Inside The Bills

Vote for Marcell

The NFL Players site has a touchdown dance contest going on right now between members of the 2011 draft class and Marcell Dareus was a part of it. Buffalo’s top pick needs your vote!

Dareus along with Patriots RB Shane Vereen, Panthers QB Cam Newton and Chargers RB Jordan Todman all performed touchdown dances on camera at the rookie premiere earlier this offseason. So make sure you vote for Marcell.

Personally I think Dareus’ touchdown dance is the most enthusiastic.

Nix on Newton & Gabbert

Bills GM Buddy Nix was interviewed on 103.3 FM the Edge Wednesday afternoon on the Shredd and Ragan show and was naturally asked about the top two QB prospects in Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert. Nix was either pretty revealing or pretty deceiving just a day before the draft.

Nix was asked about the merits of taking a quarterback when you are up high in the draft order knowing you may not be up there again.

“I think there’s a lot of argument for that,” said Nix. ”You can help your team in a lot of other ways a lot quicker, but you can also in the long run help your team more by getting a franchise quarterback. Now the key is this. Is there a franchise quarterback there that you feel very confident about?”

“I think about when we drafted Phillip Rivers in San Diego there wasn’t any question in our mind that he’s a guy you build your team around. If you feel that way about anybody in this draft then you should take him with the third pick if he’s there.”

Co-host Ted Shredd then appropriately asked, ‘Do you feel that way about anybody in this draft?’

“That’s a little different question,” said Nix. ”We do think that Gabbert and Cam Newton have a better than average chance of being a franchise guy. There are obviously arguments both ways and you can make a case either way you want to go. But at some point you have to go with your gut feeling and take the guy and make it work.”

It’s tough to tell whether Nix is couching his true opinion so as not to tip Buffalo’s hand, whether he and his personnel dept. truly feel that the two signal callers have a better than average chance or if he’s just taking advantage of his last chance at pre-draft deception.

Nix did just say a few weeks ago that with pre-draft talk only 10 percent is truth, so take these comments for what they’re worth.

He did however go into greater detail about his take on Newton, which was as follows.

“I think the upside is unlimited with him,” said Nix of Newton. ”The things you can do with him. We’ve sepnt an awful lot of time with the top quarterbacks. He’s a guy that can adjust to whatever you’re doing offensively.

“People say that at Auburn it was simple, well he learns whatever offense he’s in. He did at Florida. He went to Blinn junior college and learned what they do, and very quickly I might add, and he went to Auburn and learned what they do. It’s what they ask him to do and I think he can do that again.” 

Nix when asked about possible quarterbacks in round two referenced Andy Dalton and Christian Ponder as signal callers that they found appealing.

Nix: Cam can learn a scheme

Bills GM Buddy Nix appeared in a live chat on Sportsnet.ca today (Tuesday) and was asked about his impressions of Cam Newton’s football I.Q.

In the wake of Newton’s appearance on ESPN with Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden and the simplistic approach of Auburn’s offense those on the outside wonder what Newton is capable of handling with respect to offensive scheme. Nix believe Newton is capable.

“Cam Newton is a guy that can learn whatever you want to teach him,” said Nix. ”He’s done that all his life and he can do it again. Whatever offense you’re running if you give him time he can learn it and it doesn’t matter which one it is.”

QB to Bills in Yahoo mock

YahooSports has released its latest mock draft and they’ve got a quarterback going to Buffalo at three.

Surprisingly, the mock draft has Carolina taking Georgia WR A.J. Green first overall, which would be the first time a receiver was taken number one since Keyshawn Johnson was taken by the Jets in 1996. Then they have Marcell Dareus going to Denver at two, with the Bills taking Cam Newton at 3.

Buffalo’s brass has said time and again that when you’re drafting as high as they are this year, it’s hopefully a rare thing, and if the signal callers available are deemed to be franchise type players then you have to consider them. Whether they believe Newton is a franchise type player may never be known, but if he’s on the board Thursday night at three we’ll have the answer as far as what the Bills think.

Chan compares Newton-Gabbert

Appearing on Sirius NFL Radio late Monday morning, Bills head coach Chan Gailey was asked to compare and contrast QB prospects Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, by hosts Adam Schein and Rich Gannon. Here was his assessment.

“They’re both extremely talented,” said Gailey. ”They’ve been in two different types of offenses. Neither of them have been in a pro-style offense. One of them was in a spread and ran the football out of the spread and was a little bit more throwing the ball one-on-one at times instead of reading a bunch of coverages. The other one was in the spread, four wides, five wides most of the time, in the gun the majority of the time and was reading a few more coverages, throwing a few more concept routes. You have concept routes in the NFL and a little bit more experience in that. They just come from different offenses. Both of them are going to have an adjustment period once they get to the NFL.”

Gabbert does have the advantage of throwing more of the intermediate routes in the 11-20 yard range in his offense, the kinds of throws that are very common in the pro-style offenses of the NFL. So if there is one area where Gabbert may have a leg up on Newton it’s there. But Gailey believes both will have learning curves to travel before being NFL ready so to speak.

PFW mock has QB to Bills

ProFootballWeekly has its latest mock draft out and they’ve got a number one overall pick I have yet to see in any other mock.

I guess you can give Nolan Nawrocki credit for being different, but if the Carolina Panthers take A.J. Green first overall as he predicts, it’ll be the first time since the Jets made Keyshawn Johnson the number one pick in 1996 that a team took a receiver first overall.

After sending Green to Carolina and Von Miller to Denver with the second pick, he has Buffalo taking Cam Newton with the following comments.

Newton showed he could carry a team on his back and won championships at Blinn College and Auburn, enough for Bills GM Buddy Nix to overlook concerns about the Heisman Trophy winner’s character. Although Newton might not provide a long-term solution, he is the one quarterback in this year’s draft who can change the complexion of the Bills’ franchise immediately and give the 71-year-old Nix and 92-year-old owner Ralph Wilson the best chance to win now.

Personally I’d be surprised if Green goes first overall. In a draft so immensely talented with defensive players and Ron Rivera a defensive-minded guy through and through I

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.

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.

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.

M&T Draft Challenge update

The M&T Bank Draft Day Challenge runs until April 25th. It’s your chance to predict who the Bills will take with their first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, and if you guess correctly you could win a Bills Gameday Experience. Here’s an update on some of the voting thus far.

Still out in front with the most votes is Auburn’s Cam Newton with 25% of the predictions for Buffalo’s first pick. His college teammate Nick Fairley, who is visiting One Bills Drive today (Thursday), has just 5% of the vote.

Be sure to enter for your chance to win a Bills game day experience package for two with all-inclusive M&T Bank Club tickets, pregame field passes and a Bills Alumni meet and greet opportunity, as well as a Bills helmet.

SI.com mock has QB to Bills

SI.com’s Don Banks submitted his fourth mock draft installment and sees a quarterback in Buffalo’s future with the third overall pick.

He has Blaine Gabbert going first overall to Carolina, followed by Marcell Dareus to Denver at 2. Then he has Cam Newton to the Bills at three. Here’s his explanation for the pick.

Chan Gailey couldn’t have been any clearer in his answer to my question last week at the coaches’ media breakfast in New Orleans: He believes both Gabbert and Newton are ready to play now in the NFL, and they have the skill sets of franchise-level quarterbacks. I don’t think Gailey and Bills general manager Buddy Nix are doing much bluffing these days, because they’re pretty sure at least one of the draft’s top two passers will be waiting for them at No. 3.

Newton exposure

Bills GM Buddy Nix and head coach Chan Gailey were peppered with questions about Cam Newton with his visit confirmed by the team’s front office Monday night at the State of the Bills event for premium seat holders in downtown Buffalo. In answering the questions they shared how much time they’ve spent with Cam Newton.

“We’ve met with him three or four times,” said Gailey.

When asked if they met with Newton at the combine Gailey answered in the affirmative. He also laid out how he approaches the one-on-one meetings he has with players like Newton when they come in for a pre-draft visit.

“I lay everything on the table with guys when they walk in here,” he said. ”I try to get them to understand exactly who we are, what we’re about, where we’re going and how we plan to get there. And if we end up working together this is how they might fit into the scheme or the system.”

