OT - 2014 NFL Draft

[qwksndmonster]

26, are you Kacie McDonnell's agent or something?

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

Safety.....again, the Bills by letting Byrd go, walk into a position of depth. There is one standout in my opinion who could step right in. There are another 2 who could start right out, and 4 or 5 who have a shot. Next to the O-Line, the highest hit rate of guys who can make a roster of all the groups so far.

 

**Calvin Pryor - Louisville - This guy reminds me of Stephon Gilmore. Rangy build but has some muscle. He is just so fluid at the hip and in his motion, that he doesn't waste anything. He is not fast, but his balance and motion make up for it. He can change direction and should be able to handle play action. He doesn't look like a giant hitter, but has the rep for it. There is no way he makes it to the 2nd round, but if the Bills trade down to that 13-18 level...he is one that makes sense. I get a really good vibe off this guy and you should have a starter at worst, and an 8 year Pro Bowler at best.

 

Terrence Brooks - FSU - Blazing speed. Short, but has a fireplug build. Decent fluidity. Seems aware and aggressive. I don't like his north/south change of direction and could get caught biting. His speed and swivel could help make up for it. Solid 3rd rounder.

 

*Brock Vereen - Minnesota - Undersized and not bulky, but aware, smooth, and had one of the best bursts after change in direction of any athlete. Straight line fast, and with his agility, I would think he could play centerfield. Intangibles high as well. Listed low anywhere I look, but would look at him starting in the 5th for sure.

 

Nice group all around. Options early, mid and late.

[TrueBlueGED]

Aaron Murray would be a solid choice in round 5-6 but not someone I would expect ppl to like or for Buffalo to target.

 

I want nothing to do with Aaron Murray.

 

Target him for the GF Kacie McDonnell if nothing else

 

Her face looks like plastic. No, I would not care, and I retract my previous statement about not wanting Murray in town!

[LGR4GM]

I want nothing to do with Aaron Murray.

Why? Out of curiosity.

[freester]

Aaron Murray has potential to be a Drew Brees or a Colt Mccoy. He will get picked in the 3rd or fourth round. The girlfriend is hot.

[TrueBlueGED]

Why? Out of curiosity.

 

I don't think he has an NFL skill set. Really that simple.

[inkman]

Her face looks like plastic. No, I would not care, and I retract my previous statement about not wanting Murray in town!

Yeah she isn't hard to look at but she looks like another made up ho in the long line of made up ho's that wouldn't get a second look if it wasnt for the make up, hair and clothes. It seems like they'll take any mediocre looking chick, throw her in a tanning bed, cake on a pound of make up get her hair did and tell all of us she's hot.

[shrader]

Yeah she isn't hard to look at but she looks like another made up ho in the long line of made up ho's that wouldn't get a second look if it wasnt for the make up, hair and clothes. It seems like they'll take any mediocre looking chick, throw her in a tanning bed, cake on a pound of make up get her hair did and tell all of us she's hot.

 

And don't forget the airbrushing.

[26CornerBlitz]

Yeah she isn't hard to look at but she looks like another made up ho in the long line of made up ho's that wouldn't get a second look if it wasnt for the make up, hair and clothes. It seems like they'll take any mediocre looking chick, throw her in a tanning bed, cake on a pound of make up get her hair did and tell all of us she's hot.

 

Major hater! :lol: She does traffic on Fox 29 and she's hot every time I see her. Here's some pics from her FB account: https://www.facebook.com/KacieMcDonnellOfficial/photos_stream

[inkman]

Major hater! :lol: She does traffic on Fox 29 and she's hot every time I see her. Here's some pics from her FB account: https://www.facebook.com/KacieMcDonnellOfficial/photos_stream

I feel the same way about Megan Fox

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

On to the Running Backs...

 

While not a pressing need, there is one back here that really has me smiling. The kid from Ohio St blew a hammy on the 40, so not sure about him.

 

***Bishop Sankey - Washington - Now I hate to do this, but this kid reminds me of Thurman Thomas in his complete skill set. He is a little short, but built up top and under the hips. Everything he did was terrific. He has straightline speed, incredible balance, hands, and a slippery way of moving. He had the best looking 3 cone drill of anyone yet, rounding smooth and balanced without having to decelerate. Running north/south he smoothly cuts and has a beautiful head fake. The knock is he is short and may have to be a tandem back, but I just love this guy. He looks bright eyed, and is already anticipating his run as he is catching the ball. I think teams are nuts if he makes it out of the first round, and if somehow he is there when the Bills pick, I would grab him in a second given Freddy's age and Spiller's contract-injury situation. Just the definition of smooth and balanced. Watch the Patriots get him!

