Scouting Report Daiyan Henley ILB rounds 2-3

[mannc]

2 minutes ago, boyst said:

the best 3 teams in the pac 12 are not as good as the best 3 in the acc, for example.

Highly debatable, and changes year-to-year, except for Clemson, of course.

[gonzo1105]

1 hour ago, mrags said:

No thank you. Same problems as Edmund’s but he’s smaller and less powerful. 
 

Noah Sewell please 

 

Noah Sewell is the softest big LB I've seen in a long time and he processes terribly. He is not his brother. 

[Beck Water]

2 hours ago, PrimeTime101 said:

At the College Level

Toughness and speed are words used when talking about Henley. Last Season he had 106 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, broken up pass and an INT. Considered a 3 down starter and runs a 4.54(second best among the top 5 ILBS in draft) at the senior bowl he shined in coverage using his 33" arms(tops among the top 5). We are talking about a football smart ILB that many feel his head is on a swivel while out there. 

 

Size

6'1

225LBS

33" Arms

 

Pro's

Explosive first step

Not just fast but quick too

Athletic

Has a good eye in coverage

Athletic

High upside

Explosive Finisher (Flawless victory, Fatality  )  no, but seriously, this is where I thought we lacked with Edmunds.

Con's

He is not a traditional ILB (loves coverage style defenses more than blitzing)

He needs to learn the art of being a stack ILB

Raw

Needs work with hitting the right gap (Don't panic and think of Edmunds same issue here... this is very common for a young ILB)

Footwork 

Does not read QB's eyes well (this is a good and bad thing) It means he does not jump on plays as much, but it also means he does not bite as much either.

 

I think this one could fall right into our lap. 2-3 round projections.. as far as I am concerned? winner winner, chicken dinner

 

 

 

 

So....how does this guy differ from Terrel Bernard other than 2 3/4" more arm length and a 0.05 second faster 40-time?

If we're gonna draft an undersize linebacker in the 2 or 3rd round....didn't we do that last season?

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/terrel-bernard/32004245-5223-6424-136f-901f81674ee9

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/daiyan-henley/32004845-4e46-6212-4f0a-603906125b28

 

I got to admit I scratch my head a bit at one 6'1, 224 lb guy being described as an "Undersized sub-package nickel linebacker with special-teams value on the next level." while another 6'1", 225 lb guy gets described as "A rambunctious inside linebacker with good speed and toughness"

[MrEpsYtown]

1 hour ago, PrimeTime101 said:

so More Polished I agree. Bigger? Faster? Wrong on bigger. 1 inch taller but my man has the longer arms. He may be faster but not quicker. not close

 

I gotta disagree. Simpson is almost 2 inches taller, 10 lbs heavier, and has bigger hands. Arms are little over half an inch shorter. Henley has a better broad jump, but all the other numbers Simpson has him beat. Simpson is just better on every level. I'm not saying I am against Henley as a pick, but I have Campell, Simpson, Sanders, large gap, Henley, Sewell etc. 

 

 

 

Just to add, he has Campbell beat on the 40, but the 10 and 20-yard split is exactly the same. So henley has better long speed. Campbell has him beat everywhere else as well. Henley also has longer rams than Campbell. 

 

 

Edited March 27, 2023 by MrEpsYtown

[HappyDays]

Maybe this isn't fair of me, but I'm done with small front 7 players. Every year in the playoffs our defense gets pushed around by physical offenses. We need more size and physicality in the middle of our defense.

[oldmanfan]

I will be surprised if Bernard isn't the starter

[ScorpionZero]

2 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

His size worries me especially when we already have a small guy in Matt Milano. That said we don't need another Edmunds but like to see a MLB in the 6'3 235 range. I'd also like to see us run a more traditional 4-3 as while Taron Johnson an above average nickel CB am not sure it's best to have smaller guys on the field in potential running plays. 

Then you want Overshown, he's the size you want and is a former safety.

[Simon Says]

Why do you want another smallish linebacker? Bills need a "middle" linebacker, a bigger, more physical backer.

[LEBills]

26 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I gotta disagree. Simpson is almost 2 inches taller, 10 lbs heavier, and has bigger hands. Arms are little over half an inch shorter. Henley has a better broad jump, but all the other numbers Simpson has him beat. Simpson is just better on every level. I'm not saying I am against Henley as a pick, but I have Campell, Simpson, Sanders, large gap, Henley, Sewell etc. 

 

 

 

Just to add, he has Campbell beat on the 40, but the 10 and 20-yard split is exactly the same. So henley has better long speed. Campbell has him beat everywhere else as well. Henley also has longer rams than Campbell. 

