MLB Jack Campbell #53 in the top 100 of The Athletic... is this our guy???

[MrEpsYtown]

I think they draft one of Campbell, Simpson, or Sanders...if they don't care which one they get, I could see a trade down. 

 

Johnston and JSN are the only WRs in the first or second who interest me at all. 

 

My hope is that all 4 QBs go and there is a huge run on corners. If that happens, you have a pretty good chance of getting a 1st round talent. 

 

If I were a betting man, I think they draft defensive linemen, Edge, or interior. That may be BPA....BPA at position of needs...

 

Positions that are not needs on this team: QB, punter, kicker (though Bass will be FA), Long snapper

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, MrEpsYtown said:

I think they draft one of Campbell, Simpson, or Sanders...if they don't care which one they get, I could see a trade down. 

 

Johnston and JSN are the only WRs in the first or second who interest me at all. 

 

My hope is that all 4 QBs go and there is a huge run on corners. If that happens, you have a pretty good chance of getting a 1st round talent. 

 

If I were a betting man, I think they draft defensive linemen, Edge, or interior. That may be BPA....BPA at position of needs...

 

Positions that are not needs on this team: QB, punter, kicker (though Bass will be FA), Long snapper

 

I was speaking to one of my relatively connected draft geek buddies at the weekend. I asked him if I set the over/under on 1st round corners at 5.5 what would he take (and Branch does not qualify) he said the over because "it's the only premium spot that has lots of good players." He thinks as many as 7 could go - Gonzalez, Witherspoon, Porter, Smith and Forbes are locks in his mind. Then he thinks Banks, Stevenson and Phillips are all "in play" as late 1sts. 

[John from Riverside]

10 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

I think they draft one of Campbell, Simpson, or Sanders...if they don't care which one they get, I could see a trade down. 

 

Johnston and JSN are the only WRs in the first or second who interest me at all. 

 

My hope is that all 4 QBs go and there is a huge run on corners. If that happens, you have a pretty good chance of getting a 1st round talent. 

 

If I were a betting man, I think they draft defensive linemen, Edge, or interior. That may be BPA....BPA at position of needs...

 

Positions that are not needs on this team: QB, punter, kicker (though Bass will be FA), Long snapper

Man have we really had bass that one seems like we drafted him just yesterday

[Bookie Man]

What about Drew Sanders?

[eee1776]

2 hours ago, Doc said:

Who is the highest rated MLB?

Henery To oto o.  Alabama 6=1   238/ 4.64 40.

[MrEpsYtown]

1 minute ago, John from Riverside said:

Man have we really had bass that one seems like we drafted him just yesterday

 

Time flies especially for guys drafted outside the first round!

[Straight Hucklebuck]

With only Drew Sanders and Jack Campbell as legitimate starting MLBs I wonder how aggressive the Bills would be at trading back and missing out on either one of these two. 

 

If they're telling the truth about being excited about a Dodson, Bernard and Spector MLB competition, then really they have the flexibility to draft any position. Even WR, the Bills have suitable numbers now. 

 

Jordan Phillips signing took the Bills off the cliff at DT. 

 

I do think the Bills are telling the truth about banking on a Spencer Brown uptick in play, so I think OT is more of a longshot. If they draft Dawand Jones for instance, he's starting at RT and Brown is now a backup, I just don't see them doing that. I'll believe they'll invest high on O-Line when they show it. The last significant investment there was Cody Ford in the 2nd Round of the 2019 Draft. 

 

I can see something like MLB, DE, WR, OL, TE, CB/S kind of draft as of right now. 

 

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Straight Hucklebuck

[papazoid]

campbell at #27 would be a disaster

 

#53 athletic

#45 PFF

#64 scouts inc

#135 cbs sports

 

[TheyCallMeAndy]

I can actually see them trading up for Drew Sanders. 

[Snappysnackcakes]

If Drew Sanders is there when we pick at 27, I would not be surprised whatsoever if he’s the pick. Sanders offers great potential as an edge rusher along with having a great year working at the Mike spot for Arkansas. He and Campbell may both end up being serviceable-to-good pros, but Sanders checks just one more box than Campbell. 

