1billsfan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 (edited) I'm not debating that he is a solid prospect. My point is that people overstate the connection for Ga Tech. They also do it with San Diego. Every player that leaves SD is rumored to come here because of Buddy. Maybe we should start perusing the Pitt players available in the draft since Wanny coached there a while back. Perhaps, but there is a connection and the Bills are sitting in no mans land at #10. They probably won't have a blue chip player (other than Kuechly ILB or DeCastro OG who play positions that are not thought of as high first rd positions) to pick at that spot and the other potential prospects are all over the place. Hill's playing at GT and the Chan connection could very well be the deciding factor. If you look at his pro day you will see Buddy Nix and Lovie Smith in almost every frame in the background. I think he's a serious contender even if they don't trade down. Edited March 23, 2012 by 1billsfan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Perhaps, but there is a connection and the Bills are sitting in no mans land at #10. They probably won't have a blue chip player (other than Kuechly ILB or DeCastro OG who play positions that are not thought of as high first rd positions) to pick at that spot and the other potential prospects are all over the place. Hill's playing at GT and the Chan connection could very well be the deciding factor. If you look at his pro day you will see Buddy Nix and Lovie Smith in almost every frame in the background. I think he's a serious contender even if they don't trade down. I wouldn't be pissed if we got Hill but it would be out of character for Buddy I would say. He could be the best of them all in 3 years. Depending on how we brought him along maybe even year 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I wouldn't be pissed if we got Hill but it would be out of character for Buddy I would say. He could be the best of them all in 3 years. Depending on how we brought him along maybe even year 1. The problem is that according to the "Buddy" rules, there's no one that will be at #10 that he could draft. He's going to have to backtrack on his rules no matter who they take... ILB or OG? Those aren't top 10 draftable positions in 1st rd. Martin or Reiff? One isn't strong and the other is a RT. Floyd? Bad character guy, again that's not Buddy. Poe, Cox, Brockers? No way he drafts the same position in consecutive 1st rounds. Ingram or Upshaw? He just gave a ton of money to the DE position. Kirkpatrick? Buddy probably sees him as a safety. 4.5 is too slow for Buddy at CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 The problem is that according to the "Buddy" rules, there's no one that will be at #10 that he could draft. He's going to have to backtrack on his rules no matter who they take... ILB or OG? Those aren't top 10 draftable positions in 1st rd. Martin or Reiff? One isn't strong and the other is a RT. Floyd? Bad character guy, again that's not Buddy. Poe, Cox, Brockers? No way he drafts the same position in consecutive 1st rounds. Ingram or Upshaw? He just gave a ton of money to the DE position. Kirkpatrick? Buddy probably sees him as a safety. 4.5 is too slow for Buddy at CB. There are no steadfast "Buddy rules". He will almost always say things like, "We like a guy who has put up numbers rather than a one year wonder". That doesn't automatically rule out any one year wonder guy, especially if he fits most or all of the other Buddy "likes". At various times, he has said... He likes big guys. He likes fast guys. He likes smart players. He likes players from big schools who played against top competition. He likes guys that have produced a few years rather than one year wonders He likes guys that had production on the field rather than in their underwear at the combine. He likes tough guys. He doesn't like to trade up or trade down. If a player does not fit one or two of those criterion but fits the other 6-7 of them, he would be all over that player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 There are no steadfast "Buddy rules". He will almost always say things like, "We like a guy who has put up numbers rather than a one year wonder". That doesn't automatically rule out any one year wonder guy, especially if he fits most or all of the other Buddy "likes". At various times, he has said... He likes big guys. He likes fast guys. He likes smart players. He likes players from big schools who played against top competition. He likes guys that have produced a few years rather than one year wonders He likes guys that had production on the field rather than in their underwear at the combine. He likes tough guys. He doesn't like to trade up or trade down. If a player does not fit one or two of those criterion but fits the other 6-7 of them, he would be all over that player. It seems the less holes this team has to fill, the more Buddy will have to "modify" his rules to get the guy he wants while still fitting the BPA mold. Very interesting trying to predict this pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Awesome problem to have. We filled some big holes in FA. We have the draft and more FA when people get cut due to how a teams draft went or salary cap issues to save money. We do know we went after CB and WR in FA. Those are likely top of the list. Buddy was looking for starters in FA. Maybe he will look for starters in the draft instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLawless Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 We draft him in round 3, after taking DeCastro in round 1 and Hightower in round 2. That'd be sooooo nice! Id celebrate those 3 rounds pretty hard although I'd rather have kalil lol while were dreaming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Awesome