Offensive Line Draft picks are more successful

[thewildrabbit]

OL isn't something you draft in the top 10 unless they are Walter Jones good. The best lines are built mostly of mid-late first rounders and a little later. Lines are a unit. One lineman rarely makes or breaks a team. You draft a gamer changer in the top 10. We need an OT, but not at 9. Trade down or wait.

This type of thinking is what has kept the Bills at or near the bottom of the league for 14+ years IMO. Because its been that long since this franchise had an actual O line that could control the line of scrimmage.

 

But you are right in thinking that one O linemen isn't going to make or break a team, because it is a team sport and that line only succeeds with strong continuity from all five players.

 

Wanna know how many Buffalo Bills O linemen have made the pro bowl the last 20 years? Exactly two, and not at the same time, Ruben Brown an OG who played nine years for the Bills, and LT Jason Peters. That's it!

 

A little speculation...I'm thinking the Bills realized somehow, someway, that their #1 target, Mike Evans, was not going to get by Tampa...I'm unsure if it was during the Williams inquiries, or before them...If it was before, that could be what led them to asking about Williams...Anyway...The Bills decided to protect themselves with Williams and that likely shifts their attention at #9 to an OT...Murph hinted to this point tonight on his show...It's not hard to see the Bills have shifted gears here a bit...Reading between the lines, it's looking like OT in the 1st...

 

I don't think there is any doubt that either Matthews or Lewan will be available at #9...It seems to be a given that Lewan will be there...I'm guessing Matthews is the Bills preference, but they'll settle for Lewan...I'm still not crazy about Lewan off-the-field...I have serious reservations about him, and I'm a Michigan fan...But on the field I have no doubt he will be a significant upgrade from Pears at RT from day #1...And in time Lewan could be very special...He's got all the tools to be a dominant NFL OT for years to come...From the first day he takes the field in the NFL he will be one of the best athletes at the OT position in the entire league...If he can mature and be a good citizen it's a big get for the Bills...

 

But anyway...I'm expecting the pick at #9 to be an OT now...I would not be at all surprised to see them trade down and take Zack Martin either...I know a lot of folks are assuming Martin moves inside...But he's never played OG...He could start off at RT then eventually move inside down the road if that becomes necessary...I would not bet against Martin though...I think he could be a very effective RT in the NFL...He's just a solid player...

Man, I hope you are right with this train of thought.

 

Although, I'd really be very surprised the bills draft an OT with that #9, even if Matthews is still there.

[ektin]

Two words.

 

Mike Williams. (not the receiver)

[machine gun kelly]

I know RT is about the least sexy pick but this kid has immediate impact from day 1 written all over him. He is the perfect storm for what you want from a top 10 pick:

 

-Immediate impact

-Started 46 games in the best conference in the NCAA- SEC

-Experience at RT and LT; can also play interior

-Extremely durable

-Plays with a mean streak

 

 

Improving this offensive line is priority #1 with the addition of Mike Williams. We have all the pieces in place to have a very good offense:

 

WR1: Mike Williams

WR2: Robert Woods

WR3: Stevie Johnson

WR4: Marquise Goodwin

WR5: TJ Graham

 

That is one hell of a WR corp. Stevie will dominate from the slot. We have 2 very good outside WR's with the addition of Williams (potential to be a WR1). Deep threats in Goodwin & Graham

 

Then you have one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league with CJ Spiller. Should return to his 6.0 ypc form with an upgraded line. A OT like Matthews excels getting into the 2nd level & should make our screen game close to unstoppable with Spiller. FJax is FJax. We now have Dixon to get those tough short yardage yards.