 

 

Im going to throw a fourth name into this discussion and it’s Yasir Abdullah from Louisville. He played both on and off the ball at Louisville and was really an exceptional pass rusher for them. But he is small and will be served best if a team takes him under their wing and make him off ball the entire time. 
 

His RAS is top notch as well:

And watching him, he has shown me a lot of flashes of what you want from your Linebacker. Maybe the most impressive is blanketing a WR on a wheel route for the pick:

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx8512w6wUZTinKx_HIWg-esTnSZ6CTU3p
 

He had himself a game against FSU, blowing up one screen coming from the other side of the field

 

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxLn9kCB_OiotUc4cPDDVWczTP_mfdx6Pt

 

One screen where he avoided the lineman

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxYnZf9c3C150Jx62v0fhgglaZWo48ARIe
 

and two interceptions, this one was a bit more impressive watching the QBs eyes:

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxKbXim2QpIg6zlTdedDFumv87Mid3kq-9

 

And was able to chase down the speedy Sean Tucker on a screen pass out of the backfield.

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxWGZTnythkHIZ0dg0g7VrDpiDsI8r1iEt

I think he may last until day 3 due to his tweener status but he would be a great addition to our LB room, especially if he gets to sit a year to focus on off ball LB. Plus he adds pass rush which is a nice bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Beck Water]

3 hours ago, boyst said:

No to small school LB's. Please get me big ten ILBs, ACC or SEC OLBs

 

Washington State is a small school?  Asking....my knowledge of the college football pecking order is slim.

[mannc]

5 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Washington State is a small school?  Asking....my knowledge of the college football pecking order is slim.

It's not a small school.  WSU a mid-level school in a power five conference.  Not a team that regularly goes to major bowls, but definitely not a bottom-feeder, either.

Edited March 27, 2023 by mannc

[Beck Water]

1 hour ago, HappyDays said:

Maybe this isn't fair of me, but I'm done with small front 7 players. Every year in the playoffs our defense gets pushed around by physical offenses. We need more size and physicality in the middle of our defense.

 

I have had this thought for a while.  I think when they were players themselves, both Beane and McDermott were undersized players who overachieved for their size.  They have also seen the success of players like Kyle Williams.  So I think they are both "it's the size of the fight in the dog, not the size of the dog in the fight" type talent evaluators.

 

And there's something to that.  I'm told on very good authority by a very big man that much more of football than fans think is mental, not physical.

 

But in the big games, where both teams are very good and willing to play hard and have similar athleticism and skill, the "M" part of the old "F = MA" equation comes into play.  IMO, the Bills OL and DL in the Superbowl years tended towards undersized great players, and was one factor behind the SB losses.

 

I am concerned that Beane and McDermott overvalue smaller players.

 

2 hours ago, PrimeTime101 said:

This is so far from the truth. but you have the right to your opinion.

 

I freely admit that I do not follow college football, but when I read his draft report it has Edmunds-esque language.  Help my understand how the Edmunds comparison is far from the truth:

 

"Henley’s playing style can be described as more active than instinctive. His inconsistency in reading keys and anticipating the play flow is mitigated somewhat by his speed and talent to wrap and finish in space. He has excellent range and does a nice job of stepping downhill to challenge blockers and running lanes. There are some eye-catching production totals in the takeaway column and favorable physical elements to his game, but inefficient movement combined with recognition delays could push him toward a backup and core special teams role in the future."

Edited March 27, 2023 by Beck Water

[NewEra]

He’s not a fit imo.  Rd 4-5, roll the dice.  Not before that imo.  He’s a big liability vs the run.  

[Beck Water]

1 hour ago, oldmanfan said:

I will be surprised if Bernard isn't the starter

 

It would be very odd if the Bills drafted him in the 3rd with no plans to develop him as a starter on D.

 

Beane certainly sounded as though starting Bernard at MLB might be a consideration. 

 

And I repeat the question (to the multitudes, not just you) I asked above:

 

Different language is used in the scouting reports, but how is this guy Daiyan Henley different from Terrel Bernard, except for 2 3/4" longer arms and a 0.05s faster 40 time?

 

 

Edited March 27, 2023 by Beck Water

[The Jokeman]

43 minutes ago, ScorpionZero said:

Then you want Overshown, he's the size you want and is a former safety.

He'd make an ideal big nickel if actually want one. 

[mrags]

3 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I honestly don’t know why we’re so down on Bernard? Such a mystery to me.

If there’s no reason to be down on him? Then there’s likely no reason to replace him. 

