Mock Draft

[psubills62]

I'm working on my mock, but here's what I think could happen and why I made the picks. Please ignore the blatant homerism (two more PSU picks could make the Bills the Penn State pro team) as much as possible.

Please comment as much as possible, especially regarding if players will or will not be there where I have them slotted. e.g., if most people think Cam Thomas won't be there in the 3rd, I'll try to re-work my draft.

1. Bryan Bulaga, OT

Reasoning: I was torn between Bulaga and McClain. The reason I went with Bulaga was two-fold: 1) LT's are much harder to find than linebackers, especially in the later rounds, and 2) in my opinion, a stud LT is really all we need to make this (young) offensive line as close to a dominant force as it can get with the current personnel. Meredith or Butler are capable RT's. Bulaga will help the run game, as well as pass protection.

2. Jared Odrick, DE

Reasoning: Honestly, I personally don't think Odrick will fall this far. But if he does, he would be good value here. It's true that we need an NT, but while people seem to believe our roster is full of guys who can play 3-4 DE, that doesn't mean they'll be good at that position. Odrick is quick, and fairly prototypical size for a 3-4 DE (6'5", 300 lbs). He has long arms and is good at defending the pass and the run, though not elite at either one.

3. Cam Thomas, NT

Reasoning: Hopefully Thomas reaches the third round. Get our future NT here. Thomas is not very good at rushing the passer (as evidenced by 3.5 career sacks in three years), but solid at the POA and carries his weight well with good strength. Obviously shouldn't have much competition for the starting job.

4. Jonathan Crompton, QB

Reasoning: We need a QB. May or may not (more likely the latter) be the QB of the future, but at the least has the potential to provide good depth. Showed a decent arm in the weather at recent Texas vs. the Nation practices. Has good enough height, arm, intelligence, etc. Needs to be more consistent. Hopefully develops under Cortez.

5. Pat Angerer, ILB

Reasoning: We need good ILB's. Angerer will need to bulk up some, but has good speed and defends the run and pass both well. Good leadership qualities.

6. Cameron Sheffield, OLB

Reasoning: Sheffield reportedly did not look as natural at the OLB spot at Senior Bowl practices, but could take a year to learn it while Schobel/Maybin start at the positions.

6. Blair White, WR

Reasoning: White is a fundamentally sound wide receiver who would be a decent fit at flanker, and may be able to play the slot. Can get separation and has decent hands.

7. Javarris James, RB

Reasoning: Lynch should be on his way out, if he's not gone this offseason. James is a decent between-the-tackles runner who also has some moves. Should be in line to back up Fred Jackson.

7. Josh Hull, ILB

Reasoning: OK, maybe one too many PSU (and Big Ten in general) picks, but that didn't stop me. Come on, it's a 7th rounder. Hull is a hard worker, and a guy who really improved in his senior year. Not bad at rushing the passer, and a real blue-collar guy, could provide depth at the ILB position.


Depth chart:
(I know, I don't have 53 guys exactly or anything, but here's about how I see it breaking down)

QB: Brohm, Crompton, Fitzpatrick
RB: Jackson, Lynch, James
FB: McIntyre
TE: Nelson, Schouman, Fine
WR: Evans, Hardy
LT: Bulaga, Bell
LG: Levitre, Simmons
C: Hangartner
RG: Wood, Incognito
RT: Meredith, Butler
WR: Johnson, White, Jenkins

DE: Odrick, Spencer Johnson
NT: Cam Thomas, Harvey
DE: Stroud, Williams
OLB: Maybin, Ellis
ILB: Poz, Hull
ILB: Angerer, Mitchell
OLB: Schobel, Sheffield
CB: McGee, Florence
SS: Wilson, Scott
FS: Byrd, Whitner
CB: McKelvin, Corner

[k-oneputt]

Re: Mock Draft

Crompton sucks and I'm not to big on J. James either.
I could see the Odrick pick in the 2nd if he's still available. He wouldn't be my pick but the Bills do have an infatuation with overrated PSU players.
I like Angerer, he's a little limit athletically but i tough and a player. I would be happy to see him taken in the 5th rd. I think he goes a little earlier though. I like Thomas too, also think he may go earlier than the 3rd rd.

[psubills62]

Re: Mock Draft

Crompton sucks and I'm not to big on J. James either.
I could see the Odrick pick in the 2nd if he's still available. He wouldn't be my pick but the Bills do have an infatuation with overrated PSU players.
I like Angerer, he's a little limit athletically but i tough and a player. I would be happy to see him taken in the 5th rd. I think he goes a little earlier though. I like Thomas too, also think he may go earlier than the 3rd rd.

Thanks for the input. Haha, as soon as I saw that you posted, I figured you wouldn't like all the Big Ten players, but you did a lot better than I predicted

Is there a QB in the 4th you'd rather have? Or a RB you'd rather have in the 7th?

