My Mock Draft

[section122]

It's getting to be about that time. The underwear olympics are over and the chips have fallen. So here is my 2013 mock draft (used drafttek for some, my own for others) for our Bills. What do you think?

 

1.8 Matt Barkley - If available I believe this is the pick. Marrone has had success against Geno which tells me he sees some flaws in his game that he can exploit. On a purely gut level I think this is the guy that they have targeted. Only Whaley attending made me think that they have done their homework on this guy and don't want others to know their intention (Smokescreen! ). 11tds to 1int against Marrone which has to stick in his mind. Personally I like Barkley. He's polished, from a pro-style offense, and chose to stick it out 1 more year (shows leadership) to bring USC all the way out of their Pete Carroll sanctions. His teams regardless of what you believe were not the usual USC loaded with talent teams. I think he put up great numbers his jr year, played better than Luck heads up, and regressed when his security blanket (Kalil).

 

2.41 Barrett Jones C - Here is where I get weird. I see a lot of Warmack at 8 qb at 41 and I thought why not flip it on its head. Jones was flat out dominant and won the RImington (top C) in 2012 and Outland (top interior lineman) in 2011. This pick would make up for the loss of Levitre as well as guard against the loss of Wood next year. He is flexible starting 25 games at RG, 11 at LT, and then 13 at C. Seeing this guy ranked this low is surprising to me but I have seen it in a couple of places and think he is amazing value as well as filling a need.

 

3.71 Margus Hunt DE - I really would have liked a receiving option here but with the exception of Swope there really isn't anyone I liked. Hunt on the other hand is just an athletic specimen. 4.6 speed with 38 reps at the combine show that size/speed combo you want out of a pass rusher. He and Mario would make an excellent tandem. Drafting him would also allow (at times) the Bills to run a version of the Nascar d with Mark Anderson (if he gets healthy). I feel this would also fill a need and he has star potential - something not common in the third round.

 

4. 105 Nico Johnson LB - Would have loved Da'Rick Rogers here but his immaturity and off field issues make him an anti Marrone pick so instead Johnson who has been described as a lunch pail type player is my pick. Good run defender who can either plug up blockers or pressure a qb. His recovery speed is a bit suspect but his coverage skills are serviceable (hey it's the 4th round)

 

5. 143 Jelani Jenkins LB - Where Johnson excels at run defense Jenkins excels at pass defense. 6'0 243 pounds (minor size concern) but the speed! This guy is a coverage specialist and someone who can hang with both te's and rb's. He does have some injury issues but nothing major, more the banged up from playing type.

 

6, 177 Shamarko Thomas SS - This pick solves 2 problems with my mock. There was no Marrone homerism and I hadn't yet taken a db! This kid is a remarkable story. He lost both parents, was instrumental in raising his brothers and sisters, and stayed on the straight and narrow. 4.42 speed, 28 reps @ 225, 40.5 inch vertical, and 133 inch broad jump which were all position highs at the combine. He isn't an underwear warrion though. He was an All Big East 1st team selection and a captain. He solves our "43 is the mike" issue as he is a bit of a tweener Safety/LB. He does suffer from the dreaded issue of "poor ball skill" and only had 2 ints in his career but hey it's the 6th round. (one of the screwy drafttek rankings - no way is this guy available in the 6th)

 

 

 

So there it is. I would have loved to take a receiving target but just never really came across one I was in love with. Maybe swapping out Barret Jones for Robert Woods but I just think the Jones pick has so many benefits it would be tough to pass up.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

Nice work.

 

I agree that going WR in round 2 (Hopkins, Woods, Hunter) might be the better option, although the versatility of Barrett Jones does provide versatility and meet a need. I think a starting caliber Guard could be had in the 3rd or 4th round (Perhaps Kyle Long from Oregon?). I like the Shamarko Thomas pick in the 6th round, but I would almost like the Bills to take a kicker in that round. The kid from Florida State comes to mind. I think Lindell is at the end of his rope, and it would be nice to have a kicker who could consistently hit FG's outside of 40 yards.

 

I like both of your linebacker choice, but I believe Jenkins will be gone before #143.

[Coach Tuesday]

This is realistic.

[KeisterHollow]

I'd be really pleased with this draft. I just don't see Hunt making it out of the second round, though - and, frankly, I'd not be surprised if he were taken at the bottom of round 1 - by a team like the Texans. Thomas is not going to make it out of the 3rd, if he's not taken sooner. With his combination of good tape, great strength, and super speed, he reminds me a lot of Ed Reed in stature. Again, I'd love it if both of these guys were on Buffalo's roster come summer, but it's a bit optimistic, I believe.

