NoSaint Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 (edited) Miller slides inside if moats and merriman are outstanding. Right now his size and speed have a natural comparison to Patrick willis. Otherwise, it doesn't hurt to have quality depth. Especially with those players being a rook with size questions, merriman (too many questions to list) and moats (a late round pick who played above expectations but not exceptionally). Edited April 20, 2011 by NoSaint
NewEra Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 I dont see any of our olb moving inside. The only place they may be moved to is the unemployment line. If we drafted miller, I'd assume he'd play a bit of everything. I feel he would be better better vs the run if he didn't have his hand on the ground, positioned a 3 feet from an OL. Let him react and find the seams. Taking on an OL off the snap on a running will probably never work out very well for him.
Sisyphean Bills Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Real talk, I can easily see them moving him to inside linebacker. Right now the roster has Coleman/Batten/Moats/Maybin/Merriman/Kelsay at the DE/OLB position. Now lets look at MLB, Poz & Davis, that's it. IF they draft Von, he's going to play inside and move outside on passing downs, also see a few of the OLB/DE I listed being cut at some point. Last year the Bills scouts, post-draft interview, revealed that Jerry Hughes was a guy who they felt could play OLB or ILB. He was strictly an edge rusher in college, but they believed his athleticism would help him convert to any LB position. Just another perspective on what they may be thinking. Actually, this makes perfect sense using "Bills Logic". Drafting kids to play new positions that our proven smartest-guy-in-the-room scouts project to be able to play with zero evidence on tape.
1billsfan Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Real talk, I can easily see them moving him to inside linebacker. Right now the roster has Coleman/Batten/Moats/Maybin/Merriman/Kelsay at the DE/OLB position. Now lets look at MLB, Poz & Davis, that's it. IF they draft Von, he's going to play inside and move outside on passing downs, also see a few of the OLB/DE I listed being cut at some point. Last year the Bills scouts, post-draft interview, revealed that Jerry Hughes was a guy who they felt could play OLB or ILB. He was strictly an edge rusher in college, but they believed his athleticism would help him convert to any LB position. Just another perspective on what they may be thinking. What does this say about their ability to scout LBs?... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/07/bill-polian-admits-making-a-mistake-drafting-jerry-hughes/ I should just accept the fact that that they're probably going to blow this pick.
RealityCheck Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Obviously a lot of people are ezxcited about the Bills getting Von Miller....to those? Where does he fit? If Merriman is healthy, Von Miller will not start over him - also, with Moats, don't we have a capable backup at that position? I know it's a big IF with "lights out", but the extension was signed...if we draft for need, wouldn't it make more sense taking a 3-4 DE or even...gulp...QB? Any thoughts - how does the line up work taking him? It's real simple. Our LBs suck. As you add LBs to the roster the weak will get culled from the herd in August and that would be that. With any luck, Kelcey will be pushed off the roster due to bringing in better talent. If he is still on the team in September, then you know that our OLB and 4-3 End positions still need a lot more talent.
Cash Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Arthur Moats is replaceable as our starting OLB. I don't think we should just automatically assume that the job is his. He's a decent developing prospect that could add solid depth to the position. But I wouldn't go as far as saying the job is definitely his. Merriman and Kelsay are the current starters at OLB. Both were signed to new contracts in the last 7 months, which means that the front office considers them part of the solution. Given Chan Gailey's comments, I think Miller starts at ILB from day 1, moving to OLB or DE on passing downs (depending on the defensive formation). Then I guess he'd probably play WLB when we play a 4-3 base, although I wouldn't be shocked if they put him at MLB.
DreReed83 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Miller slides inside if moats and merriman are outstanding. Right now his size and speed have a natural comparison to Patrick willis. Otherwise, it doesn't hurt to have quality depth. Especially with those players being a rook with size questions, merriman (too many questions to list) and moats (a late round pick who played above expectations but not exceptionally). Miller is not an ILB.
Bufcomments Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 If the Bills take Miller that tells me they will put Kelsey back at DE, where he belongs. If they don't take Miller they firmly believe that Merriman is healed and ready to get back on the field and they believe Moats can continue to improve. I would rather them take a big guy that can play DE and get heat on the QB's or a DT to stop the run.
....lybob Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 If you believe Buddy the priority is DEs and ILBs
DreReed83 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Arthur Moats is replaceable as our starting OLB. I don't think we should just automatically assume that the job is his. He's a decent developing prospect that could add solid depth to the position. But I wouldn't go as far as saying the job is definitely his. I would. Starting the last 4 games and getting 2 sacks, 1 FF in 4 of those games as a rookie is pretty good IMO. He's earned it. If you believe Buddy the priority is DEs and ILBs Not at 3 (unless Dareus is there).
billsfaninvgs Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Don't forget about Maybin. I just spit my coffee all over my desk.....