Nix stated firmly that he knows Cam Newton and that the Heisman trophy winner’s pre-draft visit will be an opportunity for his head coach to know him just as well. Whether or not they can gauge definitively that Newton can diagnose a defense in a matter of three seconds in a game setting at the NFL level however, is another story.

“I don’t know if you can find that out in a 15 minute talk,” Gailey said. ”I don’t know if I can find that out in a day with a guy. But I think you’ll have a lot better idea once you’ve had a chance to sit down and talk football and watch some tape. I think you get a better feel.”

Nix confirms QB visits

Bills GM Buddy Nix confirmed that Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder will all be in for pre-draft visits.

At the State of the Bills event in downtown Buffalo, Nix and head coach Chan Gailey both confirmed that Newton was in town and will visit the facility Tuesday.

Nix also said that there could be more quarterbacks and several other position players like defensive linemen and linebackers.

More on Buffalobills.com later this evening.

Fergie on Newton

Former Bills QB Joe Ferguson saw an awful lot of Cam Newton this past season. The former Arkansas Razorback signal caller follows the SEC closely and could only be impressed by what Newton brought to the table.

“I think he was probably the most dominating player in college this year that helped a team that was an average football team and made them into a great football team and they won a championship,” said Ferguson. ”I don’t know where he’s going to go. I’ve heard that Buffalo is looking at him. I don’t know if he’ll be ready to play for three or four years, but he’s a great athlete and will help somebody down the road.”

Ferguson isn’t sure that Newton would be able to help an NFL club right away with the adjustments he’d have to make to the pro game, but believes in time he’ll be successful.

“I just see a desire to win and compete. You can see by the way he plays on the field how he loves to compete. That’ll be his biggest asset to start with. If he goes with a team that’s a good football team he’ll help them quick, but if he goes to a mediocre football team then it’ll be down the road just like everybody else.”

Fan Friday 3-25

Time for your Fan Friday questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Keep them coming and have a good weekend everybody.

1 - Hi Chris  
I have been thinking the Bills should go defensive tackle or linebacker at #3 overall.  What do you think about them taking Robert Quinn, potentially, the next Bruce Smith? If they don’t put him at End then put him at Linebacker. The guy has everything the Bills are looking for as far as pass rush, and explosiveness, with one year less of wear and tear on the body. 
 
Go Bills !!!!
Thanks,  Dale

CB: The wear and tear argument is a good one with respect to Quinn, but most NFL talent evaluators worry about the one less year of development. Quinn is a great raw talent and will probably go in the top 15 because of his high ceiling, but he’s also a risk and might take longer to adjust after a year away from football. As a result some teams might not feel comfortable investing a top 10 pick in a guy that might not be able to give you instant impact in year one.

2 – Hi Chris,
Everyone seems to be predicting that the Bills will take a QB with their pick at #3, but I’m not buying it.  Can you give me your prediction on how many team “need” a QB and would take one in the first round if he was the right guy?  I’m thinking there are 4-5 potential first round QBs (Newton, Gabbert, Locker, Mallet) and one of them should fall to Bills in the Second or even third round.

Thanks,
Kevin
Ashburn, VA
 
CB: The only way the Bills take a QB at 3 is if they’re convinced that one of the top prospects is a franchise type quarterback, otherwise they pass. But there are a number of teams with a quarterback need in the top half of round one. As I see it you’ve got the following.
Carolina at 1
Buffalo at 3
Cincinnati at 4 (Palmer wants out)
Arizona at 5
San Fran at 7
Tennessee at 8
Washington at 10 (McNabb to be moved)
Minnesota at 12

In reality the only quarterbacks most analysts see going in the top 12 are Gabbert or Newton. Mallett and Locker have character and accuracy issues respectively and might not even come off the board in round one, though QB value tends to get inflated on draft day. We’ll see.

