Potential Bills: A Case for Antoine Cason

by Brian Galliford on Apr 10, 2008 8:48 PM EDT in NFL Draft Comment 29 comments

Cason is a darkhorse candidate to be Buffalo's top pick. And yes... that is Trent Edwards he's blitzing.

I'll admit it. I've been sitting on a secret for a while. I was swayed by popular opinion and media hype, and my firm belief that the Buffalo Bills must take a wide receiver in the first round of this year's NFL Draft (a belief I still believe to be true). It's a secret that directly contradicts said belief, but I don't care - every blogger needs their favorite draft prospect, right?

My secret: Arizona CB Antoine Cason is my favorite draft prospect this year. At any position. Period.

Cason is starting to get more media hype as we get closer to the draft (and I've been easing y'all into this in the comments section), so now it's time to talk about Cason. As a potential first-round draft choice of the Bills. Yes, I said it - and I'll take it a step further. At pick 11. Here is the official Buffalo Rumblings scouting report on one Antoine Cason:

ANTOINE CASON - CB - ARIZONA
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 191
40 Time: 4.48 seconds
Senior

STRENGTHS: Instincts
- Excels in zone coverage, where he can best use his outstanding play recognition/diagnosing skills... Excellent awareness... Has long arms, allowing him to break up a lot of passes, even when receivers have a step on him... Good on the jam and physical enough to excel in a Cover 2... Sound tackler... Plays faster than he times, thanks to those aforementioned instincts... Has a good closing burst when closing to make a play on the ball... Competitive against the run... Very productive in college and was a four-year starter... Father and two cousins played in the NFL, so he has good bloodlines... Has all the intangibles to be a star at the NFL level... Aggressive, smart player... Ranks very high on the character meter, as outlined in this BuffaloBills.com piece.

WEAKNESSES: Explosion
- Timed speed (4.48) is borderline, and may limit his effectiveness in man coverage... Has somewhat stiff hips, which limit his ability to turn and run despite being an excellent athlete... Aggressive player by nature, but could stand to add some muscle and be more physical... Sound, but not spectacular, in taking on blockers in run support... Streaky when making plays on the ball; he'll make a spectacular interception and drop an easy one one his next opportunity... Possibly a better fit at free safety?

NFL COMPARISON: Al Harris, Green Bay
- I originally had the New York Giants' Sam Madison in this spot, because Madison has made a career on instincts as opposed to ideal size and speed. Then I talked to Matt Miller of New Era Scouting, who compared Cason to Green Bay's Al Harris. Harris is very physical and more of a bump-and-run player, but when Cason is at the top of his game, he's just as effective, according to Miller. Harris has great size, but like Cason, does not have top-notch speed. He's excellent against the run and very aggressive by nature. Cason has that type of potential at the next level.

DOES HE FIT THE "BILL"? Yes.
- If the Bills are looking for the perfect combination of college production, professional talent and character, they'll find it in Antoine Cason. Ready-made to start immediately in a Cover 2 defense and contribute heavily on special teams, Cason is an instinctual playmaker with outstanding intangibles and leadership qualities. It's not often that you find pro prospects that have done as much for the community as Cason has, either. I'll say it right now: Cason may be the safest potential #11 pick that the Bills can make on April 26.

FINAL GRADE: 9.2 out of 10

So there it is - the official Rumblings scouting report for my favorite NFL Draft prospect, Antoine Cason. With WR Malcolm Kelly seemingly falling from grace (and also potentially available in the second round), Cason is neck-and-neck with Michigan State receiver Devin Thomas as the players most likely to be selected by Buffalo in round one, in my estimation. It may be shocking to hear Cason's name called on draft day by the Bills; count me among those who expect it. He's a natural fit for this organization. Make it happen, Mr. Brandon.

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Comments

Cason

I love Cason too. Him at #11 just seems a bit high though. I worry a bit about his speed and quickness even though he ran that 4.48. I was surprised by that because he doesn't look that fast. Maybe it's because he's very shifty and jumpy that he doesn't look as fast. However, he can play both man and zone, so he would be a very nice fit here. And his added return ability makes him even more attractive. I will say this, if we go CB at #11, I would be MUCH happier with Cason compared with DRC, Jenkins or Talib. I'd rank him about the same as McKelvin, maybe even ahead of him. I love that Cason has PROVEN himself as a good CB. He's got the ball skills that we need to add to our secondary. I just don't know if we'll add a CB that high because of the solid depth we have. If we do, Cason is probably my dude. I really don't know why he hasn't gotten as much coverage as other CB's. Maybe it's because he was expected to run poorly, but he answered that pretty well. I guess that's why we're hearing more about him lately....

