Grading the Buffalo Bills 2012 draft

by Steve

Before I provide you with all the "experts" grades of the Bills 2012 draft I'll give you mine since you all asked.

The cons: no quarterback, traded a 7th rounder to move up two spots for someone no one else was targeting, took a cornerback yet again in the first round and drafted a freakin' kicker.

The pros: got good value with a OT in the second round some projected to be in the first round, didn't draft Weeden, drafted 6 players from the south, drafted someone named Tank, largely avoided "non D-1" players and didn't draft a running back.

B+


SI - B+

Buffalo Bills: For the first five rounds, the Bills turned in a relatively strong draft, with the lone head-scratcher being WR T.J. Graham (69). Staying put and nabbing CB Stephon Gilmore at No. 10 could pay off big time, as could jumping on G/T Cordy Glenn at 41. Grade: B-plus

 
Aol - C
Gilmore and Glenn are good picks; there just was nothing overwhelming about their draft as a whole.

Walterfootball

10. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: C+
Stephon Gilmore didn't play very well this past year, but he was pushed up because of his height-weight-speed. Players like this usually don't succeed in the NFL, though Gilmore's upside can't be ignored. The Bills needed a cornerback, so this made sense from a positional standpoint. Still though, I have to wonder how they're going to protect Ryan Fitzpatrick. I guess we'll see what happens in the next two days.

41. Cordy Glenn, G/OT, Georgia: A+
Wow, this is amazing value. The Cardinals were interested in Cordy Glenn and even considered him at No. 13. The Bengals were linked to him at No. 21. I don't know how he fell to No. 41. Glenn has positional versatility and should be able to really bolster a very weak offensive front that lost Demetress Bell. Perhaps Ryan Fitzpatrick won't have to release the ball after taking three-step drops all the time going forward.

69. T.J. Graham, WR, N.C. State: Matt Millen First Kielbasa Kiss Grade
In back-to-back picks, we've had a first kielbasa date and a first kielbasa kiss grade. T.J. Graham was No. 185 on the consensus board. Todd McShay, who praised the pick, had Graham in the 130s. This is a major reach.

105. Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State: A Grade
Nigel Bradham could have easily been drafted in Round 3, so this is nice value for him. The Bills needed a third linebacker - they were considering Luke Kuechly before he was chosen a pick earlier in Round 1 - so Bradham fills a need.

124. Ron Brooks, CB, LSU: A+ Grade
The Bills would have selected Ron Brooks in the second round (why I mocked him there) if they hadn't obtained Stephon Gilmore in Round 1. They have to be shocked that he lasted this long. I am too. He was ranked in the 80s on most big boards. This is a steal.

144. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State: A+ Grade
The Bills are killing it on Day 3. Zebrie Sanders was No. 84 on the consensus big board, so he provides tremendous value. Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey talked about bringing in multiple tackles this weekend, so Sanders makes sense in that regard. Let's just hope he doesn't fall asleep on the football field again.

147. Tank Carder, LB, TCU: A+ Grade
Wow. Buffalo has really improved its roster this weekend. Tank Carder would have been a second-round pick if he hadn't played hurt this past season. He's a really talented linebacker with a great work ethic. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he made it into the starting lineup in a year or two.

178. Mark Asper, G, Oregon: C- Grade
Blegh, finally a Bills' pick that I dislike. Mark Asper wasn't expected to even be a priority UDFA, so I'm shocked he was drafted. He doesn't fill a need either.

251. John Potter, K, Western Michigan: C Grade
I don't think John Potter will be able to beat out Rian Lindell. This pick was probably made just in case Lindell can't come back from his shoulder injury. You wouldn't think a shoulder would affect a kicker, but whatever.

 Mel Kiper - B-

Summary: I had the Bills selecting Stephon Gilmore in my final mock draft, and they ended up taking him. I didn’t see CB as the top need, but it’s a solid pick. Gilmore is ready to start immediately for a secondary that allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt in 2011. The Bills pass defense should be better in 2012 when you put together an improved pass rush and the draft help in the secondary. Ron Brooks, a burner out of LSU, could stick as a slot cornerback. He lacks size, but can fly. I don’t share the opinion that Cordy Glenn can be a left tackle, but he was a total steal at No. 41. He was on my final Big Board at No. 14. If the Bills move him inside (or to right tackle), he’ll succeed. Zebrie Sanders was a steal in the sixth round. They got a wideout with T.J. Graham, as well as a pair of linebackers to bring in and battle for a spot. Pretty good weekend for Buddy Nix and the Bills.

 

Michael Lombardi - A

“I like their top pick of Gilmore,” said Lombardi. “I also liked the pick of Tank Carder a lot, and they got him in the fifth round. They haven’t closed the gap all the way on New England, but they got a lot closer with this draft class.”

Pete Prisco - B

Best pick: I really liked the Bills getting Cordy Glenn in the second round. He had first-round ability and should be an immediate starter at left tackle.
Questionable move: They took North Carolina State receiver T.J. Graham in the third round in large part because he can fly. But he dropped a lot of passes in college and that might have been too high.
Third-day gem: Florida State tackle Zebrie Sanders was a nice value pick in the fifth round. He was a quality starter for the Seminoles.
Analysis: The Bills landed a top cover player in the first round in Stephon Gilmore and then waited to take a tackle in Glenn in the second. It proved to be a good strategy. Both players should start. They added some other nice players in the later rounds. The one concern is Graham.

6th Round: Buffalo Bills draft Mark Asper, OG, Oregon

With the Bills only pick in the 6th round Buffalo drafted Mark Asper, OG, Oregon

6'7 325, 27 years old

5th Round: Buffalo Bills draft ILB tank carder TCU

With their second pick in the 5th round (147) the Bills drafted  ILB Tank Carder TCU

6'2 236
Carder has been a highly effective player ever since his shining performance for TCU in the 2011 Rose Bowl. A high-motor linebacker, Carder might not have the athletic ability to get drafted in the late rounds, but teams will have a tough time letting him go during camp.

He's white so he has a high motor.

5th round Buffalo Bills draft Zebrie Sanders OT FSU

With the 144th pick in the 5th round the Buffalo Bills drafted Zebrie Sanders OT FSU

6'6 307 Sanders is one of the most experienced game players in college football, as a four-year starter at Florida State. He started 10 games as a freshman, 12 as a sophomore, 14 as a junior, and so far every game during his 2011 senior campaign.

4th Round: Buffalo Bills draft Ron Brooks, CB, LSU

The Bills draft another CB from the SEC, Ron Brooks out of LSU.

5'10 190

Brooks is an undersized corner who has never found a starting role amongst a stacked defensive backfield at LSU. He has been an influential player throughout his four years (after a freshman developmental redshirt year) and is a consummate playmaker from the nickel corner position.

3 sacks and 1 INT in 2011. (also donned Y so serious? on his eye black sj13 style)

4th round Buffalo Bills draft Nigel Bradham OLB FSU

With the 105th pick in the 2012 draft the Buffalo Bills drafted Nigel Bradham OLB FSU 6'2 241 4.64 40.

Bills select TJ Graham, analysis

by Steve

He is a classic slot receiver, return guy.  He killed the ACC as a punt returner and kick off returner.  The Bills gave up their 7th round pick to draft this guy.  He sounded smart and confident.  Didn't say whether he would play outside or as a slot guy.

He looks fast as shit.  Chan Gailey sees him as an outside guy according to his presser.

And hey Jacksonville took a punter in the 3rd round!

TJ Graham WR, NC State

5'11 182 ranked 20th WR 4.4 40

Buffalo Bills 3rd round pick, after trading up 2 spots with the Redskins
 4 return touchdowns , Mayock had him has a 7th rounder.  Clear slot guy. 46 catches  757 yards 7 touchdowns.  Track and field star in 2010 and 2011.

Denver Broncos draft Brock Osweiler

by Steve

Damn it, the Broncos reached early and draft Brock Osweiler out of Arizona State.

The guy is big young and green after his coach got fired.  Great pick for Denver because he'll sit behind Peyton Manning for 3ish years

Woulda loved if the Bills took him in the 3rd

Cordy Glenn analysis

by Steve

I strongly believed the Bills really liked this guy Glenn.  He is a monster who started the entire season at Georgia.  There are questions as to whether he is actually a starting LT in the NFL.  But did anyone see Chris Hairston starting at RT in 2011?

Eventually he will have to be the starting LT for this pick to make sense.  Passing on wide receivers like Stephen Hill and Alshon Jeffery must prove the Bills like the WR depth in the draft.

The Bills thus far have shown they are drafting for need and not necessarily BPA.  Either way, we can now scratch OT and CB off the needs list.

Bills gotta be looking WR, QB, LB and DB from here on out.  The Bills remaining picks are 74, 105, 124, 144, 147, 178,217, 251

Buffalo Bills draft Cordy Glenn OT Georgia

Big guy started at left tackle all last year with Georgia

 6'5 345
 Sort of a jack of all trades offensive lineman, some have him pegged as a guard in the NFL. He played the full 2011 season at tackle for the Bulldogs and killed it at the combine. This will be the pick if he's on the board.

Who the Bills will target in the 2nd roundby

by Steve

After a solid pick in the first round the Bills still need a wide receiver, a tackle, a linebacker and a quarterback.  I wouldn't go QB at 71 even if Brock Osweiler won't be there in the 3rd round, ouch.  With only 2 OT's taken in the first round (the average is about 6) the Bills have a solid crop to choose from.  My guess is that's where they will key in on.

Offensive tackle

Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
6'5 345
 Sort of a jack of all trades offensive lineman, some have him pegged as a guard in the NFL. He played the full 2011 season at tackle for the Bulldogs and killed it at the combine. This will be the pick if he's on the board.

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
6'5 312
Another red shirt junior who didn't work out at the combine and may have hurt his stock a bit. Protected Andrew Luck's blind which plausibly makes him appear better than he is. Had a great three year career for the Cardinal.

Mike Adams, OT, OSU
6'7 323
The biggest of the OTs thus far also with the most generic name. Oh and he was part of the free tattoos for signed garb crew with our boy T. Pryor.  Having a bad combine combined with getting hurt there didn't help his stock either.


Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi
6'6 316
Junior from football power conference the SEC. Started seventeen games at right tackle and allegedly had a good combine. Might be a good pick in the second round.


Wide Recivers
They might start to fall off the board faster than a strippers top at the 'downer. So the Bills may not be able to get a solid player 9 selections into the 2nd round.

Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
6'3 210 20 year old Junior out of a power house

Stephen Hill, WR, G-tech
 6'4 215 21 year old Junior (still sitting in the green room)


Brian Quick, WR, App St
6'5 220 Senior from a 'lil school but big size.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Gamecocks
My boy. 6'3 216 Junior.  Had a great college career but some question his ability to get off the line.  I've seen him dominate at times in college.  I'd like it if they don't love Cordy Glenn or he's not on the board.

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
First tight end to be drafted, not necessarily a game changer for anyone.

Stephon Gilmore Buffalo Bills 10th Pick 2012 Draft

-Coast That's right, I am back...long layoff, but happy to be back on the blog. The Bills have chosen cornerback Stephon Gilmore from South Carolina with the 10th pick in the 2012 NFL draft. I love the pick. I wanted the Bills to go defense in rounds 1 and 2, at least, and we are halfway there. I do have my concerns though. First off, Stephon looked absolutely miserable to be drafted by the Buffalo BillS. Honestly, for a second I was nervous he was going to pull an Eli or Elway and refuse the selection. Secondly, the Bills don't exactly have a good track record when it comes to drafting defensive backs in the first round. Whitner makes me sick and somehow Mckelvin is worse. He will be off the team in about 3.5 months. Here are some statistics on the Bills newest addition. 6'0" 190 pounds 4.40 in the 40 8 career interceptions in three years at South Carolina The Bills still have a lot of needs to fill...most significant in my opinion is linebacker. It would have been interesting to see what the Bills would have done if Luke Keuchly wasn't taken right before us, but I think Nix was targeting Gilmore all along (Keuchly will probably be a star though since the last time a linebacker went right before our pick, he was a star (Willis) and our pick is no longer on the team (Lynch)). I hope the bills take a linebacker in round 2 if there is one worth taking. If not, go receiver or tackle.

Stephon Gilmore analysis

by Steve

Stephon Gilmore "is like a safety in the box" according to Kiper. #ilikethat.  He shot up draft boards after posting a super fast 4.4 40 time at the combine.

Going defense is never a bad thing in the draft.  CB in the "new" NFL is more important but I don't love the pick.  True, McKelvin will be gone after the season so will Drayton Florence and Terrence McGee so it will be a need.

I would have rather tried to move out, but who knows if that was even possible.  The Bills need another wide receiver and most think there is one in the 2nd or third.  They gotta look tackle too.

Brade B

His twitter handle  BumpNrunGilm0re

10th overall the Buffalo Bills draft cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Junior, out of South Carolina

2012 NFL mock draft 4/26

by Steve
My final 2012 NFL  mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
duh

2. Washington Redskins
RGiii, QB, Baylor
duh

3. Minnesota Vikings
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Who doesn't want a lock-down corner in the age of the forward pass?

4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
I don't know why anyone would draft a running back this high but hey it's Cleveland right?  Doesn't the 2011 Madden cover model prove that point? At least they aren't dumb enough to draft Tannehill here, right?

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fletcher Cox, DT, Miss St
Have to assume they wanted Richardson or MoClai.  Wide receiver would be my back up plan.

6. St Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon, WR, Ok St
The value of the draft thus far if he is still available. He isn't as good as Megatron but Blackmon is exactly what Sam-Brad ordered.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Matt Khalil, OT, USC
BPA, if he is gone I'd guess Coples because JAX loves them so D-line.

8. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas a&m
Hehe, failboat. Chips are falling too perfectly in place for the 'phins to not pull the trigger on Tannehill. Fortunately for all of us that hate the Dolphins this pick will fail because Tanne will be forced in to starting sooner than he's ready too.

9. Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly, ILB, BC
Gotta build that porous defense and replace some holes in the LB corps.

10. Buffalo Bills
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Bills are throwing up more smoke signals than Cheech & Chong in the 70's.  Late buzz could be the Bills selecting Mark Barron.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Would look great opposite Tamba Hali

12. Seattle Seahawks
Stephon Gilmore, CB, Gamecocks
Solid player who can step in and play right away.

13. Arizona Cardinals
David Decastro, G, Stanford
Boring

14. Dallas Cowboys
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Might get desperate and even trade up for Barron that would be a typical Jerra thing to do.  Or draft someone with the most arrests on the board.

15. Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Andy Reid loves him some trench guys and that is why they are always competitive.

16. New York Jets
Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
They always go defense and Poe is value at 16

17. Cincinnati Bengals
Riley Reiff OT, Iowa
Nice safe pick for a middling team.

18. San Diego Charges
Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama
No freaking wonder Alabama was so good last year jeez. Janoris Jenkins character flaws hurt him here.

19. Chicago Bears
Melvin Ingram, DE, Gamecocks
Probably won't fall this far but this is where I have him deal with it.

20. Tennesse Titans
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
#ilikethat great pick here

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
BPA

22. Cleveland Browns
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Gotta start building that offense eventually.

23. Detroit Lions
David Martin, OT, Stanford
Hoping Reiff will fall this far but I don't see it.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Harrion Smith, S, ND
How man more years does Mr Head and Shoulders have left?

25. Denver Broncos
Rueben Randall, WR, LSU
Just like Indy used to do, build around Peyton.

26. Houston Texans
Stephon Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
I don't care.

27. New England Patriots
Janoris Jenkins, CB, N Alabama
I tried to crawl into the mind of William Belichick and I shit my pants.

28. Green Bay Packers
Nick Perry, OLB, USC

29. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Jones, C, Wisconsin
Stole this from walterfootball

30. San Francisco 49ers
Chandler Jones, OLB, 'cuse
Frisco I feel like always goes defense

31. New England Patriots
Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise St
Could be a steal but this is a prime pick to trade, someone will move up for someone they like. Perhaps Fleener?

32. NY Giants
Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Steve's 2012 NFL Draft Big Board

Buffalo Bills and the 2nd round of the draft

by Steve

What do these names have in common: Aaron Williams, Torell Troup, Jairus Byrd, Andy Levitre, James Hardy, Paul Posluszny, Roscoe Parrish, Chris Kelsay, Josh Reed and Ryan Denney?

Obviously, the Buffalo Bills second round picks dating back to the year 2002.  And out of those, how many of them are either flat out busts or marginal NFL players?  I count three flat out busts (Troup, Hardy, Posluszny) three marginal players (Parrish, Denney, Reed) three NFL players (Kelsay, Byrd, Levitre) and the jury is still out on Aaron Williams.  Zero studs, zero stars, zero absolute difference makers.

