Bills Need Another Linebacker, Who Do You Want?

[BillsImpossible]

Free Agency: Brian Orakpo, Daryl Smith, Brandon Spikes, Shaun Phillips, Carlos Dansby.

Draft: Anthony Barr in the first round with the 9th pick? Khalil Mack or Vic Beasly in the 2nd round?

Brandon Spikes is the only player I'd be interested in signing. Orakpo is going to cost way too much, and the rest are approaching the end of their careers.
Pettine is probably drooling over the idea of having Anthony Barr in his lineup, but I think the Bills are all in on giving EJ Manuel the best offensive target they can find in the first round. But if the Bills pick the BPA, Barr would be an instant upgrade and perfect compliment to Kiko Alonso.

Mack is a local UB guy, but I heard someone compare him to Aaron Maybin.

Vic Beasly played in a better program at Clemson, against much better competition. Will he still be on the board with the 41st pick? I doubt it.

I'd be very happy if the Bills took Beasly with the 9th pick overall, and then drafted Kelvin Benjamin in the 2nd round.

50 catches, 957 yards and 14 TD's this season. 6'5 234 lbs, fast, and he played at Florida State. EJ would be very happy.

He needs to work on his hands, but a kid that big is still growing and the hand eye coordination will come as he grows into his adult body. Almost a 1000 yards on 50 catches?! That's about 20 yards per catch. 14 TD's? I think his hands are going to be just fine.

[stuckincincy]

I like Beasley in the 3rd.

[BillsImpossible]

I like Beasley in the 3rd.

That would be magically delicious.

[BillsImpossible]

I like this hit at 1:11. Think I just creamed myself, sorry....meant Barr at 9 not Beasley.

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[stuckincincy]

That would be magically delicious.

BUF draft #9, so they are well-positioned if they like him. I wouldn't spend the #2 on him.

[Jry44]

I wouldn't spend a dime on Brian Orakpo. The guy can't stay healthy.

[Mr. Pink]

Khalil Mack will go in the first round.

[The Jokeman]

He was brought up in other threads but Donald Butler could be a good MLB as could a healthy Jonathan Beasley. Brandon Spikes and Daryl Smith are also intriguing. I'm not sure about Dansby and another name that could get a lot of play is Jonathan Vilma as both are a bit older than I'd like. Some younger guys who could be considered are Perry Riley and Pat Angerer. Ultimately though I think the draft is a better outlet as think asking a rookie LB to play well is realistic. We've seen it here ourselves with Alonso and Poz and Conlan in years past. Also looking at the history of the NFL guys like Kuechley, Bobby Wagner, LaVonte David have shown it's possible. So to me CJ Mosely at pick 9 should be there and could have an impact assuming Mack has already been drafted. Anthony Barr is intriguing but we already have a strong pass rushing LB in Hughes.

[BillsImpossible]

Why mess with success? Alonso played very well this year, rookie of the year candidate. No need for a MLB, Bills have to replace Arthur Moats/Nigel Bradham.

[IlluminatusUIUC]

Why mess with success? Alonso played very well this year, rookie of the year candidate. No need for a MLB, Bills have to replace Arthur Moats/Nigel Bradham.

Who said anything about replacing Alonso? We do need another MLB to put next to him in our 3-4 looks.

[The Jokeman]

Who said anything about replacing Alonso? We do need another MLB to put next to him in our 3-4 looks.

Many feel we need to shift Alonso to WLB on 4-3 looks to replace Moats/Bradham and find a MLB. It isn't a crazy thought especially if can land a guy like Mosely in the draft.

[Famous Amos]

Mack is definitely a top 10 pick. In one thread I asked if Mack is comparable to Maybin but he's bigger and more talented. Mack has had a more consistent college career than Maybin had. So it isnt a fair comparison. Mack's physical measurables are comparable to guys like Matthews, patrick Willis, Brian Cushing etc. You know, the tall, thick, muscled physical specimens.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1210/future-game-changers-2/images/khalil-mack-OOO_7938.jpg

[stuckincincy]

Many feel we need to shift Alonso to WLB on 4-3 looks to replace Moats/Bradham and find a MLB. It isn't a crazy thought especially if can land a guy like Mosely in the draft.

Playing OLB, you lose a bit of the ability to roam to the action - an olb has more coverage and blitzing responsibilities.

