Ethan in Cleveland Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 They need an edge rusher more than a true linebacker. They play nickel 60% of the time and need a player that can replace Lorax as an edge rusher but who can stay on the field at OLB in the base defense when needed. Top 4 need in the draft along with TE, OT, and DT 1
DCbillsfan Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 All this LB talk got me thinking about Cornelius Bennett. He played OLB on run downs and on passing downs, he often lined up as a pass rusher opposite Bruce Smith. Is there anyone in this year's draft that has Bennett skill set or could Edmunds be this guy? Im guessing they would have to a get a MLB to free up Edmunds.
H2o Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 2 minutes ago, DCbillsfan said: All this LB talk got me thinking about Cornelius Bennett. He played OLB on run downs and on passing downs, he often lined up as a pass rusher opposite Bruce Smith. Is there anyone in this year's draft that has Bennett skill set or could Edmunds be this guy? Im guessing they would have to a get a MLB to free up Edmunds. It's a different NFL now. Nothing is really a "run down" anymore.
MJS Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 I wanted a good OLB in FA, but I bet we'll find one to develop in the draft. I've been a proponent of using Lorenzo as only a pass rush specialist and perhaps a guy to use in specific packages at LB. So I hope we bring in a guy one way or another. Barr would have been nice, but he had a hefty price tag.
Just Joshin' Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 1 hour ago, ColoradoBills said: Starters : Matt Milano - Tremaine Edmunds - Lorenzo Alexander Depth : Julian Stafford, Deon Lacey, Corey Thompson Possible Hybrid : Maurice Alexander Lorax, Stafford, Maurice Alexander and Lacey are FAs next year. First off I am a little shocked Beane hasn't signed a decent depth/possible starter FA yet. Is it because McDermott has very specific requirements or just couldn't get anyone to sign? Will Beane still sign a decent depth LB, if so who would fit? Secondly with the FA signing so far at other positions does this put LB in the top 4 rounds of the draft? Personally I see LB now as the riskiest group on D and I don't think the depth at LB will get it done. First the FAs next year do not worry me in the least. They are also not overly talented other than Alexander. I suspect that the Bills will address in the draft with 2 draft picks in rounds 3,4 and 5. LB is so scheme dependent that a team can find talent later in the draft that other teams avoid. 2
EricScott Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 Plus, having good, athletic LB's makes a big difference in the performance of special teams. 1
DCbillsfan Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 16 minutes ago, H2o said: It's a different NFL now. Nothing is really a "run down" anymore. Perhaps Bennett is too far back. Someone like Lorax is probably what we need. A three down backer who can rush the passer. 1
Da webster guy Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 25 minutes ago, DCbillsfan said: All this LB talk got me thinking about Cornelius Bennett. He played OLB on run downs and on passing downs, he often lined up as a pass rusher opposite Bruce Smith. Is there anyone in this year's draft that has Bennett skill set or could Edmunds be this guy? Im guessing they would have to a get a MLB to free up Edmunds. Honestly I thought they were going to go for CJ Mosley when the Ravens foolishly let him walk despite 4 consecutive pro bowls for them. He's a durable monster in the middle, but has instincts enough to get picks and can cover. Then kick Edmunds out to flex depending on down and distance, rotation with Lorax or Milano, injury etc. As evidenced in the 300 yard rushing game we gave up to NE when Milano was hurt, we rely way too much on that guy and have no answer for when he's out.
BillsFan17 Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 I mean, how often are we running three LBs on the field?
ColoradoBills Posted March 25, 2019 Author Posted March 25, 2019 13 minutes ago, Just Joshin' said: First the FAs next year do not worry me in the least. They are also not overly talented other than Alexander. I suspect that the Bills will address in the draft with 2 draft picks in rounds 3,4 and 5. LB is so scheme dependent that a team can find talent later in the draft that other teams avoid. I should of said in my OP that the depth guys who are also mainly on one year contracts might not even be on the team come September. They all just seem upgradeable. Early in FA I didn't think LB was high on the list but now with all the depth/some possible starter signed I also can see a LB drafted as high as 3. 1
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 2 hours ago, ColoradoBills said: Starters : Matt Milano - Tremaine Edmunds - Lorenzo Alexander Depth : Julian Stafford, Deon Lacey, Corey Thompson Possible Hybrid : Maurice Alexander Lorax, Stafford, Maurice Alexander and Lacey are FAs next year. First off I am a little shocked Beane hasn't signed a decent depth/possible starter FA yet. Is it because McDermott has very specific requirements or just couldn't get anyone to sign? Will Beane still sign a decent depth LB, if so who would fit? Secondly with the FA signing so far at other positions does this put LB in the top 4 rounds of the draft? Personally I see LB now as the riskiest group on D and I don't think the depth at LB will get it done. ...good point CB......with his versatile FA signings, it may give him more flexibility to possibly target LB's in the draft.....going to need a replacement for Lorax at some point..... 2
John from Riverside Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 I think that some of those later picks are going to be developmental linebackers........ And there is an ouuuuuutside chance that if a certain top MLB falls in the draft
mjt328 Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 Some of the responses are interesting. I don't see this is as a big need at all. At least not before the 3rd-4th Round. With the amount we are in nickel defense, you are only going to see two linebackers on the field most of the time. And unlike the D-Line, you don't see a heavy rotation at linebacker. Barring injury, the starters will play 95%+ of the snaps. Backup linebackers are mostly used for special teams. - In my opinion, Matt Milano has flashed big-time playmaking ability in his first two years. I'm absolutely shocked that some people think he should be upgraded. We should be set here for the next several years, and I can't believe it's even a question. - Tremaine Edmunds definitely had struggles as a rookie. But it should have been expected from someone with his experience. He definitely improved as the year goes along, and I think he makes a huge jump this year. Again, I find it shocking how quickly some fans want to move-on from young players. - Lorenzo Alexander is aging, so I definitely wouldn't mind grooming someone behind him. But I can't see using a really high draft pick on someone. Taking someone like Devon White would be a waste. The only reason Alexander even plays the number of snaps (I think he was around 60 percent) is because of his versatility. He was a chess piece for McDermott. Would another SLB be flexible to also play DE and DT? 1
BillsfanAZ Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 I think the Bills are fine with starting LB's but I think the depth is lacking. I dont see the Bills going LB before the 4th round.
artmalibu Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 68 players on the roster now so you can bet that there will be a few more LBs an the roster before camp starts
ColoradoBills Posted March 25, 2019 Author Posted March 25, 2019 52 minutes ago, mjt328 said: Some of the responses are interesting. I don't see this is as a big need at all. At least not before the 3rd-4th Round. With the amount we are in nickel defense, you are only going to see two linebackers on the field most of the time. And unlike the D-Line, you don't see a heavy rotation at linebacker. Barring injury, the starters will play 95%+ of the snaps. Backup linebackers are mostly used for special teams. - In my opinion, Matt Milano has flashed big-time playmaking ability in his first two years. I'm absolutely shocked that some people think he should be upgraded. We should be set here for the next several years, and I can't believe it's even a question. - Tremaine Edmunds definitely had struggles as a rookie. But it should have been expected from someone with his experience. He definitely improved as the year goes along, and I think he makes a huge jump this year. Again, I find it shocking how quickly some fans want to move-on from young players. - Lorenzo Alexander is aging, so I definitely wouldn't mind grooming someone behind him. But I can't see using a really high draft pick on someone. Taking someone like Devon White would be a waste. The only reason Alexander even plays the number of snaps (I think he was around 60 percent) is because of his versatility. He was a chess piece for McDermott. Would another SLB be flexible to also play DE and DT? See BillsfanAZ post below. Question is if a starter goes down can Stanford or Thompson be a capable starter? 45 minutes ago, BillsfanAZ said: I think the Bills are fine with starting LB's but I think the depth is lacking. I dont see the Bills going LB before the 4th round. This is were I'm at now.......I think a 4th is needed for depth.
msw2112 Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 1 hour ago, BillsfanAZ said: I think the Bills are fine with starting LB's but I think the depth is lacking. I dont see the Bills going LB before the 4th round. This is exactly what I was thinking. We have a decent starting trio (actually pretty good), but zero depth. Plus, Lorax is old and Milano now has some injury history, making the need for depth even greater.
Augie Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 We need depth, ST help, and an eventual replacement. Maybe one fairly high (by the 4th?), and another later as a project. 1
Rc2catch Posted March 25, 2019 Posted March 25, 2019 I would definitely say it’s a need. Still shocked Thomas Davis isn’t a bill. He’s perfect for what they needed. I do expect them to pick one in the top 4 they think can play right away, and another later they think they can develop 1
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