Bills Daily gives Bills C- grade...

[Fingon]

Good, maybe this will shut up all the idiots on this board who think it was the greatest draft ever with 6 new starters

 

These guys are not sure-fire talents, and we've still got a number of huge holes

No one is.

[Endless Ike]

ST is always a need.

 

There's a reason why excellent special team players are available in the 5th, 6th, 7th rounds, why "starters" don't play special teams, and why the Bills haven't made the playoffs in a decade despite having one of the best special team squads in the league

 

Special teams are a complimentary part of the team, they're not worth devoting 1/3rd of every draft to

[BLZFAN4LIFE]

Good, maybe this will shut up all the idiots on this board who think it was the greatest draft ever with 6 new starters

 

These guys are not sure-fire talents, and we've still got a number of huge holes

 

 

There has been a lot of Kool-aid consumption going on around here.

[Endless Ike]

No one is.

 

at least no one that this front office picks

[keepthefaith]

Good, maybe this will shut up all the idiots on this board who think it was the greatest draft ever with 6 new starters

 

These guys are not sure-fire talents, and we've still got a number of huge holes

 

All will be better when all of the pre and post draft masturbation ends.

[Lurker]

Good, maybe this will shut up all the idiots on this board who think it was the greatest draft ever with 6 new starters

 

These guys are not sure-fire talents, and we've still got a number of huge holes

Is that really you in your Avatar?

[Endless Ike]

Is that really you in your Avatar?

 

halloween only comes once per year, my man

[Wing Man]

It's almost anathema for me to say it at all, but I genuinely like this draft, sort of. We got some solid people who can start week 1. Maybin should probably move to OLB, which means we still have the same, ineffective DL from last year plus who we get back from IR. Almost every pick we made was underweight, in need of conditioning - not really unusual. Our defensive backs are all short and slow, tradition.

 

If Maybin works out well, this draft works. If not, this draft probably works. I think Wood, Nelson, and N. Harris are going to be terrific in time, IMHO, and that would be a real asset going forward. If any of the DBs pan out, bonus. If we can land Levi Jones from Cincinnati, super!!!!

 

I can't say that this will be a transformative year, but we're on the right track if we can just dump Jauron.

[Endless Ike]

It's almost anathema for me to say it at all, but I genuinely like this draft, sort of. We got some solid people who can start week 1. Maybin should probably move to OLB, which means we still have the same, ineffective DL from last year plus who we get back from IR. Almost every pick we made was underweight, in need of conditioning - not really unusual. Our defensive backs are all short and slow, tradition.

 

If Maybin works out well, this draft works. If not, this draft probably works. I think Wood, Nelson, and N. Harris are going to be terrific in time, IMHO, and that would be a real asset going forward. If any of the DBs pan out, bonus. If we can land Levi Jones from Cincinnati, super!!!!

 

I can't say that this will be a transformative year, but we're on the right track if we can just dump Jauron.

 

If Maybin is a !@#$ing animal, then he single-handedly saves the draft even if everyone else busts... It's not outside the realm of possibility that he puts on a bunch of muscle, and stays fast...he's only 21

 

But, I think outside of him we've got a number of middle of the road players, playing out of position, albeit in some spots where even middle of the road is an upgrade

[My Friends Call Me Tebucky]

You can't grade it yet, obviously. But BillsDaily giving them a C- is no less ridiculous than people on here or anywhere else giving them a B+.

 

Without grading it per se, I'm very concerned about two things in particular- the number of "tweeners" they picked (Maybin, Byrd, Nic Harris), and the number of players that are going to be asked to play different positions than they did in college (Byrd, Nic Harris, Levitre, and Wood). There's an awful lot of risk there.

 

I'm no scout and I won't pretend to be. But if people really think the first 5 guys they drafted are all going to be successful NFL starters, you're ignoring the draft history of the league. And, obviously ignoring the mediocre drafting history of the Bills this decade.

 

Can we temper the expectations just a little bit? If they can get 3 solid starters (maybe 1 of them being a Pro Bowler) and a couple of decent reserves, it's a good draft. But there's no way all 5 of their first picks are going to pan out. It just doesn't work that way.