3 - Hey Chris,
My question is in regards to Christian Ponder of FSU. As Gailey has clearly stated that Fitz is his starter going forward at this point, would Ponder be a nice addition to this team. I have seen Ponder play the last 3 years and have seen his skills as well as his flaws. It seems to me that he can play at the NFL level with the right coaching staff and teammates. He has good arm strength and decent accuracy. I know his durability would be a main factor in his NFL career. With Gailey and the rest of the coaching staff, as well as guidance from Fitz, I believe he would be a great asset to our Bills team for little money. Your feedback would be great on the thought of Ponder to the Bills in Rnd 3 or 4. Thank you and as always “GO BILLS” and “GO FITZ”!!!!!!!!!
Daniel

CB: Unfortunately I don’t see Christian Ponder lasting until round 3. I think he goes in the top half of round 2. After an injury-riddled senior season, he’s had a productive pre-draft period. He performed well at the Senior Bowl on Chan Gailey’s South team taking MVP honors. In the games I’ve seen him play the leadership comes naturally to him. He’s not afraid to take chances and he’s really smart. He’s also played in a pro-style offense at Florida State so the transition for him figures to be shorter than other QBs in this class. Personally I like him as a talent. Some so called experts say he’s best suited to play in west coast system, but I think his ability can take him beyond that.

4 - Chris,
Like you, I think Ryan Fitzpatrick did a great job at QB this past year and don’t believe Buddy will draft a QB at 3.  Last year Buddy said the Bills need playmakers and then drafted one.  I believe he will duplicate exactly what he did last year, he will first draft a playmaker with pick #3 ( Peterson think Revis, Von Miller think Mathews or Green think Fitzgerald), then focus on the defensive front seven in rounds 2-4 along with a developmental QB and maybe a TE.
 
So, could you please name some of the 3-4 DEs and ISLBs that would be available in rounds 2-4, along with the names of QBs better suited to the what the Bills do.  I’m thinking a smart guy who can process information like RF but with a stronger arm.  Also, a few TEs as well.  I truly believe that Buddy and Chan are turning this team around. 
 
Thank you for your great work and keep it coming!  Go Bills!!
 
Michael

CB: Here you go.
ILBs in round 2 – Martez Wilson – Illinois; round 3 – Kelvin Sheppard – LSU, Quan Sturdivant – UNC, Colin McCarthy – Miami; round 4 – Greg Jones – Michigan St., Nate Irving – N.C. State

DEs in round 2 – Cameron Heyward – Ohio St., Christian Ballard – Iowa, Jabaal Sheard – Pitt; round 3 – Allen Bailey – Miami, Pernell McPhee – Miss. St.; round 4 – Pierre Allen – Nebraska, Rickey Elmore – Arizona, Greg Romeus – Pitt

QBs that could fit in the Bills scheme really doesn’t apply because Chan Gailey always adjusts his scheme to fit the players as evidenced by what he did in going from Neil O’Donnell to Kordell Stewart in Pittsburgh. The good thing about that is it could open the Bills up to more possibilities if they choose to take a QB.

TEs – round 2 – Kyle Rudolph – Notre Dame, Luke Stocker – Tennessee; Round 3 – D.J. Williams – Arkansas, Lance Kendricks – Wisconsin; round 4 – Jordan Cameron – USC, Rob Housler – Florida Atlantic, Virgil Green – Nevada
 
5 – Chris, 
Can you break down what the scouts think about the three best mobile QBs 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 scouts in the league that I’ve seen quoted anonymously are concerned with Locker’s inconsistencies in terms of accuracy and decision making. Great athlete, but accuracy in the NFL where the windows are smaller is key. With Newton it’s the offense he comes from and concerns about his character and work ethic. Again a great athlete with loads of potential, but playing QB in the NFL is a lot more than being athletic are the issues for scouts. Finally Kaepernick, again fantastic athlete, but comes from a pistol offense where they spread things out. But he was a four-year starter and has consistent numbers. His mechanics have been knocked (long wind up), but he’s clean as far as the intangibles and as a leader. Pretty sharp too. All these NFL teams have to determine if these QBs are franchise type material. That’s the question that must be answered.

As far as how interested the Bills are, that’s tough to say. Locker, Newton and Kaepernick haven’t been in for pre-draft visits to this point. That obviously could change in the coming weeks. Chan believes mobility is important, but doesn’t rule out QBs that are as mobile necessarily. Here’s what he said at the combine about mobility in a QB.