[The Jokeman]

Playing OLB, you lose a bit of the ability to roam to the action - an olb has more coverage and blitzing responsibilities.
To me in a 4-3 the skill set of a WLB and MLB are very similar and agree the outside guy has to be a better pass defender and occasional blitzer. Yet to me the best WLB of recent age was Derrick Brooks formerly of the Bucs. I could see Mosely playing that part if we keep Kiko inside but than again most analysts think that Mosley's best on the inside. Either way I think he'd do a lot to help this team if added.

[X-Era]

Orakpo, Spikes, Barr, or Mack. If not, Van Noy, Jones, Attaochu, or Bullough.

To me Spikes and Bullough would be for improving run support.

[coastal]

I have a feeling that if Mack is there he's the pick. He's a versatile LB and can be used inside, outside, in coverage, on the rush...

[stuckincincy]

I have a feeling that if Mack is there he's the pick. He's a versatile LB and can be used inside, outside, in coverage, on the rush...

If that's who they have their beady little eyes on, I suspect they will trade down in the 1st.

[YardRat]

I would love to land Brandon Spikes...stick him in the middle, and shuffle Alonso to the outside/weak inside. If Mosley can engage, stand up and shed blocks, I'd take him also...if he can't there is no use getting another guy that has to guess and duck.

[coastal]

Agree that adding Spikes should be the priority.

then don't worry about linebacker until later in draft.

[JCBills]

Mack is a local UB guy, but I heard someone compare him to Aaron Maybin.



Not even close. Mack is stout against the run and has way more bulk. NCAA record for forced fumbles and TFL. Maybin doesn't even come close.

[JCBills]

We really need a run-stuffing thumper ILB.

Shayne Skov - ILB/OLB - Stanford - 6'3'' 244 Lbs - Sr.(R)
Yawin Smallwood - ILB - UCONN - 6'3'' 244 Lbs - Jr.(R)
Andrew Jackson - ILB - Western Kentucky - 6'1'' 257 Lbs - Jr.(R)
Max Bullough - ILB - Michigan State - 6'3'' 245 Lbs - Sr.
Greg Blair - ILB - Cincinnati - 6'2'' 252 Lbs - Sr.(R)

[Night Train]

We really need a run-stuffing thumper ILB.

Shayne Skov - ILB/OLB - Stanford - 6'3'' 244 Lbs - Sr.(R)
Yawin Smallwood - ILB - UCONN - 6'3'' 244 Lbs - Jr.(R)
Andrew Jackson - ILB - Western Kentucky - 6'1'' 257 Lbs - Jr.(R)
Max Bullough - ILB - Michigan State - 6'3'' 245 Lbs - Sr.
Greg Blair - ILB - Cincinnati - 6'2'' 252 Lbs - Sr.(R)


THIS

[JCBills]

THIS

Yep, and they don't need to spend a high pick on the position. Skov might be a 2nd rounder, but most of them are 3rd round or later prospects.

[colin]

40 from Michigan state/spikes and that not from Notre Dame would make me very excited for d

[Mace]

Cornelius Bennett. You didn't say he had to be a current player, so...

[better days]

Cornelius Bennett. You didn't say he had to be a current player, so...

We have our Biscuit for this defense, we need a Talley.

[DraftBoy]

I have a feeling that if Mack is there he's the pick. He's a versatile LB and can be used inside, outside, in coverage, on the rush...

Not to mention the marketability of a local first round pick.

[better days]

Not to mention the marketability of a local first round pick.

Except the Bills have never done that.

Csonka & Gronk could/should both have been Bills.

[The Jokeman]

Not to mention the marketability of a local first round pick.

Even though Mack is from Florida. I hate when people call this local as he only went to school here.

[better days]

Even though Mack is from Florida. I hate when people call this local as he only went to school here.

Well, Larry Csonka is from Ohio. But he went to Syracuse. I think both Csonka & Mack could be classified as local.

Going to school & spending 3-4 years of your life there, makes you local IMO.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Shane Skov - 2nd round

[ParanoidAndroid]

....or, since we have some higher priorities (OL, WR, TE), Andrew Jackson in the 4th.

[better days]

....or, since we have some higher priorities (OL, WR, TE), Andrew Jackson in the 4th.

Wasn't WR a bigger priority last year than NOW?

The Bills drafted two, Woods & Goodwin & both look promising.

If they get rid of Stevie, he will have to be replaced, but unless that happens, I don't see a big need at WR myself.

