Bills top the list of teams whos rookies must contribute immediately

[FlyingDutchman]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d810f6ee6&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true


Here's a top five list of clubs whose seasons could very well hinge on the performance of their choices in this year's draft:
http://www.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/bills_logo.jpg (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=BUF)
1. Buffalo Bills (http://www.nfl.com/teams/buffalobills/profile?team=BUF): You can talk all you want about Terrell Owens (http://www.nfl.com/players/terrellowens/profile?id=OWE755129) (and the conversation is endless), but he's not the make-or-break factor in the Bills' 2009 season. The make-or-break factor is the performance of the Bills' offensive line. And the line's success is largely going to depend on the play of rookie guards Eric Wood (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/eric-wood?id=71523) (a first-round pick) and Andy Levitre (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/andy-levitre?id=71363) (a second-rounder). Wood and Levitre draw high praise for being exceptionally tough and intelligent, qualities the Bills expect to help offset their inexperience.
Buffalo's defense desperately needs to improve its pass rush, and is counting on first-round choice Aaron Maybin (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/aaron-maybin?id=80433) to make a major difference as an end who primarily enters games in obvious passing situations. The 6-foot-4 Maybin is exceptionally quick, but his smallish frame (he's listed at 250 pounds, but looks lighter) raises questions about whether he can hold his own against the behemoth offensive tackles he will consistently face in the NFL.
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Carucci's rookies to watch (http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d810143e3&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true)



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David Zalubowski / Associated Press
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Below are some of the rookies Vic Carucci thinks will have the biggest impact next season. Find out why he picked these players and get his complete top-10 list (http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d810143e3&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true).
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Rank
</TH><TH align=middle>
Player
</TH><TH align=middle>
Team
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1.
</TD><TD>
Robert Ayers
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Broncos
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2.
</TD><TD>
Jason Smith
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Rams
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3.
</TD><TD>
Brian Orakpo
</TD><TD>
Redskins
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4.
</TD><TD>
B.J. Raji
</TD><TD>
Packers
</TD></TR><TR class=whiteback><TD>
5.
</TD><TD>
Knowshon Moreno
</TD><TD>
Broncos
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http://www.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/broncos_logo.jpg (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=DEN)
2. Denver Broncos (http://www.nfl.com/teams/denverbroncos/profile?team=DEN): Josh McDaniels' arrival and Jay Cutler (http://www.nfl.com/players/jaycutler/profile?id=CUT288111)'s departure have consumed all of the discussion about the Broncos' fortunes this season. Yet so much of what this team does or doesn't do is likely to be influenced by the production it gets from a pair of first-round draft picks, running back Knowshon Moreno (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/knowshon-moreno?id=79619) and end/outside linebacker Robert Ayers (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/robert-ayers?id=71193).
The Broncos have a crowded backfield, but they are expecting Moreno to be the primary ball-carrier. He has more game-changing ability than the other backs, and will need to display it on a team undergoing an offensive overhaul with new quarterback Kyle Orton (http://www.nfl.com/players/kyleorton/profile?id=ORT716150). Ayers looks to have the ability to be a significant force in the Broncos' conversion from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. His athleticism should provide the versatility that new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan needs to implement his scheme successfully.
http://www.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/seahawks_logo.jpg (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=SEA)
3. Seattle Seahawks (http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA): The Seahawks have defensive-minded Jim Mora running the show in place of Mike Holmgren, an offensive mastermind. They hope Mora's defensive background will go a long way toward helping improve the NFL's 30th-ranked unit. That improvement is unlikely to happen without a big season from first-round draft pick Aaron Curry (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/aaron-curry?id=79842). He not only needs to fill the void at linebacker created by the trade of Julian Peterson (http://www.nfl.com/players/julianpeterson/profile?id=PET325247) to Detroit, but he must live up to his billing as arguably the most talented overall player in the draft. Curry figures to be strong at the point of attack in Seattle's 4-3 scheme. He has superb pass-coverage skills and his considerable athleticism should allow him to quickly develop into an effective pass-rusher.
http://www.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/bengals_logo.jpg (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=CIN)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (http://www.nfl.com/teams/cincinnatibengals/profile?team=CIN): Like the Bills, the Bengals have a certain wide receiver who commands a great deal of attention and is presumed to hold the key to the team's fortunes. But Chad Ochocinco (http://www.nfl.com/players/chadochocinco/profile?id=JOH104425) is a smaller part of the equation than the Bengals' offensive line. And the line absolutely needs first-round choice Andre Smith (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/andre-smith?id=71465) to be ready to step in at offensive tackle. Carson Palmer (http://www.nfl.com/players/carsonpalmer/profile?id=PAL249055) has to have have sufficient time to make the most of Ochocinco, newcomer Laveranues Coles (http://www.nfl.com/players/laveranuescoles/profile?id=COL366580) and other receivers.
Smith is dogged by questions about his immaturity and there is speculation that he might not be under contract soon enough to participate fully in training camp, which figures to be an absolute must given the steep learning curve for an NFL offensive tackle. The Bengals' defense needs a big year from second-rounder Rey Maualuga (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/rey-maualuga?id=79852), a big-hitting linebacker who should help against the run.
http://www.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/49ers_logo.jpg (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=SF)
5. San Francisco 49ers (http://www.nfl.com/teams/sanfrancisco49ers/profile?team=SF): First, they have to find a quarterback. But regardless of whether Alex Smith or Shaun Hill (http://www.nfl.com/players/shaunhill/profile?id=HIL586565) fills the spot, the 49ers absolutely have to find a go-to target, and given the other possibilities -- Josh Morgan (http://www.nfl.com/players/joshmorgan/profile?id=MOR166910) and Isaac Bruce (http://www.nfl.com/players/isaacbruce/profile?id=BRU085284) -- it is hard to imagine anyone besides first-rounder Michael Crabtree (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/michael-crabtree?id=71269) in that role.
Although coach Mike Singletary would love to have a power-oriented scheme that leans heavily on the running of Frank Gore (http://www.nfl.com/players/frankgore/profile?id=GOR411171) (with relief from third-round pick Glen Coffee (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/glen-coffee?id=79549)), the Niners made Crabtree the 10th overall pick because they saw him as the game-changer their offense didn't have. They also are counting on him to help their unaccomplished candidates to start at quarterback deliver more than they could without him.

[FlyingDutchman]

So far I have a lot of confidence in Wood and Levitre holding down their positions just fine. Id be lying if I said Im not worried about Maybin contributing right away. Doesnt seem too often rookie DEs come in and are crazy effective. I just hope he has a year like Leodis where he shows some signs of serious raw talent. They also might as well throw Shawn Nelson in there as a guy who needs to have an impact on this team.

[OpIv37]

funny how the teams that win are always at the bottom of these lists...

[FlyingDutchman]

Well that would just make sense now wouldnt it since these guys were taken early in the draft.... :bf1:

[OpIv37]

Last time I checked, 10 teams picked ahead of us, yet we're still #1 on this list. This isn't about which players are most LIKELY to contribute- it's which teams NEED contributions from rookies to be successful.

Teams that win don't depend on rookies. If they get contributions from rookies, it makes them that much better, but they don't need it to be successful like the Bills do.

yeah, I know, what's done is done and it's too late now, but it's a terrible situation that this FO has created.

[FlyingDutchman]

Last time I checked, 10 teams picked ahead of us, yet we're still #1 on this list. This isn't about which players are most LIKELY to contribute- it's which teams NEED contributions from rookies to be successful.


Yes I posted this thread, Im aware of what it reads. Thanks for the recap

[FlyingDutchman]

Teams that win don't depend on rookies. If they get contributions from rookies, it makes them that much better, but they don't need it to be successful like the Bills do. Thank you John Madden

yeah, I know, what's done is done and it's too late now, but it's a terrible situation that this FO has created. Not taking the bait

[TigerJ]

I have never seen this particular kind of ranking before, so I don't know about Buffalo having been on top before. It is kind of a no brainer that since they blew up their offensive line this offseason Buffalo is going to depend on new guys performing.

In the blurb about Maybin, ESPN fails to note that Maybin will likely not start this season. Since he will most likely serve as a designated pass rusher (from the left side) in obvious pass situations, and not as a full time lineman, the durability issue may be a phantom one. I think Maybin stands a good chance of eventually replacing Aaron Schobel. Whether that happens in 2010 or later would seem to depend on what Schobel can do on his gimpy foot.

[Night Train]

It's a fun read I suppose but the Bills are in this position because of recent personnel failings at key positions, in addition to a HC with major game mgmt. issues.

That list is an indictment on the Bills recent failings in the front office & on the field, pre-draft.

If the Bills lose early and cost Jauron his job, the last people to blame would be the rookies who need experience.

It's all on paper but this draft looks very promising over the long term.

[Jan Reimers]

I have a great deal of respect for Vic Carucci, and I agree totally with his analysis. Fortunately, Wood and Levitre are bright, hard-working guys who played lots of games at big-time programs, so they have a chance to be fairly good as rookies.

Maybin might at least be a situational pass rusher who will give us SOMETHING, which is more than we had last year.

In addition to these three guys, I would like to see serious contributions from Byrd and Nelson.

[ChristopherWalken]

Never a good sign.

[OpIv37]

If the Bills lose early and cost Jauron his job, the last people to blame would be the rookies who need experience.



I actually feel bad for this rookie class. Seriously, it's unreasonable to expect Maybin to come in and shred offensive lines immediately. DE is a position that usually requires 2 or 3 years for players to come into their own. But the reality is that if Maybin DOESN'T tear it up immediately, this team will continue to struggle.

It's a really terrible situation for him, created by incompetent management and incompetent coaching.

I agree that there is a lot of promise in this draft class. I just don't think it's realistic to expect these guys to come around in time to save this season. It's an unfair expectation on these kids.

[yordad]

Yet he believes Pat White will contribute more.

[madness]

I actually feel bad for this rookie class. Seriously, it's unreasonable to expect Maybin to come in and shred offensive lines immediately. DE is a position that usually requires 2 or 3 years for players to come into their own. But the reality is that if Maybin DOESN'T tear it up immediately, this team will continue to struggle.

It's a really terrible situation for him, created by incompetent management and incompetent coaching.

I agree that there is a lot of promise in this draft class. I just don't think it's realistic to expect these guys to come around in time to save this season. It's an unfair expectation on these kids.

For a starter not a situational pass rusher. Rookies tend to flourish in these types of roles while they grow into a starter role.

[Nighthawk]

I actually feel bad for this rookie class. Seriously, it's unreasonable to expect Maybin to come in and shred offensive lines immediately. DE is a position that usually requires 2 or 3 years for players to come into their own. But the reality is that if Maybin DOESN'T tear it up immediately, this team will continue to struggle.

It's a really terrible situation for him, created by incompetent management and incompetent coaching.

I agree that there is a lot of promise in this draft class. I just don't think it's realistic to expect these guys to come around in time to save this season. It's an unfair expectation on these kids.

I'd have a bit more faith in this draft class performing well if we actually had a HC who knew what he was doing. He has proven time and time again that he can make veterans look bad on gameday, why should we expect him to all of a sudden be able mold young players into championship quality players? I just don't see this organization making strides until Dickey has finally left the building.

[TigerJ]

It's a fun read I suppose but the Bills are in this position because of recent personnel failings at key positions, in addition to a HC with major game mgmt. issues.

That list is an indictment on the Bills recent failings in the front office & on the field, pre-draft.

