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BillsWin's Official Bills' Draft Analysis
BillsWin's Draft Analysis
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Grade B
The Bills' biggest need this offseason was some sort of pass rush. When the Bills were without Aaron Schobel the opposing team's QB had all the time in the world. No other Bills player seemed to be able to hurry the QB. The Bills addressed their need in round one of the draft with the 11th pick. However, the Bills had many options with the 11th pick. Top ranked DE Brian Orakpo was one of them. They passed on Orakpo, Brown, Johnson and alot of other good pass rushers and players for Maybin. But, Maybin is Buffalo's man. They love his high motor, intensity and thirst for sacking the QB. It appears as if Maybin will be a third down, situational player in his rookie season. He needs to put on a little weight before he can defend the run and become a 3 down starter for the Bills. Maybin lacks starter experience but showed some natural talent and ability this past season at Penn State. Maybin fits a need and is worth the 11th pick if he can show some of that pass rushing prowess on the field. Good pick.
Eric Wood, OC/OG, Louiville: Grade A
The Bills let go OG Derrick Dockery this off season and were in desperate need of fortifying their interior line. Wood is a great pick and worthy of an A for several reasons. He is arguably the 2nd best center in the draft. Many figured that Wood is tied between Unger and Mack for the top spot. Wood has the intelligence to command an offensive line and football skills to hang with the best. Wood is not only an impressive athlete, he is a finisher. Wood blocks until the whistle, and buries opponents every chance he gets. He has the size and strength to play guard or center. Although I would love to see Hangnarter move to guard and Wood become the center, the Bills have stated that they will play Wood at guard to start the season. That can change very quickly if Hangnarter has trouble with the 3-4 or Wood impresses the coaches in the way I think he will.
[IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rG16z7Sx***/SXUReiuKUUI/AAAAAAAADP8/iM3uZLEmJ7M/s200/jarius+byrd.png[/IMG]Jairus Byrd, CB/ FS, Oregon: Grade C
This is being considered a disappointing pick to many Bills fans. Many of those concerns and complaints came before the news that the Bills want him to play FS. Byrd is a ball hawk, but does not have the right skills to be a starting CB in the NFL IMO. His strengths can be used, however, to become a great FS, maybe even a starting FS. The Bills need a replacement for Simpson. He has under performed since his rookie season and has fallen in ill-favor with the coaching staff. Whitner is on the hot seat. He was told he was making the move to FS to help him make more plays. With Byrd taking the FS spot, Whitner will need to make plays from his SS spot or he may find himself on the way out in Buffalo. The fans have been disappointed in him thus far. However, I think that Whitner is plenty up to the challenge and will show everyone that his out put has suffered due to supporting cast. If Byrd can turn in some production at FS, the Bills made the right choice here. He may replace Parrish on punt returning duties within a year.
Andy Levitre, OG/OT, Oregon State: Grade B
The Bills traded back into the 2nd round to draft another interior lineman. This was an excellent pickup for the Bills. Not only did the Bills get a top flight center, they got a top guard. Considered by many pro scouts as the best pure guard in the draft, Levitre is a beast on the line. He pathed the way for one of the best rush offenses in the NCAA last season. Levitre has the size and talent to play guard or tackle, but transitions best as a guard in the NFL. He should be the starting left guard for the Bills for years to come. The Bills however have placed themselves in a sticky position. Levitre will most likely start, as will Wood. However, the Bills have said, Hangnarter is their guy at the pivot. That leaves an odd man out on the inside. Jauron has stated that Butler can move to tackle, which seems to make sense. Depending on Bell's development at tackle, Butler's ability to play on the outside and the front office's stubbornness with Hangnarter, the Bills have 4 players with the ability to play at G and only 2 spots. That isn't so much a problem as it is an annoyance. The Bills have got options.
Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss: Grade A
Finally, the Bills got the best value they possibly could at this spot. The Bills have lacked a pass catching tight end with this much talent for years. They could have reached for several players, but made a tough but correct decision to wait it out and take a player who fell a little. The Bills arguably got a top 3 tight end and they only spent a 4th on him. Alot of people were high on either Pettigrew or Cook, but I don't think anyone can argue with a 6'5'' tight end with proven ball skills and a 4.52 40 time. This pick has to be a fan favorite. They got a player to root for on offense, and one they've been begging for, for too long. I don't envy the defenses that have to face the Bills' pass offense this season. Just think about it, T.O and Evans on the outside reaking havoc, Reed in his natural slot position, the improving Johnson and Hardy filling in and a play making tight end. Excellent pick. Possibly the best of the draft.
Nic Harris, S/OLB, Oklahoma: Grade C
The Bills took a chance here. They need help on the outside linebacker position and they decided to make a project of it. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Harris showed much potential in his fill in roll at LB last season. I got to watch him play first hand, though most of the time it was at safety. I can tell you that Nic Harris can hit and he makes it look easy. He is not polished in the slightest, but he provides some quality depth and may become a special teams ace. If the Bills have some good coaching skills, Nic Harris may become a starter someday. He has the ability, just not much experience or knowledge at the LB spot. This was not a bad pick, but it will be a project for a few years at least.
Cary Harris, CB, USC: Grade D
He didn't earn a D from me because he isn't a good player. He got it because he is regrettable stuck in the fetish that OBD has for CB's. Harris is a solid player, he has a brilliant understanding of his position and the ability to get in the face of WRs. He has good ball skills which make up for his speed. He lacks in some aspects of athleticism and isn't ready for the NFL's game speed. It would be very surprising if Harris became a starter, but as a 6th round pick, it is expected he become a special teamer. With McKelvin, McGee, Florence, Corner and Youboty it is unlikely that Harris would see much play time.
Ellis Lankster, CB, WVU: Grade D
The Bills are running out of excuses for the amount of DBs they choose to draft. There is a conspiracy theory running around that the Bills like training CBs then trading or releasing them at their peak. It would appear that they do like CBs above any other position. Highly considered a position of strength entering the draft, the Bills have chosen to "strengthen" it further. Lankster has excellent ball skills for such a late rounder. He plays well against the run and has a pretty highlight reel. He may play safety for the Bills which would give him more of a chance at making the team.
Overall Grade: B-
The Bills addressed some needs early, then fell into old habits late. Buffalo fortified their interior offensive line, giving them a chance at some solid protection and an improved run game. They took a top teir pass rush specialist, but Maybin may be a liability against the run. They addressed their TE problem and did so well. There are some questionable picks, because they are relying alot on coaching to make some players switch positions and do so well. This isn't the end of the world, in fact, it makes this offseason that much more interesting. If the Bills can come up with the best OL lineup they can with these players and Shawn Nelson can pick up the play book and create a relationship with Trent, the offense looks vastly impoved, especially with the T.O pick up. The defense will depend heavily on who is playing saftey this season and more importantly, how Maybin performs as a rookie. Overall, the Bills improved the team over last year's and are better because of the majority of these picks. And for that reason, they get a B- from me.
Let me know what you think, this took a good minute to get done.
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Grade BThe Bills' biggest need this offseason was some sort of pass rush. When the Bills were without Aaron Schobel the opposing team's QB had all the time in the world. No other Bills player seemed to be able to hurry the QB. The Bills addressed their need in round one of the draft with the 11th pick. However, the Bills had many options with the 11th pick. Top ranked DE Brian Orakpo was one of them. They passed on Orakpo, Brown, Johnson and alot of other good pass rushers and players for Maybin. But, Maybin is Buffalo's man. They love his high motor, intensity and thirst for sacking the QB. It appears as if Maybin will be a third down, situational player in his rookie season. He needs to put on a little weight before he can defend the run and become a 3 down starter for the Bills. Maybin lacks starter experience but showed some natural talent and ability this past season at Penn State. Maybin fits a need and is worth the 11th pick if he can show some of that pass rushing prowess on the field. Good pick.
Eric Wood, OC/OG, Louiville: Grade AThe Bills let go OG Derrick Dockery this off season and were in desperate need of fortifying their interior line. Wood is a great pick and worthy of an A for several reasons. He is arguably the 2nd best center in the draft. Many figured that Wood is tied between Unger and Mack for the top spot. Wood has the intelligence to command an offensive line and football skills to hang with the best. Wood is not only an impressive athlete, he is a finisher. Wood blocks until the whistle, and buries opponents every chance he gets. He has the size and strength to play guard or center. Although I would love to see Hangnarter move to guard and Wood become the center, the Bills have stated that they will play Wood at guard to start the season. That can change very quickly if Hangnarter has trouble with the 3-4 or Wood impresses the coaches in the way I think he will.
[IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rG16z7Sx***/SXUReiuKUUI/AAAAAAAADP8/iM3uZLEmJ7M/s200/jarius+byrd.png[/IMG]Jairus Byrd, CB/ FS, Oregon: Grade C
This is being considered a disappointing pick to many Bills fans. Many of those concerns and complaints came before the news that the Bills want him to play FS. Byrd is a ball hawk, but does not have the right skills to be a starting CB in the NFL IMO. His strengths can be used, however, to become a great FS, maybe even a starting FS. The Bills need a replacement for Simpson. He has under performed since his rookie season and has fallen in ill-favor with the coaching staff. Whitner is on the hot seat. He was told he was making the move to FS to help him make more plays. With Byrd taking the FS spot, Whitner will need to make plays from his SS spot or he may find himself on the way out in Buffalo. The fans have been disappointed in him thus far. However, I think that Whitner is plenty up to the challenge and will show everyone that his out put has suffered due to supporting cast. If Byrd can turn in some production at FS, the Bills made the right choice here. He may replace Parrish on punt returning duties within a year.
Andy Levitre, OG/OT, Oregon State: Grade BThe Bills traded back into the 2nd round to draft another interior lineman. This was an excellent pickup for the Bills. Not only did the Bills get a top flight center, they got a top guard. Considered by many pro scouts as the best pure guard in the draft, Levitre is a beast on the line. He pathed the way for one of the best rush offenses in the NCAA last season. Levitre has the size and talent to play guard or tackle, but transitions best as a guard in the NFL. He should be the starting left guard for the Bills for years to come. The Bills however have placed themselves in a sticky position. Levitre will most likely start, as will Wood. However, the Bills have said, Hangnarter is their guy at the pivot. That leaves an odd man out on the inside. Jauron has stated that Butler can move to tackle, which seems to make sense. Depending on Bell's development at tackle, Butler's ability to play on the outside and the front office's stubbornness with Hangnarter, the Bills have 4 players with the ability to play at G and only 2 spots. That isn't so much a problem as it is an annoyance. The Bills have got options.
Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss: Grade AFinally, the Bills got the best value they possibly could at this spot. The Bills have lacked a pass catching tight end with this much talent for years. They could have reached for several players, but made a tough but correct decision to wait it out and take a player who fell a little. The Bills arguably got a top 3 tight end and they only spent a 4th on him. Alot of people were high on either Pettigrew or Cook, but I don't think anyone can argue with a 6'5'' tight end with proven ball skills and a 4.52 40 time. This pick has to be a fan favorite. They got a player to root for on offense, and one they've been begging for, for too long. I don't envy the defenses that have to face the Bills' pass offense this season. Just think about it, T.O and Evans on the outside reaking havoc, Reed in his natural slot position, the improving Johnson and Hardy filling in and a play making tight end. Excellent pick. Possibly the best of the draft.
Nic Harris, S/OLB, Oklahoma: Grade CThe Bills took a chance here. They need help on the outside linebacker position and they decided to make a project of it. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Harris showed much potential in his fill in roll at LB last season. I got to watch him play first hand, though most of the time it was at safety. I can tell you that Nic Harris can hit and he makes it look easy. He is not polished in the slightest, but he provides some quality depth and may become a special teams ace. If the Bills have some good coaching skills, Nic Harris may become a starter someday. He has the ability, just not much experience or knowledge at the LB spot. This was not a bad pick, but it will be a project for a few years at least.
Cary Harris, CB, USC: Grade DHe didn't earn a D from me because he isn't a good player. He got it because he is regrettable stuck in the fetish that OBD has for CB's. Harris is a solid player, he has a brilliant understanding of his position and the ability to get in the face of WRs. He has good ball skills which make up for his speed. He lacks in some aspects of athleticism and isn't ready for the NFL's game speed. It would be very surprising if Harris became a starter, but as a 6th round pick, it is expected he become a special teamer. With McKelvin, McGee, Florence, Corner and Youboty it is unlikely that Harris would see much play time.
Ellis Lankster, CB, WVU: Grade DThe Bills are running out of excuses for the amount of DBs they choose to draft. There is a conspiracy theory running around that the Bills like training CBs then trading or releasing them at their peak. It would appear that they do like CBs above any other position. Highly considered a position of strength entering the draft, the Bills have chosen to "strengthen" it further. Lankster has excellent ball skills for such a late rounder. He plays well against the run and has a pretty highlight reel. He may play safety for the Bills which would give him more of a chance at making the team.
Overall Grade: B-
The Bills addressed some needs early, then fell into old habits late. Buffalo fortified their interior offensive line, giving them a chance at some solid protection and an improved run game. They took a top teir pass rush specialist, but Maybin may be a liability against the run. They addressed their TE problem and did so well. There are some questionable picks, because they are relying alot on coaching to make some players switch positions and do so well. This isn't the end of the world, in fact, it makes this offseason that much more interesting. If the Bills can come up with the best OL lineup they can with these players and Shawn Nelson can pick up the play book and create a relationship with Trent, the offense looks vastly impoved, especially with the T.O pick up. The defense will depend heavily on who is playing saftey this season and more importantly, how Maybin performs as a rookie. Overall, the Bills improved the team over last year's and are better because of the majority of these picks. And for that reason, they get a B- from me.
Let me know what you think, this took a good minute to get done.
... Thank you very much. 
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