Edited March 29, 2013 by KeisterHollow

[Astrobot]

It's getting to be about that time. The underwear olympics are over and the chips have fallen. So here is my 2013 mock draft (used drafttek for some, my own for others) for our Bills. What do you think?

 

1.8 Matt Barkley - If available I believe this is the pick. Marrone has had success against Geno which tells me he sees some flaws in his game that he can exploit. On a purely gut level I think this is the guy that they have targeted. Only Whaley attending made me think that they have done their homework on this guy and don't want others to know their intention (Smokescreen! ). 11tds to 1int against Marrone which has to stick in his mind. Personally I like Barkley. He's polished, from a pro-style offense, and chose to stick it out 1 more year (shows leadership) to bring USC all the way out of their Pete Carroll sanctions. His teams regardless of what you believe were not the usual USC loaded with talent teams. I think he put up great numbers his jr year, played better than Luck heads up, and regressed when his security blanket (Kalil).

 

2.41 Barrett Jones C - Here is where I get weird. I see a lot of Warmack at 8 qb at 41 and I thought why not flip it on its head. Jones was flat out dominant and won the RImington (top C) in 2012 and Outland (top interior lineman) in 2011. This pick would make up for the loss of Levitre as well as guard against the loss of Wood next year. He is flexible starting 25 games at RG, 11 at LT, and then 13 at C. Seeing this guy ranked this low is surprising to me but I have seen it in a couple of places and think he is amazing value as well as filling a need.

 

3.71 Margus Hunt DE - I really would have liked a receiving option here but with the exception of Swope there really isn't anyone I liked. Hunt on the other hand is just an athletic specimen. 4.6 speed with 38 reps at the combine show that size/speed combo you want out of a pass rusher. He and Mario would make an excellent tandem. Drafting him would also allow (at times) the Bills to run a version of the Nascar d with Mark Anderson (if he gets healthy). I feel this would also fill a need and he has star potential - something not common in the third round.

 

4. 105 Nico Johnson LB - Would have loved Da'Rick Rogers here but his immaturity and off field issues make him an anti Marrone pick so instead Johnson who has been described as a lunch pail type player is my pick. Good run defender who can either plug up blockers or pressure a qb. His recovery speed is a bit suspect but his coverage skills are serviceable (hey it's the 4th round)

 

5. 143 Jelani Jenkins LB - Where Johnson excels at run defense Jenkins excels at pass defense. 6'0 243 pounds (minor size concern) but the speed! This guy is a coverage specialist and someone who can hang with both te's and rb's. He does have some injury issues but nothing major, more the banged up from playing type.

 

6, 177 Shamarko Thomas SS - This pick solves 2 problems with my mock. There was no Marrone homerism and I hadn't yet taken a db! This kid is a remarkable story. He lost both parents, was instrumental in raising his brothers and sisters, and stayed on the straight and narrow. 4.42 speed, 28 reps @ 225, 40.5 inch vertical, and 133 inch broad jump which were all position highs at the combine. He isn't an underwear warrion though. He was an All Big East 1st team selection and a captain. He solves our "43 is the mike" issue as he is a bit of a tweener Safety/LB. He does suffer from the dreaded issue of "poor ball skill" and only had 2 ints in his career but hey it's the 6th round. (one of the screwy drafttek rankings - no way is this guy available in the 6th)

 

 

 

So there it is. I would have loved to take a receiving target but just never really came across one I was in love with. Maybe swapping out Barret Jones for Robert Woods but I just think the Jones pick has so many benefits it would be tough to pass up.

Your late-round picks are awesome. You hit a home run there.

[Bangarang]

Not the worst, nor is it something I would walk away from thinking we did great.

 

Don't think Thomas will make it out of the 3rd or 4th round so I don't see him there in the 6th.

 

I would also prefer to have drafted a WR or TE to help our rookie QB.

[Astrobot]

Nice work.

 

I agree that going WR in round 2 (Hopkins, Woods, Hunter) might be the better option, although the versatility of Barrett Jones does provide versatility and meet a need. I think a starting caliber Guard could be had in the 3rd or 4th round (Perhaps Kyle Long from Oregon?). I like the Shamarko Thomas pick in the 6th round, but I would almost like the Bills to take a kicker in that round. The kid from Florida State comes to mind. I think Lindell is at the end of his rope, and it would be nice to have a kicker who could consistently hit FG's outside of 40 yards.

 

I like both of your linebacker choice, but I believe Jenkins will be gone before #143.

I know that the Bills like JC Tretter. He's a RD4-5 guy, and we have the O-Line coach to develop our line. The Bills were 6th in rushing last year even with Freddy out for so long. Anyone think Hairston or Sanders becomes the LG?

[Maddog69]

Your mock is as good or better than any of the other ones I've seen.

 

I agree with the poster who would have like a WR in Rd2. I think our OL help will come in FA.

[section122]

Nice work.

 

I agree that going WR in round 2 (Hopkins, Woods, Hunter) might be the better option, although the versatility of Barrett Jones does provide versatility and meet a need. I think a starting caliber Guard could be had in the 3rd or 4th round (Perhaps Kyle Long from Oregon?). I like the Shamarko Thomas pick in the 6th round, but I would almost like the Bills to take a kicker in that round. The kid from Florida State comes to mind. I think Lindell is at the end of his rope, and it would be nice to have a kicker who could consistently hit FG's outside of 40 yards.

 

I like both of your linebacker choice, but I believe Jenkins will be gone before #143.

Thanks. I kept looking around for Wr's to take and even checked out the Te's (if people are unfamiliar with Marrone - he isn't anti TE like we've seen in the past) but just never came to one I was in love with. As I said Woods to pair with Barkley would be intriguing as it may help both of there adjustments and a receiver/te is clearly a need on the team. As for the K, I think there are to many other issues with depth to go there. I wouldn't mind some camp legs being brought in though.

 

This is realistic.

Thank you sir.

 

I'd be really pleased with this draft. I just don't see Hunt making it out of the second round, though - and, frankly, I'd not be surprised if he were taken at the bottom of round 1 - by a team like the Texans. Thomas is not going to make it out of the 3rd, if he's not taken sooner. With his combination of good tape, great strength, and super speed, he reminds me a lot of Ed Reed in stature. Again, I'd love it if both of these guys were on Buffalo's roster come summer, but it's a bit optimistic, I believe.

I agree about draft positions but was going off of Drafttek. I would be shocked if Thomas is there in 6th or Hunt in the 3rd but I would love it! Thomas I think will be on the team. Co-captain, Marrone has familiarity with him, SS is a need, and he seems like a character guy.

 

Your late-round picks are awesome. You hit a home run there.

Thank you! Drafttek has some funky rankings but it is a great site. I would love to see the last weekend in April go down like this

[Not at the table Karlos]

Great mock!! Would be ecstatic if this happened. Only thing is I think hunt is a first rounder.

[playman]

rd 3 - 6 is ok. 1 and 2 though.................

[section122]

Not the worst, nor is it something I would walk away from thinking we did great.

 

Don't think Thomas will make it out of the 3rd or 4th round so I don't see him there in the 6th.

 

I would also prefer to have drafted a WR or TE to help our rookie QB.

Your mock is as good or better than any of the other ones I've seen.

 

I agree with the poster who would have like a WR in Rd2. I think our OL help will come in FA.

As I was doing it believe me I wanted to plug one in. I'm not big on Patterson, none of the others were "value" in round 1, and after that it becomes a crap shoot. I would like to see a few FA wr's brought in to plug that hole.

[Maury Ballstein]

nice mock, but i agree with some as you have to get the rookie some weapons on offense.

 

colts gave luck fleener, allen (top Te's in draft) with TY hilton to pair with Reggie Wayne.

 

I feel if we go Barkley we should do something along the same lines IMO. Goodell don't like defense or tackling anymore.......let the picks fly on offense IMO.

[section122]

rd 3 - 6 is ok. 1 and 2 though.................

Get ready for 1 to happen. Barkley if available WILL be the pick imo. Jones in the 2nd is purely my pipe dream

 

nice mock, but i agree with some as you have to get the rookie some weapons on offense.

 

colts gave luck fleener, allen (top Te's in draft) with TY hilton to pair with Reggie Wayne.

 

I feel if we go Barkley we should do something along the same lines IMO. Goodell don't like defense or tackling anymore.......let the picks fly on offense IMO.

So many holes... so few picks

 

Astro - what is your feeling for why Jones is rated so low? He was a beast in all of the games I watched this year, award winner, smart guy. What are the knocks causing him to be available in the 2nd? Is it devaluing of the C position? I would appreciate your insight into this.

[Astrobot]

nice mock, but i agree with some as you have to get the rookie some weapons on offense.

 

colts gave luck fleener, allen (top Te's in draft) with TY hilton to pair with Reggie Wayne.

