Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List, V2.0

by Brian Galliford on Apr 5, 2008 10:38 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Getting Evans help tops priority list (BuffaloBills.com)

Almost two weeks ago, we took a look at the first version of our Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List and saw how quickly and aggressively the Buffalo Bills attacked some of those top needs with the additions of DT (#1) Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson, LB (#4) Kawika Mitchell, TE (#5) Courtney Anderson and CB (#6) William James.

When we revisited that original list, I kindly asked the community to re-work that needs list based on the moves the Bills had made in free agency. Here are the fruits of your labor, in what we're dubbing version two of the Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List:

1. Wide Receiver: The Bills made a serious push to address this position in free agency with the team heavily pursuing WR Bryant "Panda" Johnson, but his signing with the 49ers has left this position as bare as it was when free agency started. Wideout is the clear-cut top need for the Bills, as it's the one position where finding a starter in the draft is an absolute certainty.

2. Tight End: Even after the signing of Courtney Anderson, the Bills lack a true difference-maker at the position. Robert Royal is seemingly a lock for the roster due to his run blocking, but it's not absolutely necessary for the team to retain Anderson, Teyo Johnson, Derek Schouman or Tim Massaquoi. Buffalo needs to, at the very least, find a receiving threat at this position, but if they can find a starter to supplant Royal, it would be even better.

3. Center: Despite the coaching staff's faith in Fowler, this community seems very down on him. Excellent O-Line analysis provided by Ron from NM proves that Fowler is the weakest link along the line, although he is solid enough in pass protection. The Bills could stand to find a bigger, more run-blocking oriented center to eventually replace Fowler at the pivot.

4. Defensive End: Easily the position spoken out for the most amongst this community, defensive end ranked in at #4 on this list. The consensus is that the Bills must, at a bare minimum, add a speed rusher that can play on pass downs, as pass rush was a huge problem for Buffalo's defense last season. If the team can find a value selection (including Florida's Derrick Harvey, I'll concede) that can eventually replace one of the team's starters, it would be a good thing for the present and future of this defensive line.

5. Cornerback: Even though the club added William James, there are only four NFL-worthy cornerbacks on the roster (sorry, Dustin Fox). Bills head coach Dick Jauron all but confirmed this past week that the team could add up to two cornerbacks in this draft; with four corners with NFL starting experience on the roster, however, the team doesn't have to find a starter. This position should, however, be addressed early and often by the Bills.

6. Defensive Tackle: The team has four solid players on the interior of the line (Stroud, Johnson, John McCargo and Kyle Williams), but questions about Stroud's health remain. A mid-round rookie that can plug the run would be a nice addition in the event that Stroud can't stay healthy - because as it stands now, run defense is still a problem for this team.

7. Wide Receiver 2: Even after adding one wide receiver, it's clear that another is needed. Depth beyond the team's top four receivers (Lee Evans, the new addition, Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish) is woefully thin. The team should look to add another receiver with size, red zone potential and special teams ability to replace the departed Sam Aiken.

8. Fullback: The team added veteran Darian Barnes in January when it was announced that they would re-incorporate the fullback into their offense, but Barnes has hopped from team to team for a reason - his run blocking is only average. If the Bills can find a way to add a smash-mouth fullback - or a fullback with pass receiving skills - in the 5th or 6th round, that player could wind up starting for this team and being a key contributor on special teams.

9. Strong Safety: This isn't necessarily viewed by us as a big need, but it seems that the Bills are hell-bent on adding more versatility to their defensive backfield. As it stands right now, only two of their safeties - Donte Whitner and John Wendling - have the athletic ability to switch safety positions on the fly. Ko Simpson and George Wilson are exclusively free safeties. If the Bills truly want to get Whitner deeper into coverage more often, they'll look to add a coverage strong safety who can play on pass downs, leaving Whitner at the strong slot on run downs.

10. Offensive Tackle: The team seems relatively comfortable with Kirk Chambers as its third tackle, and Chambers performed relatively well in spot duty last season. Still, there are a lot of quality tackles available in this draft, so if the team can find value at the position, they may just add one to develop and eventually replace Langston Walker at right tackle.

