Buffalo Rumblings Mock Draft, V3.0

by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 12:00 AM EDT in 2008 NFL Draft

Kelly to Buffalo in Version 3 of our mock draft (Athlon Sports)

'Tis the season to be mocking, Bills fans, and tomorrow SB Nation begins doing just that. If you're looking to find the coolest mock draft anywhere, be sure to tune in to Mocking the Draft, SB Nation's NFL Draft blog, tomorrow morning for the start of the second annual SB Nation NFL Mock Draft. Last season, I was fortunate enough to represent the Buffalo Bills in the first edition of the mock draft and used the opportunity to draft LB Patrick Willis, RB Antonio Pittman (ouch) and LB Quincy Black for the Bills. Two out of three isn't awful, right? This year, we'll clearly be making the Bills' selections again; stay tuned over the next week for Buffalo's selection. We'll have much more on the SBN NFL Mock in the month leading up to the draft.

In the meantime, however, now is the time to unveil the third version of Buffalo Rumblings' Mock Draft. I've provided analysis for the first-round selections through Buffalo's pick, and you'll have two full rounds of mock draft goodness to analyze. As usual, feedback is appreciated, but this third-version mock also serves a dual purpose: this is your final chance to lay out for us exactly how you'd like the Bills to approach this draft. We're looking for as much community input into the Bills' pick as possible; feel free to leave first-round suggestions, draft strategies, and any other miscellaneous items in this thread. Enjoy your Sunday, and we'll see you tomorrow for both the launch of the SBN NFL Mock as well as our normal Bills coverage.

1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
- There's little doubt this will be a Long. This draft class is deep along the offensive line, and defensive ends usually go as high as they possibly can on draft day. With those two facts in mind, Chris Long is a pretty easy selection to make - a nice, safe first round selection for Bill Parcells.

2. St. Louis Rams - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
- Jake Long and Glenn Dorsey will be tempting, but the Rams have players at both of those positions. That's especially true at tackle, where Orlando Pace is expected to be fully healthy again next season. The Rams struggle rushing the passer, and Gholston has as much potential as any prospect in this draft.

3. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
- If Jake Long is here, this is an easy selection for the Falcons, who will likely add a lineman with this pick (and pass on Matt Ryan). If Long is gone, expect this pick to be Glenn Dorsey.

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
- The two players that Oakland would like most - Jake Long and Gholston - are off the board. Dorsey will be a consideration, but the Raiders have players along their line. McFadden is simply too talented for Al Davis to pass up.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
- Clearly, the Chiefs need help along the offensive line. Ryan Clady is certainly an option here, but when a player like Dorsey falls into your lap - at a position that isn't a team strength - you don't pass on him. The Chiefs can get a left tackle in the second round.

6. New York Jets - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
- Two popular Jets picks, Gholston and McFadden, are off the board. The team added Kris Jenkins in March, but they'd like to replace Dewayne Robertson. Ellis gives them even more flexibility to do just that and is the best player available.

7. New England Patriots - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
- Sure, the Pats have added some veteran corners (Jason Webster, Fernando Bryant) after losing Asante Samuel to free agency. But Ellis Hobbs has always been a weak link, so DRC is the pick - he should start immediately. Derrick Harvey is a legitimate option as well.

8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
- Baltimore would really like to add a defensive back here, as their cornerbacks are injury-riddled and aging. But Ryan is high on their list, and it's still not clear if Steve McNair can be a competent starter for them next season. They simply won't be able to pass on Ryan.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
- If Sedrick Ellis is available, he's the obvious choice here. He's off the board, however, so the Bengals boost their O-Line. The team needs to do a better job of keeping Carson Palmer upright, and Rudi Johnson could use some help as well. Clady helps out both players.

10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
- Cornerback is the popular choice here, but the Saints have signed Randall Gay and have a young player in Usama Young to groom. Rivers fills a huge need at outside linebacker and is obviously the best 'backer available this year.

11. Buffalo Bills - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
- There are three excellent cornerbacks available, most prominent amongst them Leodis McKelvin, but the team's off-season moves have forced their hand: they have to go offense here. Kelly has question marks, but he's #1 on Buffalo's wideout board and had a nice private workout for them. I'd still prefer Devin Thomas, but if Kelly's the guy, I'm happy as long as we go offense.

