Could the Bills grab a TE in round 1?

[jpdex12]

I know this may belong in a draft thread but I would not be the least bit ticked off if we dumped our 1st round pick on this TE from Purdue...Dustin Keller. If we are pciking #11 or #12 then we could be looking at getting Conner, Rivers or Highsmith at OLB...Sweed or Kelly at WR...Balmer at DT or Porter or Jenkins at CB. This kind of TE with size and speed would be just what we need.

This guy reminds me of Winslow and he sure plays like him too. WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28fZ0_-q1bA

[BrunnyJ]

Oh boy after watching that I agree!!!!!

[jpdex12]

That kid is sick! I have watched a fair amount of college football this year but where was this guy?

Damn!

[historypete]

Why do we need a TE, isn't Gaines and Royal good enough????

I agree we need someone with some athletic ability, who can actually catch a ball downfield and can stretch a defense.

With that type of TE and a big, strong 2nd WR to complement Evans, I think our offense will improve drastically. Especially considering we'll have a somewhat competant offensive coordinator running the show next year. Unless Colorado St. fires Fairchild before he gets there.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Shhh....right now he has a 3rd round grade. He is a WR in a TE's body. I will be calling for this guy until draft day is over.
If there is any way to get Malcolm Kelly or Adarius Bowman and Rucker, it should be done. Although I'd like to see early help for the D-line as well.
Thing is...a lot of people have Rucker rated as the 3rd best TE in the draft. If that holds true, Rucker could be around in late round 2 or even 3. It would take both 3rds to move back into the second and likely a 5th or 6th as well.
There's a lot of WR talent out there, so we could actually do very well in that department even if we do go D-line in round 1.
This is my dream draft right now...
Rd. 1 Vernon Gholston DE
Rd. 2 Adarius Bowman WR (some say 1st some say 2nd)
Rd. 3 Martin Rucker TE (I think he'll end up moving up with the year he's had)
Rd. 3 Red Bryant or Dre Moore DT (Moore is probably the better fit)

[RedEyE]

I love his spirit. He has undaunting speed and stellar hands.

My only concerns are how well he blocks (don't need another line project), and he's a bit under weight at 240. He needs to add 10-15 lbs.

[RedEyE]

Why do we need a TE, isn't Gaines and Royal good enough????


We need a playmaker TE to open up this offense. Gaines and Royal drop more then they catch.

[historypete]

We need a playmaker TE to open up this offense. Gaines and Royal drop more then they catch.

I was trying to be sarcastic. I failed miserably.

[RedEyE]

I was trying to be sarcastic. I failed miserably.

LOL I got ya. I should have read into it.

[Oaf]

We might need to draft two WRs AND a TE in day 1 alone to fix this crappy O. I wouldn't be angry if we did that and rounded out the day with a LB.

[jpdex12]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead align=right><TD align=left width="50%">NAME</TD><TD width="10%">REC</TD><TD width="10%">YDS</TD><TD width="10%">YPR</TD><TD width="10%">LONG</TD><TD width="10%">TD</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>Dustin Keller (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146191)</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>881</TD><TD>13.0</TD><TD>80 (TD)</TD><TD>7</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I would gladly spend a 1st round pick on this kid even though he isn't rated that high. Winslow is only 7 pounds heavier than him. He is a solid blocker. Not the best but solid. Who said we need another solid blocker? We already have 16 blocking hybrid TE/FB's on the team. We need a receiving threat that will be a mismatch against a DE that drops back into coverage or a linebacker. Why are the teams with these types of TE's successful? Chargers, Browns this year...these types of TE's create big mismatches. Yes we still need a solid #2 WR, but if we drafted a TE like this kid it would accomplish both needs. A serious red zone, seem busting threat and a big target. A player like this really changes the face of an offense.

This kids attitude is a killer as well. He could single handedly change our offense and make us better. I wouldn't wait until later rounds to grab him because he isn't going to last. You watch and see the hype he builds up in the coming months.

[blackonyx89]

This dude is a MONSTER PLAYER!! We need a nasty bunch of player to punish the opposition. This kid fits the Bills need for sure!!! We're sorely lacking a warrior on the offensive side of the ball that can scare the crap out of the other side and intimidate,intimidate,intimidate,punish,punish punish!!!

[colin]

i love reading about draft stuff like this.

imo we will be getting a corner in the first unless a true stud at dt or wr falls to us (maybe LB, but i don't think anyone will be rated that highly at LB).

maybe we can trade down if a qb falls to us. i think we grab wlb and wr in fa or a trade, get dts either from FA or draft, and we draft at least one db, ol, and te.

the new gm is gonna want to add players that can make an impact right away, no position would help our team out of the draft as much as CB followed by C/RG.

we could get 3 starters in those positions in day one potentially.

