Grade the draft. How did they do for value and need?

[Steely Dan]

I'd give them a solid A at this point. I like the fact they didn't reach for needs and took guys where they thought should go.

[BillsGuyInMalta]

A solid B.

 

Could not have asked for a better result in regards to our Defense (Got much bigger along the line and added a potential starter in Moats at OLB)

 

Should have gone OT earlier (but got great value with Calloway late).

[The Poojer]

i went b-, slightly above average based on the very little I know about all the players. rather, i thought they were picks that we wanted and not necessarily what we needed....when you draft strictly by need i think you make some awkward picks...they seemed to have a plan of attack and stuck with it...now lets see what we do in free agency....

[BuffaloPride]

I give it a B. I was a little disappointed that they didn't trade Lynch when they had the chance. Aside from that I thought it was a solid draft.

[Max997]

B+ only because they were not able to get a more ready NFL OT although I like everything Ive read about Ed Wang

 

Spiller is the best offensive player in this draft and I cant wait to see him play in a Bills uniform

 

they finally added to the front seven on defense with some size and speed and with the secondary already in place they may just have a solid defense this year

 

I seem to be one of they few that likes Easley from Connecticut. He has decent size and every highlight seems to be him going over the middle which has been seriously lacking in the Bills offense for way too long. I think he can contribute right away next year

 

With the success Gailey has had with QBs in the past I wasnt surprised they didnt take one earlier then the 7th round. They seemed to be content going in to give Edwards another chance or Brohm his first chance

[The Wiz]

Gave it a B+. Thought they address the needs except for QB but I like the idea of grooming Brown for the future. Front 7 should be an interesting mess to start camp but will pan itself out.

[flmike]

I'm not in a position to grade the work of people who know college football players better than I do. Let's just hope we got some good talent that will become solid contributors in a couple of years.

[12Kachy]

I give them a F- because I liked the explination next to the F-. I'm an idiot. If I knew anything about football talent I wouldn't be sitting here grading the draft. The Bills did good. Spiller was a surprise for me but I see the value and he probably was the best player available. If I had a team and had no needs, I would pick Spiller #1.

[bigskyfan]

I thought the Bills drafted best in years in rounds 4-7, although we will have to wait and see.....but it was obvious they had researched well and had a plan in mind, something that has been lacking for years in the Levy-brandon era

[DarthICE]

Solid A

[Steely Dan]

I give it a B. I was a little disappointed that they didn't trade Lynch when they had the chance. Aside from that I thought it was a solid draft.

 

They may end up getting a much better pick because of that. Teams are usually more willing to part with a pick the following year and they may be able to make it conditional. JMO

 

 

I'm not in a position to grade the work of people who know college football players better than I do. Let's just hope we got some good talent that will become solid contributors in a couple of years.

 

Neither is anyone else here, but that's why we're here. We like to talk about this stuff.

 

CJ Spiller - best offensive player in the draft - A+

Torrell Troup - Best NT in the draft - A+

Alex Carrington - Prototypical 3-4 DE, IMO A

Marcus Easley - Tremendous upside but a little bit of a project - A

Ed Wang - Could be a very solid LT in the future - B+

Arthur Moats is a project with high upside - B+

Danny Batten - A work in progress but has major upside possibility - A

Levi Brown - Would've preferred LeFevour but looks like a guy to fit Gailey's offense. He has some good tools to work with. - B

Kyle Calloway - Will probably be a backup but a solid one. - B+

 

Since the Bills appear to be rebuilding I think all of these guys will make the team.

[ExWNYer]

B+ only because they were not able to get a more ready NFL OT although I like everything Ive read about Ed Wang

 

Spiller is the best offensive player in this draft and I cant wait to see him play in a Bills uniform

 

they finally added to the front seven on defense with some size and speed and with the secondary already in place they may just have a solid defense this year

 

I seem to be one of they few that likes Easley from Connecticut. He has decent size and every highlight seems to be him going over the middle which has been seriously lacking in the Bills offense for way too long. I think he can contribute right away next year

 

With the success Gailey has had with QBs in the past I wasnt surprised they didnt take one earlier then the 7th round. They seemed to be content going in to give Edwards another chance or Brohm his first chance

FWIW, in their review of the Bills draft on the NFL Network, Charles Davis and Corey Chavous really liked him, too.