by Kurupt on Apr 10, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And

When I watched Arizona beat Oregon this year, Cason was AWESOME. Punt and INT returns for TD's...

by Kurupt on Apr 10, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just can't

I just had a conversation with my cousin about the Bills draft and we both agree that if the Bills decide that they aren't going WR with the 11th pick it has to be for two reason's. The first being that they have a guy ranked so much higher on their boards than any WR that in staying true to their scouting can't pass up on him. The second being that they are getting confident in a WR they feel they can trade up for or will be there in the second i.e. Hardy. I hate to bring up the past, but we are in this position of being stuck with having to address the WR position in the draft because we didn't sign Johnson. I will say it over and over and over again. Big Blunder!!!!!!

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Apr 10, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't blame the Bills

for not signing Johnson. They were the only team to offer him a multi-year deal. Nobody else was willing to give the guy a sizable contract. What does that say about him? His best offer was from us, but he felt it was best for him to try and prove himself in a crappy situation for a year and try to really cash in next year. Good luck to the Panda with that.

What does this have to do with Cason?!?! Ha

by Kurupt on Apr 10, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Panda

He was a bug dummy. A one year contract in SF with a losuy QB, a new OC, and the chance they will take a WR in the first two rounds. That's dumb...

by krytime on Apr 10, 2008 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

reply

My comment relates to Cason in that our WR situation has put us in a difficult position. We may not be able to even look at a guy like Cason because of the huge risk we would assume by waiting for the second round to get a WR. I'm not saying Panda isn't an idiot. But our "multi-year" offer must have been awfully unattractive for him to make the decision to go where he did. It doesn't make sense that the offer was very good and he chose to go to the 49ers for one year. Now we are in a crisis situation. Do you realize the impact of not getting an immediate starting WR in this draft? It is going to hurt Edwards development, put too much pressure on Lynch and the running game, and could potentially make Buffalo an unattractive place for Evans. Let's not forget we don't have Evans signed yet and I believe the reason is we have not made a significant dedication to the offense in the off season, and he is seriously considering free agency.

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Apr 10, 2008 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Difficult position.

No, it doesn't put the Bills in a difficult spot. They are stil going to draft the BPA. It's obvious Panda wasn't valued - look at his contract. And it's also obvious that none of the big three WRs in the draft aren't 1st round worthy.

by krytime on Apr 10, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It most certainly does put them in a tough spot

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Apr 11, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

your point is?

I don't understand what you are saying. What does whether the top 3 WR's are worthy of first round consideration have to do with that the Bills absolutely have to find one to start right away?

by Buffalonian by the Grace of God on Apr 11, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're kidding me, right?

So you would take one of those three guys at #11, when none of whom are ranked at #11 or even close, just because we have a "need" at the position? That's ludicrous.

Reaching for players is the way you halt the progress of your franchise. Chossing the BPA is always the right way to go.

And aside from that, even if they did pick one of those guys at #11, are you just as sure they would contribute immediately and better than the next set of WRs ranked? You're so sure that Thomas, Kelly and Sweed are that much better than Doucet, Nelson, etc?

by krytime on Apr 12, 2008 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No offense Galliford

but the statement you make towards the end, "Cason is neck-and-neck with Michigan State receiver Devin Thomas as the players most likely to be selected by Buffalo in round one," is nothing but your opinion and does not reflect necessarily that of the Bills, or close to half the Rumblers here who hold their own opinion of who's at the top of the board.

Cason is a great prospect, and I'd take him ahead of Thomas at 11, but behind Harvey, Sweed, McKelvin, and possibly DRC. And WR/DE first, then Flowers in the 2nd is a much better option for us IMO.

On a side note, that video did nothing for me. Dustin Fox could have made those picks, and each play was replayed at least twice, including the aftermath.

Anti-CB

by Kumario! on Apr 10, 2008 11:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, yes...

... of course it's my opinion. This entire blog is based on the opinions of fans.

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

by Brian Galliford on Apr 11, 2008 6:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And just wondering

How did you compile these strength/weakness and draft grade reports? Just from YouTube videos or mixing other draft site profiles? Not saying you didn't watch game film or anything, just curious. The 9.2 out of 10 just doesn't feel substantive, but rather subjective to me, which is fine I guess, it's your blog.

