McKelvin out to corner starter's role

[The Spaz]

Last year as a rookie Leodis McKelvin said it was his goal to be a starter. And though it did not happen until injury struck Buffalo’s secondary, he was ready when called upon. Now a year wiser and with Jabari Greer departing via free agency, McKelvin is prepared to be a starter from day one in 2009.

“It’s a lot easier,” said McKelvin in comparing year two to year one of his career. “I’ve been getting a lot of reps. Being with that first team and being able to go out there and showcase my talents it’s coming along very well.”

McKelvin’s time on the field this past spring was a bit curtailed by his infected finger. He’ll have competition from the likes of Reggie Corner, Drayton Florence and Ashton Youboty, but there is little doubt that when training camp begins the former number one pick will be lined up at right cornerback opposite Terrence McGee.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/mckelvin-out-to-corner-starters-role/124ada5b-ff85-4177-a8a7-d864d1bc2c29

[gil]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

It would be nice to have him turn into a star for us.

[Mahdi]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

His skills are evident and he's a superb athlete. You could tell he was a step behind mentally though. After a year in the system I expect him to have a solid year. If we can get pressure on QBs I expect 6-8 picks.

The KC game showed his ball hawking ability.

[OpIv37]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

If he can't beat out Corner, Youboty and Florence, it's not a good sign. The starting position should be his to lose.

[TigerJ]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

If he can't beat out Corner, Youboty and Florence, it's not a good sign. The starting position should be his to lose.

Very true! Anything less than winning the starting position and performing well in that role would be a huge disappointment. I'm expecting him to be a great cornerback.

[trapezeus]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

one saving grace for the bills D this year is that they might be putting out a bunch of ball hawks for the secondary. If you are bend but don't break D like ours, turnovers are the key. And Leodis and that safety they drafted might be guys who have a nose for INT's. If only we had a LB crew or DL that loved creating fumbles, then we'd have something to make us rest easy at night.

[WeAreArthurMoates]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

I loved this pick last year and he's turning into to my favorite player. The kids athletecism is off the charts and this kid truley can be one of the great corners. There's no doubt in my mind that he wins the job. McKelvin will be our most dangerous defensive player next year.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

I could have sworn that I saw scouting reports listing one of his weaknesses at being hands... But, as I just searched, the closest comment I read was that his "ball skills" were weak.

[trapezeus]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

i remember in the draft that they liked his ball skills and his return ability. how can you not have good hands and then be a punt returner? I know punts and passes are different tragectories and such, but still. it's about catching the ball.

[madness]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

one saving grace for the bills D this year is that they might be putting out a bunch of ball hawks for the secondary. If you are bend but don't break D like ours, turnovers are the key. And Leodis and that safety they drafted might be guys who have a nose for INT's. If only we had a LB crew or DL that loved creating fumbles, then we'd have something to make us rest easy at night.

That's the Tampa 2 in a nutshell! Now only if we had the pass rush that initiates it all.

[casdhf]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

I could have sworn that I saw scouting reports listing one of his weaknesses at being hands... But, as I just searched, the closest comment I read was that his "ball skills" were weak.

The knock on him was that he did everything right and always got great position, but when he broke on the ball he could never catch it.

[thenry20]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

His skills are evident and he's a superb athlete. You could tell he was a step behind mentally though. After a year in the system I expect him to have a solid year. If we can get pressure on QBs I expect 6-8 picks.

The KC game showed his ball hawking ability.

I really didn't expect him to have the year that he did last year with the limited reps in practice and his position on the depth chart but he really opened my eyes and I hope there is much greater upside now that he's teased us with his talent. This young man feels like he's going to be a huge star in this league!

[trapezeus]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

i also felt like he played with heart last year. in that infamous jets game, when favre bootlegged for a 20 yard run, leodis sprinted at him full speed and made the tackle while the rest of the team looked like, "gosh darn it, we got bamboozled."

i hope he pans through.

[yordad]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

Hey now, no knock on McKelvin, but when healthy Youboty isn't a slouch. He better not think he can breeze through this one. Our CB group is solid.

[patmoran2006]

Re: McKelvin out to corner starter's role

Considering he was the 11th overall pick in the draft, that would be nice if he could become a starter.