Post all Buffalo Bills UDFA signings here

[Italian Stallion]

Bills | Team signs UDFA R. Neill
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:24:00 -0700

ScarletKnights.com reports the Buffalo Bills have signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Ryan Neill (Rutgers).

[Jersey1031]

Anything scouting wise on Neill...?

[DraftBoy]

Edited the topic to Bills only UDFA signings which is what I think you wanted

All other posts about other teams UDFA signings will be moved to another thread.

[Kerr]

Bills | Team signs UDFA J. Hall
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:11:52 -0700
Darren Epps, of the Chattanooga Times Free Pres, reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl">Buffalo Bills have signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Jason Hall (http://www.kffl.com/player/14798/nfl) (Tennessee).

[LABillsFan]

Ryan Neill, Rutgers (3-4 OLB)

6' 2" 260 lbs.

Neill has a great first step and can be very quick off the edge. He possesses good agility and can change direction well. Active and tenacious, he hustles to make plays sideline to sideline. Neill plays with top effort and very solid instincts. He gets in the backfield and closes on the quarterback and ball carrier very well. Solid versus the run, he gets in position to make plays and has shown ability to drop into coverage. Neill has value as a long snapper as well and is considered very coachable. Not a top athlete or especially fast, Neill gets the job done using toughness, smarts and non-stop hustle. Seventh rounder. SIMILAR TO: Mike Vrabel.

[LABillsFan]

Tennessee's Hall making most of senior year

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=31735

[Kerr]

Bills | Team signs UDFA D. Ming
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:55:24 -0700
The <A href="http://www.kffl.com/link/186">St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have signed undrafted rookie free agent LB Derrick Ming (http://www.kffl.com/player/14802/nfl) (Missouri).

[Kerr]

Article on Ming:

http://patriots.scout.com/2/515006.html

[Mr. Pink]

Martin Nance WR as per http://www.draftdaddy.com/features/2006_AFC_UDFA.cfm

[Tatonka]

nance was great in college. i watched him several times.. i cant believe he ddnt get drafted.

[jimbohastle51]

i know this is for bills udfa but i am curious does anyone know where marcus vick is going? besides to hell LOL

[LtFinFan66]

i know this is for bills udfa but i am curious does anyone know where marcus vick is going? besides to hell LOLJail is another option....maybe the Falcons will pick him up

[Sportsuser101]

Nance was rated as the top undrafted free agent according to nfldraftcountdown.com.

[Sportsuser101]

They had him rated as the 6th best WR in the draft ahead of guys like Stovall, Avant and Jennings. Shows how bad this WR class was.

[Sportsuser101]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#1f6884><TD style="BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%" images http: target="_blank" bluegradient.gif? www.nfldraftcountdown.com>Nance</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right colSpan=2>Height: 6-4 <SUP>1/4</SUP> | Weight: 213 | 40-Time: 4.55 </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle>http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/playerpics/wr/martinnance.jpg
Official Bio (http://muredhawks.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nance_martin00.html)

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/images/stars/three.gif

</TD><TD vAlign=top>Strengths:
Has tremendous size and a big frame...Is a major threat in the red zone...Is underrated athletically...Good leaper who knows how to go up and get the ball...Has big, strong, reliable hands...Will make the acrobatic catch...Physical and knows how to use his body...Tough player who is more than willing to go over the middle...Solid route runner...Intangibles are top notch...Very productive.

Weaknesses:
May not always play up to his timed speed...Is not very quick...Isn't an explosive athlete...Could have trouble getting separation against pro defensive backs...Probably won't be a major deep threat at the pro level...Will lose focus at times...Has missed some time due to injury...If he doesn't run well in workouts teams may downgrade his upside to that of a #2 or possession receiver.

Notes:
Had a monster season in 2003 (90 rec. for 1,498 yards and 11 touchdowns) as Ben Roethlisberger's main target...Missed most of the 2004 season with an ACL injury to his left knee...Based on size, speed and production this guy has just about everything you look for and is potentially a #1 receiver at the next level.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[hydro]

Nance looks like a great UDFA, possession reciever is what we could use.

[EricStratton]

Anything scouting wise on Neill...?


I watched a bunch of Rutgers games (it's my curse for living in Jersey) and he was always around the ball.

It seemed like every time there was a pile he was getting up from under it.

[acehole]

Martin Nance WR as per http://www.draftdaddy.com/features/2006_AFC_UDFA.cfm

Suppose to go in second round.
\

[Tatonka]

so that is it for UDFAs?

[Kerr]

Thats it for now. I hope something comes out of the nance signing.