Anti-CB

by Kumario! on Apr 10, 2008 11:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Aren't ALL ratings going to be subjective for the most part? Not sure how Brian put together his ratings, but I'm guessing they're 100% based on his opinion/knowledge of the players. If I were doing the ratings, I'd give prospects a thumbs up or thumbs down to avoid all controversy. Thumbs up!

by Kurupt on Apr 10, 2008 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

based on games of course!

We can't watch every game, but opinions are based on the games you've seen...you do you're best to remember what you're impressions were and you cross reference it with what the pros are saying (research). If you can find the torrent, then you watch the games. As for Cason... I know him less than Leon Hall, but I still know him pretty well. I would agree with almost all of Bri's comments:

- instincts...this usually means you have latitude to pull off from your WR and break for the ball or help with run game after your READ the QB. younger DBs are not given this latitude, you gotta have that 'gift'.

- words like "nemesis" and "kryptonite" are used to describe him b/c he's know to read some people esp well.. for instance Booty and Longshore... both Pac10 QBs have never played a game against him without being picked off...in their careers... but more importantly he just reads them well on each play. He's also known as DJackson's nemesis b/c his production basically shuts down when covered by Cason.

- His body is perf for a CB... really lanky... but very physical and very hands on. The speed thing is right though.. doesn't look 'fast'...

- Hip stiffness, i would disagree with... he's got great footwork and turns around pretty quick... hips seem great to me... imho.

- Finally, i really trust the Thorpe committee.. Cason was a finalist in 06 and won in 07... Jenkins was a finalist in 07... but DRC, McKelvin, Talib weren't even on the watchlist or one of the finalist... in 06 or 07!! its their combines that put them on the map... during the regular season, we didn't even know who these people were (or at least didn't know them well)... SO.. Based on games alone Cason and Jenkins should be the top CBs.

by osmanBAE on Apr 11, 2008 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've heard it called "flim"

by my young cousins, but it's game film. I've seen 4 of Cason's senior year games. And yes, I had some help in the write-up (a.k.a. Matt Miller), but I didn't just blindly put it together.

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

by Brian Galliford on Apr 11, 2008 6:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i too like Cason....

i don't know about the 11th pick though. this year, more the ever, i want them to trade down. If they trade down and pick up even just an extra third, then i think they can have ability to take a non-WR in the first and then attempt to move back up if they don't feel like their guy will be there in the second (Kelly). However, I think the WR need is just too important to risk taking a player at another position at 11 and hoping that one of the WR's are there at 42. Technically they could trade up but they would have to forfeit their only third round pick, and i'm not a fan of that.

Like I said, if they could trade down, even just a few spots, I'm all for taking Cason in the first.

John I.

by jri111 on Apr 10, 2008 11:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

CB's

i like:
McClevin
Cason
Flowers

I don't like:
DRC - overhyped/weak/not physical
Talib - Character
Jenkins - overall too average

I think McClevin is the only one at 11 worth taking though. Cason and Flowers, I would like to see a trade back.

John I.

by jri111 on Apr 10, 2008 11:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agree

u know what ..i just disagree with u http://bloggersmosaic.com

by mikejackson on Apr 11, 2008 12:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Look at it this way...

if its between thomas and cason, who is more likely to be available late 1st/2nd round? thats the same question levy asked modrak last year when it was btw lynch and poz. we got both.cason is most likely to be there later on, thomas is most likely the pick right now.

by TrueBillsFan on Apr 11, 2008 12:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I will be completely honest here

I suck when it comes to evaluating CBs. I like Jenkins, Cason, and McKelvin. To be honest you could even throw Flowers in there, and as long as the Bills get the guy they like the best, I couldn't care less. If that guy is Cason...Great, if it's Jenkins...Great.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Apr 11, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Flowers

Flowers or bust. Its all about finding guys for the system. I think Flowers will be the McCargo/Poslusnzy of the Bills this year. He fits their "mold" perfectly

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 11, 2008 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drafting Antoine Cason

I would like to discuss what we think the Bills should/not do, rather than what we think the Bills will/not do. In this case, the topic of discussion is Antoine Cason.

I realize the Bills use the Cover 2 scheme as their base defense. However, I don't understand why exclusively fitting this scheme is of such paramount consideration. In my opinion, Marcus Stroud and Kavika Mitchell are not exclusive fits. Stroud is a defensive tackle with the ability to hold his ground and control 2 gaps in the line, while Mitchell is a linebacker with tackling ability and who is not the typical "space" weakside linebacker for this scheme. THESE TWO "MISFITS" MAKE FOR GREAT ACQUISITIONS. Adding players with the talent to excel in any scheme or adding players with different abilities improves team versatility, which improves chances at achieving success. Why limit our player interest to those players that only fit a particular scheme? Let's hope for greater things.

