Whitner

[wmoz11]

I've been a long time poster and viewer of the BBMB, but it seems that folks around here are much more rational, so I'm posing this question:

What are your thoughts on Whitner?

I see a lot of hate for him (based on draft position, mostly) on the BBMB, but I don't understand it. Sure, we could have had Ngata, but forgetting that, I still feel that he could be a great SS if used consistently in that role.

Will Whitner be around next year, and do you, as I do, believe that he is a solid player in the run with potential to be a quality player in regards to versatility?

[Slim]

Re: Whitner

There is A LOT of Whitner hate on every Bills board. I personally think he is a very solid safety.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

Re: Whitner

trade him for picks man, we dont need him we have wilson , scott and byrd, we need to rebuild so might as well get picks for him

i would trade

marshawn
whitner
stroud
schobel
edwards
kelsay
parrish

i would try and trade all these players for whatever picks we can get.... even a 7th

time to rebuild

[wmoz11]

Re: Whitner

I understand Wilson had a nice year this year, but I'm not sold on him. I don't know why, but I'm just not confident in him being a full time safety.

[M]

Re: Whitner

Wait til OP gets a hold of this thread.

[Coach Sal]

Re: Whitner

I've been a long time poster and viewer of the BBMB, but it seems that folks around here are much more rational, so I'm posing this question:

What are your thoughts on Whitner?

I see a lot of hate for him (based on draft position, mostly) on the BBMB, but I don't understand it. Sure, we could have had Ngata, but forgetting that, I still feel that he could be a great SS if used consistently in that role.

Will Whitner be around next year, and do you, as I do, believe that he is a solid player in the run with potential to be a quality player in regards to versatility?

The bolded part is the biggest problem.

We've been living off "could be" with Donte since the day he arrived in Buffalo.

What's my opinion of him?

Solid football player.
Good emotional leader.
Not worth nearly the draft pick spent on him.
Hurt too often.
Does not tackle well near the line of scrimmage.

But my biggest issue with him is that after 4 years, and having been a top-10 pick (which is not normal for a safety), he isn't the "game-changer" I would like.

I don't think he sucks. But I'd like to see him make a few plays that alter the course of the game. Other than the INT TD vs. Tampa last year, I'm not sure he's ever done that.

He's just there.

I mean, can you really say he's even better than Bryan Scott at this point?

[wmoz11]

Re: Whitner

Hmm... he only missed 5 games in 3 years prior to this year, but yeah, you'd like a top 10 pick to be healthy a little more than that when you factor in this season (missed 5 games).

Sal, where I disagree with your assessment is that he hasn't been in the SS role CONSISTENTLY. Previously, he's bounced from FS to SS and then later had to fill in a cornerback due to various injuries, both this year and last year, where he actually played on the outside as a pure corner.

If our secondary can remain healthy (big IF) and he can remain healthy, then I think he's a very good SS in this league.

I know everyone loves Byrd, but he was a very, very average player in the run game this year.

Our secondary is one of very few bright spots on this team and I'm happy with the depth (George Wilson had a great year, stats-wise) but I think there will be more in store for Whitner if we can get some consistency from a health perspective and a scheme that can utilize his skills properly.

[Pinkerton Security]

Re: Whitner

The bolded part is the biggest problem.

We've been living off "could be" with Donte since the day he arrived in Buffalo.

What's my opinion of him?

Solid football player.
Good emotional leader.
Not worth nearly the draft pick spent on him.
Hurt too often.
Does not tackle well near the line of scrimmage.

But my biggest issue with him is that after 4 years, and having been a top-10 pick (which is not normal for a safety), he isn't the "game-changer" I would like.

I don't think he sucks. But I'd like to see him make a few plays that alter the course of the game. Other than the INT TD vs. Tampa last year, I'm not sure he's ever done that.

He's just there.

I mean, can you really say he's even better than Bryan Scott at this point?

He is a solid player, you're right. I do think he is better than Scott because he can play the pass better than Scott, but then i guess scott is better vs. the run. My thing is, and it seems to be skirted around, we use this guy as our jack-of-all-trades...we move him around constantly, much more than anyone else, and i think that has hampered his playmaking abilities. He did have a better year this year, especially once Byrd cemented his spot as our ballhawk.

I am not making a case that Whitner is a stellar safety. Is he worth a top ten pick? No, I dont think anyone would say that. But does that mean we should get rid of his ass? No. You cant have a team full of stars, it just doesnt work that way (especially in Buffalo). To me Whitner is on par with Kyle Williams...a guy who for the most part does his job, does it pretty well and doesnt make many mistakes. You need guys like that on your team.

[Pinkerton Security]

Re: Whitner

Hmm... he only missed 5 games in 3 years prior to this year, but yeah, you'd like a top 10 pick to be healthy a little more than that when you factor in this season (missed 5 games).

Sal, where I disagree with your assessment is that he hasn't been in the SS role CONSISTENTLY. Previously, he's bounced from FS to SS and then later had to fill in a cornerback due to various injuries, both this year and last year, where he actually played on the outside as a pure corner.

If our secondary can remain healthy (big IF) and he can remain healthy, then I think he's a very good SS in this league.

I know everyone loves Byrd, but he was a very, very average player in the run game this year.

Our secondary is one of very few bright spots on this team and I'm happy with the depth (George Wilson had a great year, stats-wise) but I think there will be more in store for Whitner if we can get some consistency from a health perspective and a scheme that can utilize his skills properly.

nice post.

[wmoz11]

Re: Whitner

Great post, IMO, pinkdogg.

EDIT: Just saw you said the same about mine. I think we're of like minds here.

[ArcticWildMan]

Re: Whitner

Why get rid of him? We can hardly afford to waste a draft pick on his replacement. Granted, he hasn't lived up to his draft position but he is far from a waste as a player. Unless we want to spend a 2nd round pick on a replacement for him (that is what his play has been equivalent to), we need to keep him. He may not be a pro bowler but he is hardly a liability compared to some of the other positions on our defense.

[wmoz11]

Re: Whitner

I'm glad to see, so far, that there is some appreciation for him. I feel like I've been talking to a brick wall over at the BBMB in regards to Whitner and his worth.

If Cowher comes here, I can see him putting Whitner in a Polamalu situation (don't get crazy, I'm not saying they're in the same class).

He's great against the run and could be a good run-blitzer (and an occasional pass blitzer) given that we actually acquire a decent LB to play on the weak side.

[Aliceinchainsbills15]

Re: Whitner

trade him for picks man, we dont need him we have wilson , scott and byrd, we need to rebuild so might as well get picks for him

i would trade

marshawn
whitner
stroud
schobel
edwards
kelsay
parrish

i would try and trade all these players for whatever picks we can get.... even a 7th

time to rebuild

I would agree with you on all of those players exept Schobel and Stroud

[DrGraves]

Re: Whitner

Donte Whitner acts like a 6 year old girl. He hasn't grown up yet and I don't think he ever will. Look at Jarius Byrd.... he puts himself in position to makes plays and his 9 picks is evidence of that... Whitner seems to be always out of position... I hope we cut him.

[wmoz11]

Re: Whitner

Donte Whitner acts like a 6 year old girl. He hasn't grown up yet and I don't think he ever will. Look at Jarius Byrd.... he puts himself in position to makes plays and his 9 picks is evidence of that... Whitner seems to be always out of position... I hope we cut him.

Jairus Byrd hasn't made a tackle within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage yet. I love him as a center fielder, but he's no where near an all-around safety yet.

Whitner is not out of position. He simply gets exposed from time to time by the matchup he's relegated to playing because of our injuries at the corner position.