[Straight Hucklebuck]

7 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

I can actually see them trading up for Drew Sanders. 

Would they dip into their 2024 picks?

 

Because they've only got 6 this year, unless they trade up, and then later trade back to get numbers. 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Straight Hucklebuck

[SCBills]

Not excited, at all, about a LB at 27.. but at least Drew Sanders provides pass rush versatility.  He's a guy that can play MLB and rush on a blitz or off the edge in sub packages.  

 

Campbell fills a hole, I guess. 

[SoCal Deek]

4 minutes ago, Snappysnackcakes said:

If Drew Sanders is there when we pick at 27, I would not be surprised whatsoever if he’s the pick. Sanders offers great potential as an edge rusher along with having a great year working at the Mike spot for Arkansas. He and Campbell may both end up being serviceable-to-good pros, but Sanders checks just one more box than Campbell. 

Interesting comment and I’ve seen this before. What are your thoughts on the long term evolution of the Bills defensive alignment (and the NFL as a whole). Will McD stick with two LBs or start moving to the more traditional 4-3? 

[nosejob]

40 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

I would just have a hard time passing on a player that is a first round consensus grade in Robinson, even though we need a linebacker
 

The reason why I want more second round picks is because I don’t think Robinson will be there and there really is only about 15 guys that have first round grades this year

There is no Way in Hell they take him at 27, He would get us good trade out of the spot value though. I don't see them taking a RB until maybe a big body UFDA.

 

How many backs do you think they'll dress/play/carry? I highly doubt he makes it to us anyway.

[BUFFALOTONE]

If the guy comes in and does the job better the Tremaine who cares where he is taken, no one focuses on that stuff. It is ancillary. 

[4merper4mer]

18 minutes ago, papazoid said:

campbell at #27 would be a disaster

 

#53 athletic

#45 PFF

#64 scouts inc

#135 cbs sports

 

Lol a disaster is now defined as disagreeing with magazines?  What If the Panthers draft Levis or Richardson at 1 and the selection becomes the best QB in the NFL.  Allen over Rosen was also a disaster at the time.

[Solomon Grundy]

9 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

We all know the hole to fill. Yes it's possible the Edmunds replacement is on our roster, but c'mon... who really doesn't think we're adding an ILB???? 

 

Jack Campbell has been the buzz since the Combine. Yet, The Athletic just came out with their top 100. Here's what they said about him:

 

Campbell has excellent size to take on blocks in the box, and he’s more than willing to do so. An effective communicator pre-snap, Campbell plays with good awareness to discern play concepts and effectively play the run. He flashes the ability to stack and shed climbing offensive linemen while being a sound tackler.

 

But he will let the game come to him at times instead of being the aggressor. He is a good athlete, but it doesn’t always show because he plays in a controlled manner — there are times you wish he used his gifts more.

 

Campbell’s awareness does carry over against the pass. He is at his best in zone, where he can read the game, make plays on the ball and get into passing lanes. He’s also a fluid enough mover to hold his own in man.

Campbell has the size and athleticism to quickly adjust to the NFL. He doesn’t always play to his testing numbers, but if he becomes more comfortable, he has the ideal traits and play style to be a three-down linebacker.

 

I don't know about anyone else, but there were many parts of that report that absolutely screamed Buffalo.

 

It'd be amazing if we got him in the 2nd, but wouldn't be shocked if we took him in the 1st.

Sounds like..... Tremaine Edmunds 😂

[MrEpsYtown]

22 minutes ago, papazoid said:

campbell at #27 would be a disaster

 

#53 athletic

#45 PFF

#64 scouts inc

#135 cbs sports

 

 

Look at their rankings from the last few years and see how accurate they were. It's all opinions. 