Clearly the Bills have to do a better job of finding good to great players in the second round. In that same time frame there were 37 players drafted in the second round that played in a Pro Bowl.  Only one of those players was a Buffalo Bill (Byrd).  And although I understand the Pro Bowl is only a popularity contest for the most part it still sorta means something.

If this team is ever going to (gasp) win a Super Bowl the second round will have to start producing talent for this franchise ASAP. (Hopefully that starts with my boy Josh Robinson or bad boy Janoris Jenkins)

2012 Buffalo Bills 7 round mock draft

by Steve

A full 7 round Buffalo Bills mock draft for the final countdown:

1st Round 10th overall
Luke Kuechly, ILB, BC
Bud Nix is on record saying "Keekly" can play all three linebacker positions.  Kirk Morrison is no answer at any LB position let alone strong side.

2nd round (41)
Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
Everyone knows the Bills are going CB somewhere and Robinson fits the bill.


3rd round (71)
Brock Osweiler, QB, Az St.
Dude is green but as the size and intangibles. It is either this or Nick Foles in the fifth round bitches.






4th Round (105, 124)
James Brown, OT Troy
6'4 312, not the r&b singer.  Might not be there in the fourth, cross your fingers.

Ty Hilton, WR, Florida International
That's right, Colin Cowherd's boy. He doesn't have the size (5'10 183) and he didn't play "D1" but just look at what he did against a BCS school @ Louisville in 2011 (7 catches 201 yards 2 TDs) #damn.


5th Round (144, 147)
Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota
 6'6 314 senior can provide depth

Kelcie McCray, S, Arkansas State
Bud loves him some non-BCS players


6th Round (178)
Taylor Thompson, TE, LMU
Why not?


7th Round  (217, 251)
Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State
pick a name

Tim Benford, WR, Tennessee Tech
ditto

Buffalo Bills draft preview: Quarterback

by Steve

Whoa, five days until the draft. Let's look at the QBs available. We all know Ryan Fitz-noodle-arm Fitzpatrick is no quarterback of the future.  So the question isn't if but where the Bills should draft his replacement.

Ryan Tannehill, 24, Texas A&M

It is possible this flash in the pan will be available @10 when the Bills are on the clock.  He has a ton of question marks but tremendous upside.  First the knocks on draft board jumper Tanne: 

He has only 19 career college starts which murders the 26-27-60 corollary some subscribe to when drafting a quarterback.  The reason he only started a season and a half is because he initially was a wide receiver prospect as a red shirt freshman through half his junior year. yikes.  He did however complete more than 60% of his passes and allegedly scored a 34 on the Wonderlic.

However, what great quarterback do you recall playing that had their head coach fired their final season?  I understand not all great QBs win the National Championship but are they ever on a mediocre team with an interim head coach?  Also with only 19 starts there is simply no way Tanne would be able to step in and play right away.

But, that would actually not be a negative as far as the Bills are concerned because if they drafted Tannehill he wouldn't be expected to play in 2012.  However, with the Bills not participating in the postseason in 12 seasons are they in a position to take a "luxury" pick like Tannehill heading into a must-win-now season?

I say no, definitely not at 10 any way.

Brock Osweiler, 21, Arizona State

At 6'7 242, Osweiler is a beast.  That puts him a full two inches taller than Rapelisraper, damn  However, being only a junior and basically being forced to leave school early after failure Dennis Erickson was ousted hurts Osweiler.  He only had 15 starts in college and little to no success even in a mediocre PAC12.

I would love for the Bills to take a flyer on this kid somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round ala Ryan Mallet of a year ago.  He has the size and the ability, he's just greener than some NoCal sticky. And again the Bills aren't looking for a starter this year or probably even in 2013 which would allow Big Os the time he needs to develop.

Brandon Weeden, 29 (in October), Ok St.

For some reason wreck loves this guy.  He played in a wide open system in a conference devoid of defense and had one of the best WRs in college on his squad.  He is only a year younger than Ryan Fitzpatrick after toiling in low level professional baseball for a few years.

Even he was only a two year starter at Ok St. albeit he had a very successful 2011 campaign (including a bowl win v Andrew Luck).  Look, if the guy was 24 or even 25 I'd consider him early in the second round but the guy is just too damn old.  By the time he would be ready to start he'll be freaking 30 already!

Kirk Cousins, 24, Mich St

The guy has nice size at 6'3 205 and enjoyed a solid long career in college but that is all I see this kid accomplishing as a quarterback.  After watching a ton of games Cousins has played, he just seems like the prototypical college quarterback that doesn't succeed in the pros.

I will give him this, he sounds like a smart guy and knows football.  That will help him greatly if he wants to be a coach somewhere, but I see no point in the Bills drafting Kirky.

Nick Foles, 23, Arizona

My boy Folesie didn't do himself any favors in 2011 but I blame that mostly on an awful team and a wounded Bob Stoops "coaching" the Wildcats.  The guy is a moster at 6'5 243 and was a three year starter at Arizona.  The question however is his desire and ability to put it all together.

If he couldn't be successful in college what makes me think he can be effective in the NFL?  Were Stoops and a below average team the albatross around this kids neck or is Foles just not that good?  In retrospect he probably should have left college after 2010.

A steal in the 5th round?


And last but not least dwarf Russell Wilson
The 23 year old super senior had a great year at Wisconsin.  However, there is only one thing anyone needs to know about Wilson.  He's only 5'11 (with high heels on).  Dude is too damn short despite his solid skill set.

Coast would probably love this dude and just continue to repeat the name Doug "dwarf" Flutie. #donotwant

2012 NFL Draft, Buffalo Bills late round mock draft

by Steve

Here is a compilation of later round players certain "experts" have the Buffalo Bills potentially drafting.

Me
2nd Round (41)
Alshon Jeffrey, WR Gamecocks
If he's there it would be tough to pass on Alshon. His idiocy in getting booted from NC State's bowl game is disconcerting but screw it, dude can play.