[Speedy G]

It doesnt matter if there's 1 or 5 starters, the fact is that its football season and we have some new talent (or lack there of) to evaluate and it gives us all something to look forward to, let the mini camps begin !!!

[John from Riverside]

Anybody who is trying to biuld their team around rounds 5-7 is seriously asking for trouble......sometimes you get lucky but most of the time no.......

 

- Aaron Maybin is YOUNG.......he is a pass rush freak who hasn't finished growing yet AND I love his never quit attitude and character. This is a guy who two years from now will be making QB's wet their pants and will be a leader in the locker room. To me he looks like a young Jason Taylor.

 

- Wood is the center we have been needing for years......he will keep the monser DT's in our division off of our QB. But what was nice about this draft is they didn't stop there.....they then took the best OG available in the draft also known for his mean streak. Mark my words......the problems that this team had creating space for running inside are OVER.

 

- FINALLY a quality pass receving tight end

[Sisyphean Bills]

With grade inflation these days, every team gets an A. Well, OK, Al Davis gets an A-.

[Speedy G]

Nice post John from Hemet, there is some quality in this draft and we wont fully know the potential yet, but its there.

 

Nelosn could be quite a player, he seems to be that quality pass receving tight end we so desperately need, an outlet receiver for Trent with some game breaking ability.

[GOBILLS78]

That's fair.

[zazie]

I gave it that grade because they now have a glut at the middle of the offensive line and in a defensive backfield while having glaring holes at offensive tackle, didn't get any help at defensive tackle, and more importantly five players are tweeners... Most tweeners fail in the NFL because they aren't good enough at either position that they are in between.

 

Also, how are four players going to get used to the NFL and a new position at the same time?

 

As I say it's way too early to really tell and I hope I'm proven wrong but recent draft history suggests that I may be more on the money than I hope..

I agree with your grade for a different reason, I am still in shock we let Brown past us (OR Unger) in the 2nd round, in order to draft into what is already a deep position (or a guy we have to 'convert', always a risky proposition).

 

If Brown turns out to be better than Maybin (a very real possibility) in the pros, then the grade goes down to a D+

 

Hopefully Byrd can show something early in his career.

[BEAST MODE BABY!]

Most of the picks were solid, I thought a B or B+ would be accurate. I was disapponted that they passed on Marcus Freeman in the 5th and Ricky-Jean Francois in the 7th. I believe those 2 have potential.

 

I agree. I want to know how Freeman compares to Nic Harris. Bears took Freeman later in round 5 and their defense, I think, is similar to ours.

 

I give it a B+.

[Christopher Capolupo]

at least no one that this front office picks

 

You should find a new hobby. Some success in your life might shed some light on the brighter sides of life. I heard that there is a bridge club opening up at the senior citizen home in Orchard Park.

I wonder if your parents paid for you to go away to college and then paid for a hotel for you to stay at during breaks and the summer. You are so negative and it's really annoying. Don't like the front office, ok that's fine. Say you don't like some or all of the pics, that's great. Have an educated argument at least. I really hope your myspace girlfriend doesn't break up with you, the last thing this world needs is another pissed off kid that needs to scream for attention in a real life setting. You're not the only one who is negative, but most others have some sort of argument and I could respect that.

[Leonidas]

Good, maybe this will shut up all the idiots on this board who think it was the greatest draft ever with 6 new starters

 

These guys are not sure-fire talents, and we've still got a number of huge holes

 

You must be new around here.

[ndirish1978]

I don't care much for BillsDaily. That said, we drafted 2 CBs probably specifically for ST, which consistently rank #1 in the league. Loved our first 5 picks once I realized Byrd was drafted to play FS. Good draft.

[JPicc2114]

Aaron Maybin has bust written all over him if he plays DE. He needs to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He just does not fit in the Bills defense

[BobDVA]

Aaron Maybin has bust written all over him if he plays DE. He needs to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He just does not fit in the Bills defense

 

 

Maybin = Flowers?

 

I sure hope not!

[Chilly]

I give it a B. I would have gone higher if they didn't waste the last 3 picks.

 

Those last 3 picks were likely special teams targets.

