6 Prospects to Watch

[elijah]

Mason Rudolph, Quarterback - Oklahoma State

 

While it’s no longer obvious that the Bills will be looking for a quarterback in the draft, there’s still a good hint that Tyrod Taylor isn’t our long term guy.  A six game stretch from Denver to even the blowout loss against New York saw Taylor get better in every single game.  We’ve seen him begin to stay in the pocket, throw over the middle, and even lead a comeback drive.  However, the recent dismantling against New Orleans and an ugly early season game against Carolina stand out in memory showing that Taylor simply isn’t the franchise guy.

 

When asked what he looks for in a franchise quarterback, Brandon Beane responded with “you want a guy, the stature, the height, you know, they're standing over, they're not worried about linemen in their face. It gives them the vision and all that. Arm strength.”

 

Rudolph exemplifies all of this.  He has prototypical quarterback size standing tall at 6’5” and this helps him show comfort and composure in the pocket.  While lacking the arm strength to chuck the ball 60+ yards, Rudolph does have the velocity to throw bullets within 20 yards.  He has great accuracy on his short and mid level passes and shows the vision needed to throw the ball anywhere on the field.  He’s quick and decisive with the ball and gets it out to the open receiver with out hesitation.  His attributes are almost the exact opposite of Tyrod who lacks the height, bullet passes and field vision and decisiveness.  This does come with a little set back too, as Rudolph has very limited mobility, if any at all.  

 

Rudolph started the year off on a fiery streak showing every a quarterback needed to show.  However, these past couples games are starting to raise some question marks and may be hurting his draft stock a little bit.  This is good news for the Bills front office, as they may be able to wait for Rudolph to drop rather than having to trade up to select him.  While Rudolph would come with question marks, Taylor has shown enough to start next year if needed and allow Rudolph to progress from the bench for a year.  

 

Quenton Nelson, Offensive Guard - Notre Dame

 

There’s really no explanation needed here as to why the Bills will be examining the offensive lineman options in the draft.  The oft-injured Cordy Glenn was subject to plenty of trade rumors at the trade deadline, rookie Dion Dawkins just had a horrid outing against the Saints, Eric Wood and Vladimir Ducasse are both aging and shouldn’t be seen as long term answers regardless.  The only viable option on the offensive line, Richie Incognito, is going to be 35 and on an expiring contract at the start of next season.

 

It is essential that the Bills address their offensive line issues this off-season, especially if they are hoping to find a franchise quarterback or if they happen to believe that guy is already on the roster.  Nelson is the safest pick in this draft, having an exceptional season for the Fighting Irish.  He shows everything that you hope to find in an offensive guard.  He has the athleticism to deal with speed rushers and make it to the second level, while still having the balance and strength to fight off powerful run stuffers.  He’s shown awareness of the game and is leading the way for backseat Heisman candidate, Josh Adams.

 

A first round pick would be needed to select Nelson, and maybe even a top ten pick at that.  While it would be nice to see the Bills acquire Nelson, it’s unlikely unless they completely botch the rest of the season.  It’s been a while since a surefire offensive lineman was in the draft, so maybe Nelson falls out of the top ten and into Buffalo’s lap.

 

Joshua Jackson, Cornerback - Iowa

 

EJ Gaines’ contract expires after this year and has out performed expectations thus far, making him a pricey resigning.  That, tagged along with the fact that Jordan Matthews is also expiring leads me to believe that the two of these guys were brought in as one-year rentals to begin with and are expected to walk after this season.  The true reward being found in the draft picks that came packaged with them.

 

Joshua Jackson is quickly rising up draft boards thanks to his lengthy arms and press ability. He’s been able to be a lockdown cornerback as well as not only making plays, but being more than willing to make plays against the rushing game.  That sounds rather familiar to me, a lot like the guy that McDermott just traded down to pick up in the first round.  Watching Jackson reminds me a lot of Tre’Davious White.  McDermott has a clear style of cornerback that he likes, and Jackson fits that mold.

 

It’d likely require a first round pick to acquire to Joshua Jackson, but a late first rounder at that.  Recent performances highlighted by a three interception game against Ohio State has Jackson’s draft stock on the rise and maybe into discussion as the top cornerback in the draft.  The general consensus in the draft is that the cornerback’s lack elite level talent, and there’s a big pack of average level players.  This gives scouting staff’s options and many front offices will have personal favorites amongst the corner’s.  While Jackson looks to be extremely talented to some, he could get hidden in the plethora of average level corner’s and fall to the Bills late in the first, or even early in the second.