[BigGabes23]

Bills | Team signs UDFA M. Nance
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:24:13 -0700
The Journal-News reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl">Buffalo Bills have signed undrafted rookie free agent WR Martin Nance (http://www.kffl.com/player/13500/nfl) (Miami (Ohio)). "It's a done deal," Nance said Sunday night, April 30, from his home in St. Louis. "I'm headed to Buffalo on Thursday. That's when they'll have their minicamp."

[pintonick96]

Bills | Team agrees with UDFA S. Paris
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:39:54 -0700
The Des Moines Register reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent S Steve Paris (http://www.kffl.com/player/14818/nfl) (Iowa State).
<HR>Bills | Team signs UDFA M. Nance
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:24:13 -0700
The Journal-News reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have signed undrafted rookie free agent WR Martin Nance (http://www.kffl.com/player/13500/nfl) (Miami (Ohio)). "It's a done deal," Nance said Sunday night, April 30, from his home in St. Louis. "I'm headed to Buffalo on Thursday. That's when they'll have their minicamp."
<HR>Bills | Team signs UDFA D. Ming
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:55:24 -0700
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://www.kffl.com/link/186) reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have signed undrafted rookie free agent LB Derrick Ming (http://www.kffl.com/player/14802/nfl) (Missouri).
<HR>Bills | Team signs UDFA J. Hall
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:11:52 -0700
Darren Epps, of the Chattanooga Times Free Pres, reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Jason Hall (http://www.kffl.com/player/14798/nfl) (Tennessee).
<HR>Bills | Team signs UDFA R. Neill
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:24:00 -0700
ScarletKnights.com reports the Buffalo Bills (http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl) have signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Ryan Neill (http://www.kffl.com/player/14115/nfl) (Rutgers).

If it's been posted or if theres more lemme know.

[Mahdi]

In 2005 Nance had 81 receptions for 1107 yards and 14 TDs. I dont see why he wasnt drafted, he is a potential starter and a redzone threat which we dont have.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/stats/MIAOH/RECEIVING

[Tatonka]

that is a nice pick up..

i could see him being a practice squad guy this year.. i just dont see how the following people DONT make the roster...

Evans
Reed
Price
Parrish
Davis


then that leaves a pretty intense battle for the 6th spot, and i guess possibly a 7th if they chose to just go with one FB or something..

Johathan "fast freddie" Smith
George Wilson
Sam Aiken
Martin Nance

that doesnt even include the other training camp fodder.. all 4 of those guys have a legit shot of making the team.. i almost see them keeping 7 w/ the offense we will run, with wilson and smith getting the boot.. but nance is much like aiken, except maybe faster and slightly skinnier.. he could replace aiken as well i guess.

[Tatonka]

i would be real interested to see why he wasnt drafted as well.. i dont get it at all.. especially with how week this years wr class was.

[Bulldog]

i would be real interested to see why he wasnt drafted as well.. i dont get it at all.. especially with how week this years wr class was.

Yeah, after looking at his numbers, someone explain to me why this guy wasn't drafted again. Put up huge numbers in 03 and was injured in 04. Then put up huge numbers again in 05. I know that he doesn't have blazing speed, but the nubers are there. Bottom line, the guy produced against top level competition. I just don't get it. If it was a character thing, I'm pretty sure Marv would have passed. I like the fact that he has a chip on his shoulder and I for one think Buffalo has to make room for this guy on the roster.

[BillsNick]

I think Ming sounds a little promising.

[PromoTheRobot]

Marcus Vick is so good...nobody drafted him and nobody signed him as an UDFA.

PTR

[Bulldog]

Marcus Vick can lick my testicles. I wish nothing but the worst for that idiot.

[GarnOFreak]

you know someone is going to try and take a chance on vick, I just hope it's someone that is NOT US. :)

[Tatonka]

i am sure they will talk with nance and maybe we will find out more, but it just seems like something has to be wrong for him to go undrafted.

[Bill Cody]

Martin Nance was rated by NFL Draftcountdown as the # 1 UDFA. He was projected to be a third-fourth round pick. We may have gotten lucky on Nance.

[Tatonka]

Bills | Team agrees with UDFA S. Paris
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:39:54 -0700
The Des Moines Register reports the Buffalo Bills have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent S Steve Paris (Iowa State).

wtf.. another safety? wow.

so we have

Whitner
Bowens
Wire
Leonart

Vincent
Baker
Simpson
Paris

Clements
Mcgee
Greer
King
Youboty

and i am sure i am leaving a few names off that list.

[ublinkwescore]

like Bye Bye Price?

