- Joined
- Mar 13, 2005
- Messages
- 20,536
- Reaction score
- 1
Bills' decision to load up on DBs curious - AFC East - ESPN
Buffalo drafted:
1a. Aaron Maybin - speed pass rush specialist.
1b. Eric Wood - OL, they needed to improve their run blocking, and running the ball keeps Brady, Moss, and Welker on the bench. Wood also has at least RT potential.
2a. Jairus Byrd - ballhawking DB, slow for an NFL CB, but okay for a FS, 17 career interceptions and 5'10" 207 he'll hold up against the run just fine.
2b. Andy Levitre - OL, LT projected to OG, same as Wood.
4. Shawn Nelson - TE, not known as a blocker, he showed he was willing enough by manhandling Maualuga at the Senior Bowl, good receiver, but don't discount his blocking on Linebackers...like NE's foursome in a 3-4 scheme.
5. Nic Harris - LB, a slow college S who also played LB and CB, he's good in coverage and his change of direction numbers are competitive with the other Safeties in this draft class, he's a good fit at OLB for Buffalo.
6. Cary Harris - CB, another slow college CB, but a reliable tackler and a physical CB.
7. Ellis Lankster - CB, a late bloomer who is reported to be strong against the run with good ball skills.
Improve the run game with smart, tough, nasty OL and a willing receiving TE capable of getting out on LBs and making space.
Improve the pass defense with an edge rush and increased competition amongst the DBs, and throw in a coverage LB to help.
Buffalo isn't happy with the #13 pass defense noted in the article and they weren't happy with their O-line play from last year - neither are what you want if you're playing NE twice a year.
Ignoring the focus of the article, which is ESPN complaining about Buffalo not chasing after a LT, this seems to highlight Buffalo getting themselves ready to face...New England.Bills' decision to load up on DBs curious
April 27, 2009 9:10 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- For the record, the Buffalo Bills drafted four defensive backs and zero tackles.
-----
But heading into the weekend they seemed relatively set in their secondary.
Terrence McGee was back as the starting left cornerback. Last year's 11th overall pick, Leodis McKelvin, should be ready to handle the right cornerback spot. The Bills signed free-agent veteran Drayton Florence in case. Cornerbacks Reggie Corner and Ashton Youboty also are on the roster.
Strong safety Donte Whitner, the eighth overall selection in 2006, returns. Free safeties Ko Simpson and Bryan Scott are back. Scott wants to know what's up because he started four games at free safety and three games at strong safety.
Buffalo ranked 13th in pass defense last year.
-----
Bills coach **** Jauron claimed the reason the Bills spent so many picks on their secondary was the belief you can never have enough pass coverage in today's NFL.
"It's been that way for a while," said Jauron, a Pro Bowl safety for the Detroit Lions in the 1970s. "The three-receiver sets have been going for a while now.
"As a matter a fact, I can't remember a time where it wasn't said at some point 'You can never have enough corners.' I guess you'd say it about the whole secondary now, but you've certainly seen a lot of three-wideout sets. You've seen four-wideout sets, and you see a lot of empty sets in the National Football League.
"We had traditionally gone to camp with anywhere from 14 to 15 defensive backs on the rosters, usually six inside, eight outside in terms of your corners to safeties. But it can vary. It varies somewhat, depending on the talent of the group."
Buffalo drafted:
1a. Aaron Maybin - speed pass rush specialist.
1b. Eric Wood - OL, they needed to improve their run blocking, and running the ball keeps Brady, Moss, and Welker on the bench. Wood also has at least RT potential.
2a. Jairus Byrd - ballhawking DB, slow for an NFL CB, but okay for a FS, 17 career interceptions and 5'10" 207 he'll hold up against the run just fine.
2b. Andy Levitre - OL, LT projected to OG, same as Wood.
4. Shawn Nelson - TE, not known as a blocker, he showed he was willing enough by manhandling Maualuga at the Senior Bowl, good receiver, but don't discount his blocking on Linebackers...like NE's foursome in a 3-4 scheme.
5. Nic Harris - LB, a slow college S who also played LB and CB, he's good in coverage and his change of direction numbers are competitive with the other Safeties in this draft class, he's a good fit at OLB for Buffalo.
6. Cary Harris - CB, another slow college CB, but a reliable tackler and a physical CB.
7. Ellis Lankster - CB, a late bloomer who is reported to be strong against the run with good ball skills.
Improve the run game with smart, tough, nasty OL and a willing receiving TE capable of getting out on LBs and making space.
Improve the pass defense with an edge rush and increased competition amongst the DBs, and throw in a coverage LB to help.
Buffalo isn't happy with the #13 pass defense noted in the article and they weren't happy with their O-line play from last year - neither are what you want if you're playing NE twice a year.