12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
14. Chicago Bears - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
15. Detroit Lions - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
16. Arizona Cardinals - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
17. Minnesota Vikings - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
18. Houston Texans - Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
21. Washington Redskins - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
22. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24. Tennessee Titans - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
25. Seattle Seahawks - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
27. San Diego Chargers - Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
28. Dallas Cowboys - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
29. San Francisco 49ers - Sam Baker, OT, USC
30. Green Bay Packers - Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
31. New England Patriots - VOID
32. New York Giants - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (FL)

And now, round two - regrettably devoid of explanations. If you have questions or concerns, just ask.

33. Miami Dolphins - Carl Nicks, OG, Nebraska
34. St. Louis Rams - Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
35. Atlanta Falcons - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
36. Kansas City Chiefs - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
37. New York Jets - Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
38. Atlanta Falcons - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
39. Baltimore Ravens - Justin King, CB, Penn State
40. San Francisco 49ers - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
41. New Orleans Saints - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
42. Buffalo Bills - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
43. Denver Broncos - Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
44. Carolina Panthers - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
45. Chicago Bears - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
46. Detroit Lions - Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
47. Cincinnati Bengals - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
48. Minnesota Vikings - Fred Davis, TE, USC
49. Atlanta Falcons - Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
50. Philadelphia Eagles - Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
51. Arizona Cardinals - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
52. Washington Redskins - Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
54. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
55. Tennessee Titans - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (FL)
56. Seattle Seahawks - Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
57. Green Bay Packers - Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP
58. Miami Dolphins - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
59. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
60. Indianapolis Colts - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
61. Green Bay Packers - Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
62. Dallas Cowboys - Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
63. New England Patriots - Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan
64. New York Giants - Beau Bell, LB, UNLV

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Comments

Question

Why would the Bears take Flacco when they already have Sexy Rexy?

(kidding)

Looks good. I'm surprised to see some of those guys in round 2 (Forte, Harrison, Ellis, Cottam, Cousins, Bell) as I personally think they're all 3rd rounders or later. I also can't see the Cowboys taking Stewart, as he's so similar to MBIII. I think they'd go WR/CB in round 1 and J.Charles/C.Johnson in round 2....

Who would we be taking in round 3 and 4?

by Kurupt on Mar 30, 2008 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

Keep in mind

That MBIII is an RFA and hasn't worked out a deal with Dallas. He, in effect, has one more year there, although it's certainly likely they'll try to re-sign him. As it stands now, Dallas will take BPA at RB, and Stewart is a steal for them.

Not sure who I would have targeted in the third, though Charles Godfrey's name would have looked nice had he still been there.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions

only one problem

No Early Doucet?

gotta be an oversight because you can't possibly think Mario Manningham will go before Doucet on draft day. I would be surprised if Jordy Nelson doesn't go ahead of Manningham too. Mario doesn't have elite size OR speed and drops too many passes too.

I disagree with some other stuff too, but it is all too minor to even bring up.

by kaisertown on Mar 30, 2008 12:35 AM EDT reply actions

I don't do oversights :)

Manningham pumped out solid 40 times at his Pro Day, boosting his draft stock a bit, and he's still one of the elite receivers coming out of college. Doucet is underwhelming athletically, though I definitely believe he's a good prospect. I still think Manningham goes before both of those guys, though Nelson and especially Doucet were clearly some of the better prospects left on the board.

No disagreement is too minor to bring up here. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Further to this

I have Manningham going to Dallas, who specifically need a deep threat. They have the slot/possession guy already in Patrick Crayton, and they've got the do-everything (except catch consistently) T.O. They need to replace Terry Glenn with a guy who has proven he can stretch defenses vertically. Manningham is that guy.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

fair enough

HaHa so much for no oversights .... I just noticed that DeSean Jackson is missing too. But more seriously, the Manningham pick does make much more sense to me after your explaination.

I will admit that I like Doucet more than most. Pro Offense, blocks well, isn't afraid to get hit, is shifty and looks faster than he times, leadership and hard work.

If nothing is too minor to bring up:

I think Ryan Clady is a poor fit for the Bengals. I think Clady is a true LT and lacks the size and strength to excel on the right side and Levi Jones is a good LT. Willie Andrews isn't that old and Cinci just shelled out 7.4 mil to hold on to Stacey Andrews. Cinci obviously needs defensive help. What was the reasoning for the Clady pick?

The Jets still run a 3-4. Where would Ellis play? Is he insurance for Jenkins or would he be moved to end?