 

Upgrading RT is the most important piece left. We need defenses to believe Manuel can get the ball down the field so things open up for Spiller/FJax. Matthews or Lewan can come in from day 1 & do that. There really isn't any other position that could impact the quality of this team like adding a blue-chip RT would do for this offense

 

You make a good case and I agree on most points. You guys have been convincing me to consider wanting an elite RT in the first. I wouldn't doubt Marrone would like it. The only edit is dump Graham. I cannot stand him given how many crucial drops he's had at important parts of the game. Remember the fumble on our 15 yard line in the KC game that it put it away for us. Easley is the best gunner in the NFL so keep him at 5th WR, and possibly we pick up an athletic TE so we carry one more TE than WR on the team. ASJ may be there in the 2nd round.

 

Remember Chandler had the most completions last year. He was even slower than years past as it was his first year after the ACL. He should be better this year, but that 6'7" frame with long arms became EJ's, Thad's, and Tuel's favorite target. Young QB's working on their accuracy love a big guy they can just throw up the ball, and let him get it.

 

Two words.

 

Mike Williams. (not the receiver)

 

I was going to post as well, but I believe in this front office much more than the knuckle heads from a decade ago in mgmt. I'm sure if Whaley picks a RT, he will be good. I just think back to the Cowboys of the 90's, and they won with that line. Those guys dominated in the trenches, and made Aikman and Emmett HOF's. I still believe Kelly and Thurmon were much better. In our glory days, we had a tremendous line.

[Rockinon]

The reasoning makes sense, and thanks for providing some context.

 

I simply disagree that Lewan belongs in that top tier...I think he's in the same class as the 2nd tier guys.

 

 

 

I wouldn't take Ebron that high either.

 

I don't think either of them are elite, which is what I want in the top 10 of this draft; an elite player.

 

I'd rather take Mike Evans or Aaron Donald than either of the guys you mention because I believe they'll be game-changers.

These make sense. I do think if an upper tier OT is there the Bills will take that(It's a most likely scenario and a big big need). However, if a someone like Mack falls to them, they may jump on the opportunity. None of us know who will drop to us. There seems to be someone every year that does. Teams have a tendency to go for pass rushers and pass protectors first these days so maybe we get neither. Perhaps we get an upper tier WR. Edited April 8, 2014 by Rockinon

[simpleman]

Ok look we need a RIGHT tackle, we do not need a LEFT tackle. LEFT tackles you take first round, RIGHT Tackles you take later on. We addressed LG in free agency I know fans don't want to hear that but that is what Whaley did. We need a RIGHT tackle and can find a good starter in the 3rd round. If we go RT in round one then I pray medical staff storm the draft room because Whaley and Company had strokes and went flat stupid. I think the Pick is TE = Ebron if he is still there or we will trade down (My choice).

 

I listed this in another thread. Everyone keeps talking about getting a OT in later rounds. Let's get real here. Unless someone shockingly falls, the OTs will be gone in the 2nd. Player rankings:

 

Billy Turner North Dakota State 3

JaWuan James Tennessee 3-4

Cameron Fleming Stanford 4

James Hurst North Carolina 4

Charles Leno Boise State 5

 

Other than James, none intrigue me as possible starters this year. And he just intrigues, not impresses.

Edited April 8, 2014 by simpleman

[TPS]

One other aspect about going OT at 9 vs Evans/Ebron, the OT will start day 1 and be an every down player; the others will start as situational players. If the staff is about winning this year, a new starting RT helps the most.

 

My preference for the first 2 picks based on who has a chance of being available:

Mathews or Lewan

Niklas or Crichton

 

[machine gun kelly]

I didn't feel like starting another thread so another point on G depth, I would bring in Davin Joseph to see has he in year 2 really healed his knee. The Bucs cut him due to the large contract, and he had an off 2013. He's made the pro bowl twice, and when healthy could be a good rotational player. I'm not saying sign him, but just evaluate him. He was very good for years. Very tough, and probably a league minimum deal with no guaranteed money. Could be worth looking at him.

