Nix's draft record with Bills very encouraging.

[ChanOverChin]

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers.

 

That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer.

 

2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games.

 

2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team.

 

2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy.

 

2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller.

 

2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett.

 

2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point.

 

 

2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team.

 

2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it.

 

2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn.

 

2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it.

 

2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it.

 

In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

 

 

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Very nice write up and I agree with pretty much all of your takes…except there's no way Batten beats out Sanborn. Sanborn is a franchise long snapper.

 

Seriously though, I think Batten is gone although others have certainly expressed differing opinions in other threads.

 

I don't think the Bills would have drafted Potter only to cut him… I think he makes it if he kicks like he did in college.

 

I agree Jasper is gone because he's not multi-positional and therefore he has to be very outstanding at one position. As a project player, I'm doubtful Jasper will reach either a level of excellence or a level of versatility.

 

I've read where Moats is learning every linebacker position and we all know he flip-flopped between the inside and the outside in the 3-4. Apparently he is a very smart football player and like you, I think his fairly unique skill set will find him a home on this roster. Good special teamer, very tough and has a flair for getting to the QB.

 

As far as the 70% (Nix's projected picks on the 2012 roster) goes, I don't think that number is meaningful. It's only the 3rd year of the program and the program sucked before Chixley took over. My gut is that any program 3 years in would have a similar roster profile… even if the draft picks sucked, the regime would still hold them to justify the picks.

 

 

[You herd it hear last]

Very nice write up and I agree with pretty much all of your takes…except there's no way Batten beats out Sanborn. Sanborn is a franchise long snapper.

 

Seriously though, I think Batten is gone although others have certainly expressed differing opinions in other threads.

I don't think the Bills would have drafted Potter only to cut him… I think he makes it if he kicks like he did in college.

 

I agree Jasper is gone because he's not multi-positional and therefore he has to be very outstanding at one position. As a project player, I'm doubtful Jasper will reach either a level of excellence or a level of versatility.

 

I've read where Moats is learning every linebacker position and we all know he flip-flopped between the inside and the outside in the 3-4. Apparently he is a very smart football player and like you, I think his fairly unique skill set will find him a home on this roster. Good special teamer, very tough and has a flair for getting to the QB.

 

As far as the 70% (Nix's projected picks on the 2012 roster) goes, I don't think that number is meaningful. It's only the 3rd year of the program and the program sucked before Chixley took over. My gut is that any program 3 years in would have a similar roster profile… even if the draft picks sucked, the regime would still hold them to justify the picks.

but is he a division III champion hurdler?... i didn't think so... i sure hope he can throw to a wide open DE or whatever wackery they're planning this year...

[BRAWNDO]

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers.

 

That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer.

 

2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games.

 

2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team.

 

2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy.

 

2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller.

 

2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett.

 

2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point.

 

 

2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team.

 

2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it.

 

2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn.

 

2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it.

 

2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it.

 

In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

 

Good Stuff, I can see Jasper on the PS again this year.

[Dragonborn10]

1/3 of the picks haven't even put shoulder pads on so it's a little early do say whether they are successes or failures. How about looking at it this way. Only 2 of 6 players drafted in Nix's first two drafts in rounds 1-3 starts - Dareus and Sheppard(by default). That is piss poor. A. Williams and Spiller had better improve greatly this year and get significant snaps to justify their draft position. As for Carrington and Troupe they are already busts with one big incomplete grade for Easley.

Edited July 14, 2012 by Dadonkadonk

[Max997]

Besides Spiller Nixs first draft was terrible

[BillnutinHouston]

I think Nix has done a good job, in fact I literally told him as much right before my daughter snapped this picture (before the Eagles game last year). I'm sure my opinion was quite reassuring to him (sarcasm off).

 

While I think Nix has done a good job, I'm not sure that the statistics laid out by the OP really make the case. These same stats can be interpreted as a measure of just how bad the roster was that Buddy inherited.

[Meathead]

the only snapping danny batten will be doing is prepping the bunny pajamas for display at the baby gap

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Only 2 of 6 players drafted in Nix's first two drafts in rounds 1-3 starts - Dareus and Sheppard(by default). That is piss poor. A. Williams and Spiller had better improve greatly this year and get significant snaps to justify their draft position. As for Carrington and Troupe they are already busts with one big incomplete grade for Easley.

I've previously expressed disappointment in Nix's first draft here.

 

A fair person would acknowledge some of the possibly extenuating circumstances surrounding it… but I'll not go down that road yet again.

 

I will say though, that Troup and Carrington are still both on the team as they enter their third year as pros.

 

While both are looking like possible busts, I would not say that they are "already busts."

 

Give it a few more months.

 

 

[actionjackson1231]

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers.

 

That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer.

 

 

I think Potter is going to make it simply because he has a hell of a leg, and we need to start getting the ball deep in the endzone, which lindell obviously hardly ever does. It will be a must need. I see it happening.

 

2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games.

 

2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team.

 

2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy.

 

2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller.

 

2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett.

 

2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point.

 

 

2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team.

 

2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it.

 

2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn.

 

2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it.

 

2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it.

 

In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

[K-9]

I'll preface this by saying Buddy is a great personnel guy. Has been for decades.

 

While I like the fact that his drafts have produced a high roster turnover rate, I think that turnover rate is more indicative of previous regimes' incompetence more than anything else. Just a look at the career arcs of players taken in those drafts is all you need to see. We were stocked with some very poor players.

 

How's that for a firm grasp of the readily apparent?

 

GO BILLS!!!