[swiper]

You asked.

I want Anthony Barr.

[swiper]

THIS

GROAN.

It really gets irritating having to sift through the posts of the part-time fans.

Anthony Barr is 6' 4" and 248 lbs. BIG. STRONG. POWERFUL. MOBILE. Can play OLB or ILB.

But really. The Bills drafted an ILB high last year. Only a poor personnel man would go back and do it again. Barr can fill the OLB mess known as Moats/Bradham and easily slide inside as the scheme calls.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1784741/anthony-barr

[better days]

GROAN.

It really gets irritating having to sift through the posts of the part-time fans.

Anthony Barr is 6' 4" and 248 lbs. BIG. STRONG. POWERFUL. MOBILE. Can play OLB or ILB.

But really. The Bills drafted an ILB high last year. Only a poor personnel man would go back and do it again. Barr can fill the OLB mess known as Moats/Bradham and easily slide inside as the scheme calls.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1784741/anthony-barr

The only downside I see with Barr is that he is just as raw at LB as EJ is at QB.

But a versatile guy that can play both inside & outside would really give Pettine options in his defense.

And Kiko can play inside or outside as well.

[swiper]

The only downside I see with Barr is that he is just as raw at LB as EJ is at QB.

But a versatile guy that can play both inside & outside would really give Pettine options in his defense.

And Kiko can play inside or outside as well.

LB is considerably easier to master than QB.

[Mace]

We have our Biscuit for this defense, we need a Talley.

I don't know about that. I think we have our Talley and need a Biscuit and a Conlan.

[stuckincincy]

That would be magically delicious.

And fluffy goodness.

[stuckincincy]

Not to mention the marketability of a local first round pick.

Add in trading down in the 1st from the #9 spot.

[coastal]

Add in trading down in the 1st from the #9 spot.
If Mack is their guy they aren't trading down to get him.

They're taking him @ 9 and rejoicing.

I think he had Pro Bowl potential. My issue is that the oline needs at least two new high quality starters.

[stuckincincy]

If Mack is their guy they aren't trading down to get him.

They're taking him @ 9 and rejoicing.

I think he had Pro Bowl potential. My issue is that the oline needs at least two new high quality starters.

I'm all for going for who you're after, but at this time, I don't think he's getting #9 sniffs from other clubs.

FWIW, I expect CIN to have an eye on OLs - Whitworth is aging, has some injury concerns, their LG Boiling went on IR and very capable back-up LT Anthony Collins got showcased and is going to be a hot FA commodity. So BUF has competition there, and likely from other clubs.

[The Jokeman]

If Mack is their guy they aren't trading down to get him.

They're taking him @ 9 and rejoicing.

I think he had Pro Bowl potential. My issue is that the oline needs at least two new high quality starters.

The media seems to think that Marrone made it believed we're going to use free agency to shore up the O-line. I'll believe when I see it but truth be told if Mack is there passing on his talent is foolish. As to me if we can improve our D with a guy with Mack talents it's worth doing. As let's face it Kyle isn't getting any younger and to get another 10 sack potential guy who can also play 3 downs on D is something I'd welcome and then look up to shore up the O-line in Round 2 or 3. Moreso because the positions on the O-line we're looking to fix (G and RT) you can get away more with less talented guys.

[coastal]

The media seems to think that Marrone made it believed we're going to use free agency to shore up the O-line. I'll believe when I see it but truth be told if Mack is there passing on his talent is foolish. As to me if we can improve our D with a guy with Mack talents it's worth doing. As let's face it Kyle isn't getting any younger and to get another 10 sack potential guy who can also play 3 downs on D is something I'd welcome and then look up to shore up the O-line in Round 2 or 3. Moreso because the positions on the O-line we're looking to fix (G and RT) you can get away more with less talented guys.i agree, but let me throw this thought at you...

what if you get the best LG in round 1 and best RG in round 2 and both end up being Probowl caliber?

[The Jokeman]

i agree, but let me throw this thought at you...

what if you get the best LG in round 1 and best RG in round 2 and both end up being Probowl caliber?

Pro Bowls are nice but if the Bills are going to really make a push to be a playoff team I think it's moving this D to another level. As to me elite Ds and average offense is the best plan of attack. So I say improve the D keep Byrd, draft an impact rookie at LB (Mack Mosley or Barr), add a veteran nickel/dime CB and shore up some receiving threats through free agency and draft a starting capable OG and possibly draft a RT and then we could be talking realistic playoffs in 2014.

