It's going to be a long long long boring stretch getting to training camp.
Our biggest discussion will probably be Whom steps it up for us at WR, who has real potential.
So I thought I'd hunt down some reports about the guys we do have...
Kamar Aiken
David Clowney
POSITIVES: Developing receiver with terrific playing speed. Displays sharpness running routes, gets separation from opponents, offering the quarterback a nice target. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride.
NEGATIVES: Undersized and struggles against larger defenders. Gives effort blocking, but is not effective. Marginally productive the past two seasons because of the rotational system Virginia Tech uses at wideout.
ANALYSIS: Athletically gifted, Clowney offers potential as a third receiver at the next level if he improves his consistency.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.36
20 Yrd Dash: 2.53
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.15
3-Cone Drill: 7.00
Bills signed WR David Clowney to a reserve/future contract.
Clowney played in the ACC when Bills coach Chan Gailey was the head man at Georgia Tech. The 26-year-old speedster has 22 career catches for 341 yards.
TJ Graham
Marcus Easley
Overview
Easley is a very raw talent who struggled on the bench for three years before bursting on the scene during his senior year at UConn. He has a rare combination of size and straight-line speed and can make acrobatic catches. The problem is Easley does not appear to trust his hands and will not only drop some catchable passes but tends to let the ball get into his body to trap it rather than reach out to pluck it. He is a bit of a strider and will need a lot of work on getting in and out of his breaks. The nice thing is that he has a good chance to see some action on special teams. He was a core special-teams performer at UConn during his first three years as he tried to earn a scholarship.
Strengths
Easley is a tall receiver with great bulk. Long strider who possesses very good top-end speed. Has big strong hands and good body control to make difficult catches in traffic. Fierce competitor who seeks out contact on special teams and may contribute there early at the next level.
Weaknesses
Lacks confidence in his hands and drops too many catchable balls. Does not sink his hips enough to maintain speed in-and-out of his breaks. Runs sloppy routes and will struggle to get separation at the next level. Only saw playing time as a senior and is a bit of a one-year wonder.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.39
20 Yrd Dash: 2.52
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10'03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.60
3-Cone Drill: 6.94
Derek Hagan
POSITIVES
Hagan is one of the better route runners in this year's draft, known for excellent footwork and change of direction speed. He excels in getting open against both zone and man-to-man coverage. Hagan's three straight years of over 1,000 yards receiving, his 100-plus yards receiving yards per game over his senior and junior years show his ability to be not only a productive but a consistent wide receiver. Since becoming a regular starter his sophomore year, Hagan has missed just three starts, proving to be a durable wide receiver.
NEGATIVES
Hagan has, at times, appeared reluctant to go over the middle resulting in some questioning his toughness as a receiver. While Hagan's 4.5 40 time is not the slowest among this year's class of wide receivers, it is not the top of the line speed desired by most general managers and coaches. Hagan has also been known to drop easy catches, leading some to question his hands. A sub-par Senior Bowl has also hurt Hagan's draft status, likely lowering him from a possible late first-round pick to a projected second-round selection.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.45
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.07
3-Cone Drill:
Steve Johnson
Donald Jones
Ruvell Martin
David Nelson
Naaman Roosevelt
Our biggest discussion will probably be Whom steps it up for us at WR, who has real potential.
So I thought I'd hunt down some reports about the guys we do have...
Kamar Aiken
Biography: Two-year starter who finished with 32/486/2 as a senior and 36/610/9 as a junior.
Positives: "Well-built pass catcher who projects as an underneath possession receiver in the NFL. Uses effective hand technique to get off jams at the line of scrimmage, comes back to the ball out of breaks, makes himself an available target, and has good eye/hand coordination. Makes tough catches, easily makes the down-field, over-the-shoulder catches, and wins out in battles for the ball."
Negatives: Lacks a burst and cannot beat opponents in a foot race. Average route runner.
Analysis: Aiken has been adequately productive the past two seasons and offers the skill as well as body type to fit in as a fifth receiver in either a West Coast or timing offense.
pro day results
Positives: "Well-built pass catcher who projects as an underneath possession receiver in the NFL. Uses effective hand technique to get off jams at the line of scrimmage, comes back to the ball out of breaks, makes himself an available target, and has good eye/hand coordination. Makes tough catches, easily makes the down-field, over-the-shoulder catches, and wins out in battles for the ball."
Negatives: Lacks a burst and cannot beat opponents in a foot race. Average route runner.
Analysis: Aiken has been adequately productive the past two seasons and offers the skill as well as body type to fit in as a fifth receiver in either a West Coast or timing offense.
pro day results
40 Yrd Dash: 4.45
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.57
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 36 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.63
3-Cone Drill: 7.19
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.57
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 36 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.63
3-Cone Drill: 7.19
David Clowney
POSITIVES: Developing receiver with terrific playing speed. Displays sharpness running routes, gets separation from opponents, offering the quarterback a nice target. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride.