11. Linebacker: The team has five players with starting experience at linebacker, so adding one early is not a priority. However, Angelo Crowell is scheduled to hit the open market as a free agent after the 2008 season, and the team has little depth (especially from a special teams standpoint) after the top five guys. It's a certainty, in my mind, that a linebacker will be drafted that can play special teams early and eventually back up Crowell at the strong side position.

12. Quarterback: QB remains on our needs list, but only as a contingency in the event that J.P. Losman's trade demands are met. That does not seem likely at this point, so QB may be dropped off the list altogether.

So there it is. Our brand new, fully revitalized community needs list. We'd love to hear further feedback on this list as we get closer to draft day.

Tweet Comment 41 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

More Needs Than Picks

I can't argue against WR being the top need. Besides losing guys who had proven they couldn't cut it as WRs (Price, Aiken) the team hasn't addressed the position at all. I, like Brian, hope Buffalo comes out with a starter and a project. The 1st and possibly 4th or 5th round picks should fill the need.

I'd put center above TE simply because Fowler's ineptitude killed 4.4% of running plays. That's about 1 in 20 running plays where the Bills might as well just do a kneel down. In most cases doing that would lose less yardage... I'd be happy if Buffalo took their highest rated center in the 3rd or early 4th at the latest.

The TE position does certainly need help and I'd put that as the 3rd need. All Buffalo has done is bring in some training camp fodder (Johnson, Anderson) that couldn't stick anywhere else in the league. Edwards loves the checkdown and Buffalo let their designated pass catching (and pass dropping) TE go--Gaines. Ironically, even though center is a bigger need I'm hoping they use their 2nd round pick on a TE.

I don't know that DE is a bigger need than corner but in either case I don't see Buffalo addressing these positions until late in the draft. Of course, I had the Bills taking Ngata 2 years ago and Willis last year so my prognosticative abilities are clearly suspect.

by Ron From NM on Apr 5, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Don't drop QB

off the list. In fact, move it up to at least #10. We currently have Edwards as starter, but nobody really knows if he can be the man. J.P. is the back-up, who may or may not be traded. Either way, J.P. is all ready packing his bags and has his house on the market. We need a 4th or 5th round QB who can be the #3 QB this season and develop into a good #2. When would you like to do that? I prefer this season, so that he can become comfortable in the system for next season when we make our SB push.

by Joe P. on Apr 5, 2008 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

TE, TE, TE

I have been clamoring all off-season that IMO, TE is need #1. However, I have dubbed down on that with letting "panda" escape to S.F. The philosophy that OBD, has taken since the Donahoe era ended, has been one to fill needs with high character, hard-working talented players. Since the needs on the roster were so great when Marv took over 2 years ago, drafting needs of S, DT, RB, MLB, and QB were crucial to set the corner pieces for years to come.

Fowler may kill 4.4% of running plays, but taking a center in the middle rounds and developing is clearly the way to go. Drafting Butler and Merz 2 years ago in the later rounds shows how O-lineman can develop in this league. Merz failed, Butler succeeded. Doing the same again this year would be smart for the Bills. TE, IMO, is a more pressing need as developing a QB's best friend is way more cruical at this junction due to the severe deficiency at the position. Some combination of C. Anderson, Roberty Royal, Teyo Johnson, and Derek Schouman does nothing for me. A PASS-CATCHING TE is required in today's NFL as evidenced by all the successful teams in this league.

Getting a TE will have much more immediate impact on this club. I yearn for having a big, athletic TE, who can take advantage of 8 men in the box and burn a Safety for a big play. It would give Trent the middle of the field and would take pressure off the outside and let Lee and Kelly/Thomas to exploit the outsides. It would do wonders for our offense.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 5, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

MARVelous

I agree that TE is a top need but with the way the draft board is lining up... we can take the #1 WR in the draft and get a top 3 TE in round 2 or 3. Even though there is no elite TE in the draft, there are 5 or 6 TE are are bunched up at the top of the TE rankings. So IMO even if we don't grab the first TE of the draft, we still could land our #1 choice for TE in round 3.