3rd round
Brock Osweiler, QB, Az St.
Dude is green and may not be there when the Bills roll through at pick 71 but we can hope. It is either this or Nick Foles in the fifth round bitches.

4th Round
Ty Hilton, WR, Florida International
That's right, Cowher'd boy. He doesn't have the size (5'10 183) and he didn't play "D1" but just look at what he did against a BCS school in Louisville in 2011 (7 catches 201 yards 2 TDs) #damn.


Walterfootball
2nd round (41)
Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
As noted in my Buffalo Bills Offseason Needs page, Drayton Florence was awful in 2011, getting torched on a regular basis. Aaron Williams is expected to step into the starting lineup, but Buffalo will need to find depth at this position, especially with Terrence McGee turning 32 in October.

Round 3 (71)
Tank Carder, LB, TCU
The Bills need one more linebacker to join Nick Barnett and Kelvin Sheppard in their 4-3 scheme.


Joe Bascalgia
2nd round (41)
Jayron Hosley, CB, VA Tech
The ball-hawking cornerback that the Bills will hope teams with Aaron Williams for the foreseeable future. Despite being undersized, shows great poise in sticking with bigger receivers and is able to make a play on the ball. A trait that Leodis McKelvin lacks. Well-versed and coached in both zone and man schemes. Will struggle in run support but will make a quarterback pay for a poor throw.

Round 3 (71)
Brian Quick, WR, App St.
I could also see the Bills picking up a defensive end or linebacker here, but the upside on Quick is too good to pass up at this point. A tall and speedy receiver, Quick could be able to come in and make an impact for the Bills. He has the element the Bills receivers are missing. Fills a huge need as well. This is a deep receiver class.


CBS Sports
2nd Round
Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi
Massive and athletic Massie is earning first-round grades from some teams and would help fill Buffalo's need for help up front.


Bleacher Report
2nd round
Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
Crick is a big defensive end at 6'6" and weighs 285. Why Crick? He is another talented pass rusher that can provide some relief to spell Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. Chris Kelsay is going to turn 33-years old during the season, so Crick would be groomed to succeed him.
or
Stephon Gilmore, CB, Gamecocks
Gilmore is a taller corner, listed at 6'1" and weighs 193 pounds. He had a solid showing at the NFL Scouting Combines.

Their Worst Case Scenario @ 41 for the Bills
Brandon Weeden, QB, Ok St (29 years old)
Weeden would fit in well with the other Bills quarterbacks, in that Tyler Thigpen is also 27 years old now, is 6'1" and weighs 216 pounds, while Brad Smith is 6'2", 28 years old and weighs 212 pounds.

Buffalo Bills 2012 schedule breakdown

by Steve

Ouch, not a good schedule. No "real" prime time games, start on the road, 4 "home" games in December, yikes. Chan polish up that resume.

week 1 @ NY Jets 1pm (L)
week 2 v KC Chiefs (W)
week 3 @ Browns (L)
week 4 v Patriots (H)
week 5 @ SF Giants 4:15 (L)
week 6 @ AZ Cardinals 4:05 (L)
week 7 v Tennessee (W)
week 8 bye
week 9 @ Houston (L)
week 10 @ Patriots (L)
week 11 v Miami (Thursday 8:20) (L)
week 12 @ Indy (W)
December
week 13 v Jacksonville (W)
week 14 v St Louis (W)
week 15 v Seattle (Toronto) 4:05 (W)
week 16 @ Miami (L) 12/23
week 17 v NY Jets (W)

Pretty simple, Buffalo Bills will finish 8-8 in 2012. I give is a ton of wins in December which will not happen because the team is fragile and weak but the W's have to come from some where.

Three games played at the Ralph in December? Another poor season at the ticket off at OBD. Ouch NFL. One prime time game is more than I expected other than the team being guaranteed a prime time game (Granted on a Thursday)

We lose to the Browns, Houston, Arizona @ Miami and San Francisco because we never win games I attend and we never win on the West Coast. Prove me wrong. I'll be at the @ Miami and @ Cleveland games so those are obvious L's.

Can't wait for this team to bring in a real quarterback and real coach next season. 8 wins is an accomplishment though right?

Buffalo Bills draft preview: Offensive Tackle

by Steve

As part of our on going draft coverage here is a breakdown of the offensive tackles in the upcoming NFL Draft. In case you missed it here is my first mock draft, Bills needs and the latest Bills mock draft compilation.

Matt Khalil, OT, USC
6'6 306
The consensus top offensive tackle available in the draft. He almost certainly will not be available when the Bills select @ 10.


Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
6'6 313
Could be available when the Bills pick at ten. The 23 year old red shirt Junior started every game at left tackle for a mediocre Iowa team that got crushed by Oklahoma in some meaningless bowl game. He started all thirteen games for the Hawk Eyes in 2010 replacing Bryan Bulaga. Good pedigree there and would be worth 10th overall.


Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
6'5 312
Another red shirt junior who didn't work out at the combine and may have hurt his stock a bit. Protected Andrew Luck's blind which plausibly makes him appear better than he is. Not necessarily worthy of the top 10 but had a great three year career for the Cardinal.


Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
6'5 345
Appears to be coming out of no where as a sleeper tackle in the draft. Sort of a jack of all trades offensive lineman, some have him pegged as a guard in the NFL. He played the full 2011 season at tackle for the Bulldogs and killed it at the combine. This is a risky pick for the Bills if they see him as their LT.


Mike Adams, OT, OSU
6'7 323
The biggest of the OTs thus far also with the most generic name. Oh and he was part of the free tattoos for signed garb crew with our boy T. Pryor. Not projected to be a top 20 pick but most likely will not last into the second round. Having a bad combine combined with getting hurt there didn't help his stock either.


Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi
6'6 316
Junior from football power conference the SEC. Started seventeen games at right tackle and allegedly had a good combine. Might be a good pick in the second round.

2012 NFL Mock Draft 4/14/12

by Steve

My first mock draft of all time, you're welcome.

1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
duh

2. Washington Redskins
RGiii, QB, Baylor
duh

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Assuming they don't trade this pick which is a distinct possibility.

4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
I don't know why anyone would draft a running back this high but hey, Cleveland is stupid. At least they aren't dumb enough to draft Tannehill here, right?

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Who doesn't want a lock-down corner in the age of the forward pass?

6. St Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon, WR, Ok St
The value of the draft thus far if he is still available. He isn't as good as Megatron but Blackmon is exactly what Sam-Brad ordered.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Floyd, WR, ND
Can anyone really say what this franchise is going to do? Mike Mularchuk [sic] as the coach? Gotta give busty mc-bust Gabbert someone to target right?

8. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas a&m
Hehe, failboat. Chips are falling too perfectly in place for the 'phins to not pull the trigger on Tannehill. Fortunately for all of us that hate the Dolphins this pick will fail because Tanne will be forced in to starting sooner than he's ready too.

9. Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly, ILB, BC
Gotta build that porous defense and replace some holes in the LB corps.

10. Buffalo Bills
Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
Stealing this idea from WGR's Joe Buscaglia. It isn't the sexiest pick but it might be the wise one unfortunately. It is between Glenn, Martin and Reiff.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
Fletcher Cox, DT, Miss St
Great value pick and BPA. Cox falls only because of all the QBs and WRs going off the board sooner than some predict. No one drafts a guard top 12 c'mon.

12. Seattle Seahawks
Riley Reiff OT, Iowa
Nice safe pick for a middling team.

13. Arizona Cardinals
David Decastro, G, Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys
Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
If he has character issues he is Dallas' man. Might be a BPA-esque pick any way

15. Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Andy Reid loves him some trench guys and that is why they are always competitive.

16. New York Jets
Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
They always go defense and Poe is value at 16

17. Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
It's going to be someone in the secondary might as well be the top safety.

18. San Diego Charges
Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama
No freaking wonder Alabama was so good last year jeez. Janoris Jenkins character flaws hurt him here.

19. Chicago Bears
Melvin Ingram, DE, Gamecocks
Probably won't fall this far but this is where I have him deal with it.

20. Tennesse Titans
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
#ilikethat great pick here

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Cinci could do a number of things here, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a defensive front 7.

22. Cleveland Browns
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
BPA

23. Detroit Lions
Stephon Gilmore, CB, Gamecocks
Maybe an OT if they like one better than Gilmore.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dont'a Hightower, OLB, Alabama
Typical Steelers move

25. Denver Broncos
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Just like Indy used to do, build around Peyton.

26. Houston Texans
Stephon Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
I don't care.

27. New England Patriots
Janoris Jenkins, CB, N Alabama
I tried to crawl into the mind of William Belichick and I shit my pants.

28. Green Bay Packers
Nick Perry, OLB, USC

29. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Jones, C, Wisconsin
Stole this from walterfootball

30. San Francisco 49ers
Chandler Jones, OLB, 'cuse
Frisco I feel like always goes defense

31. New England Patriots
Prime pick to trade, someone will move up for someone they like. Perhaps Mike Adams?

32. NY Giants
Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Buffalo Bills 2012 mock draft compilation

by Steve

Here are the Buffalo Bills needs heading into the draft. Now an updated compilation of viable people's mock drafts:

Mel Kiper Jr.
10 – Buffalo – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Buffalo has passed on offensive line options in recent years, but Reiff would be a good option to buck the trend. The Bills have made big strides on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, and that allows them to focus on shoring up the offense. Reiff will help protect, but is a complete player and will provide a spark in the running game as well.
41 – Buffalo – Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian St.
A favorite of mine, Quick has big-time size and can stretch the field. Buffalo lacks a true deep threat.
Quick ran a 4.55 40-time at the Combine, but is a huge target at 6’4″ 220 pounds.


Walterfootball
10 – Buffalo – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
(other possibilities)
1. Michael Floyd, WR - The Bills also have to make sure they give Fitzpatrick as many weapons as possible.

2. Luke Kuechly, OLB - Buffalo needs a third linebacker to pair with Nick Barnett and Kelvin Sheppard.


Todd McShay
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Analysis: Outside of Tannehill, no one has climbed up the draft boards faster these past couple months than Floyd. He was projected to be a top-20 or top-25 pick. But Floyd's impressive combine and offseason has some, like McShay, projecting Floyd in the top 10. I'm still a little nervous about that, but I do think Floyd is a good fit for Buffalo's offense. The team addressed its pass rush in a major way this offseason. I think the Bills still have bigger needs, such as left tackle, but getting a top receiver wouldn't be a bad move to help quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.


Joe Bascaglia
- OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia
- This is the second time I've mocked Cordy Glenn to the Bills, the first of which coming in the March 2 edition. This pick makes sense for many reasons: 1) Glenn fills a huge need. With Demetress Bell now gone to Philadelphia, the Bills aren't exactly all in for Chris Hairston by the way they've been talking. 2) Glenn has the prototypical measurements that make the Bills drool. Look across their roster, it's prototype height and weight. They asked Erik Pears to bulk up with strength to meet the prototype in order to win the starting job at right tackle. At 6-foot-5, 345-pounds and with 35 and 3/4-inch arms, Glenn is by far the prototype. 3) His versatility. Before taking over left tackle for his senior season, he spent time as a guard for the Bulldogs. During his final season, he showed incredible strides and showed a lot of upside for the next level. He beats out Reiff and Martin in my opinion, and is the second-best offensive tackle available behind Matt Kalil.