NEGATIVES: Undersized and struggles against larger defenders. Gives effort blocking, but is not effective. Marginally productive the past two seasons because of the rotational system Virginia Tech uses at wideout.
ANALYSIS: Athletically gifted, Clowney offers potential as a third receiver at the next level if he improves his consistency.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.36
20 Yrd Dash: 2.53
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.15
3-Cone Drill: 7.00
Bills signed WR David Clowney to a reserve/future contract.
Clowney played in the ACC when Bills coach Chan Gailey was the head man at Georgia Tech. The 26-year-old speedster has 22 career catches for 341 yards.
TJ Graham
Strengths: Very, very fast – running a 10.44 100 meter dash as a high school senior. Clocked a 4.41 40-yard dash at the Combine. A true deep threat who can separate from NFL corners down the field. Does a nice job off the line with his quickness and using his hands to deceive DBs. A very dangerous return man, adding to Buffalo’s embarrassment of riches in the return game. Had a pretty productive senior year after not being used much as an underclassman.
Weaknesses: Small and thin. Will need to add strength. His hands are rather inconsistent. Doesn’t always track the ball well in the air. Has a long way to go on his route running. Is willing to go over the middle but might get killed in the NFL doing it. Will not be an effective blocker.
Graham joins Buffalo’s already-crowded WR picture, and you have to wonder how he’ll be used initially. At the very least, he should provide someone opposing safeties have to respect down the field, which should open things up underneath for the Stevie Johnsons and David Nelsons of the world.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.41
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash:
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 08
Vertical Jump: 33 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.18
3-Cone Drill: 6.77
Weaknesses: Small and thin. Will need to add strength. His hands are rather inconsistent. Doesn’t always track the ball well in the air. Has a long way to go on his route running. Is willing to go over the middle but might get killed in the NFL doing it. Will not be an effective blocker.
Graham joins Buffalo’s already-crowded WR picture, and you have to wonder how he’ll be used initially. At the very least, he should provide someone opposing safeties have to respect down the field, which should open things up underneath for the Stevie Johnsons and David Nelsons of the world.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.41
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash:
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 08
Vertical Jump: 33 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.18
3-Cone Drill: 6.77
Easley is a very raw talent who struggled on the bench for three years before bursting on the scene during his senior year at UConn. He has a rare combination of size and straight-line speed and can make acrobatic catches. The problem is Easley does not appear to trust his hands and will not only drop some catchable passes but tends to let the ball get into his body to trap it rather than reach out to pluck it. He is a bit of a strider and will need a lot of work on getting in and out of his breaks. The nice thing is that he has a good chance to see some action on special teams. He was a core special-teams performer at UConn during his first three years as he tried to earn a scholarship.
Easley is a tall receiver with great bulk. Long strider who possesses very good top-end speed. Has big strong hands and good body control to make difficult catches in traffic. Fierce competitor who seeks out contact on special teams and may contribute there early at the next level.
Lacks confidence in his hands and drops too many catchable balls. Does not sink his hips enough to maintain speed in-and-out of his breaks. Runs sloppy routes and will struggle to get separation at the next level. Only saw playing time as a senior and is a bit of a one-year wonder.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.39
20 Yrd Dash: 2.52
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10'03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.60
3-Cone Drill: 6.94
Derek Hagan
POSITIVES
Hagan is one of the better route runners in this year's draft, known for excellent footwork and change of direction speed. He excels in getting open against both zone and man-to-man coverage. Hagan's three straight years of over 1,000 yards receiving, his 100-plus yards receiving yards per game over his senior and junior years show his ability to be not only a productive but a consistent wide receiver. Since becoming a regular starter his sophomore year, Hagan has missed just three starts, proving to be a durable wide receiver.
NEGATIVES
Hagan has, at times, appeared reluctant to go over the middle resulting in some questioning his toughness as a receiver. While Hagan's 4.5 40 time is not the slowest among this year's class of wide receivers, it is not the top of the line speed desired by most general managers and coaches. Hagan has also been known to drop easy catches, leading some to question his hands. A sub-par Senior Bowl has also hurt Hagan's draft status, likely lowering him from a possible late first-round pick to a projected second-round selection.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.45
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.07
3-Cone Drill:
Steve Johnson
POSITIVES: Adequately sized receiver who took his game to another level last year. Sells pass routes, quickly gets into breaks and gets separation from defenders. Adjusts to make the reception in stride, displays a sense of timing and good eye/hand coordination. Extends to pluck the ball from the air and uses his frame to shield away defenders.
NEGATIVES: Loses concentration and drops the occasional catchable pass. Possesses marginal speed and not a deep threat.
ANALYSIS:Johnson is a possession receiver who offers potential as a fourth wideout at the next level. He must improve the details of his game yet will get long looks in camp this summer.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.58
20 Yrd Dash: 2.62
10 Yrd Dash: 1.53
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.26
3-Cone Drill: 7.0
NEGATIVES: Loses concentration and drops the occasional catchable pass. Possesses marginal speed and not a deep threat.