[Ebenezer]

to me it looks like a total rebuild


Bills | Team agrees with UDFA S. Paris

so we have

Whitner
Bowens
Wire - special teamer only
Leonart - gone

Vincent - gone after 2006
Baker - gone
Simpson
Paris - camp fodder

Clements - gone after 2006
Mcgee
Greer - gone
King
Youboty

[bigbub2352]

Rob Lee is also a saftey project who was on our Practice squad and has 4.3 speed he is playing in NFLE and doing well

[LifetimeBillsFan]

i would be real interested to see why he wasnt drafted as well.. i dont get it at all.. especially with how week this years wr class was.

I posted an answer to this earlier that somehow got deleted, but here goes again:

Nance was "Big Ben's" main man and had a monster season that had him looking like a top draft pick. Then, he got hurt, missed a year, and, when he came back, he really didn't hit it off with Betts the new QB. Betts is nowhere near in Roethlisberger's class as a QB and that really hurt Nance's production. Nance also appeared to be slowed by his injury. So, he didn't have a great season.

Like a lot of the wide receivers at the Senior Bowl and All-Star games, Nance struggled in practice and in the game. He seemed to have problems getting separation and appeared to have caught "the dropsies" from all of the other receivers who were there. From what I saw in clips and during the games, I thought Hagan, from ASU, had worse hands than Nance, but, with his injury history, the drops that he had, and the fact that he was stepping up some from the level of competition in the MAC, it would seem that Nance's value just fell. I'm not sure how much his injury has slowed him down--whether it is something that is going to permanently impact his speed or just something that has been slow to heal--but he did look slower when I saw him a couple of times this year than I remember him being before he was hurt. I'm sure that probably was a big factor.

To be honest with you, I don't know how he wasn't drafted, at least somewhere in the last couple of rounds. I think he is a tremendous UDFA signing for the Bills. It will be interesting to see how he does in training camp and if he can regain the form that he had a couple of years ago.

[Italian Stallion]

I like the signing of Nance ALOT!!!

He could easily beat out some recievers on this roster IMO

Probally wasn't drafted because he had a bad 40 time or bad wonderlick test....so what that dude can straight up play

[Mr. Miyagi]

Let's bring in more safeties and WRs. We don't have enough yet.

[SpillerThrills]

looks like Ming is gonna get a look at FB.... billsdaily said they think that he will be a perfect fit for the offence....

[madness]

Jail is another option....maybe the Falcons will pick him up

:snicker: I can hear the commentary now.

"First and 10. Vick drops back to run. Pump fakes some hope to his receivers. And he's off to the races! Oooooh! Vick takes a vicious hit! As always, the Falcons cart crew are up to the task getting Vick off pit road in an amazing 13.5 seconds. I think they may break 13 before the season is over.

And the crowd begins the signature 'bleacher stomp and twist' as Marcus Vick takes the field. The Falcons see a lot of promise in the younger brother hoping he can follow in his brother's footsteps.

First and 10. Vick drops back to run..."

[Kerr]

From what I understand Nance is a high character leader. That's all you have to know as to why marv drafted him.

[Italian Stallion]

Another Denney!!!!


Bills | Team signs UDFA Denney
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:20:15 -0700

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent WR Chris Denney (Nebraska-Omaha). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[Kerr]

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/chrisdenney.html

Strengths:
Has great size and a big solid frame...Knows how to be physical with and just out-muscle cornerbacks...Has excellent hands...Will make the tough catch...Good body control and ball skills...A terror in jump ball situations and the red zone.

Weaknesses:
Did not play against elite competition...Timed speed is well below average...Will struggle to separate from pro defensive backs...Raw and will still need a lot of development...Might have a few durability concerns...Upside is a bit limited.

Notes:
Hails from the same school that produced Ryan Krause, who was chosen in the 6th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers...A project who some team could take a flyer on late in hopes of him becoming a possession receiver

[bigbub2352]

6'3 224 he could develop into an h-back style Wide out might not be bad i like the size of him and Nance, i still can't believe Nance wasn't drafted

[Ferrygoat]

Bills | Team signs UDFA Denney
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:20:15 -0700
The <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl">Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent WR Chris Denney (http://www.kffl.com/player/14075/nfl) (Nebraska-Omaha). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[Michael82]

Bills | Team signs UDFA Denney
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:20:15 -0700
The <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/9/nfl">Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent WR Chris Denney (http://www.kffl.com/player/14075/nfl) (Nebraska-Omaha). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
another WR?!?! WTF! :crazy:

[Mr. Pink]

<!--StartFragment --> LB John DiGiorgio, Saginaw Valley as per http://www.draftdaddy.com/features/2006_AFC_UDFA.cfm

[SquishDaFish]

Im liking a couple of these signings.

[TigerJ]

Nance tore a ligament in '04. He was slow recovering and didn't do very well early in '05. That may have scared teams off. His play picked up late in the season.

[Dozerdog]

I wish we would have picked up the DE from Ohio St, Mike Kudla. He went to the steelers.

He broke the lifting record at the combine 45 reps at 225

[Dozerdog]

My Vick prediction-


CFL ====>NFLE====> Porn industry =====> Raiders

[Scumbag College]

My Vick prediction-


CFL ====>NFLE====> Porn industry =====> Raiders

Too bad for Vick his career peaked right before going to play with the Raiders.

[mysticsoto]

another WR?!?! WTF! :crazy:

I don't have a problem with that Mikey. There will be some intense working out from all our WRs from now until TC. They all know that their job is on the line, and other than Evans, none of them have a guaranteed spot. I have no problems with this at all. I would love Nance to make the team. I would love us to have backups who can come in to play and not lose a step - like we do when Reed and Aiken are in. Aiken is good on STs but if we have others that can step it up there, I'm for letting him go. He's too slow as a WR. I like Nance at 6'4" and he gives us a threat in the endzone. JP might like him also, as when he gets excited, he tends to overthrow the receivers a little bit. Nance might just be the one who can catch it even when overthrown...

[The Spaz]

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/iast/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/1123.jpeg
<b>Steve Paris</b>

http://cyclones.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/paris_steve00.html

http://www.svsu.edu/athletics/mens/fb/2005/min.%20pics/DiGiorgio,%20John.jpg
<b>John DiGiorgio</b>

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mioh/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/nance-h.jpg
<b>Martin Nance</b>

http://muredhawks.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nance_martin00.html

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/245548.jpeg
<b>Derrick Ming</b>

http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ming_derrick00.html

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/sports/m-footbl/05-06roster/p-hall-jason.jpg
<b>Jason Hall</b>

http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hall_jason00.html

http://www.scarletknights.com/football/images/2004/msu/pic1.jpg
<b>Ryan Neill</b>

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=51

http://gomavs.unomaha.edu/headlines/chrisdenneyaction.jpg
<b>Chris Denney</b>

http://gomavs.unomaha.edu/full_headline.php?headline_id=1509

Derrick Ming is projected as a FB for the NFL.

[Sportsuser101]

Nance tore a ligament in '04. He was slow recovering and didn't do very well early in '05. That may have scared teams off. His play picked up late in the season.

What? 81 catches 1107 yards and 14 TDs is not doing well? Talk about having high expectations.

When Nance was healthy and starting:

2003: 90 catches 1498 yards (16.6 YPC) 11 TD
2004: 81 catches 1107 yards (13.7 YPC) 14 TD

Kinda reminds me of Rashaun Woods a bit and I guess thats what alot of teams were thinking. He may end up being 1 of those undrafted free agent gems.

[LifetimeBillsFan]

another WR?!?! WTF! :crazy:

Nance and Denney are both big, tall receivers. With Moulds gone, the Bills really have only two WRs with any size: Davis and Aiken. The two UDFAs were brought in to give Aiken and Davis some competion in camp to keep them from getting complacent. If one of the rookies shows some ability, at the very least the Bills will have a back-up for Aiken and Davis in case of injury. And, who knows, perhaps one of them may show enough to actually win a roster spot and replace one of the two vets. (Question: Wasn't Aiken just resigned as a RFA on a one year contract?)


What? 81 catches 1107 yards and 14 TDs is not doing well? Talk about having high expectations.

When Nance was healthy and starting:

2003: 90 catches 1498 yards (16.6 YPC) 11 TD
2004: 81 catches 1107 yards (13.7 YPC) 14 TD

Kinda reminds me of Rashaun Woods a bit and I guess thats what alot of teams were thinking. He may end up being 1 of those undrafted free agent gems.

The drop-off is in the YPC--almost a full 3 yards per. That's a reflection of his problems getting separation and going deep. No question about Nance being the main threat in their passing game, though.

If Nance can get back to anywhere near where he was before the injury, I agree with you about him possibly being a gem. I liked him a lot and am delighted that the Bills were able to get him--because WR was not a position that I felt they needed to draft for I didn't think they'd have a chance to get him because I truly expected him to be drafted in the mid-rounds, but IMHO to get him without it costing a draft pick is tremendous! Depending on what the situation is with the STs, I think he could really press Aiken for a roster spot.

