The Bills linebacker problem

[John from Riverside]

Randell Johnson...the kid is gonna be good

I think so as well......a LOT of potential there

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Valid concern and I can definitely see them picking a LB early in the draft. That said, a lot of people didn't think Bradham wasn't anything going into his 2nd year and he emerged into a good starter. So one of these guys might emerge.

 

That's the Steelers model for LB development - pick up guys in the 3rd to 5th round, stash them and give them 2-3 years to develop, play 'em, rinse and repeat. Preston Brown was a pleasant surprise last year developing ahead of schedule. I trust Whaley to recognize LB talent, both FA and in the draft. It's highly unlikely we hit opening day with our current roster.

 

Rex may be a great coach but the fact is without the players last year he did not succeed. So he does need players.

[pimp 2]

As of right now, the Bills have five linebackers on the team, and only two are credible NFL players: Preston Brown and Nigel Bradham. The others are Jimmy Gaines, Ty Powell, and Randell Johnson. One could argue that Manny Lawson is a linebacker, but he really isn't one at this point in his career and he isn't listed as one in any case. He's a DE. I don't see Spikes coming back either. I suspect the undrafted Gaines is on the team because despite going to Miami, he's a local - from Getzville and a Canisius HS grad. Both Powell and Johnson were seventh round picks (Powell was drafted by Seattle) and presumably fit for the ST squad only.

 

I could see the Bills going LB with the 50th pick or 81st pick. They have a clear and definite need.

 

That is why I adjusted my tagline to reflect a guy like Eli Harold being a possible option at 50 if he drops a bit.

[dave mcbride]

 

That is why I adjusted my tagline to reflect a guy like Eli Harold being a possible option at 50 if he drops a bit.

Thanks: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/eli-harold?id=2552494. Seems like a sensible pick if it happens.

 

I feel like the Bills have enough pass rushers though. Someone who can cover and run-and-chase (a David Harris type) seems more of a need given the lack of decent traditional LBs on the roster and the high potential for injury at the position.

Edited April 23, 2015 by dave mcbride

[pimp 2]

Thanks: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/eli-harold?id=2552494. Seems like a sensible pick if it happens.

 

I feel like the Bills have enough pass rushers though. Someone who can cover and run-and-chase (a David Harris type) seems more of a need given the lack of decent traditional LBs on the roster and the high potential for injury at the position.

I agree...maybe a Shaq Thompson as a hybrid SS/ILB in a nickle set would be ideal.

 

He is a playmaker with the experience of playing in space. But some scouting report cite him for being more evading as opposed to taking on blocks & gap containment in a base set.

 

We can always use playmakers...Go Bills!

[dave mcbride]

I agree...maybe a Shaq Thompson as a hybrid SS/ILB in a nickle set would be ideal.

 

He is a playmaker with the experience of playing in space. But some scouting report cite him for being more evading as opposed to taking on blocks & gap containment in a base set.

 

We can always use playmakers...Go Bills!

I definitely agree about getting playmakers!

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Randell Johnson...the kid is gonna be good

I get that feeling too. He sort of stands out like a young Stevie Johnson did when occasionally on the field.

[Pete]

Whalley taiked up Ty Powell last year too. I believe Powell was one of the last cuts from a deep Seahawks team when we signed him

[bigK14094]

I am a big fan of Randal Johnson....that guy is a freak......

 

I think they found a late gem there

Yes, they kept him around for a reason. I think we will see a lot of him in preseason, and he will come on.......need to find out about him for sure though.