This morning, we take a closer look at the Buffalo Bills' second- and third-round selections, Texas CB Aaron Williams and LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard, by examining the top scouting reports compiled during the draft process.
Aaron Williams NFL Draft scouting report - Mocking The Draft
No. 43 overall and the fourth-ranked cornerback, Dan Kadar says "Williams has the tools to be an exceptional cornerback."
Aaron Williams, Texas, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
33rd overall and fourth at CB. "Williams received a second-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee because of his prototypical height, short-area quickness and a strong ability to knock away passes. However, he does not play as physically as you would expect given his size and must refine his technique. Expect Williams to be picked at the bottom of the first round of middle of the second."
Kelvin Sheppard Scouting Report - NFL Draft Geek
"Kelvin Sheppard does not have the elite athleticism to be a star, and is not a flashy player, but he is rock solid, and his production speaks for itself. He is a very safe pick who will be a productive player in this league for a long time. He should go some time in the early-to-mid second round." He was the 35th overall player on their board.
Round 2 - CB Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams, Texas, NFL Draft - DraftCountdown.com
Listed as their top-rated safety, Williams is a "starting-caliber talent".
National Football League: NFL Draft 2011 - Aaron Williams - NFL.com
"Chan Gailey proves his commitment to rebuilding his defense by taking one of the most aggressive cornerbacks in the draft. Williams has the size and strength that defensive coordinators covet on the outside but is also smart and tenacious enough to potential move to safety in their scheme. Regardless of where he lines up, he adds another talented defender to their young secondary."
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas :: KFFL.com
"Williams should be a late first- or early second-round choice in April's draft. He has the size teams look for at the position and, with a little coaching, could develop into a formidable player for years to come. "
Aaron Williams, CB, Texas Scouting Report - 2011 NFL Draft Prospect - FFToolbox
"The NFL will like his ability to make big plays, but Williams is also a very good athlete who can cover just about anybody quite effectively."
Draft Board Insider - Scouting Report - Aaron Williams CB Texas
Their fifth-ranked corner, this scouting report gives only his workout numbers from the combine.
Sideline Scouting - Aaron Williams Scouting Report
Fifth-ranked cornerback. Here's a nice look at the positives and negatives.
Draft Breakdown — Rankings
Williams is the 40th player on their board and fourth CB but doesn't have a scouting report.
Aaron Williams Scouting Report - NFL Draft Geek
"He has well rounded technique, and has a high football IQ, he always knows what is going on, and his aggressiveness makes up a lot for his lack of athleticism. Aaron Williams is a flat-out football player who will never be a star, but will be a very valuable player to an NFL defense in some way. He will be an early 2nd round selection. Reminds me a lot of Antrel Rolle, currently of the Giants."
Round 3
Kelvin Sheppard, L.S.U., NFL Draft - DraftCountdown.com
The number two ILB on the board: "Possesses adequate physical tools but it's the top-notch intangibles that really set him apart --- Type who does a lot of things real well but nothing great --- Profiles as a potential starter in the NFL."
National Football League: NFL Draft 2011 - Kelvin Sheppard - NFL.com
"Buddy Nix has committed to adding talent to the Bills' defense through the draft. Sheppard is a tough, physical linebacker with instincts and awareness. He will push for playing time immediately at one of the inside linebacker spots and could be one of the hidden gems of the draft."
Kelvin Sheppard, LSU, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
The 7th OLB and 144th overall player: "While he is blessed with enough size to consider keeping him at inside linebacker in the NFL, Sheppard's agility might ultimately be best utilized if he's moved back to the weak side [outside linebacker in a 4-3]."
2011 NFL Draft Player Rankings: Inside linebacker :: KFFL.com
Sheppard was the fifth-ranked ILB but didn't have a scouting report written up at KFFL.
Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU Scouting Report - 2011 NFL Draft Prospect - FFToolbox
"Sheppard is the unquestioned leader of the LSU defense, and that's something to write home about when you consider the SEC statistics. He is a sure tackler and an emotional leader, but he might have to improve his speed just a bit if he wants to be an elite force at the next level. Look for Sheppard to be a third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft."
Scouting Report - Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU - Draft Board Insider
He was the third-ranked ILB and you can find his combine numbers here.
Sideline Scouting - Kelvin Sheppard Scouting Report
This on the the list of ILBs. Here's a good rundown of his positives and negatives. "Limited upside, does everything fairly well, but doesn't appear to have a high ceiling in any particular facet of the game."
WalterFootball.com: 2011 NFL Draft: Inside Linebacker Rankings
"Sheppard has gotten a lot of hype this season, but I haven't seen him really produce on tape yet. I think he needs to step it up." Their fourth-ranked ILB.
Kelvin Sheppard NFL Draft Scouting Report - Mocking The Draft
Fifth-ranked MLB but Jon Dove doesn't particularly like this guy. He does like his strength and ability to engage blockers so he could be a great fit as a thumper. Labels him a fifth-round talent.
Draft Breakdown - Rankings
Sheppard is the 70th prospect on their board and second ILB. No scouting report.