How badly do the Bills need a big, fast wide receiver? Put it this way, if they don't get one this weekend Dick Jauron could be reduced to walking through crowds of tourists at Niagara Falls carrying a sign that reads, "Can you catch? Yeah, you."
The Bills also could use a cornerback and a defensive end. So this is how their draft could look this weekend:
First round (11th overall): WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State. Thomas should still be on the board when the Bills pick, and it could come down to him or Texas' Limas Sweed, a similarly fast, big-bodied target.
Second round (41st overall): DE Calais Campbell, Miami; TE Fred Davis, Southern California; DE Quentin Groves, Auburn.
Third round (72nd overall): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana; Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut; Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado.
Fourth round (114th overall, 132nd overall): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida; Shawn Crable, DE/LB, Michigan; Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame.
Fifth round (147th overall): Craig Stevens, TE, California; Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia; Justin King, CB, Penn State.
Sixth round (179th overall): Justin McKinney, CB, Kansas State; Curtis Gatewood, DE, Vanderbilt; George Chukwu, DT, Rice.
Seventh round (219th overall, 224th overall; 251st overall): SirDarean Adams, LB, Michigan State; Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State; Chris Clark, T, Southern Mississippi.
-- John Dudley
Friday: Browns draft projection.
Saturday: Steelers draft projection; Complete mock first round.
Comments (5)
Like what you have to say but I have to disagree about the Bills picking a Defensive End. While I agree they could use an upgrade, didn't they spend about 100 million last year on 2 defensive ends in our system already?? i can't see them picking another one the 1st day. It would make no sense. Plus the linebacker we traded for from the Giants basically replaces (and upgrades) the loss Of Anthony Hardgrove.
Posted by Paul F. | April 25, 2008 10:32 AM
Posted on April 25, 2008 10:32
While the Bills need a WR, the talent available does not justify the #11 overall pick. There must be at least 6 or 7 receivers of relatively equal talent, Doucet, Hardy, Jackson, Kelly, Sweed, et al. Not to mention the big tight end pass catchers in the draft (Fred Davis). Any big receiver will do as the main need is for catching short yardage and in the red zone. The Bills will go best player available in round 1, probably but not necessarily, a cornerback. Better yet, they might trade back and still get the players they need at their need positions.A receiver will be available in round 2, a top corner will not be.
Posted by Tim Davis | April 25, 2008 12:41 PM
Posted on April 25, 2008 12:41
Crazy if you think Steve Slaton will be around in the 5th round. 32 teams can't be that dumb, that many times.
Posted by Mike R. | April 25, 2008 1:38 PM
Posted on April 25, 2008 13:38
"Thomas should be still on the board when the Bills pick...". I pray they don't make that pick - it would be a huge reach at 11th. Trade down, get another pick and you can still get Thomas, Sweed, or whoever later. Good thing you're not GM.
Posted by Jeff | April 25, 2008 3:47 PM
Posted on April 25, 2008 15:47
I would like to see Devin Thomas on the Bills' roster, but not with the 11th pick. I think they'll take the best available CB at #11 (probably Rodgers-Cromartie), and assess the run at WR later when there is more value. They may trade back into the first round if their guy is still available, or move up a little in the beginning of the second. Kelly and Hardy should still be there, but probably not Thomas or Sweed (who I don't like anyway).
I'm also wondering how you think Penn State CB Justin King will be around in the 5th round. Scout.com has him ranked the #8 CB, three places ahead of Tracy Porter, who you have going in the 3rd round. Seems a little strange to me.
Posted by Jay Z. | April 25, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on April 25, 2008 16:35