OldTimer1960 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 (edited) Disclaimer: long time fan, long time follower of the draft, I don’t profess to have scouting experience or expertise. I think the Bills are interested in a RB to share carries with Devin Singletary, so I watched multiple full games of several RB prospects and my observations/opinions follow. I didn’t include the top 4 backs (Swift, Taylor, Dobbins, Edwards-Helaire) as I don’t expect them to be available by pick 54, but I think any of them would be nice picks if still there. Players are not listed in any specific order. Comments and discussion welcomed! Overall, I really liked Cam Akers and think he or A.J. Dillon would be really nice sharing carries with Devin Singletary. RBs Zach Moss - runs with power, decent agility for a power runner but not his calling card. Reasonably good hands out of backfield. Speed is a negative and isn’t terribly elusive. Running style could lead to short career unless he shares carries with another back. Darrynton Evans - watched vs North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia Southern. Speed is evident. Quick decisive cuts. Wasn’t used heavily as a receiver. Not a power runner, but will show effort after contact. Anthony McFarland - Watched vs Temple, Purdue and Syracuse. Very quick acceleration and good top end speed. Quick cutter, but not especially elusive. Runs hard, but smaller stature means he isn’t going to run NFL defenders over. Not much experience catching passes - I wonder why as getting him in space on swing passes would seem ideal. Cam Akers - Viewed NC State, Miami. Compact, powerful and shows good speed. Really breaks tackles and finishes runs strong. Took fair number of snaps in wildcat and throws a half decent ball. Really enjoyed watching his games. AJ Dillon - (watched Norte Dame, Clemson, Fla State) BIG back with excellent speed for his size. Can get through a hole and also can pick his way through interior traffic. Takes multiple players to bring him down. Not super nifty, but fairly nimble for size. Has carried the ball a LOT. Not used much as a receiver. Given wear and tear from college, may be best splitting carries with another back to prolong career. LaMical Perine - (watched vs LSU, Auburn). Enough quickness to avoid an initial tackle, but not especially nifty nor fast. Runs pretty hard. Good receiver out of backfield. Looks competent as a pass blocker. Reportedly high character and good special teamer. Joshua Kelley - (watched vs Ariz, Utah, USC). Ok size, pretty decisive as a runner who finds holes. Shows pretty good acceleration to get through holes quickly. Combine 40 time was good. His story of perseverance after being lightly recruited is a nice one, but I don’t think he will be more than a competent backup in NFL. Edited March 22, 2020 by OldTimer1960 5 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJB Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 (edited) Good research! For me I have Akers in the top 4 and CEH as my #5 but it's not a huge difference. Dillon after that 5 is my favorite back Hes potentially the next D Henry if he starts running more angry. I love Z Moss tape. He runs angry like Marshawn and runs guys over. He had a poor 40 at the combine but "maybe" improved on it? Hes probably still a round 4 guy. But a guy we could use to close out games. I really like L Perine and J Kelly. Neither look like they have high end potential but both could be Jordan Howard Howard types. Just solid backups. D Evan's is so quick. We saw R Mostert carve out a role in San Fran so no reason this dude maybe cant do the same. At worst hes a speedy 3rd down guy. McFarland is an interesting guy. He profiles similar to Singletary. A smaller guy but elusive. Does show nice hands. Seems to me more like a 3ed down guy again. Lots of RB talent in the draft and I really hope we grab one of these guys. Edited March 22, 2020 by DJB 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphadawg7 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Lots of backs I would be stoked to get. But I got a draft day crush right now on AJ Dillon. 10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted March 22, 2020 Author Share Posted March 22, 2020 3 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said: Lots of backs I would be stoked to get. But I got a draft day crush right now on AJ Dillon. I think Singletary and Dillon sharing 25-30 touches/game would be a really nice combination with Yeldon as a receiving option. With the mileage on Dillon, I think he likely lasts into the 3rd. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motor26 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Like Akers receiving ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I lean towards RB as the pick at 54. If that’s the case I think potentially, all of the RBs are in play. If not I like Akers or Evans. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Htt2821 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I’d take Eno Benjamin from ASU in the 4th 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCOrange Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Of this group, Akers is a league above the rest IMO. Dillon is pretty much off my draft board personally. I like but don’t love Perine and Moss. Not on your list, but a couple other guys I’m interested in are Ke’shawn Vaughn and Deejay Dallas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Firebaugh Kid Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Dillon looks slow. Idk about that 40 time. Wasnt a fan of Motor last year tho. And I love him now. I get stuck on speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCOrange Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Just now, The Firebaugh Kid said: Dillon looks slow. Idk about that 40 time. Wasnt a fan of Motor last year tho. And I love him now. I get stuck on speed. I don’t like him as a prospect, but he’s undoubtedly fast when he gets up to top speed. He’s just pretty much purely a straight line guy that needs a bit of a runway to get going. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLEN1QB Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I have a feeling that we will be trading back into the 1st to get someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njbuff Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Akers #1 Evans #2 Akers sets up his blocks well too and brings everything else to the table. The Bills should make him the odds on favorite to be the pick at 54 if they don't move from there. Evans speed would be the perfect compliment to Singletary. The Bills should have him on their radar as the odds on favorite for their 3rd round pick. Otherwise, what they do at RB in this draft is fine with me. 3 minutes ago, ALLEN1QB said: I have a feeling that we will be trading back into the 1st to get someone. If they did that, my guess is that they would do that to get Noah Igbinoghene or Trevon Diggs. Then they would take a RB late in the draft. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFT Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 2 things I’m extremely sure about when it comes to AJ Dillon... #1 his lower center of gravity stands a good chance of making him much more consistent than most “big backs” #2 if he stole a potato off of my plate at Golden Corral, I probably wouldn’t try to get it back. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIZ Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said: Lots of backs I would be stoked to get. But I got a draft day crush right now on AJ Dillon. He reminds me of Jerome Bettis. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIZ Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I still like LSU rb Clyde Edwards-Helaire the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formerly Allan in MD Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Dobbins, who isn't listed for some reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Joshin' Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 There is a good chance one of your top 4 is available at 54. If so, pull the trigger. Whom ever the back is I want a dual purpose back. Gore was old and slow but the defenses knew it was run all the way. Go 3 wide with a receiving threat out of the backfield. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Do we keep yeldon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderingsquid Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 2 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said: Lots of backs I would be stoked to get. But I got a draft day crush right now on AJ Dillon. Same here. Thunder and lightning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida Bills Fanatic Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 IMHO the Bills will select a RB in the draft. I'm not sold on the idea that they are as motivated to pick one as some of us believe them to be. I keep thinking that Beane will be looking at the BPA in positions DE, OT, CB, RB, and WR in no particular order. It will depend on how their board is set and which position groups fall in the draft. As several posts have pointed out there are several decent options at RB and I will be okay with a fair number of them. Given the state of the roster, I don't see Beane actually making 7 picks. I believe that he will move around on day two using day three picks to make it happen. I expect only 4 or 5 at the most to be drafted by the Bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJB Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 51 minutes ago, Formerly Allan in MD said: Dobbins, who isn't listed for some reason. The OP listed him in his big 4 and concludes that none of them will be available at 54. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negan Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I like Dobbins alot, good tough north south runner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Barbarian Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 1 hour ago, PIZ said: I still like LSU rb Clyde Edwards-Helaire the best. im with you, id take him over anybody. Runs hard , is elusive , explosive and great hands, the only thing he lacks elite top end speed but so do most backs. 42 minutes ago, John from Riverside said: Do we keep yeldon Hopefully with the coming upgrades he wont be in the discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rk_Bills86 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 (edited) I know this is a bit of a sleeper pick but Antonio Gibson - Really like him as a late rounder - Also I swear I read somewhere that the Bills looked into him(can't find it now though). I wanted to add this video - guy looks like he could be used everywhere. If we are doing BPA with our picks - I'd use a round 4-6 on this guy. He looks a LOT faster than 4.58 Edited March 23, 2020 by Rk_Bills86 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverOutNick Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 AJ Dillon is the perfect compliment to Singletary but I won’t be angry if we get Taylor or Edwards early 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbillsfan1975 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 58 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: I lean towards RB as the pick at 54. If that’s the case I think potentially, all of the RBs are in play. If not I like Akers or Evans. Gotta agree Kirby, and I am usually the last guy who wants to take a RB high in a draft. I think if Clyde Is there I would pick him at 54. The offense with him and Singletary sharing plays would be dynamic. The offense would lose nothing if Singletary or Clyde was in there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mat68 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Even though he blew up the combine I think there is strong chance at Taylor being available at 54. With the incredible amount of usage at Wisconsin I think that will scare teams away. At 54 im ok with him because he will share the load with Singletary and he is on a reasonable rookie deal. He is the most produuctive and most athletic running back in the class. I think Buffalo runs to the podium and may even trade up for him in rd 2. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 19 minutes ago, Rk_Bills86 said: I know this is a bit of a sleeper pick but Antonio Gibson - Really like him as a late rounder - Also I swear I read somewhere that the Bills looked into him(can't find it now though). I wanted to add this video - guy looks like he could be used everywhere. If we are doing BPA with our picks - I'd use a round 4-6 on this guy. He looks a LOT faster than 4.58 Holy crap umn yes? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rk_Bills86 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 This is what I feel like TJ Yeldon was supposed to be for us. I also Like that he chooses being being power/look for more. Not shown in this video is his games against Houston and Cinci where he had to make the choice and you could tell he was fully aware of where the first down marker was. Also.... if you search some of his highlights - my god this man has ups - I love JA but this guy will get anything that sails high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo86 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 1 minute ago, Mat68 said: Even though he blew up the combine I think there is strong chance at Taylor being available at 54. With the incredible amount of usage at Wisconsin I think that will scare teams away. At 54 im ok with him because he will share the load with Singletary and he is on a reasonable rookie deal. He is the most produuctive and most athletic running back in the class. I think Buffalo runs to the podium and may even trade up for him in rd 2. I can't see Taylor falling to us, but I'd be all for it. He's a threat to take it to the house every time & never missed a game. I'm not concerned about the heavy usage. If you're re-signing your RB after his rookie contract runs out, you're probably doing it wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dont Stop Billeiving Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 I like Dillon, Perine, Moss, and Akers probably in that order. Started a thread about AJ Dillon a few weeks back, think he can be a game changer for us. Hoping we can trade up into the third round as we did last year. Would allow us to get our WR4, RB2, and CB2 on Day 2. Bring me Claypool, Bryce Hall, and Dillon and I’ll be ecstatic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJ Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, Rk_Bills86 said: I know this is a bit of a sleeper pick but Antonio Gibson - Really like him as a late rounder - Also I swear I read somewhere that the Bills looked into him(can't find it now though). I wanted to add this video - guy looks like he could be used everywhere. If we are doing BPA with our picks - I'd use a round 4-6 on this guy. He looks a LOT faster than 4.58 His time at the combine is listed a 4.39 in the 40. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/antonio-gibson?id=32194749-4241-5285-a215-d633ff9a6f70 He looks faster than 4.58 because he is - by a lot. Edited March 23, 2020 by TigerJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Junction Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 3 hours ago, DJB said: Good research! For me I have Akers in the top 4 and CEH as my #5 but it's not a huge difference. Dillon after that 5 is my favorite back Hes potentially the next D Henry if he starts running more angry. It’s not necessarily a matter of running angry. Henry has better vision and pace. He varies his speed just enough to set up angles then goes full bore once he has a line. He runs like FredEx on hulk serum. Dillon doesn’t have the same patience and ability to press the line or exceptional vision. If he did he’d probably be an early 2nd round pick. It’s a trait that can improve with experience behind a better line though. I love Z Moss tape. He runs angry like Marshawn and runs guys over. He had a poor 40 at the combine but "maybe" improved on it? Hes probably still a round 4 guy. But a guy we could use to close out games. I like Moss a lot. Great all around power back that can be used in the passing game as well. He’d be a nice complement to Singletary. I really like L Perine and J Kelly. Neither look like they have high end potential but both could be Jordan Howard Howard types. Just solid backups. Perine has the vision and pace I mentioned above with regards to Henry/Dillon. Perine just doesn’t have any physically elite traits which is why he’s going later in the draft. If he ends up on a team with a good Oline though... Could be the “where the heck” did this kid come from rookie. North South runner that presses the line, finds an angle quickly, and goes. D Evan's is so quick. We saw R Mostert carve out a role in San Fran so no reason this dude maybe cant do the same. At worst hes a speedy 3rd down guy. McFarland is an interesting guy. He profiles similar to Singletary. A smaller guy but elusive. Does show nice hands. Seems to me more like a 3ed down guy again. Lots of RB talent in the draft and I really hope we grab one of these guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. K Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Eno Benjamin. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. K Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Only "highlights" but he has some film out there as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mat68 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 With Moss improving his times he very well could be the target. His miss tackle % was very similar to Singeltary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJ Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 The downside of Antonio Gibson (mentioned in some earlier posts) is that he was rather lightly used as a runner. He was in a lot more plays as a receiver. He's going to be rather raw as an NFL runner, especially at things like blocking and blitz pick up. As such, he's a late round flier type that you bring in and give a light load while you teach him how to be an NFL running back. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphadawg7 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 4 hours ago, PIZ said: He reminds me of Jerome Bettis. Me too, a lot actually Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsCelticsAngelsBama Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 4 hours ago, DFT said: 2 things I’m extremely sure about when it comes to AJ Dillon... #1 his lower center of gravity stands a good chance of making him much more consistent than most “big backs” #2 if he stole a potato off of my plate at Golden Corral, I probably wouldn’t try to get it back. Hunting for Kiper's job, obviously 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SECRET SQUIRREL Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 2 hours ago, Rk_Bills86 said: I know this is a bit of a sleeper pick but Antonio Gibson - Really like him as a late rounder - Also I swear I read somewhere that the Bills looked into him(can't find it now though). I wanted to add this video - guy looks like he could be used everywhere. If we are doing BPA with our picks - I'd use a round 4-6 on this guy. He looks a LOT faster than 4.58 Love Gibson, think he's going to be dangerous weapon at the next level. I'd take one of the top 4 at #54 and still take Gibson in the 5th or so. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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