[k-oneputt]

Re: Mock Draft

I like Snead, doubt he will last until the 4th though.

J. James was overrated imo, not even the best back on his own team. Like Blount but his value is going up.

[tampabay25690]

Re: Mock Draft

Crompton???
If he is on our team I will cry............
This guy is terrible..
I don't see him being drafted let alone before the 4th round...WOW

[bflojohn]

Re: Mock Draft

If our first three picks were anything like this, I'd have a parade in my neighborhood!! Well thought out, but I'd opt to add as many linemen as possible, this year, with an eye on QB next offseason. Mock drafts are real hard to project this early, but fun nontheless! I would hope the Bills are looking at Dan Williams as he is the prototypical size for a NT, and a perfect pick if we convert to a 3-4 alignment. The trade down aspect at #9 are good IF Eric Berry, Sam Bradford, or Dez Bryant slip into that range. Three OLT's are somewhat comparable at this juncture, so I'd trade back and take the best out of Bulaga, Campbell or Davis and add a mid second in the process.
Maybe it would look like this...
15.) (trade with Giants) Bruce Campbell, OLT
23.) (trade back into 1st with Packers for 2nd and 3rd)- Jared Odrick, DE
46.) (from Gmen) Terrence Cody, NT
109.) Thaddeus Gibson, OLB

[DraftBoy]

Re: Mock Draft

I'm working on my mock, but here's what I think could happen and why I made the picks. Please ignore the blatant homerism (two more PSU picks could make the Bills the Penn State pro team) as much as possible.

Please comment as much as possible, especially regarding if players will or will not be there where I have them slotted. e.g., if most people think Cam Thomas won't be there in the 3rd, I'll try to re-work my draft.

1. Bryan Bulaga, OT

Reasoning: I was torn between Bulaga and McClain. The reason I went with Bulaga was two-fold: 1) LT's are much harder to find than linebackers, especially in the later rounds, and 2) in my opinion, a stud LT is really all we need to make this (young) offensive line as close to a dominant force as it can get with the current personnel. Meredith or Butler are capable RT's. Bulaga will help the run game, as well as pass protection.

2. Jared Odrick, DE

Reasoning: Honestly, I personally don't think Odrick will fall this far. But if he does, he would be good value here. It's true that we need an NT, but while people seem to believe our roster is full of guys who can play 3-4 DE, that doesn't mean they'll be good at that position. Odrick is quick, and fairly prototypical size for a 3-4 DE (6'5", 300 lbs). He has long arms and is good at defending the pass and the run, though not elite at either one.

3. Cam Thomas, NT

Reasoning: Hopefully Thomas reaches the third round. Get our future NT here. Thomas is not very good at rushing the passer (as evidenced by 3.5 career sacks in three years), but solid at the POA and carries his weight well with good strength. Obviously shouldn't have much competition for the starting job.

4. Jonathan Crompton, QB

Reasoning: We need a QB. May or may not (more likely the latter) be the QB of the future, but at the least has the potential to provide good depth. Showed a decent arm in the weather at recent Texas vs. the Nation practices. Has good enough height, arm, intelligence, etc. Needs to be more consistent. Hopefully develops under Cortez.

5. Pat Angerer, ILB

Reasoning: We need good ILB's. Angerer will need to bulk up some, but has good speed and defends the run and pass both well. Good leadership qualities.

6. Cameron Sheffield, OLB

Reasoning: Sheffield reportedly did not look as natural at the OLB spot at Senior Bowl practices, but could take a year to learn it while Schobel/Maybin start at the positions.

6. Blair White, WR

Reasoning: White is a fundamentally sound wide receiver who would be a decent fit at flanker, and may be able to play the slot. Can get separation and has decent hands.

7. Javarris James, RB

Reasoning: Lynch should be on his way out, if he's not gone this offseason. James is a decent between-the-tackles runner who also has some moves. Should be in line to back up Fred Jackson.

7. Josh Hull, ILB

Reasoning: OK, maybe one too many PSU (and Big Ten in general) picks, but that didn't stop me. Come on, it's a 7th rounder. Hull is a hard worker, and a guy who really improved in his senior year. Not bad at rushing the passer, and a real blue-collar guy, could provide depth at the ILB position.


