Why no love for Leodis McKelvin?

[Gotta Dream]

LEODIS MCKELVIN

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 | Position:CB | College: Troy

If he falls, this is our man. Fast. Great Special Teamer. Sound Tackler. A real gamer. CBS has him going right before us to New Orleans, but he really could fall to us.

Analysis

Positives: Has a lean frame, but shows good muscle tone and the body to carry another 10 pounds without having the added weight impact his quickness … Not the most instinctive ball hawk you will find, but he has quick feet and good change-of-direction agility to close, once he locates the ball … Smooth open-field runner with the balance, body control and leaping ability to make plays on balls that are outside of his frame (must extend for the ball more often, though, as he will body catch) … Can take the plays from the chalkboard to the field with just a few reps … Plays with good confidence and he will not hesitate to combat for the jump balls or mix it up with receivers running through their patterns … Will get rag-dolled at the line of scrimmage in run support, but still shows willingness to plug the rush lanes (made 24 plays in run support as a senior) … Hard worker in practices and in the training room and is respected by the staff and his teammates, taking pride in his team captaincy … When he doesn't bail out of his backpedal too early, he generates good transition quickness and a burst to close coming out of his breaks … Needs to extend for the ball, but you can see that he has the timing and leaping ability to get to the pass at its high point … He will get high in his pedal and shuffle his feet at times, but comes out of his breaks with good balance … Not that strong, but is a pester type that will keep his hands active in attempts to reroute the receiver … When he plants and drives smoothly, he is capable of mirroring the receiver (will struggle to recover when he fails to open his hips) … Shows the willingness and toughness to quickly support vs. run and will throw his body around to get the ballcarrier on the ground (likes contact) … Sees routes develop adequately, but is better when he can sink under deep stuff and react to things in front of him rather than play deep in the zone (will have lapses and allow a receiver to come free when he eyeballs the backfield too long) … Will fight for the ball in a crowd (shows good courage) and gets excellent elevation to combine with solid body control adjusting to the ball in flight … Does not shy away from contact and while he has marginal weight-room strength, he will lower his shoulder and thump a ballcarrier in attempts to contain the outside run … Shows good vision, foot quickness, and change-of-direction agility as a return specialist … Fields the ball cleanly as a kickoff and punt returner and has a knack for making big plays with the ball in his hands … Not a great wrap-up tackler (struggles to bring opponents down), but will square up and put his hat on the ballcarrier (not effective when he tackles to the side, as he will fall off those hits).

 

Negatives: Lacks ideal bulk, but has good muscle definition … Does not always play up to his timed speed, but does show good urgency to close (hip flexibility is just adequate) … Needs to be more alert on the field, as he will be fooled by pump fakes and play-action … Lacks the overall strength to be a physical tackler and needs to show better route anticipation; eyes the backfield too long rather than mirroring the receiver … Not the type that can naturally locate the ball, but will get there once he finds it … Must refine his backpedal technique, as he opens his hips too soon and comes out of his pedal early (would get a better break if he was not so tall in his stance, as it narrows his hips, preventing him from getting a fluid turn on the ball) … When he spends too much time looking into the backfield when playing deep in the zone, receivers have had success getting behind him … Must take better angles closing on the ball and, when a receiver gets behind him, he struggles to recover … More of a drag-down type of tackler, but he needs to face up and wrap better (will take a side, letting receivers break his arm tackles) … Must do a better job of securing the ball and protecting it on returns (leaves it exposed, resulting in costly fumbles … Willing in run force, but lacks the tackle technique and power to be effective playing at line, getting washed out often by bigger blockers in a crowd … Has adequate hands, but he needs to do a better job of extending for the ball (uses his body as a crutch and several of his pass deflections could have been interceptions if he caught the ball outside his frame).

 

Compares To: R.W. McQUARTERS-New York Giants … Like McQuarters, McKelvin is a solid return specialist, even though he does not always play to his timed speed. He needs some technique refinement, but due to a lack of natural power, he is never going to be a physical tackler. He shows willingness in run support, but is better making plays on the move than getting bounced around in tight quarters. Like McQuarters, he runs hot-and-cold with his ball-reaction skills, sometimes looking like Bambi staring down at the headlights of an oncoming truck. McKelvin has the ability to break a game open once he finds a crease on returns. Until he can prove that he can add strength, his immediate value will be on special teams.

 

DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE seems physically more gifted, but not as physical and doesn't understand the game like McKelvin.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 182 | Position:CB | College: Tennessee State

Analysis

Positives: Has a tall, well-built frame with long arms, thick thighs and calves, tight abdomen and a frame that can carry additional bulk if he's moved to free safety at the next level … His range and fluid hips might make him a better fit at free safety at the next level, as his explosive closing burst reminds many of Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins … Does a nice job of slipping through trash to make plays in run force (made 22 of his 47 tackles in 2006 and 15 of 37 hits in 2007 vs. the run) … Self-starter that pushes others around him, showing a passion for the game that drives him to succeed … The thing you see constantly on film is his ability to identify his keys and react in an instant as the play develops (no need to digest) … Can mirror in the short area and shows quick reactions when playing off the line … Has outstanding feet and balance when adjusting to the receiver's moves and can flip his hips, redirect and plant sharply coming out of his breaks without needing to gather … Demonstrates a keen comprehension of zone concepts, along with the range and suddenness in his movements to react instantly to the ball in flight … Looks natural and continuous flipping his hips and coming out of his breaks cleanly … Explodes off the snap and can stay stride for stride with the receivers … Has the loose hips needed to quickly change direction and displays good explosion closing on the ball … Will cover ground suddenly tracking the ball in flight and has no problems running or trailing receivers throughout the route … Has the body control to make proper adjustments in attempts to get to the ball in flight … Can generate a strong jolt to reroute receivers at the line and knows how to stay on the hip of the receivers through their routes … Best when playing off the line, as he takes good angles in pursuit … Shows good awareness looking up receivers and anticipating the quarterback to jump the play … Has the speed and rip move to slip off the blocker's shoulder and displays the closing burst to pursue when he penetrates the backfield … What is evident on film is his upper-body strength, using it well to take on blocks and shed when working along the perimeter … Knows how to make adjustments to break down and fit when playing in the open and shows good desire to make the play … Has the speed to accelerate throughout the route and when he mirrors and trails the receiver, he is efficient at staying tight through the deep routes … Shows very good balance in his backpedal, as he is explosive in his plant and drive when he locates the ball … Needs to get stronger in his press technique, but he is smooth turning on the ball thanks to above average hip flexibility, as he transitions with no wasted motion … Has the range to pursue plays across the field and can run stride-for-stride with the speedy receivers.

 

Negatives: Does get a bit reckless in his play, resulting in costly penalties … Flagged three times in the first two games of 2006 for pass interference, and will get overconfident in his press-coverage skills, which isn't necessarily a weakness … Needs to do a better job of securing the ball on kickoff returns (had two costly fumbles in 2007) … Very effective in press coverage, but when he spends too much time attacking his man rather than playing off, he does not always anticipate the quarterback's moves … Shows urgency closing on the ball in man coverage, but sometimes rounds his angle to the ball after planting … Has natural hands, but you would like to see him use his incredible leaping ability more in attempts to break up or intercept the ball (needs to time his leaps in order to get to the ball at its highest point) … Must use his hands better to keep blockers away from his chest when trying to slip blocks working in trash … Does not work well vs. combo blocks, making him only adequate in filling the alleys … Easily engulfed when trying to slip past blocks in close quarters … Adequate tackler who will ankle bite at times rather than take on ball carriers head on … Will uncoil, but does a poor job of wrapping up … Has good closing speed, but when playing in the zone, he can get caught out of position when peeking into the backfield too long … As a senior, he struggled some with his jam technique as hands got outside his frame, but did compensate with good closing quickness … In the open field, he failed to face up as a tackler and looked sloppy breaking down his final year (see 2007 Southern and Eastern Kentucky games.

 

Compares To: TERENCE NEWMAN-Dallas … Rodgers-Cromartie is slightly faster than Newman, but he needs to show better patience in his play, as he does tend to get a bit out of control at times. Even though he has the speed to stay with receivers deep, he gets a bit reckless in his press-coverage technique and must do a better job of keeping his hands inside the frame when attempting to jam his opponent at the line of scrimmage. He added kickoff returner to his resume as a senior, but needs to be more conscious of securing the ball. Like Newman, he will utilize his quickness to excel in man coverage, but he needs to do a better job as a tackler, as he appears to be an ankle-biter rather than a face-up, wrap-up tackler.

[scribo]

One of the guys who will be in the war roon today (I cannot remember who, but I think it was Russ) said the Bills are sure McKelvin is a top-10 pick. My uninformed opinion on this means that the Bills are very high on McKelvin. That said, I really, really hope the Bills don't take a corner with their first pick unless the have a plan to still get Thomas, Sweed or Hardy AND a good receiving tight end.

[davefan66]

McKelvin is the top rated corner in the draft by everyone. Have not heard anything bad about him.

 

DRC on the other hand has his detractors.

 

I would love it if we could move up and grab McKelvin, as long as we still get a WR. Don't think it's possible though cause it would probably cost us the 2nd round pick to move up.