 

3 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

You do not want this player in Buffalo

Pretty sure I do. He’s my number 1 LB I’d want on this team from the rookie class to replace Edmunds. He seems to be the anti-Edmunds which is why I like him so much. Please tell me why I don’t want him. 

[boyst]

59 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Washington State is a small school?  Asking....my knowledge of the college football pecking order is slim.

i don't think it's in the same tier as almost all SEC, B10 schools. there are "smaller" big schools across the country and it is only opinion but i don't consider a school like Washington State to be much different than a MAC school.

[mrags]

2 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

Noah Sewell is the softest big LB I've seen in a long time and he processes terribly. He is not his brother. 

I mean, his brother is an OL at 330lb. So I hope he’s not like his brother. 
 

from PFF:

HEIGHT

6' 1"

WEIGHT

246

CLASS

So.

AGE

20.9

Where he wins: Manhandling

Like his older brother, Penei, Noah is a certified ass-kicker. To look like a man among boys at only 20 years old is not something you see every day. He’s the most powerful linebacker in the class, and it isn’t close.

What’s his role: Blitz-heavy LB/edge?

If you’re not blitzing Sewell five or more times a game, you’re not getting the most out of his skill set. He doesn’t have ideal length, but it’d be interesting to see what his raw power can do at edge rusher, as well.

What can he Improve: Coverage awareness

Sewell gets caught staring at quarterbacks a good bit. Oregon did its best to take him out of a coverage-first role, and the NFL would be wise to do the same.

 

 

pretty sure that’s exactly what I want out of a MLB. Exactly everything that Edmunds wasn’t 

[gonzo1105]

1 minute ago, mrags said:

I mean, his brother is an OL at 330lb. So I hope he’s not like his brother. 
 

from PFF:

HEIGHT

6' 1"

WEIGHT

246

CLASS

So.

AGE

20.9

Where he wins: Manhandling

Like his older brother, Penei, Noah is a certified ass-kicker. To look like a man among boys at only 20 years old is not something you see every day. He’s the most powerful linebacker in the class, and it isn’t close.

What’s his role: Blitz-heavy LB/edge?

If you’re not blitzing Sewell five or more times a game, you’re not getting the most out of his skill set. He doesn’t have ideal length, but it’d be interesting to see what his raw power can do at edge rusher, as well.

What can he Improve: Coverage awareness

Sewell gets caught staring at quarterbacks a good bit. Oregon did its best to take him out of a coverage-first role, and the NFL would be wise to do the same.

 

 

pretty sure that’s exactly what I want out of a MLB. Exactly everything that Edmunds wasn’t 

 

He's not like his brother when it comes to a certified ass kicker. He's an old school 2 down LB who can't cover, misses too many tackles, and is slow to read and react. His combine was either average or below average compared to his peers. The only area he was upper echelon was bench and this is not a particularly strong LB class to begin with. 

 

[mrags]

4 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

He's not like his brother when it comes to a certified ass kicker. He's an old school 2 down LB who can't cover, misses too many tackles, and is slow to read and react. His combine was either average or below average compared to his peers. The only area he was upper echelon was bench and this is not a particularly strong LB class to begin with. 

 

I’ll take longer looks at anyone over 225lbs. Which is like 4 guys in this LB class that are worth a crap. I’d take my chances with Sewell in the 4th or later instead of some undersized guy (Bernard Jr) any earlier. 

[oldmanfan]

1 hour ago, Beck Water said:

 

It would be very odd if the Bills drafted him in the 3rd with no plans to develop him as a starter on D.

 

Beane certainly sounded as though starting Bernard at MLB might be a consideration. 

 

And I repeat the question (to the multitudes, not just you) I asked above:

 

Different language is used in the scouting reports, but how is this guy Daiyan Henley different from Terrel Bernard, except for 2 3/4" longer arms and a 0.05s faster 40 time?

 

 

He’s not.  At least physically.

[Chaos]

4 hours ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Get ready for MLB to be a problem this season.  I agree that they could not responsibly pay Edmunds enough for him to stay, but man, options to replace him in FA and the draft are slim.  Many of the LBs in the draft are undersized for inside and the few with size (Campbell, Sanders, and Simpson) all have holes in their game somewhere and all would be at least modest reaches at the end of round 1, but will likely all be gone before Bills’ 2nd round pick.  

What are the holes in Campbell's game? 

[Simon Says]

5 hours ago, MasterStrategist said:

Great discussion/post.

 

There's a handful of these "undersized" LBs coming out this year, who are athletic but are they fits at MLB in our scheme?

 

To me, we just drafted a similar player (maybe not as talented) in Bernard LY.   