Depth chart:
(I know, I don't have 53 guys exactly or anything, but here's about how I see it breaking down)

QB: Brohm, Crompton, Fitzpatrick
RB: Jackson, Lynch, James
FB: McIntyre
TE: Nelson, Schouman, Fine
WR: Evans, Hardy
LT: Bulaga, Bell
LG: Levitre, Simmons
C: Hangartner
RG: Wood, Incognito
RT: Meredith, Butler
WR: Johnson, White, Jenkins

DE: Odrick, Spencer Johnson
NT: Cam Thomas, Harvey
DE: Stroud, Williams
OLB: Maybin, Ellis
ILB: Poz, Hull
ILB: Angerer, Mitchell
OLB: Schobel, Sheffield
CB: McGee, Florence
SS: Wilson, Scott
FS: Byrd, Whitner
CB: McKelvin, Corner

My thoughts;
1.Bulaga-I like this pick it makes sense, give us a franchise LT and something to build on line wise.
2. Odrick-Im not a big fan of Odrick switching to 3-4 End, it just doesnt make sense to me. He is an excellent penetrating DT, which is somewhat contrary to what you need out of a 3-4 DE. Also Im not sure he is as strong as some of the players we need at that position.
3.Thomas-Value wise he's not really worth that pick but with so few options at NT he will go earlier than his skill level should really take him. So this is a pick I dont like but I cant argue with it due to supply and demand.
4. Crompton-Had a great weak of practice at Texas v. The Nation, but an average game (9 of 20, 102 yards). Really came on at the end of the year though, over his 6 games he went; 101 of 171 (60.0%) for 1325 yards, 13 TDs, and 3 INT. But is he worth this pick? I think this is a little early for Crompton given his inconsistent play, maybe in Round 5 or 6 for him.
5.Angerer-I dont see Angerer falling this far, I love the way he plays and he's my #3 ranked ILB. I see him as a 2nd-4th Round prospect.
6. Sheffield-Perfect pick here, I like this kids attitude and ability, he is a very good 3-4 OLB prospect and could be a true steal this late.
6. White-I dont like White, he doesnt do anything amazing well and was the best WR on a Michigan State team that had no WR depth. I think we need to go WR but I like guys like Damarrio Alexander, Marcus Easley, and Naaman Roosevelt much more here.
7. James-He's such a huge underachevier I can't like the pick. Some other guys Id prefer would be Pat Paschall, Stafon Johnson, Keith Totson, and Roy Upchurch more.
7. Hull-Good value pick here, very nice selection.

[psubills62]

Re: Mock Draft

I like Snead, doubt he will last until the 4th though.

J. James was overrated imo, not even the best back on his own team. Like Blount but his value is going up.

I'm personally not a fan of Snead, so unless I change a lot of things I'll probably stick with Crompton. No big deal, each person likes different prospects, I appreciate your comments.

I'll probably reconsider James. He had a good week of practice for the East-West Shrine game, but most people don't seem to like him.

[psubills62]

Re: Mock Draft

Crompton???
If he is on our team I will cry............
This guy is terrible..
I don't see him being drafted let alone before the 4th round...WOW

He's been pretty inconsistent, but did well to put it together towards the end of his career, especially at the Texas vs. the Nation practices.

Is there another QB you'd rather have in the 4th round or later?

[psubills62]

Re: Mock Draft

If our first three picks were anything like this, I'd have a parade in my neighborhood!! Well thought out, but I'd opt to add as many linemen as possible, this year, with an eye on QB next offseason. Mock drafts are real hard to project this early, but fun nontheless! I would hope the Bills are looking at Dan Williams as he is the prototypical size for a NT, and a perfect pick if we convert to a 3-4 alignment. The trade down aspect at #9 are good IF Eric Berry, Sam Bradford, or Dez Bryant slip into that range. Three OLT's are somewhat comparable at this juncture, so I'd trade back and take the best out of Bulaga, Campbell or Davis and add a mid second in the process.
Maybe it would look like this...
15.) (trade with Giants) Bruce Campbell, OLT
23.) (trade back into 1st with Packers for 2nd and 3rd)- Jared Odrick, DE
46.) (from Gmen) Terrence Cody, NT
109.) Thaddeus Gibson, OLB

I appreciate the comments.

I try not to mock trades, personally. Just too hard to predict. I've done it in past years and it's never worked out.

Beyond that, I would also look for Williams at #9 if his stock keeps rising. Berry and Bradford probably won't slip to #9, though Bryant might. Of course, trading back may bite us if two OT's go before we pick at #9.

Your mock isn't bad, I'd prefer Bulaga and I'm not a huge fan of Cody, but they do fit our needs either way.

[psubills62]

Re: Mock Draft

My thoughts;
1.Bulaga-I like this pick it makes sense, give us a franchise LT and something to build on line wise.
2. Odrick-Im not a big fan of Odrick switching to 3-4 End, it just doesnt make sense to me. He is an excellent penetrating DT, which is somewhat contrary to what you need out of a 3-4 DE. Also Im not sure he is as strong as some of the players we need at that position.
3.Thomas-Value wise he's not really worth that pick but with so few options at NT he will go earlier than his skill level should really take him. So this is a pick I dont like but I cant argue with it due to supply and demand.
4. Crompton-Had a great weak of practice at Texas v. The Nation, but an average game (9 of 20, 102 yards). Really came on at the end of the year though, over his 6 games he went; 101 of 171 (60.0%) for 1325 yards, 13 TDs, and 3 INT. But is he worth this pick? I think this is a little early for Crompton given his inconsistent play, maybe in Round 5 or 6 for him.
5.Angerer-I dont see Angerer falling this far, I love the way he plays and he's my #3 ranked ILB. I see him as a 2nd-4th Round prospect.
6. Sheffield-Perfect pick here, I like this kids attitude and ability, he is a very good 3-4 OLB prospect and could be a true steal this late.
6. White-I dont like White, he doesnt do anything amazing well and was the best WR on a Michigan State team that had no WR depth. I think we need to go WR but I like guys like Damarrio Alexander, Marcus Easley, and Naaman Roosevelt much more here.
7. James-He's such a huge underachevier I can't like the pick. Some other guys Id prefer would be Pat Paschall, Stafon Johnson, Keith Totson, and Roy Upchurch more.
7. Hull-Good value pick here, very nice selection.

The comments are much appreciated.

I usually try to over-draft, just because of the unpredictable nature of the draft. So if some of my picks seem like they could be had in the next round...well, that's sort of what I'm going for. The Angerer and Odrick pick are just to mix things up.

As far as Odrick goes, I think he'd be strong enough. I also don't think it's a bad thing to have a penetrating DE, similar to what GB has. Jenkins and Jolly don't just take up space, they penetrate and make plays.

With Crompton...he's got the tools and played against a good level of competition. Cortez could probably get as much out of him as any of the other later QB's. We'll see, I'll look at the pick.

Angerer is a good prospect, but will his lack of size scare any teams away? I may end up switching him and Crompton then.

I personally like White, so I won't hold it against you I did consider Roosevelt here, but that's what most people seem to be doing. I was actually hoping to fit Freddie Barnes in one of the earlier slots, but it just didn't work out. Barnes would be great as a slot receiver here with Hardy/Johnson to battle at flanker.

I'll probably end up changing the James pick, as everyone is down on him. He was more of a picking a name out of a hat, so I'm not too attached to him. Are you sure Stafon Johnson will be there in the 7th? Even with the injury, he's bounced back pretty well.

[we are]

Re: Mock Draft

If Hull is on the this team next year, I probably won't watch lol.

[tampabay25690]

Re: Mock Draft

He's been pretty inconsistent, but did well to put it together towards the end of his career, especially at the Texas vs. the Nation practices.

Is there another QB you'd rather have in the 4th round or later?

Well to be honest its so hard to say right now...
I think DAN LeFevour will go late 1st early 2nd now just because of this terrible QB class.......

I like Colt McCoy in the 3rd because I feel thats where he may fall....

Most here think Tony Pike is the next Joe Flacco.
I am not a fan of PIKE at all.....
If he played in any other confernce then the Big East he doesnt even get considered to be drafted......

He could be there in the 4th.....

So in the 4th and later::

Tim Hiller Western Mich
Max Hall BYU
Sean Canfield Oregon St
Pike Cinci
Snead Ole Miss
Mike Kafka NorthWestern

No specific order at all.....
Just some guys I feel we could look at later then the 4th...

[DraftBoy]

Re: Mock Draft

Well to be honest its so hard to say right now...
I think DAN LeFevour will go late 1st early 2nd now just because of this terrible QB class.......

I like Colt McCoy in the 3rd because I feel thats where he may fall....

Most here think Tony Pike is the next Joe Flacco.
I am not a fan of PIKE at all.....
If he played in any other confernce then the Big East he doesnt even get considered to be drafted......

He could be there in the 4th.....

So in the 4th and later::

Tim Hiller Western Mich
Max Hall BYU
Sean Canfield Oregon St
Pike Cinci
Snead Ole Miss
Mike Kafka NorthWestern

No specific order at all.....
Just some guys I feel we could look at later then the 4th...

Snead's stock should go up based on the combine alone, he is the most physically impressive QB in this class.

[Ingtar33]

Re: Mock Draft

Snead's stock should go up based on the combine alone, he is the most physically impressive QB in this class.

Yep, Snead is the only "round-3 or higher" prospect in this draft who looks like an all pro qb physically. He's got an ideal QB's size and build. he'll probably work out amazing too, with beautiful passes and a strong arm, with a tight spiral.

I remember catching him against LSU, and thinking "if you don't watch where he throws the ball, this kid looks like a 1st round, possibly 1st overall pick."

But of course, then you see where he chooses to throw, the type of coverage he throws into. and if you ignore how he looked throwing the ball, you'd judge him as an undrafted prospect.