[ax4782]

A solid B.

 

Could not have asked for a better result in regards to our Defense (Got much bigger along the line and added a potential starter in Moats at OLB)

 

Should have gone OT earlier (but got great value with Calloway late).

 

Agree with the assessment. I think the Bills got great value with Wang in the 5th as well. On top of that, our defensive front next year is going to be sick, on top of an already top-five secondary. We may only win five or six games, but it won't be because the defense sucks. It'll be because we still can't score quite enough points. I do, however, expect that watching the games is going to be a lot more exciting than it has been.

 

The final thing I'll say is that the FO drafted a whole crop of guys who were captains on their teams at the college level. That's a lot of leadership to add to a young team, something that I think will help this team as we move into the future.

[saundena]

The only picks that I really have issue (and not a big issue) with are Easley and Brown. I guess if Nix and Co really don't think that Steve Johnson and Hardy can contribute, then the Easley pick was warrented. I would have like to see the Bills take an OT or LB here.

 

Brown.... I can't see any reason why they picked him. By passing Clausen, and McCoy, Buffalo pretty much admited that they were sticking with Trent, Brohm and Fitz for 1 more year. What good does it do to bring in another QB who will need to be developed- because lets face it. He will not be the starter!

 

I gave them a solid B at this time

[pioniere]

B+ only because they were not able to get a more ready NFL OT although I like everything Ive read about Ed Wang

 

Spiller is the best offensive player in this draft and I cant wait to see him play in a Bills uniform

 

they finally added to the front seven on defense with some size and speed and with the secondary already in place they may just have a solid defense this year

 

I seem to be one of they few that likes Easley from Connecticut. He has decent size and every highlight seems to be him going over the middle which has been seriously lacking in the Bills offense for way too long. I think he can contribute right away next year

 

With the success Gailey has had with QBs in the past I wasnt surprised they didnt take one earlier then the 7th round. They seemed to be content going in to give Edwards another chance or Brohm his first chance

 

I agree 100% with that assessment. I love what they did with the defense, and Spiller is going to generate points. Let's see how Wang works out, but I hope it wasn't a mistake not to take a tackle sooner. B+

[tonyd19]

The only picks that I really have issue (and not a big issue) with are Easley and Brown. I guess if Nix and Co really don't think that Steve Johnson and Hardy can contribute, then the Easley pick was warrented. I would have like to see the Bills take an OT or LB here.

 

Brown.... I can't see any reason why they picked him. By passing Clausen, and McCoy, Buffalo pretty much admited that they were sticking with Trent, Brohm and Fitz for 1 more year. What good does it do to bring in another QB who will need to be developed- because lets face it. He will not be the starter!

 

I gave them a solid B at this time

 

 

Regardless of how they feel about the other recievers, we needed more depth at that position, since there are only like 4 or 5 on the roster right now. Evans, Hardy, Johnson, Parrish....Am I missing anyone?

[Steely Dan]

Regardless of how they feel about the other recievers, we needed more depth at that position, since there are only like 4 or 5 on the roster right now. Evans, Hardy, Johnson, Parrish....Am I missing anyone?

 

Chad Jackson and Felton Huggins.

[Dwight Drane]

After watching all the video I can find, it isn't a bad group of guys, but the only guy that gets me excited is Moats.

 

Spiller (B+) A safe pick, taking the highest rated RB. The Bills front office falls in love with straight line speed. What is amazing about this guy is that he accelerates at about 30 yards into his 40 yard dash. He also wobbled a bit. Could have clocked in at 4.3 Seems like he has a decent head on his shoulders. The problem will be that if the line can't give him enough room to build up his speed, fans will be left swearing at the 3-4 shoestring tackles every game. Nice to have a back that can pull away IF he gets to the second level

 

Troupe (B Minus) Another safe player that should be on the roster for a few years....but he is pretty much Kyle Williams II in his talents. Not a lot of lateral movement but he has nice balance. If they got him in the 3rd or 4th I would say good pick....but there doesn't seem to be much upside or downside.

