Kiper keeps pick same for Bills
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has released his update mock draft (Kiper 2.0), but he kept his pick for the Bills at 10th overall the same.
At 10 he’s still got Buffalo taking Alabama pass rusher Courtney Upshaw. Here’s what he wrote.
10. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama – This is another pick that I’m staying with for now. The pass rush still needs a lot of help, and Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft. Even as Buffalo looks to shift that defense to a 4-3 (see Denver’s draft strategy at No. 2 last year) Upshaw can still easily fit. Don’t pass talent because of small scheme questions. He should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012. Remember, nobody on the Bills managed more than 5.5 sacks in 2011, and as a team, they simply haven’t been able to get pressure unless they bring numbers. This is an energetic talent, an edge linebacker in the mold of a more athletic LaMarr Woodley, a guy who has been well-coached and can start early.
Most teams have been grading Upshaw as an outside linebacker because that’s where he played at Alabama in their 3-4 scheme, but he certainly has the build to handle the point of attack as a defensive end and appears to have enough natural pass rush ability to be a fit as a 4-3 end.
Ingram to leapfrog Upshaw?
South Carolina DL/OLB Melvin Ingram is getting more buzz a couple of weeks out from the NFL Combine. It’s because there are rumblings that his 40 time is going to push him up draft boards even further.
Already considered a lock to be a mid-first round pick, Ingram could leapfrog the likes of Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw when it comes to the top pass rushers as he has every bit the power to his game as Upshaw and might offer more speed and athleticism. According to DraftInsiders those close to Ingram and the South Carolina program are expecting Ingram to run in the 4.6s.
That would be pretty impressive for a 6’2″ 276-pounder. If he pulls it off and has a solid workout otherwise some believe he could vault himself into the top 10. Buffalo picks 10th overall.
We’ll have full coverage of the NFL Combine from Indy on Buffalobills.com later this month.
Fan Friday 2-10
Tags: Anthony Spencer, Buddy Nix, Chris Hairston, Courtney Upshaw, Demetrius Bell, Fan Friday, pass protection, Pierre Garcon, Robert Meacham, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vinny Curry
Let’s get to another week of your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Keep them coming!
1 - Hi Chris,
Thanks, as always, for your helpful, informative coverage of our team. Setting injuries aside, it appears to me that the Bills have a potentially powerful offense. But no matter how good an offense is, it will not overcome a weak defense—note the Packers. Consequently, although I’d love to see the team improve at left tackle, I think it would make the most sense to focus the draft (and free agency) on acquiring a real pass rusher, help at linebacker, and perhaps a defensive back, with a good wide receiver as another priority. My belief is that if you dramatically improve the defense, given the potential excellence of Williams, Dareus and Kelsay, the team has an opportunity to go to the playoffs. I don’t suggest disregarding offensive tackles, but the priority, I think, should be on the defense. I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
Pat Courts
CB: I think the Bills front office has made it clear that improving the pass rush is the top priority this offseason. Where they choose to address it is the question. It could be free agency or the draft or both. The price for a proven pass rusher in free agency can get cost prohibitive pretty quick, but there might be a free agent or two that makes sense.
A guy I think would make a lot of sense is Dallas’ Anthony Spencer. Not a guy that’s going to cripple your cap like Mario Williams or possibly even Cliff Avril knowing there will be a line of teams knocking on his door. Spencer is coming off a down season, but has pass rush ability and would likely benefit with a move back to weakside DE in a 4-3 defense instead of OLB in a 3-4 (where he played in Dallas).
That’s where Spencer lined up in college at Purdue and would likely welcome an opportunity to play there again. Without production through the roof the past couple of years he might also be reasonably priced.
So I would anticipate that Buffalo will have that need thoroughly addressed by the time the draft is over and done with in late April.
2 - Hello Chris,
I listen to all of you radio appearances and appreciate all of your coverage on the website and just want to say thank you.
My question is: How you feel about Buffalo taking a guy like NO’s Robert Meachem or NYG’s Domenik Hixon in Free Agency? I see a relatively moderate price tag and a lot of upside. My rationale being that the Bill’s love small price tags that could return big dividends and there is also a proven track record that comes along with them. Other guys I like are INDY’s Pierre Garcon or Anthony Gonzalez who have a little size and hustle to them. INDY is rebuilding so I think we could get them relatively cheap. What are your thoughts? Do you think any of these could be a possibilty in the offseason?