[NewEra]

5 hours ago, GolfandBills said:

Pittsburgh would scare me in that situation.  They have pick 32 and another one soon after that.  If Bills wants Campbell they’ll probably have to take him at 27

Yeah maybe.  They just signed Cole

holcomb and elandon Roberts to play inside. 
 

if they took him, so be it.  Personally, I don’t really love Campbell much more than Simpson and Sanders.  I think we could be better off drafting Dorian Williams, Sewell, Henley, Pappoe, To’oTo’o or Overshown later on rather than taking Campbell @ 27. That said- if Campbell is the pick @ 27, I’m ok with it.  I just wouldn’t love it.  

[MrEpsYtown]

 

[MrEpsYtown]

14 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Yeah maybe.  They just signed Cole

holcomb and elandon Roberts to play inside. 
 

if they took him, so be it.  Personally, I don’t really love Campbell much more than Simpson and Sanders.  I think we could be better off drafting Dorian Williams, Sewell, Henley, Pappoe, To’oTo’o or Overshown later on rather than taking Campbell @ 27. That said- if Campbell is the pick @ 27, I’m ok with it.  I just wouldn’t love it.  

 

When it comes to Campbell and the other backers, I worry more about the Lions. I could see them taking Campbell at 18 even, since they have another first in the top ten, they could reach a little. He seems like he would be a Campbell guy literally. 

 

But the Steelers at 32 and then this stretch in the second round: 

37) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

38) Las Vegas Raiders
39) Carolina Panthers
40) New Orleans Saints
41) Tennessee Titans
42) Cleveland Browns
43) New York Jets
44) Atlanta Falcons
45) Green Bay Packers
46) New England Patriots
47) Washington Commanders
48) Detroit Lions
49) Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Campbell, Simpson, Sanders will not get through that gauntlet. Those guys won't make it to us in round 2. 

 

Even after that, it is unlikely: 

50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
51) Miami Dolphins
52) Seattle Seahawks
53) Chicago Bears (from Baltimore)
54) Los Angeles Chargers
55) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
57) New York Giants
58) Dallas Cowboys

Edited March 30, 2023 by MrEpsYtown

[RyanC883]

I prefer Sanders: seems more athletic and has on-ball and off-ball LB experience.  At this point, I'm hoping for a FA LB (Jack) and just getting JA as much help as possible in the draft.  

 

It's also interesting that Sanders and Campbell appear ranked differently depending on the source.  Zero consensus.  

Edited March 30, 2023 by RyanC883

[NewEra]

2 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

When it comes to Campbell and the other backers, I worry more about the Lions. I could see them taking Campbell at 18 even, since they have another first in the top ten, they could reach a little. He seems like he would be a Campbell guy literally. 

 

But the Steelers at 32 and then this stretch in the second round: 

37) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

38) Las Vegas Raiders
39) Carolina Panthers
40) New Orleans Saints
41) Tennessee Titans
42) Cleveland Browns
43) New York Jets
44) Atlanta Falcons
45) Green Bay Packers
46) New England Patriots
47) Washington Commanders
48) Detroit Lions
49) Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Campbell, Simpson, Sanders will not get through that gauntlet. Those guys won't make it to us in round 2. 

 

Even after that, it is unlikely: 

50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
51) Miami Dolphins
52) Seattle Seahawks
53) Chicago Bears (from Baltimore)
54) Los Angeles Chargers
55) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
57) New York Giants
58) Dallas Cowboys

I agree.  I’ve said from the start I don’t think one of the 3 will make it to us-  I just don’t think they’re worth 27 and we’d be reaching to fill a hole if drafted. 
 

I think one of them will be there into the top 1/3 of rd 2.  If we miss one, so be it.  Reaching is bad, especially on D (for this team)

Just now, RyanC883 said:

I prefer Sanders: seems more athletic and has on-ball and off-ball LB experience.  At this point, I'm hoping for a FA LB (Jack) and just getting JA as much help as possible in the draft.  