[better days]

The media seems to think that Marrone made it believed we're going to use free agency to shore up the O-line. I'll believe when I see it but truth be told if Mack is there passing on his talent is foolish. As to me if we can improve our D with a guy with Mack talents it's worth doing. As let's face it Kyle isn't getting any younger and to get another 10 sack potential guy who can also play 3 downs on D is something I'd welcome and then look up to shore up the O-line in Round 2 or 3. Moreso because the positions on the O-line we're looking to fix (G and RT) you can get away more with less talented guys.

Marrone also said the Bills have 3 YOUNG Guards on the roster that could start next year.

I think Legursky stays as a back up Center/Guard.

Maybe one of the 3 pan out, so most likely need one guard.

I expect Urbick to be gone.

[coastal]

Pro Bowls are nice but if the Bills are going to really make a push to be a playoff team I think it's moving this D to another level. As to me elite Ds and average offense is the best plan of attack. So I say improve the D keep Byrd, draft an impact rookie at LB (Mack Mosley or Barr), add a veteran nickel/dime CB and shore up some receiving threats through free agency and draft a starting capable OG and possibly draft a RT and then we could be talking realistic playoffs in 2014.
Didn't you see the stat about the D allowing the fewest yards per drive in the entire NFL?

the problem is the O didn't carry it's load.

the oline and the QB sucked.

were being sold that the QB can be coached up after a full offseason as a pro.

the oline better be a priority them for next year or there won't be any step forward.

[YardRat]

I just have a hard time getting sold on Mack.

[The Jokeman]

Didn't you see the stat about the D allowing the fewest yards per drive in the entire NFL?

the problem is the O didn't carry it's load.

the oline and the QB sucked.

were being sold that the QB can be coached up after a full offseason as a pro.

the oline better be a priority them for next year or there won't be any step forward.

I guess I saw more good things out of EJ than you. As to me he showed at times he can lead this team on long drives to score TDs yet think he needs some help in the receiving fore granted I was calling for these same improvements last offseason as well so maybe am beating a dead hours. Ultimately yes the offense has to improve but I say improve the defense too as to me it puts less stress on EJ and the offense which to me is a better than not. As what marked the great New England teams that won Super Bowls? They had a great defense and efficient offense. You can make the same case for the Roethlisburger lead Steeler teams and even last year's Ravens and the Giants that beat us in Super Bowl XXV and the 1985 Bears and 1986 Giants. I could point out more as ultimately to me a great defense will always trump a great offense but to have both is a rare thing.

[jimmifli]

I just have a hard time getting sold on Mack.
In the first round I want guys that have played in big games against the best competition.

[Mr. Pink]

If you wanna go inside to kick Alonso outside - Dansby or Spikes would be nice in the middle.

If you wanna stand with Kiko inside - Worilds or Tapp would be nice on the outside.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I believe Pettine said Kiko's best position is outside. Given his build and instincts, it makes sense.

I'm of the opinion that the quickest way for the Bills to make playoff right now is to improve defense.

Two reasons: 1) any time you talk about offense, you can't get away from QB. And it's a big unknown on EJ, his injury next season. And you just can't say sign this guy and draft this guy will solve the QB problem next year. One thing that we know from EJ's 1st year, Thad's filling in this year is that they can keep the turnover ratio low. Hackett kept dialing up running plays. Both are good news for your defense.

2) This defense has very few holes and is good at the more difficult task - rushing the passer. You can examine their trouble at stopping the run to see if it is because they sacrfice the run defense and gear up for passing all the time or if they simply don't have the personnel. In my opinion, the Bills had people in place to stop so many big run plays but they overran or mis-tackled too often, which points to personnel. If they get two legit starting caliber LBs, I believe you'll see a lot more 3 and outs from this D.

In all seriousnous, the D has 9 above average starters right now, assuming Gilmore can play to his expectations. They have a couple of pro-ball calibre production in D-Line (both Williams), a near pro-ball production from a rookie at lineback position, and a pro ball production from safety. They can deal with big receivers (Gilmore) and waterbugs (Robey). They can match TE with size and speed in Aaron Williams. They have productive specialists like Hughes and Branch.

Notice what they don't have? A thumper in the middle who can fight off lead blockers to get to the ball carrier and to a lesser degree, a SLB who can hold his ground at the point of the attack.