My C.J. Spiller Blog

1st Round (#9) RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Anthony Davis, OT Bryan Bulaga, QB Jimmy Clausen

Analysis: Spiller clearly was the 2010 NFL Draft's most explosive and versatile running back. His ability to catch passes and return kicks provides Buffalo with a player who can score from anywhere on the field. Chan Gailey's creative offensive mind should be able to get Spiller the ball in the open field. Spiller was higher rated on our draft board than Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga and Jimmy Clausen. The Bills certainly could use help at left tackle, but stuck to their board and chose the highest rated player. Davis has maturity and dedication issues. Bulaga may be better at right tackle and has to gain strength. The Bills cannot be sold on any of their current quarterbacks. However, the play of the offensive line and the turmoil with the offensive coordinator position did not help matters. You knew the Bills' offense was in big trouble last year when they fired their offensive coordinator a week before the season. Chan Gailey will bring much needed stability to Buffalo's offense and wants to evaluate the quarterbacks in his offense. Buffalo did not want to spend the 9th pick overall on a young quarterback that they were not enamored with. C.J. Spiller was a wise and disciplined selection by Buffalo.

2nd Round (#41) DT Torell Troup, Central Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: DT Terrance Cody

Analysis: Buffalo's run defense surrendered 4.7 yards per carry last season. This weakness combined with the decision to switch to a 3-4 defense made finding a nose tackle a high priority. The Bills chose Troup over Terrance Cody. Troup has the build and power to man the nose. However, many evaluated Cody to be the premier run-stuffer in this year's draft. Troup can anchor versus the double-team and fills a major need. He does not have the conditioning issue that Cody has, but we thought "Mount Cody" solves a team's nose tackle problem better than any player in the draft. Troup fills a need, but may not have been the best choice.

3rd Round (#72) DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT/OG John Jerry

Analysis: Carrington has the build and length to be a 3-4 defensive end. He has to learn to anticipate better and get off of blocks faster. Carrington dominated only in flashes against mediocre competition in college. Jerry is a good run blocker. He could play right tackle in the NFL if he took his conditioning to the next level. Buffalo likely viewed him as a guard in the pros and they are pleased with Andy Levitre and Eric Wood. Carrington fills a need and has a chance to be decent 3-4 defensive end.

4th Round (#107) WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Jason Fox

Analysis: Easley was a starter for only one season (2009). He was fairly productive (48 receptions for 893 yards (18.6 per) and 8 touchdowns). Easley has above average size and speed, but is very raw on the intricacies of playing wide receiver. It will take him time to develop and he may never learn to recognize coverages and run routes properly. Buffalo needs a lot of help at offensive tackle and decided to pass on Jason Fox. The former Miami standout has to gain some size and strength, but you cannot develop his toughness or football IQ. The Bills could have used Fox.

5th Round (#140) OT Ed Wang, Virginia Tech

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Chris Scott, TE Andrew Quarless

Analysis: The Bills finally address their offensive tackle position, but Ed Wang was a shaky selection. Wang was beaten consistently at the Senior Bowl and struggles with speed and power. These are unfortunately, two qualities that a lot of defensive ends possess in the NFL. Wang looks like a backup in the pros. Chris Scott has conditioning issues, but he has a powerful base and could be a right tackle project. Andrew Quarless has a lot of talent and could have complemented Shawn Nelson. The bottom line is we question how much Buffalo improved their offensive tackle position with the Wang pick.

6th Round (#178) DE Arthur Moats, James Madison

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE Adrian Tracy, WR Dezmon Briscoe

Analysis: The Bills need linebackers for their new 3-4 defense and plan on converting Moats into an inside linebacker. Moats is an undersized defensive end (6' and 245 pounds) who won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top division I-AA defensive player. Moats faces a big transition to not only the NFL, but also an entirely new position. Adrian Tracy also was a productive small-school defensive end who will be converted to linebacker. Tracy has the length to play outside linebacker, which Moats does not. The Bills need help at wide receiver and Briscoe represents value in the 6th round. Briscoe has maturity issues, but he was very productive and does a nice job of running after the catch.

6th Round (#192) DE Danny Batten, South Dakota State

Key Player (s) Passed On: WR Antonio Brown

Analysis: Batten will be converted to linebacker. He was a productive four-year starter at defensive end, but played against weak competition. Batten is a long shot to develop into a quality starter. He did not dominate in college and lacks a special physical trait. The Bills need help at wide receiver and scoring points. Antonio Brown is a quick slot receiver with a lot of production against better competition than what Batten faced.

7th Round (#209) QB Levi Brown, Troy

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE George Selvie

Analysis: Brown has average physical skills, but displays pocket presence. He could develop into a decent backup. Brown will compete with Brian Brohm to be the 3rd quarterback. Selvie's draft stock slipped dramatically as he did not look comfortable in linebacker drills and is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end. Selvie had a fine career at South Florida and may have been worth a look in camp to see how he fares at linebacker with more reps.

7th Round (#216) OT Kyle Calloway, Iowa

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE C.J. Wilson

Analysis: Calloway was a good pick and we were surprised he lasted this long. He does not have quick feet, but he is tough and plays with solid technique. He may be able to help Buffalo at right tackle. The former Hawkeye should at least be a solid backup at right tackle and guard.

Bottom Line: Buffalo had a lot of needs even prior to switching defensive schemes. Spiller will help, but the offensive tackle situation was not adequately addressed in the draft. The Bills drafted too many projects (Marcus Easley, Ed Wang, Arthur Moats and Danny Batten). The offensive tackle and wide receiver position do not look much stronger after this draft.

Grade: C+
More NFL draft analysis and NFL draft articles can be found at:
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com by Denis Krusos

NFL Draft Analysis.

ProFootballDraftNetwork.com's goal is to cut through the clutter and identify in detail the NFL draft's impact players, top values (where a team really succeeds on draft day) and biggest risks. Our full-time, year-round analysis of game footage, discussions with coaches and trainers and live practice observations are the basis for our ratings and draft board. Talent evaluators must be thorough, but should always remember that this is more art than science. Good player forecasting involves doing your homework and trusting your gut instincts.

We will not be presenting to you 400 or 500 scouting reports. Instead, prospects are filtered out that are evaluated to be unlikely to make an NFL team or who will essentially have a cup of coffee in the league as a mediocre reserve. Our draft board will be whittled down as the season progresses and fans can view our final draft board and detailed scouting reports on approximately 90 prospects. The final draft board reveals the prospects rated to be future productive starters, strong contributors on special teams and those who should provide quality depth.

Something else you will not find on our site is a mock draft. This site is all about talent evaluation for draftniks and football fans that enjoy the scouting process. We are interested in figuring out who can play in the NFL and not which player a team will select. Mock drafts are really guesses based upon perceived needs on whom a team will take and are notoriously inaccurate once you get past the top 10 in round 1. Talent evaluation is our passion and where we devote our efforts.

More NFL draft analysis and NFL draft articles can be found at: http://www.profootballdraftnetwork.com by Denis Krusos