options. Sweed would be ok in the 1st.

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the deal...

I have watched too much o Kelly, Sweed, and Nelson and by far I am takin Nelson, however with that being said...the only one I truly do not like is Kelly. I mean the kid is a JR. has had no bit of consistent production, and on top of that has passed up the whole off season due to a quad? Seriously, coming from Big 12 country here is my rankings on the WR's coming out of our division....Nelson, Sweed, and Kelly. Nelson has been nothing but Productive, and healthy, while Sweed, and Kelly have been eye opening, but anything but consistent!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 17, 2008 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We have enough holes

to sit back and see who falls. Someone always does. The Bills should target the best player available in this order for round one - C. Long, Gholston, Dorsey, Ellis, J. Long, McKelvin, Cromartie, Sweed, Harvey, and Kelly. Sit back and wait to see who falls to us. It will most likley be Sweed. If the Bills resign Evans and pick up a #2 WR before the draft, then I would flip-flop Sweed and Harvey.

by Joe P. on Mar 17, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

IMO

I had been leaning toward DE and liking P.Merling ,that is until I learned of his Hernia operation. I now feel the best scenario would be a modest trade down, pick up a extra pick and Take Devin Thomas WR or A.CASON CB. Both look like they will be availiable btw 15-25. I might add so may Sweed and Kelly, both of them are coming off injuries. Sweed a wrist and Kelly a leg. You cannot diminish the fact that at 11 you don't want to mess with damaged goods especially when there is not alot of drop off. If we trade down a little further Hardy or Talib may still be around and I like them both also. Its a tough choice if we stay at 11,we have to hope someone drops to us like Gholston or Mckelvin otherwise we will as we have in the past take the player we like the best even if it appears to be a reach at 11. ala-Whitner. Turned out ok

by Rocco58 on Mar 17, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Trading Down

Is definitely a possibility and one the Bills should consider. The 11th pick should look very tempting (hopefully on draft day) for a team that wants the No. 2 Offensive Tackle -- Clady, Williams or Otah. I don't think there is a more important position for a lot of the teams. Detroit certainly would be a leading candidate. In fact, each team behind us (Denver (12), Carolina (13), Chicago (14), Detroit(15)) may become desperate to jump ahead of each other to pick their OT (I would think Clady) -- the Bills can move down a few spots and pick anyone on their wish list (that was at 11), whether a CB, WR or DE. The extra pick (maybe a 3rd rounder) from one of these teams should be great currency to move up like we did last year for Poz (i.e., get 2 1st round-type quality). What about Sweed at 15 and move up to get Carson, Campbell or Conner (don't shoot me)?

by labill on Mar 17, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

Mendenhall, he's another guy that teams will be looking long and hard at. especially with Jonathan Stewart having toe surgery, Mendenhall now becomes an even hotter commodity. All the teams you mentioned could be willing to grab either the second best tackle (Clady or Otah) or the #2 RB (Mendenhall)

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll join

sieric and kurupt. I've been with that line of thinking for sometime and I am not solely influenced by the NYG. Rather than roll the dice on a guy named 'limas' or take a CB, I would prefer Harvey, a guy that could play and develop and hopefully come up with a rookie sack total that helps Kelsay and Schobel be better players.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 17, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1st Round Strategy

My take is that we still need to help out the DE position at the top of the draft, but be flexible about it. If neither Gholston nor Harvey are available at #11, then the Bills should seriously consider trading down a few slots to pick up a WR such as Sweed or Thomas and an extra draft pick.

Buffalo does not need to stay at #11 in order to pick up a decent #2 WR. There's likely to be a number of teams willing to trade up with us at #11 (where they can still get a need player w/o the big price tag of a top-5 pick), so we could be in position to acquire a pretty good pick in return.

I still think we could pick up a decent #2 WR slightly later in the draft (Rounds 2 or 3). We could always trade back up in the 2nd to grab one of the remaining tall WR's (if we felt desperate enough that none would be available to pick at our present slot in Round 2).

