Marv's First Draft

[Sisyphean Bills]

1 8 Whitner, Donte SS 5-10 203 Ohio State

 

Going into the draft, most people felt the Bills had gaping holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines. At this point in the draft, the Bills were faced with the option of choosing either of the top 2 DT, a top OL, or even one of the more coveted QBs in the draft (2 of the top 3 were still on the board).

 

In retrospect, the new coaching staff looks like they felt the defensive secondary was in poor shape with 3 of the top 4 picks going towards the secondary. Whitner looks like a good pick with a higher floor than some other possibilities here. The Bills had trade-down options and could've parlayed their position into several extra picks. They clearly had Whitner rated highly and felt SS was a big need.

 

Whitner is an excellent player but his lack of size could be a problem. The cover-2 D that Jauron is installing will help with this, but it will remain to be seen how well Whitner can hold up and if his size will hinder him too much against bigger backs in run support and TEs and bigger WRs in coverage.

 

1 26 McCargo, John DT 6-2 301 North Carolina State

 

Another early entry junior in the first round, the Bills gave up a pick to move up and draft McCargo, who they had rated as one of the highest players still available. Again, they chose not to play poker but instead went after a player they were enamored with. McCargo was a concensus 3rd best DT available from the various scouting reports, but maybe not 1st round material. Again, a little on the small side and durability is a question. Projects to the under tackle position where the Bills have signed Larry Tripplett.

 

3 70 Youboty, Ashton CB 6-0 188 Ohio State

 

Yet another junior, making the Bills 3 for 3 on day one. "Shaking" has tremendous upside potential and could be right there with the best corners in this draft. Still, he's a work in progress and needs to improve his technique to be a solid pro.

 

4 105 Simpson, Ko FS 6-1 208 South Carolina

 

Sticking right with the early entry juniors and defensive theme on day 2 of the draft. The knock on Ko J. is his inconsistency and lack of awareness in his play. Things that should be correctable. The kid has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl free safety -- if the light comes on.

 

5 134 Williams, Kyle DT 6-1 298 Louisiana State

 

All he does is show up around the ball and make plays. The lesser heralded of the best pair of DTs in the NCAA, Williams is a plugger who just gets it done. Very quick, plays every down, and has the speed to get back in plays to the outside. Should be a welcome addition to a DL rotation that was in dire need of an infusion of talent.

 

5 143 Butler, Brad OT 6-7 309 Virginia

 

In a word: nasty. He's got to unlearn some bad habits to become a better player. He's highly competitive and may be a good sleeper find -- if he can focus and correct his poor footwork and technique.

 

6 178 Ellison, Keith OLB 6-1 229 Oregon State

 

Most likely position is special teams. Erratic college LB who had trouble getting off blocks and being overpowered.

 

7 216 Pennington, Terrance OT 6-7 325 New Mexico

 

Big, very big. Unimpressive strength. A long shot.

 

7 248 Merz, Aaron G 6-3 346 California

 

Large guard. Strong as an ox and moves poorly. A long shot.

 

 

The Bills spent this draft shoring up their defense. 3 picks spent on the secondary and 2 DTs, which could all play significant roles soon on the new D being installed by Dick Jauron. At the tail end of the draft the Bills may have picked up some depth for the OL and a special teams contributor. This was a defensive draft that was intended to fill the defense with players well-suited to the new systems. There are arguably still many holes on the Bills roster, and filling them all will take more time.