 

I feel if we go Barkley we should do something along the same lines IMO. Goodell don't like defense or tackling anymore.......let the picks fly on offense IMO.

It's possible!

RD1 Barkley QB

RD2 Woods his WR at USC

RD3 Jordan Reed TE

RD4 Aaron Dobson or Da'Rick Rogers WR

RD5 JC Tretter OG

RD6 Ty Powell OLB34 Harding or Michael Mauti ILB-S

[Tsaikotic]

some sites have SS Shamarko rated as high as 2nd /3rd on list of SS's...if he really is, then he'll go in rd 2 or 3 at latest...as others have stated, we really need a WR..so grab one in the 2nd over a C...I like the LB's but not sure Hunt lasts that long...also, seeing's Bills just tried to get a TE in FA, they might want to grab one in the draft now...

[Steve O]

As others have pointed out, a bit optimistic but I'd be really happy with your draft. Can't see the Bills passing on Barkley if he is still there at 8.

[1billsfan]

As others have pointed out, a bit optimistic but I'd be really happy with your draft. Can't see the Bills passing on Barkley if he is still there at 8.

 

I'm sorry, but I just do not get the Barkley love by the Buffalo Bills fans here. Buffalo is a place where the wind whips around on a nice day let alone one in late October, November, December and January. Yes they do play one game in the dome in Toronto. But they also play on the road in New York and New England. Did anyone see his pro day? Even the upbeat QB lovin' NFL draft experts couldn't give him a seal of approval like they did with every other QB's pro day this year. This article best sums up Barkley's lackluster pro day...

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/03/27/matt-barkley-pro-day-usc/2026329/

 

"Some of the concern among scouts isn't about the injury, but arm strength even when healthy. Barkley was sharp on short routes, but had some wobbles on deeper throws, overthrowing some and leaving receivers to wait for others."

 

I think that Bills fans are falling into the trap of wanting the "star" college QB and rationalizing as to why he would be a good fit for Buffalo. His long throws were bad. Defenses will know he throws bad long balls and sit on the short stuff. Barkley is a back up QB. I hope that Bills fans come to their senses and realize that the best QB prospects for our team would be Geno Smith, EJ Manuel or Matt Scott. These three dudes have it all. Are any locks to succeed? Of course not. But at least they have the required arm strength and athletic ability for the job of a starting QB which plays outdoors in western new york. There is no way the Bills want Matt Barkley. If they do, we are so screwed because it would mean they are being run by very stupid people.

 

Edited March 29, 2013 by 1billsfan

[OldTimer1960]

 

 

So many holes... so few picks

 

 

They are only 1 pick shy of a full complement of selections and that is a 7th rounder. There are some holes, to be sure, but they are not the only team with holes. I think that OG will be addressed with internal competition including Chris Hairston. I would not be surprised if they draft another OT somewhere in the mix, perhaps even in round 1 if Lane Johnson is still available.

[....lybob]

I'm sorry, but I just do not get the Barkley love by the Buffalo Bills fans here. Buffalo is a place where the wind whips around on a nice day let alone one in late October, November, December and January. Yes they do play one game in the dome in Toronto. But they also play on the road in New York and New England. Did anyone see his pro day? Even the upbeat QB lovin' NFL draft experts couldn't give him a seal of approval like they did with every other QB's pro day this year. This article best sums up Barkley's lackluster pro day...

 

http://www.usatoday....ay-usc/2026329/

 

"Some of the concern among scouts isn't about the injury, but arm strength even when healthy. Barkley was sharp on short routes, but had some wobbles on deeper throws, overthrowing some and leaving receivers to wait for others."

 

I think that Bills fans are falling into the trap of wanting the "star" college QB and rationalizing as to why he would be a good fit for Buffalo. His long throws were bad. Defenses will know he throws bad long balls and sit on the short stuff. Barkley is a back up QB. I hope that Bills fans come to their senses and realize that the best QB prospects for our team would be Geno Smith, EJ Manuel or Matt Scott. These three dudes have it all. Are any locks to succeed? Of course not. But at least they have the required arm strength and athletic ability for the job of a starting QB which plays outdoors in western new york. There is no way the Bills want Matt Barkley. If they do, we are so screwed because it would mean they are being run by very stupid people.

Right there with you - Barkley can't make all the throws- we had that guy who was more athletic, smarter, tougher, and had just as good intangibles, we just cut him, IF I'm getting a QB out of this draft and that's a big IF I'd be someone with better upside - Smith, Manuel, Bray, or Scott