Nick W,
Hammondsport, NY
CB: I think the biggest upside comes with Garcon and as such he’ll command the biggest price tag. Now Colts owner Jim Irsay has publicly stated that Garcon and Mathis are two of their free agents that they intend to re-sign. Knowing Reggie Wayne is probably out the door at 33-years old, Garcon could be enticed by that knowing he’d be the top target in Indy. Of course he also might be playing with a very talented, but nevertheless rookie QB. Does he want to go through a growing pain year?
Garcon can run and is freakishly strong on the ball, fitting Buddy Nix’s description of needing a guy that’s open even when he’s not open. Best of all he’ll turn 26 just before the 2012 season. So I’d put him at the top of your list. What I like best about him is he had 70 catches last season without Manning.
Meacham offers the most speed. He runs a 4.4 flat and has 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons. That’s a pretty good number knowing Drew Brees spreads the ball around. He’s got the size the Bills are looking for at 6’2” 217. It’s just hard to definitively say he could take a leap in production as the team’s number 2 in Buffalo. That being said I think he’s a worthwhile risk and would welcome the chance to be a weekly number two instead of fighting to be the number three in New Orleans.
Domenik Hixon is a guy I’m not a big fan of. Only runs a 4.7 and is coming off a major knee injury. He might be even slower now and isn’t a physical guy on the outside. Anthony Gonzalez is another smaller guy. Super smart, but can’t stay healthy.
3 - Chris,
Last year most of the draft gurus were predicting that the Bills would draft the top rated outside linebacker, Von Miller. This year its OLB Courtney Upshaw. How does Upshaw compare to Von Miller?
LeeD
CB: Upshaw’s game is totally different than Miller’s. Miller is a pure pass rusher whose game is based on speed and quickness. Upshaw’s game is all power and strength. He’s not slow, but he’s not going to blow past guys off the ball. He’s going to drive them back into the QB or knock them on their wallet. Miller is probably more athletic, but Upshaw is a better all-around player in terms of playing the run and the pass.
Some teams even think he could be an OLB in a 3-4. I think that might be possible on the strong side, but I think he can handle DE in a 4-3 even though he’s only 6’1” and change. He’s just so thickly built I think he could hold up at the line.
4 - Hi Chris,
Really enjoy your coverage of the team. My question is: how much better do you think Fitzpatrick can be if he had more time in the pocket? The line played well this year, but I’m convinced the lack of sacks was more due to Fitz’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly. Is improving at LT a higher priority than another stud WR (assuming Stevie stays)?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Ryan
Ramsey, NJ
CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to protection for Fitz you’re right, Chan Gailey’s offense is largely a timing attack. Oftentimes Fitz would get rid of the ball in less than two seconds by design. I think Chan likes using Fitz’s ability to diagnose defenses quickly to their advantage and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers as quickly as possible.
Now I suppose if you added a true deep threat to the passing game in free agency this offseason the team might be more inclined to further solidify the left tackle spot to improve protection that much more to allow more time for those deep routes to develop.
I asked Buddy Nix about whether he feels he has a defined answer at left tackle knowing Bell and Hairston flip-flopped all year due to injury. This was his initial answer, and his answer to my follow up question.
“Demetrius Bell has got all the tools. He’s got the good feet. He’s a good athlete. He’s what you look for at left tackle. The problem with Demetrius is injuries. He started the first four games for us and gets hurt. He missed eight and comes back and plays three and he ends up hurt again. He was rehabbing last year the whole year couldn’t practice all week. All those things enter into it.
“Chris Hairston I think can be a really good left tackle. He’s a rookie. It’s going to take him a little bit. He got some good experience this year. So we at least have a couple of possibilities at left tackle and those are the two. With his length and all that with Chris Hairston, he’s a smart guy and can be a left tackle and play over there and be serviceable for us. Demetrius it remains to be seen. We’re going to try to re-sign him. He’s up.”
Follow up question: Will those two options keep you from seeking a better option there?