Have you watched Jack play over the last few years?  He’s one of the worst LBers in the league imo.  He’s shot

[Virgil]

3 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Joe B’s Athletic article today:

 

Lions get Nos. 27 and 137, Bills get Nos. 48, 55, 183, 194

 

Bills picks after trade: Nos. 48, 55, 59, 91, 130, 183, 194, 205

 

Bills pick Campbell at 48, Marvin Mims at 55, Antonio Johnson at 59.

 

I like that if OT is one of our first two picks, but not sure about the MLB that will be there at 48.  6 picks in the top 150 is nice though

[RyanC883]

7 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

When it comes to Campbell and the other backers, I worry more about the Lions. I could see them taking Campbell at 18 even, since they have another first in the top ten, they could reach a little. He seems like he would be a Campbell guy literally. 

 

But the Steelers at 32 and then this stretch in the second round: 

37) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

38) Las Vegas Raiders
39) Carolina Panthers
40) New Orleans Saints
41) Tennessee Titans
42) Cleveland Browns
43) New York Jets
44) Atlanta Falcons
45) Green Bay Packers
46) New England Patriots
47) Washington Commanders
48) Detroit Lions
49) Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Campbell, Simpson, Sanders will not get through that gauntlet. Those guys won't make it to us in round 2. 

 

Even after that, it is unlikely: 

50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
51) Miami Dolphins
52) Seattle Seahawks
53) Chicago Bears (from Baltimore)
54) Los Angeles Chargers
55) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
57) New York Giants
58) Dallas Cowboys

 

is there a LB you like beyond the top 3 of Simpson, Sanders and/or Campbell that could be available in Rd. 2 or 3?  

 

 

19 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

 

letting OL get into him is concerning.  Edmunds like?  Otherwise looks good.  

[NewEra]

1 minute ago, RyanC883 said:

 

is there a LB you like beyond the top 3 of Simpson, Sanders and/or Campbell that could be available in Rd. 2 or 3?  

 

 

Not like you asked me, but If we miss one of the top 3-  I pray we don’t take a LB in rd 2.  Henley would probably be the highest rated but his size scares me.  He’s probably the smoothest mover of all the LBs in the draft, but I think he’ll be a big liability vs the run   If we’re going to take an undersized guy that can run I’d rather wait til rd 4-5.

[RyanC883]

3 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Joe B’s Athletic article today:

 

Lions get Nos. 27 and 137, Bills get Nos. 48, 55, 183, 194

 

Bills picks after trade: Nos. 48, 55, 59, 91, 130, 183, 194, 205

 

Bills pick Campbell at 48, Marvin Mims at 55, Antonio Johnson at 59.

 

I guess this is not too bad.  Fan of Mims, but no IOL help is a huge issue.  OL get hurt, it's part of the game.  I want one (or both) of Tippman or Avila in the 1st 3 rounds.  I could pass on Johnson in the above, we are set at safety next year, and then go after Robinson (FSU) later in the draft.  

[MrEpsYtown]

2 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

I prefer Sanders: seems more athletic and has on-ball and off-ball LB experience.  At this point, I'm hoping for a FA LB (Jack) and just getting JA as much help as possible in the draft.  

 

It's also interesting that Sanders and Campbell appear ranked differently depending on the source.  Zero consensus.  

 

Campbell actually tested better than Sanders in everything but the 40. 4.65 to 4.59. 

[RyanC883]

10 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Not like you asked me, but If we miss one of the top 3-  I pray we don’t take a LB in rd 2.  Henley would probably be the highest rated but his size scares me.  He’s probably the smoothest mover of all the LBs in the draft, but I think he’ll be a big liability vs the run   If we’re going to take an undersized guy that can run I’d rather wait til rd 4-5.

 

Thanks!  I'll take any input here. 

 

There do appear to be a lot of undersized "run" guys in that 4-5 range.  Williams from Tulane is my top guy in that range, Banks (Tenn) and Horton (not undersized, however) from TCU is interesting. There is a Pitt LB that is also interesting (Sir something), although he is more 5-6 range.  

 

Interested in if you have any targets in that range that stick out? 

