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

The Buffalo Bills have a lot of work to do to get back to a playoff contender, as it looks as though the organization is once again in the rebuilding phase. The Bills spent a long time trying to find a new head coach this off season, and wound up with Chan Gailey. Gailey has two years of head coaching experience with Dallas, but the majority of his work has been as an offensive coordinator, and he will take over the play calling for the Bills this season. The Bills also bring in new defensive coordinator George Edwards to implement the 3-4 scheme. Here is a look at what the Bills bring to both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on how they finish up the 2010 season.

Offense: The Bills didn't get a lot of production out of the quarterback spot in 2010, as Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick both struggled to put points on the board. Everyone expected the Bills to make a move this off season to bring in a new face to compete for the job, but that was not the case, and it looks like it will either be one of these two guys starting on opening day.

The Bills had a chance to improve a very bad offensive line with their first pick in the NFL draft, but instead went after Clemson running back CJ Spiller. The move gives the Bills a ton of depth in the running game, as Spiller joins holdovers Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and Spiller has the ability to really add a spark to this bunch with his homerun ability.

The Bills decided not to bring back Terrell Owens at wide receiver, leaving Lee Evans alone as the only real target in the passing game. The hope is that former second round pick James Hardy will be ready to step in and give this team some production as the No.2 receiver.

Looking at that offensive line, the Bills added former Oakland Raider Cornell Green to take over at right tackle, and they seem content with bringing back Demetius Bell to start at left tackle. The interior of the line figures to be strong with guards Andy Levitre and Eric Wood and center Ceoff Hangartner, but this group needs to stay healthy if they want to improve off a miserable 2009 season.

Defense: The Bills will be shifting a number of players around this off season to adjust for the 3-4 scheme. Former defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is expected to move to defensive end, playing opposite of newcomer Dwan Edwards, who has some experience playing 3-4 defensive end in Baltimore. At nose tackle look for Kyle Williams to start and rookie Torell Troup to add help as a solid replacement.

At linebacker the Bills will move Aaron Maybin and Chris Kelsay off the line and put them at the two outside linebacker spots, while Paul Posluszny and Kawika Mitchell hold down the two inside backer spots. The Bills were 30th against the run in 2009, but they are hoping the switch will allow them to improve on those numbers this season.

The secondary figures to be strong again in 2010 after allowing just 184 yards a game in 2009. They return a very good starting corner duo of Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee. At safety the Bills struck gold with 2009 second round pick Jairus Byrd, who led the team with nine interceptions as a rookie. The Bills also have a strong safety in Donte Whitner, but he needs to start making a few more big plays.

Prediction - 4th in AFC East: To much rebuilding going on for this team to have any chance at competing with the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots this season.

For a bigger look at the upcoming season, check out our complete 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this year, be sure to stop back for our live NFL odds each and every week.

The Buffalo Bills finished the 2009 season at 6-10, and that mark relegated them to last place in the AFC East division. The season was such a disappointment that the Bills decided to cut ties with Dick Jauron. Chan Gailey was brought in as the new head man, and the organization is hoping he can succeed where Jauron failed. While Buffalo will put better talent on the field this season, most notably C.J. Spiller, Gailey's first season on the job will be a rebuilding year. It usually always takes players time to adjust to new coaching staffs and new schemes, and I expect no different in Buffalo. I'm optimistic the Bills can improve by at least a game, but it won't be easy playing in such a tough division.

Offense: Buffalo's offense was atrocious last season, scoring only 16.1 points per game. It was especially bad through the air, only averaging 157.2 passing yards per game. With Terrell Owens gone and with holes remaining in the offensive line, it's hard to think the passing game will be much better. Plus, it is still up in the air if likely starting quarterback Trent Edwards is a long term solution. Lee Evans will continue to be Buffalo's biggest weapon in the wide receiver unit. The running game is in much better shape with Spiller teaming up with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to form a very strong trio. The addition of Spiller should help both the running and passing games. Spiller is a rare home run threat that the defense must account for on every play, and I expect Gailey to take advantage of his versatility as a ball carrier and receiver.

Defense: Buffalo was terrific against the pass in 2009, ranking No. 2 in the league in pass defense. However, it was awful against the run, ranking No. 30 in run defense. With talented defensive backs like Donte Whitner, Jarius Byrd and Terrance McGee back, pass defense will remain Buffalo's strength. The Bills are hoping that their switch to a 3-4 scheme will help them improve in both of the aforementioned areas. Paul Posluszny is an animal, and Buffalo's new scheme should free him up to really wreak havoc. There are many more effective blitz packages in the 3-4, and Posluszny has the athleticism to excel in them. This side of the football did well to add Dwan Edwards, Andra Davis, Torrell Troup and Alex Carrington. It will take some time for the Bills to adjust to this new scheme, but I think it will suit them well in the years to come.

Prediction: 4th AFC East - At this point, it's hard for me to imagine a scenario in which the Bills don't finish last in the East. That's the bad news. The good news is Buffalo should be a lot more exciting to watch in 2010 with the addition of Spiller. Another sub.500 season is very likely, but I like the direction this team is moving in as Gailey starts his rebuilding project. Be sure to check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which team I like to win the division.

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