The Chargers have an elite pass-rushing pair in Merriman and Philips. I don't think SD can afford a luxury pick when they don't have a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Why Groves?

Did you send Sam Baker to SF as a Guard or a Tackle? I think Staley is their LT of the future and Baker doesn't have the skillset to play RT. Does Baker play LG or does Staley go back to the right side?

I don't check too many mocks, but a couple of picks that I havn't seen that I love are:
Reggie Smith to GB - he could battle for a starting spot as a safety immediately. He also provides insurance for an aging CB group.
DRC (over McKelvin) to NE - The Pats think outside the box.
Brandon Albert to HOU - I have no idea who is going to pick Albert. There is this stigma that guards shouldn't be picked early. But I think Albert is one of the safest picks in the whole draft and the next pro-bowl LG. I think he could have a pro-bowl calibur year as a rookie. Someone is going to fall in love with him and maybe it is Houston.

by kaisertown on Mar 30, 2008 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Re:

I just noticed that DeSean Jackson is missing too.

If by missing you mean "drafted by Tennessee at pick 24", then yes, he's missing. :)

I think Ryan Clady is a poor fit for the Bengals. I think Clady is a true LT and lacks the size and strength to excel on the right side and Levi Jones is a good LT.

Levi Jones has had some injury issues. Stacy Andrews can be moved inside to guard, and Willie Anderson isn't a spring chicken. That team needs to keep Carson Palmer happy and upright, and find a way to get Rudi Johnson back on track. Clady can help them do that.

Where would Ellis play? Is he insurance for Jenkins or would he be moved to end?

End. Ellis isn't stout enough at the point to play inside in a 3-4, but he's disruptive enough to play end.

I don't think SD can afford a luxury pick when they don't have a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Why Groves?

BPA. San Diego doesn't have a lot of needs (RB, OL and maybe DL and S depth), but 3-4 defenses need pass rushers if they can find them. This will make their defense far more explosive than, say, a DT would, and A.J. Smith knows that. He's not afraid to think outside the box either (Antonio Cromartie, anyone?)

Did you send Sam Baker to SF as a Guard or a Tackle?

Couldn't tell you - all I know is that they're looking for more upgrades along the line with Larry Allen set to retire and Justin Smiley a Dolphin. No guards were worth that pick, so I took Baker, who's flexible enough to shift around if need be.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 31, 2008 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions

haha

sorry about the Jackson thing. Clearly oversights are common for me.

All those explanations work for me except the Groves to SD pick.

The Chargers have ONE pick in the first four rounds. If they don't trade down (they have to right?) they must use the pick on a need. And I disagree that they don't have needs. RB, FB and DB depth can all be found later. But, If they want an upgrade at S (Clinton Hart and Paul Oliver will battle for the spot next to Eric Weddle at camp) they will consider Kenny Philips and Reggie Smith.

Derek Smith, Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper is a pretty underwhelming group of MLBs. Jerod Mayo, Curtis Lofton and Dan Connor are all potential upgrades and could start early.

OT is a potential black hole. Marcus McNeil had a pretty serious sophomore slump last season and is looking more suited to play the right side. Jeromey Clarey is slated to start at RT. He was supposedly solid in a handful of starts last year. SD doesn't even have another T on the roster other than 26 year old Tony Pape who spent all of last season (his rookie year) on the practice squad.

Merriman and Philips combined for 21 sacks last season. Carlos Polk, a fan favorite, is returning from injury and rookie Jyles Tucker had 3.5 sacks in limited action. I think they are set at OLB.

by kaisertown on Apr 1, 2008 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

#1 on the board?

Who is to say that is a fact? It doesn't appear to me that that is true so I wonder who came up with that.

Hearing alot about Devin Thomas so what is not to say we wouldn't take him, as you say you like him as well.

Do you think it has to do with immediate production? And do yu see us taking two WRs?

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 30, 2008 1:14 AM EDT reply actions

Our very own Geronimo

Informs us that Kelly is #1 on Buffalo's board. He's the one who broke the Stroud story to Buffalo Rumblings (before Fox did) and also gave us the inside scoop on the Bryant Johnson situation. He's probably right about this one as well.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Just needed to know

And if that's the case, I can only trust them by default as the past three top 2 draft picks have been good, as I seee McCargo as being a force this year

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 30, 2008 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Hmmm

I could live with Kelly and Bennet catching passes from Trent quite easily.