[DonInBuffalo]

Seriously man, some of you folks might want to put down the crack pipe. I spent most of day 1 in a KFFL chat with people that follow football fairly closely, and are generally indifferent about the Bills. There was a whole lot of "huh?" and snickering going on with many of the Bills picks. These people were also critical of many other teams picks so take some of this with a grain of salt.

 

Maybin looks like he may turn out to be worthy of where he was selected, eventually. But for now he's too undersized to play every down. The earliest we'll have any idea if he's capable of being a full time starter is the first preseason game 2010. Until then he's just a part time pass rusher, taking the roster spot of what's his name who got cut/suspended after getting in bar fight in Roch-cha-cha.

 

Wood was a huge reach. Most people had him going mid-round. He's not the next Kent Hull. Based on what I read, he's very bright, and a very hard worker, but has at best average physical skills. Huge NTs will eat him for lunch, and just like most other Bills OL, he's not going to be generating any noticeable push forward in the run game. Has a tendency to get pushed backward (i.e. into the QB) in pass protection. Does this really sound like someone worthy of #28?

 

Byrd was a big reach as well. He might turn out to be a decent cover-2 CB, but nothing more. The problem with someone like him is he's so slow you can't disguise your defensive scheme. If he's on the field, it's essentially a big flashing neon sign saying "WE'RE PLAYING COVER-2".

 

Levitre was a good pick. Filled a huge need, and may compete for or win a starting job.

 

Based on what I read, Nelson is undersized and has trouble carrying additional weight on his frame. He's a vertical threat, but he can't be counted on as an every down TE. More of a "tweener" who often lines up in the slot to avoid being jammed by a larger player on the LOS.

 

Nic Harris is essentially the equivalent of Pierson Prioleau. Somebody who is or could be an outstanding ST player, but will probably never be a full time starter because he doesn't have a true position. Might excel in the "PP" role if the Bills changed their defensive scheme to something much more aggressive like "man boobs" ran when he was here.

 

The final two picks were jokes simply because of the positions (CB) taken. Assuming the Bills sign all of their draft picks, they'll have 13 players (McGee, McKelvin, Youboty, Corner, Whitner, Simpson, Wendling, Wilson, Florence, Fox, Byrd, Harris, Lankster) competing for 9 or 10 spots. Hey "big Dick", when Marv said "you can never have too many CBs", that's not what he meant. The Bills will almost certainly be cutting players that will be scooped up by other teams.

 

Now let's look the needs that weren't addressed, systematically going through it position by position:

QB: not a position to be addressed in the draft. Older, not rookie would be what might help here.

RB: we'll start opening day with 'shawn suspended, Jackson frustrated/alienated at best, Rhodes possibly if we're lucky better than a has-been, and a few unprovens. No need to address this position in the draft.

FB: we have one (nobody) on the roster with nobody to compete for that spot.

TE: arguably upgraded that position by adding another dimension, i.e vertical, but at least not for now anything else.

WR: not addressed for good reason; already over-stocked.

OT: who is the #4 OT?

G/G: well addressed.

DE: we added an undersized pass rushing specialist that maybe will develop eventually into an every down player.

DT: not addressed. Apparently we're perfectly happy with our DT rotation, including the guy we tried to trade away but weren't able to because he flunked the other team's physical.

LB: it might have been a good idea to draft somebody who could seriously compete for Ellison's starting job.

DB: as usual, the big Dick focused on that in this draft. At least apparently someone restrained him to the point where he only reached for one of those on the first day picks in this draft.

[deep2evans]

That's the first I've heard about Wood or Byrd being reaches. It's easy to get a negative/pessimistic view on these players when you're surrounding yourself with opposing team's fans. Of course they're going to say sh-- like "he's a reach" or "he'll be a bust."

 

I know it's stupid to site McShay or Kiper's opinions as truth by any means, but they do follow this sh-- 24/7/365, and both have said Buffalo had the best (or one of the best) draft. It counts for something.

[zazie]

That's the first I've heard about Wood or Byrd being reaches. It's easy to get a negative/pessimistic view on these players when you're surrounding yourself with opposing team's fans. Of course they're going to say sh-- like "he's a reach" or "he'll be a bust."

 

I know it's stupid to site McShay or Kiper's opinions as truth by any means, but they do follow this sh-- 24/7/365, and both have said Buffalo had the best (or one of the best) draft. It counts for something.

Yes it counts for a whole lot thats why these guys are in such demand by real NFL teams to consult in the FO.

 

These guys are puppet heads, lucky for them, they have a deep and pleasant voice, good for tv announcing.

[jwws9999]

I'd say the grade is right, our defensive line is still going to suck this year

[Spanky46]

As far a CB goes, you have to remember not only is McGee a free agent next year, but so is Ashton Youboty. Also I believe Whitner is free agent the following year. You can say well just resign these guys and Ralph is cheap. But they may not feel these guys are worth the money based on age and performance. Just something to think about.

[Albany,n.y.]

There are two really stupid things that take place before and after the draft.

The 1st dumb thing are the mock drafts-especially the 7 round variety-all are way off & hit a very low percentage.

The 2nd dumb thing is the post draft grade a team is given. Usually the grade is based on the guy's slotting of players. If you took a bunch of guys a round or 2 before he had them, you get an A. If you took players earlier than he slotted them, you get an F. God forbid you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd round that the guy had as a mid-late rounder-he goes ballistic. Remember when the Bills drafted John Fina? Kiper had him as a late rounder and the top of his head went flying off when before the pick Berman, who was told the pick & Kiper knew that said "hmmm, how about John Fina?"

Now some people around here may not have liked Fina, but he proved worthy of being a 1st round pick-we even franchised him once.

[Bill from NYC]

There are two really stupid things that take place before and after the draft.

The 1st dumb thing are the mock drafts-especially the 7 round variety-all are way off & hit a very low percentage.

The 2nd dumb thing is the post draft grade a team is given. Usually the grade is based on the guy's slotting of players. If you took a bunch of guys a round or 2 before he had them, you get an A. If you took players earlier than he slotted them, you get an F. God forbid you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd round that the guy had as a mid-late rounder-he goes ballistic. Remember when the Bills drafted John Fina? Kiper had him as a late rounder and the top of his head went flying off when before the pick Berman, who was told the pick & Kiper knew that said "hmmm, how about John Fina?"

Now some people around here may not have liked Fina, but he proved worthy of being a 1st round pick-we even franchised him once.

 

Good morning my friend!

 

Fina was a strange case indeed. Imo he was the benificiary of a couple of things.

He had a very tough qb who made quick decisions, and a running back who could SEE a hole like no other. Thurman was amazing in that he could spot tiny openings as they were forming and get through them in varying ways. Lots of backs were better runners, but again, imo, nobody could see a lane like Thurman.

 

Because of the above, Fina's job was made easier. Throw in an added bonus of Thurman's ability to catch out of the backfield and Fina didn't present a problem. But, as JK and TT aged, he was exposed as small and light in the a$$.

 

In other words, I am not convinced that Kiper was that far off in his assessment of Fina.

[ajzepp]

I gave it that grade because they now have a glut at the middle of the offensive line and in a defensive backfield while having glaring holes at offensive tackle, didn't get any help at defensive tackle, and more importantly five players are tweeners... Most tweeners fail in the NFL because they aren't good enough at either position that they are in between.

 

Also, how are four players going to get used to the NFL and a new position at the same time?

 

As I say it's way too early to really tell and I hope I'm proven wrong but recent draft history suggests that I may be more on the money than I hope..

 

 

As much as I wasn't crazy about the last few picks, if you listen to what Jauron said, they went with those players because they were rated on their board significantly higher than the players at "need positions" that were left. While I wish it would have been a position other than DB, I feel his explanation makes sense and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

As for the Oline, I think it's great that we have a "glut" at the middle of it. The interior of our line has SUCKED for a long time. We now have talent at the C/G position and I'm looking forward to seeing them compete this summer for roster and starting spots. Tackle is still a question mark on the left side, but they aren't going to fix every hole in one draft. Besides, there are still four months left in the offseason....who knows what will happen.