Charley Casserly (NFL Net)
10 – Buffalo – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Can start immediately at left tackle.

And 4 of 5 writers for USA Today have us taking Reiff. Jeez where is the thinking outside the box people? The other dude has us taking Floyd.

Tomorrow.. My first ever mock draft!

Buffalo Bills needs heading into the draft

by Steve

14 days until the 2012 NFL draft, good thing you found us because we'll be going H.A.M. for the next two weeks breaking it down. So here are the Buffalo Bills needs heading into the three day affair.

Offensive Tackle
Normally this position wouldn't be my cup of tea especially in the first round. However, with only one left tackle listed on the roster, fourth rounder from 2011, Chris Hairston (and he's actually a right tackle) this position has to be address in the draft. Losing Demetrius Bell wasn't ideal but it was understandable. He was injury prone and never owned the position. Oh and Bud Nix has basically been talking non-stop about drafting a tackle.


Outside linebacker
Kirk Morrison really? The is going to be the starting strong side linebacker in the Bills "hybrid" 3-4 defense? The guy could barely get on the field in 2011 and has never proved he is a starting caliber player. High end talent in this draft will prevent the Bills from looking OLB early. Perhaps trade back if at all possible? This is the 1a need for the Bills.


Wide Receiver
Will the real #2 WR please stand up? Are we all 100% convinced that Stevie Johnson is even a #1 wide out? He isn't exactly paid like one. Don't even mention the name Marcus Easley unless he is actually playing in a freaking NFL game (ya know, something he has never done). David Nelson is a skinny tightend in WR's clothing. Donald Jones might have some speed and is a solid #5. Ruvell Martin, Naaman Roosevelt, Kamar Aiken, Derek Hagan? Yikes.


Cornerback
Lord knows Nix is obsessed with drafting cornerbacks every year so there is no reason to pretend we won't this year. How big of a need this is depends on Terrence McGee staying healthy and playing a full season (hahaha that was a little joke) and first round bust Leodis McKelvin. Is McKelvin done as a Buffalo Bill? His lack of playing time at the end of last season says it is but shouldn't the guy be motivated to come into the camps/practices guns blazing and prove himself? Moremore, how good are Drayton Florence (meh) and Aaron Williams (possible baller)? (please don't go CB @10, please please please)

Tight End
If anyone doesn't think the Bills could and NEED to get more athletic here you are fooling yourself. Or you are Scott Chandler's wife or mother. The Bills brass has to find the next diamond in the rough or wait for the Patriots to eventually let pot head Aaron Hernandez go.

Running back
That was another little joke.

Safety
Bring in someone to compete against senator George Wilson and push Da'Norris Searcy in the middle rounds.


And last but not least, Quarterback.
Tyler Thigpen can barely even warm up on the sidelines without getting a concussion let alone stepping in a capable quarterback. The team has zero young prospects waiting in the wings. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not a long term solution at the problem. Couldn't the Bills draft a player or two to evaluate and hope they get lucky? Or least a prospect (above 6'0 and not 28 years old [cough Russ Wilson/Brandon Weeden]) to sit on for a year or two?

Buffalo Sabres officially eliminated from the playoffs

by Steve

No need to pile on, I saw this Friday night. The injury card will be fully played and Darc/Lindy will return for next season and beyond. If that is the case the goal clearly is not to "only win the Stanley Cup" it is about placating and a paralyzing fear of change.

The player that clearly cost them the game tonight against Philadelphia was a whily veteran the team overly pursued and persuaded to play for the Buffalo Sabres in Robyn Regehr. Thanks for nothing Buffalo, maybe next year the squad will stay healthy and we'll lock up the seven seed before game 81.

TIME TO DIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

2012 NL East baseball preview

by Steve

NL Central preview and NL West preview were already covered. Now to the NL East to close out the superior league in MLB.

Atlanta Braves
My only reluctance here is that epic collapse last year still lingering even if it was overshadowed by the overrated Red Sox own meltdown (oh and a general lassitude among the fan base). This team still has a solid young core mixed with vets and young guns and a manager that should be able to put 2011 behind them.

Jurrjens and Hanson at the top are good enough with the hope that Hudson has anything left. Plus Beachy has a season under his belt and didn't implode. But, WTF happen to Jason Heyward?
93-69


Philadelphia Phillies
The door may have slammed shut on this squad. Severe/ugly injuries to old cornerstones Utley & Howard are disconcerting. The pitching is obviously still there and capable of carrying the team even in that small park (or at least Philly fan better hope so.)

The obvious question is whether Pence and Mayberry are ready to shoulder the load on offense. Maybe the obit should be put on hold with this team for another year with Halladay gassing fools and Lee still capable of being a witch. But I'm not convinced. Father time is not on their side and a more competitive division doesn't help. I have them penciled into a wild card spot mostly because of old man Manuel.
91-71


Miami Marlins
New name, new digs and new stadium still no division title for the fish. How the hell is big Z in the starting five in the rotation? Can Buehrle and Josh Johnson stay healthy and productive all year? Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco have to be more consistent if this team truly believes they can contend.

Jose Reyes is overrated and over paid but still an exciting player. But how long until Han-Ram throws this team under the bus because he hates playing at third? Overall solid team that may just need a full season to gel.
83-79


NY Mets
Is there one prognosticator out there that isn't piling on and saying the Mets suck, they're dead etc.? Being a natural contrarian I will say they're not dead. What did Jose Reyes ever win this franchise? What was Carlos Beltran's biggest moment with NY?

