My first full 7 round mock....

by jri111 on Mar 6, 2008 12:53 AM EST

With the first wave a free agency over, and "phase two" moving at a snail's pace, I thought it was about time to do my first mock of the season.

The first pick is a little "unconventional" for a mock, but I do think this may be the best option. Essentailly I'm looking for the Bills to trade down from 11 to the low teens, no lower then mid 20's. At that point I have them taking the best player at a position of need, which happens to be Malcolm Kelly. Although CB would be the ideal position to address, I have problems with a lot of the first round talent (McKelvin, Talib, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Jenkins). It's not that I don't like them, I just don't think they provide the best value in round one. In this mock therefore, I have the Bills taking a receiver first, and address the CB need in rounds 2 and 5.

Finally, I constructed this mock with the present roster, however, I would probably not change it much (or at all) even if cetain players were added (i.e. I'd still take Kelly in round one even if the Bills do sign Johnson in free agency). So without further ramblings, here it is:

Trade Down (somewhere between 15-25)

Malcolm Kelly (WR) - The 6'4, 218 pound wide-out would add much needed size to a receiving corp that is in major need of an overhaul. If the Bills do add Johnson, it would also provide "Lee Evans insurance." (other options: Any of the four corners mentioned above and Limal Sweed - WR)
Brandon Flowers (CB) - The 5-10, 189 pound corner is not very big, however, when Mike Mayock says that he is the most physical corner to come out of the draft in the last 5 years, you know he would make an excellent addition in Buffalo's cover-2 as a press corner. Although graded by many as a first round talent, a bad combine coupled with his size could make him available in the early second (Other options: Patrick Lee - CB (6'0, 194), Antoine Cason - CB, 6'0, 190).
(acquired from the trade down) Dustin Keller (TE) - the 6'3, 240 pound TE had a hugh combine which probably bumped his stock from a third rounder to second rounder. GREAT hands and fluid running style. Would give the Bills a receiving threat at the TE position they desperately need. Royal would still start as the "in-line" TE. Keller would move around and play more in the slot and out of the backfield (other options: Fred Davis (TE), Martelleous Bennette (TE))
Mike Pollock (C) - Big, phsyical center that could challenge Fowler for his job this year, or take over next. (other options: Steve Justice - C)
Jason Jones (DE) - Sireric and SP must be saying "finally a DE!" Well at 6-5, 275 pounds he adds some size and explosiveness. Would make a good number 4 DE in the rotation and could eventaully develop into more.
Antwaun Molden (CB) - At 6'1, 198 would add much needed size to the secondary (especially since Flowers is on the smaller end). He has a great vertical (37.5 - that's good for third best) and good speed (4.39). Plays physical and has the build to play press.
Robert Felton (G) - at 6'4, 313 the former Arkansas blocker would be a good project and add much needed depth on the O-line. He's versatile, having played four positions on the o-line (both guard spots and both tackle spots).
Jacob Hester (FB) - Almost went with Owen Schmitt in the 4th but I figure if I didn't go DE there, I would be shot. I love Molden in 5 and didn't think it was appropriate to wait until round 6 or later to address the DE need. If the Bills get a 4th round comp pick, Owen Schmitt would be perfect there. Hester is 5'11, 230 FB from LSU.

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

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I like it

I really like Mike Pollack and Jason Jones. I would be VERY happy with those picks.

I would add CB/S Reggie Smith from Oklahoma to the list of other 2nd round options. I love his versatility and with all the good corner options he is just as likely to be available as Flowers or Cason.

The only pick I have a problem with is Hester. He isn't really a fullback. He will play an H-Back role in the NFL and has almost no lead blocking experience. He bulked up to 240 pounds for the combine, but lost a step in the process and timed slow. He would have been better off staying at 225 pounds and trying to make a roster as a jack of all trades type player. Also I think he gets picked in round 5 or 6 by a team looking for a special teamer, short yardage RB and passing down blocking and receiving H-Back.

by kaisertown on Mar 6, 2008 2:55 AM EST reply actions

response...

yeah, i don't know how i forgot smith. He's in the mix between 1st rounder and 2nd rounder, but definitely deserves a look if he's still there in the second.

The Hester pick in the 7th was more along the lines of, 'we need a FB for the roster and since we haven't signed Mcintyre yet, he was the next best available.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 6, 2008 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

Comments

What about another DT? This draft is loaded with good DTs, and I'm still a little concerned with Stroud's ankles and a possible year long suspension. Grabbing a DT at some point would be good insurance.
Do you think Keller has leapfrogged Davis as the best TE in the draft? Or are you just listing Davis as a possible option?
I'm glad you at least put a DE in there, while most seem to disagree with me about taking one in the first, they also seem to forget that with Hargrove at the Betty Ford clinic, we do need A DE.

Overall pretty solid, I guess I can't complain too much.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 6, 2008 7:14 AM EST reply actions

reponse...

1. The way I look at the roster right now, the Bill currently have eight picks (some how I forgot to throw in the extra 7th) with one or two more coming via comp picks. With that in mind, when you look at the roster, there are some positions that they simply cannot skimp on. For example, the team currently only have three legit CB's on the roster, so they're going to have to add two more eventually. With the lack of effort to do so in free agency, that leaves the draft. Then I targeted two guys for O-line depth since the only two back-ups they really have right now are Kirk Chambers and Duke Preston. Then obviously another WR and TE. Add in DE depth, because although we don't need a starter IMO, they still need a rotational pass rusher in there. So there you go, that's 7 positions already.

With Comp picks and the extra 7th, I would have been sure to address DT.