[GarnOFreak]

Ah... I see the "Ming the Merciless" Signs at the stadium already!

[Michael82]

Nance and Denney are both big, tall receivers. With Moulds gone, the Bills really have only two WRs with any size: Davis and Aiken. The two UDFAs were brought in to give Aiken and Davis some competion in camp to keep them from getting complacent. If one of the rookies shows some ability, at the very least the Bills will have a back-up for Aiken and Davis in case of injury. And, who knows, perhaps one of them may show enough to actually win a roster spot and replace one of the two vets. (Question: Wasn't Aiken just resigned as a RFA on a one year contract?)



The drop-off is in the YPC--almost a full 3 yards per. That's a reflection of his problems getting separation and going deep. No question about Nance being the main threat in their passing game, though.

If Nance can get back to anywhere near where he was before the injury, I agree with you about him possibly being a gem. I liked him a lot and am delighted that the Bills were able to get him--because WR was not a position that I felt they needed to draft for I didn't think they'd have a chance to get him because I truly expected him to be drafted in the mid-rounds, but IMHO to get him without it costing a draft pick is tremendous! Depending on what the situation is with the STs, I think he could really press Aiken for a roster spot.
Thanks for the explanation. It makes more sense now. :up:

[ryjam282]

You guys see some of his stats...He had a damn nice season. How the hell did he go undrafted? Had a very nice game against our #1 and #3 picks too. 9 for 106 in the opener against OSU.




http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/196/196877/folders/240325/1888029nance.JPG

[mysticsoto]

You guys see some of his stats...He had a damn nice season. How the hell did he go undrafted? Had a very nice game against our #1 and #3 picks too. 9 for 106 in the opener against OSU.



He's probably asking himself that. Hopefully he'll come to camp with a chip on his shoulder and blow everyone away!!! I'd love him to jump into our starting roster. I've been wanting some size in our WR corp ever since I knew we'd be losing Moulds...this was more than what I was hoping for.

[Jan Reimers]

Don't know if it's been posted, but just heard we signed Matt Rice, DE, Penn State. Don't have a link.

[G. Host]

Don't know if it's been posted, but just heard we signed Matt Rice, DE, Penn State. Don't have a link.
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/sports/colleges/pennsylvania_state_university/14485957.htm
Anwar Phillips, a two-year starter at cornerback, signed with the New Orleans Saints; Chris Harrell, a two-year starter at safety, with the Arizona Cardinals and Matthew Rice, a three-year starter at defensive end, with the Buffalo Bills.

[bigbub2352]

On the latest signing of DE Mathew Rice Penn State Rice, a 6-foot-4, 270-pounder from Baltimore, made 55 tackles and five sacks as a senior.

[Tinboy]

Ming and Nance looks like very intresting signings. I hope the make the team.

[Mr. Miyagi]

My Vick prediction-


CFL ====>NFLE====> Porn industry =====> Raiders
Now that he's invited to the Dolphins TC, it throws off the whole thing:

Dolphins ====> Florida State Penitentiary ====> Porn industry =====> CFL

[HAMMER]

Marcus Vick can lick my testicles. I wish nothing but the worst for that idiot.

So your testicles are the worst?:handball:

[Hamilton Billsfan]

Does anybody know where I can get an updated Bills roster list that includes the F/A signings? I think Ourlads and other sites are holding off untill the Bill officially anounce the signings.

[Earthquake Enyart]

Bills | Team signs UDFA C. Bugenhagen
Thu, 4 May 2006 23:24:13 -0700
The Journal-News reports the Buffalo Bills have signed undrafted rookie free agent LB Corey Bugenhagen (Slippery Rock). "I'm Stoked!!," Bugenhagen said Sunday night, April 30, from his home in Buffalo.

[Earthquake Enyart]

Strengths:
Has tremendous size and a big frame...Very large head will require huge Willie Lanier type helmet. Is a major threat in the end zone...Is underrated athletically.....Has big, strong, reliable hands...Will make the acrobatic catch...Physical and knows how to use his body...Tough player who is more than willing to go over the middle...Solid route runner...Intangibles are top notch...Very productive.

Weaknesses:
May not always play up to his timed speed mentally or physically...Is not very quick mentally or physically...Isn't an explosive athlete...Could have trouble getting separation against Phil...Will lose focus at times...Has missed some time due to injury...Stiff hips. Runs like a spaz. Related to East Eden farmers.

Notes:
Had a monster season in 2003 (90 sacks) as Slippery Rock's main blitz threat....Missed most of the 2004 season with a smothering gf. ..Based on size, speed and production this guy has just about everything you look for and is potentially a #1 player at the next level.