 

Carrington (D) I just don't like what I saw. He is not balanced, doesn't seem to have any zip. I can't find as much on him as others, but this looks like the type of guy who won't dress all year. I know he had big numbers in school, but I don't like it.

 

Easley (C-) We might as well have kept Justin Jenkins. Another who doesn't have good body balance. While his bench was ok, he looks like he will come up short in the run game and can be pressed. I don't hate him, and I wonder who the hell IS going to play WR on this team, but this looks like a special teamer pick.

 

Wang (C+) He is quick for a big guy but ridgid. He looks like a tweener between guard and tackle. I have the feeling the way he carries himself he will get overpowered. Maybe if someone works with him, he will develop into a good backup, spot starter. I like some things about him but I would think he is a coinflip to be in the league in a few years. Interesting.

 

Moats (A+) I got a chubby watching this guy. He IS a linebacker. Smooth as can be.....quick north south movement and change of direction.....built like an athlete should be built. My only knocks are that he is a tad topheavy and his lateral movement isn't top notch. I think this guy is going to make some noise early in camp with big plays, and he looks to have the talent to be starting by next year at worst. Looks like a late 1st early 2nd on athleticism alone.

 

Batten (C+) Looks to be a pure special teams pick. His heart is big, he wants to kill guys, but he just isn't quick enough. He looks like a poor man's Poz. I don't see much upside, but would make a nice practice squad guy...or even to keep for ST because of his attitude.

 

Brown (INC) I can't honestly grade a QB without watching games. He is built lvery well though. Saw a 28 wonderlic. Who knows.

 

Calloway (D) This is no athlete. He must be tough as nails, because it looks like he couldn't catch an 8 year old on the street if the kid stole his wallet. Very baby fattish and not broad up top. I would think he is cut without a 2nd look

 

 

I am not thrilled but I can't say it was bad. If their draft was pizza, it would be Pizza Hut

[Ozymandius]

I gave it a B. I think in three years, we'll be disappointed by Troup and Wang, especially in the case of Troup where we passed over some nice prospects at other positions (in particular, Gronkowski). But, besides those two, I liked or loved every other pick in this draft. I especially liked how we spent the third day picking high-upside prospects. Not all of them will pan out, most of them won't, but I think we'll get a good starter or maybe even two good starters out of the group of Easley, Moats, Batten, Calloway, and Brown. If it's Brown that pans out, then obviously the draft becomes an A++.

[Lockport Bills]

B+

[dgrid]

Regardless of how they feel about the other recievers, we needed more depth at that position, since there are only like 4 or 5 on the roster right now. Evans, Hardy, Johnson, Parrish....Am I missing anyone?

Spiller. part-time recvr

[Chandler#81]

Agree with the assessment. I think the Bills got great value with Wang in the 5th as well. On top of that, our defensive front next year is going to be sick, on top of an already top-five secondary. We may only win five or six games, but it won't be because the defense sucks. It'll be because we still can't score quite enough points. I do, however, expect that watching the games is going to be a lot more exciting than it has been.

 

The final thing I'll say is that the FO drafted a whole crop of guys who were captains on their teams at the college level. That's a lot of leadership to add to a young team, something that I think will help this team as we move into the future.

 

 

Good post.

 

All were experienced Seniors, healthy, no legal issues and -of coarse- HIGH -MOTOR Guys!

 

I expect a roster spot for all of them is theirs to lose.

[Steely Dan]

I gave it a B. I think in three years, we'll be disappointed by Troup and Wang, especially in the case of Troup where we passed over some nice prospects at other positions (in particular, Gronkowski). But, besides those two, I liked or loved every other pick in this draft. I especially liked how we spent the third day picking high-upside prospects. Not all of them will pan out, most of them won't, but I think we'll get a good starter or maybe even two good starters out of the group of Easley, Moats, Batten, Calloway, and Brown. If it's Brown that pans out, then obviously the draft becomes an A++.