 

Mike Gesicki, Tight End - Penn State

 

It’s become evident that tight end is a crucial part of this offense.  While most offenses now use one tight end systems, Buffalo has employed plenty of two tight end looks.  Nick O’Leary and Logan Thomas have shown some flashes of promise, but it’s not unlikely for neither of the two to find themselves a roster spot with the Bills next year.  That along with a consistently injured Charles Clay puts Buffalo in the market for a tight end.

 

Mike Gesicki has shown the ability to do everything asked for from tight ends.  He is big bodied, yet still athletic and with sharp route running skills.  At attacks the ball at its high point and has great release and separation from his defender.  His skill set almost makes him look like a receiver if only he had a little bit more speed.  A vertical threat isn’t all that Gesicki brings to the game though, as he’s a more than willing and successful run blocker.  He’s currently leading the way for the very productive Saquon Barkley.

 

Position will cause Gesicki to fall into the second round, if not the third.  It wouldn’t be a shock for a team to value Gesicki’s complete and complex skill set enough to overcompensate with a first rounder.  However, a deep tight end class with many options should lead to all of the tight ends dropping to the beginning of day two at the earliest.  

 

Micah Kiser, Linebacker - Virginia

 

An injury to Ramon Humber left the Bills starting and relying on a fifth round rookie for a stretch of the season.  Lorenzo Alexander is aging, as well as taking a little step back, and Preston Brown continues to follow his upstart seasons with questionable and concerning seasons.  Buffalo by no means needs to add a star linebacker, but rather they need to add a consistent starter and to develop depth.

 

Kiser is a well-rounded linebacker out of Virginia.  He lacks elite athleticism and isn’t exactly what you would call a playmaker, but he provides consistency and a quality starter.  He can lock down the middle of the field for you with both the ability to play in pass coverage and sniff out and shut down run plays.  While he lacks eye popping power in his hits, he’s a fairly steady tackler that isn’t going to allow home run plays.  He continuously shows good pursuit angles and stops the ball at the line of scrimmage.

 

A deep linebacker class will see Micah Kiser fall to the second round and maybe even further.  Athletes like Kendall Joseph and hard hitters like Malik Jefferson will come out on top of big boards rather than a non-flashy, consistency player like Kiser.  He would immediately help Buffalo’s suddenly horrid rush defense with his ability to stop the ball at the line of scrimmage.

 

Simmie Cobbs Jr., Wide Receiver - Indiana

 

While the Bills desperately need a down field threat at receiver, they seem reluctant to add one if they don’t meet the height necessary.  The receivers seeing the field on offense are currently 6’5”, 6’4”, 6’3”, 6’2” and 6’0”.  The six footer seeing the field the least, with the 6’5” and 6’3” guys being our starters.  Jordan Matthews, our 6’3” target, has been mentioned above with the suggestion that he was a one year rental.  After Robert Woods walked out of Buffalo to play for about $8 million a year, it’s likely that Matthews will do the same.  Although he’s seeing a down year in Buffalo, his past consistency is Philadelphia is more than enough to earn him a big contract elsewhere.

 

Insert Simmie Cobbs as his replacement.  Cobbs may not exactly fit the McDermott character mold, having past arrests on his record and an ankle injury that sidelined him for a season, but he seems to be doing and saying the right things so far this year.  In interviews, he’s striking me as a player that seems to be growing and maturing as he gets closer to a bigger spotlight.

 

If Cobbs shows maturity in pre-draft interviews, his 6’4” frame is something that Brandon Beane and McDermott will surely fall in love with.  Not only is Cobbs 6’4”, but unlike Kelvin Benjamin, he shows an ability to create separation and be a downfield threat.  He high points the ball and has strong and reliable hands.  

Similar to the cornerback class, this wide receiver class lacks a sure star player and instead offers depth for scouts to interpret differently.  Cobbs will not be a first round player, and will find himself getting selected somewhere on day two.  Whether it be early in the night at the top of round two or later in the night at the bottom of round three is yet to be predictable.  Scouts will love his performance against top corner prospect Denzel Ward in week one, and although Indiana will likely not have a bowl game, Cobbs still has two more weeks to try and fight his way up draft boards.

