Early analysis of the Bills' draft (Day Two)

[The_Philster]

In Friday's edition (http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2006/10/bills-byeweek-draftanalysis271006.html) of this dual-part series analyzing the <A class=articlelinks href="http://bills.realfootball365.com/"><ACRONYM title="Buffalo Bills News">Buffalo Bills</ACRONYM> ' 2006 draft, the conclusion was made that strong safety Donte Whitner (http://realfootball365.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7757&team=2) was the team's only true difference maker thus far. Buffalo's final two selections from Day One of the draft, John McCargo (http://realfootball365.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7775&team=2) and Ashton Youboty (http://realfootball365.stats.com/fb/playerstats.asp?id=7819&team=2), have been bogged down by injury and personal issues, respectively.
On the second day of the draft, the Bills had a whopping six selections. Although it's still extremely early in the careers of these rookies, let's see how they're stacking up seven games into their first regular season....more (http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2006/10/bills-draft-daytwo301006.html)

[kernowboy]

I think that it is a fair assessment.

I think Simpson and Ellison have been excellent picks and will definitely be starters in the future.

I think the entire DT rotation has been poor and in many ways the principle concern on Williams was that he lacked the ballast. It will be interesting to see that in the offseason if he can add the extra stone to take him up to 310lbs as I think it will help provide the ballast against the run even if it means sacrificing a little penetration. Anderson is gone at the end of the year though.

I think the comments on Merz a little unfair. There was absolutely no way that they were going to start both Pennington and Merz together on the right hand side. Likewise moving him to LG with Peters still adapting would have been too risky. I can see him stepping up to replace Villarial in 2007.

I found the comments about Butler and Pennington interesting. I believe it has been easier for Pennington to transition to the pro game as he was coached by a McNally disciple at New Mexico. I am however shocked that Butler is 33lbs lighter. If we can get more weight on Butler, I can see him ultimately moving into the RT role, as O'Callaghan has done well with the Pats taken only a few spots higher, with Pennington being the swing tackle as he has the feet for both sides unless of course Pennington does stunningly well.

Overall though I think it shows up as an A- draft. We have had 2 steady starters (Whitner, Simpson), 4 who have worked into the rotation and done ok to v.good (McCargo, Williams. Merz and Ellison) and 3 guys who could still become starting or at the worst quality reserve material. Most teams would kill for having 9 picks all on their roster - of whom 6 have contributed.

If Marv can do as well in next years draft, then we will be on the way to turning this team around. Lets hope he replicates his drafting skills in the off season free agency as well.

[TigerJ]

I posted a comment complimenting Conner Byrne for that article. I think he only writes for the Bills on the Real Football site. In any case, he appears to actually do his homework on the Bills when he writes rather than just regurgitating stuff he's seen elsewhere.

[DraftBoy]

Good read