problem to have. We filled some big holes in FA. We have the draft and more FA when people get cut due to how a teams draft went or salary cap issues to save money. We do know we went after CB and WR in FA. Those are likely top of the list. Buddy was looking for starters in FA. Maybe he will look for starters in the draft instead? This draft is tough to figure out. We need an LT and I think everyone here almost agrees that the talent available doesn't generate a consensus LT candidate. In fact they look like should should slide down the first round, imo. Floyd seems to be the consensus choice at #10 if he is there. I feel that the Jags and Phins could look to him to fill there holes at WR. If Floyd is gone, BPAs are Kuechy & DeCastro. CB warrants a mention as well. When was the last time McGee finished a season, Ledois was benched for putrid play last year and is a FA. We brought in Stanford Routt earlier as well although he didn't sign. Kirkpatrick is coming in for visit and Stephon Gilmore who I liked at #41 seems to be hitting the first round in some mocks and has even moved above Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick isn't great at man coverage, which Wanny said we won't play much of. He has also been mentioned as a safety prospect. Chan & Buddy love players that can play multiple positions. Is the top LB or G worth taking over a CB? Also, I am not saying we have to take into account what other teams in our division are doing, but the Jets have a glaring need at WR. If we don't take Floyd, is he a player you want to face twice a year with the Jets? If Floyd is gone before us, Do we reach for Hill? Good chance the Jets grab him if we don't and he won't be there at #41. Last season in a pre-draft interview Buddy indicated they were drafting for depth last year and to stop the run. We grabbed starters in FA this season, who fix the pass rush. Buddy expects the playoffs and thought we had a 10 win team last season without the injuries. Gailey says we should compete for the division. It seems like this draft we may indeed be looking for immediate starters in the first few rounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 This guy could be in the same group as Jason Pierre Paul - a guy with embarrassing low production for his draft position who could excel as a pro - or he could be a highly over-drafted bust. I think the Bills have made significant strides in FA and the last 2 years' drafts. I'd hate to gamble on this guy in round 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Just read about him today. Looks like he is going to make it to the 1st rd and may shake up the order. He has everything we need IMO, but if we select him we will be accused of reaching. Maybe Buffalo could draft a LT at 10 then trade back into the back end of the 1st to get Hill and solve their WR issue. But it seems like WR's are in high demand so a guy like Hill will likely see him self go in the late teens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 If Floyd is gone before us, Do we reach for Hill? Good chance the Jets grab him if we don't and he won't be there at #41. Last season in a pre-draft interview Buddy indicated they were drafting for depth last year and to stop the run. We grabbed starters in FA this season, who fix the pass rush. Buddy expects the playoffs and thought we had a 10 win team last season without the injuries. Gailey says we should compete for the division. It seems like this draft we may indeed be looking for immediate starters in the first few rounds. There is no way on earth that Hill's college production warrants even a 4th round pick. Given his incredible athletic ability, he might be worth a LATE 2nd or early 3rd round pick. I don't think you can reasonably spend the 10th pick in the draft on a guy with that little production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 There is no way on earth that Hill's college production warrants even a 4th round pick. Given his incredible athletic ability, he might be worth a LATE 2nd or early 3rd round pick. I don't think you can reasonably spend the 10th pick in the draft on a guy with that little production. I wasn't advocating that...was just laying options out there for discussion I think at 10 it is an incredible reach, but he is rated as of now as the 3rd best WR... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I wasn't advocating that...was just laying options out there for discussion I think at 10 it is an incredible reach, but he is rated as of now as the 3rd best WR... I didn't mean to come across so strongly. I think Hill has talent, but his production in the same GT offense does not even register in comparison to Calvin Johnson and it is barely a blip compared to Demarius Thomas who wasn't elite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I didn't mean to come across so strongly. I think Hill has talent, but his production in the same GT offense does not even register in comparison to Calvin Johnson and it is barely a blip compared to Demarius Thomas who wasn't elite. You're okay...it didn't Just thought I should qualify my post...lots of questions are out there. We need to look at all the options and shoot them down...I think we can get the first 3 picks figured out if we really try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Maybe Buffalo could draft a LT at 10 then trade back into the back end of the 1st to get Hill and solve their WR issue. But it seems like WR's are in high demand so a guy like Hill will likely see him self go in the late teens. If the rash of FA WR signings in the first week said anything it said that WRs are in high demand. Some of these guys could go early to teams that wanted a WR in FA and missed out. We are one of those teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 As I said in another thread, Buddy Nix was front and center at Stephen Hill's pro day and Chan has obvious connections to GT that gives them an almost lock solid evaluation on this guy. The people talking up Floyd might as while forget him ever being picked by the Bills. Hill has no character concerns that I've heard about. He seems like the player Lee Evans would be if he were 6'4". WR is clearly the Bills #1 need and if Buddy feels that Hill is a top 10 talent then he will no doubt be the pick at #10 baring someone huge dropping like Claiborne. I don't think you can say WR is clearly our "#1 need" with our Left Tackle situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbillsfan1975 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 There are no steadfast "Buddy rules". He will almost always say things like, "We like a guy who has put up numbers rather than a one year wonder". That doesn't automatically rule out any one year wonder guy, especially if he fits most or all of the other Buddy "likes". At various times, he has said... He likes big guys. He likes fast guys. He likes smart players. He likes players from big schools who played against top competition. He likes guys that have produced a few years rather than one year wonders He likes guys that had production on the field rather than in their underwear at the combine. He likes tough guys. He doesn't like to trade up or trade down. If a player does not fit one or two of those criterion but fits the other 6-7 of them, he would be all over that player. He also likes guys from the South. For obvious reasons...and no not talking about his accent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 (edited) If the rash of FA WR signings in the first week said anything it said that WRs are in high demand. Some of these guys could go early to teams that wanted a WR in FA and missed out. We are one of those teams. Manningham makes more than SJ...edit(not true - didn't read the entire article) WRs on FA are way expensive. The market snapped them up quick this year and not everyone filled their holes... Edited March 24, 2012 by reed83 4th Rounder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Manningham makes more than SJ... WRs on FA are way expensive. The market snapped them up quick this year and not everyone filled their holes... Turns out he was plucked off the bargain rack… looks to me like his agent planted those Manningham to Buffalo rumors. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/23/mario-manningham-got-7-375-million-from-the-49ers/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1billsfan Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 (edited) I don't think you can say WR is clearly our "#1 need" with our Left Tackle situation. It really is. We either have Hairston or Bell this year as our starting LT. We have ????? as or starting #2 WR. The NFL is a passing league and if you don't have one of the major pieces in place to make it work you are in a sense, doomed. Running game is less effective, passing game is less effective. They can't do Fitzpatrick like that. They have to get someone opposite SJ and the plan can't be counting on Marcus Easley. I'm starting to believe that Stephen Hill will our pick. Guys with his size and speed are gold in this league. Will it be seen as a reach/risk pick? Yes, but Buddy has serious cache now. If they don't draft a 1st rd WR then they almost have to sign TO to a one year contract. Edited March 24, 2012 by 1billsfan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmac Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Not enough resume to be a top 10 pick. I would be shocked even more than when the Bills took Whitner. It would be a similar reach really. How much resume did Calvin Johnson have when he was picked #2? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 How much resume did Calvin Johnson have when he was picked #2? That is kind of the point with these GT guys. I am not big into this college vs that college etc etc. Hill, however, is quite literally the next BIG(and super fast) thing to come out of GT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloATL Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Even though I'm not a fan of Hill (see earlier post) people need to stop judging him based on stats. WRs do more blocking than route running in GTs triple option. Stats won't paint an accurate picture for guys coming out of GT, Army, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 (edited) Turns out he was plucked off the bargain rack… looks to me like his agent planted those Manningham to Buffalo rumors. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/23/mario-manningham-got-7-375-million-from-the-49ers/ I didn't even read the article, just the headline; hence me saying he made more than SJ Edited March 24, 2012 by reed83 4th Rounder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mob16151 Posted March 24, 2012 Author Share Posted March 24, 2012 I'd love to get involved in this thread, nut I'm sure most of you know my opinion at this point. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmac Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 That is kind of the point with these GT guys. I am not big into this college vs that college etc etc. Hill, however, is quite literally the next BIG(and super fast) thing to come out of GT. Which is why I would like to trafe down and still pick him up. The key to that, of course, is to not trade down too far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 I think this video is old but I am really liking this kid. Seems like a good man. Gotta love the Hendricks hoodie! +1 http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/3/6/2850145/49ers-stephen-hill-pro-day-video Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTW2012 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 How much resume did Calvin Johnson have when he was picked #2? Biletnikoff Winner in 06, runner-up in 05. First team All-American 05 and 06. Not a bad resume, eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmac Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Biletnikoff Winner in 06, runner-up in 05. First team All-American 05 and 06. Not a bad resume, eh? Not a bad resume, but the awards do not always translate to a stellar pro career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mob16151 Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Biletnikoff Winner in 06, runner-up in 05. First team All-American 05 and 06. Not a bad resume, eh? Correct me if Im wrong, but wasn't that before Johnson arrived as HC at Ga Tech and installed the triple option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kabnt2005 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I've been raving about this guy for a while now. If we don't get Floyd at #10, get Hill somehow. I don't care how. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 More Stephen Hill news. Working out with Calvin "Megatron" Johnson CAN'T be a bad thing! http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/15/georgia-tech-coach-says-stephen-hill-is-ready-for-an-nfl-offense/ By the way does anyone know if we have had this guy in for a visit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 I can't see him being the pick at 10. I can't see him being available in round 2. I can't see buddy giving up picks to trade up for him. I can't see him being a bill. Selecting him at 10 is the most likely scenario and based on buddies philosophy of drafting the bpa, it's a big stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Long Beach Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 I can't see him being the pick at 10. I can't see him being available in round 2. I can't see buddy giving up picks to trade up for him. I can't see him being a bill. Selecting him at 10 is the most likely scenario and based on buddies philosophy of drafting the bpa, it's a big stretch. I second this. Not worth #10, probably not around in round 2. I like much of what I've seen of SH, but it's SUCH a small sample size because he wasn't thrown to much. Not only that, in his highlight videos look how often the CB is busy looking into the backfield trying to help stop the overpresent run, run and more run that the GT offense does. He won't have that distraction luxury in the NFL. He's definitely an athlete, and willing team player, but can he be a productive WR in the NFL? RISKY bet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrobot Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 Not enough resume to be a top 10 pick. I would be shocked even more than when the Bills took Whitner. It would be a similar reach really. Yep. We have Hill going to Cleveland at their #22 (If Cleveland is the team at #22...I'd like to see a trade here... ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDaDdy Posted April 16, 2012 Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) I can't see him being the pick at 10. I can't see him being available in round 2. I can't see buddy giving up picks to trade up for him. I can't see him being a bill. Selecting him at 10 is the most likely scenario and based on buddies philosophy of drafting the bpa, it's a big stretch. Great points except for the fact that Buddy Nix was sighted at his pro day. I don't think Buddy does much traveling unless there is some serious consideration. I was being honest. Great point. I don't see this happening unless there is some movement in the draft. I would not poop a brick if we took him at #10 but I find it highly unlikely. It would be considered one of the bigger "reaches" in recent history. If I'm not mistaken this was post combine after his measureables made him a consensus first round pick. Consensus first round pick meaning he will "go" in the first round. http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/9/2856717/2012-nfl-draft-stephen-hill-buffalo-bills Yep. We have Hill going to Cleveland at their #22 (If Cleveland is the team at #22...I'd like to see a trade here... ) If it happens I would imagine that it would be due to a trade back or a trade up back into the 1st round. 22 might be a bit late though. For what it's worth he was interviewed and featured on Sports Center and seems like a solid well spoken character guy. First thing he plans on doing with his money when asked was to give his tithe to the church and take care of his parents. Edited April 16, 2012 by PDaDdy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 By the way does anyone know if we have had this guy in for a visit? Last time I checked, no, he has not visited One Bills Drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Correct me if Im wrong, but wasn't that before Johnson arrived as HC at Ga Tech and installed the triple option. Yes. You are correct. Not a bad resume, but the awards do not always translate to a stellar pro career. That's pretty immaculate as far as resumes go. I enjoy you brought it up then discredit looking at it when you realized how absolutely impeccable his college work was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthymcnasty08 Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Get Gilmore at #10....trade back into the first (possibly using next years weaker #1) and grab Hill OR Give next years 1 to Pitt for Wallace Then go nuts with OT/LB/Depth and Russel Wilson late in the 4th Something tells me that Ga Tech connection is strong to very strong with Chix and this is their guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyHorseAteTheKid Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 Not in round 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts