Inside The Bills

Sturdivant busy with visits

North Carolina ILB Quan Sturdivant, after visiting with the Bills Tuesday headed right to another NFL club’s headquarters for another visit, and has still another one to make this week.

Forecast as a second or third round pick, Sturdivant met with the Minnesota Vikings following his visit to One Bills Drive. That according to the National Football Post. He’s scheduled to meet with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. Per the report he also has a private workout set up with the Atlanta Falcons.

Dareus the fan pick at DT

The fans have once again spoken when it comes to the Countdown to Draft Day position previews on Buffalobills.com. At the defensive tackle position fans texted their votes overwhelmingly in favor of one elite prospect.

Just a couple of months ago it was considered a tight race for the best defensive tackle in the draft, but Marcell Dareus won Buffalo’s fan vote by a landslide, taking two-thirds of the votes cast to 64621 for the defensive tackle Bills fans believe is the best fit for Buffalo.

Dareus took hom 66.6% of the vote, which was even a great majority than Cam Newton had during the QB position preview (50%).

Nick Fairley came in second at the DT spot with 14% of the vote. Both Dareus and Fairley have visited One Bills Drive during the pre-draft process.

Our position previews will continue to air every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until the top 5 have been counted down at all positions. Voting is now open for wide receivers.

QB in 3rd in mock for Bills

In a three round mock draft, the Bills are predicted to go pass rushing LB in round one, wide receiver in round two and a quarterback in round three.

Draft Insiders predicts Von Miller with the third overall pick for Buffalo, followed by Pitt WR Jonathan Baldwin in round two and Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick in round three.

Personally I’m not sure Kaepernick is even on the board come round three with most analysts pegging him as a second rounder now that he’s had a solid pre-draft body of work and up to 10 teams putting him through private workouts.

10 workouts for Kaepernick

Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, who has put together a solid pre-draft period, is going to be very busy over the next couple of weeks.

Kaepernick has 10 private workouts scheduled and three pre-draft visits according to the National Football Post. Workouts are reportedly lined up with Cleveland, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Oakland, Philadelphia and San Francisco along with a few others.

The report also states that Oakland will host Kaepernick for a pre-draft visit. He’s previously visited with Tennessee.

How no 2010 affects Quinn

Obviously when a player misses a full year of college ball due to suspension it’s going to affect a player’s report. ESPN’s Todd McShay outlines just how it affects Robert Quinn, who visited with the Bills today (Thursday), and not just from a draft stock standpoint.

“Unfortunately (his stock) could’ve been a lot better if he was able to play this year,” said McShay. ”For scouts they’re nervous because to a certain extent you don’t know what you’re getting necessarily. He did not play all year long and sat out the year. Forget about knocking off the rust, but he lost out on the development and being there every day and working (in practice) and getting better at your craft. That’s the frustrating part because there’s so much talent on the defensive side of the ball there.”

The talent will still make him a top 15 pick, especially after what many considered a solid pro day last week. Still, had he played and been productive this past season, he’d almost certainly be mentioned in the same breath as Von Miller.

Mort sees Miller for Bills’

ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen was asked on twitter which of the top two quarterbacks (Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert) was the favorite for the Bills at third overall. Mort instead went to the other side of the ball.

Here was his response to the question.

mortreport  RT @TreSmitty: @mortreport who is the favorite for Buffalo, Newton or Gabbert? > I’d say best def player. Von Miller very possible if there

Mortensen seems to be of the opinion that Buffalo is going defense with their top pick. Just take note that Mortensen did include the qualifier “if there” meaning he believes Miller could be off the board before the Bills are on the clock.

Moon: Panthers sold on Cam

Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon, who is also a personal advisor for Cam Newton, is convinced that the Carolina Panthers are sold on the Heisman trophy winning signal caller.

In an interview with USA Today, Moon said he feels the Panthers, who hold the top overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft are going to take Newton first overall if they determine that offense is what has to be addressed first.

“I think they came away very impressed with the kid,” Moon said. ”It’s just a matter of whether they want to go defense or offense. If they go quarterback, it’ll be Cam.

“I’ve heard from three different guys, head coaches and general managers that’s he’s one of a kind. Cam’s one of those you can’t pass up on him. Those are pretty strong comments when you consider all of the great quarterbacks who have come into this league for them to say he’s one of a kind.”

According to Newton’s agent, he’s meeting with the Panthers today (Tuesday) and Wednesday.

Nix: not outside the top 10

Bills GM Buddy Nix has never been a big fan of moving up and down the draft board. He prefers to sit where he’s at and make his picks. If however, things unfold a certain way and trading down becomes a viable and beneficial option for Buffalo, there is a limit as to how far down Nix would prefer to go.

In a season ticket holder tele-forum last week, Nix was asked about the possibility of trading down, which he won’t shut the door on completely, but if it were to be a distinct possibility Buffalo’s GM would not want to drop very far down the board at all.

“I wouldn’t want to drop any further down than in the top 10,” Nix said. ”You have to figure nine or 10 prospects that you’d be wanting to have.”

Nix realizes as much as he’d like to have as many picks as possible, his team also needs to add elite, difference making type players and those players reside at the top of the draft board. It sounds like having the chance to add one is not something he’s going to forgo even if the Bills do have the opportunity to move back.

Bama QB pro day today

Greg McElroy, who injured the index finger on his throwing hand at the Senior Bowl in late January is only now well enough to perform for NFL scouts and will hold a personal pro day today (Tuesday).

Joining McElroy will be teammate TE Preston Dial. Dial also could not perform at the Alabama pro day on March 9th due to a sports hernia injury. South Alabama WR Courtney Smith will also be on hand working out in Tuscaloosa.

McElroy was on the South Team at the Senior Bowl, which was coached by Chan Gailey and his staff.

Pass rusher Reed visiting Cards

Arizona DE/OLB Brooks Reed is paying the Arizona Cardinals a pre-draft visit today (Monday).

That according to the National Football Post. Reed visited with Buffalo late last week, and was a participant at this year’s Senior Bowl. He’s been forecast as a second-round pick. In addition to his visit with the Cardinals, he also reportedly has pre-draft visits lined up with Atlanta and Washington later this week.

Where Bowers goes from here

Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers, by most accounts did not have the pro day performance most were hoping to see last Friday. Even Bowers himself would only label the workout “decent.” It’s clear his surgically repaired knee has kept him from training at his typical work rate, so where does he go from here with only a few weeks until draft day?

According to NFL.com’s Steve Wyche, Bowers will undergo his own medical re-evaluation concerning his knee, which is less than four months removed from December surgery in Indianapolis on April 9th.

NFL.com believes that Bowers may have to oblige teams interested in holding a private workout with him between now and the draft as they perform their due diligence on the heels of his pro day.

Newton runs away with vote

Bills fans have been choosing who they feel is the best fit for Buffalo at each and every position during our draft position preview series in the media center at buffalobills.com. Over the weekend they voted on which of the top five QB prospects they felt was the best for the Bills. Not surprisingly, the most polarizing prospect in the entire class ran away with the vote.

In the most one-sided voting thus far, Cam Newton got 50% of the vote among the five candidates. None of the other four candidates even received half as many votes. Fans are watching the position previews every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on buffalobills.com and then are texting in their votes for which prospect they like best for the Bills.

The defensive tackle position preview is up now and voting is open. Just follow the voting instructions at the end of the video package for details.

DT Liuget to attend draft

Illinois DT Corey Liuget, who is profiled on the home page of Buffalobills.com today, will be attending the NFL draft.

That according to the Champaign News-Gazette, which spoke to Liuget over the weekend. He apparently got an invite from the league recently. Here’s the list of those that have RSVP’d to the league and plan to attend the event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Cam Newton
Cameron Jordan
Von Miller
Julio Jones
Adrian Clayborn
Mark Ingram
Blaine Gabbert
A.J. Green
J.J. Watt
Aldon Smith
Nick Fairley
Prince Amukamara
Marcell Dareus
Tyron Smith
Da’Quan Bowers
Akeem Ayers

Sleeper RB

This time of year everyone is on the lookout for that big time sleeper no matter the position. There’s one this year at the running back position.

North Carolina RB Johnny White, has a story that reads much like George Wilson’s NFL career. Recruited as a running back, White was asked to change positions after his freshman season and played more than half his sophomore season at cornerback. He then played some receiver as a junior before ultimately switching back to running back full time his senior year.

He was also a co-captain on special teams where he was a standout in coverage and returned kicks.

He was invited to the combine, but was not in top form due to a broken collar bone suffered against Florida State in November. Still he ran a 4.5, had a 32 1/2 inch vertical, a 9’9″ broad jump. Obviously coming off the collar bone injury he didn’t bench.

Position drills is where White shines. Just ask ESPN analyst Todd McShay, who is high on White.

“One of the most underrated players regardless of position in this year’s draft is Johnny White,” McShay said. ”They tinkered with him there position-wise at North Carolina. He’s a little over 5’10” and a little over 200 pounds. Your average NFL size for a back. He has quickness and that lateral agility and the ability to make the sharp cuts and explode.

“He has tremendous ball skills and if you’re not going to be a starter right away as a running back you’ve got to contribute on third down and you’ve got to contribute on special teams. Johnny White can catch the ball as well as any back in this class and is very productive as a return specialist. I think he has a lot of upside in that regard.”

Newton way ahead of Gabbert

In the M&T Bank Draft Day Challenge Bills fans are still of the belief that Cam Newton will be Buffalo’s pick at third overall in the 2011 NFL draft, as he is outpacing Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert, who is visiting One Bills Drive today (Friday).

Newton still leads all vote getters with 24% of votes by Bills fans trying to predict who Buffalo takes at 3. Gabbert has just one third of Newton’s vote total with 8% of the vote. You can sign up for the M&T Bank Draft Day Challenge anytime between now and April 25th and make your prediction.

You’ll have a chance to win a Bills Gameday Experience including pre-game sideline passes prior to a Bills home game and receive an official Bills helmet. So register now. 

Fan Friday 4-1

No pre-draft smoke screens here, even on April Fool’s Day, though you’ve got to wonder if it’s a good idea for Da’Quan Bowers was wise to schedule his pro day on this date. Guess it’s better than Friday the 13th. Anyway on to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Chris, 
Can you break down what the scouts think about the three best mobile QB in the draft, that being Newton, Locker, and Kaepernick. Judging on Chan’s desire for a guy that can move out of the pocket and what round they can be had (NEWTON 1) (LOCKER/Kaepernick 2-3), who makes the most sense for the Bills just on talent and ability to drop back to be a full time passer. I think Kaepernick seems like a great talent and has put up better numbers than most QB’s. Locker could also develop better. He’s got major arm and legs. How interested are the Bills in Locker and Kaepernick compared to the rumors of Cam?

Jack

CB: Most draft analysts have these three guys specifically ranked Newton, Locker and Kaepernick. Kaepernick has been criticized for having a long wind up, but he has worked to shorten his delivery. Locker timed the fastest at the combine running a 4.5 flat, but Kaepernick (4.53) and Newton (4.58) were right behind him.

Kaepernick and Newton are two of only three QBs (Tebow is the other) to pass for 20 and rush for 20 touchdowns in a single season.
Kaepernick has the longest track record being a four-year starter and was extremely consistent in terms of production. With Locker the same cannot be said, though he improved in some areas of his game each year. Newton had only one year of major college football as a starter, but it was a special year obviously taking what was largely an average team and leading them to a national title. He and Nick Fairley made an average team an elite team with their talent.

What is certain is all three are athletes. All have guns for arms and all three can run.

I’m a fan of Kaepernick having the chance to interview him at the Senior Bowl one-on-one. He just came across well. I did not have that chance with Locker or Newton, though I was on hand for their group interviews at the combine.

With all three of these guys there is going to be an adjustment period. Newton and Kaepernick come from spread offenses. Locker has two years in a pro-style offense under Sarkisian at Washington.

Newton played in a superior conference, which is partly why most see him at the top of the board because he got it done despite facing elite athletes. Locker and Kaepernick however are not far behind.

How interested the Bills might be in each of these guys is tough to peg because of the way NFL clubs tend to mislead as much as they tell the truth. Even Buddy said 10 percent is truth this time of year. So for me to tell you who they think fits them best would be just guess work on my part. We do know that Newton visited, something that Locker and Kapernick have not done to this point.

2 - Hi Chris,
I know the SS position is kind of up in the air right now with Whitner only being tendered, but not re-signed and the top free agents signing to other teams. What do you think the chances are of George Wilson becoming a starter? In my opinion the guy has done a tremendous job whenever he has filled in. Being a converted receiver one would think consistent playing time would only help him perfect his craft.
Dan
From Western, MA
 
CB: I think George Wilson could contend for the starting role at strong safety in 2011. Bryan Scott is still in the fold as well. So as things are currently constituted with respect to the roster, those two are the prime candidates.

3 - Hey Chris,
Just want to start by saying I’m a big fan of yours and I think you do a great job for the Bills and their fans.

I just have a few questions regarding the D Linemen in this years draft and their values. I understand the combine means a lot to coaches and scouts but does Marcell Dareus’ performance really put him ahead of Fairley? I wasn’t able to watch Dareus as much as I did Fairley due to Auburns success but from what I saw in the National Championship, he looked un-blockable. And my last question is whether Da”Quan Bowers fits into the Bills defensive scheme for next year. He is such an athletic guy and I personally would love to have him line up for us but do you think he’d be able to handle the DE position in both the 3-4 and the 4-3?
Thanks for your time,
Mark from New Jersey

CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to Dareus just watch his performance in the National Championship game against Texas in 2010. Not only unblockable, but how about a 319-pound man making an interception and running almost 30 yards for a touchdown? Oh and throw in a knockout shot on Colt McCoy. Dareus, much like Fairley was this past January, was the Defensive MVP.
Dareus in all likelihood is not going to have the sack numbers of Fairley at the NFL level, but he is a superior run stopper and does push the pocket with consistency, which prevents quarterbacks from stepping up to elude pressure from defensive ends. Both Dareus and Fairley are special talents.

Dareus has just done it for longer (2 years) than Fairley (1 year).

With respect to Bowers, I thought head coach Chan Gailey had an interesting response to a question he got earlier this week from a Bills season ticket holder in a Tele-Forum we conducted on Tuesday. He was asked if Bowers was a fit for Buffalo’s base 3-4 scheme. Here is coach Gailey’s answer.

“He is an explosive player. He really is. He can make things happen as a pass rusher coming off the edge. He plays the run better than people give him credit for. I think that if we ended up taking that guy we’d find a place for him. We’d make it work. You can’t take a guy that is that good of a player and not make him fit in to what you’re trying to get done defensively. We’re not going to pass up a very, very good football player just because he might not fit perfectly. We’ll adjust to get good football players on our team.”

Knowing the Bills have intentions of playing a hybrid defense that employs 3-4 and 4-3 looks, I don’t think they’re going to rule anyone out even if they’re pegged by some as one scheme only defensive ends as has been the case with Bowers. Bowers is largely viewed as a 4-3 left defensive end.

But back in February I talked to C.J. Spiller, his former college teammate, about him and he believes Bowers is strong enough to play end in a 3-4. He’s 6’4” and 275 pounds and freakishly strong in the upper body. But it seems clear that the Bills wouldn’t shy away from him provided there isn’t a talent they have rated higher on their board when they pick.

4 – Hi Chris,
It looks like we have a lot of holes to fill especially with the release of Marcus Stroud, and potential free agents Drayton Florence, and Donte Whitner. I cannot help but think that we do not have enough depth at our DB’s position and believe we have more depth at the DT position. I think Leodis Mckelvin has regressed, and Terrance McGee cannot stay healthy in order to finish a season strong. I believe this is very problematic but I have not seen this concerned expressed on the Bills site. Do we have other DB’s that can fill in?

In light of this and assuming that we do not address these needs in free agency, I think we should go with CB, DT, or DE with our 3rd pick, also our second pick should be DT, DE, or perhaps ILB. Also, I would think Kaepernick would be a better selection at our 34th pick than Cam Newton at our 3rd overall. I cannot help but think about the the pressure the coaching staff will face if they draft Cam Newton. If Fitz starts to fizzle, then I can see the fans cheering, “Start Cam now!” The last thing we need is this pressure and distraction.

What say you!?

Best,

Stephen from Rancho Cucamonga, Ca

CB: Your point about the cornerback contingent is well taken. I think the Bills staff still believes they can make Leodis a more consistent corner and I think McGee will be given every opportunity to prove he can stay healthy because when he’s healthy he’s a solid corner. Reggie Corner is still on the roster as well and would likely serve as the nickel. But they do need to add talent at cornerback. This year’s draft class has only three prospects considered first round material, possibly four. For the Bills that’s good news, because hopefully it leaves some quality prospects to choose from in the middle rounds where the value should be relatively good.

As big a talent as Patrick Peterson is I’m a proponent of helping your defense in the front seven first. As for Cam Newton the kid is a talent. Granted there are some questions there, but the Bills will have done their due diligence on him and anyone else that plays quarterback to determine if any of them are potential franchise type QBs.

5 - Looking at the current roster in seems they need to develop a future ILB that can play the 3-4 and a SS. Do you expect Buddy to meet these needs in the draft? Who are the top players in the draft they may target? It would seem likely for the Bills to draft a linebacker but I haven’t heard anything on safety after losing on Sanders.
Thanks
Sean

CB: Buddy has told me himself in an interview on Buffalobills.com from the Senior Bowl that he feels they need to add two inside linebackers this offseason. Absent free agency, they’re likely to come in the draft. Who they’d target is tough to say, but they’ve had LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard in for a visit and had him down at the Senior Bowl for a week. Buddy also went to North Carolina’s pro day to see their two inside linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant. Beyond that I really don’t have any other names for you.
With George Wilson back in the fold I don’t see safety as a pressing positional need for them.

Bowers 40 times

Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers has run his two 40-yard dashes and the times might not help him much.

According to DraftInsiders the first time was a 4.92 and the second time was a 4.85. They also report that he had a broad jump of 9’2″ and a 34 1/2 inch vertical. He had a time of 6.95 in the three cone drill.

As we mentioned earlier if Bowers workout proves disappointing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s going to be taken off the draft boards of NFL clubs. As Bills GM Buddy Nix said, he may just need more time to get healthy.

But without quieting concerns about his recovery from knee surgery it could have teams concerned about risk.

Tight race in fan CB choice

In our tightest race ever Bills fans had one top cornerback prospect ahead of two others that tied for second as they voted for the best cornerback fit for Buffalo from our Countdown to Draft Day position previews.

Bills fans picked LSU’s Patrick Peterson as the best fit for the team giving him just over 38% of the vote. Tied for second were Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara and Miami’s Brandon Harris who both pulled down just over 23% of the vote.

Up now is the all important quarterback position preview, so take a look and pull out your cell phone to vote for which quarterback you believe is the best fit for the Bills. Watch the Countdown to Draft Day QB preview and follow the texting instructions at the end of the preview to have your choice count!

Mayock says Quinn fits 3-4

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock was in attendance at the North Carolina pro day Thursday and after watching DE Robert Quinn’s workout believes he could be an OLB in a 3-4.

Mayock said that he’s ideally a 4-3 defensive end, but believes he’s capable of playing an OLB role in a 3-4. His reasoning?

“He can do that because 90 percent of the time he’s going to be a rush linebacker in the 3-4 and go after the quarterback and only drop occasionally,” said Mayock.

Mayock has said he wouldn’t be surprised if Quinn is a top 10 pick come draft day.

As for Quinn’s teammate DT Marvin Austin, Mayock believes he could now wind up going in the bottom of the first round, as he’s addressed his off the field concerns satisfactorily in the eyes of NFL personnel executives. Austin was suspended by UNC and did not play in his senior season for accepting improper benefits from an agent. Prior to his suspension Austin was considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects in the draft class.

Locker to work out for Denver

Washington QB Jake Locker will work out for the Denver Broncos just two days after his pro day.

That according to the National Football Post. The Broncos have been taking a look at some quarterback prospects in the draft class despite having Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn on their roster, including Colin Kaepernick. Tebow would seem like a similar type player to the athletic Locker and Kaepernick, so the interest is somewhat puzzling.

Locker has already had a private workout with Tennessee.