Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

[jamze132]

What is everyone's fascination with drafting a CB in RD 1 this year? Is it really one of our biggest needs? I don't think so. I could think of 2-3 positions that are in greater need than CB.

With the defense that Fewell runs, awesome, super cool CBs are not needed. If our defense can generate pressure up front, it will make the secondary look great, this is no secret. it's just that certain people forget it from time to time. With the addition of Stroud and Johnson, and by getting rid of Tripplett, our D-line has improved.

A shutdown CB is hard to find and they are rather expensive. Unless we know we are getting Dion Sanders Jr at #11, we should just stay away and fill a bigger team need. There is no gaurantee that any pick will pan out but the way I see it, WR is more of a pressing need and we need to take the gamble there, not on the top CB coming out of college who will be very expensive and who isn't really needed with our scheme.

[YardRat]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

I think this draft, specifically the first round, is going to end up being a no-brainer just like last year with Lynch.

[yordad]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

Well, Kelly plans to run here shortly. I think it is the 9th. His agent sent memos to every team that Kelly was 100%. I think if he is, and he runs 4.45 or better, he is being grabbed at number 11.

But, that still doesn't change that fact that trading back would be a best case senerio.

And, DRC could be the next Deion Sanders. And, I thought we could use some help in the secondary when Moss scored 4 tds in a half against us.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

I think this draft, specifically the first round, is going to end up being a no-brainer just like last year with Lynch.

Last year was far from a no brainer and some would contend taking Lynch so early last year may have been looking far too short sighted. Different discussion for a different day though.

[jamze132]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

And, DRC could be the next Deion Sanders. And, I thought we could use some help in the secondary when Moss scored 4 tds in a half against us.

Yeah, Brady and Moss really stunk it up against the rest of the NFL.

So you think we should draft DRC at #11?

[yordad]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

Yeah, Brady and Moss really stunk it up against the rest of the NFL.

So you think we should draft DRC at #11?

If Kelly runs a 4.45 or better, it is Kelly or a trade back. I would not be too upset if the drafted a top CB though. Well, I would reserve judgment until at least the first day is over. Heck, they could get Kelly in the second for all we really know. Stranger things have happened.

Oh, and Moss didn't blow up everyone. Just look at our overall pass defense man.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

Our sack total is more representative of our poor pass defense than any perceived deficiency at CB. It is also of note that our FS was often out of position on top of the zone. If we need help anywhere on defense, it's at DE and FS. Greer looked pretty good in the second half of the season. What we need is depth at CB, not a starter. A first round CB, like the thread starter said, is expensive. I don't think we can afford to throw heavy resources at that position without making serious additions to the receiving corps and upgrading our pass rush capabilities.
There is another side to this story that I must include in order to be fair. One argument that can be put forward for drafting a shut-down corner is the pressence of Schobel. When Nate Clements was shutting down #1 receivers, he was getting high coverage sack totals. This year, he was asked to apply pressure which he has never really done on a consistent basis. So, a shut-down corner might increase our sack totals.
To conclude, even when Schobel was getting sacks, they never seemed to be at game changing moments or when we needed them most. Furthermore, even when our defense was #2, two years straight, interception totals were not very significant. A good pass rush generates mistakes by QB's and more interceptions.
I'll pass on a CB early and take a DE who can disrupt on a consistent basis. Either that or try to move down for extra picks and our #2 WR. If none of the above, then there is a debate. Take the WR anyway or take the BPA, even if it does not fill an immediate need? I say "reach" 5 for the WR.

[Devin]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

What is everyone's fascination with drafting a CB in RD 1 this year? Is it really one of our biggest needs? I don't think so. I could think of 2-3 positions that are in greater need than CB.

With the defense that Fewell runs, awesome, super cool CBs are not needed. If our defense can generate pressure up front, it will make the secondary look great, this is no secret. it's just that certain people forget it from time to time. With the addition of Stroud and Johnson, and by getting rid of Tripplett, our D-line has improved.

A shutdown CB is hard to find and they are rather expensive. Unless we know we are getting Dion Sanders Jr at #11, we should just stay away and fill a bigger team need. There is no gaurantee that any pick will pan out but the way I see it, WR is more of a pressing need and we need to take the gamble there, not on the top CB coming out of college who will be very expensive and who isn't really needed with our scheme.

I look at it from the flipside. We improved our line, we improved our LB starters I think we absolutley should go D round 1. Either DL or CB.

I'd LOVE to see us grab Harvey/Merling at DE.

This is a crazy deep draft at WR, getting one in the 2nd imo wont be an issue. In fact I could see us trading back into the 2nd not the first to get our WR AND TE.

Ive said all offseason improving our front 7 HAS to be a priority. Upgrading our DE spot opposite Schobel imo would be massive for us. It would give us a great rotational guy in Kelsay (which is what he should have always been) and allow us to dump/trade him next year.

As far as CB goes, DRC/McKelvin are great talents at the position. DRC has the frame you look for in a cover 2 CB. Great size and speed, apart adding maybe 5-7 pounds in bulk hed be a fantastic fit next to McGee.

Ultimatley while I hope for DE I suspect we will go elsewhere.

[Historian]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

I don't disagree with a DE, however, I don't think the Bills see it that way. I think they're happy with Schoebel and Kelsay.

My guess is that they feel that by plugging up the middle, it will free those guys up to make plays.

That's why I voted corner.

Plus WRs are a dime a dozen.

[lordofgun]

By his 3rd year, Favre could already make throws other than a long bomb.

[don137]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

You know in a perfect scenerio Buffalo trades the #11 pick and its 4th or 5th rounder with Philly for their 1st round pick (#19) and Lito Shepard. They get a great WR and address their DB concerns.

[Mahdi]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

First of all the CB class is very deep so taking one in the first round is not necessary. Second of all its definitely not necessary for a cover 2 team. The Bills can get excellent cover 2 CBs in the third or even 4th round. Charles Godfrey is an example of a player I would like to see in round 4.

That being said I believe that the WR class has 3 really good ones and then there's a drop off. Kelly, Thomas, Sweed and then theres a drop off. IMO we have to have one of those 3 to ensure that we have a capable #2 WR for day one of the season. If we somehow do not take a WR and we go BPA, that player should be Derrick Harvey to upgrade the pass rush, which based on last year we absolutely need.

[Night Train]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

I like McKelvin & DRC but would completely understand if a WR was selected. Devin Thomas may be the most ready.

Just because I haven't become completely hypnotized by Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed is due to believeing their isn't that big of a difference between the top 3 guys and the next 12. I go by on field production & health, more than measurables.

CB are far tougher to come by and they don't see a 2nd contract here anymore. See Winfield & Clements. Plus you keep losing if you pass on a top 10 player to select #25 to fill a need.

[jamze132]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

I don't think we are going CB in RD1 due to our scheme and I highly doubt we are going DE since we already have a ****load of money tied up with Schobel and Kelsay. Unless Kelsay is released or traded prior to or on draft day, we should be taking WR at #11 or trading down. I say we stay put and have our pick at WR.

By the way, I seriosly doubt Kelsay is released...

[HughC]

Re: Why we shouldn't draft a CB at #11...

Just my opinion, but the key to good pass defense is a strong pass rush and not a great CB. Sure, a shut down corner can help create coverage sacks and take away another team's first option, but true shut down corners are extremely rare; in most cases almost any receiver will get open if he has enough time. A good pass rush can create hurried throws that result in three and outs even if they don't cause an interception. Putting the QB on the ground enough times will get inside a QB's head even if he does get the pass off; it has a cumulative effect that can totally disrupt an opponent's entire offense. With that in mind, I would say we should go for the best DL or LB that is available at #11. Then go for a CB and WR in the next two rounds.