What are your opinions on that?

by hilliarddavid on Apr 5, 2008 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

The TE class in this draft does not impress me that much. For similar value, I think we can get the TE we want (or we can live with) in the 3rd or 4th round.

by moncheri on Apr 5, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Just to be clear

While I view the Bills' primary needs as WR-C-TE. Instead of names I'm hoping Buffalo drafts:

WR, their top rated-starter
TE, possibly their top rated-starter
C, their top rated-hopefully starter

4a. FB, their top rated-starter

4b. WR, best remaining-developmental project

CB, best remaining-developmental project
QB, best remaining-developmental project

7a. LB, best remaining-developmental project

7b. OT, best remaining-developmental project

7c. LB, best remaining-developmental project

Buffalo would come out of the draft with their first choice WR, first choice center, first choice FB and possibly their first or second choice TE. That wouldn't be a bad haul at all for the aenimic offense. Naturally, this offense-heavy draft wouldn't help out the defense at all. However, if Buffalo can score on, say 25% of drives instead of 11% the team might be able to overcome the still-suspect defense. Best case, Stroud returns to Pro Bowl form and Buffalo moves into the middle of the pack against the run. The worst case would be that Buffalo's defense is as bad as it was last year...in which case the Bills endure 6-8 close wins, one blowout win, a 5-7 close losses and the occasional drubbing.

by Ron From NM on Apr 5, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

my draft

First, trade with Philly and switch places (and their third) then pick WR D.Thomas. Watch him on you tube! He's Andre Reed all over again ! 2nd, D.Keller. He's played TE over a 4 yr period. Similar to Winslow; only more durable and faster. Two 3rd's will get us a DE Ellis and QB J.Johnson. Two 4s and CB Ty Branch and LB Highsmith. 5 gets us FB Hester. 6 and CB J. Ikegwuonu. 7's are a crapshoot so how 'bout FB J.Cualquit then the C and DE from UB.

Amir FaSaad

by Amir FaSaad on Apr 5, 2008 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

The offense will remain just plain

BAD. Currently there is no passing game, and the running game is stuck in first gear. The Bills will draft a wideout and a tight end. But Schonert is a giant question mark, and he is starting from WAY underground, not just from the ground up. Two rookie receivers, essentially a rookie QB, and a rookie OC means thank goodness for Brian Moorman again.

The defense will be improved, but not great either. They are starting with really bad DTs, only one starting DE, and mediocre or worse CBs. Stroud is a hope with a big question mark attached. Microfracture surgery works 50% for knees, but only 25% for ankles, based on previous history for returning NFL players. Mitchell had a great game against the Bills, but he was no Pro Bowl star for the Champs, and they didn't shed many tears when he left. He could not be worse than Ellison. Johnson is just about an even trade for Hargrove. Posluzny is essentially a rookie trying to play the second most sophisticated position in the sport.

The point, the Bills might be starting four new rookies, plus two de facto rookies at the toughest positions that require the most experience (QB and Tampa 2 mike). Help is desirable practically everywhere. I can't argue with BG's list, nor could I argue with any other list. Starving men don't turn down tuna fish sandwiches because they prefer egg salad. It's going to be a very interesting season, but IMO it will end a lot like last year. The best thing is that the schedule of opponents is a bit softer, and the Patriots are no longer invincible (aged defense).

by Mighty Taco on Apr 5, 2008 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, that's the flip side

of what most Bills fans are feeling at this point. Your concerns are valid. I only have two issues: Trent Edwards and Spencer Johnson.

How is Edwards a "rookie" quarterback? He's got 9.5 (almost 10) games under his belt, most of them as a starter, and he's entering year two in the same offense (at least terminology-wise). Yes, he's got a lot to learn, but he's definitely not a rookie. (Not that I'm saying he won't play like one at times.)

Johnson doesn't even play the same position as Hargrove, so I don't get how you can compare the two. Johnson was an outstanding pass-down DT for the Vikings - one of the better defensive lines in football - and he should be a gigundous improvement on pass downs from the interior of Buffalo's line. If you want to compare him to Larry Tripplett, that makes more sense, and he's clearly a better athlete than Tripplett ever hoped to be as well. Hargrove still needs to be replaced; Johnson will play end, but probably only on run downs.

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

by Brian Galliford on Apr 5, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

The front four are

an aggregate entity (or should be). I personally do not like to explain my ideas, and probably never will again. However, as BG runs this blog, I will defer.