 

They obviously felt that TE isn't a big need. I agree there are bigger fish to fry right now. Nelson looked good last year and should really step up this year.

 

Spiller. part-time recvr

 

So is Jackson.

[Steely Dan]

Bills draft analysis

 

April 22, 2010

 

By Russ Lande, Vinnie Iyer and Allen Wilson

 

A look at the Bills' picks in the 2010 NFL draft:

 

1st round, No. 9 overall: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Russ Lande's take: Spiller is another surprise pick considering Buffalo's current backfield situation and need at tackle, but he is a game-changing explosive athlete. He needs to prove he can withstand the constant pounding he will receive in the NFL, but his speed and athleticism are on par with that of the Titans' Chris Johnson.

 

Vinnie Iyer's take: This pick signals the end of the Marshawn Lynch era. Buffalo had some bigger needs, notably offensive tackle, but instead went with a dynamic playmaker who can spark it in both the running and return games. The Bills needed someone to bring excitement to their offense.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

 

How he fits: Spiller gives the Bills an explosive playmaker with game-breaking speed and the ability to score from anywhere on the field and in a variety of roles. His size and all-purpose ability as a rusher, receiver and return specialist have drawn comparisons to those of Reggie Bush. That also suggests Spiller is not built to carry a heavy-duty load. But he has shown the toughness to run inside like a back of similar stature, Tennessee's Chris Johnson. Spiller needs to work on blitz pickup, but it's doubtful he'll be asked to remain in the backfield on passing downs.

 

When he'll play: Adding Spiller creates a logjam in the backfield. He joins Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who could be on the trade block. But neither Jackson nor Lynch offers the threat of the home run every time he touches the ball. The Bills didn't take Spiller in the top 10 to be a part-time player. He will see a lot of action immediately on offense and special teams.

 

_____________

 

2nd round, No. 41 overall: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida

Russ Lande's take: Troup is a large reach at this point but will fill a huge need at nose tackle in Buffalo's new 3-4 defense. He does not move well in space but has the natural strength to occupy multiple blockers at the point of attack.

 

Vinnie Iyer's take: The Bills, switching to a 3-4 defensive front, had a large need for a nose tackle. Troup reminds scouts of Alabama DT Terrence Cody, a big body who doesn't move all that well but eats space. He got picked ahead of Cody because of better "motor."

 

Allen Wilson's take:

 

How he fits: With the Bills going to a 3-4 defense, they needed a space-eater to anchor the line. They found one in Troup, a big, stout run-stuffer. He is very strong at the point of attack and uses his arms to keep blockers off his body. He doesn't push the pocket as a pass rusher, but he can be a factor against the run by occupying multiple offensive linemen, allowing linebackers to get to the ball.

 

When he'll play: Troup adds needed bulk to the line and is expected to share snaps at the nose with Kyle Williams, who will see the bulk of time on passing downs. Troup could be a real asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as his big body is hard to move because he uses good lower-body strength to anchor.

 

___________

 

3rd round, No. 72 overall: Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State

Russ Lande's take: Carrington was a small-school prospect who helped his stock with a solid senior bowl performance. He has a raw skill set but fits perfectly as a 3-4 DE, as he has outstanding size and good quickness.

 

Vinnie Iyer's take: After grabbing Terrell Troup for nose tackle the round before, Carrington gives the Bills an end to fit with their transition to a 3-4. He is the prototype for the position, but he might be more of an athlete than football player at this point. He has a boom-or-bust feel.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

 

How he fits: He gives the Bills a prototype five-technique end with pass-rush ability for their new 3-4 defense. Carrington had nine sacks as a senior and 10 1/2 as a junior. The Bills expect their outside linebackers to provide much of the pass rush, but Carrington can provide a good push, as well. He has to improve at shedding bigger, stronger blockers, but it's a skill he should be able to develop.