“I think you have to be able to adjust. Mobilty helps, yes, but if you don’t have a mobile quarterback and he’s your best quarterback then you better find a way to be successful without having mobility involved in it. We did it with Troy (Aikman) in Dallas. Troy wasn’t a bootleg type guy, but we did it a little bit just to keep them honest. You have to adjust. Whoever your best player is you adjust around what they do.”

High Gailey praise for QBs

In a countless number of mock drafts out there in cyberspace the Bills have been projected to take either Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert with the third overall choice. There have been several other mock defensive choices as well, but Chan Gailey’s high praise for both Gabbert and Newton at the league’s owners’ meetings might convince one that Buffalo is ready to take a QB.

“I can tell you right now there is no question they have outstanding skill sets — both of them,” Gailey said Tuesday at the league meetings to CBSSports.com among others. “Not average, not above average, outstanding — to play early and long.”

Gailey also openly weighed both sides with respect to the decision to either take a QB at three or pass or roll with Fitzpatrick in 2011 without a future prospect waiting in the wings.

Obviously if the Bills believe one of them is a true franchise type QB they’ll take him, but if they have any doubts at all they’ll almost certainly be going defense.

2 CBS mocks: QB to Bills

A pair of CBSSports.com draft analysts have picked the same quarterback for the Bills in their mock drafts with the third overall pick.

Analysts Chad Reuter and Rob Rang both have Cam Newton to the Bills at three. Reuter has Gabbert and Bowers coming off the board before Buffalo is on the clock, while Rang has Gabbert and Dareus selected in front of Buffalo’s third pick. Here is their reasoning for the Newton pick for Buffalo.

Reuter – Newton seems a logical pick for head coach Chan Gailey, as he can work with the talented youngster while Ryan Fitzpatrick takes the reins for 2011.

Rang – The Bills have gone out of their way to laud the play of incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, but are also believed to be very high on Newton’s potential. I don’t necessarily believe the Bills would take Gabbert or any other offensive prospect over their huge needs on the defensive side of the ball, but GM Buddy Nix and coach Chan Gailey showed their willingness to gamble on athleticism last year with the selection of C.J. Spiller. Don’t put it past them to do the same this year should Newton be on the board.

Fan Friday 3-18

Hey Bills fans. I’m taking the day off for my birthday, but here are some answers to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Have a good weekend.

1 - Chris,
Can you break down how Bowers, Fairley, or Dareus would fit in the Bills 3-4. Can you explain the difference between a five technique and three technique lineman. Would they have to only play the DE position with Kyle up the middle. What are the future plans in the 3-4 for Troup and Carrington going forward in terms of starting next season.

Sean, NY

CB: Bowers and Fairley would be strictly defensive ends in the 3-4. Some believe Bowers can shift to an OLB role in a 3-4, but I think he’s strong enough at 275 pounds to stand in there at end in a 3-4. Fairley could be a three technique defensive tackle in a 4-3, and knowing Buffalo is going to be multiple with their fronts on defense next year, he has double value.

Dareus is the prospect with the trump card though. He is a fit in either defense because at 319 pounds he could stand in there and play nose tackle in a 3-4, but he’s athletic enough to play end in a 3-4, which is what he did at Alabama. He could also play the one technique or three technique defensive tackle in a 4-3.

The only difference between a three-technique and five-technique is the alignment of the defensive linemen. Now their roles are different in the scheme of the defense, but basically there are numbers assigned to the alignment of a defensive lineman. For example, if they are lined head up on a center they’re in a zero technique.

A one-technique defensive tackle is lined up on the shoulder of the center. This DT is typically the grinder that ties up blocker in a 4-3 front. A three technique DT is lined up on the outside shoulder of the guard and is usually the more athletic penetrating type defensive tackle.

A five-technique is an alignment usually for a DE in a 3-4 on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. Their role is to stand and grind with the OT and sometimes TE to hold the point of attack and allow linebackers to run free to make tackles, although they have full license to disengage and make plays themselves. The alignments go all the way up to nine, which is the widest alignment, usually taken by a pass rushing DE or OLB.
2 - Hi Chris, 
I’ve taken some heat for this question already.  But I’d like your take on it.  What are you thoughts on building up the defense and o-line this year and trying to pick Andrew Luck in next years draft?  Now I know he will probably be the #1 pick in the draft but if we package some picks together or some players and picks, we may be able to get him unless we have a horrible season and end up picking #1 overall.  I just think that no one besides ryan mallett would be worth grooming or putting any time into as far as a qb for the future.  Luck has everything your pretty much want in a qb coming out of college and i’d like the bills to have a player at QB  who isn’t so much of a question mark.  Besides Fitz is playing at a high level and we need to invest this season in other areas such as defense and o-line.  As always thank you for your time.
-Showtime.
 
CB : I don’t think your idea is so far-fetched. I’m all for loading up on the defensive side of the ball and if you still have time to address offensive tackle all the better. I don’t mind being aggressive and doing whatever it takes to get up to number one next year for Luck. Just keep in mind it’s anything but a guarantee, knowing first there’s likely to be a host of other NFL clubs looking to make a similar trade deal for Luck, and you’re likely to have a team in that number one spot all too happy to take Luck first off the board, and with no interest in trading out. It’s not something you can bank on.

That’s why I think there’s a good chance they take a QB somewhere in the draft.

3 – Chris,

I’ve been reading a lot about the right tackle position and the teams general need for linebackers.  In those conversations, I never see anything about Ed Wang or Arthur Moats.  Is Wang still that far away from contributing as a right tackle (even as a backup)?  Was his injury the big setback or does he just have a lot more to learn?  I was thinking Moats, Poz, and Merriman would be 3 of the 4 starting linebackers next year – the 4th being a new addition with a big, run-stuffing frame.  Do the Bills see Moats more of a 3rd down rush linebacker?  Do they see issues with his run defense?

Thanks.
Eric in Baltimore

CB: I think in the end Wang will be best suited to play guard. That’s just my opinion. Right now guard is a deep position. They worked him at both guard and tackle last year and I anticipate that will continue. I don’t see him getting on the field as a starter in 2011 however.

Buddy Nix has said he likes some of the young talent they have at OLB, and that includes Moats. He’s got potential, but if Merriman is healthy and the Bills draft a pass rushing LB high (e.g. Von Miller), Moats will not be a starter.

Personally I expect them to address ILB with more picks than OLB, not higher picks, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see two picks used on ILBs.

4 – Hello Chris,
Kiper brings up an interesting observation with his 2.0 mock draft.  Newton to Bills.  Does the possibility of his tremendous upside make him too attractive for the Bills not to pass up?  Even if the Bills take someone like Von Miller that doesn’t mean he pans out either.  (i.e. Maybin)  Newton could be worth the gamble.
Jim (Skaneateles)

CB: It’s the 64 million dollar question Jim. Picking this high doesn’t happen often and it affords you the opportunity to get a franchise quarterback if you believe there is one in the draft. That’s what the Bills have to figure out. Is there a franchise type QB in the draft. If so they have to take him, whoever it is (Newton, Gabbert). If not, then they have to take a player that is considered a sure fire star. The safest picks at the top of the board are Marcell Dareus and Patrick Peterson.

5 - Chris,
Doesnt the Bills releasing Marcus Stroud indicate that they will go for a defensive end with the no. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL draft?

Perhaps Marcell Dareus, if Bowers and Fairley are gone by the time Buffalo picks?

Or will it be LB Von Miller, who I believe Gailey likes?

LeeD

CB: I think it increases the positional need. With the three top flight talents you mentioned I think they feel good about having the chance to take one of them. Whether they feel all three are worthy of the third pick is another question. Von Miller is an option as well, and yes Gailey may like Von Miller, but there are very few head coaches in the NFL, if any, that don’t like him.

8 private workouts for Newton

In the wake of his pro day at Auburn earlier this week, Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton reportedly has eight private workouts scheduled.

That according to NFL.com, citing Newton’s father Cecil who told Gil Brandt the teams. The teams are the Panthers, Bills, Vikings, Redskins, Titans, Dolphins, Browns and Bengals.