Edited March 30, 2023 by RyanC883

[Einstein's Dog]

46 minutes ago, nosejob said:

There is no Way in Hell they take him at 27, He would get us good trade out of the spot value though. I don't see them taking a RB until maybe a big body UFDA.

 

How many backs do you think they'll dress/play/carry? I highly doubt he makes it to us anyway.

Agree with you that they won't take Robinson at 27. 

 

However, I do think an RB is possible in the later rounds like a round 4 R Johnson type.  A big back for the future to back up and assume Harris' thunder role.  This would then make a young, cheap, consistent RB room for several years.

[Augie]

2 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

Big boards can’t really be taken seriously. Joe Schmo writer ones especially 

 

The fact that we are here probably indicates we are not all that picky.  😋

 

 

.

[MrEpsYtown]

 

16 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

 

is there a LB you like beyond the top 3 of Simpson, Sanders and/or Campbell that could be available in Rd. 2 or 3?  

 

 

 

letting OL get into him is concerning.  Edmunds like?  Otherwise looks good.  

 

I'm not sure. Henley is interesting, but I don't really think he is a mike. Sewell has some good traits, not sure about the fit. DeMarvion Overshown is interesting. Dorain Williams too.  

[Snappysnackcakes]

52 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

Interesting comment and I’ve seen this before. What are your thoughts on the long term evolution of the Bills defensive alignment (and the NFL as a whole). Will McD stick with two LBs or start moving to the more traditional 4-3? 

The “base nickel” is here to stay for awhile. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many teams employ this strategy, but I’d venture to guess it’s well over 70%. The short passing game with 1 TE is here until someone makes it stop being productive. And colleges are actually supplying good QB’s with this offense, too. Now, the 43 alignment could very well “exist” in some form where one linebacker is a safety-linebacker hybrid. This is, for all intents and purposes, what we do with our nickel. You never see Johnson lining wide in any set. That’s not his strength and it would result in him immediately being challenged by any QB who paid attention in meetings. 

[Augie]

2 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

This is true. Campbell is taller, thicker and faster, but it's close: 

 

 

 

So physically, it's closer to Kuechly. Campbell isn't as fast, but he is bigger. How he drops in zone, there is just so much intelligence in his game, similar to Kuechly. He also has those leadership qualities. I hate to always harp on that 3 cone, but a man 6-5, 250 running that 3 cone is absurd. 

 

 

I know people don't love Walterfootball....here is some breakdown: 

 

Strengths:
Instincts
Excellent run defender
Quick to the sideline
Good tackler
Hard hitter

Very physical
Will take on blocks
Can shed blocks and make tackles
Tall but plays with good leverage
Diagnosis skills
Read-and-react skills
Fits a 4-3 or 3-4 defense
Always around the ball
Quick to the flat
Closing speed
Rangy
Advanced pass-coverage linebacker
Can help cover against tight ends and running backs
Can drop into zone coverage
Good vision in zone
Disrupts passing lanes
Excellent length in pass coverage
Strong, thick build
Big linebacker; imposing presence
Played on special teams as well
Durable

 

Weaknesses:
Lacks elite speed
Quality athleticism, but not supremely so

 

Here is their comp: 

Player Comparison: Luke Kuechly. Campbell has a similar playing style to what Kuechly brought. Campbell is a poor man's version, however, as he is not as fast and athletic as Kuechly and displays lesser instincts. Still, Campbell can make some plays that are reminiscent of Kuechly. Campbell could be a lesser version of Kuechly in the NFL, which means a very good starter given that Kuechly probably belongs in the Hall of Fame.

 

That all passes the eye test of what I see. Do you want the anti-Tremaine, who can do a lot of the same things athletically? This is the guy imo. 

 

BUT….is he old enough to buy beer?   🍺 

 

It sounds like his playing speed is more impressive than his timed speed. The strengths and weaknesses do not seem perfectly aligned. I prefer football players over track stars. 