 

 

 

 

 

follow me on twitter, @the_big_board

Edited November 14, 2017 by elijah

[Watkins101]

Good write up.

[/dev/null]

I would be pleased if we came out of the Draft with Rudolph in the 1st (tho not my 1st choice in this years QB class), Geisiki with a 2nd, and Iowa LB Josey Jewel in the 3rd

[The Now Moment]

Kiser is too slow imo.  Love Tegray Scales for Indiana, just as productive.  I think they have too many other needs to address corner again in the first round.  DT should be picked high, love Harrison Phillips for Stanford, Hurst from Michigan and a few other guys.  I expect them to take a 2nd round or late first round offensive lineman and another some point in the draft.  I think they may go after a faster wide receiver since they have Benjamin now.  Or we may see Clay leave and they look to replace him with a guy like Mark Andrews from Oaklahoma?  Who knows but another weapon will help whoever is playing QB next season.  I love Nelson but I'm afraid he will be picked higher than us.  But honestly other than safety, they can go pretty much anywhere.  They need more talent across the board.

[elijah]

3 hours ago, /dev/null said:

I would be pleased if we came out of the Draft with Rudolph in the 1st (tho not my 1st choice in this years QB class), Geisiki with a 2nd, and Iowa LB Josey Jewel in the 3rd

I just watched Jewell, counting on Jewell in the third rather than Kiser in the 2nd would be a good option.

 

They largely appear to be the same player other than Kiser may just be a step faster raising his stock a little more.  Jewell hits a little bit harder than Kiser, but other than that they play almost identical.  Take Jewell later due to his lower draft stock, I like it.

[elijah]

1 hour ago, Buffalo30 said:

Kiser is too slow imo.  Love Tegray Scales for Indiana, just as productive.  I think they have too many other needs to address corner again in the first round.  DT should be picked high, love Harrison Phillips for Stanford, Hurst from Michigan and a few other guys.  I expect them to take a 2nd round or late first round offensive lineman and another some point in the draft.  I think they may go after a faster wide receiver since they have Benjamin now.  Or we may see Clay leave and they look to replace him with a guy like Mark Andrews from Oaklahoma?  Who knows but another weapon will help whoever is playing QB next season.  I love Nelson but I'm afraid he will be picked higher than us.  But honestly other than safety, they can go pretty much anywhere.  They need more talent across the board.

Scales is tricky prospect.  He has so much potential, but his game is so raw.  He shows high level athleticism but lacks any sort of aggression and simple linebacker traits like a consistent tackling ability.  He's a project player that I personally wouldn't want Buffalo to take in the first two days.

 

I have yet to see Phillips and I do like Hurst.  My issue with defensive tackle is that we need more of a traditional, run stuffing defensive tackle but everyone in this draft seems to be a quick pass rusher.

 

As for Mark Andrews, I love the talent that he presents.  However, I don't think our coaching staff will like it.  He's a very reluctant blocker and mainly used as a passing threat which isn't what we're looking for.  We want a tight end that can play in a 7 down lineman set and open up the running game for Shady, or whoever our running back may be going forward.

[The Now Moment]

1 hour ago, elijah said:

Scales is tricky prospect.  He has so much potential, but his game is so raw.  He shows high level athleticism but lacks any sort of aggression and simple linebacker traits like a consistent tackling ability.  He's a project player that I personally wouldn't want Buffalo to take in the first two days.

 

I have yet to see Phillips and I do like Hurst.  My issue with defensive tackle is that we need more of a traditional, run stuffing defensive tackle but everyone in this draft seems to be a quick pass rusher.

 

As for Mark Andrews, I love the talent that he presents.  However, I don't think our coaching staff will like it.  He's a very reluctant blocker and mainly used as a passing threat which isn't what we're looking for.  We want a tight end that can play in a 7 down lineman set and open up the running game for Shady, or whoever our running back may be going forward.

Scales is someone I'd take in a heartbeat.  He can get to the QB, run stuff and intercept passes.  He's proven it throughout his productive 4 year career at Indiana.  He has a lot of potential, needs to keep developing just like every other young player

[Buffalo Barbarian]

12 hours ago, elijah said:

Mason Rudolph, Quarterback - Oklahoma State

 

While it’s no longer obvious that the Bills will be looking for a quarterback in the draft, there’s still a good hint that Tyrod Taylor isn’t our long term guy.  A six game stretch from Denver to even the blowout loss against New York saw Taylor get better in every single game.  We’ve seen him begin to stay in the pocket, throw over the middle, and even lead a comeback drive.  However, the recent dismantling against New Orleans and an ugly early season game against Carolina stand out in memory showing that Taylor simply isn’t the franchise guy.

 

When asked what he looks for in a franchise quarterback, Brandon Beane responded with “you want a guy, the stature, the height, you know, they're standing over, they're not worried about linemen in their face. It gives them the vision and all that. Arm strength.”

 

Rudolph exemplifies all of this.  He has prototypical quarterback size standing tall at 6’5” and this helps him show comfort and composure in the pocket.  While lacking the arm strength to chuck the ball 60+ yards, Rudolph does have the velocity to throw bullets within 20 yards.  He has great accuracy on his short and mid level passes and shows the vision needed to throw the ball anywhere on the field.  He’s quick and decisive with the ball and gets it out to the open receiver with out hesitation.  His attributes are almost the exact opposite of Tyrod who lacks the height, bullet passes and field vision and decisiveness.  This does come with a little set back too, as Rudolph has very limited mobility, if any at all.  

 

Rudolph started the year off on a fiery streak showing every a quarterback needed to show.  However, these past couples games are starting to raise some question marks and may be hurting his draft stock a little bit.  This is good news for the Bills front office, as they may be able to wait for Rudolph to drop rather than having to trade up to select him.  While Rudolph would come with question marks, Taylor has shown enough to start next year if needed and allow Rudolph to progress from the bench for a year.  

 

Quenton Nelson, Offensive Guard - Notre Dame

 

There’s really no explanation needed here as to why the Bills will be examining the offensive lineman options in the draft.  The oft-injured Cordy Glenn was subject to plenty of trade rumors at the trade deadline, rookie Dion Dawkins just had a horrid outing against the Saints, Eric Wood and Vladimir Ducasse are both aging and shouldn’t be seen as long term answers regardless.  The only viable option on the offensive line, Richie Incognito, is going to be 35 and on an expiring contract at the start of next season.

 

It is essential that the Bills address their offensive line issues this off-season, especially if they are hoping to find a franchise quarterback or if they happen to believe that guy is already on the roster.  Nelson is the safest pick in this draft, having an exceptional season for the Fighting Irish.  He shows everything that you hope to find in an offensive guard.  He has the athleticism to deal with speed rushers and make it to the second level, while still having the balance and strength to fight off powerful run stuffers.  He’s shown awareness of the game and is leading the way for backseat Heisman candidate, Josh Adams.

 

A first round pick would be needed to select Nelson, and maybe even a top ten pick at that.  While it would be nice to see the Bills acquire Nelson, it’s unlikely unless they completely botch the rest of the season.  It’s been a while since a surefire offensive lineman was in the draft, so maybe Nelson falls out of the top ten and into Buffalo’s lap.

 

Joshua Jackson, Cornerback - Iowa

 

EJ Gaines’ contract expires after this year and has out performed expectations thus far, making him a pricey resigning.  That, tagged along with the fact that Jordan Matthews is also expiring leads me to believe that the two of these guys were brought in as one-year rentals to begin with and are expected to walk after this season.  The true reward being found in the draft picks that came packaged with them.

 

Joshua Jackson is quickly rising up draft boards thanks to his lengthy arms and press ability. He’s been able to be a lockdown cornerback as well as not only making plays, but being more than willing to make plays against the rushing game.  That sounds rather familiar to me, a lot like the guy that McDermott just traded down to pick up in the first round.  Watching Jackson reminds me a lot of Tre’Davious White.  McDermott has a clear style of cornerback that he likes, and Jackson fits that mold.

 

It’d likely require a first round pick to acquire to Joshua Jackson, but a late first rounder at that.  Recent performances highlighted by a three interception game against Ohio State has Jackson’s draft stock on the rise and maybe into discussion as the top cornerback in the draft.  The general consensus in the draft is that the cornerback’s lack elite level talent, and there’s a big pack of average level players.  This gives scouting staff’s options and many front offices will have personal favorites amongst the corner’s.  While Jackson looks to be extremely talented to some, he could get hidden in the plethora of average level corner’s and fall to the Bills late in the first, or even early in the second.

 

Mike Gesicki, Tight End - Penn State

 

It’s become evident that tight end is a crucial part of this offense.  While most offenses now use one tight end systems, Buffalo has employed plenty of two tight end looks.  Nick O’Leary and Logan Thomas have shown some flashes of promise, but it’s not unlikely for neither of the two to find themselves a roster spot with the Bills next year.  That along with a consistently injured Charles Clay puts Buffalo in the market for a tight end.

 

Mike Gesicki has shown the ability to do everything asked for from tight ends.  He is big bodied, yet still athletic and with sharp route running skills.  At attacks the ball at its high point and has great release and separation from his defender.  His skill set almost makes him look like a receiver if only he had a little bit more speed.  A vertical threat isn’t all that Gesicki brings to the game though, as he’s a more than willing and successful run blocker.  He’s currently leading the way for the very productive Saquon Barkley.

 

Position will cause Gesicki to fall into the second round, if not the third.  It wouldn’t be a shock for a team to value Gesicki’s complete and complex skill set enough to overcompensate with a first rounder.  However, a deep tight end class with many options should lead to all of the tight ends dropping to the beginning of day two at the earliest.  

 

Micah Kiser, Linebacker - Virginia

 

An injury to Ramon Humber left the Bills starting and relying on a fifth round rookie for a stretch of the season.  Lorenzo Alexander is aging, as well as taking a little step back, and Preston Brown continues to follow his upstart seasons with questionable and concerning seasons.  Buffalo by no means needs to add a star linebacker, but rather they need to add a consistent starter and to develop depth.

 

Kiser is a well-rounded linebacker out of Virginia.  He lacks elite athleticism and isn’t exactly what you would call a playmaker, but he provides consistency and a quality starter.  He can lock down the middle of the field for you with both the ability to play in pass coverage and sniff out and shut down run plays.  While he lacks eye popping power in his hits, he’s a fairly steady tackler that isn’t going to allow home run plays.  He continuously shows good pursuit angles and stops the ball at the line of scrimmage.

 

A deep linebacker class will see Micah Kiser fall to the second round and maybe even further.  Athletes like Kendall Joseph and hard hitters like Malik Jefferson will come out on top of big boards rather than a non-flashy, consistency player like Kiser.  He would immediately help Buffalo’s suddenly horrid rush defense with his ability to stop the ball at the line of scrimmage.

 

Simmie Cobbs Jr., Wide Receiver - Indiana

 

While the Bills desperately need a down field threat at receiver, they seem reluctant to add one if they don’t meet the height necessary.  The receivers seeing the field on offense are currently 6’5”, 6’4”, 6’3”, 6’2” and 6’0”.  The six footer seeing the field the least, with the 6’5” and 6’3” guys being our starters.  Jordan Matthews, our 6’3” target, has been mentioned above with the suggestion that he was a one year rental.  After Robert Woods walked out of Buffalo to play for about $8 million a year, it’s likely that Matthews will do the same.  Although he’s seeing a down year in Buffalo, his past consistency is Philadelphia is more than enough to earn him a big contract elsewhere.

 

Insert Simmie Cobbs as his replacement.  Cobbs may not exactly fit the McDermott character mold, having past arrests on his record and an ankle injury that sidelined him for a season, but he seems to be doing and saying the right things so far this year.  In interviews, he’s striking me as a player that seems to be growing and maturing as he gets closer to a bigger spotlight.

 

If Cobbs shows maturity in pre-draft interviews, his 6’4” frame is something that Brandon Beane and McDermott will surely fall in love with.  Not only is Cobbs 6’4”, but unlike Kelvin Benjamin, he shows an ability to create separation and be a downfield threat.  He high points the ball and has strong and reliable hands.  

Similar to the cornerback class, this wide receiver class lacks a sure star player and instead offers depth for scouts to interpret differently.  Cobbs will not be a first round player, and will find himself getting selected somewhere on day two.  Whether it be early in the night at the top of round two or later in the night at the bottom of round three is yet to be predictable.  Scouts will love his performance against top corner prospect Denzel Ward in week one, and although Indiana will likely not have a bowl game, Cobbs still has two more weeks to try and fight his way up draft boards.

 

 

 

 

 

follow me on twitter, @the_big_board

 

Love those guys, not huge Rudoph fans but wouldn't be mad.

Nelson is a beast and would anchor the line for a decade plus.

Jackson has definitely been impressing.