As for Keller, I love the guy, but no i don't think he leapfrogged Davis. In this 'mock' I had this being the Bills' second pick in the second round (i.e. the one they got for trading down) so it wouldn't be until the 15th-25th pick in that round. I don't think Davis will last that long, and I think mid-to-late second sounds about right for Keller. I love Bennette too. Any of the three really I would be happy with.
agreed, see #1 above.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 6, 2008 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

Not crazy about this one.

No matter what, I'm still not taking a WR in the 1st round. It's something I'm just fundamentally opposed to, so don't take offense. This year, it seems there is a lot of talent in the lower to mid rounds, so that's where I'd grab my WR. So many people here would use Jordy Nelson as an example.

Also, I do love the idea of trading down a little in the 1st, but they may be harder to do than we all think. The trade chart is being updated (at least that's what the rumors say), and picks in the first round, especially from the halfway point up, won't hold as much trade value as they used to.

I think there still is a pressing need for a DT, just because of concerns with Stroud's ankles. And personally, I always feel this is a great spot to have extra talent.

I do like your idea of upgrading the center spot (Fowler is the week link on the line), and we do need a DE to fill out the roster, so that's all well and good.

I think you forgot the copensatory pick, which should possible come between the 4th and 5th rounds, and I think there still is an extra 7th too.

Grabbing two CBs in the draft tells me you're not entirely comfortable with our top 3 CBs - is that correct? I like taking two of them as well.

I think Martellus Bennett might slip a little. Watch him on youtube - he's a freak. I think he fits the mold of a guy they're looking for in a TE, as evidenced by the Teyo Johnson, and the interest in Troupe and Anderson.

For guard depth, you can always find some fat old guy to fit in a pinch. I think if you're going to use a pick, grab a OT, and develop him. But, if they let go of Duke Preston (which I probably would), they will need a backup G/C.

My bad - just noticed you did mention the comp pick. But no way would I use it that high for a FB. If they sign Mcintyre, they'll be all set there. The FB won't be a prominent role in this offense this year, at least in my opinion.

All in all, nice try. Good work. I imagine we'll see a bunch of these from here on in until draft day.

I started to do one the other day with all sorts of trades with Atlanta, Minny, and Dallas. Working with that freaking trade chart wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. As a preface to my next mock draft, I had them trading down to the low 20s in the first, picking up an extra high second or really late first, and losing their 3rd and 4th. I know I've always said it's best to build with extra picks from the 2nd to 4th rounds, but they have shown me the last two years that they like to target guys and move up. In my scenario, they'd have three guys in the top 33. The hard part was then picking those three guys. The rest of my mock draft was then just "hit and hope."

by krytime on Mar 6, 2008 9:09 AM EST reply actions

response....

To answer your first concern, I am not thrilled with taking a WR in the first round either, however, when I look at the Bills two positions of need (CB and WR), I have too many questions and concerns taking any one of the CB's (McClevin, Talib, Jenkins, Rodgers-Cromartie) over the WR's (Kelly or Sweed). I don't like any of them at 11 (well maybe McClevin, but I think the Pats will take him before that), so that's why I put the trade down in there.

It could very easily be fixed to your liking though. Instead of taking WR in the first you can switch that to one of those corners, and then take a WR in the second, like Devin Thomas or what seems to be everybody's favorite, Jordy Nelson.

As I said to Sireric, I don't disagree with needing to add another DT, but I wouldn't call the need "pressing." The Bills wouldn't have given up two good picks for a guy they were so concerned about medically. Also I consider the fact that the team only has three good CB's on the roster and Kirk Jenkins and Duke Preston as their primary back-ups on the O-line, that adding depth at those positions is more important.

As for as Bennette goes, I love the guy and hope the Bills land eith him, Keller or Davis.

Finally, I added two corners because every team needs 5 corners on their roster on opening day and rigth now the Bills only have 3 (with one that is about to be labeled with the BUST tag). With the corners I took, I would see it like this: McGee is still the number 1. Greer and Flowers would fight for the number 2 in training camp with the loser going to number 3 (ideally Greer). Number 4 and 5 would be for Molden and Youboyte to fight over.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 6, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

response

IMO, Rd.1 pick is going to hinge on whether we sign the Big WR as B Johnson or Hackett. If we do then I think WR is off the board for rd.1. We then look at DE or CB and in each case the trade down to before Minn if we are looking DE AND before Dallas at 22 is a good idea if we can find a partner. The focus of a wr will be in rd 3 where someone like E Bennett,Nelson,Royal,Hawkins are slotted, while R/H/ are not your big wr they are playmakers AND an do returning and will be ST monsters and in Bennetts/Nelson case they are very strong, dependable route runners with great hands.,who Trent would love. I really like some of your picks such as Molden,Jones and Felton.While they are not immediate starter types each has the potntial in a year to challenge. Its apparent the Bills are looking for a TE who is receiver first, Royal will continue as our blocking TE . While Davis looks the most ready in this role ,long term I think M Bennett offers the complete package, already a decent blocker and has the potential to become a 2 way threat.Keller had a great combine but will always be one dimensional.My next preference would be Rucker or Cottam in the 3-4 rd area. May want to look at Barry Richardson Clemson, a big OT who has played center also in 5-6 rd. 3rd to early for center position this year with all our other needs, we can bring in a cheap vet after june1st. With all this said if they don't sign a FA wr as stated then WR in rd1 is possible, but I just happen to like a healthy Sweed or even Hardy more than Kelly and they would surely be there in the trade down scenario.

by Rocco58 on Mar 7, 2008 2:41 PM EST reply actions