[maryland-bills-fan]

Sorry dude. you and yours who keep spewing LT vs RT are dinosaurs. Think into the future, more passing in the league, more specialist pass rushers who come from everywhere, RT vs LT salary gap is closing and will not be meaningful in years to come. We can afford to pay OTs and it would sure be nice to see someone blocking on the Buffalo Bill's offensive line rather than just being offensive. Center and both OT would be set for years to come. If any of you nay sayers who spew forth the vitriol that RTs come on the cheap have ever played a down of ball, then you know the game is won in the trenches. We have studs on the D side, pair them up with the equivalent OL and we are talking dynasty! Control the line and control the game. Skill players are icing and not the cake.

Sorry dude. The 13th left tackle makes more $$ than the 1st right tackle. Money talks, BS walks.

[Tenhigh]

The top 3 OT's seem to be your best bet for "sure-fire" contribution to team success year 1. Skill position players, especially WR's, usually have a period of getting used to the NFL & that level on competition. They need to learn an entirely new playbook/system & can't get by on just their dominating physical attributes which helped them dominate the NCAA. QB's are in the same boat as well; they take a lot of time to get acclimated to the NFL as evidenced by Manuel last season.

 

Offensive linemen face the lowest learning curve. At the most basic level, they go out and block the player in front of them. They don't need to learn complicated routes or plays (for the most part) of a NFL playbook.

 

Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, or Taylor Lewan could come in & start from day 1. All 3 of them have a bunch of college starts under their belt & should be ready to help improve their new offensive lines immediately. Look at how Glenn was able to contribute his rookie season and really not skip a beat.

 

This immediate impact is one of the reasons I am leaning towards going OT @ 9. On top of that, RT is now this team's most dire need with the addition of Mike Williams to our WR corp. The offensive line needs a lot of help & we should come out of this draft with a bare minimum of 2 new players. What happens if Cordy Glenn goes down? I do not want to see Eric Pears playing any major part of this team.

 

Manuel needs to be protected so he can develop properly & have time to throw the ball. I don't want to say he is injury prone yet but he suffered 3 separate injuries last season. The running game is also going to be their bread and butter apparently so improving the run blocking is key.

What if all 3 are gone by ##9?

[smapdi]

If all 3 of the top OTs then its a whole different ball game. That would likely mean someone very enticing would drop. If Mack is there, I'd take him. I'm not sold on Martin & wouldn't spend a top 10 pick on him.

 

I'm on my phone right now so I can't really work everything out but I'd say there is about a 90% chance one of the top 3 OTs is there at 9

[BigBuff423]

I think the Rams take Watkins at #2 and then trade with the BILLS from 13 to 9 to get Matthews....so, given that the Titans and Giants both need OL help, I don't see an OT really being that valuable at 13. And the reason I think the Rams trade with the BILLS is for that very reason, BILLS I think want to trade down, Rams will take Watkins a dynamic WR to help Bradford and knowing the Matthews and Lewan picks will be available at 9, will take one of those guys who can help immediately, but Watkins won't last to 9, so you take the best WR in the Draft, then use your chips to trade up for the 2nd or 3rd best OT in the Draft just ahead of your competition....at least that's how it plays out to me....BILLS pick up an extra pick or two and still get the guy they are truly targeting, ala 2013 with EJ

[thebandit27]

I think the Rams take Watkins at #2 and then trade with the BILLS from 13 to 9 to get Matthews....so, given that the Titans and Giants both need OL help, I don't see an OT really being that valuable at 13. And the reason I think the Rams trade with the BILLS is for that very reason, BILLS I think want to trade down, Rams will take Watkins a dynamic WR to help Bradford and knowing the Matthews and Lewan picks will be available at 9, will take one of those guys who can help immediately, but Watkins won't last to 9, so you take the best WR in the Draft, then use your chips to trade up for the 2nd or 3rd best OT in the Draft just ahead of your competition....at least that's how it plays out to me....BILLS pick up an extra pick or two and still get the guy they are truly targeting, ala 2013 with EJ

 

I just don't see any way Matthews gets to 9

[KOKBILLS]