ANALYSIS:Johnson is a possession receiver who offers potential as a fourth wideout at the next level. He must improve the details of his game yet will get long looks in camp this summer.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.58
20 Yrd Dash: 2.62
10 Yrd Dash: 1.53
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.26
3-Cone Drill: 7.0
Donald Jones
Undrafted F4ree Agent same year as David Nelson.
A junior college transfer, Jones only had two full years of college football, and that is at little Youngstown State. He had a very impressive debut for the Penguins in 2008, grabbing 31 balls for 510 yards and 7 TDs in twelve games. He was voted All Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. This year Jones exploded with a 77 reception, 790 yards and 6 TDs campaign, and was voted to the Conference's first Team Squad. Donald Jones is elusive, and runs smooth, albeit, simple routes and changes direction quickly. He has good leaping ability and body control, and is adept at reading coverage and shows solid hands. With good vision, Jones works hard as a blocker and is a quick learned.
However, Jones lacks lower body strength; he has below average speed (4.56) -- does not have a second gear. He will sometimes get caught from behind, because he lacks explosiveness after the catch. Jones also lacks experience against elite competition, so he must improve route running. Jones is a productive receiver at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He has some potential as a slot /possession wide out in the NFL; a project with enticing promise. Despite his lack of experience against better competition and the absence of big play ability, he would be drafted most likely late on Day two.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.46
20 Yrd Dash: 2.55
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 09'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.20
3-Cone Drill: 6.90
A junior college transfer, Jones only had two full years of college football, and that is at little Youngstown State. He had a very impressive debut for the Penguins in 2008, grabbing 31 balls for 510 yards and 7 TDs in twelve games. He was voted All Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. This year Jones exploded with a 77 reception, 790 yards and 6 TDs campaign, and was voted to the Conference's first Team Squad. Donald Jones is elusive, and runs smooth, albeit, simple routes and changes direction quickly. He has good leaping ability and body control, and is adept at reading coverage and shows solid hands. With good vision, Jones works hard as a blocker and is a quick learned.
However, Jones lacks lower body strength; he has below average speed (4.56) -- does not have a second gear. He will sometimes get caught from behind, because he lacks explosiveness after the catch. Jones also lacks experience against elite competition, so he must improve route running. Jones is a productive receiver at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He has some potential as a slot /possession wide out in the NFL; a project with enticing promise. Despite his lack of experience against better competition and the absence of big play ability, he would be drafted most likely late on Day two.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.46
20 Yrd Dash: 2.55
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 09'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.20
3-Cone Drill: 6.90
Ruvell Martin
not much to find to cut and paste here. He played in NFL Europe for the Amsterdam Admirals 2005. he has been very well traveled in the NFL never really doing much of anything. He had real good success in NFL Europe but it has never translated to the NFL
He has played on the Greenbay Packers 2006 - 2008, St. Louis Rams 2009, Seattle Seahawks 2010, Buffalo Bills 2011.
He has played on the Greenbay Packers 2006 - 2008, St. Louis Rams 2009, Seattle Seahawks 2010, Buffalo Bills 2011.
David Nelson
not much on David Nelson. he was an undrafted free agent acquisition. He has caught more footballs for Buffalo then he did in his entire college career.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/...-nelson-1.html
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.56
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 09'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.13
3-Cone Drill: 6.79
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/...-nelson-1.html
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.56
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 09'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.13
3-Cone Drill: 6.79
Naaman Roosevelt
Roosevelt does not have elite speed but he has more than enough to get behind a secondary and he has great quickness that surprises defenders. Roosevelt’s greatest assets are his route running and body control. He bursts in and out of his breaks, slashing his way through a defense. He jumps well, has a nose for the end zone and possesses very good hands to make tough catches. In the open field Roosevelt is tough to get a hand on and if you do that’s usually all you get. This makes him equally tough on special teams, where he will likely have to make his mark in the pros first. He can be a little straight-lineish but he can dance very well and once he sees daylight he’s gone. Very bright and should pick up the playbook.
His lack of size and elite speed and his level of competition will give teams pause. He probably should have declared for the 2009 draft because he’s lost QB Drew Willy and it’s tough to expect one of Willy’s replacements to fill his shoes. Roosevelt has not produced against out of conference opponents the way he has against MAC foes
Strengths: Route Running, Hands, Quickness, Intelligence, Agility, Open Field, Production
Weaknesses: Strength, Frame, Toughness, Durability, Blocking, Level of Competition
40 Yrd Dash: 4.60
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 12
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 09'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.16
3-Cone Drill: 6.9
His lack of size and elite speed and his level of competition will give teams pause. He probably should have declared for the 2009 draft because he’s lost QB Drew Willy and it’s tough to expect one of Willy’s replacements to fill his shoes. Roosevelt has not produced against out of conference opponents the way he has against MAC foes
Strengths: Route Running, Hands, Quickness, Intelligence, Agility, Open Field, Production
Weaknesses: Strength, Frame, Toughness, Durability, Blocking, Level of Competition
40 Yrd Dash: 4.60
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 12
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 09'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.16
3-Cone Drill: 6.9
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