Bangarang Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 (edited) I would. Starting the last 4 games and getting 2 sacks, 1 FF in 4 of those games as a rookie is pretty good IMO. He's earned it. That's hardly earning it for me. Moats is a liability against the run and in coverage. He's not good enough as a pass rusher yet to make up for his other deficiencies. Like I said, he's a solid prospect and could provide solid depth at LB. But in now way do I think he's earned a starting spot. Edited April 20, 2011 by Bangarang
DreReed83 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 That's hardly earning it for me. Moats is a liability against the run and in coverage. He's not good enough as a pass rusher yet to make up for his other deficiencies. Like I said, he's a solid prospect and could provide solid depth at LB. But in now way do I think he's earned a starting spot. He's totally earned a spot. The guy knows how to get to the QB and he's the best pass rusher we have. Who's a better rusher than he is? Kelsay? Merriman? Maybin? Get real.
White Linen Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Real talk, I can easily see them moving him to inside linebacker. Right now the roster has Coleman/Batten/Moats/Maybin/Merriman/Kelsay at the DE/OLB position. Now lets look at MLB, Poz & Davis, that's it. IF they draft Von, he's going to play inside and move outside on passing downs, also see a few of the OLB/DE I listed being cut at some point. Last year the Bills scouts, post-draft interview, revealed that Jerry Hughes was a guy who they felt could play OLB or ILB. He was strictly an edge rusher in college, but they believed his athleticism would help him convert to any LB position. Just another perspective on what they may be thinking. First off the Bills FO has repeatedly said Batten IS going to play inside, so he's not an OLB. The idea that you think Miller would be inside on rushing downs is ludicrous. A 240lb rushing specialist will play MLB on rushing downs? If we draft him you'll see it at some point, Miller is miserable against the run in traffic. There's a zero percent chance that is happening.
Bangarang Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 He's totally earned a spot. The guy knows how to get to the QB and he's the best pass rusher we have. Who's a better rusher than he is? Kelsay? Merriman? Maybin? Get real. Again, how has he totally earned a starting spot? For getting 2 sacks in 4 games? Who's a better rusher than him? Depending on how healthy Merriman can get, then I'd say probably just him. But earning a starting spot and getting one by being the less crappy option are two different things.
DreReed83 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 (edited) Again, how has he totally earned a starting spot? For getting 2 sacks in 4 games? Who's a better rusher than him? Depending on how healthy Merriman can get, then I'd say probably just him. But earning a starting spot and getting one by being the less crappy option are two different things. Merriman? What has he done? Merriman had 4 sacks in his last 4 years. Moats has 2 sacks in his last 4 games. Not to mention that Moats is probably healthier AND younger. And you'd start Merriman? Who has a higher upside and more potential? Moats. Edited April 20, 2011 by DreReed83
Sisyphean Bills Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Miller is not an ILB. Bingo. That's pure projection and we should all know how well the Bills project players. Mike Williams and his ballerina feet were the last projection taken almost this high... If the Bills take Miller that tells me they will put Kelsey back at DE, where he belongs. If they don't take Miller they firmly believe that Merriman is healed and ready to get back on the field and they believe Moats can continue to improve. I would rather them take a big guy that can play DE and get heat on the QB's or a DT to stop the run. Kelsay can't play DE in the 3-4. If they try that, he'll leave the Sam and Mike totally exposed. Buddy has been saying that they need to address the run defense and specifically mentioned ILBs and 5-technique players to do so. Miller is neither.
Bangarang Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Merriman? What has he done? Merriman had 4 sacks in his last 4 years. Moats has 2 sacks in his last 4 games. Not to mention that Moats is probably healthier AND younger. And you'd start Merriman? Who has a higher upside and more potential? Moats. Yeah it's not like Merriman hasn't been battling severe injuries for the past few years or anything. If you had a healthy Merriman, you'd be a fool not to start him. How does moats have higher upside and more potential than Merriman when Merriman has proven to be dominant and is still only 26? If he can come back to even just 75% of what he was, he's still a much better option than Moats.
DreReed83 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Yeah it's not like Merriman hasn't been battling severe injuries for the past few years or anything. If you had a healthy Merriman, you'd be a fool not to start him. How does moats have higher upside and more potential than Merriman when Merriman has proven to be dominant and is still only 26? If he can come back to even just 75% of what he was, he's still a much better option than Moats. Really? I'm not even going to respond to that comment. Shawne Merriman last 4 years. 44 tackles, 4 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, Arthur Moats last year - 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF If Merriman was 100% healthy, do you think the Chargers would've let him go and would've signed in Buffalo? I don't think so. So if Merriman was 100% healthy, he STILL wouldn't be the best OLB on our team because he most likely wouldn't even BE on this team.
K-9 Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Yeah it's not like Merriman hasn't been battling severe injuries for the past few years or anything. If you had a healthy Merriman, you'd be a fool not to start him. How does moats have higher upside and more potential than Merriman when Merriman has proven to be dominant and is still only 26? If he can come back to even just 75% of what he was, he's still a much better option than Moats. Good point about Merriman. The man has had a few setbacks with the injuries but he's still so young and, if healed, he stands a good chance of being very productive. Those that say he declined after he stopped taking steroids should look at his 2007 season. He had a very productive year, made the Pro Bowl and was 2nd team All Pro. Not bad for a guy that can't play without the juice. At 2.5mil he'd be a huge steal at even half the form he showed before the knee and calf injuries. GO BILLS!!!
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