ChanOverChin Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Yes this topic has been discussed before, but maybe not from this point of view (I just love the liberal tendencies of this board's monitors who control everything that is said and done on this board - talk about taking the fun out of it). Anyway, so many people have already pre-determined which WRs will make the final roster based upon only the first two preseason games. I say to you, "Hold your horses". There are still two more games to be played. Pay attention which of these WRs garners the most reps on ST. Those are usually the guys that the team is trying to find a way to find a fit on the roster. SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham are all locks to make the final 53 IMHO. I believe that Goodwin has surpassed Graham because of his elite speed and great hands. Goodwin's game is simply more explosive. he has been a very pleasant surprise. After that, there are really some very tough decisions to be made. Whether the Bills decide to keep 6 or possibly 7 WRs will impact the no. of players taken at another position so this is an important discussion. I believe that once you get past determining the top four WRs (i.e. the guys who are going to garner most of the reps on offense each Sunday) you then must look at which players can help you the most on ST and then also provide quality WR depth. The remaining WRs to choose from include D. Rogers/Easley/Hogan/Kaufman/B. Smith/Sampson. My take on these guys from a "complete body of work" perspective (i.e. not just what they've done in the preseason games, but also what they've done in practice and the potential that they have exhibited overall) is as follows: Hogan - consistent, possession receiver. But how much can he contribute on ST?? His upside is limited. Easley - has been surprisingly good, has the most yards of this group in the preseason games, but it has mostly been against 3rd string guys, many of whom won't be playing on Sundays. His upside is pretty high. I love his prototypical size/strength/speed/youth. Kaufman - very tall, rangy receiver who I think is destined for the PS. He has no reps on ST thus far, which is a tell tale sign that the Bills are not seriously considering him for the final 53. He has a decent upside and could be a very good complimentary reciever in another year or two because he's athletic and a solid pass catcher at 6'-5". Sampson - has shown some things, but mostly in garbage time. My guess is that he will be waived on 8-27-13. You always need to show well, but if you're only showing well against 3rd/4th stringers it doesn't mean a whole lot. You've got to show well against 1st/2nd string guys because those are the guys that you're going to go up against on Sundays. D. Rogers - easily the most talented of this group. He has everything that you're looking for in an NFL WR from a physical standpoint. SI's Peter King dubbed him a "Baby Randy Moss". Can he contribute on ST?? That remains to be seen. His upside is extremely high, even to the point that he could be a Pro Bowl WR. I don't think that I can realistically say that about anybody else in this bunch. B. Smith - vet WR, can play QB, can return kicks/punts, can be a gunner on kicks/punts. He is extremely.......extremely valuable because he can do all of that and do it well. Even if he's not a starter at one of those positions, as the seasons moves forwards and various starters are injured he can step right in and get the job done. Did I mention that he can be a positive impact on ST?? I believe I did. And for that reason I believe he will make the final 53 man roster. The Bills would not have sought to reduce his salary if they didn't plan to keep him. They would have simply waived him. They don't need him to be a starting WR, but they do need his ability to contribute on ST. When you go through the process of trying to figure out the depth of the Bills roster at each position you quickly figure out that it's somewhat diffcult to fill 53 roster spots (with high quality players). To me that means that the Bills will fill their roster with 7 WRs as long as WR #5/WR #6/WR#7 can all contribute on ST. If the team is going to keep 7 WRs then I think those 7 have to be: SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham/B. Smith/Easley/D. Rogers. I like Easley over Hogan because Easley has more upside. If you take Hogan he's not likely to play much on offense anyway this year so you take Easley because he may surpass Graham at some point. I like D. Rogers to make the final roster because of his very high ceiling. As long as he can contribute on ST he can help you this year. In future years he could be a real gem. You would likely be keeping him over a 6th CB (possibly J. Rogers/TJ Heath) or 5th S (J. Meeks) and none of those guys appear to have the upside that he has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 "If the team is going to keep 7 WRs then I think those 7 have to be: SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham/B. Smith/Easley/D. Rogers." I agree we keep 7 and that these are the 7 we keep, and for the reasons you mentioned. Kaufman and Hogan are so easy to root for. It is a shame we can't keep them all. Kaufman just makes too many plays, and will be picked up by another team IMO. Hogan will get a shot somewhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Just to make sure I didn't miss something, you start with this: Anyway, so many people have already pre-determined which WRs will make the final roster based upon only the first two preseason games. I say to you, "Hold your horses". There are still two more games to be played. and finish with this: If the team is going to keep 7 WRs then I think those 7 have to be: SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham/B. Smith/Easley/D. Rogers. Shouldn't you be holding your horses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hogan has been one of the best special steamers on the field the first two games, not sure what games you have been watching...been outstanding on kick coverage and made one of tackles inside the 15 yard line on one of the returns... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanOverChin Posted August 23, 2013 Author Share Posted August 23, 2013 Pete, I like both Hogan and Kaufman, but they are both up against faster/more athletic players who are capable of making bigger plays. I'm happy for Easley for the way he has come back and played so well. He and Rogers have the strength and body type to win the 1v1 battles that NFL WRs so often have to win to keep drives alive. This would have to be the deepest WR corps that I've seen on a Bills roster in a very long time. It really bodes well for the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 (edited) LOL @ Rubes. Nailed it. That said -- I like the seven ChanOverChin identified as sticking, and will be watching closely tomorrow to see which of those bottom guys are getting ST reps (and how they're handling them). More so than anyone else, I probably still have Brad Smith as a lock purely on the basis of his proven ST contributions; he's also one of the few proven vets on that side of the ball, which is important. 7-11 Hogan just doesn't impress me; I don't know what it is. Kaufman will easily make it onto the PS. Sampson's a goner. Now that he's healthy, Easley seems to have turned the corner and has outstanding measurables. He's catching everything thrown at him. And then there's Da'Rick. Too much potential to cut, and no ability to "hide" him on the PS. At the end of the day, I don't think this staff wants to see him snatched up by the Pats* or Jets and will keep him among the 53, hoping he matures with designs on cracking the "real" roster in 2014. Edited August 23, 2013 by eball Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoretalk Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Have you watched the games? Attended or read the accounts of training camp? If you had participated in any of those options you would know that Hogan has been the most predominant receiver on special teams. In addition he has continued to be praised by the coaching staff while running well defined routes and catching difficult passes. He is a lock to be #5 in our receiving corps. The battle for #6 based on reports from recent practice sessions is between Easely, Rodgers, and Kauffman. Tough choices because someone will end up on another team's 53. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanOverChin Posted August 23, 2013 Author Share Posted August 23, 2013 Rubes, I guess I don't know how to hold my horses. matter2003, Hogan has done somewhat well on ST, but we still need to see more from him to make a final determination. I don't understand the lovefest for Hogan. Wasn't he cut by the Dolphins last year when their WR corps was fairly thin?? He is a possession receiver. To me, those guys are fairly esasy to find. You have to decide if you like him better long term than both Easley and D. Rogers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Just to make sure I didn't miss something, you start with this: and finish with this: Shouldn't you be holding your horses? I think you missed everything in-between those two statements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumbalaya Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 SJ, Goodwin, Woods, Graham, Hogan, Easely all make it. Smith stays if they keep 7. Kaufman to PS. Rogers to season ending IR for stubbed toe, shin rash, ankle twist, knee sprain, pinkie jam, or eyelash bruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Somebody needs to make the case for why Hogan should be kept over the game-breaking potential of Easley and Rogers. If your answer is "possession receiver" the Bills already have that in Stevie, Woods, and Chandler. I just don't see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Somebody needs to make the case for why Hogan should be kept over the game-breaking potential of Easley and Rogers. If your answer is "possession receiver" the Bills already have that in Stevie, Woods, and Chandler. I just don't see it. Marrone stated in an interview on WGR that sometimes coaches make mistakes about projecting what a player could do but he is more interested in who's played the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papazoid Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 my sleeper pick is DeMarco Sampson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Marrone stated in an interview on WGR that sometimes coaches make mistakes about projecting what a player could do but he is more interested in who's played the best And coaches also drool over someone with Rogers' potential. I guess the question is whether you believe Hogan is going to significantly impact Bills games this season. I don't, and therefore even if Rogers won't play I'd rather keep him, let him practice and learn how to be a pro, and prepare him to make an impact in 2014. my sleeper pick is DeMarco Sampson Polo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hogan has been one of the best special steamers If this is the case, maybe he would be better off playing in Cleveland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigK14094 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 The staff will decide, and, if we are smart, we will not look back and second guess. Especially if one of the cuts lands elsewhere and does well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsMakeMeShout Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Isn't it amazing to be able to even have this conversation because just a few months ago we only had Stevie and TJ. What a turnaround. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 still think it will be the 4 "gimmes" and then smith, rogers, and easley fighting for 2 spots kaufman and/or hogan on the PS. Marrone stated in an interview on WGR that sometimes coaches make mistakes about projecting what a player could do but he is more interested in who's played the best and what hes doing isnt as hard to replace imo. its not just about number of catches in preseason, its about being able to beat a starting nfl corner 1 on 1 and he has physical limitations that make me think he will struggle with that more than others on the roster - hence hes bounced around, been a street free agent during the season etc.... i like him as a depth option but i think we have guys with talent that is harder to replicate and id rather protect. hogan very well could get cut and resigned in the middle of the season even. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sumin Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Few things Just because Brad Smith renegotiated his contract doesn't mean he's a lock. It was simply a move to try and increase his chances of making the final 53 Marrone has emphasized that every spot is up for grabs, and for him to go back on that for Rogers especially as a new coach trying to instill values into a team is unlikely, IMO. That being said, I can see Rogers getting "season-ending IR" or simply being outright cut, and its not a definite thing he doesn't fit the final 53. But if he does, I doubt he will play. Easley has been tremendous, looking at improved technique and his body type BUT I'd like to see him play with 1s/2s, the 4th preseason game will show us if he has improved that much. If he continues his improvement he has a good chance of cutting the roster as he has shown he can play STs Hogan is a possession receiver, but honestly, he's been very reliable and a gamer on STs. How many people here were shocked when Nelson was released? Kaufman has made some good plays, but again, what warrants a 7th WR that never plays? Instead, how about carrying another OL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBob Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 (edited) Yes this topic has been discussed before, but maybe not from this point of view (I just love the liberal tendencies of this board's monitors who control everything that is said and done on this board - talk about taking the fun out of it). Anyway, so many people have already pre-determined which WRs will make the final roster based upon only the first two preseason games. I say to you, "Hold your horses". There are still two more games to be played. Pay attention which of these WRs garners the most reps on ST. Those are usually the guys that the team is trying to find a way to find a fit on the roster. SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham are all locks to make the final 53 IMHO. I believe that Goodwin has surpassed Graham because of his elite speed and great hands. Goodwin's game is simply more explosive. he has been a very pleasant surprise. After that, there are really some very tough decisions to be made. Whether the Bills decide to keep 6 or possibly 7 WRs will impact the no. of players taken at another position so this is an important discussion. I believe that once you get past determining the top four WRs (i.e. the guys who are going to garner most of the reps on offense each Sunday) you then must look at which players can help you the most on ST and then also provide quality WR depth. The remaining WRs to choose from include D. Rogers/Easley/Hogan/Kaufman/B. Smith/Sampson. My take on these guys from a "complete body of work" perspective (i.e. not just what they've done in the preseason games, but also what they've done in practice and the potential that they have exhibited overall) is as follows: Hogan - consistent, possession receiver. But how much can he contribute on ST?? His upside is limited. Easley - has been surprisingly good, has the most yards of this group in the preseason games, but it has mostly been against 3rd string guys, many of whom won't be playing on Sundays. His upside is pretty high. I love his prototypical size/strength/speed/youth. Kaufman - very tall, rangy receiver who I think is destined for the PS. He has no reps on ST thus far, which is a tell tale sign that the Bills are not seriously considering him for the final 53. He has a decent upside and could be a very good complimentary reciever in another year or two because he's athletic and a solid pass catcher at 6'-5". Sampson - has shown some things, but mostly in garbage time. My guess is that he will be waived on 8-27-13. You always need to show well, but if you're only showing well against 3rd/4th stringers it doesn't mean a whole lot. You've got to show well against 1st/2nd string guys because those are the guys that you're going to go up against on Sundays. D. Rogers - easily the most talented of this group. He has everything that you're looking for in an NFL WR from a physical standpoint. SI's Peter King dubbed him a "Baby Randy Moss". Can he contribute on ST?? That remains to be seen. His upside is extremely high, even to the point that he could be a Pro Bowl WR. I don't think that I can realistically say that about anybody else in this bunch. B. Smith - vet WR, can play QB, can return kicks/punts, can be a