The only thing I would say we might want to keep in mind is that Medenhall would likely end up going to the Bears at 14. He would go there for 2 reasons, 1- Benson showed last year he is not durable enough and not good enough to be a feature back; 2- Medenhall being a local kid would give the team heaps of good will with their fan base which would take some of the heat off their FO and Rex Grossman for a chunk of the season, especially if the kid produces.

Our best bets to move back in the draft with the above arrangement of picks if it came out to that in the 1st up to #11 would be to use Derrick Harvey, Medenhall, or Chris Williams as our chips to trade back. We would need to be targeting the Lions, the Steelers (need OLineman badly), and Washington (D and O line help).

So how done was Pat Williams when we let him go Tommie boy??? Stick a fork in him level right?

by WABillsfan on Mar 30, 2008 3:51 AM EDT reply actions

There's a flip side

to the Chicago scenario you posit. That team needs a playoff berth this season, or the fan base will explode with anger. (Such problems, right?) If the Bears draft Mendenhall and he's only slightly more productive than Benson, and the offense is still really mediocre, it doesn't help the Bears out in the long-term. Bears fans are smart - they can see past PR moves. Jerry Angelo is smart, too - he drafts based on the best interests of the team. He'll take the right guy, and I don't think that's Mendenhall.

As far as trading back goes, I don't expect to see a lot of it this season, and I don't expect Buffalo to have many opportunities to do so. It'd be nice, I suppose, but not likely.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Trading down

I think looks good for us with 13- 19 somebody will make jump .Three things could happen 1. If the second OT is taken by KC one of teams will get worried 2.One of the teams could jump in front of Lions for Mendenhall 3.Maybe only one CB has been taking off the in 1-10 . I'm almost postive one will take place.We just have not be stubborn like with Whitner

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

In this case

It's the cornerback scenario. I doubt Leodis McKelvin falls all the way to 16; somebody will trade up before then. That could occur at 10, though, as the Bills could very well take McKelvin themselves.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe

But if you trade down take Sweed,then trade up from 43 to 27 and take Flowers whos perfect fit cover 2 Cb.What makes this possibleis the Chargers only 4 picks,but the biggest factor is the 4 guys they have to resign next year and all big paydays.

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't see it happening

Like I said, I don't see one trade happening, let alone two. If the Bills really want Flowers, they should be able to get him at 43 without moving up. Geronimo also informed us all that the team doesn't like Sweed enough to take him early in the first round, so keep that in mind as well. Right now, it's looking like Kelly, Thomas or a corner in the first round. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

We might take CB and then

trade down during the late first early second to grap kelly or sweed. I see that as a possibilty dont you.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Mar 30, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Sweed

Can anyone think of any legitimate reason(s) why the Bills don't like Sweed (enough to select in the first round)?

I don't like Sweed, but I don't have any logical reasons to support it, either.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 30, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

New

to site is geronimo insider

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

We're not sure

We just know that he makes claims like this, and far more often than not they're incredibly accurate. Geronimo is an enigma, but we love him anyway. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

What happens

when kelly runs poor on april 9

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Worst Case Scenario

is probably a 4.6 40 time. Even in that case, I wouldn't downgrade Kelly too much. The 40 time is just one of many considerations. In my opinion, the game film rules.

I'm sure we've all heard that Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Terrell Owens, Marques Colston, and James Jones all ran 4.6 or worse, only to find out that they are great playmakers who play much faster than they time.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Mar 30, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

but those guys weren't injury plague coming outta college

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

"When", eh?

Your lack of faith disturbs me. (Yes, that was Darth Vader.) Kelly's been reported to have a good shot at running a 4.4 at close to 230 pounds. What makes you think he'll run poorly, other than projecting his drooping draft status onto his workout?

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Gimpy WRs

Sweed missed a good portion of the season with a wrist injury. It has supposedly healed completely so what you see in game film should be what you get. Most people seem to think he is the most polished of the top tier WRs in this draft. Given that Buffalo needs a WR to produce now I'd prefer that Buffalo takes him.

Kelly has missed quite a bit of time with a leg injury. Given that WRs make their living with their legs that makes me nervous. He could have played in OU's bowl game, according to a stalwart OU friend, but didn't because he was saving himself for the combine/pro day. To my way of thinking that's even more troubling than his injury. After all, you can check out his leg with an MRI but his sense of team loyalty isn't as easy to discern. With all of that said, the experts seem to think he has the most upside of any WR in the top tier.