“We’re going to draft a tackle if we can. If there’s one there is what I mean. If there’s one there that we think can play we’re going to draft a tackle. You can never have too many tackles. You can move a guy, now you can have exceptions to this, but it’s easier to move a guy from tackle to guard than guard to tackle obviously. So we draft tackles, we’re in pretty good shape at guard and center.”
5 – Chris,
First off great work covering our Buffalo Bills in the offseason. Every year you do a supreme job of getting information to Bills fans all over the nation and for that, thank you. My question is regarding the nature of our first two picks in the upcoming draft. I understand our primary need is to draft a player who can help our pass rush which I couldn’t agree with more. I agree with it so much that i was wondering what is the possibility of the Bills addressing their pass rush needs in both the first AND second round. I have been doing scouting of my own on defensive prospects and have seen Vinny Curry, DE from Marshall showing up on alot of up and coming lists. He is a fine physical specimen who has a whole college career of success (albeit in the FCS) and seems to have a tremendous upside. I think its safe to say if he was in the BCS he would be a first round pick. So Chris what do you think of Vinny and the possibility he last until the Bills second round pick.
Thanks So Much, GO BILLS!
Taylor – Gillespie, IL
CB: Glad you enjoy our coverage of the team. Thanks for your readership and viewership. Vinny Curry had a good week at the Senior Bowl. He’s a high motor guy with good strength and power. I don’t see him as all that different from Courtney Upshaw in terms of skill set, he just isn’t quite as powerful as Upshaw.
The knock on him is he doesn’t have the elite speed to beat NFL tackles around the corner with regularity so some teams don’t see him as a true RDE. A lot of scouts are projecting him to left end because he’s strong enough to hold up over there and offers enough pass rush ability to be productive down the line.
Some do have concerns that his pass rush repertoire is limited, which is what drops him to a second-round prospect. But if he tests well at the Combine he could move into the top half of round 2 because you know what you’re going to get from him every snap.
Latest mock has new pass rusher
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram, mock draft
The lion’s share of the mock drafts thus far have the Bills taking Alabama DL/OLB Courtney Upshaw, but what if he’s off the board already? That’s what the latest Rotoworld draft has unfolding leaving the Bills with an interesting choice to make at 10th overall.
Rotoworld’s Evan Silva has Upshaw going to the Dolphins at ninth overall, a very realistic pick for Miami. So who do the Bills go with one pick later? South Carolina do-it-all defender Melvin Ingram. Here’s their commentary on the mock pick.
10. Bills — South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram
The Bills are implementing a base 4-3 up front, but plan to be “multiple” on defense in an effort to keep offenses off balance. With versatility as his calling card, Ingram is what the doctor ordered. Ingram was productive as a 4-3 defensive tackle, 4-3 end, and 3-4 outside ‘backer in the SEC, wreaking havoc with power, explosiveness, and closing speed that jumps off the page. Buffalo finished 30th in the league in sacks in 2011, and Ingram has a knack for quarterback disruption.
Used mainly as a pass rusher by the Gamecocks, Ingram logged 17 1/2 sacks his last two collegiate seasons.
Fan Friday 2-3
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, A-Turf, Buddy Nix, compensatory picks, Courtney Upshaw, Fan Friday, Luke Kuechly
Super Bowl XLVI is just a couple of days away, but Bills fans are focused on other things. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hey Chris,
Love your work. I was just wondering if you had insights about a player like Luke Kuechly? I have never seen a linebacker diagnose so many plays in such a big time conference. I imagine that when we pick @ 10 this kid might slip to us. I know Buddy mentioned a lot but what do you think?
CB: Thanks for the kind words. Kuechly is a heck of a linebacker no doubt about it and in terms of the overall player rankings he is largely considered a top 10-15 talent. Kelvin Sheppard is marked down as the starting MLB in Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense. I’d expect Nick Barnett to play on the open side (WLB) where his athleticism can be maximized. If the Bills believe Kuechly is capable of playing a strong side linebacker role in a 4-3 he could be a consideration. I’m not sure he is a consensus Top 10 talent in the eyes of NFL scouts however, due to his lack of elite athleticism.
There’s no denying Kuechly’s instincts and impressive productivity, but if his upside in the eyes of scouts is limited by his athleticism he might not be worthy of a top 10 pick for the teams that are picking in that area. We’ll see if we can get a gauge on what the Bills think of Kuechly’s upside in the coming weeks.
