Bills hidden treasure: Cornerbacks

[Pinkerton Security]

Examining a position group that could exceed its preseason expectations:

Last year Buffalo was 19th against the pass. It wasn't all on the cornerbacks, but that position was certainly part of the problem. Safeties George Wilson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9267/george-wilson) and Jairus Byrd (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12613/jairus-byrd) had solid seasons, but the cornerback play was mostly uneven. There were a lot of penalties, missed assignments and injuries at the position.

Enter hidden treasures Stephon Gilmore (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14942/stephon-gilmore) and Aaron Williams (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14045/aaron-williams). Gilmore was taken in the first round this year, and Williams was a second-rounder in 2011. Both are expected to contribute right away and could be Buffalo's starting tandem in 2012. Gilmore wasn't a big name in this draft but is considered an NFL-ready player. The South Carolina product has been impressive in offseason workouts. Williams was in and out of the lineup last year due to injuries. But when healthy, Williams showed flashes of being a solid and athletic corner. Ten-year veteran Terrence McGee (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4569/terrence-mcgee) also will compete for a starting job.

Keep in mind that Buffalo's not-so-hidden treasure -- its pass rush -- should be a tremendous boost to its cover corners. The team spent more than $100 million to add pass-rushing defensive ends Mario Williams (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9587/mario-williams) and Mark Anderson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9745/mark-anderson) to the defense. Both players should set the edge and make it uncomfortable for quarterbacks. Teams will have less time to throw against the Bills, and that means less time for the corners to worry about coverage. This could result in more turnovers and more aggressive play.

Gilmore, Williams and McGee are not a trio of corners many are thinking about in June. But the mixture of youth and experience could pay off for the Bills this season if all three players stay healthy and productive.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/tag/_/name/2012-nfl-hidden-treasure

[BillsOverDolphins]

It's hard to call 1st and 2nd-rounders "hidden treasures." Rogers and Brooks could be hidden treasures. McGee was a hidden treasure back in the day. McKelvin was/is a massive turd.

That being said, our starting secondary does have the potential to be amazing in the not-so-distant future.

[OpIv37]

I think there is a lot of potential in the young CB's, and the improved pass rush will definitely help them.

Still, it's a stretch to call them "hidden treasures" until they actually do something on the field.

[Ed]

I think there is a lot of potential in the young CB's, and the improved pass rush will definitely help them.

Still, it's a stretch to call them "hidden treasures" until they actually do something on the field.

I think you're missing the point of this series. They're not picking players that have already accomplished something on the field. They're looking more specifically at unproven players or positions on each team that could exceed expectations this season.

[justasportsfan]

Still, it's a stretch to call them "hidden treasures" until they actually do something on the field.

If they're doing stuff on the field then they wouldn't be hidden would they?

[Mr. Miyagi]

I think there is a lot of potential in the young CB's, and the improved pass rush will definitely help them.

Still, it's a stretch to call them "hidden treasures" until they actually do something on the field.
If they've already done things on the field, they wouldn't be "hidden" anymore.

Is that like your auto-response or something?

- - - Updated - - -


If they're doing stuff on the field then they wouldn't be hidden would they?
Yeah what he said.

[JCBills]

I think there is a lot of potential in the young CB's, and the improved pass rush will definitely help them.

Still, it's a stretch to call them "hidden treasures" until they actually do something on the field.

This sentiment can be echoed in every offseason thread. We can apply it to anything. It doesn't add anything though, hence the point of these "if / maybe" discussions.

[YardRat]

I like the youth and potential of our secondary.

[Skooby]

Hidden in plain sight, lol.

[Buckets]

I think you're missing the point of this series. They're not picking players that have already accomplished something on the field. They're looking more specifically at unproven players or positions on each team that could exceed expectations this season.

Yes but remember the Patsies are going to be much improved because they drafted 4 defensive players.

[OpIv37]

You guys are focusing on the wrong word. The key word here is "treasures."

Nothing is a treasure until it has proven to be valuable. These are POTENTIAL treasures, not hidden ones.

A hidden treasure would be a little-known DB whose name doesn't get called because he doesn't get beat, or an interior offensive lineman who's always holding the point of attack without anyone noticing.

[OpIv37]

If they've already done things on the field, they wouldn't be "hidden" anymore.

Is that like your auto-response or something?

No, it's not an auto-response. It's just one that's required far too often on the board this time of year, as people like to give credit and get excited over players that haven't proven jack ****. And over the last 12 years, those people have been wrong far more often than not.

[k-oneputt]

Well there not going to be wrong on this one.
I love our two young, BIG corners in Gilmore and Williams.
Brooks will eventually be the #3 slot cb.
That's three quality cb's and with a pass rush this thing is looking good.

[stuckincincy]

6 and 10 last year. 12 years out of the playoffs. Now their CB corps will resurrect them? :twirl:

[acehole]

The spirt of the story was really that the group as a whole is slowly become a force (On paper and on field) that up until now has not been considered a "Strength".

You people who get worked up over having to be right or argue around every topic need to get off this sight and get some tail.

[k-oneputt]

6 and 10 last year. 12 years out of the playoffs. Now their CB corps will resurrect them? :twirl:


I don't know if you watch or understand today's NFL but,
Having a pass rush and good BIG corners is vital if you want to win.
With the passing rules the way they are now the only way you stop good qb's is by the pass rush and good big cb's who can matchup with the ever increasing size of the outside wr's.
Pass rush should be much improved and the cb's should be better.
Step in the right direction.

[stuckincincy]

I don't know if you watch or understand today's NFL but,
Having a pass rush and good BIG corners is vital if you want to win.
With the passing rules the way they are now the only way you stop good qb's is by the pass rush and good big cb's who can matchup with the ever increasing size of the outside wr's.
Pass rush should be much improved and the cb's should be better.
Step in the right direction.

Hitch pass and draw? Little pop pass over the MLB? BUF has been drafting DBs for years. Maybe they will favor some LB talent some day. Seems to be a nice DL nowadays...a marquee DL. Pass rush, rush, rush.

BUF has a big, fat, center field gap.

[OpIv37]

The spirt of the story was really that the group as a whole is slowly become a force (On paper and on field) that up until now has not been considered a "Strength".

You people who get worked up over having to be right or argue around every topic need to get off this sight and get some tail.

First, they have not become a force yet. They improved somewhat and we added a rookie. All they have is potential, and if preseason potential counted for anything, we wouldn't be in a 12 year playoff drought.

Second, don't blame the people that argue. Blame the people that are wrong all the time.

[justasportsfan]

Blame the people that are wrong all the time.

OK. It's your fault.

[Skooby]

You people who get worked up over having to be right or argue around every topic need to get off this sight and get some tail.

Your Mom's tied up in my basement, so I think I'll take that advice as the greenlight.

[k-oneputt]

Hitch pass and draw? Little pop pass over the MLB? BUF has been drafting DBs for years. Maybe they will favor some LB talent some day. Seems to be a nice DL nowadays...a marquee DL. Pass rush, rush, rush.

BUF has a big, fat, center field gap.

The problem is they have been drafting cb's from Troy and safties from Ohio St.
both should have been drafted in the 3-4th rds.
These two guys can play. And we should have a pass rush in front of them.

[acehole]

First, they have not become a force yet. They improved somewhat and we added a rookie. All they have is potential, and if preseason potential counted for anything, we wouldn't be in a 12 year playoff drought.

Second, don't blame the people that argue. Blame the people that are wrong all the time.

Slowly becoming a force and saying a force are different things. I don't agree or disagree I am just clarifying what I think the authors intent is.

All things being equal they should have a better year if the pass rush is as advertised.

[SABURZFAN]

Hitch pass and draw? Little pop pass over the MLB? BUF has been drafting DBs for years. Maybe they will favor some LB talent some day. Seems to be a nice DL nowadays...a marquee DL. Pass rush, rush, rush.

BUF has a big, fat, center field gap.


so does acehole and his mom.

[YardRat]

No, it's not an auto-response. It's just one that's required far too often on the board this time of year, as people like to give credit and get excited over players that haven't proven jack ****. And over the last 12 years, those people have been wrong far more often than not.

That's part of being a fan during the off-season...getting excited over potential.


The spirt of the story was really that the group as a whole is slowly become a force (On paper and on field) that up until now has not been considered a "Strength".

You people who get worked up over having to be right or argue around every topic need to get off this sight and get some tail.

Some dumbasses did think the secondary was a strength in '09 and '10.

[acehole]

That's part of being a fan during the off-season...getting excited over poet

Some dumbasses did think the secondary was a strength in '09 and '10.


Not even close to intent of my post...but ok whatever.

[acehole]

Not even close to intent of my post...but ok whatever.


Oh and sab...try to have an original line of cumbacks and not steal others.

It exposes you for the stupid useless stalker u r.

How do these threads degenerate into stupidity like this.
Guys just posted a simple story about cb's as a group being a bit under radar...

We get the dweebs, haters, misinformants.

Ok we got it cb's are worst in the league and everybody who posts something to contribute to the thread is beneath you or stalked... got it. How boring and predictable some people have become.

[YardRat]

Not even close to intent of my post...but ok whatever.

I was just responding to your comment about the unit not being considered a strength, not taking a shot at you. Unless, of course, you were one of those that considered it a strength in '09 and '10 :D

[acehole]

I was just responding to your comment about the unit not being considered a strength, not taking a shot at you. Unless, of course, you were one of those that considered it a strength in '09 and '10 :D

no we has issues then.....and thank you for clarifying.

[cookie G]

Some dumbasses did think the secondary was a strength in '09 and '10.

They actually were in 09, one of the best in the league.

But then people got all macho and thought you can only jam at the line and play man to be successful.

That worked out well.

They actually have a looooong way to go to just get back to where they were before the defense changed for the umpteenth time.

[SABURZFAN]

I was just responding to your comment about the unit not being considered a strength, not taking a shot at you.

acehole is used to units, with the strength to giving him money shots, that you only see in porn.

[acehole]

acehole is used to units, with the strength to giving him money shots, that you only see in porn.

Yea noo yea. You watch a lot of porn don't ya fatty. While most of us date chicks Guys like sab are neg reping us on a Friday night at 130 am.

Errr deer umm der money,....der porn...

Wow ur really alone in the world.

Sorry mom is so busy for you.
Go live your life in the smack zone where losers like you belong.

[starrymessenger]

Gilmore was not a big name in the draft? What planet man? It just took the national football media awhile to catch up with the pro scouts and execs. Sounds like their still catching up.

[psubills62]

I'm very interested in how the CB's perform this year.

Not only should the improved pass rush help our secondary, but I feel that the CB's we have are a good fit with the DL. Mostly because (Gilmore especially) is known for being a boom or bust guy - he takes chances and sometimes comes up with the INT, but sometimes gets burnt. I have a feeling that he'll have some good chances to take with the pass rush.

Also, Justin Rogers is a guy I'm a little excited about. Last year when I saw him playing, I noticed him for one reason: he was the first DB that I've noticed in a LONG time who actually undercut some routes. I was shocked to see a Buffalo DB in front of the receiver rather than behind, making the tackle (or not, as the case has been at times).

So, in effect, if our pass rush can cause more hurried passes, more passes that aren't quite on target, I think we could come up with more interceptions and turnovers than we have previously.

[stuckincincy]

I'm very interested in how the CB's perform this year.

Not only should the improved pass rush help our secondary, but I feel that the CB's we have are a good fit with the DL. Mostly because (Gilmore especially) is known for being a boom or bust guy - he takes chances and sometimes comes up with the INT, but sometimes gets burnt. I have a feeling that he'll have some good chances to take with the pass rush.

Also, Justin Rogers is a guy I'm a little excited about. Last year when I saw him playing, I noticed him for one reason: he was the first DB that I've noticed in a LONG time who actually undercut some routes. I was shocked to see a Buffalo DB in front of the receiver rather than behind, making the tackle (or not, as the case has been at times).

So, in effect, if our pass rush can cause more hurried passes, more passes that aren't quite on target, I think we could come up with more interceptions and turnovers than we have previously.

Good points all.

Re Gilmore: Jumping routes has its' place, but I hope he doesn't become a modern-day Philip Buchanon. My memory may be faulty, but what I recall about that player is his going for the flashy pick and getting burned.