We are pretty desperate for fresh talent at the DE position, IMO, enough so that the position needs a starter-quality guy immediately.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Mar 17, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what's the deal

with hardy from indiana? could he be had in the second round? is he any good?

i just happened to notice that he's a big, big boy.

by sri on Mar 17, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hardy

Here's a quote from Al's hot news concerning Hardy:"Indiana WR James Hardy was impressive at both the combine and at his pro day workout, but has character concerns because of a three day jail stay for alleged battery on his girlfriend in 2006, and was suspended for two games that season for conduct detrimental to the team." Not sure he fits into the Buffalo Character mold.

Also a note from the same site Malcolm Kelly is scheduled to visit Buffalo tomorrow.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

In this first round mock draft, what players have already been selected?

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 17, 2008 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not that kind of mock draft

We are basically projecting who we think the Bills will pick in each round. So to answer your question; nobody.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clarification

I just want to confirm what these mock draft threads are all about.

1. Who we think the Bills should pick in each round?

Or...

2. Who we think the Bills will pick in each round?

I would prefer to play general manager and hope for the best rather than face the harsh realities of comprimising talent for character, fitting/accepting the Cover 2 defense, and increasing team needs (bye Panda, strong safety).

My vision and hope for the Bills to eventually be a dominant team fuels my passion as a fan. Can we discuss item #1 rather than item #2?

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 17, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda both

Obviously I think the Bills Will pick Harvey because I think they Should.
In an attempt to answer your question, I would say go by the SHOULD.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Based on

who should be available at each of our selections. From perusing various scouting sites, mock drafts and other projections, we came up with who could roughly be there. There's no guarantee that Sweed or Harvey would be there, but as of now, it's looking pretty likely.

Don't crucify us if you think we overdrafted or picked someone who you feel would be long gone by the time we pick. We did our best based on the information that is available to your typical internet browser. If you disagree with our picks, that's just fine, but let us know why you think that guy wouldn't be a good pick at that point. I'll point out other guys I had in mind for that pick and I'm sure the other guys would do the same.

Everyone should add who they feel would be a good pick at that point, also. I'm sure Harvey and Sweed aren't at or near the top of EVERYONE's list....

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are you trying to say

You don't think we're THAT GOOD. Isn't every Bills fan thinking either Sweed or Harvey? (Sarcasm at it's finest.)

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course you're good but...

You don't think Denney can drop back in coverage? I've been thinking he looks very Sehorn-esque and perhaps we could best service our cornerback needs by moving him outside. He would be the best bump and run corner in the league and the best run stuffer outside since Antoine Winfield. :)

by jj24 on Mar 17, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

how bout this

If WR take a few years develop why dont we get WR and then next year well spend our first pick on a DT or DE.

by BILLZ4EVER on Mar 17, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Next year

It's sounding more and more like a WR at #11, which means we'll miss out on the stud DE's unless we trade back into the 1st. I don't really like any of the players after the top 4 DE's, so we may end up looking at a speed rusher later in the draft only.

I wonder what the DE crop looks like next year...

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ask and you shall receive

try this link

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 17, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweed

The more I read about him the more I like him. Sounds like a hard working, no-nonsense kind of player. His size is an obvious advantage and he played nearly half a season with torn ligaments in his wrist. Most of us couldn't play Xbox with a messed up wrist let alone play football.

However, according to many "experts", Devin Thomas may be the fastest riser of anyone. The fact that the Bills brought him in shows that they are interested. There is a lot of things to like about him, but most people say he could take a while to develop. Honestly I have no problem with that. Sure I would love to see the Bills make the playoffs this year finally, but I would also like to see the Bills build a competitive team over the long haul.

That said, I think the Bills should take Limas Sweed because of his big play ability, he is a red zone threat, size, and attitude. I believe he would make an instant impact and would continue to develop beside Lee.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

!Say Bye-Bye to Hackett!

D.J. Hackett has signed with the Carolina Panthers on a two-year deal.

Links are fun!

Oh Well, I guess OBD never had any interest in him.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 17, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dwayne Bowe

That name gives me some hope that a rookie wide receiver can be productive. Granted, he's one of very few that produced well in his first year, and, he was KC's #1 wide out. However, he wasn't simply a speed guy, but rather a big target(6,2 221) who ran good routes and had very good hands. So if we take the best route runner with the best hands and he has 2/3 the rookie season Bowe had, that would be a victory for the Bills and probably be enough to warrant a #11 pick.... As long as that player continues to progressively produce. I guess that's probably Sweed. I wouldn't consider a corner, defensive end, or trade unreasonable, of course.

by jj24 on Mar 17, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My Take

Dwayne Bowe was the 3rd receiver taken in last years draft. So instead of hope, this should discourage us. My point is you just never know when drafting a receiver. This is why all week long I have been stating what a major blunder it was letting Bryant Johnson sign somewhere else.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 17, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who was the first receiver taken?

The second? What position was Bowe drafted?

answers:
CALVIN JOHNSON
TED GINN JR.
22nd overall- I wouldn't call that discouraging

by jj24 on Mar 17, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Ellis

Picking at 11 a team is not exactly in a position to draft for need OR the best available. At 11 you really have to hybridize the two. Find the players that satisfies both aspects as closely as possible, without sacrificing value. Limas Sweed is NOT that player at 11. Malcolm Kelly is a stretch as well, even though he definitely appears to be more of a game-breaker than Sweed. Derrick Harvey is a MUCH better value at 11 than any of the WRs in the draft. The reason I say that is because there aren't many complete receivers in this draft class, unless Kelly can run a good 40 and prove to scouts he can go deep in the NFL. It appears the best thing for Buffalo to do is trade back because if they really want Kelly or Sweed they can get at least one of them in the 20's (or so it seems). Just watch out if Kelly runs a 40 time 4.45 or under, scouts are going to freak and he will become the next Calvin Johnson.

I see that a lot of people on here want one of the top DEs in this draft, but there's a guy that could be had round 2-3 named Chris Ellis who could turn out to be just as good as any other DE in this class. He had 8.5 sacks his senior season, the same as Derrick Harvey. I don't know why he is so under the radar right now because he is MORE athletic than Harvey. Anybody know something I don't?

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Mar 17, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

Hey Foreign Arrow, awesome saying at the end of your comment. I wish more American's felt that way.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Mar 17, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BPA - An offensive lineman?

I can't believe I just read 40 posts, and not one person contemplated an OL at 11 (labill came close).

Clady, Williams, and Otah seem to have moved up since the combine. Even the guard Albert could crack the top twenty.

I think given the depth on the Bills OL, you could make an argument that one of these guys might not be a bad fit. I certainly value at least three of these guys more than a DE that's more suited for a 3-4, or both Sweed/Kelly.

by krytime on Mar 17, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Malcome Kellly - can he be had in the second?

from rotoworld: http://rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4656

Due to a quadriceps injury that's prevented him from working out this offseason, Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly has reportedly fallen behind Devin Thomas and DeSean Jackson on "many draft boards around the league."

Kelly could help himself by going through with a private workout he has scheduled for April 9. Otherwise, he seems likely to fall out of round one.
Source: ESPN.com

and here is the ESPN article: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-5-779/Malcolm-in-the-middle--OU-receiver-dropping.html

Malcolm Kelly watch
March 17, 2008 1:40 PM

There was a time when those of us in the mock draft industry thought Oklahoma receiver Malcolm Kelly might go as high as No. 11 overall to the Buffalo Bills. But that was before Kelly decided to skip his pro day because of the thigh injury that also caused him to sit out his combine workouts.

I talked to an AFC scout last night who said that several teams were losing patience with Kelly, who will supposedly perform at a private workout in Norman on April 9. If he has an outstanding showing, Kelly could vault back into the top 20, but right now he's fallen behind Cal's DeSean Jackson and Michigan State's Devin Thomas on many draft boards around the league.

"If the kid's not going to work out, we're not going to touch him in the first round," said the scout. "He may be a star in the league for all I know, but he's not doing himself any favors right now."

