starrymessenger

I think you are right to ask the question. He played against three man lines and because in a spread O didn't set in a three point stance. Sometimes that transition is a problem - see all world bust DT Robinson years ago. He's known as a run blocker. Whoever picks him better make sure he can protect the passer.

You don't have to be a high level guy to know that. You just need not to be completely uninformed about football.

Haven't studied the player. Seems highly regarded. He played in a run first O. Some analysts suggest that he is completely unproven in pass pro and there may be issues around his foot speed and vulnerability to the speed rush. Don't know if that is accurate. Beware Cody Ford. I would probably be less concerned with his need to increase his upper and lower body strength to counter the bull rush. That's what nfl conditioning programs are all about.

Bills absolutely need to find a linebacker in this draft. The 3 guys currently on board are all backups. If they can trade back from 27 and still get Campbell or Simpson (prefer Campbell) great. With the extra pick they can maybe scoop Mims after the front runners have all gone in the first. I think Mims can bring lots to the table. Way more than Downs imo. Of course it would be great if the Bills could sign a top shelf veteran. I don't know where Hop will land but Arizona is definitely moving him.

While it is true that the modern game differs from what was played in Kelly's time with greater emphasis on passing, you are unlikely to be successful without a running game that opposing Ds have to account for. And you might say that the run game itself has more morphed into something else with RBs receiving out of the backfield than become entirely of secondary importance . And even in the past there have been some strongly pass first offences. The greatest show on turf had a hall of fame RB. Don Coryell's offence in San Diego relied heavily on a strong inside running attack. We all want weapons for Josh but are we forgetting that a good to great back is an offensive weapon? We all know the importance of protecting the passer, but are we forgetting that a three down franchise back has also to be very good in pass pro in order to deserve that caption? The Bills have invested a fair amount of draft capital to the RB position. Two thirds and a second. The question is whether they would have been better served by investing in a first round RB if they felt that a three down franchise back was available. Maybe they felt that guy wasn't there. Thing is a college back is unlikely to be asked to do all the things a pro is asked to do. Bijan acknowledges that his pass protection is very underdeveloped. I would think that part of the evaluation process in his case has to involve a projection regarding his ability to block. A line that can block is every bit as important, even more important, than having a great back. That's because there are lots of good though not great runners capable of giving you what you need to have a balanced attack, which is essential. I think that with Harris the emphasis should be on upgrading the line, which could include drafting a TE. I like Mayer a lot. This years crop of RBs is good. I expect the Bills to look for one in later rounds. They need a rook to fill out the RB room.

Correct. The oft observed "weakness" is that he does not always play up to his physical ability. True but as weaknesses go I will take that one before many others. And it is a mistake to imply that he doesn't or can't also play to that level because he does. What you want is to see it more consistently but that's what nfl coaching and an nfl strength and conditioning program should do for him as for others coming into the league. I agree the Bills may prefer Simpson. That's a pick that's not without (more) risk.

I think his spot is late first early second. I'd be chuffed if the Bills could land him in the third but that is not happening. Could well be that McD prefers Simpson anyway. The two games you viewed were not his best. He missed a couple of tackles and the O-linemen got a few good blocks on him. Only thing I'd say by way of caution is that not all game action is highlight material. I remember checking out a T A&M game tape like 12 years ago (against Missou I think) to look at a highly touted prospect LB/DE. The guy hardly did anything so I came away thinking he reminded me of Aaron Maybin, except that his name was Von.

Yeah Milano is a guy who is a lot more football player than athlete. And he's a great football player, all pro nuff said. I think I recall McD saying he got from Aranda and Powledge absolutely glowing reports on Bernard's intangibles and football IQ. We all know how McD values those qualities and as you point out the Bills are not above drafting a player who is small and slow. And it's true that some guys are better off sitting out or seeing limited playing time their rookie year as they acclimate to the NFL. I think Andy Reid once said that if PM had not sat out his first year he might not have developed so well. We are going to find out about Bernard this year. It would be great if it worked out. My recollection though is of seeing a tight end putting more and more separation between him and Bernard who was chasing him.

I guess Florio is at a loss for things to talk about.

He's a much better athlete than often given credit for. But it's not just his athleticism and skill set. We often see players who are more athlete than football player, even if they are also good football players. Like Milano this guy is 100% a football player. His leadership qualities/intangibles are also off the charts. There are a number of players in this draft who are pretty much ideal for the positions they play, like the OSU slot receiver, and who will contribute to their teams right away and for a long time. Jack Campbell is one of them imo. Taking him at 27 is by no means a reach. There will no doubt be good players on the Board when we pick and that I would be happy with but Campbell is pretty high on the list of those likely to still be available.