The front four in the Tampa 2 has to prevent the opposing offense from dictating the game. Don't even bother to argue this point. They have to batter the opposing QB so that he does not even have time to execute the west coast, let alone take shots down the field.

Hargrove had his moments getting pressure, now he is gone with no one to replace him. Don't tell me Denney.

Johnson is no major force at all. He is a situational player on third down. A so-called DT, who came in on passing downs to give Pat Williams a blow, and to crash in from the 3 technique, or swim out to the 5, which he did a lot for the Vikes. So the Bills have lost Hargrove (a five technique pass rush guy), and gained Johnson (a primarily three technique pass rush guy). Neither guy can hold his own against the run. Zero gain.

by Mighty Taco on Apr 5, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Yikes

I personally do not like to explain my ideas, and probably never will again. However, as BG runs this blog, I will defer.

I'm flattered, but please don't feel the need to bend over backwards on my account - I'm just a Bills fan like yourself. You may want to reconsider your personal stance on 'splaining yourself, however, because we like discussion here. Discussion reigns supreme.

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

by Brian Galliford on Apr 5, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Questions

What do you mean by "WAY underground" and "two rookie receivers"?

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Apr 5, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't like

That defensive tackle is higher than wide receiver 2 and fullback on the needs list. There may be concerns about Stroud's health but most likely he'll be fine and we still have four very talented players there. Plus we spent some money there already. In my opinion, fullback is much more important to the success of this offense. WIth Fowler being as bad as he is and with the offense publicly announcing a switch back to using a fullback it is way more important that we grab one and I think the Bills go for Schmitt in the 4th, especially now that we have a comp pick there to grab a CB with. Also, I love roscoe but I still think adding another young receiver is more important that a DT. Why not just use a 5th rounder or lower on Adarius Bowman, a player that every team has condemned because of a terrible workout. Considering that before that and many months earlier he was being considered as a top 5 receiver in the draft I think it would be worth the gamble to see what the kid can do, especially now that he's got a chip on his shoulder. Could he be exactly like Mike Williams, most likely, but I think a 5th or 6th could be worth it to see otherwise. In my opinion, DT should be considered relatively set and WR2 and fullback are much more important. One last point, if wide receiver 2 can prove himself then we can afford to not give Lee huge money, i dont want to see Lee go, but if we can establish draft WR1, draft WR2, and Roscoe it would give us options in a big resigning year next year.

It's not delivery, It's DiGiorgio!

by poz on Apr 5, 2008 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

My new list

WR - obviously

TE - again ..... obviously.
I think the Bills will keep 4 TEs this year. Royal, Anderson, Teyo Johnson and a rookie. I think if Teyo makes the team it has to be as a 4th TE/6th WR combo player. Having 4 TEs will allow the Bills to use a rotation that best utilizes all of their talents. The impact of rookie WRs is often discussed here, but TEs develop even more slowly. I don't think we should assume a 2nd or 3rd round TE will really improve the offense this year.

C - I have been convinced.
One thing I will point out though is that we don't need a bigger center. In fact, Fowler is one of the bigger starting centers in the entire league.

CB - Could use an upgrade
Greer isn't a great fit for the D and Youboty is still a mystery. Continued improvement from both of them does make this less of a need, but I think Greer has peaked and what you see is what you get. No one can really predict whether Youboty will ever turn the corner. Will James is pretty bad. If he starts any games this year then our CBs have taken a step backwards from last season.

DE - can they really be as bad as last year again?
Two years ago our DEs had 26 sacks between them. They were considered one of the teams strengths. One year later almost half of the Bills fans on this site are advocating a DE in the first round. What happened? Well they are older and Schobel decides to lose a few pounds for every season. Denney missed time and Kelsay really struggled. I think our DEs will rebound and combine for about 20 sacks. With McCargo moving to undertackle and the addition of Stroud I think our D-Line can be good against the pass.

FB - Darian Barnes and Jonathan Evans?
I think a FB will play a considerable role in this offense. If a FB will be on the field for 50% of offensive plays then the position has to be considered a pretty big need. The Bills massive O-Line and run first philosophy would be complemented perfectly by a FB that loves to hit. Michael Gaines excelled last season catching check downs coming out of the backfield. A FB with some receiving ability could take some pressure off the TEs and add 20-25 receptions next season.