 

Big unknown what McDermott is looking to do at this position.  Personally, I'd be surprised if we draft this style of player.

What's so "great" about it? Milano, Bernard and Spector are similar types. If Bills draft LBs it should MLB or Edge...

[OldTimer1960]

3 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

I will be surprised if Bernard isn't the starter

I will be surprised if he does start at ILB, he is really small for that position.  Now, maybe he can start on the outside opposite Milano, but they have usually used only 2LBs.  Going to 3 LBs would take Tarim Johnson off the field more which is probably not preferable.

8 minutes ago, Chaos said:

What are the holes in Campbell's game? 

I don’t know that his lateral movement is ideal - in spite of his Combine performance.  I’m not saying he is bad, just that there will likely be better players available at 27 than him.  No doubt all players have some weaknesses.

[Chaos]

6 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

I don’t know that his lateral movement is ideal - in spite of his Combine performance.  I’m not saying he is bad, just that there will likely be better players available at 27 than him.  No doubt all players have some weaknesses.

Have you seen any film showing a problem with lateral movement.  I feel like this is a myth. 

6 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Going to 3 LBs would take Tarim Johnson off the field more which is probably not preferable.

This is also why the probably signed Rapp today. MIght as well have  safeties playing, if their job is coverage. 

Edited March 27, 2023 by Chaos

[gonzo1105]

I actually believe Spector will eventually be the guy this year at Mike 

[OldTimer1960]

12 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I actually believe Spector will eventually be the guy this year at Mike 

Welp, that would be really nice if he can do it well.

[MasterStrategist]

1 hour ago, Herb Nightly said:

What's so "great" about it? Milano, Bernard and Spector are similar types. If Bills draft LBs it should MLB or Edge...

It's a great discussion because it's an unknown how McDermott plans to adjust the defensive scheme this offseason.

 

We are highly likely moving away from Fraziers Tampa 2 scheme, that required a MLB with Edmunds traits. 

 

So it makes for interesting discussion/creative options to fill that MLB void 

[PrimeTime101]

5 hours ago, TheWeatherMan said:

So your opinion is truth? 😂

more then mine.. but yea  

4 hours ago, Beck Water said:

 

So....how does this guy differ from Terrel Bernard other than 2 3/4" more arm length and a 0.05 second faster 40-time?

If we're gonna draft an undersize linebacker in the 2 or 3rd round....didn't we do that last season?

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/terrel-bernard/32004245-5223-6424-136f-901f81674ee9

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/daiyan-henley/32004845-4e46-6212-4f0a-603906125b28

 

I got to admit I scratch my head a bit at one 6'1, 224 lb guy being described as an "Undersized sub-package nickel linebacker with special-teams value on the next level." while another 6'1", 225 lb guy gets described as "A rambunctious inside linebacker with good speed and toughness"

40 time and size ? yep same person. Reaction time... quickness.. viciousness? coverage? Different beast. IF you think the speed and size tangibles are the only thing that matter then Idk what to say man.  I never said i even necessary wanted this guy. I was just putting a scout report on a guy of position of need and fits around where we pick. 

[QLBillsFan]

9 hours ago, mannc said:

I just read that he’s from Washington State, not a “small school”.

What does the conference have to do with it ? Plenty of examples of great lbs have come from the PAC conference. USC for example. If you want to discuss his skills vs Bills system or needs that’s fine. But he’s certainly played very competitive football. 

[ndirish1978]

9 hours ago, mrags said:

That’s funny. That’s exactly why I’ve thought of just about every single LB in this draft not named Sewell or Campbell. 

Drew Sanders is 6'5 235, not a Milano-type. Sewell is more athletically limited than I would like. 

[mrags]

28 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said:

Drew Sanders is 6'5 235, not a Milano-type. Sewell is more athletically limited than I would like. 

When I hear things like “athletically limited” I automatically think if stout MLBs that don’t get pushed around in the run game, and LBs that attack the LOS to meet the runners before they already have a head of steam going. You know, the opposite of what Edmund’s was. And I’m 100% pleased about that. 
 

but I shouldn’t get my hopes up. Because MCD loves his small, undersized guts that are quick and agile. It’s shown apparently in our run defense the past few years. For those people that want that, don’t complain come playoff time when our DLine can’t hold up and get ran all over. 

[Beck Water]

5 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

I actually believe Spector will eventually be the guy this year at Mike 

 

Please say more about this belief. Seriously - based on his scouting report, preseason, the 6 games where he saw snaps on ST (mostly early in the season), the 12 snaps he saw on D - whatcha got?