[ganesh]

As far as the 70% (Nix's projected picks on the 2012 roster) goes, I don't think that number is meaningful. It's only the 3rd year of the program and the program sucked before Chixley took over. My gut is that any program 3 years in would have a similar roster profile… even if the draft picks sucked, the regime would still hold them to justify the picks.

 

I agree. 70% of your draft choices have a good shot to make it to the team, if the original team was horrible...and it was horrible indeed. What we are yet to see is these drafted players turn into blue chip players...Spiller is a backup, Troup cannot get on the field...Dareus was good to great thought not very dominant. I hope year 3 is when Nix and Chan can put together a team that comes together and plays together and wins games. At the end every player, GM, Scouts will be graded by the # of wins on the field.

[Webster Guy]

Yeah 2010 was a bad draft for Nix. One impact player with the 9th overall pick in Spiller, the rest unimpressive. Troup wasn't his fault because the back injury wasn't a known thing at the time, Moats has flashes but definitely overall I would give it a C- grade so far.

 

Carrington looks the part but I don't see where he can contribute in this year's defensive front.

 

2011 made up for it though. And some good free agent pickups have made us all forget, which is good.

[716]

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers.

 

That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer.

 

2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games.

 

2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team.

 

2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy.

 

2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller.

 

2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett.

 

2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point.

 

 

2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team.

 

2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it.

 

2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn.

 

2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it.

 

2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it.

 

In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

 

You should at least give the original author credit and provide a direct link to his post.

 

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/7/12/3154382/buffalo-bills-training-camp-draft-picks

 

Yeah 2010 was a bad draft for Nix. One impact player with the 9th overall pick in Spiller, the rest unimpressive. Troup wasn't his fault because the back injury wasn't a known thing at the time, Moats has flashes but definitely overall I would give it a C- grade so far.

 

Carrington looks the part but I don't see where he can contribute in this year's defensive front.

 

2011 made up for it though. And some good free agent pickups have made us all forget, which is good.

 

Ever since this article came out, I've wondered if the Bills knew about Troup's back or not prior to the draft...

 

"I've had the disk problem since college, and the other little freak thing [the fracture] happened to my back this year," he said. "It happened the last preseason game."

 

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article704679.ece

[ny33]

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers.

 

That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer.

 

2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games.

 

2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team.

 

2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy.

 

2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller.

 

2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett.

 

2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point.

 

 

2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team.

 

2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it.

 

2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn.

 

2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it.

 

2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it.

 

In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

 

Cite your source, man.

[JESSEFEFFER]

I think that the plan involving Potter is twofold. 1) Improving the touchback rate along with the related average drive start of the opposition has merit on its own and 2) making sure that Lindell never has to make another tackle or even take on another blocker during a kick coverage. They want him making field gaols all season and not on the IR again. It was somewhat of a disaster last year to lose him and it would be a shame for an aspiring playoff contender to lose games because due to the misses of an unreliable kicker.

 

The net effect is that the Bills have a definite plan and as long as Potter can perform his role, he will make the team. He is apparently a good tackler as well, which makes it look to me like this was DeHaven's pick all the way. Contrary to some of the post draft analysis, if the plan works this was an outstanding value for a 7th round pick.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

You should at least give the original author credit and provide a direct link to his post.

 

http://www.buffaloru...amp-draft-picks

 

Cite your source, man.

Yeah COC,

 

I was under the belief that you wrote this.

 

You gotta attribute it to the source.

 

 

[BobChalmers]

I agree. 70% of your draft choices have a good shot to make it to the team, if the original team was horrible...and it was horrible indeed. What we are yet to see is these drafted players turn into blue chip players...Spiller is a backup, Troup cannot get on the field...Dareus was good to great thought not very dominant. I hope year 3 is when Nix and Chan can put together a team that comes together and plays together and wins games. At the end every player, GM, Scouts will be graded by the # of wins on the field.

 

You had a chance of making sense until you managed to turn the Dareus pick into a disappointment - sliding yourself all the way to silly.

 

but is he a division III champion hurdler?... i didn't think so... i sure hope he can throw to a wide open DE or whatever wackery they're planning this year...

 

Are you confusing Potter with Powell, who DOES have a good chance of bumping Moorman off the roster?

 

Yeah 2010 was a bad draft for Nix. One impact player with the 9th overall pick in Spiller, the rest unimpressive. Troup wasn't his fault because the back injury wasn't a known thing at the time, Moats has flashes but definitely overall I would give it a C- grade so far.

 

Carrington looks the part but I don't see where he can contribute in this year's defensive front.

 

2011 made up for it though. And some good free agent pickups have made us all forget, which is good.

 

Carrington has been screwed over by bad coaching and the stupid switch to a 3-4. Why the heck would anyone want him playing DT? He was a DE/OLB coming out of college.

[San-O]

Besides Spiller Nixs first draft was terrible

 

 

To take a RB like Spiller 7th overall and put him behind another really good back, on a 3-13 team is just stupid.

 

Troup was the next pick, high 2nd rounder who most likely won't make the team.

 

Carrington may be serviceable.

 

2010 = bad drafting

[Max997]

Yeah 2010 was a bad draft for Nix. One impact player with the 9th overall pick in Spiller, the rest unimpressive. Troup wasn't his fault because the back injury wasn't a known thing at the time, Moats has flashes but definitely overall I would give it a C- grade so far.

 

Carrington looks the part but I don't see where he can contribute in this year's defensive front.

 

2011 made up for it though. And some good free agent pickups have made us all forget, which is good.

 

It was his fault bc they reached for a player to fill a need...Troup was a bad pick even without the bad back

 

Having a good draft in 2011 doesn't make up for having a bad one the year before, that's not how it works