2 – Chris,
I read your Fan Friday blog today and with regards to your answer about the Bills seeking a proven play making receiver in FA instead of the draft I am curious if you believe that they will actually attempt to reel one in?
The Bills are not going to get into a bidding war and I completely understand why. The only 3 guys in free agency that fit the description given by Nix are Colston, Bowe, and Jackson. All others are NOT proven play makers and definitely do NOT match the open when covered analogy that Nix used.
I can see the team putting a big offer out to Bowe and Jackson and saying take it or leave it and whichever one signs the team takes or if they both say no thanks then looking to the draft to fill the need.
This brings me to my next point. Given the fact that the drop off between Blackmon and Floyd is not that great could you see the Bills drafting a receiver at 10 if a “big play making” receiver was there? I have no clue what the tape that coaches and scouts shows about the top pass rushers in this class but judging from my opinion from what I have researched there is not a clear pass rusher that belongs in the top 10, in fact I don’t see one that should be a top 15 pick. Thank you for taking the time.
Jim
CB: I think your free agent targets are on the money and I do believe if any of them make it to the free agent market March 13th (not sure any of them will) then the Bills will likely make their best offer and see if anyone is interested.
As for the pass rushers in the draft at the top of the board I think there’s a good chance that Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw would be there at 10 and I believe he’s worthy of that pick. There might be a couple of other considerations (Melvin Ingram), but the choices are admittedly limited.
That being said I’m not convinced Buffalo would take a receiver that high. Yes, Floyd is probably the second best WR in the class after Blackmon, but he does have somewhat of a diva label on him and has an injury history as well as a DUI charge from last March. There’s no denying he’s a playmaker, but those are a lot of issues for an NFL club to iron out and feel good about to make him a top 10 investment.
Chan Gailey always talks about adding players of high character to his team, and he’s a man of his word so I’m not sure Floyd is a fit.
3 – Chris,
Looking more into the injury situation and that the Bills led the league in I-R designations, has Buddy Nix looked into the A-Turf Titan playing surface that currently only the Bills have installed? It would seem that possibly a FieldTurf or Sportexe surface would be a better alternative as a lot of the teams that have been successful with less injuries such as New England, the Jets, or Baltimore have these surfaces installed. Up until last year Rogers Centre also had FieldTurf. Thanks for all the updates you provide Bills fans around the country.
Larry in Tucson AZ
CB: I don’t believe the turf is the culprit here. Terrence McGee, Donald Jones and Fred Jackson all went down in the span of a quarter and a half in Miami on grass. All three were lost for the season. Eric Wood tore an ACL on Field Turf in Dallas without any contact. So I don’t think you can make that connection. It’s the brutality of the game that led to most of Buffalo’s injuries in my opinion.
4 – Chris,
Since Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey arrived in Buffalo, they have been steering toward a 3-4 defense. Yes they play quite a bit of a 4-3 defense, but their draft picks have been geared toward the 3-4 defense. After two years of drafting players like: Torrell Troup, Kelvin Sheppard, Alex Carrington, Marcell Dareus and acquiring players like Shawne Merriman and Nick Barnett all for playing the 3-4 defense. If Dave Wannstedt goes back to the 4-3 defense, is that NOT going to set us back a few more years, until we start drafting and acquiring more 4-3 personnel??? And where does that put these players that I have mentioned???
Thanks
Devoted Bills FAN
Don,
Norwalk, CT
CB: Don, your question is very valid, but Buddy Nix already addressed this issue so I’ll let his comment handle your question.
“The guys we drafted this past year, Marcell Dareus can play in any defense,” said Nix. “Aaron Williams, he’s going to play no matter what you do. Kelvin Sheppard can play in either defense. Da’Norris Searcy he’s going to play in either. All of our defensive draft picks this past year would fit either defense. As an outside backer you want a guy 6’4” or 6’5” 255 or 260. In a 4-3 those guys are defensive ends. If he’s that size and he can rush the passer he can play in either one.”