LB - depth
The Bills should be able to find a LB who can contribute a little on special teams. I am curious what type of LB the Bills will target. Mitchell can hypothetically play all three LB spots. Crowell would look good on either side. Poz is entrenched in the middle. Ellison is relegated to the weakside, but DiGorgio could play in the middle or on the weak side. The Bills should target a bigger SLB, but I wouldn't be surprised if they took a versatile MLB or took advantage of the depth at WLB this year and took a player with a lot of value.

Those are the only real needs that have to be filled. Every other position that could be addressed is just a bonus.

G/T combo player - Duke Preston is still on this team?
I like Kirk Chambers and am comfortable with him as the third T. I like him more than our backup guards (Preston and Whittle). If the Bills draft a center/guard combo player then this is no longer a need. I would like the Bills to go into next season with the starting 5 returning and Kirk Chambers, a rookie center who can challenge Fowler down the road and a rookie who can backup at guard and play T in a pinch. I think Preston shouldn't make this team and Whittle is versatile, but expendable.

KR - McGee shouldn't have to handle returns
There are plenty of players the Bills can take in the 7th round or sign after the draft to handle KR duties. If the Bills draft a player who can handle returns earlier in the draft then they are in good shape, but I wouldn't mind the Bills keeping 6 WRs or CBs this year if one of them is a 7th round return specialist.

2nd WR - Roster Crunch
I like Justin Jenkins and think he should make this team. There is a good chance that someone would pick him up if we tried to stash him on the practice squad. The Bills should look for a 7th round or undrafted FA to develop on the practice squad and provide insurance.

QB - The Bills should also look to grab a QB late or after the draft to compete with Hamden this year. The days of three active QBs are gone. The winner of the rookie/Hamden battle can spend the year on the practice squad, running the scout offense. After JP leaves next year either Hamden or the rookie can compete with a veteran QB for backup duties. All this is under the assumption that JP won't be traded and that Trent is still the starting QB a year from now.

S - barely a need
The Bills already have too many safeties on the roster. A late round prospect only further clouds the situation. If the Bills don't go SS early then they shouldn't take one at all. The Bills already have Whitner starting somewhere while Simpson and Wilson compete for time at FS and Scott and Wendling compete at SS.

I don't view DT as a need. I don't like to carry players on the 53 man roster who aren't going to play. Even if Stroud were to get hurt, a rookie would play less than 20% of the snaps. Keeping 5 DTs seems unlikely to me. If the Bills want to take one late to stash on the practice squad and replace Jefferson as depth that is fine too.

by kaisertown on Apr 5, 2008 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

Quick mock

Here is something I threw together in a few minutes to reflect my needs list AND offer good value. I also tried to make it pretty realistic.

1 - Malcolm Kelly - WR
2 - Martellus Bennett - TE
3 - Jason Jones - DE
4 - Jeremy Zuttah - OL
4 - Zack Bowman - CB
5 - Owen Schmitt - FB
6 - Thomas Williams - LB
7 - Cam Colvin - WR
7 - Geoff Schwartz - OL
7 - Samie Stroughter - WR/KR

UFAs for practice squad:
TC Ostrander - QB
Josh Thompson - DT
Trey Brown - CB
Eric Wicks - S

I think that looks like a good draft that brings in plenty of talent and covers all the needs.

by kaisertown on Apr 5, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

good list

Love Owen Schmitt... personality couldn't be a better fit for us.. he's the type of "lunch-pail" "blue collar" guy we need that could really open up holes for BeastMode...

Great idea on Cameron Colvin during the 7th... he's got upside... he was the #1 WR recruit out of high school and has the size/speed combo we're looking for...i don't know what exactly happened, but once at oregon got injured and somehow got buried in the depth chart... and basically never climbed out of the hole...

btw: what's your rationale on TC Ostrander? ... is this a stanford brotherhood thing with Trent?

by osmanBAE on Apr 5, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Ostrander

Most importantly I think he will be one of the better QBs to go undrafted this year. And that alone would make him a good candidate to bring into camp and compete with Hamden.

Another thing I was looking for was a QB who has similiar strengths to Edwards. I like having a backup QB who has a lot in common with the starter. So when the ineviatable injuries strike, the team won't have to change up their game plan entirely. I think some of the Bills offensive struggles last season came from the Bills going back and forth between two very different QBs.