 

When he'll play: Carrington will see immediate time in the line rotation. The Bills believe he should eventually develop into a starter who can handle 40-50 snaps per game.

 

[Steely Dan]

4th round, No. 107 overall: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut

Vinnie Iyer's take: Again, another team takes a good Day 3 risk. Easley has some exciting skills as an athlete, but Buffalo will need to develop him into a complete receiver with plenty of coaching.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

How he fits: Easley has a good combination of size and speed. He has a strong body, which allows him to break tackles and gain yards after the catch, and is a physical blocker. A former walk-on, he didn't do much his first three years before breaking out with a productive senior year. He is not expected to challenge for a starting job, but he'll get a chance to compete for playing time.

 

____________

 

5th round, No. 140 overall: Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech

Vinnie Iyer's take: Wang has a strong build but he needs to hone his technique with his hands, legs to become the physical force he should be. That will require him to show more competitive fire. He projects as a versatile guard/tackle backup.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

How he fits: Wang is a mature player with good size and plays with sound technique. A former high school tight end, he has the athletic ability to play in space. Though he isn't expected to start immediately, it's not out of the question. A lot depends on the health of LT Demetrius Bell, who is coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL.

 

____________

 

6th round, No. 178 overall: Arthur Moats, OLB, James Madison

 

Vinnie Iyer's take: The Bills continue to find pieces for their new 3-4 defense. They're hoping Moats, a fine pass rusher, can make two successful transitions, both from a small school to the NFL and from end to outside linebacker.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

How he fits: He played end in college but projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. He was a good Division I-AA pass rusher whose low center of gravity helps him play with good leverage. Moats has the kind of agility to be an immediate contributor on special teams and eventually help on defense.

[Steely Dan]

6th round, No. 192 overall: Dan Batten, OLB, South Dakota State

Vinnie Iyer's take: Buffalo was attracted to Batten's hustle and ability to play rush linebacker, something the team needs in a transition to a 3-4 scheme.

 

Allen Wilson's take:

 

How he fits: He was a disruptive pass rusher at the Division I-AA level who projects to outside linebacker because of his ability to drop in coverage and play in space. He looks like a career backup who will have a chance to win a roster spot based on his special teams play.

 

7th round, No. 209 overall: Levi Brown, QB, Troy

 

Allen Wilson's take:

How he fits: He's an intriguing prospect who was rated much higher in some pre-draft ratings than where he was drafted. He brings a strong arm but has to adjust to playing under center after being in a shotgun offense. He clearly has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but it might take a year or two of development before he is ready to play in a regular-season game.

 

7th round, No. 216 overall: Kyle Calloway, T, Iowa

Allen Wilson's take:

How he fits: An experienced college tackle who projects as a guard, Calloway has excellent size and good athleticism. He has trouble with speed rushers but is effective once he engages. He is seen primarily as a backup, especially after the Bills drafted starters Eric Wood and Andy Levitre last year.

 

The take

 

"(Troup) is a classic nose. He plays a lot of snaps, he plays a lot of snaps every game, he's strong, he can beat the double-team, and you know what those guys do. Those are the guys who have to defeat double-teams or at least hold up so your linebackers have a chance. He plays like he wants to be good, and he's got good strength.'' -- Chief scout Tom Modrak

 

"If you look at Levi, he has a very good arm, he throws a tight spiral. He has excellent size and enough mobility to escape the rush, and he's a very intelligent guy. He's going to need some work, but we think he's a good-looking prospect." -- Coach Chan Gailey on QB Levi Brown

[Mr_Blizzard]

I give them a F- because I liked the explination next to the F-. I'm an idiot. If I knew anything about football talent I wouldn't be sitting here grading the draft. The Bills did good. Spiller was a surprise for me but I see the value and he probably was the best player available. If I had a team and had no needs, I would pick Spiller #1.

 

Your post made me laugh. I thought we did ok; would have liked a monster O.T. but the top ones were already gone at #9. Plus, if Spiller is all that they say, we will be thinking we got Thurman jr in a couple of years. Go Bills!