The Spaz
04-23-2004, 09:16 AM
Buffalo Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe has often said teams have to be prepared for anything on draft day. He could find out how true that is this weekend.
Quarterback has been a major focus of the Bills' predraft talk. But if the top three - Mississippi's Eli Manning, North Carolina State's Philip Rivers and Miami (Ohio)'s Ben Roethlisberger - are gone, Buffalo likely will take a defensive lineman or wide receiver with the 13th overall selection.
Ohio State's Will Smith and Southern California's Kenechi Udeze are the best pass-rushing defensive ends in the draft. Smith is considered more polished. He started 39 games in four seasons and displays the natural skills to rush the passer and hold his own against the run. The Buckeyes also allowed him to drop back into pass coverage, which should tell you something about his athletic ability.
Udeze, who has dropped more than 100 pounds since high school, may have more long-term potential. He's a powerfully built athlete who dominated USC's competition (NCAA-high 161/2 sacks in 2003). He was almost unblockable in the Rose Bowl against Michigan, recording four tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble to help lead the Trojans to a share of the national championship.
Udeze's draft stock might be hurt by the rumor of a torn muscle in his shoulder that could require surgery and sideline him for a portion of his rookie season. But agent Thomas Barnes insists Udeze's shoulder is healthy. Even if medical questions linger, Udeze has too much promise for a team to pass him up early in the first round.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040423/1053075.asp?tbd1053075.asp
Quarterback has been a major focus of the Bills' predraft talk. But if the top three - Mississippi's Eli Manning, North Carolina State's Philip Rivers and Miami (Ohio)'s Ben Roethlisberger - are gone, Buffalo likely will take a defensive lineman or wide receiver with the 13th overall selection.
Ohio State's Will Smith and Southern California's Kenechi Udeze are the best pass-rushing defensive ends in the draft. Smith is considered more polished. He started 39 games in four seasons and displays the natural skills to rush the passer and hold his own against the run. The Buckeyes also allowed him to drop back into pass coverage, which should tell you something about his athletic ability.
Udeze, who has dropped more than 100 pounds since high school, may have more long-term potential. He's a powerfully built athlete who dominated USC's competition (NCAA-high 161/2 sacks in 2003). He was almost unblockable in the Rose Bowl against Michigan, recording four tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble to help lead the Trojans to a share of the national championship.
Udeze's draft stock might be hurt by the rumor of a torn muscle in his shoulder that could require surgery and sideline him for a portion of his rookie season. But agent Thomas Barnes insists Udeze's shoulder is healthy. Even if medical questions linger, Udeze has too much promise for a team to pass him up early in the first round.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040423/1053075.asp?tbd1053075.asp