The Stanford connection is something that I considered. Ostrander dealt with the same issues that Edwards did at Stanford. Namely tough competition, injuries and an awful offensive line. If nothing else it would be an interesting story to watch unfold.

by kaisertown on Apr 5, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

re: hillarddavid

I agree with that completely. I know that there is no top 20 TE, but I still think TE is the #1 need on this team, and many of you will disagree. But getting the top TE in Round 2 would go a long way to improving this team. I mean look what Boss, for the NYG did last year when Shockey went down! That type of player is available to have an immediate pass-catching threat at the TE position in the draft. Just bring in a guy to pass-catch. Sure he has to do some blocking, but we have Royal/Anderson/Schouman for that. You can develop a guy into a decent blocker, you cannot develop a guy into a better pass-catcher if he lacks those skills. Some things you can teach some you can't. I hope the front office realizes this at the TE position.

Adding a TE in my opinion would have a more immediate impact than Kelly/Thomas would have. Having Robert Royal/Teyo Johnson/Courtney Anderson/Derek Schouman running down the middle of the field is not going to make defenses ADJUST at all. TE is made to make the safety or LB stay in the middle on him opening up crossing routes underneath and outside WR's to win 1:on:1 battles. Its that simple.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 5, 2008 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

Mighty Taco...

your negativity sucks! Have a little faith. Our talent on this roster is greatly increased from 2 years ago, and I'll admit it has a long way to go. but to demean all these positions is ludicrous. If you wanna rip Trent and Schonert by all means go ahead bc they have no experience to stand on and have shown 0 consistency in there little time in the league. But to downgrade defensive signgins as Stroud and Mitchell and Johnson, and to say the defense with the scheme Jauron has, is ludicrous. Look what that defense did last year with street FA's. Having guys with there 3rd year in a scheme, upgrade at talent up the middle of the defense, and added depth through the draft the defense will be more stout against the run, and continue to play bend but not break defense that will allow the offense opportunities to win games.

If the Offense wins those games....that is a whole other discussion

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 5, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think it's ludicrous...

not at all. All of the concerns he pointed out are valid ones (except the Spencer Johnson ones... those I don't get). Not everything is roses with this team, and sometimes it's nice to have someone remind us of that.

Key word sometimes... :)

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

by Brian Galliford on Apr 5, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Sometimes

For those times, there is always Mark Weiler.

How good do you want the Bills to be?

by Fort Worth on Apr 5, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

Anti-CB

by Kumario! on Apr 6, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

my point

is that at the end of the day, all those points about DT's, LB's, average secondary are all blabble. Besides a few teams, no one is really happy with every player on there defense. Insults taken at the offense are just and I think factual until something is proven differently in the Dick Jauron era. Sure Edwards started over the half the season last year, but he is virtually a rookie by NFL standards, and without significant talent around him he cannot excel at this level. Turk talks a big game with "opening the offense up" but will he really? What does that mean? Actions speak louder than words.

I believe the defense will be improved, the ST's excellent, and it will all come down to a 2nd year QB, and a first year QB to win us those 4-5 games that are toss-ups to get the squad to 9-11 wins. I just am real pessimistic to think that Trent and Schonert can do that.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Apr 5, 2008 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

Kelly is out of my Mock

I am beginning to think that we can take a TE in round 2 that will give us as much as Kelly. With that said, here is my Mock:

1 - Derrick Harvey, DE

2 - Martellus Bennett, TE

3 - Mike Pollak, C

4 - Eric Ainge, QB - We need to start grooming a #2 now. Could be the #1 in a few years if Edwards does not work out.

4 comp - Paul Hubbard (if gone - Marcus Monk),WR

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 - Adrian Arrington, WR - I bet Arrington will go much higher than this. This kid has huge upside. His domestic violence issues seem to be very overblown. This pick would be the steal of the draft.

7 comp - Jehuu Caulcrick, FB

by Joe P. on Apr 5, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

Another need not discussed

One thing not mentioned on this list is a special teams leader. Assuming the Bills choose one of their captains from the special teams squad, who would they choose? With Aiken, Stamer, Haggan, and Wire all gone, there is a lack of veteran leadership there. I'm not sure if it belongs on this list because it probably will be filled from within.