In my opinion, great cornerbacks must be able to cover. I'm not sure if Cason's great instincts will be able to compensate for his inability to run, change directions, and close windows. If not, then he will be limited to playing zone coverage with safety help over the top in the NFL. The problem with that is playing zone will not always be to the Bills' advantage versus every opponent, in every situation, or individual matchup. Sure, they can try to play man coverage, but that doesn't mean they will be any good at it. If they have the ability to excel in man or zone, then they can keep opposing offenses guessing and do all sorts of different things with the safeties, flexibility, etc. If you want the Bills to be limited to playing only zone coverage, then have at it. Personally, I hate limitations.

If Cason is comparable to Al Harris, then I would consider Cason to be a borderline first round prospect, not a borderline top-10 prospect. While Harris is a good cornerback, I can easily think of 10 current NFL cornerbacks that I would prefer over Harris. I wouldn't draft Harris at #11, and I am not even sure that Cason is as good as Harris.

Cason really sounds like a great person who does great things in the community. However, I think the Bills fans' percieved "character requirement" is getting a little overblown. It's not like the Bills have a locker room full of cancers, domestic violence, and troubled talents that need an infusion of good citizen boy scouts at the expense of talent. If anything, the Bills are the total opposite. The Bills have already established a strong locker room with a program that talented additions will buy into. I'm not saying to go after Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Aquib Talib, or Mario Manningham. That's the other extreme. I'm just saying that new acquisitions don't have to be perfect souls. Find a balance. While character is a great thing, I don't think the Bills need to or should comprimise talent for character.

I do like Cason's ability to jam and press receivers, his instincts, and great ball skills. His character is a plus. Would I be shocked if the Bills draft Cason, DeSean Jackson, or Brian Brohm? Hardly. After recent drafts that included Willis McGahee, Roscoe Parrish, Donte Whitner, and Trent Edwards, I am immune to draft day shock. By now, we all should be.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Apr 11, 2008 12:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cason at #11

I think we all want the Bills to trade down if we plan on taking Cason. #11 is high for him and maybe any CB this year. Right now, there are very few prospects that we would be wise to take at #11. Other than Harvey and maybe McKelvin, there just isn't a great fit for us there. Trading down would be HUGE for us.

by Kurupt on Apr 11, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

#11 Overall

The top-10 area should be reserved for potentially rare or special players like DRC, McKelvin, or Harvey. I don't see it in Cason at all. Not even close. I would prefer Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed, or Mike Jenkins over Cason.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Apr 11, 2008 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cason

What do you see in McKelvin and DRC, that you don't in Cason? He ran a 4.48 40, which is pretty good for a CB. He has started in college for 4 years. He's more polished than both of them, and is more NFL ready.

DRC has upside, but do you gamble with upside or take the best guy that can come in and start? I don't even understand why McKelvin is rated higher than Cason? Is it because of the measurables, or his man-to-man coverage?

by Renegade23 on Apr 11, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ceiling > Floor

Thanks for the comments. For me, it's all about talent, upside, and player development. I like DRC and McKelvin more than Cason because they possess rare talents (elite closing speed, change of direction, quickness, hip flexibility to transistion) that Cason does not have (and cannot be taught/learned) and they would provide the Bills' defense with more flexibility and versatility than Cason.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Apr 11, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're thinking the same, Brian

You know how much I love Antoine Cason. I rated him the #1 CB in the draft. Great football player and character guy. Perfect fit for the Bills. I think OBD loves him too, but I don't think they'll drafted him at #11. I can see Modrak making a move late Round1 or early Round2 to draft him. But, once again, we all have been exposed to draft day shock by the Bills before :)

Bills fan half way around the world

by moncheri on Apr 12, 2008 3:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't Forget

I agree Kurupt and everyone needs to keep this in mind-Cason is an EXCELLENT return man.

As much as I love the explosiveness of Roscoe (and I think he'll get more touches this year)-he should NOT be one of the top 5 highest players on our team. I mean $4M for a 3rd WR (at best)return man that just doesn't make sense.

If people think Cason isn't good value at #11 don't worry. I say we're trading down w Detroit-and picking up a 3rd rounder in the process-since they need an OT (Ryan Clady-who could go to Denver at 12) or RB (Chicago is interested in Mendenhall BIG time). Hopefully, we'll turn that pick into Malcolm Kelly/Hardy by trading up in the 2nd.

Guess we'll see in 2 weeks. I can't wait!!!

by BBFan4Life on Apr 12, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs