The case against drafting Rivers

[kernowboy]

Inexperience

More importantly the complete inexperience it would bring to the LB Corps. DiGiorgio is a capable backup but not starting material. Posluzny looks like he has the potential to be a good MLB for several years but has started only 3 games. After drafting Rivers at No11, we could hardly expect him to learn behind Ellison.

A LB Corps of "Crowell-Posluzny-Rivers" is incredibly inexperienced considering the inability of the DL to stop the run and the difficulty in learning the Cover2 defence.

A WR could learn from Evans and Reed, whilst any R1 pick on the DL would be surrounded by several years experience when starting.

Whilst we have a decent roster, our No1 needs to be a starter from Day1.

Picking up a Free Agent LB, whether a SLB or WLB, will allow some our younger LBs breathing space to develop and I include Posluzny, DiGiorgio and Ellison here. And LB is the best represented position in FA at present.

We can always draft one of the top LBs coming out in 2009 especially if Crowell leaves.

The No11 needs to go on a Day1 starter like a WR, a DL or even a CB where they will join a unit with experienced players to learn from

[patmoran2006]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

the case for him.

1- He could end up being the next Cornelius Bennet.

2- LB's have made a good early transition to the NFL. The last two defensive ROY's have been LB's: Patrick Willis and DeMarco Ryans.

I wouldn't worry about experience right now.. This team is already dreadfully young. I'm more worried about talent.

[L.A. Playa]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Rivers has played for a pro team for the last 4 years

[Jan Reimers]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Good post, kb. I have never been a fan of drafting a linebacker in the first round, and your experience argument gives me one more reason. I like WR, DT, or even DE at 11.

[The Jokeman]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Inexperience

More importantly the complete inexperience it would bring to the LB Corps. DiGiorgio is a capable backup but not starting material. Posluzny looks like he has the potential to be a good MLB for several years but has started only 3 games. After drafting Rivers at No11, we could hardly expect him to learn behind Ellison.

A LB Corps of "Crowell-Posluzny-Rivers" is incredibly inexperienced considering the inability of the DL to stop the run and the difficulty in learning the Cover2 defence.

A WR could learn from Evans and Reed, whilst any R1 pick on the DL would be surrounded by several years experience when starting.

Whilst we have a decent roster, our No1 needs to be a starter from Day1.

Picking up a Free Agent LB, whether a SLB or WLB, will allow some our younger LBs breathing space to develop and I include Posluzny, DiGiorgio and Ellison here. And LB is the best represented position in FA at present.

We can always draft one of the top LBs coming out in 2009 especially if Crowell leaves.

The No11 needs to go on a Day1 starter like a WR, a DL or even a CB where they will join a unit with experienced players to learn from

The argument for taking Rivers at pick 11 is he's going to be the best player at that spot. Not to mention he fits a need. Add to that a rookie LB will probably make a quicker impact then a rookie WR. So all things considered think Rivers makes the most sense for both the short and long term assuming we sign a veteran WR in free agency.

[kernowboy]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Rivers has played for a pro team for the last 4 years

I was under the impression that the USC Trojans are a college side?

[kernowboy]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

the case for him.

1- He could end up being the next Cornelius Bennet.

2- LB's have made a good early transition to the NFL. The last two defensive ROY's have been LB's: Patrick Willis and DeMarco Ryans.

I wouldn't worry about experience right now.. This team is already dreadfully young. I'm more worried about talent.

Both Willis and Ryans got noticed playing on shocklingly bad teams. I'm not sure I want us there.

We can pick up Free Agent talent at LB

As it stands talent at DT and WR in Free Agency is marginal so if we really want to improve the team, we sign free agents where there is plenty of choice at the position, and draft at positions where there is plenty of depth.

Drafting a LB, when there is plenty of choice in free agency and settling for a medicore free agent WR or DT when we could draft a star makes little sense. We have 3 positions to fill - LB, DT, WR, and waiting to Day2 to hope to draft a starter is risky.

I think we should sign a free agent LB, draft a WR and DT in Rounds 1 & 2 or visa versa and we have 3 starters especially as its arguable whether Rivers is even the best LB in this draft.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

I know our draft is largely dependent on who we pick up in free agency. But looking at our roster right now, our D is not going to improve significantly without a run stuffing DT, and our O will not get appreciably better without a complimentary WR for Evans.

They are more important than an OLB.

[DraftBoy]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

I know our draft is largely dependent on who we pick up in free agency. But looking at our roster right now, our D is not going to improve significantly without a run stuffing DT, and our O will not get appreciably better without a complimentary WR for Evans.

They are more important than an OLB.

There is nobody as a realistic option to be a DT or #2 WR at 11, our position kind of sucks

[hydro]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

I was under the impression that the USC Trojans are a college side?

[kernowboy]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

There is nobody as a realistic option to be a DT or #2 WR at 11, our position kind of sucks

Well after the combine there will be risers and fallers. We may have to reach for DT or WR help.

Or we may have the opportunity to trade down especially if the Bears, the Vikings, the Buccaneers and maybe even the Panthers get in a squabble over Brohm.

However the LB class is weak this year, which helps explain a little of the 'buzz' around Rivers.

Does he look good, because of the poverty of alternatives to him? He may end up being as big a reach as others.

Certainly as stats compared to Xavier Adibi suggest his reputation proceeds his production.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

There is nobody as a realistic option to be a DT or #2 WR at 11, our position kind of sucks

Yeah, I know, but assuming the two best DTs - Dorsey and Ellis - are gone, I don't think Malcom Kelly would be a big stretch at 11. I've looked at a few draft guides, and he is considered by most to be the best WR in the draft, and is rated between 11 and 20. Balmer might be too much of a stretch, though.

[The Jokeman]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Yeah, I know, but assuming the two best DTs - Dorsey and Ellis - are gone, I don't think Malcom Kelly would be a big stretch at 11. I've looked at a few draft guides, and he is considered by most to be the best WR in the draft, and is rated between 11 and 20. Balmer might be too much of a stretch, though.

Kelly isn't a bad selection at 11 but IMHO I'd prefer going elsewhere as feel can get a quality WR in Round 2 such as Adarius Bowman or Devin Thomas.

[patmoran2006]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

Its only mid February.. But I will bet anybody whatever ZB they want to be that if Keith Rivers is on the board at 11 he's coming to Buffalo, and it will take Modrak about 45 seconds to announce the pick.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: The case against drafting Rivers

the case for him.

1- He could end up being the next Cornelius Bennet.

The problem, as with any draft pick, is that he could also be the next Brian Bosworth or Andy Katzenmoyer.