BigAl2526 Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 We all know his story. Undrafted free agent out of Penn State who stuck on Buffalo's practice squad because of his athleticism and versatility until he developed, finally gaining a starting guard job later in the season last year and improving the offensive line by his presence. Buffalo looks for players like that, young free agents with athleticism, potential and great attitude that they can develop for the future. The reason is obvious. You can't draft enough players to fill every role you need filled, and quality veteran free agents are too expensive to sign more than a limited number. The Bills have signed a young undrafted free agent who may be able to follow a similar path to the one Ryan Bates has followed. He is Derek Kerstetter, an offensive lineman out of Texas. He played every position on the offensive line at Texas except left tackle, starting a decent number of games. He tested well at his pro day with good strength and athleticism. He's tall enough at 6'5" and has long enough arms for the tackle position but he's not so tall that it's hard for him to get low on the inside. He's got deficiencies in his game that will keep him from winning a roster spot this season, but there is some potential to develop. Nice article in Buffalo Rumblings https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/7/9/23196554/90-buffalo-bills-players-in-90-days-tackle-derek-kerstetter 5 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 I actually think that Tanner Owen could be the next Bates. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warcodered Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 4 minutes ago, Doc said: I actually think that Tanner Owen could be the next Bates. There's also this guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 Hopefully they all are. 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 If we’re talking strictly offensive linemen, then the candidates have all already been listed in this thread. If we’re talking UDFAs with versatility who make the 53 man roster and work their way into a starting spot over time in general, regardless of position, I pick Nick McCloud. It sounds like he has been impressing at both corner and safety — with Jordan Poyer even saying that McCloud reminded him of himself when he was younger — and after he was plucked off the practice squad last year, the Bills may not want to risk losing him again. 7 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 I am more interested in the next Dawkins or Morse 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 1 hour ago, BigAl2526 said: We all know his story. Undrafted free agent out of Penn State who stuck on Buffalo's practice squad because of his athleticism and versatility until he developed, finally gaining a starting guard job later in the season last year and improving the offensive line by his presence. Buffalo looks for players like that, young free agents with athleticism, potential and great attitude that they can develop for the future. The reason is obvious. You can't draft enough players to fill every role you need filled, and quality veteran free agents are too expensive to sign more than a limited number. The Bills have signed a young undrafted free agent who may be able to follow a similar path to the one Ryan Bates has followed. He is Derek Kerstetter, an offensive lineman out of Texas. He played every position on the offensive line at Texas except left tackle, starting a decent number of games. He tested well at his pro day with good strength and athleticism. He's tall enough at 6'5" and has long enough arms for the tackle position but he's not so tall that it's hard for him to get low on the inside. He's got deficiencies in his game that will keep him from winning a roster spot this season, but there is some potential to develop. Nice article in Buffalo Rumblings https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/7/9/23196554/90-buffalo-bills-players-in-90-days-tackle-derek-kerstetter Its a good question Big Al, but guesses now is like throwing darts blindfolded. All subsequent replies will be WAG’s. Its a good question though and I trust our coaches will develop at least one UDFA and will be somewhere eventually on our team even if it’s a ST guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albany,n.y. Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 Bates was never on a practice squad. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 7 minutes ago, Albany,n.y. said: Bates was never on a practice squad. Maybe he could be the next Ike Boettger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 Who was the last Ryan Bates? 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uticaclub Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 59 minutes ago, Fan in Chicago said: I am more interested in the next Dawkins or Morse 2nd round draft picks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albany,n.y. Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 16 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said: Maybe he could be the next Ike Boettger? Boettger wasn't on the practice squad either. 11 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said: Who was the last Ryan Bates? Ryan Bates 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your Brown Eye Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 There was a video of him bench pressing a station wagon on youtube a while back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 We have a good start and actually having a decent ol coach 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 1 hour ago, Albany,n.y. said: Boettger wasn't on the practice squad either. Ryan Bates So that would make it 3 Ryan Bateses in a row? His legend is ever growing.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Paulson Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 You mean Rick Bates? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 4 minutes ago, Robert Paulson said: You mean Rick Bates? You beat me to it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 3 hours ago, uticaclub said: 2nd round draft picks? Stellar performers on the OL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Sack Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 Can Tommy Doyle step in? The 2nd line active roster depth is equally important. It’s great developing guys for beyond the current season, but I also have high expectations in Beane & Co to find guys who can step in and provide immediate impact. I see the beating both OL & DL take as the highest importance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobills404 Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 11 hours ago, Doc said: I actually think that Tanner Owen could be the next Bates. That’s who I thought this thread was gonna be about 11 hours ago, Warcodered said: There's also this guy. He seems like he’d be a great personality in the locker room but I’m not holding my breath 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cage Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 12 hours ago, Mr. WEO said: Who was the last Ryan Bates? That would be pre-McB... Whaley and Rex Ryan would have had to have the same foresight to develop someone like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 4 hours ago, gobills404 said: That’s who I thought this thread was gonna be about He seems like he’d be a great personality in the locker room but I’m not holding my breath 1089 out of 1215, I would say he's more likely to be the next Ed Wang 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 14 hours ago, Dr.Sack said: Can Tommy Doyle step in? The 2nd line active roster depth is equally important. It’s great developing guys for beyond the current season, but I also have high expectations in Beane & Co to find guys who can step in and provide immediate impact. I see the beating both OL & DL take as the highest importance. I thought it was interesting that in the latter half of the season they seemed to be developing Doyle in the same way they were developing Brown in the first half of the season-- playing him in garbage time, putting him in on extra points, and field goals, and using him as a sixth O-linesman, a la Lee Smith. And now, in OTAs, it was reported that they were putting him in at guard (a 6'8" guard?!), I assume to develop the position flex that they require in backups. I don't think he'll be the first choice for anywhere on the line if one of the starting five go down, but I think they have him in their future plans. And now they have another 6'8" monster in Luke Tenuta! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 5 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said: I thought it was interesting that in the latter half of the season they seemed to be developing Doyle in the same way they were developing Brown in the first half of the season-- playing him in garbage time, putting him in on extra points, and field goals, and using him as a sixth O-linesman, a la Lee Smith. And now, in OTAs, it was reported that they were putting him in at guard (a 6'8" guard?!), I assume to develop the position flex that they require in backups. I don't think he'll be the first choice for anywhere on the line if one of the starting five go down, but I think they have him in their future plans. And now they have another 6'8" monster in Luke Tenuta! Good thing Josh is 6'5". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Mama Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 20 hours ago, Mr. WEO said: Who was the last Ryan Bates? Jason Peters 350 lb tight end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 34 minutes ago, Doc said: Good thing Josh is 6'5". This got me wondering how the Cardinal's O-line stacked up, so to speak: LT Humphreys -- 6'5" LG Pugh -- 6'5" C Hudson -- 6'2" RG Hernandez -- 6'2" RT Beachum -- 6'3" (Bills' starters are 6'5", 6'5", 6'6", 6'4", 6'8", respectively) Did Arizona build Kyler Murray a window? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybrew1 Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 21 hours ago, Mr. WEO said: Who was the last Ryan Bates? Boy, that’s a good question…This is a great example of our losing ways over the last 20 years or so… I think great teams get good players late in the draft and even in FA…. The only guys I can think of are Kyle Williams, Fred Jackson and Pat Williams…. Two are destined for the wall and third would be if stupid Donahoe didn’t sign Lawyer Milloy like a complete douche bag…. Winfield would also be a slam dunk wall candidate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 1 hour ago, billybrew1 said: Boy, that’s a good question…This is a great example of our losing ways over the last 20 years or so… I think great teams get good players late in the draft and even in FA…. The only guys I can think of are Kyle Williams, Fred Jackson and Pat Williams…. Two are destined for the wall and third would be if stupid Donahoe didn’t sign Lawyer Milloy like a complete douche bag…. Winfield would also be a slam dunk wall candidate. Can we wait until Bates gets his 5th NFL start before he goes up on the wall? 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 22 hours ago, Mr. WEO said: So that would make it 3 Ryan Bateses in a row? His legend is ever growing.... Bates Cubed? what’s next? To the 4th Power. 10 hours ago, CSBill said: 1089 out of 1215, I would say he's more likely to be the next Ed Wang It’s always good when you can find you’re Wang. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl2526 Posted July 10, 2022 Author Share Posted July 10, 2022 20 hours ago, Dr.Sack said: Can Tommy Doyle step in? The 2nd line active roster depth is equally important. It’s great developing guys for beyond the current season, but I also have high expectations in Beane & Co to find guys who can step in and provide immediate impact. I see the beating both OL & DL take as the highest importance. Tommy Doyle will compete to be a swing tackle. He's taken some snaps on the interior of the line, but at 6'8" not too many people think his future is anywhere but at tackle. He's got some athleticism in addition to his size, but he'll be competing against experience in Quessenberry. I think he make the roster, but he may not be the first guy in if Dawkins or Brown gets hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl2526 Posted July 11, 2022 Author Share Posted July 11, 2022 Tanner Owen is the other UDFA offensive lineman that I like. Kerstetter had more reps in the bench press, (225 lbs,) but Owen has longer arms. He's tough and durable. Like Kerstetter, he won't make the 53 man roster, but if the Bills think highly enough of him they could stick him on the PS. I think the difference between Owen and Kerstetter is that Owen's best spot on the line might be at tackle, specifically left tackle where he mostly played in college. Kerstetter has played right tackle, but I think he's a little more natural on the inside, maybe center, eventually. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FilthyBeast Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 (edited) I think before we talk about the 'next Ryan Bates', we need to make sure he's not a fluke and can hold up over a 17+ game season at the level he showed last year once inserted into the lineup. Because deep down I'm still a bit concerned about the oline situation and also worried about a guy like Spencer Brown having a dreaded sophmore slump after all the promise he showed last year as well. Edited July 11, 2022 by FilthyBeast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 I wanna know who will be the next Norman Bates! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albany,n.y. Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 18 hours ago, Gugny said: I wanna know who will be the next Norman Bates! Since Ryan's father is named Norman, if Ryan has a son & names him after his father, that's who. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warcodered Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 On 7/9/2022 at 7:40 PM, Mr. WEO said: So that would make it 3 Ryan Bateses in a row? His legend is ever growing.... Yup, but he’s no Duke Williams…, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 On 7/9/2022 at 10:20 PM, Dr.Sack said: Can Tommy Doyle step in? The 2nd line active roster depth is equally important. It’s great developing guys for beyond the current season, but I also have high expectations in Beane & Co to find guys who can step in and provide immediate impact. I see the beating both OL & DL take as the highest importance. Back up O-line guys rarely “make an impact”, league wide there is a dearth of quality O-line starters and back ups, not to say there can’t be the exception to prove the rule, as is said, fingers crossed 🤞 we have one or two that are truly good, Go Bills!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 20 hours ago, Warcodered said: This was the best podcast all year I have seen huge fan of beats he even gave me a Zoom salute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreggTX Posted July 15, 2022 Share Posted July 15, 2022 Bates is a backup-caliber player. He could easily be replaced. The same is true of Spencer Brown. They are both young and might be good some day, but they aren't there yet. 1 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJB Posted July 15, 2022 Share Posted July 15, 2022 On 7/9/2022 at 5:29 PM, Mr. WEO said: Who was the last Ryan Bates? Is Ryan Bates even Ryan Bates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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