 

Andre Williams - BC - Very powerful runner and balanced enough given his frame. He builds power on the third or fourth step, so if he gets a hole, he can drag guys downfield. He doesn't have grace but with his freight train power, doesn't need much. Probably more of a 1st and 2nd down back, and short yardage. Not the complete package, but a viable guy in the 4th round.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

In going over the DL and CB positions, it was hard to find value. There was one standout DT that is rated in the top 20 and well worth it in my opinion...

 

Aaron Donald - PITT - Really neat combo of pluggy, strong and built, yet is very quick and fluid. Very similar to Kyle Williams, but more athletic. He's in no man's land for the Bills though. Probably not worth #9, and no way makes it past 15-20.

 

CB

 

Justin Gilbert - Okla St. - He is a physical beast. Built but balanced. Powerful in his movement and confident. Can change direction and close, just a little off in the hip flip. Has a knock for not being as physical as he could. On looks, he is a top 12 pick for sure. He would be a fair target for the Bills at #9 if they wanted to stockpile and couldn't find a trade partner. A can't miss as a starter, just a matter if he has the makeup to be a regular Pro Bowl type.

 

***Jason Verrett - TCU - Another I fell in love with given his projected value. His only knock is he is short. He is perfectly conformed for a corner. Amazing speed that is under control, big strided, and explosive out of the gate. Smooth as can be in hips and has afterburners right off the bat when changing direction. Looks bright eyed and confident and attacks the ball. This guy has the looks of a superstar and if enough teams get scared by the size, he could maybe slip to the 2nd round.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

Overall Reflections....

 

If I had the #1 pick, there are only 2 options...either Bortles if you want a QB, or Robinson at tackle. To me, Clowney isn't a freak of nature like Robinson is. Mack is almost the same as Clowney but can play in space, and I actually may give the edge to Mack. Manziel is a wildcard and since I am not gung ho on Matthews this high, and think Evans is being projected way too high, I have to give him respect. Watkins is a standout at his position. I love Lewan for the Bills and hope he is there.

 

Drane's Top 20:

 

1) Robinson - T - Auburn

 

2) Bortles - QB - UCF

 

3) Mack - LB - Buffalo

 

4) Clowney - DE - S.Carolina

 

5) Manziel - QB - Tex A&M

 

6) Watkins - WR - Clemson

 

7) Lewan - T - Michigan

 

8) Gilbert - CB - Oklahoma St.

 

9) Donald - DT - PITT

 

10)Pryor - S - Louisville

 

11) Shazier - LB - Ohio St.

 

12) Matthews - T - Texas A&M

 

13) Ebron - TE - N. Carolina

 

14) Sankey - RB - Washington

 

15) Verrett - CB - TCU

 

16) Martin - T - ND

 

17) Cinton-Dix - S - Alabama

 

18) Lawrence - DE - Boise

 

19) Fuller - CB - VTech

 

20) Losman - QB - Tulane

-------------------------------------------------

 

That's MY draft board on talent, not a mock of actual order or what the Bills should do.

 

 

Given a realistic projection, this would be my choices for the Bills:

 

1) Taylor Lewan - T - Michigan

 

2) Bishop Sankey - RB - Washington

 

3) Bruce Ellington - WR - S.Carolina

 

4) Ryan Groy - G - Wisconsin

 

5) Brock Vereen - S - Minnesota

 

7) John Urschel - G - Penn St.

 

 

[shrader]

20) Losman - QB - Tulane

 

I'm completely clueless about college football since I don't watch it. Does this player seriously exist or are you sneaking a joke in there?

[kishoph]

WGR talking heads in love with Ebron this morning, I'm not so sure about Ebron, especially at #9. He may run like a WR, but he also blocks like a WR. Tyler Eifert went 21st last year and Ebron is no Tyler Eifert, IMO.

[Hoss]

I like Ebron overall, but I wouldn't take him without a trade down.

 

I like Austin Seferian-Jenkins more as far as value goes. ASF is a better blocker, and he reminds me of Tony Gonzalez late in his career.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

With Ebron, he is a standout at the position of who is available. That doesn't mean he is worth the pick versus guys at all positions. I think he is a top 20 athlete, but you know who neutralizes a guy like Ebron? A guy like Pryor. Pryor on Ebron makes Ebron worthless....and Pryor can support the run. I think that is how you have to view the draft.

 

The honeypot of this draft will be from 10-25. There are 6 or 7 guys projected in the 1st round that I just don't think are worth it. If they get sprinkled in, I have no problem trading down multiple times if teams target specific players. Gilbert/Pryor/Donald/Ebron/Shazier.....they are hard to separate and 1 of them should be there at 18. Then you have Verrett/Sankey/Martin right there just a tick off. I would take 2 of those 8 over anyone but maybe Robinson. These are the guys that have medium risk, high reward. The top 8 projected is so closely bunched....you just don't want to bust.

 

 

[TrueBlueGED]

When was the last time anyone saw Jimmy Graham line up next to the tackle and in-line block anyone? If I can get a matchup nightmare in the receiving game I'm doing it, especially given Manuel's propensity to take short-intermediate stuff. I'm not saying we have to take Ebron at #9, but his blocking ability really wouldn't factor into my evaluation.

[26CornerBlitz]

I got an early start this year on looking at the combine film for the draft. I approach the draft the exact same way I do with a horse sale. I don't care how a guy played in college, where he is projected, his numbers on their own, or intangibles....UNTIL...I go through their drills and find guys based on build/conformation, fluidity/rigidity, efficiency of motion in all directions, physical technique, efficiency of strength, and confidence and alertness. My goal is to find the most balanced individuals, regardless of pure talent. Those are the guys that will have the best chance of making a roster or an impact in my opinion. If there is no film on a guy, I did not search anything down, so there could be viable options in guys who didn't participate.

 

There are some guys that are ok that I won't profile, and a lot that are ranked in the top few rounds that I don't care for and will not include. You can assume if it is someone ranked in the 1st - 3rd round and I don't have them here, they would be off my draft board. I will give *** rankings to guys I would love to target and who I feel are great value at where they are being projected, and + to guys who you might look at a little before average projections.

 

It's not a foolproof method, but it works very well for me and I feel given my eye, is probably 85% of what goes into finding an athlete. I don't have medical reports, police reports, and haven't traveled the country watching them or talking to acquaintances. I would also rather whiff by not taking a guy I don't believe in...like I did with Luke Kuechly.

 

 

 

 

OK...... first position....Offensive Line. My round projection is based on a standard to the position, not necessarily this specific draft. Last year was so weak in general for the entire draft, guys I was projecting 3rd and 4th round were going late 1st and 2nd. I think this draft is much deeper at quality for the OL.

 

 

Greg Robinson - T - Auburn - This guy is built perfectly for a mauling tackle. He is simply overpowering and has technique to go with that power. He covers ground smoothly on the move. While not perfectly fluid, for his size he is a mover. At worst you have a Pro Bowl right tackle who can blow guys away in the run game. I'd assume he is a top 5 guy.

 

** Taylor Lewan - T - Michigan - I was blown away by his balance and fluidity. He has a very athletic build and carries himself like a skill player. He can change direction on a dime. While not overpowering, he is so balanced and well built that to me, he is the best all-around tackle. While Robinson may be elite if he can get his hands on guys, Lewan should be able to keep up with any rusher at LT. He is an obvious target at #9 if there.

 

X - I wouldn't think about taking Jake Matthews in the top 10. He is rigid, not as balanced as either of the other 2, and lacks fluidity.

 

Cameron Fleming - T/G - Stanford - He is tall and played tackle, but is built like a guard with beef and stockiness. There looks to be untapped power because of his wide footing in his drive. He is very fluid at the hip though and one of the best lateral movers. Smart kid. Don't love him, but would be an ok depth guy who could swing. 3rd or 4th round.

 

Gabe Jackson - G - Miss St. - He is a bowling ball type of guard. He has good lateral movement and stays square to his man. Very confident and aware. While he looks more powerful, his technique probably saps some power potential as he gets off his heels. Would be ok in the 3rd, but no value and not enough upside.

 

*** Ryan Groy - G - Wisconsin - I just love this guy, especially compared to where he is being projected by most. He is an oak tree, big and wide, and is very nimble for his build. He is solid laterally, and fluid on the move. He projects confidence. The only downside I see is wide legs in his drive. While he is projected later in the draft, I would scoop him up all day in the 4th and even think about the 3rd. I get the feeling he is a bigger, more athletic Jerry Ostroski. Could probably start.

 

* Weston Richburg - C - Col St. - Stalky, but conformed well. Fluid in open space and good lateral. Doesn't seem overpowering but aware and focused. Probably not a target for the Bills given Wood, but quality. 3rd

 

** John Urschel - G - Penn St. - Love the way this guy is built for scrappy guard. Great balance in his push and ok lateral. Smarts off the charts and sportsmanship. Another who is projected low, but I would have no problem in the 4th round and even a reach. Just seems to be lock for a roster spot at least.

 

Jonotthan Harrison - C - Florida - A little undersized, but very athletic build. The thing that stands out is his forward push and great technique in driving. He is average otherwise. His build gives him a shot to put on a few pounds of fat with no problem and could be a good project for C/G. 5th or 6th round.

 

Justin Britt - T - Missouri - Tall but a little rigid up top. He has good fluid movement however. Doesn't power through but has natural strength. Would be a good project that could move up with coaching. 5th or 6th round.

 

 

Overall: While there are about 8-10 guys in the first 3 rounds I didn't see value in, this is a deep position. Lewan is a target at #9 to me and would allow Glenn to go to RT. I think you can draft your starting guard in the 3rd or 4th round, and would bet dollars to donuts Groy could be the perfect fit.

 

Edit: I like Zack Martin - T - Notre Dame....a poor man's Lewan. Wouldn't take him in the top half of the 1st, but 20-30 is fine.

 

No way I take Lewan at 9 unless the plan is to move Glenn inside to LG. Don't think he's the type to play the right side like a Robinson who has great power and physicality at the POA. The Bills look elsewhere at 9.

[Johnny DangerFace]

Thanks for doing this and it's been fun to read! Tackle in the first baby

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

 

 

No way I take Lewan at 9 unless the plan is to move Glenn inside to LG. Don't think he's the type to play the right side like a Robinson who has great power and physicality at the POA. The Bills look elsewhere at 9.

 

Glenn goes to RT or G. Lewan and Glenn could remind me an awful lot of Wolford/Ballard. I agree with you in full. I still question Glenn. While he improved last year, how is it that LG was so atrocious given that it is wedged between two supposed fringe Pro Bowlers in Wood and Glenn? There had to be someone else slow on the draw for that to happen. You just have too many options to help if you know that is your weak link. I have no idea if the Bills value Lewan though.

 

Thanks for doing this and it's been fun to read! Tackle in the first baby

 

Thanks.

 

I like doing it and it's actually a good process for me. I had never grown up around horses and went to my first horse auction in my late 20's with zero experience other than being a fan and a bettor. Like football, if you see something enough, you learn what looks right and "artistic" and symmetric. Most of the same principles cross over between the two sports so it works out. Then you just have to gauge the market and put a value on some subjective material. Plus it makes it a whole lot more fun for me when I feel I know what is going on.

[Hoss]

Just realized that you have a name up high that I also love: Kyle Fuller. He was a one-man defense at times for Va Tech. In on EVERY play.

I remember a play where he started out covering the wideout on the bottom of the screen. The QB rolled out to the top of the screen and Kyle Fuller sacked him from the far sideline. He somehow got all the way around and made the play, and it was a quick developing play, too.

 

Value-wise, I wouldn't pass on him in the 2nd round.

Edited April 13, 2014 by Tankalicious

[TrueBlueGED]

Glenn goes to RT or G. Lewan and Glenn could remind me an awful lot of Wolford/Ballard. I agree with you in full. I still question Glenn. While he improved last year, how is it that LG was so atrocious given that it is wedged between two supposed fringe Pro Bowlers in Wood and Glenn? There had to be someone else slow on the draw for that to happen. You just have too many options to help if you know that is your weak link. I have no idea if the Bills value Lewan though.

 

Maybe they'd be actual Pro Bowlers instead of fringe guys if the LG wasn't the worst in the league ;)

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

I wish a Vegas book had props on over/under what pick a guy will go.....I am still convinced that no matter how many times people talk about Shazier going 18 or worse....someone is going to make him a top 12 pick. With all the talk of Lewan being gone by #9, I don't mind if it is the Bills. After looking into some of these guys a little more, Shazier is a good soldier.

 

This Ebron talk needs to stop. He is the best looking prospect at the position by far, but that is like saying that he is the best looking girl at a bar in Buffalo at closing time.....

[SwampD]

I wish a Vegas book had props on over/under what pick a guy will go.....I am still convinced that no matter how many times people talk about Shazier going 18 or worse....someone is going to make him a top 12 pick. With all the talk of Lewan being gone by #9, I don't mind if it is the Bills. After looking into some of these guys a little more, Shazier is a good soldier.

 

This Ebron talk needs to stop. He is the best looking prospect at the position by far, but that is like saying that he is the best looking girl at a bar in Buffalo at closing time.....

So you're saying that if we pick Ebron, we're going to get screwed.