I think the Rams take Watkins at #2 and then trade with the BILLS from 13 to 9 to get Matthews....so, given that the Titans and Giants both need OL help, I don't see an OT really being that valuable at 13. And the reason I think the Rams trade with the BILLS is for that very reason, BILLS I think want to trade down, Rams will take Watkins a dynamic WR to help Bradford and knowing the Matthews and Lewan picks will be available at 9, will take one of those guys who can help immediately, but Watkins won't last to 9, so you take the best WR in the Draft, then use your chips to trade up for the 2nd or 3rd best OT in the Draft just ahead of your competition....at least that's how it plays out to me....BILLS pick up an extra pick or two and still get the guy they are truly targeting, ala 2013 with EJ

 

So who is the guy they really want? Ebron?

[K-9]

Have you ever seen any of the OT's listed as potentially a 1st over all? No because although they are the best in the draft they are not elite. A RT at 9 is a huge reach.

 

If Clowney, Mack, and Watkins weren't in the conversation, you'd see Robinson in the discussion. Those are the four highest rated players in this draft and Matthews is a close fifth. No, they are not Orlando Pace, but they are as close to locks for perennial All Pro players as you can get going in.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[Beerball]

Two words.

 

Mike Williams. (not the receiver)

Absolutely, because every offensive lineman ever taken in the top 10 has been a bust.

[KOKBILLS]

I just don't see any way Matthews gets to 9

 

He shouldn't...But he may if all 3 QB's go top 8, and Mike Evans goes #7 to Tampa...Of course that's assuming Clowney, Robinson, Watkins,and Mack also go top 8...

 

If the three QB's and Evans go top 8 then either Mack or Matthews slides to #9...

 

If Clowney, Mack, and Watkins weren't in the conversation, you'd see Robinson in the discussion. Those are the four highest rated players in this draft and Matthews is a close fifth. No, they are not Orlando Pace, but they are as close to locks for perennial All Pro players as you can get going in.

 

GO BILLS!!!

 

I still think at the end of the day Robinson is going to be the best player from this entire Draft...And I do think he has Orlando Pace potential...He's a nasty dude...

[Kirby Jackson]

Brandon Thomas tore his ACL in his workout for the Saints. One more OL to cross off the list. That is terrible. You've got to feel for the guy.

[KOKBILLS]

Brandon Thomas tore his ACL in his workout for the Saints. One more OL to cross off the list. That is terrible. You've got to feel for the guy.

 

That really sucks for the kid...And he's a guy I had my eye on because although he projects to OG he did play a lot of OT in College so he could provide nice depth for some team...

[Beerball]

 

 

He shouldn't...But he may if all 3 QB's go top 8, and Mike Evans goes #7 to Tampa...Of course that's assuming Clowney, Robinson, Watkins,and Mack also go top 8...

 

If the three QB's and Evans go top 8 then either Mack or Matthews slides to #9...

 

 

 

I still think at the end of the day Robinson is going to be the best player from this entire Draft...And I do think he has Orlando Pace potential...He's a nasty dude...

Safe to say, I think, that all it will take is the 3 QBs going in the top 8 to guarantee a really, really good player for the Bills. Mack or Matthews or Evans would make me very happy. I really like the flexibility that the Bills have going into this draft, just have to hope that the QB needy teams aren't willing to wait until round 2 (or be willing to drop back in round 1 allowing someone else to pop up and grab one of the good guys).

[K-9]

I still think at the end of the day Robinson is going to be the best player from this entire Draft...And I do think he has Orlando Pace potential...He's a nasty dude...

 

Agreed. I know a couple scouts that feel the exact same way. He plays with an edge and he's still learning the position. Sky's the limit for him.

 

Brandon Thomas tore his ACL in his workout for the Saints. One more OL to cross off the list. That is terrible. You've got to feel for the guy.

 

That really sucks. He was climbing, too. I won't be surprised if someone takes a 7th round flier this year and waits a couple seasons for him to rehab. He's a player.

 

GO BILLS!!!