Yesterday, the authors of Buffalo Rumblings unveiled the first round of what we're calling the Buffalo Rumblings authors mock. Debate, as usual, was heated in regards to the selections made; y'all had some very productive and enlightening discussions, however (yes, I'm still reading what y'all have to say from South Carolina).
With the first round out of the way, here's how the four of us see the Buffalo Bills selecting in the second round of the Authors Mock:
Brian Galliford's Pick
2-42. Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan.
- Probably the biggest sleeper pick amongst all defensive linemen in this year's draft. Jones has fantastic size (6'5", 273 pounds) and although he's still a bit raw, has the potential to fill the role that Anthony Hargrove filled for two seasons here. He's a guy who will take some time to develop, but his raw athleticism and talent is tremendous, and he's a smart kid with a killer work ethic to boot. He didn't rack up a lot of sacks in college (just 14 in four years), but the fact that he made 50 stops in opposing backfields shows you what kind of impact he can have. This kid could be a stud, and can be considered a potential long-term replacement for Aaron Schobel.
Sireric's Pick
2-42. Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma.
- There are several guys that I like here: Smith, Antione Cason, Terrell Thomas, and Brandon Flowers. I went with Smith for a couple of reasons. First, he is a return specialist and could return either punts or kick-offs. Second, he's played safety so he can really move around anywhere in the secondary. Third, he's a solid tackler, and at 6'0" and 199 pounds he shouldn't be shy about taking on a big RB or TE.
Jri111's Pick
2-42. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech.
- This pick was a toss up between Flowers and Antoine Cason. I went with Flowers despite his size (5'10", 189 lbs) because he is one tough SOB. It is true that the Bills need to get bigger in the secondary, but it is also true that they need to get more physical. When Mike Mayock says that you are the most physical corner to come out of the draft in the last 5 years, you know he would definitely fit the bill. Although graded by many as a first round talent, a bad Combine coupled with his size could make him available in the early second. I thought long and hard about going TE here (i.e. Fred Davis, Martellus Bennett, or Dustin Keller), but I'm gambling on the idea that one of the three will hopefully be there when the Bills pick in the third round.
Kurupt's Pick
2-42. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
- Like Eric, I have several players I considered viable options here, including the guys he mentioned. I like Cason the best of the potential second round corners because of his playmaking ability, size (6'0", 191 lbs), and experience. He also ran better than expected at the Combine, which solidified his spot in the first 2 rounds. He has the look of a perfect zone CB and has proven to be stout against the pass (of the 73 passes targeted to his area in '07, the opposition caught 23 for 258 yards, two touchdowns and twelve first downs; he held the opposition to just 3.53 yards per pass attempt). Best of all, he has provent to be a solid tackler and a willing run supporter, along with being a top return man. He may need to add a little more strength/bulk, but he could come in and start from Day One for us. Cason is a good leader and a solid off-the-field guy. If Cason is not around in round two, I would select Terrell Thomas or Reggie Smith, or Devin Thomas if he slides.
So there's round two for you, folks. Once again, we don't have a lot of deviation, with three of us going with defensive backs and one (I'll play the oddball in this round) taking a defensive end. Here's the breakdown of how each author has chosen through the first two rounds:
Brian Galliford
1-11. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
2-42. Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
sireric
1-11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
2-42. Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
jri111
1-11. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
2-42. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Kurupt
1-11. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
2-42. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Don't be afraid to pick favorites here, folks - we can take the heat. Your critiques and analyses are, as always, welcome and even cherished. Let's hear it - not just with the second round picks, but with how the draft as a whole is shaking out from each of us as well.