I don't see any problem with Buffalo dropping back a few places in the draft but not out of the teens. Tampa (20), Washington (21), Dallas (22) and the Flaming Thumbtacks (24) could all be in the market for WRs. Denver's (12) and Carolina's (13) offensive lines are having problems so they figure to go that direction. The Bears (14) need to replace Tank Johnson while the Lions (15) and Cardinals (16) have 2 top shelf receivers already. The Texans (18) badly need a RB. The Vikings (17) and Eagles (19) could go receiver. So, if Buffalo trades with, say, the Eagles one of the top 3 WRs should still be on the board. Dropping back to 15 practically guarantees Buffalo would have any of the three available.

Dropping back to 15th might get Buffalo another 3rd round pick and maybe a little more if the Lions overpay to get a player they really want. Dropping back to 17th might get Buffalo another 2nd round pick. Yes, the Vikings would definitely be overpaying but if they covet someone just outside of the top 10...

by Ron From NM on Mar 30, 2008 11:52 AM EDT reply actions

Far be it from me

to argue, but Kelly's "injury history" is a little overblown. In 2005,2006,2007 Kelly missed 7 games, 4 of those he didn't play in because he was a freshman.

He was very productive at a school with QB issues and with a team with very talented RB's. He has missed the last two bowl games but that's hardly telling. Lee Evans was an "injury risk" as well, and hasn't missed a single game.

If they like Kelly, take him at 11.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 30, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Only 7 games

but teams are pulling him their draft because both knee are that bad.That being said I'd rather have Kelly then Desmond Howard oh I mean Devin Thomas

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

This is why draft season drives me crazy

Because now reports are that the knees aren't an issue and he has gotten a clean bill of health.

I will look for the link, I read it somewhere.

Bottom line, don't believe anything that GM's are saying right now.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 30, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Crap

Of course I can't find it now.

Regardless, I will withhold judgement on Kelly until April 9. If he runs poorly or not at all, then I think concerns should be real.

There is no question he is hurt, but I would rather see the kid get healthy than push himself to prove something during these workouts.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 30, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, BUT

Kelly's bad knees got a pass from Buffalo's doctors. Buffalo's award winning doctors. That's enough for me to hear to boost him back up draft boards.

Let's keep in mind, also, that this isn't a Kelly vs. Sweed argument, folks, it's Kelly vs. Devin Thomas. Sweed is all but out of the picture unless the Bills take a corner with their first pick. Kelly and Thomas have both made visits to OBD, and both would be excellent additions to Buffalo's offense. Why would you compare Thomas to Desmond Howard? They're completely different players with completely different playing styles.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Just my way

saying his nothing better then a return specialist IMO but I could be wrong.

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Knees vs attitude

I'm more than willing to believe that Kelly's legs (Didn't he say it was a thigh injury and not a knee injury and that a misdiagnosis kept him from getting the treatment he needed to run at the combine?) are fine if Buffalo's doctors say they are. I'm more concerned about OU fans and their disdain for Kelly (and a couple of other players) for wussing out (in their view) of their bowl game in order to save himself for the combine. If he really did wus out for personal gain is he the kind of guy who Buffalo can count on when he's not in a contract year? I'm not saying he is that kind of guy but I'd like to get some kind of reassurance that he isn't.

by Ron From NM on Mar 30, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

That bothered me too. That is why I had Sweed originally, but the Bills don't seem as interested. Thomas is the #1 WR on Mayock's board. Maybe he will be the pick.

by Joe P. on Mar 30, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed ron...

IF the bills do trade back, it won't be far. They haven't shown themselves to take big gambles on draft day, and trading out of the top 20 would definitely require a gamble. If another team in the high teens does want to move up, Buffalo should seriously consider it.

As you stated, most of the teams drafting immediately after Buffalo are in no need of a WR and Buffalo could easily pick up an extra third (or perhaps even second) by moving down a few spots. The Panthers (13), Bears (14), Lions (15), and Texans (18) could all be interested in Mendenhall.

I think the Lions (15) and Texans (18) would be prime candidates to move up for Mendenhall. A trade with the Lions would get a 3rd round pick and a trade with the Texas could possibly get a 2nd, or even a 3rd and a 4th.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 30, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Texans

I doubt they'd move up. They don't have a 2nd round pick from the Schaub trade. I doubt they'll dump their 3rd to move up for a RB when they can probably take Stewart at 18. Now, if they offered next year's 1st or something like that to move up, I'd jump all over that.

by Kurupt on Mar 30, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Utopia.

That's all I can say. You're speaking about Utopia when you make this comment:

"He could have played in OU's bowl game, according to a stalwart OU friend, but didn't because he was saving himself for the combine/pro day. To my way of thinking that's even more troubling than his injury"

Barring a horrendous pro day, he's pretty much guaranteed to be a 1st round pick. Along with that comes at least the guarantee of a couple of million dollars. Think about that - a million dollars. That's a lot of money. I don't know about you, but if I were him, I'd save myself as well. Without a huge insurance policy, it just isn't responsible enough to yourself or your family to play in a bowl game for the sake of glory. A bird in the hand...

by krytime on Mar 30, 2008 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Utopia has apparently lost a lot of luster

Krytime, by putting himself above the team Kelly has opened himself up to questions about whether or not he will do so in the future. Let's assume Buffalo drafts him and his contract is for 5 years and he has put up great numbers for the first 4 of them. Let's further assume that Buffalo's season doesn't go well his final contract year and by the end of November the team is out of the playoff hunt. A player who puts himself above his team might shut it down for the month of December. After all, if he gets hurt he won't have "the guarantee of a couple of million dollars" in free agency. The same logic applies to both situations.

I hope Buffalo gets a WR who will put the team first. The Bills don't need a Chad Johnson/TO type me-first attitude. They definitely don't need a guy who might stop trying when it is financially adventageous for him to do so. I'm not saying that Kelly is that kind of guy but I am saying that skipping the OU bowl game has raised that as a potential red flag. With Jauron being concerned with high effort, team oriented guys (How else did Leonard make the team?) he may decide that Kelly isn't his type of player.

by Ron From NM on Mar 30, 2008 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions

CB or WR?

Two teams might pick a CB before #11. NE or NO. If NE wants a CB, and they want the most polished, they take McKelvin. DRC will be a stud, but over (a short) time. If McKelvin is still available at 11, take him. NE needs CB and LB help. We need a shut down CB. That pool is never deep. When the ball is in the air, the zone becomes a man coverage.

Interesting tape on the SB Miami site. Florida vs Michigan, Long vs Harvey. Harvey beat Long early, but Long handled him for the rest of the game. IMO not such a Harvey fan after seeing that.

If it is Kelly at 11, OK. 230lbs and not big arms. Must be big legs. But I would trade down if WR is still the pick. I predict Bennett will go before the third. So, if it is offense first, go Kelly and then Bennett. What a heck of a first team then!

If I am Bobby April, I push for Devin Thomas. Interesting that so much is riding on Kelly's workout. And the brains at OBD could care less. Looks like they want someone ready to play at the pro level now.

by keuka121 on Mar 30, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

The reason I don't like Kelly...

is because he wasn't even the leading receiver on his team let alone the top receiver in the draft. I am happy to hear that Limas Sweed is out of the discussion because IMO he is not an elite prospect, just over hyped coming out of Texas. To me the pick is a no brainer... Devin Thomas. Sure he only shined for 1 year and we don't really need his KR abilities but I still think he is the best receiver in this draft.

Why trade down for the guy that you want and risk someone else drafting him? I could care less how Mel Kipper rates our draft.

by bgold1212 on Mar 30, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Wow...

You might be my new best friend. That's exactly how I feel. Welcome to the site!

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

by Brian Galliford on Mar 30, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

The reason

we should trade down is that you get the same guy and possible a extra 3.That way you can possible get to starters at 2 of the 5(TE,CB,OL,DE,WR ).

by ThatGuy2 on Mar 30, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I can live with Kelly or Thomas

Given what we know, and assuming we get a 4th and 7th for comp picks:

1 - Kelly, WR
2 - Jason Jones, DE
3 - Mike Pollak, C
4 - Eric Ainge, QB
4 comp - Adrian Arrington, WR - I know this might be a reach, but I bet Arrington will go much higher than expected. This kid has huge upside. His domestic violence issues seem to be very overblown. This pick could be the steal of the draft.
5 - Darnell Terrell, CB
6 - Keilen Dykes, DT
7a - Doug Legursky, C - I still would not mind Velasco with this pick, but Legursky has been working on long snapping too.
7b - Joe Jon Finley, TE
7 comp - Jehuu Caulcrick, FB

by Joe P. on Mar 30, 2008 3:02 PM EDT reply actions