Yantha Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Hello all, Haven't posted here in a while, but as I'm watching preseason, I'm compelled to gage your opinion on the linebacker position. Specifically I'm looking at Ben VanSumeren, UDFA that was picked up by Philly. I had hoped the Bills would land him and he posted a phenomenal pro day (see below). Now, in the preseason, he's the leading tackler and has been all over the field (see below). All signs point to VanSumeren being relegated to the Eagles PS since they have great depth at the position. I think that this kid is worth poaching! Who to cut to make room might be debatable, but I'm thinking it's time to move on from Klein or Matakevich. VanSumeren would be an ace on special teams. I realize there might be "cut casualties" of more seasoned vets but I like this kid's amazing upside. Thoughts appreciated. 7 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dont Stop Billeiving Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 All about finding that roster spot for him but I like betting on physical traits / upside especially at a position of need! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNYfan Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 The *Patriots reserve linebackers looked better than our Frontline guys, last night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brand J Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I’ll never understand why teams don’t take a 7th round flier on these sort of athletic prospects. I remember how everyone here was screaming to draft Jason Peters because he tested off the charts at his size. We were lucky to get him as an UDFA. If Beane is happy with his preseason tape, make room for this guy if he’s cut. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewaycynic2013 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Check the One Bills Drive storeroom for 'injury settlement' forms. There seems to be a trend setting up. 🤔 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Says Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 So far he is just an athletic standout still learning the linebacker position. Needs a year or two on a practice squad. Bills need a middle linebacker NOW so ,no, I wouldn't poach him to take up a roster spot. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LABILLBACKER Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 26 minutes ago, Herb Nightly said: So far he is just an athletic standout still learning the linebacker position. Needs a year or two on a practice squad. Bills need a middle linebacker NOW so ,no, I wouldn't poach him to take up a roster spot. I agree. Our first SB window is closing rapidly. We need someone now and we will definitely be poaching/ signing someone Tuesday. Relying on Spector, Bernard and Dodson was a mistake. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Yantha said: Hello all, Haven't posted here in a while, but as I'm watching preseason, I'm compelled to gage your opinion on the linebacker position. Specifically I'm looking at Ben VanSumeren, UDFA that was picked up by Philly. I had hoped the Bills would land him and he posted a phenomenal pro day (see below). Now, in the preseason, he's the leading tackler and has been all over the field (see below). All signs point to VanSumeren being relegated to the Eagles PS since they have great depth at the position. I think that this kid is worth poaching! Who to cut to make room might be debatable, but I'm thinking it's time to move on from Klein or Matakevich. VanSumeren would be an ace on special teams. I realize there might be "cut casualties" of more seasoned vets but I like this kid's amazing upside. Thoughts appreciated. If he is over 220# I can’t see how he fits into this linebacking corp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YodaMan79 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 The front office should also be looking at who the Eagles release on their OL, and try to stash on the PS. Look at what Jeff Stoutland has done with developing talent. A prime example is Fred Johnson, they likely found another hidden gem to develop. With the Eagles front office and scouting staff, the Bills should be looking to get OL help starting there. They have the best OL coaching staff in the league, by a mile. 26 years old, 6'-7", 330 lbs, and they found this guy on the waiver wire. "But this is a typical Howie Roseman move. Find a guy on the scrap heap, send him to study at Stoutland U and find yourself a player." This is what consistent contenders do, find developmental depth at a controlled cost. I hope the Bills have some stories like this guy coming out of camp moving forward. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/how-eagles-fred-johnson-came-out-of-nowhere-to-earn-roster-spot-and-new-contract/533676/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 18 minutes ago, YodaMan79 said: The front office should also be looking at who the Eagles release on their OL, and try to stash on the PS. Look at what Jeff Stoutland has done with developing talent. A prime example is Fred Johnson, they likely found another hidden gem to develop. With the Eagles front office and scouting staff, the Bills should be looking to get OL help starting there. They have the best OL coaching staff in the league, by a mile. 26 years old, 6'-7", 330 lbs, and they found this guy on the waiver wire. "But this is a typical Howie Roseman move. Find a guy on the scrap heap, send him to study at Stoutland U and find yourself a player." This is what consistent contenders do, find developmental depth at a controlled cost. I hope the Bills have some stories like this guy coming out of camp moving forward. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/how-eagles-fred-johnson-came-out-of-nowhere-to-earn-roster-spot-and-new-contract/533676/ We have the same situation here with Van Denmark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I don’t disagree with the OP’s take however I just don’t see the Bills bringing in another young LBer. I’d be looking for one with more experience if at all possible. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 1 hour ago, CNYfan said: The *Patriots reserve linebackers looked better than our Frontline guys, last night Was going to say same thing. I think Beane is going to grab a Pat after cuts or trade for one now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Howie R. has quietly built the best scouting and development staff in the entire league. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 2 hours ago, Yantha said: Hello all, Haven't posted here in a while, but as I'm watching preseason, I'm compelled to gage your opinion on the linebacker position. Specifically I'm looking at Ben VanSumeren, UDFA that was picked up by Philly. I had hoped the Bills would land him and he posted a phenomenal pro day (see below). Now, in the preseason, he's the leading tackler and has been all over the field (see below). All signs point to VanSumeren being relegated to the Eagles PS since they have great depth at the position. I think that this kid is worth poaching! Who to cut to make room might be debatable, but I'm thinking it's time to move on from Klein or Matakevich. VanSumeren would be an ace on special teams. I realize there might be "cut casualties" of more seasoned vets but I like this kid's amazing upside. Thoughts appreciated. For us to get him without a trade, not only would Philly have to ditch him, but all of the teams in front of us on the waiver order would have to pass. 20 something teams. Like an Isabella but for the defense. if we trade for him it might get interesting. If we pick him up off waivers it would be a very bad sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewaycynic2013 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 (edited) 36 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said: For us to get him without a trade, not only would Philly have to ditch him, but all of the teams in front of us on the waiver order would have to pass. 20 something teams. Try circulating a vicious false rumour about him...you know, like Belichick would. That ought to be the 'kiss of death' in terms of other teams' interests. Edited August 26, 2023 by Ridgewaycynic2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 He'd also need to pass through waivers so if as good as advertised by you, Bills may not have a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I'm Spartacus Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Van Sumeren just might be the next Coy Wire... 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantha Posted August 26, 2023 Author Share Posted August 26, 2023 2 hours ago, Herb Nightly said: So far he is just an athletic standout still learning the linebacker position. Needs a year or two on a practice squad. Bills need a middle linebacker NOW so ,no, I wouldn't poach him to take up a roster spot. Agreed, and I'm not saying hes a starter but I'd replace a guy like special teams LB Matakevich with this guy due to his upside. He could develop into a solid to high end backup linebacker, possibly more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YodaMan79 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 From an Eagles focused reporter giving a breakdown on all 90 guys on the roster: LB Ben VanSumeren: The UDFA linebacker had a million tackles against the Colts — OK, 17 — but he’s still a raw player. He’s relatively new to the linebacker position and it’s obvious. But he has some potential as a future special teams contributor. I’d keep him on the practice squad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantha Posted August 26, 2023 Author Share Posted August 26, 2023 8 minutes ago, YodaMan79 said: From an Eagles focused reporter giving a breakdown on all 90 guys on the roster: LB Ben VanSumeren: The UDFA linebacker had a million tackles against the Colts — OK, 17 — but he’s still a raw player. He’s relatively new to the linebacker position and it’s obvious. But he has some potential as a future special teams contributor. I’d keep him on the practice squad. Buuuuut.... that reporter is writing with respect to the Eagles roster of talented LB with likely starters: Haasson Reddick Nakobe Dean Nolan Smith *and solid depth VanSumeren is penciled in as the third team MLB. He'd be third team MLB here too.... but would just replace Matakevich on special teams (and have upside to push for a second team role this year). We still need a STARTER, but I'd cut Klein to make room for a starter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewaycynic2013 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 6 minutes ago, Yantha said: He'd be third team MLB here too.... Only after the trainer puts him on the SlimFast plan. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirkwoodus13 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Number 53 from the Eagles is better . Go get him. They don’t need him. Great on special teams but he is ready to start now!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Says Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 2 hours ago, Yantha said: Agreed, and I'm not saying hes a starter but I'd replace a guy like special teams LB Matakevich with this guy due to his upside. He could develop into a solid to high end backup linebacker, possibly more. Not sure he is ready for the 53 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Why do folks here sound concerned about LB? We don’t need any help at LB. Don’t forget, we got rid of Edmunds. Addition by subtraction, right? 😂😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Darragh Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 2 hours ago, kirkwoodus13 said: Number 53 from the Eagles is better . Go get him. They don’t need him. Great on special teams but he is ready to start now!! We already have a 53 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyCallMeAndy Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 2 hours ago, kirkwoodus13 said: Number 53 from the Eagles is better . Go get him. They don’t need him. Great on special teams but he is ready to start now!! Nigel Bradham? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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