Those are the exact measurables for Shawne Merriman so I would anticipate that he too would fit as a defensive end, and let me remind you that Merriman is very, very underrated as a run defender. Torell Troup played in a 4-3 at Central Florida and knows the scheme well. Carrington played in a 4-3 at Arkansas State at end. Nix and his personnel department knowing how much hybrid defense is played week to week in this league made a point of getting scheme versatile players. And because of that the defensive front should not suffer a setback.
5 – Hi Chris,
I enjoy your coverage of the team very much. My question for you is do the Bills still have a draft pick left this year from the Lynch trade and what did they get for Lee Evans? Also it seems like they should be in line for a compensatory pick of some kind this year for Poz. Ok, thanks again for all the info!!
Mike G.
Nunda, NY
CB: Thanks for the compliment. The Bills got a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft for Lee Evans from Baltimore. As for the Lynch trade it was a conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fifth-round pick. From what I understand the chances are good that it will be a fifth-round pick, but because it is a conditional agreement, those conditions agreed upon by the two clubs must be confirmed by the league as being satisfied. That has yet to happen.
With respect to a compensatory pick for the loss of Paul Posluszny that should happen. I would anticipate a fifth or sixth-round pick knowing the size of Poz’s contract has a lot to do with the unknown compensatory formula that the league employs. Buffalo did not have a free agent signee that came remotely close to Poz’s $45M deal with Jacksonville so I’d expect Buffalo to get one for losing him.
So breaking it all down the Bills will have nine picks and should get a 10th as a compensatory (round to be determined). Here are the rounds of the picks we know they have assuming the pick from the Lynch trade is a fifth, though the league has not confirmed it. (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7).
McShay goes pass rusher for Bills
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has put out his latest mock and his pick for the Bills is similar to that of a lot of other draftniks.
McShay has Buffalo taking Alabama DL/OLB Courtney Upshaw. In Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense he’d likely be an end.
What’s interesting are some of the prospects McShay has going ahead of Upshaw at 10. He’s got Iowa OT Riley Reiff going third to Minnesota and doesn’t have Oklahoma St. WR Justin Blackmon coming off the board until the sixth spot (Washington). He’s also got South Carolina’s DE/OLB Melvin Ingram, who I like just as much as Upshaw, going ninth to Miami.
2 more votes for Upshaw
As the mock drafts continue to pile up the case continues to build for Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw to join his former college teammate in Buffalo.
A year after Marcell Dareus went third overall to the Bills, most draftniks are picking Upshaw for the Buffalo to address their woeful pass rush. A pair of draft analysts at CBSSports.com (Rob Rang, Dane Brugler) both chose Upshaw for the Bills with the 10th overall pick in their latest mock drafts.
Another pass rush mock pick
One of the more recent mock drafts has Buffalo landing a pass rusher with a measure of versatility.
MockingTheDraft.com has the Bills taking Courtney Upshaw with the 10th overall pick. The Alabama product is becoming a pretty popular choice among draftniks for Buffalo with ESPN’s Mel Kiper also pointing him toward the Bills.
Upshaw played a weakside defensive end at Alabama and basically was told to rush the passer. He played defensive end in a three-point stance at the Senior Bowl last week. At just 6’1″ 273 pounds, some teams might be reluctant to line him up at end. Upshaw did say he wants to be down to 265 by the time the NFL Combine rolls around in late February presumably in an effort to show he’s capable of handling an OLB role in a 3-4 at the NFL level.
What impresses me most about Upshaw’s game is his pure power. The guy is thickly built and just pops people out of the way. That won’t happen as often at the NFL level, but with a limited supply of pass rushing talent, at 10 Upshaw could very well be the most NFL ready talent on the board. And what is clear is Buffalo needs pass rush improvements that can play effectively and have an impact right away.
Fan Friday 1-27
Tags: Buddy Nix, Courtney Upshaw, Dave Wannstedt, Dwayne Bowe, Fan Friday, Mario Williams, NFL free agency, Quinton Coples, Reggie McKenzie, Vincent Jackson
Another set of questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net to answer as the draft and free agency become more and more the focus with each passing week. Let’s get started.