[Gigs]

33 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

I prefer Sanders: seems more athletic and has on-ball and off-ball LB experience.  At this point, I'm hoping for a FA LB (Jack) and just getting JA as much help as possible in the draft.  

 

It's also interesting that Sanders and Campbell appear ranked differently depending on the source.  Zero consensus.  

Sanders is also a multi-position guy, and more explosive/big play ability. He's also one of the top pass rushers in the draft. Beane and McD love guys who can do more than just one thing, and he's Edmonds sized. If not Sanders at 27, I'd be good with O'Cyrus Torrence from Florida. Dude followed Napier and put on another great season at Guard. Dude is already a stud. I feel someone like that will take care of the rest, much like how Von opened up our pass rushing with his presence and ability. 

[gonzo1105]

3 minutes ago, Snappysnackcakes said:

The “base nickel” is here to stay for awhile. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many teams employ this strategy, but I’d venture to guess it’s well over 70%. The short passing game with 1 TE is here until someone makes it stop being productive. And colleges are actually supplying good QB’s with this offense, too. Now, the 43 alignment could very well “exist” in some form where one linebacker is a safety-linebacker hybrid. This is, for all intents and purposes, what we do with our nickel. You never see Johnson lining wide in any set. That’s not his strength and it would result in him immediately being challenged by any QB who paid attention in meetings. 

 

The 4-2-5 came about when offenses at the college level started by being pass heavy spread teams.  The game a long time ago was about packing it in with big guys who could push each other and now its more about speed and separation. Spread offenses either make you pull that nickel player out of the box or 3rd LB. With 3rd Receivers being smaller and shiftier, you have to match it with a smaller shiftier player(Johnson). A LB, lets just say Klein would be at a severe disadvantage. 

 

In a 4-2-5 the Nickel and the safeties are very valuable as these 3 players ideally are big tough physical but also athletic enough to do coverage and come down to the line and face offensive lineman who are bigger than they are. This is why I believe Taylor Rapp was signed to be that bigger body who can do more of that whereas Johnson can be a little more limited. 

[Snappysnackcakes]

14 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

The 4-2-5 came about when offenses at the college level started by being pass heavy spread teams.  The game a long time ago was about packing it in with big guys who could push each other and now its more about speed and separation. Spread offenses either make you pull that nickel player out of the box or 3rd LB. With 3rd Receivers being smaller and shiftier, you have to match it with a smaller shiftier player(Johnson). A LB, lets just say Klein would be at a severe disadvantage. 

 

In a 4-2-5 the Nickel and the safeties are very valuable as these 3 players ideally are big tough physical but also athletic enough to do coverage and come down to the line and face offensive lineman who are bigger than they are. This is why I believe Taylor Rapp was signed to be that bigger body who can do more of that whereas Johnson can be a little more limited. 

This ^^^

[finn]

1 hour ago, RyanC883 said:

I prefer Sanders: seems more athletic and has on-ball and off-ball LB experience.  At this point, I'm hoping for a FA LB (Jack) and just getting JA as much help as possible in the draft.  

I agree. From the highlights, Sanders looks faster than Campbell. He closes in a hurry. I wouldn't balk at him being the choice at 27. 

[OldTimer1960]

2 minutes ago, finn said:

I agree. From the highlights, Sanders looks faster than Campbell. He closes in a hurry. I wouldn't balk at him being the choice at 27. 

Highlights are fun to watch, but by definition are meant to show the very best plays by a given player. Use caution when scouting from highlight videos - everybody looks good in their highlights.

[nosejob]

49 minutes ago, Einstein's Dog said:

Agree with you that they won't take Robinson at 27. 

 

However, I do think an RB is possible in the later rounds like a round 4 R Johnson type.  A big back for the future to back up and assume Harris' thunder role.  This would then make a young, cheap, consistent RB room for several years.

Maybe at 205.  We need a LB / C/G / WR / S in the 1st 4 picks in some order....and don't discount that there could be a day 1 starter at corner at 27.  It wouldn't surprise me to hear the BPA bit there.

Edited March 30, 2023 by nosejob