 

PS in case not clear - pure request for information and understanding

Edited March 28, 2023 by Beck Water

[BBFL]

5 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

I actually believe Spector will eventually be the guy this year at Mike 

Don’t take this as an attack or chide toward your opinion as you’re entitled to it…

But what exactly makes you believe a guy that was a late 7th rounder who saw absolutely no playing time other than the blowout of Pittsburgh… (31-3 @ H/T) is “the guy” to get it done? Nothing remotely great on Special Teams either.

 

So that leaves Clemson playing time to really evaluate his talent and well it was mediocre at best. 
 

Please, if you could, enlighten those who are interested as to what lead you to the point you are at…

 

Thanks. 

6 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Please say more about this belief. Seriously - based on his scouting report, preseason, the 6 games where he saw snaps on ST (mostly early in the season), the 12 snaps he saw on D - whatcha got?

Ditto. 

Edited March 28, 2023 by BBFL

[Beck Water]

5 hours ago, PrimeTime101 said:

more then mine.. but yea  

40 time and size ? yep same person. Reaction time... quickness.. viciousness? coverage? Different beast. IF you think the speed and size tangibles are the only thing that matter then Idk what to say man.  I never said i even necessary wanted this guy. I was just putting a scout report on a guy of position of need and fits around where we pick. 

 

I mean, I read his scouting report - I read Bernard's scouting report.  I never said that I thought speed and size are the only things that matter.

 

I asked how the two of them differ.  Your answer?

[John from Riverside]

7 hours ago, mrags said:

If there’s no reason to be down on him? Then there’s likely no reason to replace him. 

 

Pretty sure I do. He’s my number 1 LB I’d want on this team from the rookie class to replace Edmunds. He seems to be the anti-Edmunds which is why I like him so much. Please tell me why I don’t want him. 

My son is a huge fan of his college team lives about a half a mile away from the stadium
 

He really is the anti-Edmonds because he is slow as *****

[akcash]

this dude passed the eyeball test. sign me up.

[NewEra]

8 hours ago, Chaos said:

What are the holes in Campbell's game? 

Some may disagree, but these are the holes that I see. 

 

this is my assessment- Lacks explosiveness.  Lacks speed to run with RBs and many TEs.  Has major struggles getting off blocks.  
 

I like the player and would love

him in rd 2.  I think he’d be a solid yet unspectacular starter for several seasons, but will just be another Poz-  solid player but not good enough to pay.  Hopefully he’d be good enough to not be the reason we lose in the playoffs.  
 

I’d go with the upside of Simpson but he’s a bigger risk as a Mike.  Hopefully we don’t have to worry about taking either player @ 27 because Beane will have traded down.  

[gonzo1105]

15 hours ago, BBFL said:

Don’t take this as an attack or chide toward your opinion as you’re entitled to it…

But what exactly makes you believe a guy that was a late 7th rounder who saw absolutely no playing time other than the blowout of Pittsburgh… (31-3 @ H/T) is “the guy” to get it done? Nothing remotely great on Special Teams either.

 

So that leaves Clemson playing time to really evaluate his talent and well it was mediocre at best. 
 

Please, if you could, enlighten those who are interested as to what lead you to the point you are at…

 

Thanks. 

Ditto. 

 

I didn't say he was the guy to get it done. I said out of the 3 options, he would be the best one. If you listen to the McDermott presser he kind of made it seem like Bernard would stay behind Milano but get a shot but he seemed more hesitant than Beane. Spector, while not a superior athlete like Edmunds, tested at the combine fairly well for a guy who was considered unathletic in scouting reports. He seemed to be the most instinctive based both on college tape and in the preseason when he was out there(granted against backups). He was always around the football in the preseason, he knew his assignments, and made tackles when the opportunity arose. 

 

If they want to draft a guy I wouldn't be against it though I think its a bad class. I could see them starting Dodson and eventually moving to Spector as well but I think at the end of the year, pending a highly drafted guy, that Spector will be manning the middle for the Bills based on his body type, his athletic profile, his ability to process and know his assignments. Spector will never be a flashy player nor will he have the physique of Edmunds but he's a heady ball player that I think could surprise with some time. 

[PrimeTime101]

20 hours ago, Beck Water said:

 

I mean, I read his scouting report - I read Bernard's scouting report.  I never said that I thought speed and size are the only things that matter.

 

I asked how the two of them differ.  Your answer?

I thought I already did. Quickness. Reaction times to plays. Reading plays. Explosive Tackling. all better than Bernard in my opinion. Bernard for example horribly miss judges crossing routs... this dude? no.. lol