1 - Hey Chris,
I have heard several rumors that Dwayne Bowe would like to be reunited with Chan Gailey. Any thoughts on Buffalo being so far under the cap trying to sign Bowe and/ or Stevie or even going defense and making a run a pass rusher that we desperately need like Mario Williams
Regards,
D. Fischer
Rochester, NY
CB: Just rumor at this point. It’s only natural to see Bowe or San Diego’s Vincent Jackson linked to the Bills as potential free agent targets. NFL personnel men just like anyone else in any other line of work prefer to go with what they know, and Chan Gailey knows Bowe from being his offensive coordinator in Kansas City. Similarly Buddy Nix knows Vincent Jackson from his time in San Diego’s front office.
All that being said both of those players fit the description that Nix gave at his season wrap-up press conference. Both are the kind of receivers that are “open even when they’re not open.” They’re both big wideouts and their timed speed is almost identical (Jackson-4.51 to Bowe-4.52), which ironically is right where Eric Moulds timed out during his career.
Would I be shocked if Buffalo made a play on one of them in free agency? No.
I would be shocked however, if both of them made it to free agency. The absence of both players in their respective offenses would be crippling to their quarterbacks. As much as GMs A.J. Smith and Scott Pioli may not want to get into the stratosphere with respect to a long term contract for their top receiver, the way the league is headed they’ll need to bite the bullet.
It’s a passing league, and if your offense lacks a go-to guy you’re sunk.
As for Mario Williams, he’ll probably be available after the production that Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed provided Houston in the absence of Williams after his season-ending pectoral muscle tear. The two combined for 17.5 sacks.
Williams injury history the past two seasons is a bit of a concern so investing heavily could give some teams pause, but it’s not likely. It’s hard to argue with his ability and with the likelihood of the Bills moving to a 4-3, I think he’s a better fit for that system than Houston’s 3-4. I just see a bidding war for Williams and that’s something the Bills typically aren’t a part of.
I think the Bills may add a free agent veteran pass rusher, but I don’t see it being Williams. The highest ticket pass rusher I could see the Bills possibly, and I stress possibly, pursuing is someone more like Cliff Avril if he somehow makes it to the market. In the end, I think the Bills address their pass rush in the draft, and early.
2 – Hey Chris,
This new GM for the Raiders, Reggie McKenzie, I only know one “football” Reggie McKenzie—the Bills O-lineman from the 1970’s. Is this the same guy???
Thanks!
Matthew S. Kerr
Dayton, OH
CB: No, it’s not former Buffalo offensive lineman Reggie McKenzie. He was a former 10th round pick out of Tennessee by the Raiders and played for seven seasons in the NFL as a linebacker. He played for the Raiders (85-88), Cardinals (89-90) and 49ers (92).
3 - Chris,
You have had two years now to watch Buddy Nix and his approach to the draft. While it is always a fluid process during the actual draft because you never know who the teams ahead of you are going to select, do you have a sense that the 1st round selection this year will be a “pass rusher” as opposed to say an offensive tackle or wide receiver?
And do you see Buddy’s first “pass rusher” pick to be a defensive end vs an outsider linebacker?
Bills’ fans all seem to have their favorite pick whether it is Nick Perry, Whitney Mercilus, Melvin Ingram, etc. Do you have a player you like as a defensive end “pass rusher” for the Bills?
Thanks for all you do Chris. Hope you are enjoying the ‘off-season’.
Tim N.
CB: If the right pass rusher is there at 10 the Bills will draft a pass rusher, provided they do not land a high ticket one in free agency beforehand. If the pass rusher is taken 10th overall it will be one that can play defensive end in a 4-3 in my opinion.
I prefer Courtney Upshaw at 10 myself. I do like Ingram, but I’m not certain he can be a 4-3 defensive end and that uncertainty, if the Bills brass shares it, doesn’t make him a proper value at 10. Mercilus is a one-year wonder so there’s a boom or bust risk there that I don’t see the Bills taking at 10. Perry is a 4-3 defensive end, but I think he has to have a really good workout at the NFL Combine to have a chance to move past Upshaw on the board.
Coples is clearly the best of the bunch in terms of pure talent, but he’ll go no later than 7.
4 – Hi Chris,
With Wannstedt now running the defense, I wanted to ask about the front seven situation. Assuming the Bills decide to predominantly go with a 4-man front, as most people think they’ll do, I was wondering about what that would mean for our linebacking corps. Do you think we’d have to add a couple of typical 4-3 linebackers to adjust to that system (namely on the strong and weak side)? Do you think we have enough linebackers presently on the roster that could easily fit those new roles? Or would they prefer to go with just 2 linebackers and play nickel most of the time?
Thanks Chris,
Paul
Toronto
CB: I’m anticipating that they’ll add a 4-3 SLB in free agency to start on that side. I think it’s hard to say what Wannstedt’s preferences would be with respect to guys like Sheppard and Barnett in terms of who mans the MLB spot. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Barnett, because of his athleticism and cover ability, is the best fit for the weak side LB position, which should put Sheppard in the middle. Moats, Batten and Chris White will battle for reserve roles in all likelihood. Shep and Barnett would also be the nickel backers as I see it, unless Bryan Scott is re-signed to serve in one of those roles as he did last season.
5- Chris:
With your background and knowledge as a former Bills Beat Reporter for radio and now working as Lead Journalist for Buffalobills.Com, what can you tell the fans to help us stay optimistic that the 2012-2013 Bills will actually challenge for a playoff spot next year? What is the organization (top to bottom) doing differently from past Bills Administrations that indicate the team is actually going in the right direction, because with each passing year of losing records and missed playoffs it becomes more and more difficult to accept what we are told by Bills Management.
Thanks
Joe, Blasdell
CB: If I had to pick one specific thing that the Bills current management is doing differently than they have in the past it’s investing in the lines. Previous front offices either did not invest in the lines enough or missed badly on their investments (e.g. Mike Williams, Derrick Dockery, etc.) with the exception of Eric Wood and Andy Levitre in 2009 draft.
The investments made under Buddy Nix have been good ones and most of them haven’t broken the bank (e.g. Dwan Edwards, Kraig Urbik, Erik Pears, Chad Rinehart). And how refreshing was it to see them draft Marcell Dareus third overall last season?
I think the Bills stand a good chance of investing in the defensive line again this year in the form of a pass rushing defensive end. So although the wins have not been there to this point I think we can all agree that the lines on both sides of the ball are noticeably better.
Not ideal yet, but significantly better and likely to see more improvements this offseason (offensive tackle, defensive end). It’s that approach that encourages me that the winning is on its way because it all starts up front.
A good synopsis of Upshaw
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Courtney Upshaw, NFL Combine
Alabama OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw was the mock pick for the Bills by ESPN’s Mel Kiper in his first mock draft last week at 10th overall. This week at the Senior Bowl most of the reviews on his play have been very favorable.
Veteran NFL reporter Jeff Legwold’s thorough review of Upshaw lends some good insight into Upshaw’s game. Perhaps the most interesting note is Upshaw’s desire to get down to 265 pounds by the NFL Combine in late February. Whether that’s his aim to make him a quicker and more effective pass rusher or to make him more attractive to 3-4 teams as an OLB is unclear. It’s something I’ll ask him about at the combine in Indy. In any event here Legwold’s write up on Upshaw in today’s Denver Post.
OT the pick in latest mock
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Andre Branch, Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingrram, Riley Reiff
It seems that in most early mock drafts that the pick for the Bills at 10 addresses either the pass rush or offensive tackle. This latest mock went O-line.
Football’s Future has Buffalo taking Iowa OT Riley Reiff (pronounced ‘reef’). Here’s their blurb on their pick.
Buffalo – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Bills have needed a left tackle upgrade for years, and they finally get their man with this selection.
I’m inclined to think in this particular mock with Courtney Upshaw, Andre Branch and Melvin Ingram all still on the board that there will be heavy consideration for each one of those pass rushers.
Kiper has OLB to Bills at 10
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has put out his first mock draft. While there will certainly be future editions, in his initial mock he has Buffalo taking a pass rushing OLB at 10th overall.
Kiper has the Bills taking Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw. Here’s what Kiper had to say about Marcell Dareus’ former college teammate.
10. Buffalo Bills – Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
Buffalo did well when it drafted Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus with its first pick last year, but the pass rush still needs a lot of help. Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft, and he should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012. No Buffalo player had more than 5.5 sacks in 2011, and the Bills simply can’t get enough pressure without bringing extra players. Upshaw is a part of the solution. This is a big-time talent, a player who already was making an impact at Alabama as a freshman. He’ll follow a similar path as a pro.