My guess is on John Wendling. He led the team last year with 10 ST tackles, a fumble recovery, and two punts downed inside the five-yard line.
Some other players to keep an eye on:
Justin Jenkins - 9 ST tackles, including three for a loss on punt returns, plus one fumble recovery
Ryan Neill - 8 tackles on punt coverage in addition to snapping the ball
Blake Costanzo - 5 ST tackles in just three games at the end of the season

In comparison, no other player still on the Bills active roster (which excludes Hargove with 7) had more than three special teams tackles last year.

by Krenn on Apr 5, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

good stat

wow, didn't even realize how much special teams experience we lost this offseason. Anyone on this blog got insight as to the state of our usually impressive special teams unit? Will we continue to be as strong in that area as usual?

It's not delivery, It's DiGiorgio!

by poz on Apr 5, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Personally

I really think we have a good young core on ST with Jenkins, and Wendling who were very impressive last year. Also remember that Digorgio and Ellison should have more of an impact this year on ST. Overall I think we should be top notch as usual under Bobby April and Wendling and Jenkins leading the show. One last thing, we may also re-sign Haggan depending on what the draft brings.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Apr 5, 2008 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions

good stuff

Thanks for insight SP, DiGiorgio and Ellison could thrive with bigger roles on special teams, I hope we resign Haggan, I like the guy a lot, seems like a hard worker.

It's not delivery, It's DiGiorgio!

by poz on Apr 6, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Redundancy

Picking up a good, big, physical WR and a top TE is a bit redundant as someone just stated(that is if the TE is a pass catching TE). We have 3 WR, and one TE that have proven an ability to play at the NFL level on this club. At CB, we have 2. Youboty and Will James may not even be capable of playing nickel as far as we know, more less filling in both the nickel and dime slots. This would lead me to believe that CB is a far more pressing need than most people have made it seem to be. I happen to think Jabari is actually quite a talented player, but for those that don't Billieve in him, we only have one bona-fide corner. I think the media in general has hyped us up about how bad we need a large WR simply because Evans had an off year. I think a good TE, and a fair sized guy like Doucet would be just fine, and produce the same results, and maybe even better than with a big, slower WR. If we ever drafted a TE and WR in the 1st 2 rounds, and they couldn't get open(being too slow and unpolished route runners), and our CB position didn't get a boost from the draft, we'd be very upset as fans at the organization. Maybe Ashton and Will may be the answer, but I certainly wouldn't bank on it at this point.

by Daz28 on Apr 5, 2008 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

We have stealth receivers?

Daz,

If not, who are the 3 WRs with the 'proven ability to play at the NFL level'? Reed isn't one of them. I like Parrish but he's a #3. Jenkins is a special teamer. Mayle was on the practice squad for almost the entire season and I've never heard of Huggins. By my count, Buffalo has 2 WRs, a #1 (Evans) and a #3 (Parrish).

I think you and I have differing opinions on what constitutes slow. Sweed ran a 4.4ish. I don't know Thomas' time and we've yet to see Kelly's but my guess is that they're in the same ball park. Do you honestly think Josh Reed is a 4.3 (or less) burner?

I don't know that the media has hyped the need for a big WR any more than the fans have. Evans, Parrish and Reed can't created (favorable) size mismatches in the red zone. Buffalo needs a tall, physical receiver to improve the dismal drives to TDs ratio.

The offense, for better or worse, is going to live off of short passes and checkdowns. The #1 TE (Royal) is more a blocker than receiver. Schouman (6'2", 223#) is too small to be an effective on-the-line blocker yet not fast (I'm assuming) or fluid enough to be be the big WR Buffalo needs. Massaquoi hasn't done anything in Buffalo while Johnson and Anderson don't figure to make the team. The TE position is screaming to be addressed.

I don't disagree with you about the corner position. You did overlook the easy to overlook Dustin Fox but he, like Youboty and James, doesn't need to worry about fitting the Pro Bowl into his February schedule. CB is still a hole and one the Bills may not be able to adequately address this draft.

Ask yourself. Was Buffalo losing games because they couldn't put points on the board or because they were giving up too many points? I think it's pretty clear that the offense is the reason Buffalo went 7-9 instead of 9-7.