Santana is back, the ownership problems have calmed down, Jon Niese got paid and David Wright is in a contract year. Plus the powers that be moved the outfield fence in! Well, yeah they will still finish fourth in the division but it won't be last place and they won't get the all time mark for L's. Mostly because Duda is nobody, Jason Bay is horrendous and the rotation is a patch work group.
79-83


Washington Nationals
I predicted this team wouldn't finish in the basement last year and I was vindicated. Unfortunately I'm not feeling it this year. Young guns Strasburg and Harper may have something to say about that however (assuming Harp-dog gets the call up).

I like the Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson acquisitions but until I actually see the Nattys being competitive and interesting I can't pick them to make a big enough jump.
75-87

2012 NL Central baseball preview

by Steve

In case you missed it here is the NL West Preview, now on to the Central:

Cincinnati Reds
When your contract includes a $20 million option for 2024 YOU GOT PAID. Probably way too much too, but Joey Votto is a cornerstone to any franchise. $225 million though? Hopefully for the Reds JV and co have a bounce back '12 after a disappointing 2011 campaign.

For now Volquez for Latos seems like a good deal but I don't trust any pitcher from San Diego and their hitter hating ballpark. Can Johnny Cueto ever stay healthy? Drew Stubbs probably won't hit 45 dingers again but he has to cut down on the k's. And who is Chris Heisey and how many of you knew he had 26 dongs in '11?

I give Cincy the edge because they have the best manager in a down division sans Puj and fat boy Prince.
91-71


St Louis Cardinals
This team is indestructible. Every time they are left for dead they rise from the ashes Jason Voorhees style and kick you in the nuts. The bigger loss for this squad may be their weird lettuce manager than Mr lawn mower Puj.

The red birds luckily have someone in-house to replace him in World Series MVP Freese. Wainwright and Lohse are a solid 1-2 but behind that is nothing more than a few washed up has-beens and young buck Lance Lynn.

This season depends on Mike Matheny and his transition to lead dog calling the shots.
89-73


Milwaukee Brewers
Aramis Ramirez is no replacement for Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun is a cheater. The nucleus is still good but unfortunately for Brew-crew nation not great.

This team will have to transition into more of a pitching and defense type squad because Braun's numbers are going to suffer two fold (ya know sans PEDs and fat boy providing protection). Oh and will Randy Wolf ever die? How much money has this guy pocketed for being a career 4th starter?
81-81

Three more teams to go? Ouch

Pittsburgh Pirates
Do you need a worse sign heading into the season than your "big acquisition" AJ Burnett busting his face practicing bunts? At least Andrew McCutchen got paid (although even that doesn't guarantee he'll be around a while).

Eventually all the high draft picks and dumping of players for prospects has to greatly improve the talent on the roster doesn't it? Well unless you whiff on Jose Bautista.
80-82 (still not .500 ouch)


Chicago Cubs/Houston Astros
Wow. Is there something worse than hopeless? Are there three players on either roster someone would truly desire? At least Houston has some excuses and get to change leagues, but the Cubbies? They are the joke of professional sports, and I'm saying this from Buffalo,NY. That has to sting.
60-102

2012 NL West baseball preview

by Steve

Assuming we don't count last weeks Japan series between Seattle and Oakland, the 2012 baseball season starts Wednesday. 'Bout god damn time I starting filling your dome with knowledge so here is a breakdown of each division.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Is there a specific reason why the Dodgers can't bounce back sans McCourt and win the NL West? They have a stud #1 and #2 in Kershaw and Billingsley. The 3-5 are respectable if Capuano and Harang have anything left. (Ouch that is a big IF, but no one is missing Kuroda). Any team with out Franky McC as the owner has to be better off though.

The bullpen is weak but the position players are in place to seriously contend for a division title. Don't sleep on Dee Gordon at SS fwiw. Oh and yes Loney, Ethier and Kemp are still on the squad. #ilikethat.
91-71


San Francisco Giants
Holy smokes did Matt Cain get paid. One of the highest paid righties of all time? He has been combined 3 games above .500 that last four years. Don't bother giving me his ERA, W's are all that matters when you're throwing around that much jack. Bumgarner and Zito need to be a factor for this team to find success in 2012.

Anyone have faith in "Milkey", Angel Pagan and Schierholtz in the outfield? Didn't think so. Buster P. needs to prove he is healthy and has moved past that gruesome injury before I believe it. Oh and did anyone else hear Brian Wilson on Jim Rome Tuesday? Dude is outtttt there, woww.
89-73

Arizona Diamonbacks
Damn I did not see 2011 coming from the desert. Hats off to Kirky Kirk Gibson. Unfortunately the element of surprise is gone. Fortunately this roster is still stacked with crazy talent (Upton, Young, Montero, Goldschmitd)

Can Joe Saunders contribute? No way Ian Kennedy replicates 2011 but it wasn't necessarily a fluke season either. The acquisition of Cahill from Oakland is solid and the rest of the rotation leans on young guns. The fact that no one out in Arizona pays attention can only be a blessing in disguise.
88-74


Colorado Rockies
This team will flat out rake as per usual but can they get anyone out? Jeremy Guthrie is solid (anyone remember he was a Buffalo Bison) but he is not an ace, period. Wait wait, do they really have 49 year-old Jamie Moyer listed as their #2 They just went from 83 wins to 79, ouch.

Carlos Gonzalez has to prove he wasn't just a fluke, but lucky for him he plays in Denver. Oh and what the hell does Todd Helton eat every day? I need to get on his level. Cuddyer will fit in nicely in the National League bet on that.
79-83


San Diego Padres
#timetodie. Hundley, Headley and Maybin might be worth watching and that's about it. Pitchers are going to pitch like Volquez and Moseley but this team is in dire straits. Gonna be a tough season in paradise down in SoCal. The only reason I can imagine vets like Barlett and Hudson signing are either ca$he money or the weather. Not good.

69-73