 

The tweener/new position argument is ironic, given that we just traded a pro bowl offensive tackle who was an undrafted tight end. Moving from C to G or vice versa is not a huge adjustment and it happens all the time in the NFL, so I don't really consider Wood at G to be a huge deal. Levitre played all three line positions in college. I could be wrong, but I would bet Maybin will be lining up at RDE....not OLB. That leaves Byrd, who will switch from CB to FS....so of the four players who we're likely counting on to start at some point, I only see one of them as having to get used to the NFL AND a new position.

[Bill from NYC]

As much as I wasn't crazy about the last few picks, if you listen to what Jauron said, they went with those players because they were rated on their board significantly higher than the players at "need positions" that were left. While I wish it would have been a position other than DB, I feel his explanation makes sense and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

As for the Oline, I think it's great that we have a "glut" at the middle of it. The interior of our line has SUCKED for a long time. We now have talent at the C/G position and I'm looking forward to seeing them compete this summer for roster and starting spots. Tackle is still a question mark on the left side, but they aren't going to fix every hole in one draft. Besides, there are still four months left in the offseason....who knows what will happen.

 

The tweener/new position argument is ironic, given that we just traded a pro bowl offensive tackle who was an undrafted tight end. Moving from C to G or vice versa is not a huge adjustment and it happens all the time in the NFL, so I don't really consider Wood at G to be a huge deal. Levitre played all three line positions in college. I could be wrong, but I would bet Maybin will be lining up at RDE....not OLB. That leaves Byrd, who will switch from CB to FS....so of the four players who we're likely counting on to start at some point, I only see one of them as having to get used to the NFL AND a new position.

 

Do you see Wood at RG or LG? I only ask because Levitre seems to be well suited for LG.

[LynchMob23]

Do you see Wood at RG or LG? I only ask because Levitre seems to be well suited for LG.

I think Wood will be this year either the RG or C and whatever position he wins, Hangartner will take the other. Levitre just looks like the type of guy on those qb sneaks to tell trent just run behind him and let the carnage happen.

[ajzepp]

I think Wood will be this year either the RG or C and whatever position he wins, Hangartner will take the other. Levitre just looks like the type of guy on those qb sneaks to tell trent just run behind him and let the carnage happen.

 

 

That says it all right there! I can't wait to see Marshawn's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th efforts being rewarded up the middle for once! The dude is out there busting his ass, refusing to go down, but hasn't had anywhere to pound it out up the middle....that's hopefully about to change.

[LynchMob23]

Here's some quotes courtesy of NFL Draft Scout on them:

Wood

 

Character: Wood is a quiet team leader who plays with true aggression. He is an "old school" no-nonsense type who will not hesitate to get in a teammate's face, yet when he speaks, the team listens. He gets good family support and has also excelled in the classroom. He takes well to hard coaching and has been a good spokesman for the program. He has no known off-field issues and the coaches say he is a pleasure to work with. GRADE: 7.5

 

Competitiveness: Wood has an aggressive attitude on the field and even when he is losing a battle against a stronger nose guard, he shows good urgency in attempts to finish. You would like to see him use his developing hand punch more often, as he can lock on and control. With his steady motor, you will never see him throttle down. Anyone who might question his intensity needs only see him fighting tooth and nail to the final gun in a 69-14 loss to Rutgers in 2008. He always brings his "A" game to the field, no matter what the scoreboard says. GRADE: 7.2

 

Work Habits: Wood is known for residing in the film room. He is very determined to break down every aspect of his opponent and search for what he can use to his advantage. He does all the little extras you would expect from a team leader and captain. He has a strong understanding for his role on the team and cherishes his leadership ability. On the field, he has no problem with being vocal, as he knows how to control the younger players in the huddle. GRADE: 7.4

 

Levitre

 

Run Blocking: Levitre lacks good timed speed and loose hips, but somehow manages to work his way down the line well to get position blocking against the inside rush. He works well in unison with his guards and shows much better force behind his initial surge when working in-line. He is a combative type in the trenches and when he keeps his hands inside his frame, he shows very good recoil agility. When he rolls his hips, he is adequate getting movement and taking advantage. He drives his feet on contact and uses his hands like dangerous weapons. GRADE: 7.0