Ron

by Ron From NM on Apr 6, 2008 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Holt and Bruce

Two small receivers who were very productive. I want size, but not at the expense of reaching for it. Why can't a vertical threat TE taken in the second round give us the same productivity.

by Joe P. on Apr 6, 2008 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Holt/Bruce...small?

They're listed at 6'0 190 lbs. and 6'0 188 lbs., respectively.

by jj24 on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

that is small

compared to the 6'4" Kelly. I would agree they are not Parrish small, but Evans is 5'10" and 197 lbs and is called a smurf. So if giving up 2" makes you a smurf, then giving up 4" makes you small.

by Joe P. on Apr 6, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Giving up 4 inches to who?

How many 6'4" corners can you name? I think 6'0" would be considered average, not small.

by jj24 on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

exactly

Most corners are between 5'9 and 6'0. If you are as tall or taller than the tallest CBs you have a built in advantage. Holt and Bruce aren't tall recievers, but you can't compare them to Evans, Reed and Parrish.

by kaisertown on Apr 6, 2008 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I was comparing WR to WR

not WR to CB.

by Joe P. on Apr 6, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

TEs vs WRs

TEs don't produce as many yards or TDs as WRs. 4 TEs were in the 1000ish yard range (Gonzales, Witten, Winslow, Gates), none of whom caught 99 passes. Only 3 TEs caught more than 7 TDs--Clark (11), Gates (9), Cooley (8). 6 WRs caught 100+ balls. 20 put up more than 1000 yards while 6 caught 12 or more TD passes. TEs are not substitutes for WRs. Buffalo needs a pass catching TE who can do a decent job of blocking and a big WR to fill the #2 slot.

by Ron From NM on Apr 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I think Reed is a proven NFL receiver. He is just a proven mediocre receiver.

Our non-star CBs are better than our non-star WRs.
Greer > Parrish
Youboty > Reed
James > Jenkins

How exactly are our WRs better or deeper than our CBs? The Bills can use safeties especially Wilson in nickel and dime packages if they get hit by the injury bug again.

Sweed and especially Thomas are faster than Doucet. Malcolm Kelly is expected to run a similiar or faster time than Doucet.

I do think that Courtney Anderson and Teyo Johnson will make the team. I think the Bills are going to try and convert Schouman into a FB. When that doesn't work, he will get cut. Massequoi is going back to the practice squad or being cut as well. So the Blls will take one TE on draft day to compete with Anderson as the backup. Teyo Johnson could make the team as a hybrid TE/WR. He could be the 6th WR and 4th TE and provide depth at both positions.

by kaisertown on Apr 6, 2008 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

The offense and defense equally sucked

I don't think the difference between 9-7 and 7-9 was either unit's fault. It was both unit's fault. Now I will fully agree that the defense has gotten some help in the off-season, and the offense has not, but defense wins championships, and IMO, it is what you build first. Also, the offense has gotten it's boost from the picks of Evans, Lynch, and Edwards lately, so it is hard to say it has been ignored. As for Josh Reed not being a NFL receiver in your opinion, he only had 4 less catches last year than Evans. If he didn't have the dropsies, he'd be a pretty good receiver IMO. As for my comment about the receivers being slow, I bunched rookie WR and TE deficiencies into one package, and should have said "slow and/or poor route runners". My bad, but the point was that it is not very often they walk into the NFL, and cure a teams passing woes(especially in the red zone).

by Daz28 on Apr 6, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn't mean you can completely ignore WR

Of course we need a #2 WR, but does that WR have to be our #1 pick? Does it have to be Kelly, Sweed, or Thomas? What I am trying to say is that a good TE can fill the same role on 3rd down and in the red zone. Given the depth of good, but not great WRs this season, the Bills would gain more talent by drafting a TE in round 2 and a WR in round 3 or 4.

by Joe P. on Apr 6, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

I love Hubbard.

If we were to get him, what pick would we have to use? I think he could start by week 9 if we needed him to. Came out of a poor passing O but has sub-4.4 speed and is 6-4 217 lbs. I'm thinking maybe our first 4th rounder?

BTW, I really like that mock towards the top, Kaiser.

Anti-CB

by Kumario! on Apr 6, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions