With the eleventh overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin. The small-school product with big-time potential was reportedly the top player on their board, and fills an immediate need at cornerback.
We can now report that McKelvin was the top player available on Buffalo's board, which was finalized this week. The team did consider other options at one point earlier this week, but ultimately, McKelvin was "their guy" all along. Had McKelvin been gone, the team would have targeted a trade down, with selecting WR Devin Thomas atop the priority list.
The McKelvin Skinny
McKelvin is widely regarded as the top cornerback available this year and comes from a Troy program that has produced such NFL stars as Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware. McKelvin is a pro-ready corner that is a solid tackler, has good size, outstanding leadership skills and instincts, and is also a dynamic punt returner.
The biggest knock on McKelvin, which is widely known, is his lack of outstanding ball skills. McKelvin himself acknowledged at the NFL Combine that becoming a better playmaker when the ball is in the air is something he needs to work on. By all accounts, he is a hard worker, a good character guy, and can be considered a very solid and safe (if unspectacular) selection here. I, personally, am comforted by the fact that the Bills got their guy. I have great faith in Buffalo's scouting department and front office, and if McKelvin is the guy, then I'm on board.
Please use this thread to leave your thoughts on McKelvin as well as another open thread for the rest of the first round. The Bills are expected to target offense with their next pick, whether it's wide receiver or tight end. Stay tuned to Buffalo Rumblings for further draft-day updates and live chats. Go Bills!