mjt328
04-23-2012, 12:27 PM
I've noticed that opinions on Buddy Nix have changed DRAMATICALLY over the last three months.
I don't think it's a stretch to assume that most of this is due to the re-signing of Stevie Johnson and the free agent addition of Mario Williams. Although both were spectacular moves for the franchise, how much does that really say about his drafting ability?
By most accounts, the 2010 draft was a disaster.
I don't think it can be argued that CJ Spiller - despite showing flashes of ability last year - has done very little to actually make the Buffalo Bills a better football team (which was the argument against drafting him in the first place). Assuming Fred Jackson is re-signed, Spiller will likely remain a backup through the length of his rookie contract.
Alex Carrington, Danny Batten, Arthur Moats and Torrell Troup have also made little impact and remain buried on the depth chart. Marcus Easley has been hurt his entire career. I doubt any are locks for the team this year.
Ed Wang, Levi Brown and Kyle Calloway have already been cut.
Of course, the 2011 draft appears much better after one season.
Marcel Dareus was a no-brainer pick, and he looked pretty good as a rookie. Possibly even a future Pro Bowler.
Kelvin Sheppard and Aaron Williams look like solid starters at their positions. Chris Hairston may join that group this year. I wouldn't put it past Da'Norris Searcy and Justin Rogers to start as well someday.
Only Johnny White, Chris White and Michael Jasper have yet to truly contribute. Still, it's good they are all still on our team.
The question is, what kind of draft are we going to get in 2012?
Was 2010 a fluke? Was 2011 just really good luck? Did Nix and the front office just learn from their mistakes?
I don't think it's a stretch to assume that most of this is due to the re-signing of Stevie Johnson and the free agent addition of Mario Williams. Although both were spectacular moves for the franchise, how much does that really say about his drafting ability?
By most accounts, the 2010 draft was a disaster.
I don't think it can be argued that CJ Spiller - despite showing flashes of ability last year - has done very little to actually make the Buffalo Bills a better football team (which was the argument against drafting him in the first place). Assuming Fred Jackson is re-signed, Spiller will likely remain a backup through the length of his rookie contract.
Alex Carrington, Danny Batten, Arthur Moats and Torrell Troup have also made little impact and remain buried on the depth chart. Marcus Easley has been hurt his entire career. I doubt any are locks for the team this year.
Ed Wang, Levi Brown and Kyle Calloway have already been cut.
Of course, the 2011 draft appears much better after one season.
Marcel Dareus was a no-brainer pick, and he looked pretty good as a rookie. Possibly even a future Pro Bowler.
Kelvin Sheppard and Aaron Williams look like solid starters at their positions. Chris Hairston may join that group this year. I wouldn't put it past Da'Norris Searcy and Justin Rogers to start as well someday.
Only Johnny White, Chris White and Michael Jasper have yet to truly contribute. Still, it's good they are all still on our team.
The question is, what kind of draft are we going to get in 2012?
Was 2010 a fluke? Was 2011 just really good luck? Did Nix and the front office just learn from their mistakes?