[Bill from NYC]

McKelvin is the top rated corner in the draft by everyone. Have not heard anything bad about him.

 

DRC on the other hand has his detractors.

 

I would love it if we could move up and grab McKelvin, as long as we still get a WR. Don't think it's possible though cause it would probably cost us the 2nd round pick to move up.

 

I think we should package a 2nd, and the 1st in 09 if that is what it takes to get him. More if need be.

[obie_wan]

I think we should package a 2nd, and the 1st in 09 if that is what it takes to get him. More if need be.

 

don't worry

 

if the Bills are moving up, they will overpay as they historically do

[JAMIEBUF12]

i am not crazy about mckelvin...........i think he has had like 3 interceptions.reminds me of antoine winfield.winfield was a good hitter,good lockdown guy,but he just never got any turnovers.

[Brandon]

I don't hate the idea of taking a CB in R1, but like a lot of people, I think I just got real sick of seeing the Bills burn 1st round picks at the position, only to let them walk after their rookie contracts expired. I'm not going to be upset if they pick McKelvin (although I think he's off the board at 7 or 8), but its probably not a pick I'll get excited about, either.

[Mike formerly from Florida]

McKelvin is the top rated corner in the draft by everyone. Have not heard anything bad about him.

 

DRC on the other hand has his detractors.

 

I would love it if we could move up and grab McKelvin, as long as we still get a WR. Don't think it's possible though cause it would probably cost us the 2nd round pick to move up.

 

 

Move up to get a CB? I admit I'm not the most knowledgeable on this board, but give picks away to get a CB? If I'm going to move up, I want Gholsten. I'm sorry I just don't think CB is a premier need, it is a bonus pick, not an essential. CBs aren't game changers like lineman or pass-rushing LBs. JMO for whatever it is worth. Just draft Harvey or Rivers and lets move on to the second round and get our WR.

[Lurker]

McKelvin just doesn't seem to be a Cover 2 CB in my view. He's not physical in run support, which is a big aspect of this defense.

 

May as well stick with Greer, since IMO he's not a big run support guy either. Cason or Flowers in round 2 would be a much better fit as far as I can tell.

[H2o]

I like the pick of Antione Cason in the 2nd.

[Pyrite Gal]

LEODIS MCKELVIN

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 | Position:CB | College: Troy

If he falls, this is our man. Fast. Great Special Teamer. Sound Tackler. A real gamer. CBS has him going right before us to New Orleans, but he really could fall to us.

Agreed that if he somehow were to slip to #11 we take him and are thankful we got a player rated as an elite pick (top 10 IMHO) at #11.

 

However, we simply have needs at far more important spots for increasing the productivity of 2008 Bills than CB and likely will draft accordingly as we have shown a strong penchant for valuing need in the 1st round despite what others want with the pick of Whitner and somewhat with the pick of Lynch.

 

Repetitively and repetitively, McKelvin is a hot prospect because he has shown the ability to cover WRs all over the field and with our base Cover 2 and change-ups to something more like the Tampa 2 we simply would not be making the highest and best uses of a McKelvin if we got him to play CB for us.

 

Both McKelvin and DRC appear to be great prospects who will almost certainly go in the top 10 (McKelvin) and the top 15 (DRC) but do you seriously think that they are good enough we should adopt a more traditional base D scheme because we have this player?

 

To do this would actually be pitting a lot of faith in our #2 CB, McKelvin's back-up, as well as this rookie because if we switched schemes and he ever got hurt that is who we would be depending on to cover WRs all over the field.

 

This is why there is not much love for Leodis IMHO.

[Pete]

One of the guys who will be in the war roon today (I cannot remember who, but I think it was Russ) said the Bills are sure McKelvin is a top-10 pick. My uninformed opinion on this means that the Bills are very high on McKelvin. That said, I really, really hope the Bills don't take a corner with their first pick unless the have a plan to still get Thomas, Sweed or Hardy AND a good receiving tight end.

I agree. I read that the Bills are very high on one CB (I suspect it is Leodis) and we have a deal in place with KC unless the CB we covet is still on the board. I doubt Leodis falls to 11- most likely going to Baltimore at 8 or New Orleans at 10. We will see then, if we trade down with KC

[Lori]

Not bad, y'all...

[BuffOrange]

I don't want to be a hater but RW McQuarters is really the best comparison they could come up with? That makes me want to throw up.

[Lori]

I don't want to be a hater but RW McQuarters is really the best comparison they could come up with? That makes me want to throw up.

Yeah, I cringed at that comparison, too.

[Sisyphean Bills]

I hope the only comparison to McQuarters, in 3 years, is that their names both start with "Mc".