Devin Singletary excited to feel wanted by Bills.

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

27 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Ugh.  Never heard the original version until just now.  The "at Budokan" version is far superior.  No wonder the song never went anywhere until then.

 

 

absolutely the better version. saw them back in '88 at the miami arena. they opened for robert plant while on his now and zen tour. good times

[Doc]

3 minutes ago, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

absolutely the better version. saw them back in '88 at the miami arena. they opened for robert plant while on his now and zen tour. good times

 

Yup.  But more than just a better version: it's a classic.  And that would have been a great concert to see.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

3 hours ago, Mountain Man said:

We have the oldest running back group in the league by a long way. Of course we needed to draft a running back. 

...but AARP discounts help to keep cap availability in check, right??...........

[JustWinPlease]

2 hours ago, Protocal69 said:

Travis Henry is my player comp to Singletary because just because players just seem to slide off of him just like back in the day with Travis

They both ran a 4.6 forty time...

Henry - 4.61

Singletary - 4.66

I sure hope he works out.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

4 minutes ago, JustWinPlease said:

They both ran a 4.6 forty time...

Henry - 4.61

Singletary - 4.66

I sure hope he works out.

 

..just a woefully overhyped, overblown and useless stat anyway......exactly how many times does any player get to run 40 yards down the field in a straight line and unimpeded?...

[Figster]

2 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

..just a woefully overhyped, overblown and useless stat anyway......exactly how many times does any player get to run 40 yards down the field in a straight line and unimpeded?...

Special teams play might be an exception to the rule.

 

Myself personally, speed kills...

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

6 minutes ago, Figster said:

Special teams play might be an exception to the rule.

 

Myself personally, speed kills...

..probably right my good friend.....but the genre' of special teams is forever changing as the rules change....

[ColoradoBills]

8 minutes ago, Figster said:

Special teams play might be an exception to the rule.

 

Myself personally, speed kills...

 

You can't teach speed.  Faster guys are surely liked.

I'm sure many others have thought or said it but I would really like the combine to clock a 40 yard dash

with full football gear on. 

Would be interesting to see the results.

[Chandler#81]

5 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

In 794 posts, you have yet to make a point you can back up or even represents being a fan of the team. That’s a strong track record some other teams fan board may appreciate. We don’t, but maybe some other team..

[Figster]

Just now, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

..probably right my good friend.....but the genre' of special teams is forever changing as the rules change....

True that my friend,

 

The good old days of watching someone get their clock cleaned on special teams play is becoming a thing of the past.

 

On any play for that matter.

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

3 hours ago, Protocal69 said:

Travis Henry is my player comp to Singletary because just because players just seem to slide off of him just like back in the day with Travis

Uh oh. How many baby mommas will turn up. There were a lot of things sliding off him from his days in Buffalo

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 5, 2019 by BillsRdue

[aristocrat]

so did i read correctly he pulled up on his 40 cause of a hamstring injury? is he actually a bit faster? 

[LSHMEAB]

I'm not a huge fan of this pick. The idea that production trumps measurables at the RB position just doesn't ring true. The NCAA is littered with backs who had MONSTER seasons at the collegiate level, but never got it done in the NFL because they weren't big/fast enough. This guy was drafted right around his projection, so the scouts/draft "experts" must have seen something special in Singletary. We shall see.

[K-9]

5 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

Playmaker is ALWAYS a position of need. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

18 minutes ago, LSHMEAB said:

I'm not a huge fan of this pick. The idea that production trumps measurables at the RB position just doesn't ring true. The NCAA is littered with backs who had MONSTER seasons at the collegiate level, but never got it done in the NFL because they weren't big/fast enough. This guy was drafted right around his projection, so the scouts/draft "experts" must have seen something special in Singletary. We shall see.

 

...stats and measurables trump production?.....must be that new fuzzy math stuff....go figure..........

[Ralonzo]

4 hours ago, GimmeSomeProcess said:

Love me some Singletary, elusive, amazing vision and a Travis Henry type of burst. 

The kind that produces nine kids, or the other kind?

[Logic]

3 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

McD loves the high motor, intense competitor guys.  I've started wondering whether there's too much focus on that type of player.  Maybe you can't have too many of them.

 

They got Murphy based on his motor. Maybe he will still work out.  I just give as an example.

I hear ya.

The key, I think, is a good blend of motor and athleticism. If a player JUST has a high motor, well....he's Chris Kelsay. If a player has a high motor AND above average athleticism, he's Kyle Williams.

Here's hoping Ed Oliver and Cody Ford and Devin Singletary and all the others are more like the latter.

[LSHMEAB]

3 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...stats and measurables trump production?.....must be that new fuzzy math stuff....go figure..........

I prefer both. Just look at guys like Ricky A Williams/multiple Oregon backs, etc. Production at the collegiate level hasn't been a great measuring stick for RB's in terms of projecting them to the professional level.

 

As I said, plenty of scouts/experts had him pegged as a top 5 back in this draft while many other top producers are summarily dismissed by the league. That tells me the professionals believe this kid's game will translate whereas many others have not. I'm just not hanging my hat on production when it comes to RB's. 

[Mat68]

2 hours ago, JohnC said:

What did you expect the draftees to say? That they were not happy to be drafted by the Bills? Did you expect Singletary to say that as a life long Floridian he shuddered at the thought of freezing his thin skin arse off in the land of tundra? 

 

 

It's a little bit of both.  Sure every guy drafted for the most part gives the same cliche responses.  Oliver's reaction was more than just cliche responses.  Ford's reaction was more aswell.  Liked the fit the coaching and seems genuinely excited.  Having guys wanting to play for the team vs guys who are happy they are in the league is a step in the right direction.  

[Aireskoi]

My goodness he's fun to watch.  I watched a slow motion film session of him (sound off so no clue what's said) and it's just crazy.

 

I can't wait to see how he plays against NFL talent. 

 

This preseason should be all about him with the older fellas that share his position.

 

What a great pick with Shady still here along with adding Frank Gore, what a way to learn to be a professional RB.

 

He can really make a 1st guy miss at an elite level, but he seems to just do everything from blocking to running a few nice routes and catching the ball.

 

He sets up his blocks well and uses different gears to win in the open field.

 

I see Shady, but also a little bit of Darren Sproles toughness and movement in traffic.

 

 

[Buffalo716]

This was a great pick!

 

the kid is a baller and can make you miss in a phone booth... learning from shady and gore will be invaluable to him 

 

he will be our future starter

[John from Riverside]

As soon as niagra hates something I auto love it

[Victory Formation]

6 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

Where's the middle finger emoji on the reaction list? ?

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, LSHMEAB said:

I'm not a huge fan of this pick. The idea that production trumps measurables at the RB position just doesn't ring true. The NCAA is littered with backs who had MONSTER seasons at the collegiate level, but never got it done in the NFL because they weren't big/fast enough. This guy was drafted right around his projection, so the scouts/draft "experts" must have seen something special in Singletary. We shall see.

 

I have to disagree here.  The NCAA is littered with backs who had monster combines too and did nothing.  Its not a correlation of one or the other...end of the day, talent wins out.

 

But here are some myths people have jumped to conclusions about that are not accurate:

1. He is slow.  Thats not true at all.  People say this because his straight line 40 time was not impressive.  First, sounds like he may have pulled up on that 40 from what I am reading here, but thats not important.  Whats really important in a running back is acceleration and explosion speed, and Devin excels in both areas.  Rarely do RB's break off 40 to 50 yard runs.  What matters way more is how fast he can get through the hole, make guys miss than accelerate past them in the gaps.  Devin EXCELS in those areas, and I would take that 100 times over a guy who just sprints fast in a straight line in shorts.  
2. He is too small.  Thats also not true.  It is true he is short, but he's over 200 pounds and Kiffin ran him hard and he never missed a game.  This kid is plenty big to play RB, height is not important here.  He is compact, explosive, and strong and was one of the best tackle breakers in all of CFB last year.  
3. He cant catch.  Also not true.  He has done very well catching the ball, this past year they just did not use him that way.  But in years past he did fine and he did fine in workouts too showing he can catch the ball.

A rookie is a rookie.  So not going to make some declaration he is a future stud or this or that.  I will say this though, the kid is a LEGIT running back prospect, and not just a support or gadget role guy either.  He has the potential to be feature back and he is in a great spot where he will get to learn behind an all time great, 2 actually.  

 

Im very excited to see this kid in preseason.  Come week 1, do not be surprised if there are threads on this board for people screaming for him to start because he was carving up 2nd and 3rd string defenses during preseason.  He wont start week 1, and he shouldn't start week 1...but he likely comes in vs 2's and 3's most of preseason with Shady and Gore, along with Yeldon getting some of the early reps each week.  But he's going to show us why he is so exciting IMO in his opportunities.  

[GymShorts84]

8 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

Shady is gone after this year, Gore is 35(?), and T.J. Yeldon is not a lead back. There was a need. 

[Rocket94]

When watching his film, defenders seem a step slower. Not going to happen in the NFL. 

[eball]

6 hours ago, Doc said:

 

Unfortunately trouble seemed to stick to Trav.

 

Is trouble a euphemism for fertile women?

[Mat68]

3 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

I'm not a huge fan of this pick. The idea that production trumps measurables at the RB position just doesn't ring true. The NCAA is littered with backs who had MONSTER seasons at the collegiate level, but never got it done in the NFL because they weren't big/fast enough. This guy was drafted right around his projection, so the scouts/draft "experts" must have seen something special in Singletary. We shall see.

It's the vision and burst that created the production.  Now in terms of testing.  His physical ability is no different than Jacobs.  

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

9 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

You may very well be right but I believe that Beane and McD were not pleased with the performance of the reserves ( Ford and Murphy) when injuries hit last year. They weren't about to repeat that experience.  I also believe that they want to get some experience for a talented younger player before the 2020 season.  If he shows that he isn't a viable high volume replacement for McCoy, they will have made a bad pick.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Florida Bills Fanatic

[LSHMEAB]

2 hours ago, Mat68 said:

It's the vision and burst that created the production.  Now in terms of testing.  His physical ability is no different than Jacobs.  

Jacobs ran a poor 40, but he's not 5'7. We'll see my man. The Travis Henry comparisons pique my interest and they've got some merit. If he duplicates Henry's career, it will go down as a tremendous pick. I would have preferred a RB with better natural talent. Just my two cents.

 

As to the OP; I'm glad he's excited for the opportunity in Buffalo. The RB position is wide open with Shady/Gore in their twilight.

Edited May 5, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[Rocket94]

He will be a good back...just more difficult for highlight plays.

[Doc]

26 minutes ago, LSHMEAB said:

Jacobs ran a poor 40, but he's not 5'7. We'll see my man. The Travis Henry comparisons pique my interest and they've got some merit. If he duplicates Henry's career, it will go down as a tremendous pick. I would have preferred a RB with better natural talent. Just my two cents.

 

As to the OP; I'm glad he's excited for the opportunity in Buffalo. The RB position is wide open with Shady/Gore in their twilight.

 

Why focus on height?  It’s meaningless for a RB. 

[stevewin]

8 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Why focus on height?  It’s meaningless for a RB. 

If anything, being short has helped plenty of backs in the NFL - making it tough for defenders to find them behind LOS

[Doc]

1 minute ago, stevewin said:

If anything, being short has helped plenty of backs in the NFL - making it tough for defenders to find them behind LOS

 

True. Should have said it’s not a detriment and in fact can be a help. 

[billsbackto81]

13 hours ago, Niagara Dude said:

This was a bad pick that the Bills did not have a need for to begin with.  

I'll give it 2-3 years before I make such judgment. You may be right, but it's way too early. My only concern is his lack of break away speed but his elusiveness is something special.

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

1 hour ago, stevewin said:

If anything, being short has helped plenty of backs in the NFL - making it tough for defenders to find them behind LOS

I agree with you about the height phobia.  Think about M.Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, or Warrick Dunn. Joe Cribbs was fairly short.  Emit Smith and Walter Payton didn't have great size either.  None of these guys were giants but were very good.  I'd take a repeat of MJD's career for the Bills in a heart beat. 

 

 

[Mat68]

2 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

Jacobs ran a poor 40, but he's not 5'7. We'll see my man. The Travis Henry comparisons pique my interest and they've got some merit. If he duplicates Henry's career, it will go down as a tremendous pick. I would have preferred a RB with better natural talent. Just my two cents.

 

As to the OP; I'm glad he's excited for the opportunity in Buffalo. The RB position is wide open with Shady/Gore in their twilight.

For a running back that's not super small.  I'm curious to see how Singletary performs with a professional recovery regimen, and less usage.  To me his burst is up there with any Rb drafted, and he isnt small for his frame.  Utilize him like the team used McKenzie last year out of the slot and backfield and you might have found a playmaker.  Rb was a massive question maker but now has some added talent with what could be specific roles to increase productivity.

[Mat68]

With Rbs we will see it preseason game 1.  Is he quick enough, big enough, good enough.  With that position they either got it or they dont.  I think behind McCoy and Gore he has a rare chance to learn the position from 2 guys who could be Hall of Famers and 2 guys who were able to take care of their bodies in a manner that allowed them to play RB into their 30s.  Beane thinks he will be a playmaker time will tell.

[bmur66]

I really look forward to seeing what he’s got. 

[ExWNYer]

57 minutes ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said:

I agree with you about the height phobia.  Think about M.Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, or Warrick Dunn. Joe Cribbs was fairly short.  Emit Smith and Walter Payton didn't have great size either.  None of these guys were giants but were very good.  I'd take a repeat of MJD's career for the Bills in a heart beat. 

 

Here's another small RB comp...Devin Singletary is almost the exact same height and weight as Barry Sanders. Devin is 5' 7", 203 lbs and Barry was 5' 7 5/8", 203 lbs. Barry's 40 time was obviously much faster and in no way am I saying that Singletary is Barry Sanders but the point is that their physical attributes are the same and their styles are similar. 

 

Notes from an actual scouting report Gil Brandt wrote on Barry Sanders for Dallas: "Sanders measured up at 5-foot-7 5/8, 203 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37. ... I wish he was a little taller. ... Has Tony Dorsett-like ability as a runner, unbelievable quickness (quickness grades above 80 percent). ... Great leg strength and vision. ... Can cut, stop and start on a dime. ... Has been very durable. ... Can return kickoffs (two for TDs in 1987). ... Oklahoma State seldom throws ball to running backs but he did catch ball well in practice. ... Great person, everyone from equipment manager to the secretaries brag on him. ... Should be a Pro Bowl player."

 

https://www.profootballhof.com/news/hall-recall-barry-sanders/