 

 

Use of Hands/Punch: When stationary at the point of attack, Levitre does an excellent job of using his hands to defeat counter moves. He is not really a naturally strong player, but has demonstrated an exceptional hand punch to shock and jolt the defender. He comes off the snap with his hands on the rise and is effective at locking on and walling off the defender. He hits with tremendous force in his punch and is good at clubbing the defender in the head or chop blocking to take the opponents off their feet. With his a thick chest and solid upper body strength, he does a good job of using his hands to get a piece of the defender's jersey in one-on-one stationary battles. He does rely too much on his powerful punch to shock and jolt, but when he is too slow getting his hands up or gets them outside his framework, defenders have good success getting a shoulder on him and slipping off his blocks. While he uses his hands well to stun, he gets reckless late in games and takes too many glancing blows (see 2008 Utah and Oregon games) and needs to do a better job when attempting to out-muscle defenders. GRADE: 8.3

[Bill from NYC]

That says it all right there! I can't wait to see Marshawn's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th efforts being rewarded up the middle for once! The dude is out there busting his ass, refusing to go down, but hasn't had anywhere to pound it out up the middle....that's hopefully about to change.

 

AJ, as critical as I have been of Dockery, he was not the worst pass blocker. I hated his lack of effort, and was surprised by his lack of push on the run at his size. Levitre played OT. I think he will be a fine pass blocker and better than Dockery on running plays once he gets a little experience.

 

Wood imo is the mauler that you crave. From the little I have seen of him, he is a freaking beast. It is gonna be fun watching him crush people.

[bizell]

putting out "grades" for players we haven't even seen play in the nfl= idiotic

[zazie]

As much as I wasn't crazy about the last few picks, if you listen to what Jauron said, they went with those players because they were rated on their board significantly higher than the players at "need positions" that were left. While I wish it would have been a position other than DB, I feel his explanation makes sense and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

As for the Oline, I think it's great that we have a "glut" at the middle of it. The interior of our line has SUCKED for a long time. We now have talent at the C/G position and I'm looking forward to seeing them compete this summer for roster and starting spots. Tackle is still a question mark on the left side, but they aren't going to fix every hole in one draft. Besides, there are still four months left in the offseason....who knows what will happen.

 

The tweener/new position argument is ironic, given that we just traded a pro bowl offensive tackle who was an undrafted tight end. Moving from C to G or vice versa is not a huge adjustment and it happens all the time in the NFL, so I don't really consider Wood at G to be a huge deal. Levitre played all three line positions in college. I could be wrong, but I would bet Maybin will be lining up at RDE....not OLB. That leaves Byrd, who will switch from CB to FS....so of the four players who we're likely counting on to start at some point, I only see one of them as having to get used to the NFL AND a new position.

2 years ago I would have given him the benefit of the doubt. Now, I think he just says whatever makes his shameless idiocy seem rational. At least, he did not blame the weather.....

[ajzepp]

AJ, as critical as I have been of Dockery, he was not the worst pass blocker. I hated his lack of effort, and was surprised by his lack of push on the run at his size. Levitre played OT. I think he will be a fine pass blocker and better than Dockery on running plays once he gets a little experience.

 

Wood imo is the mauler that you crave. From the little I have seen of him, he is a freaking beast. It is gonna be fun watching him crush people.

 

 

Heck yeah, I can't wait! It was pretty clear last season that the Jets mean business on defense, and with Ryan as their new HC, we can expect them to be even stronger. Combine that with the Pats strong Dline, and these new Oline guys have GOT to be ready for prime time sooner rather than later. I really hope they transition well, cause if they do we could see the Bills in January FINALLY.

 

I'm getting excited for September

[ajzepp]

2 years ago I would have given him the benefit of the doubt. Now, I think he just says whatever makes his shameless idiocy seem rational. At least, he did not blame the weather.....

 

 

lol, I think I just can't bear to be pessimistic this time of year. I love this team, and the only way I can continue to offset the disappointment of the regular season performance is to allow myself to drink the kool-aid and feel hopeful during the offseason.