[THATHURMANATOR]

I know this may belong in a draft thread but I would not be the least bit ticked off if we dumped our 1st round pick on this TE from Purdue...Dustin Keller. If we are pciking #11 or #12 then we could be looking at getting Conner, Rivers or Highsmith at OLB...Sweed or Kelly at WR...Balmer at DT or Porter or Jenkins at CB. This kind of TE with size and speed would be just what we need.

This guy reminds me of Winslow and he sure plays like him too. WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28fZ0_-q1bA
Sure they can do whatever their hearts desire.

[jpdex12]

Sure they can do whatever their hearts desire.

NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN?

[THATHURMANATOR]

NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN?
You asked if they could draft a TE in round 1. Sure they could.

[jpdex12]

You asked if they could draft a TE in round 1. Sure they could.

Oh yeah! Gotcha. It would be a surprise if they did but man this kid looks like a game changer.

[Jan Reimers]

Shhh....right now he has a 3rd round grade. He is a WR in a TE's body. I will be calling for this guy until draft day is over.
If there is any way to get Malcolm Kelly or Adarius Bowman and Rucker, it should be done. Although I'd like to see early help for the D-line as well.
Thing is...a lot of people have Rucker rated as the 3rd best TE in the draft. If that holds true, Rucker could be around in late round 2 or even 3. It would take both 3rds to move back into the second and likely a 5th or 6th as well.
There's a lot of WR talent out there, so we could actually do very well in that department even if we do go D-line in round 1.
This is my dream draft right now...
Rd. 1 Vernon Gholston DE
Rd. 2 Adarius Bowman WR (some say 1st some say 2nd)
Rd. 3 Martin Rucker TE (I think he'll end up moving up with the year he's had)
Rd. 3 Red Bryant or Dre Moore DT (Moore is probably the better fit)
Regardless of the specific player or order, I think you've nailed the 4 positions of greatest need.

[jpdex12]

Even though Keller is a 3rd round projection at this point, he will move up FAST. I wonder if he would last into round two?

God, why can't we have crystal balls?

[Jan Reimers]

God, why can't we have crystal balls?
They'd tinkle when we walked.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Oh yeah! Gotcha. It would be a surprise if they did but man this kid looks like a game changer.
I definitly wouldn't mind having a stud TE on this team for once.

[jpdex12]

I definitly wouldn't mind having a stud TE on this team for once.

yeah, you wanna talk about pulling the eighth man out of the box in a hurry...this guy would do it!

He'd draw the attention of more than just one safety.

[Yasgur's Farm]

If we're going round 1 for a TE... It beter be Martin Rucker. (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8401)

[jpdex12]

If we're going round 1 for a TE... It beter be Martin Rucker. (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8401)

Draz, what profile do you bring up for Dustin Keller from Purdue? He is the one that I have been drooling over. He had better stats this year and his vids are sick!

[Yasgur's Farm]

Dustin Keller (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=12570)

[ParanoidAndroid]

i love reading about draft stuff like this.

imo we will be getting a corner in the first unless a true stud at dt or wr falls to us (maybe LB, but i don't think anyone will be rated that highly at LB).

maybe we can trade down if a qb falls to us. i think we grab wlb and wr in fa or a trade, get dts either from FA or draft, and we draft at least one db, ol, and te.

the new gm is gonna want to add players that can make an impact right away, no position would help our team out of the draft as much as CB followed by C/RG.

we could get 3 starters in those positions in day one potentially.

I like it....but I disagree about drafting a CB. The problem with our 3rd down defense is the lack of pass rush. If you give a QB enough time, he will find someone even if the coverage was good. DE is a huge need. We could use a CB but there are several CB's coming up for FA: (per KFFL) Charles Tillman, Dre Bly, Quentin Jammer, Randall Gay, Asante Samuel....among others.

[Yasgur's Farm]

I think we need to get any 4 of these guys on day 1...

CB Terrell Thomas 6-1 198 4.46 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=15705)
WR Andre Caldwell 6-1 200 4.41 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=10480)
TE Martin Rucker 6-5 248 4.69 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8401)
WR Adarius Bowman 6-4 220 4.53 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=11489)
DT Frank Okam 6-5 320 5.24 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=33733)
DT Red Bryant 6-5 328 5.16 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8859)
WR Limas Sweed 6-5 218 4.58 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=8826)
DT John Greco 6-5 320 5.28 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=14008)

[jpdex12]

Motor City Bowl...Dustin Keller!

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead align=right><TD align=left></TD><TD>REC</TD><TD>YDS</TD><TD>AVG</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>LG</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>D. Keller (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146191)</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>150</TD><TD>21.4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>G. Orton (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=173705)</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>136</TD><TD>15.1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>29</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>J. Standeford (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156869)</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>112</TD><TD>14.0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>D. Bryant (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161018)</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>13.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>K. Sheets (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161035)</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>15.3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>D. Tardy (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161038)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>26.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD noWrap align=left>J. Taylor (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=183945)</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>5.5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>11</TD></TR><TR class="bi evenrow" align=right><TD align=left>Team</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>546</TD><TD>15.6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>62</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This kid lit it up! He is by far the best receiving TE in this year's draft. We need him! No more third down woes.

[Oaf]

The last few years, I was opposed to drafting a TE round 1. But with Edwards moving in as a potential future starter and given our desperate need for a big target over the middle, I like the idea a lot now.

Royal and Gaines would be solid #2 and #3 options actually. Keep Shouman at FB and cut everyone else at that position.

[jpdex12]

I still like the idea of using a TE as a TE and a GD FB for christ sake!

[The Jokeman]

Even though Keller is a 3rd round projection at this point, he will move up FAST. I wonder if he would last into round two?

God, why can't we have crystal balls?
I've been calling for Keller quite awhile and think he's a second Rounder, as he has some size issue which would prevent him being a Round 1 pick.

[Tatonka]

keller video footage.

click the link then click the "video" tab at the top of the page.

http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/rucker/index.html

[Bmax]

Clearly faster then then posted 4.8 40 time....Combine should tell the sory...

Bmax

[LifetimeBillsFan]

Obviously the Bills could draft a TE in the 1st Round. But, it would be utterly stupid of them to do so.

This year's TE class is very deep. Keller is not the only TE capable of being dominant who will be available. Martin Rucker of Mizzou is terrific. Fred Davis of USC, the top rated TE in many circles, destroyed Illinois in the Rose Bowl despite a couple of drops. And, then, there is Kellen Davis who had a good game against BC. Rucker and/or Fred Davis might go in the first round, but one of those two along with Keller and K.Davis, as well as a couple of other pretty good prospects are all likely to still be on the board when the Bills pick in the second round.

If you look at the article on TEs in the Scouting Zone you will a post by The Jokeman listing how various draft sites have the TEs likely to be in the draft rated. Any one of the top five on these lists would probably be able to give the Bills better TE play than they have gotten in fairly short order, with Rucker, F.Davis and Keller being the most likely to become stars (some compare Carlson to Jay Reimersma).

However, if he comes out as a junior, the best long-term prospect--who is not on any of these lists--may be Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew.

Pettigrew is a former basketball player who is still a bit raw and, as a result, may stay in school. But, during Oklahoma State's win over Indiana--where Pettigrew had a terrific game catching the ball, including one for a TD, and blocking--the announcers said that scouts have compared him to Antonio Gates. Watching Pettigrew, especially on one outstanding grab that he made for a first down, the comparison was understandable. While Pettigrew may not be as polished, as well-known or as big a part of his team's offense--and may need a year to develop--he could end up being the best pro of this entire very deep draft class if he chooses to come out (or whenever he does come out).

With so many potentially good TEs in this draft class, the Bills would be foolish to waste the 11th pick in the draft on a TE when they could get one nearly as good in Round 2 or even perhaps Round 3. With the 11th pick in the first round, they have a chance to get a much-needed playmaker at one of their other positions of need and still get a good TE later on.

So, while the Bills could take a TE with the 11th pick in the 1st Round, IMHO it would be extremely foolish of them to do so.

[Night Train]

Well said, LTBF.

I watch a ton of College ball and can see several that are superior to what we have now. No need to reach early. We'll get one.

[venis2k1]

my dream first day:

1st. Frank Okam, DT, Texas
2nd. Fred Davis, TE, USC
3rd. Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
3rd. Tavares Gooden, OLB/DE, Miami

[DraftBoy]

Obviously the Bills could draft a TE in the 1st Round. But, it would be utterly stupid of them to do so.

This year's TE class is very deep. Keller is not the only TE capable of being dominant who will be available. Martin Rucker of Mizzou is terrific. Fred Davis of USC, the top rated TE in many circles, destroyed Illinois in the Rose Bowl despite a couple of drops. And, then, there is Kellen Davis who had a good game against BC. Rucker and/or Fred Davis might go in the first round, but one of those two along with Keller and K.Davis, as well as a couple of other pretty good prospects are all likely to still be on the board when the Bills pick in the second round.

If you look at the article on TEs in the Scouting Zone you will a post by The Jokeman listing how various draft sites have the TEs likely to be in the draft rated. Any one of the top five on these lists would probably be able to give the Bills better TE play than they have gotten in fairly short order, with Rucker, F.Davis and Keller being the most likely to become stars (some compare Carlson to Jay Reimersma).

However, if he comes out as a junior, the best long-term prospect--who is not on any of these lists--may be Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew.

Pettigrew is a former basketball player who is still a bit raw and, as a result, may stay in school. But, during Oklahoma State's win over Indiana--where Pettigrew had a terrific game catching the ball, including one for a TD, and blocking--the announcers said that scouts have compared him to Antonio Gates. Watching Pettigrew, especially on one outstanding grab that he made for a first down, the comparison was understandable. While Pettigrew may not be as polished, as well-known or as big a part of his team's offense--and may need a year to develop--he could end up being the best pro of this entire very deep draft class if he chooses to come out (or whenever he does come out).

With so many potentially good TEs in this draft class, the Bills would be foolish to waste the 11th pick in the draft on a TE when they could get one nearly as good in Round 2 or even perhaps Round 3. With the 11th pick in the first round, they have a chance to get a much-needed playmaker at one of their other positions of need and still get a good TE later on.

So, while the Bills could take a TE with the 11th pick in the 1st Round, IMHO it would be extremely foolish of them to do so.


As usual LTBF hits the nail on the head, there is no TE worth the #11 pick and Keller is not the top TE in this class or really even the best receiving TE. As of right now I have the TE rankings as;

Tight End:
1. Martin Rucker-Missouri
2. Fred Davis-USC
3. John Carlson-Notre Dame
4. Jacob Tamme-Kentucky
5. Dustin Keller-Purdue
6. Kellen Davis-Michigan State
7. Brad Cottam-Tennessee
8. Adam Bishop-Nevada
9. Gary Barnidge-Louisville
10. Craig Stevens-Cal

I may end up switching Tamme and Keller in the end, but you cant teach size and Tamme has it. Plus Keller is a bad blocker and that hurts, he must learn alot in that regard plus his 40 time as of now is only 4.8, he looks faster but we wont know till the combine. The top 7 or 8 guys are all potential starting TE's in this league one day, so lets not get our hopes up about just one player. Keller should be there in Round 3 at this moment.

[jpdex12]

Not that I'm crazy about Mel, but it looks like Kiper just moved Keller up the rankings.

Tight Ends
1. Fred Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=156173), USC
2. Dustin Keller (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146191), Purdue
3. John Carlson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=150292), Notre Dame
4. Martin Rucker (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=145483), Missouri
5. Jacob Tamme (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146708), Kentucky

[jimbohastle51]

if anyone has watched any kentucky football this year and seen jacob tamme then you already know this but he is a stud! guy can block and can get down field and has great hands. i would love to see us pick up a carlson or tamme in the late 2nd or with one of our 3rds. did anyone watch the orange bowl tonight? that talib CB out of kansas is AWESOME!!! he would be a great second round pick for us. he will be a shutdown corner in the NFL, that guy had a pick for a touchdown and almost had another one but one of his teammates knocked it out of his hands. i think we need to put tightend high on the list (definatley first day if we dont find one in free agency) but i think we deffinatley need a corner and big wide reciever first. that mario manningham would be a nice pick if he is around in the second round. i dont see us staying at 11 and picking this year i think we are going to trade down and try to really fill the rest of our holes and push for the playoffs the next couple years. i really think we are a couple key free agents and one more solid draft class from contending for the next couple years. hats off to jauron with all the injuries we were a field goal against denver and an onsides recovery against dallas away from the playoffs this year.

[Tatonka]

i want davis.

[jpdex12]

Purdue's Dustin Keller (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=146191) caught seven passes for 150 yards and one touchdown against Central Michigan in the Motor City Bowl. Keller has been in the top five among senior tight ends all season because he is an outstanding option in the passing game. He has great hands and you could see him line up as either an H-back or in the slot at the next level, and I expect Keller to go in either the second or third round.

per Mel Kiper's top bowl performance players...

This kid isn't the best blocker out of TE prospects but he makes up for it with his catching abilities. He's a gamebreaker and that is what we need. Is Gates the best blocking TE you've seen? Keller may not be projected in the 1st round but if we can't grab him with our second round pick I will be disappointed. We need this kid and his kick ass attitude! Just look at his video I put up...what's not to like about him?