gunner on kicks/punts. He is extremely.......extremely valuable because he can do all of that and do it well. Even if he's not a starter at one of those positions, as the seasons moves forwards and various starters are injured he can step right in and get the job done. Did I mention that he can be a positive impact on ST?? I believe I did. And for that reason I believe he will make the final 53 man roster. The Bills would not have sought to reduce his salary if they didn't plan to keep him. They would have simply waived him. They don't need him to be a starting WR, but they do need his ability to contribute on ST. When you go through the process of trying to figure out the depth of the Bills roster at each position you quickly figure out that it's somewhat diffcult to fill 53 roster spots (with high quality players). To me that means that the Bills will fill their roster with 7 WRs as long as WR #5/WR #6/WR#7 can all contribute on ST. If the team is going to keep 7 WRs then I think those 7 have to be: SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham/B. Smith/Easley/D. Rogers. I like Easley over Hogan because Easley has more upside. If you take Hogan he's not likely to play much on offense anyway this year so you take Easley because he may surpass Graham at some point. I like D. Rogers to make the final roster because of his very high ceiling. As long as he can contribute on ST he can help you this year. In future years he could be a real gem. You would likely be keeping him over a 6th CB (possibly J. Rogers/TJ Heath) or 5th S (J. Meeks) and none of those guys appear to have the upside that he has. The one thing I have to disagree with is that Goodwin has surpassed Graham due to his elite speed, great hands and more explosiveness. Graham was the superstar of the wide receivers this offseason until he pulled a groin. He also has elite speed and good hands, and we simply have not seen him since early in the first preseason game due to his injury. I think you should heed your own advice and hold your horses, and let TJ show something in a game first. Edited August 23, 2013 by BuffaloBob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPR4444 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hogan has been one of the best special steamers on the field the first two games If this is the case, maybe he would be better off playing in Cleveland. is that part of the rookie hazing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Goodwin is a lock, but did anyone notice how Xavier Rhodes out muscled him when Kolb was picked off in the Vikings game? Not sure how ready he is to matchup as a WR in the NFL. Easley makes the final 53 as he's finally healthy and ready to make a contribution this year. Hogan is JAG IMO and I would worry about keeping him based on preseason. I like Kaufman for the PS. Sampson....CYA Would try to deal Smith for a 7th and if not it's bye bye with a TY. And Surprise!!! I'd keep Da'Rick for his long term potential that's far greater than any of the "bubble" guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Goodwin is a lock, but did anyone notice how Xavier Rhodes out muscled him when Kolb was picked off in the Vikings game? Not sure how ready he is to matchup as a WR in the NFL. Easley makes the final 53 as he's finally healthy and ready to make a contribution this year. Hogan is JAG IMO and I would worry about keeping him based on preseason. I like Kaufman for the PS. Sampson....CYA Would try to deal Smith for a 7th and if not it's bye bye with a TY. And Surprise!!! I'd keep Da'Rick for his long term potential that's far greater than any of the "bubble" guys. We saw that differently. I saw Goodwin turning to the outside, while Kolb threw to the inside -- right into Rhodes' hands. I didn't see any "muscling-out" going on. Still, I think we would all agree Goodwin isn't there to be a "physical" receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mountainwampus Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Everyone, please reconsider Graham as a lock! He's sooo bad. He dropped 7 passes (only caught 53.4% of targeted passes), lots of drops in college, 10 fumbles in 2 college seasons, cost us a victory vs Pats last year (even though everyone wanted to blame Fitz for the INT) he drops A LOT in practice, he is scared of contact based on how many he "alligator armed" last season. I just don't see any merits. No hands, zero instincts, no blocking ability or physicality whatsoever. Speed alone does not make a WR. There's no room for both Goodwin AND Graham. Goodwin has won. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillsMagic1 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hogan has to be on list, maybe evevn Kaufman. SJ, woods, Easley, Goodwin, Graham are definite 5 and I say Hogan and Kaufman though I wonder if an NFL team can have 2 white WRS on same team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haven Moses Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I concur. Graham is no lock. Still think Da'Rick ends up on the PS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Everyone, please reconsider Graham as a lock! He's sooo bad. He dropped 7 passes (only caught 53.4% of targeted passes), lots of drops in college, 10 fumbles in 2 college seasons, cost us a victory vs Pats last year (even though everyone wanted to blame Fitz for the INT) he drops A LOT in practice, he is scared of contact based on how many he "alligator armed" last season. I just don't see any merits. No hands, zero instincts, no blocking ability or physicality whatsoever. Speed alone does not make a WR. There's no room for both Goodwin AND Graham. Goodwin has won. Aside from this being a complete overstatement and exaggeration, it is true Graham had a disappointing rookie season. He also, however, worked extremely hard in the off-season and showcased that work in camp. Look at the first couple of plays in the Indy game -- he blocked extremely well for Spiller's first two big runs. I'm not quite understanding the hatred, but I'm sure you have your reasons. In any event, it would be a complete shock for Graham to be cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollars 2 donuts Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Forgive me, C.O.C., because I didn't have the opportunity to read your whole post as I have to step out. The one comment that I do want to make with respect to the early portion of you post is that it would be nice if there were two games remaining for guys to make their case, but I've seen in years past guys play great in game 4 and not make this team. I can't remember the particular RBs name (maybe Gray?) who ran for 126 yards in the final preseason game and was cut. Maybe the mentality is different with Marrone, but I will be interested to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Forgive me, C.O.C., because I didn't have the opportunity to read your whole post as I have to step out. The one comment that I do want to make with respect to the early portion of you post is that it would be nice if there were two games remaining for guys to make their case, but I've seen in years past guys play great in game 4 and not make this team. I can't remember the particular RBs name (maybe Gray?) who ran for 126 yards in the final preseason game and was cut. Maybe the mentality is different with Marrone, but I will be interested to see. I think the problem for casual fans is that they (we) tend to focus on the stats coming out of the preseason games, when in truth I don't believe the coaches look at that much at all. A RB who gains 100+ yards playing against future pizza delivery guys doesn't impress them. They're more worried about that same RB who doesn't pick up a blitz, goes the wrong way on a pass route, can't remember the plays, or takes a bad angle on special teams. Marrone has constantly talked about players "competing" -- something that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. I don't think anyone is making this roster based upon gaudy stats in the 4th preseason game; if there are any decisions left for the staff to make by then it will be about the "little things" like attitude, intelligence, and how good they will be in practice helping their teammates get ready to do battle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 What the hate on Graham? Saying Goodwin is faster may be true but Graham is no slouch and outweighs Goodwin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenews Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Da'Rick Rogers will have 40+ receptions and 5 TD's for the Bills this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 What the hate on Graham? Saying Goodwin is faster may be true but Graham is no slouch and outweighs Goodwin There are some who will never get past hating a draft pick. For crying out loud, we still have posters who can't bring themselves to say Spiller was a good pick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 There are some who will never get past hating a draft pick. For crying out loud, we still have posters who can't bring themselves to say Spiller was a good pick! that's all it is. I am still do with this team from drafting Willis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffaloboyinATL Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I agree with everyone's opinion regarding Rogers having a high ceiling and the most upside amongst the bubble receivers. That being said, I have a gut feeling that he will be unceremoniously dropped in the very near future. Too many hints from the coaching staff that he is not giving it his all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just in Atlanta Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I say we keep Kaufman, if nothing for the distinction of having the only Jewish WR in the NFL other than Jeremy Bloom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Hogan has been one of the best special steamers on the field the first two games, not sure what games you have been watching...been outstanding on kick coverage and made one of tackles inside the 15 yard line on one of the returns... Are you saying he'll "clam up" during the regular season? Easley has also gotten a lot of ST reps and can play ST well. FWIW Chris Brown was posting as if 6 WR was the "bubble" number - ie 5 WR would be kept, 6 would be a "stretch" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UticaBill Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 OK assuming we keep 7 not 6 we already know at least 4 names for sure. SJ, Woods, Graham, Goodwin....Easley's not gotten a chance against the 1's and barely time against the 2's in games so far, so if he makes this roster we MUST see him go against the 1's in the next 2 games.... otherwise I think despite his stats and good relationship with Jeff Tuel, he could easily be gone.... Depending of course how Hogan and Kaufman and the rest perform of course! Smith's versatility earns him a spot ONLY if we keep 7wrs... if we keep only 6, then I think Smith's number may get pulled....maybe not... but the other WR's have done more to earn a spot so far. SO, really there are two spots up for grabs and 5 guys fighting for them...each with good wr qualities though fairly dissimilar to each other. I think we will know with fair certainty by tomorrow evening! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Are you saying he'll "clam up" during the regular season? Easley has also gotten a lot of ST reps and can play ST well. FWIW Chris Brown was posting as if 6 WR was the "bubble" number - ie 5 WR would be kept, 6 would be a "stretch" Maybe if you consider that Dickerson would be a TE/WR/other... he'd be the wildcard 6. I am not sure he makes the team. With our offense we need fresh legs. Sprint after sprint is going to really take a toll on these guys. There is no reason not to expect at least 6 WR's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metzelaars_lives Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Yes this topic has been discussed before, but maybe not from this point of view (I just love the liberal tendencies of this board's monitors who control everything that is said and done on this board - talk about taking the fun out of it). Anyway, so many people have already pre-determined which WRs will make the final roster based upon only the first two preseason games. I say to you, "Hold your horses". There are still two more games to be played. Pay attention which of these WRs garners the most reps on ST. Those are usually the guys that the team is trying to find a way to find a fit on the roster. SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham are all locks to make the final 53 IMHO. I believe that Goodwin has surpassed Graham because of his elite speed and great hands. Goodwin's game is simply more explosive. he has been a very pleasant surprise. After that, there are really some very tough decisions to be made. Whether the Bills decide to keep 6 or possibly 7 WRs will impact the no. of players taken at another position so this is an important discussion. I believe that once you get past determining the top four WRs (i.e. the guys who are going to garner most of the reps on offense each Sunday) you then must look at which players can help you the most on ST and then also provide quality WR depth. The remaining WRs to choose from include D. Rogers/Easley/Hogan/Kaufman/B. Smith/Sampson. My take on these guys from a "complete body of work" perspective (i.e. not just what they've done in the preseason games, but also what they've done in practice and the potential that they have exhibited overall) is as follows: Hogan - consistent, possession receiver. But how much can he contribute on ST?? His upside is limited. Easley - has been surprisingly good, has the most yards of this group in the preseason games, but it has mostly been against 3rd string guys, many of whom won't be playing on Sundays. His upside is pretty high. I love his prototypical size/strength/speed/youth. Kaufman - very tall, rangy receiver who I think is destined for the PS. He has no reps on ST thus far, which is a tell tale sign that the Bills are not seriously considering him for the final 53. He has a decent upside and could be a very good complimentary reciever in another year or two because he's athletic and a solid pass catcher at 6'-5". Sampson - has shown some things, but mostly in garbage time. My guess is that he will be waived on 8-27-13. You always need to show well, but if you're only showing well against 3rd/4th stringers it doesn't mean a whole lot. You've got to show well against 1st/2nd string guys because those are the guys that you're going to go up against on Sundays. D. Rogers - easily the most talented of this group. He has everything that you're looking for in an NFL WR from a physical standpoint. SI's Peter King dubbed him a "Baby Randy Moss". Can he contribute on ST?? That remains to be seen. His upside is extremely high, even to the point that he could be a Pro Bowl WR. I don't think that I can realistically say that about anybody else in this bunch. B. Smith - vet WR, can play QB, can return kicks/punts, can be a gunner on kicks/punts. He is extremely.......extremely valuable because he can do all of that and do it well. Even if he's not a starter at one of those positions, as the seasons moves forwards and various starters are injured he can step right in and get the job done. Did I mention that he can be a positive impact on ST?? I believe I did. And for that reason I believe he will make the final 53 man roster. The Bills would not have sought to reduce his salary if they didn't plan to keep him. They would have simply waived him. They don't need him to be a starting WR, but they do need his ability to contribute on ST. When you go through the process of trying to figure out the depth of the Bills roster at each position you quickly figure out that it's somewhat diffcult to fill 53 roster spots (with high quality players). To me that means that the Bills will fill their roster with 7 WRs as long as WR #5/WR #6/WR#7 can all contribute on ST. If the team is going to keep 7 WRs then I think those 7 have to be: SJ/Woods/Goodwin/Graham/B. Smith/Easley/D. Rogers. I like Easley over Hogan because Easley has more upside. If you take Hogan he's not likely to play much on offense anyway this year so you take Easley because he may surpass Graham at some point. I like D. Rogers to make the final roster because of his very high ceiling. As long as he can contribute on ST he can help you this year. In future years he could be a real gem. You would likely be keeping him over a 6th CB (possibly J. Rogers/TJ Heath) or 5th S (J. Meeks) and none of those guys appear to have the upside that he has. So limiting free speech is a "liberal" or "progressive" tactic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 So limiting free speech is a "liberal" or "progressive" tactic? Oh no!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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