Yeah I'm hoping against hope.

Love Mims.Ran a faster 40 than Hyatt. He's going to develop very nicely at the next level. If we don't prioritize WR in the first 2 rounds I'd be happy with him in the 3rd or later. I suspect he's moving up the board now though.

So far looks like a core special teamer and backup. That's not worth a third round pick. I guess we will better see what their plan is for him this year. I'm interested to see in his case to what extent intangibles and football IQ can compensate for perhaps marginal size/athleticism. I think Bama's Henry TooToo is a better example of this type of player. Will be interested to see where he's picked. Maybe he's worth a 3rd idk.

I think Campbell is underappreciated, even though he is highly regarded. I think he's going to be a great pro and have an outstanding career.

He is going to be a great slot, an immediate and an important contributor…and a Raven imo. Is that because of positional needs or because you think these others are just better players.

Not sure how I feel about Hop. He’s been elite but in his 30s now, durability is more an issue, had his PED suspension last year and then there’s that contract which if Arizona doesnt contribute is way too much for the Bills to handle. To me we need another WR but he needs to be a good one. Daniel Jeremiah, who has been right a lot in his predictions, including his predictions for the Bills (Stringer at 9), sees us drafting Johnston. It’s not a crazy idea. Johnston has a flavour of boom or bust. Much more risk imo than Addison, Flowers, JSN who Jeremiah sees as going before Johnson. I think I would do pretty much the same as Jeremiah in ranking my WR preferences for the Bills draft.

Like I said Cook is to Gibbs as Gibbs is to Bijan. And Bijan is better than Gibbs. But Cook can still be a very good player. I think he will be. Oh, and I really did mean WR.

He’s just about as talented as Bijan. But hes not Bijan. Bijan is bigger and stronger, a more powerful back but who can run as well as Gibbs. Cook is to Gibbs what Gibbs is to Bijan. If Bijan is there at 27 im sorely tempted even with Harris on board. I like Gibbs so much I wondered whether he could be converted to WR cause hes great coming out of the backfield but hes been a RB not a WR so probably just a silly thought.

Not aware that there were "issues" with Moss off field. I think for a guy who was supposed to make his living running between the tackles he was just too small to cut it as such against NFL Ds. Most evaluation for the draft involves projecting the player at the next level using various tests and measurements. I'm not sure what exactly caused the Bills to think he could fit the same mould in the Bills O as he did in college, but clearly this was not the case. He's not a bad player and he's probably better suited to back up Taylor and Jackson than fill a primary role in any NFL backfield. Needless to say he was a miss as a 3rd round RB. Harris is bigger and a more powerful back. He is a violent runner. I know his 40 time would put him in Singletary's class but he is football fast and a north south ball carrier who can hit the hole and display quickness and a move or two at the second level. To me he's more than a short yardage back. Imo you simply could not say that about Moss. With a one year prove it deal he has every incentive to do well and secure a better payday next year.

If healthy he is a major upgrade to Moss. Will take a load off Allen.

Oh well didn't Josh run him over at the goal line in the season opener? Seriously that's too bad. He would have been good for the Bills.

I was wondering how many snaps he had where he lined up outside given his size/speed. I guess that means he is another hybrid like Shakir and Davis. I suppose they liked putting him in the slot for his blocking ability as well as being a big target for Tua.

im pleased with the two WR signings. Both are probably significant upgrades and I give Beane credit for these moves. But this receiving corps absolutely still needs a WR 2 and I think that means finding one in the draft. I too fear that they may be going in a different direction. Hope not. Given his size and speed I wonder if this guy can play on the outside. Seems to be a big slot with YAC ability.

I was not suggesting that you were cherry picking, just that over time one is likely to find positive comments as well.

I don't know how representative these fan comments are. Haven't bothered to do it but if their board is anything like ours I wouldn't be surprised if one also found positive feedback. Of course fans are going to jump up and down when a WR experiences drops, and given a 7.6% drop rate who could blame them. Jeudy's overall numbers were greatly affected by one game (Chargers I think) which he dropped like five passes (12 for the year). Now of course that's awful in itself and is no defence of Jeudy, However anybody can have a bad outing. Demarius Thomas once caught only one of his 13 targets. Stuff happens. Two other things to consider are poor ball placement and throwing into coverage by the lousy QBs (even if Jeudy got his hands on it) and the fact that he's a YAC guy and some of his concentration lapses reflect a lack of patience in thinking ahead before the ball has been secured. What that means is that there are some things he needs to work on (like lots of good pros) but they don't prevent him from being a talented receiver and a very desirable asset. McKenzie had Josh Allen.