If the Bills lose early and cost Jauron his job, the last people to blame would be the rookies who need experience.

It's all on paper but this draft looks very promising over the long term.It's true that the Bills were in a position of having to draft a couple linemen early AND needing them to play early because of a series of bad personnel decisions, including Derrick Dockery and Melvin Fowler. The present regime headed by Russ Brandon really hasn't had the opportunity to frove itself capable or incompetent yet, even though Modrak, John Guy and others have been around for quite a while. The configuration and decision making structure is different, and some former participants in that process are gone.

[jimbohastle51]

byrd, wood, and harris i have a ton of faith in. byrd was a total ballhawk in college and we are only asking him to play safety and basically free lance on passing situation and use his ball skills this year, not to line up man to man so we will see his best attributes. wood was my favorite g/c in the draft he is as sure a thing as they come, i have zero problem with him starting day one if it happens. harris was awesome on a ELITE college team, and if he ran a 4.4 he would have been a first or second round pick and still be a safety, i dont expect him to start at LB this year but he will be as solid a special teamer as you can get and if earns the starting LB job its just all the better. maybin has a huge bust factor because of size in my eyes. he hasnt been impressive this offseason and as stated in this arcticle he doesnt look the 250 he is listed at. if we were a 3-4 defense i wouldnt have a problem because he could stand up and rush off the edge but because we are a 4-3 cover 2 team i really dont see him doing anything but coming in and putting his hand down on passing situations and maybe we see 4 or 5 sacks out of him his rookie year, his value will not be really known for a couple years and we need a dynamic pass rusher right now. other guy who is impressive is 7th round pick ellis lankster. i saw him at the senior bowl this year and he has shut down corner potential. he is like mckelvin in the way he takes chances and jumps alot of routes to try to make a play (as seen as he was a ballhawk all mini camp and practices since being drafted), lankster will make the 53 man roster and surprise some people. i feel bad for drayton florence because he has looked good but at 3.3 million this season, i am sure the bills will stick with corner and lankster to take greer and florences spots.

[TigerJ]

I agree, Jimbo. On the face of it, this looks like an awesome draft. The proof is in the pudding, however. We won't really know if it is an awesome draft until the season is well underway, and even then the picture won't be complete.

[Hemlepp53]

...have a lot of confidence in Wood and Levitre holding down their positions just fine. .....worried about Maybin contributing right away. ....hope he has a year like Leodis where he shows some signs of serious raw talent. .... throw Shawn Nelson in there...

I couldnt agree more. I think the o-line will manage and get better as the season progresses and very thing seems to become natural. Maybin should start to show his talent by week 4. I think at that point he might start over Kelsay on the majorityof snaps. I do not think his size will be as huge of a factor as most think. Within 2 years he will have bulked up and filled the physical stero type d-end. If Nelson can grasp the offense switching from spread I think he can be a major producer on the field whether its gaining yards or opening up situations for others to take advantage...

[jimbohastle51]

In case everyone didnt notice it is pretty obvious we will be running our version of the spread offense this year. We run alot of shotgun last year with trent and stayed in shotgun during most running plays as well. It is the easiedt way to not show the weakness of the young oline as well as keep trent from taking hits. All of our backs catch the ball well which is a must in the spread and trents best atrribute is scanning the field, and leaving him in shotgun is the easiest way to do that. Especially when we plan on going 4 and 5 wide ALOT. I think it will be more of a texas tech spread than a florida spread though. Not as much rb playng qb and not as much motion before the snap, just alot of slinging it by trent (like harrell lst year). We have the perfect personel for it!

[jimbohastle51]

Another theory which helps prove it is that we are fine with walker playing lt. He is a great pass blocker and a so so run blocker. Dont you think if trent was going to be under center most of the time lt would have been a higher priority? Trent will always be in shotgun which makes langston as good as most lt's because you take most of the mauling out of job and more pass protection for him