Thomas didn't do much at his pro day last week because he'd already posted a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He'll visit with the Bills and Vikings this week. The Cowboys were hoping Thomas would still be on the board for their second pick at No. 28, but that's probably out of the question now.

Kelly was involved in what may have been my favorite moment of the combine. A reporter rushed up to his podium to ask what it was like to grow up with parents who were mechanical engineers.

After a long pause, Kelly answered, "Well, my dad was a mechanic."

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So a few question:

Is it possible that Malcome Kelly could fall to the Bills in the second round?
Do the Bills take the chance and wait to take a WR in the second round if he does have the potential to fall?
Do the Bills trade down from 11 to grab Kelly later in the first (obviously, if they could find a trading partner)?

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 17, 2008 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

No chance. Someone will snatch him up long before we pick in round 2. Maybe the Cowboys at #28 even. There are a lot of teams that could use a WR of his talents.
They would have to take a different WR if that's the case. Like I said, I don't think he'd be there in the 2nd for us. I could see us trading back into the first or early 2nd though.
That may be the smartest move, especially if we like him. However, we all know the Bills would rather just take him at #11 instead of 'risking' it by trading down.

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why again does the 11th have to be a WR?

"we all know the Bills would rather just take him at #11 instead of 'risking' it by trading down"

I dont' "we all" know the Bills plans. I'm still gonna bet that they won't pick a WR if they hang on to that 11th pick.

by krytime on Mar 17, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brian make a good point

We need offense now

by jj24 on Mar 17, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was sarcasm

The Bills don't seem to have interest in moving down, or haven't in a long while. Instead, it would appear they'd rather take a guy who many will consider a reach...

I really hope they trade down if they don't take Harvey or someone who inexplicably slides, because the WR's and CB's who will be available aren't overly great values at 11. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll see them trading down at all....

by Kurupt on Mar 17, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Da Draft

What is the greater area of need for the Bills? Obviously WR, but definitely CB. I do not think they will take a WR with the 11th pick. WR position is deep this year. And I agree that a WR chosen that high is a bit of a gamble. If they do go WR, Sweed should be the pick. He is very aggressive at going after the ball and doesn't mind traffic. Kelly's legs are an issue, but not Sweed.

Jaron will go defense first. Cromartie has more pro upside than any other CB. Mckelvin and Jenkins are under 5'10. Cromartie has the size and is faster than any other CB. A 4.33 40! Wooga. No WR will outrun him. Our CB's are adequate at best. DE is a need too but not as much as CB. At least two CB's will go before #11. Mckelvin will be one. If Buffalo wants Cromartie, they will not trade down. Harvey would be a very good pick here too. Lots of upside and grades well against the run. Either way, CB or WR, we get a good one. Better than using a top ten for a safety!

by keuka121 on Mar 17, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reasons we take a WR in Round 2

The WRs at the top of the draft board have a lot of questions (i.e. injuries or character issues)... so those in question will slip and their are a lot of those type of players.
Their are a lot of solid "#2" receivers in the draft (taking size out of it). What would be the problem with having 2 Lee Evans type receivers and a large pass catching TE?
After the top 4 CB in the draft or top 3 DE their is a drop off in talent. With the additions of either of these two positions can turn our above avg. defense (with our FA additions) to a top 10 defense.

FYI: We wont make the expected picks

ROUND 1 - Jenkins / Cromartie
ROUND 2 - Thomas/ Caldwell
ROUND 3 - David/ Rucker

If we get any three of these guys I will consider this draft an amazing draft.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 17, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like your draft hilliarddavid

I like your draft. I don't think Thomas is a realistic 2nd, though. What about Hardy? Manningham? Also, Carlson/Cottam (TE) in the 3rd (Fred Davis would be unlikely, unless you are talking about Kellam Davis).

by labill on Mar 17, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Need something offensive in the first two

taking a DE at 11 would have a massive impact on our defense but when the second round comes round I don't think Kelley, Thomas, Sweed or even Fred Davis will still be on the board and their the ones with size and speed we need on our offense now

by ArenZimm on Mar 18, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs