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2009 DRAFT PICKS
links go to NFL.com website

Sel#

Player

Pos.

School

Jay's ranking

Jay's draft value

Aaron Maybin

Penn State

#3 DE, #2 OLB

Round 1

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

There is debate about Maybin. Some have him as a second-half of the first round prospect, others as a top-ten prospect. Put me in the top ten category. Maybin will be a very good pass-rushing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He is fast and an explosive athlete.

Eric Wood

Louisville

#1 OC

Round 2

Senior Bowl practice comment

Wood did not fair well in one-on-one drills, but Mayock who likes him, expected that to happen. Wood did jump out with a nice block during a run in the 11 on 11's.
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
2 - 6	Moala 1-1 Jerry 0-2 Irvin 1-1 Ayers 0-2

Senior Bowl Game

Wood did not look great in the one-on-one's in practice. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said one-on-one's wouldn't be his forte but he is great in games. Mayock was right. Wood looked very good in the game. He looked good run blocking straight ahead, he looked good pulling, and was solid in pass protection as well.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The top center on most boards early was Mack, and more recently was Unger. Wood is the top center on my board. Wood is not someone who excels in drills, however, he is terrific in games. For instance, Wood played a superb Senior Bowl Game blocking well sealing off holes for runners, leading runner thru holes and pass blocking. Wood is very strong, has good speed for a 300 pound guy and has quick feet.

Jairus Byrd

CB/FS

Oregon

#11 CB

Round 3

Andy Levitre

Oregon State

#5 OG

Round 3

Senior Bowl practice comment

Levitre looked a bit overmatched during the one-on-one drills.
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
4 - 10	Jamison 1-3 Hood 0-1 King 0-1 McGee 1-1 Raji 0-2 Davis 2-2

121

Shawn Nelson

Southern Miss

#1 TE

Round 2

Senior Bowl practice comment

Nelson had a great week of practice but finally showed he was human. He blocked better in pass protection than he did in the run game, and after catching everything in sight finally had a drop. He is a good receiver and showed promise as a blocker.
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
6 - 3	Matthews 3-0 Maualuga 2-0 Beckwith 0-1 Palmer 1-1 Cushing 0-2

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

I know I'm not alone in praising Nelson's skills, however, it is deserved. I am the only one (or one of the only ones) that has Nelson on the top of his tight end board. The kid can catch, has the speed to get open down field, and blocked better than I expected during Senior Bowl one-on-one blocking drills. He did look more advanced blocking in pass protection rather than run blocking.

147

Nic Harris

OLB

Oklahoma

Late Round Value

Senior Bowl practice comment

Moving from safety to linebacker, he did okay in pass coverage against running backs, but was not consistent. Not enough face time to make any other observations.

183

Cary Harris

Southern Cal

#26 CB

Round 5

220

Ellis Lankster

CB/S

West Virginia

#16 CB

Round 4

Senior Bowl practice comment

Lankster came on as the week progressed. He started uneven but showed good coverage including playing up in man coverage both in the one-on-one's and 11 on 11's.

Senior Bowl Game

Lankster had a very interesting game. He had two of the better plays in the game. One was great coverage and a terrific interception, the other was a great play coming up to stop a run where he was very physical. Other than those two plays he was okay in pass coverage except for a play at the end of the second quarter where he let a receiver beat him deep when he made a bad decision to jump a route.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Lankster had some great moments in the post-season and some okay moments. He started a bit slowly during Senior Bowl week, but came on strongly, showing the ability to play well both in press and off coverage during one-on-one drills during practice. During the Senior Bowl Game, Lankster made two of the better plays. One was great coverage and a terrific interception, the other was a great play coming up to stop a run where he was very physical. Other than those two plays he was okay in pass coverage except for a play at the end of the second quarter where he let a receiver beat him deep when he made a bad decision to jump a route. All-in-all I like Lankster and expect him to be an important contributor on a team's defense, whether in the base defense; or nickel or dime packages is to be determined.

----

Joel Bell

Furman

#10 OT

Round 3

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Bell played at a top level throughout his career at Fruman. At times things came easy for him so on tape he shows some signs of sloppy play, but I do not believe that will be a problem in the NFL. Bell has a great combination of size, quick feet and athleticism and is a good developmental player.

----

Nick Hennessey

Colgate

Late Round Value

----

Travis McCall

TE/FB

Alabama

7th/FA

Senior Bowl practice comment

Didn't block well in the one-on-one's, but I caught a good block on a run play in the 11 on 11's. He also had a drop
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
0 - 6	R Johnson 0-1 Beckwith 0-1 Palmer 0-3 Matthews 0-1

----

Ashlee Palmer

OLB

Mississippi

Late Round Value

Senior Bowl practice comment

Palmer showed excellent blitz skills and even played off a Nelson block on a running play during one-on-one drills.
ONE ON ONE BLOCKING DRILLS SCORED BY JAY GOLDBERG
6 - 3	Hill 0-1 Jennings 1-1 McCall 3-0 Brown 1-0 Nelson 1-1

----

Lydell Sargeant

Penn State

7th/FA

B+

2009 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

For a team that drafted three players on my "will have better NFL careers than many drafted higher than them in the draft" and signed a fourth as a college street free agent, a B+ seems low. That is because of some missed opportunities (I.M.O.) that could have made this draft one of the best ever based on talent brought in and need. Read on

DRAFT PICKS

Maybin is a tremendous pass rusher, maybe the best in the draft, but I had him projected as a 3-4 outside linebacker, not a defensive end. As an end he is light and may have trouble holding the point of attack against the run. He may, however, be fine. Look at the Colts' Robert Mathis as an example of how he could be used. While Maybin may be the better pass rusher, as a three-down end, I thought Orakpo had more upside.

Wood was my top rated inside offensive lineman in the draft. He really impressed me during the Senior Bowl Game. Wood is strong and has quick feet. He will be a fixture at center for the Bills for a long time. He was a great pick and will be a top NFL player.

While I had Byrd with a third round grade at corner, the grade was based on him settling in long term at free safety. If the Bills are looking at him as a free safety, I can't argue the selection. However, as a corner he lacks speed and could give up big plays. At corner, I like Sean Smith and Kennan Lewis better at this spot. However, my selection would have been William Beatty, a player I project to be a solid to top left tackle down the line.

Here is where I had my first disagreement with the Bills draft. Most scouts had Levitre as their top guard. Not me. First, he is projection to guard from tackle. Second, he looked overmatched at guard during the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl. Now he did show quick feet during the workouts, so I only dropped him to a third round value (my rankings are based on probability of success and the Senior Bowl practice flag was just too great for me to give him a higher grade). The top guard on my board was Urbik, who was scooped up by the Steelers at pick #79 in round three. Therefore, Buffalo could have avoided trading up and drafted Urbik with their original pick in round three (#75). If the draft went my way up to this point the Bills would have Orakpo, Wood, Beatty and Urbik instead of Maybin, Wood, Byrd, and Levitre. But my massaging of the Bills draft will not end here.

Shawn Nelson in round four was one of the biggest steals in the draft. T.O. must be very excited that the Bills drafted him his Jason Witten. By the way, comparisons of Pettigrew to Witten are unfounded. He is nowhere near as fast or athletic. It is Nelson who has the best chance to be the next Jason Witten because not only is he fast and have excellent hands, but of all the receiving tight ends in the draft he has shown the best potential to develop into a solid blocker. Oh, Bills fans, I have the perfect question a reporter needs to ask T.O. so you can get a feel for whether or not T.O. will make it through the year without a blowing up the team. The question is: Since very early in your career you have been the number one receiver on every team you have been with. How will you handle clearly being the number two receiver behind Lee Evans on the Bills? I would love to hear T.O.'s response to that one (ego, two # ones on team, or defer tyo Evans). Oh, and if someone asks this question, I would appreciate the plug for suggesting it.

Now for my second disagreement with the Bills draft. Nic Harris is a smart football player and will help on special teams. However, his upside is limited and he will never be a starter that the team relies on long term. However, Marcus Freeman is such a guy and was, surprisingly (at least to me) was available at this spot. Freeman could have come in and challenged to start at WILL from day one. In fact I predict that Freeman will develop into a good starting linebacker in the NFL. Harris will be a quality reserve. Another option at this spot, if the Bills drafted Beatty instead of Byrd and wanted a corner, was Victor Macho Harris, a player I have more-highly rated than Bryd as a cornerback.

Cary Harris is a corner with some size who could have a tough time making the team. A corner with some size who I liked better was Mike Mickens, although drafting Harris here was fine.

Lankster is a kid I like a lot better than most. I had a fourth round grade on him. He is a playmaker who can cover and isn't afraid to hit. I see him as a long-term, high-quality nickel or dime back who can step in and hold the fort well if a starter gets hurt. He could also play free safety and is a good return man. Lankster was an exceptional seventh round pick.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

The combination of the accumulation of some excellent football players and missed opportunities made the Bills draft a difficult one to grade. However, signing undrafted free agent Joel Bell was an excellent course correction. Bell was one of the top undrafted players available, and plays a position of need for the Bills. If a team drafted Bell in round three I wouldn't have batted an eye, and in fact, may have said good move if the team was grooming a left tackle. Bell is strong, has quick feet, is athletic, has good size and played very well at Furman. He isn't NFL-ready yet, but will be. He won't replace Peters this year, but has a real shot to be that guy down the line.

Hennessey could offer the Bills a versatile backup. He could backup right tackle, and, if he adds some bulk, he has the quickness to be a backup at guard as well. He may need a year on the practice squad to get bigger.

McCall is a slow tight end who has reasonable, but not great hands, and disappointed as an in-line blocker at Senior Bowl Practices. So why did he make my draft board? Good question. McCall could stick in the NFL as a fullback. While he didn't block well on the line he could be fine as a 276-pound lead blocker, who can also catch some passes. However, he will have his hands full trying to make this team.

Palmer garnered some attention during Senior Bowl Practices, although most must have occurred off camera because he didn't jump out that much for me. That said, Palmer could be a plus special teams player and a decent backup linebacker.

The Bills doubled-up on the slower, taller corner (Byrd and Harris) and now on the shorter, faster corner (Lankster and Sargeant). While Sargeant has some skills, it will be difficult for him to beat out Lankster. He could, however, wind up on the Bills' practice squad.

For chart below: red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
ARM-HAND relative to position, for ranges see ranking pages for 2009 draft

LAST NAME
at Combine

FIRST NAME

SCHOOL

HGT

WGT

ARM-
HAND

BENCH

SHORT

LONG

3 CONE

VERT

BROAD

Maybin

Aaron

Penn State

6'3.6"

252

XL-L

4.59

1.57

2.74

4.38

7.50

40"

10'10"

Wood

Eric

Louisville

6'3.7"

310

M-L

5.17

1.68

2.84

4.51

7.56

30.5"

8'3"

Byrd

Jarius

Oregon

5'10"

207

L-XL

4.68

1.53

2.68

4.10

6.75

35"

Levitre

Andy

Oregon St

6'2.5"

305

S-M

5.26

1.78

3.03

4.52

7.67

30.5"

8'7"

Nelson

Shawn

Southern Miss

6'5"

240

XL-L

4.52

1.50

2.62

6.96

33"

9'7"

Harris

Nic

Oklahoma

6'2.3"

234

L-XL

4.83

1.66

2.82

4.23

7.00

31.5"

9'1"

Harris

Cary

USC

5'11.3"

187

XL-M

4.58

1.64

2.78

Lankster

Ellis

West Virginia

5'9.1"

191

4.42

Bell

Joel

Furman

6'6.7"

315

L-L

5.07

1.69

3.00

4.57

7.55

30"

9'1"

Hennessey

Nick

Colgate

6'5.6"

292

5.24

1.77

3.02

4.50

7.30

30"

9'4'

McCall

Travis

Alabama

6'1.5"

276

5.10

1.71

2.98

4.68

7.63

28"

Palmer

Ashlee

Mississippi

6'1.4"

223

Lydell

Sargeant

Penn State

5'8.7"

190

S-S

4.48

1.52

2.56

4.20

6.93

35"

10'0"

2009 NEEDS PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY
Major need Need Upgrade possible Depth/possible need Not a need

QB	I Like Edwards and believe he will be a solid NFL starter, but then I thought I saw something in Losman as well. In any case, Losman is an UFA so the Bills need to address backup quarterback. A late round pick on a young developmental quarterback could also be added.
RB	Lynch and Jackson (a RFA) form a good one-two punch. Look for the Bills to draft a young back on day two to compete with Omon for #3, and be in place in case Jackson leaves in 2010.
WR	Hardy was drafted to start opposite Evans, who is a star, and he disappointed. I wouldn't give up on him just yet; however, adding a veteran to compete to start would be a good idea. Parrish is best served as a returner/#4 and Reed as a #3.
TE	With Evans always gaining the attention of opposing defenses, and the Bills unable to find a receiver to take advantage of that situation to play opposite Evans; a tight end who could get open down the seam in the middle of the field would be a Godsend to young Mr. Edwards. The catch here is that the Bills need a tight end who can also block since they use their tight end in the running game. If the Bills don't select a tight end early, there is a young kid who could "fit the bill" who could be available day two in the draft (see my observations from the East West Shrine Games).
OL	The Bills gave up too many sacks. The lack of a cohesive unit for the Bills started with Peters' holdout. With Preston and Fowler UFAs, the Bills will need to address center in the offseason. They could also look to bring in some guards who could compete to start.
DL	The Bills addressed defensive tackle before the 2008 season began and improved, but still finished 22nd in the league against the run. However, they have a bigger need at end. Schobel is a good player but is coming off injury and none of their other players are starting caliber. Kelsay, Denney and Ellis are best served as backups.
LB	The Bills linebacking unit is solid and they will be fine with the players they have. However, a dominate sideline to sideline WILL would make this unit special. Crowell could have been the guy, but he got injured and is now an UFA.
DB	I think this unit could become one of the best secondaries in the NFL next season. I like their corners McKelvin and McGee a lot, and safety Whitner is also top drawer. With these three cornerstones in place, the Bills just need the finishing touches. Simpson has been inconsistent, but I still like his skill set and wouldn't give up on him yet. However, there is usually good value at safety on day two of the draft and the Bills should add one to their mix. At the nickel, Greer is an UFA and I'm not sold on Corner so resigning Greer or adding a corner is advisable.
ST	The Bills' special teams are a strength.

2008 DRAFT PICKS
links go to NFL.com website

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's draft value
1	11	Leodis McKelvin	CB/RET	5'10.2"	190	Troy	#1 CB	Round 1
2	41	James Hardy	WR	6'5.3"	219	Indiana	#5 WR	Round 1/Round 2
3	72	Chris Ellis	DE	6'4"	263	Virg Tech	#10 DE	Round 3
4	114	Reggie Corner	CB	5'9.3"	180	Akron		Late Round Value
4	132	Derek Fine	TE	6'2.4"	251	Kansas		Late Round Value
5	147	Alvin Bowen	OLB	6'.1.1"	223	Iowa State		Late Round Value/Free Agent
6	179	Xavier Omon	RB	5'10.6"	228	NW Mis St		Late Round Value
7	219	Demetrius Bell	OT	6'5"	303	NW St (LA)		Late Round Value
7	224	Steve Johnson	WR	6'1.7"	210	Kentucky		Late Round Value
7	251	Kennard Cox	CB/FS	6'0"	195	Pittsburgh		Late Round Value/Free Agent
FA		Mike Viti	FB	5'9.1"	242	Army		Late Round Value/Free Agent
FA		Robert Felton	OG	6'3.5"	315	Arkansas	#8 OG	Round 4/Round 5
FA		Terez McCray	DT	6'0'1"	296	Miami		Late Round Value

B-

2008 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The Bills addressed their biggest needs with their first three picks and they were all excellent picks. After pick #3, however, the Bills draft board and mine went in different directions. As much as I liked the Bills first three picks, the rest of their draft left me scratching my head. In free agency, guard Robert Felton was a good signing.

DRAFT PICKS

McKelvin was my top rated cornerback. He should start from day one and be a top corner. McKelvin and Gholston are my early picks to fight for the defensive rookie of the year honors. McKelvin is a solid cover corner with speed, quickness and athleticsm. He needs a better feel for coming up with interceptions, but I believe that will happen because he reads plays well and is almost always in a good position to make a play on the ball. A great pick for Buffalo.

From all the receivers in this draft, Hardy was the ideal player to slot opposite Evans. He had the best combination of size, strength, speed, quickness and athletic ability of all the taller receivers in the draft. He has had some off-the-field issues (battery), but seems to have that part of his life behind him. Hardy, however, doesn't always play to his measureables, but I look for that to change in the NFL. Hardy is just what Evans and Edwards wanted.

Ellis is a speed rusher some projected to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. However, he lacks the quickness and athleticism for that position. He is best suited as a 4-3 end, who starts off as a pass rusher in the nickel and could develop into a starter down the line. With Ellis on board, Kelsay may now be a two-down player with Ellis replacing him on obvious passing downs.

Reggie Corner went higher than I had him graded. He is a smallish, quick corner who can cover slot receivers. At corner, I liked Jack Williams who went 5 slots later better. I also liked TE Tamme at this spot.

Fine is a short, quick tight end without long speed. He is more of a short area receiver than a blocker. As such, I would have grabbed Tamme at the previous spot and CB Bowman or Scandrick here. Worst case, I like Barnidge as a receiver more than Fine. He has better size and speed and is also quick like Fine.

Bowen is another player the Bills liked more than me. He is small linebacker without great speed or quickness. Gary Guyton, who went undrafted, is a better fit as an undersized linebacker. He is very athletic, fast, quick and a sure tackler. Guyton not being drafted was one of the biggest mysteries in this draft for me.

Omon was terrific in college. His skill set is best suited as a short-yardage, goal-line back in the NFL. He has a chance to win that role with the Bills. He could also be cut or end up on their practice squad.

Bell has good size and is a good athlete. However, he needs lots of strength training. He is a candidate for the Bills' practice squad.

Johnson has decent speed and size. He will have his hands full trying to make this team. Jabari Arthur, who was not drafted is a player I like who may have been a better choice at this spot.

Cox has a terrific workout which got him drafted. He played safety in college but has decent coverage skills. He has a chance to be a good dime back.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Viti a a very strong kid who is a one dimensional blocking fullback and the Bills do employ a blocking fullback in some of their sets.

Felton is an interesting free agent. He fell off the map with a bad workout but was productive in school. He is certainly worth a look in camp and could be a nice surprise.

McCray is an athletic, smallish defensive tackle. However, with the depth at this position, the most McCray can probably hope for right now is a spot on the practice squad.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft
(blue college name indicates workout #'s include Pro Day numbers)

COMBINE
YES

FIRST NAME

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

WEIGHT

BENCH

SHORT

LONG

3 CONE

VERT

BROAD

McKelvin

Leodis

TROY

5'10.2"

190

4.38

1.49

2.53

4.10

7.11

38.5"

10'5"

Hardy

James

INDIANA

6'5.3"

219

4.47

1.56

2.58

4.20

6.84

37"

10'5"

Ellis

Chris

VIRG TECH

6'4"

263

4.71

1.56

2.76

4.65

7.64

30.5"

9'1"

Corner

Reggie

AKRON

5'9.3"

190

4.49

1.56

2.58

4.03

6.87

36"

10'0"

Fine

Derek

KANSAS

6'2.4"

251

4.84

1.65

2.78

4.19

6.80

33"

9'7"

Bowen

Alvin

IOWA ST

6'1.1"

223

4.70

1.59

2.74

4.30

7.10

35"

9'11"

Omon

Xavier

N W MIS ST

5'10.6"

228

4.59

1.54

2.61

4.29

6.91

38.5"

9'7"

Bell

Demetrius

N W ST (LA)

6'5"

303

5.18

1.72

3.00

4.65

7.65

33"

9'3"

Johnson

Steve

KENTUCKY

6'1.7"

210

4.46

1.49

2.56

4.26

11.61

7.07

32.5"

10'1"

Cox

Kennard

PITTSBURGH

6'0"

195

4.45

4.14

6.81

38"

10'8"

Viti

Mike

ARMY

5'9.1"

242

4.86

1.72

2.86

4.60

7.37

31"

8'7"

Felton

Robert

ARKANSAS

6'3.5"

315

5.28

1.78

3.01

4.84

7.91

23"

8'2"

McCray

Terez

MIAMI

6'1.1"

296

5.08

1.71

2.94

29"

2008 NEEDS PRIOR TO DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY

BUF Major Need Need Upgrade Depth Need Not a Need

QB	Edwards is going to be a good one. Losman may be moved in the offseason. An experienced backup would be a plus.
RB	Young, deep and talented. Lynch and Jackson are an excellent one-two, and Wright has promise as well.
WR	It's time to get a real weapon to play opposite future star Lee Evans. Reed and Parrish are fine options for the slot. A big, physical receiver is needed.
TE	Royal and Gaines are serviceable. However, if the Bills can bring in a tight end who can stretch the field and become a focus of opposing team's defenses, it will only open up the field for Evans.
OL	An improving unit that played well. If Whittle comes back from injury he will be a valuable reserve. A young center/guard could be added for depth as well as a backup tackle to push Chambers.
DL	The Bills have waited long enough for Kelsay to become a pass rushing force. He should be a #3 DE. Schobel, would benefit playing opposite a player who teams need to pay attention to. The Bills have young talent at defensive tackle, but could use a massive run-stuffer to add to their mix.
LB	I like the Bills linebackers. Crowell is proving to be a soild tackle-hound. Posluszny should come back from injury and be a good middle linebacker. Ellison is okay, but has the physical skills to continue to develop. DiGiorgio played surprisingly well after Posluszny got hurt. What this team needs, however, is a pass rushing linebacker to play in the nickel.
DB	This unit is a stud cornerback away from being one of the best young secondaries in the league. Don't get me wrong, Greer played well and the Bills will be fine with him starting, but make him the nickel and pair a stud with McGee, Whitner and Simpson (a player I loved in the draft who was a steal for Buffalo) and the result would be something very special. Leonard, Wilson, Webster, Wendling, Youboty, and others are on hand to make this a deep unit for the Bills.
ST	The green rating comes only because the Bills might look at bringing in a long-snapper to push Neill. Their kicking and return games are in good hands.

2007 DRAFT PICKS
links go to NFL.com website

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's draft value
1	12	Lynch, Marshawn	RB	5-11	217	California	# 2 RB	Round 1
2	34	Posluszny, Paul	OLB	6-1	237	Penn State	# 1 OLB	Round 1
3	92	Edwards, Trent	QB	6-3	222	Stanford	# 4 QB	Round 3
4	111	Wright, Dwayne	RB	5-11	226	Fresno State		Late Round Value
6	184	Wendling, John	FS	6-1	222	Wyoming	# 4 FS	Round 2
7	222	Schouman, Derek	FB	6-2	247	Boise State		Late Round Value
7	239	Ah You, C.J.	DE	6-4	274	Oklahoma	#15 DE	Round 4
FA		Coleman, Duane	CB	5-9	199	Clemson		Late Round Value
FA		Cornelius, Jemalle	WR	5-11	183	Florida		Late Round Value
FA		Hooper, Trevor	FS	6-0	208	Stanford		Off My Board
FA		Lewis, Reggie	CB	5-10	204	Florida		Late Round Value
FA		Mayle, Scott	WR	6-1	178	Ohio		Off My Board
FA		Quinn, Johnny	WR	6-0	200	North Texas		Off My Board
FA		Thomas, Stacey	SS	5-10	209	Texas Southern		Late Round Value
FA		Washington, Thad	ILB	5-11	250	Colorado		Late Round Value

2007 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The Bills had a very good draft, however I would have liked to see them come up with a quality wide receiver in this very deep wide receiver draft. The Bills did reach a bit for Wright, although others had him higher rated than I. They also stole Wendling in round six, however, safety was not really a need for the team. No college street free agents stand out as outstanding signing, however a few have a chance to stick.

I would have selected Lynch if I were the Bills GM even if Willis was still available. That is not a knock on Willis, it is just that Lynch and Posluszny are a better pair than Willis and any of the running backs who were available at pick #34. With the salary cap (limited funds per position) and free agency (alternative way to collect talent), roster building is more important in the draft than best player available in today's NFL. Lynch will start from day one and should be a more versatile back than McGahee, hmmm, let's not mince words, Lynch will be a better NFL back than McGahee who is a bit overrated in my humble opinion. Posluszny was another solid selection for the Bills. I projected him as a WILL, but he should handle the middle just fine in the Bills' scheme. Edwards was too good a value for the Bills to pass up in round three. Since cornerback Wade, and wide receiver Hill went earlier in the round, there was no player at a need position that was a must to draft. Edwards has a NFL starter skill set. He will provide excellent depth behind Losman, and could become a valuable commodity after he gets to show his skills in preseason games for a couple of years. And, (shhh, whispering) he is just-in-case protection for Losman. The Wright pick is where the Bills and I part company. First know that I did not have Wright rated as highly as many other draft experts. I question whether he will be able to transfer his running style to the NFL because of his workout numbers. I know, I know, now is the time the copycat talking heads will say it's what they do on the field Jay, you idiot, not the workout that counts. However, like it or not the draft is all about numbers. More specifically, the draft is about probability. And it is the numbers that help determine the probability that a player can transfer his skills to the next level. This is not an exact science. When a runner is known not to have great speed (verified with a 4.68 forty), but then runs a 4.43 short shuttle and 7.23 three cone, indicating a lack of quickness and a lack of sharp cutting ability, that indicates that what you saw on tape, strong, hard runner, is all you get. However, when a player is considered a strong, tough runner and lifts the bar only 14 times, that puts up a caution flag. The fact that he didn't play in major conference against the biggest and strongest may mean his strong running was a result of the competition he played against, caution flag two. Finally, he is coming off a knee injury, caution flag three. Does it mean that Wright won't succeed, or even be a star, of course not. But what it means to me is that with wide receivers Allison and Clowney available at this spot, with Lynch already selected and Wright having some caution flags (reducing the probability he can transfer his skills to the NFL), I strongly disagree with this pick. The Bills have a star receiver in Evans, and need a legit threat opposite him to open things up for him. Allison is a silky smooth receiver who could have developed into a dangerous number two. Clowney, a player I like even better, has terrific speed and, at worst, is a player teams have to be aware of when he gets on the field. Wendling was great value in round six. However, with the youngsters Whitner and Simpson (I told you last year Bill fans that I liked your draft and that these two would make an excellent long term starting tandem), and the capab;le Leonard behind them, he may find it difficult to get on the field. Wendling was my fourth rated free safety in the draft. I had a second round grade on him. However, while he is a much better football player, cornerbacks Irons and Bennett would have filled a need for depth at corner and were also good values (fourth round value for Irons, third round value for Bennett) at this spot. A tough call, but Wendling was such good value I can't really argue. Schouman is a football player, plain and simple. He is a perfect H-back who can also play some fullback and some tight end. He is a tough kid who can block and has excellent hands. Ah You was another excellent value pick in round seven. I had a fourth round grade on him as a player, but he comes with some character and injury concerns. However, he has good size, strength, athleticism, and quickness.

The Bills did not sign any college street free agents that shout out "steal" to me. Coleman is one of those tweener corners, who have size limitations so they appear to be nickel corners playing slot receivers, but who are more fast than quick so they do not possess the best skill set for covering slot receivers. Still, depth at corner is needed so Coleman will get a look. Cornelius is a sure-handed receiver with more speed than you think. He got overlooked in a deep receiver draft and could fight for and win the last receiver spot on the team. Hooper is an example of a kid who may have selected the wrong team to try to make (assuming he had better options of course). After selecting Wendling, there may be no room at the Inn for another safety on the Bills active roster. Hooper is a kid who played well his senior year and may get consideration for the Bills' practice squad. Lewis is a former receiver who has good quickness for a cornerback. He could stick as a backup corner and special teams player, and if not, since cornerback is still fairly new to him, be a priority signing for the Bills' practice squad so they can develop him further. Mayle is a track star (including the long jump) who is fast, raw, but showed the ability to catch the ball in college. He is another possible developmental project for the Bills. Quinn is another receive. Although he does not possess the speed of Mayle, he is far more polished. He led his team in catches and also returned punts and kicks for them. He should get long look in camp. Thomas, an in-the-box strong safety, is another player who could bock Hooper's chances for making the Bills' roster. Thomas is strong with good speed and quickness, loves to hit, and has a nose for the ball. He was the SWAC defensive player of the year. If he proves he can be a quality backup at strong safety, he could be a real find because he will be a terror on special teams' coverage units. Thomas is the best college street free agent signing, however, four safety positions are already locked up for the Bills. Washington is another quality free agent signing. In much the same way that Bob Sanders of the Colts is a short man, not a small man, Washington is a 5'10.6", 250 pound short middle linebacker. He hits very hard and is a sure tackler. He has a chance to stick as a backup and special teams player.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft

COMBINE
YES

COLLEGE

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BENCH

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3
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LYNCH

MARSHAWN

CAL-BERKELEY

5'11.1"

217

4.46

1.53

2.60

4.46

11.80

7.05

35.5"

10'5"

Lynch is a running back with no holes in his game. He can run inside, run outside, catch, and block. Lynch runs tough so he is the type of runner whose long runs will come later in games after defenses are worn down. He is a franchise back.

COMBINE
YES

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POSLUSZNY

PAUL

PENN ST

OLB

6'1.5"

238

4.58

1.53

2.61

4.20

11.42

6.94

37"

9'8"

Posluszny is a sideline to sideline tacking machine. He had over 100 tackles in each of his last three years at Penn State. While he has played both inside and outside, his best year came as a WILL in a 4-3 defense. While he has enough strength and quickness tom play in the middle, he will need to go to a team that has tackles who engage blockers so he can roam free.

COMBINE
YES

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EDWARDS

TRENT

STANFORD

6'4.1"

231

4.74

1.65

2.67

4.46

7.14

Edwards is a smart, athletic quarterback, who could be much better in the NFL than he was in college. Despite playing with non-NFL level talent, Edwards still completed over 60% of his passes his last two seasons. He could be a perfect fit for a spread offense relying on the ability of the quarterback to make quick reads.

COMBINE
YES

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WRIGHT

DWAYNE

FRESNO ST

5'11.4"

228

4.68

1.62

2.71

4.43

7.23

34"

9''7"

Wright fought through injuries to have a stellar senior year at Fresno State where he ran for almost 1,500 yards, caught 29 balls and scored 12 touchdowns. Wright runs strong and is hard to tackle. However, he lacks speed and quickness and will have to hit the weight room if he is going to transfer his skill set to the NFL.

COMBINE
YES

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WENDLING

JOHN

WYOMING

FS/SS

6'1.2"

222

4.48

1.51

2.56

4.16

11.26

6.96

38.5"

10'9"

Wendling has the physical skill set and attitude to be a great player. However, he needs to play more aggressively. If a coaching staff can bring this out in him (and I don't think that will be difficult), Wendling could be a very good starter in the NFL. He is strong, fast, quick, and athletic. He may be drafted lower than where his ultimate value to team will lie.

COMBINE
YES

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SCHOUMAN

DEREK

BOISE ST

TE/FB

6'2.2"

247

4.74

1.62

2.71

4.27

11.56

7.00

37.5"

10'2"

Schouman is a football player. He doesn't quite have the size to lineup as an every down tight end, but could be a great h-back or even fullback. Schouman is a good blocker and catches the ball very well. He has strength, speed and athleticism and should make an NFL roster as a valuable role player.

COMBINE
YES

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AH YOU

C J

OKLAHOMA

6'3.6"

274

4.70

1.53

2.70

4.26

7.06

36.5"

9'7"

Ah You has potential to, initially, be a pass rush specialist, and down the line, a good two-way end. He has good strength, superb quickness, and is a good athlete. In fact, based on football potential alone he would be a day one selection. However, there are concerns with some prior off-field issues.

COMBINE
YES

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COLEMAN

DUANE

CLEMSON

5'9.3"

199

4.42

1.52

2.56

4.51

11.56

7.18

38"

10'1"

Coleman is a recent convert to cornerback, who had success at the position his senior year. Coleman is strong for his size, possess good speed, and is a good athlete. His potential problem is that his size may dictate covering slot receiver, while his skills set (more fast than quick) is better for covering outside receivers.

COMBINE
YES

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CORNELIUS

JEMALLE

FLORIDA

5'10.6"

183

4.40

1.54

2.55

4.30

6.99

36.5"

10'3"

Cornelius has deceptive speed and good hands. He could stick as a team's fourth or fifth wideout, with the potential to possibly be a #3 down the line. He could get overlooked in a deep wide receiver draft.

COMBINE
NO

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HOOPER

TREVOR

STANFORD

FS/SS

5'11.6"

208

4.65

1.57

2.65

4.10

6.94

36"

9'9"

Hooper is a kid who improved while at Stanford. A heady safety with good quickness, he should get invited to a NFL camp where he will have to show he can play special teams to have a chance to stick.

COMBINE
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LEWIS

REGGIE

FLORIDA

5'10"

204

4.54

1.53

2.62

4.00

6.75

35.5"

10'1"

Lewis is a former wide receiver who is still learning the cornerback position. He has the quickness and cutting ability to cover slot receivers, and could be a good special teams player. Worth a shot in round seven or as a college street free agent.

COMBINE
NO

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MAYLE

SCOTT

OHIO

6'1"

178

4.38

Mayle is a very good athlete. He placed fourth in the nation in the long jump at the Indoor Track and Field championships. He also has terrific speed. In addition, he was productive in college catching over 100 balls. The kid is worth a look in someone's camp.

COMBINE
NO

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QUINN

JOHNNY

NORTH TEXAS

WR/KR

5'11.6"

200

4.54

1.55

2.64

Quinn was extremely productive at North Texas. He has good hands and also returned kicks and punts.

COMBINE
NO

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THOMAS

STACEY

TEXAS SOUTHERN

5'9.7"

209

4.53

1.52

2.62

4.21

7.16

33"

10'0"

Thomas is strong as an ox. He was SWAC defensive player of the year. He has decent speed and quickness, a nose for the ball, and will be a terror on special teams if he proves he can be a reliable backup strong safety as well.

COMBINE
NO

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WASHINGTON

THADDEAUS

COLORADO

ILB

5'10.6"

250

If he were a couple of inches taller, Washington would be mentioned as a potential starter for a 3-4 team inside. Washington is a big-hitter who reacts well to the ball and is a sure tackler. He could be interesting value late in the draft.

2007 TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO THE DRAFT and FREE AGENCY
major need need depth/possible need not a significant need

QB	Losman is developing fine. Nall and Holcomb provide depth.
RB	The Bills are talking trade for McGahee. That's good because he is a good but replaceable back.
WR	I see Pro Bowls in Evans's future. Price and Reed are okay, but an upgrade opposite Evans would help.
TE	Royal is better than many think. Time for Everett to step forward, or get cut.
OL	Gandy is an UFA. The line gave up too many sacks and didn't run block well.
DL	The team is fine at end, but a run-stuffer at DT would help.
LB	Fletcher-Baker is an UFA. Spikes didn't come back all the way. Crowell can play. Ellison showed promise.
DB	An excellent young safeties. Youboty may only be a nickel this year so a starter for UFA Clements is needed.
ST	Good unit.

2006 DRAFT PICKS
Links go to write-ups at NFL.com

Buffalo
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Jay's ranking	Jay's draft value
1	8	Whitner, Donte	SS	5-10	203	Ohio State	# 2 SS	Round 1
1	26	McCargo, John	DT	6-2	301	North Carolina State	#7 DT	Round 2
3	70	Youboty, Ashton	CB	6-0	188	Ohio State	#8 CB	Round 2
4	105	Simpson, Ko	FS	6-1	208	South Carolina	#2 FS	Round 1
5	134	Williams, Kyle	DT	6-1	298	Louisiana State	# 13 DT	Round 3
5	143	Butler, Brad	OT	6-7	309	Virginia	Late Round Value	> Round 4
6	178	Ellison, Keith	OLB	6-1	229	Oregon State	#13 OLB	Round 4
7	216	Pennington, Terrance	OT	6-7	326	New Mexico	Late Round Value	> Round 4
7	248	Merz, Aaron	G	6-3	326	California		> Round 4
	FA	Nance, Martin	WR	6-4	213	Miami (Ohio)	#12 WR	4th Round
	FA	Denney, Chris	WR	6-3	224	Nebraska - Omaha	Late Round Value	> Round 4
	FA	Bassey, Eric	CB	6-0	195	Oklahoma	Late Round Value	> Round 4

2006 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

Outside of trading up for McCargo and the late pick of Merz, the Bills did a nice job of selecting players with good value. In particular, Simpson, Williams, and Ellison were all tremendous value at the spot they were drafted.

Hang in there Bill fans. Last year everyone knocked the Broncos' draft. Everyone but me that is. I gave them a solid B. At the time, I particularly liked their selections of Williams and Foxworth. So far so good for Denver, and me. This year, the Bills appear to be the Broncos of last year. Because of one mistake (Clarett by Denver last year), draft analysts ripped the teams' entire draft. Selecting Whitner was not a mistake, or a reach. Let me say that again, selecting Whitner was not a mistake or reach! Prior to the draft I wrote that Whitner was one of only a handful of guaranteed Pro Bowl caliber, long term starters available in the draft. Taking a player like that at the 8th spot is not only fine, but an excellent pick. I will now take a moment to wander a bit from comments on the Bills' draft, to make another point. Draft analysts (and maybe some teams) are spewing remarks about the college draft that are outdated. When the draft was the only way for teams to stock high quality players, taking the best player available, or making sure you got optimal value at a spot, made sense. However, today, teams can get star players through free agency. Even franchise and transition players aren't untouchable with the league's new poison pills (see Hutchinson's and Burleson's contracts). Besides, under the old system when you lined up players one through fifty in the draft from "experts" rankings, the results were never that player one was the best NFL player, two second best, and so on. So all that those rankings did was provide an excuse for a player drafted high who failed. Selecting Whitner did not show me a tandem (Wilson-Levy) that did not get it as these antiquated experts opined, but a team that has moved into the new NFL landscape. The draft is just one way to stock quality players. The goal is to build a playoff-caliber team. Therefore, draft the piece that will bring you closest to your goal. Now back to the Bills' draft. After selecting Whitner, the Bills made their biggest draft blunder. While I did say that drafting for optimal value is outdated, you still have to get good value at your draft spot. Trading up for McCargo was a mistake. McCargo is a solid player who will contribute to the Bills' defense, but is not good enough to warrant trading up and giving up a two and three. In fact, Dusty Dvoracek was drafted with the 3rd round pick the Bills used in the trade, and I had him rated as the next defensive tackle on my board after McCargo, and would have been a very acceptable alternative. And I'm not convinced that McCargo wouldn't have been on the board when the Bills' drafted in round two anyway. When Buffalo made the trade I was certain they were going to draft WR Chad Jackson. If they went in that direction (giving them an Evans-Jackson duo which could have developed into the top pair of receivers in the league in a couple of years), the Bills may have jumped up to a grade of A-. Youboty was a solid pick in round three, but don't get too excited. He is a work-in-progress and will need time before he can be a reliable option at corner. However, he should be able to step in for Clements in a year or two should he leave in free agency. Simpson was one of the biggest steals in the entire draft. He fell because he came across poorly in interviews, not because of his talent on the field. However, he is one of the youngest players in the draft and will mature. Mark my words, in three or four years people will be talking about how the Bills have the best young safety tandem in the league and look back at this draft in a much different light. Kyle Williams was another nice get in round five. In many ways he is similar to McCargo and it wouldn't surprise me if he becomes the better player. This is not a knock on McCargo, just a point that Williams isn't as far behind him in talent as he was selected in the draft, which is another reason why I labeled the trade up for McCargo a mistake. Butler is a big man who can add weight and become a monster of a man. He is another work-in-progress but has quick feet and a chance to develop into a starter. Ellison was another steal. This is a kid I like more than other draft analysts. I think he can be a SAM. Many felt he was a WILL, and he is a bit slow for a sideline-to-sideline tackle hound. As as SAM he has enough speed and skills to cover tight ends, is a good blitzer, and has enough strength to play off blocks and make tackles against the run. He could push Posey to the bench sooner rather than later. Pennington is another player whose skills need to be developed. Merz was a player that the Bills obviously liked more than me, but while there were guards I had rated more highly than Merz left on my draft board, there were none that I had rated as fourth round or better. Down the line when the Bills have four, and maybe five defensive starters (McCargo or Williams, Ellison, Whitner, Simpson, and maybe Youboty) coming out of this draft on a good defense, maybe the pundits will apologize for saying that old pros Wilson and Levy don't get it anymore.

Free agent signing news has been slow coming out of Buffalo. However two players are worth mentioning. Martin Nance is a big receiver that many had third and fourth round grades on. He has reasonable speed, good size (only good because he doesn't always play up to his excellent size), and is used to being his teams' go to receiver (was Roethlisbergers' main target his last year at Miami-Ohio). If he can improve his concentration so he doesn't drop balls he could stick. Denney also has good size, plays big, has excellent hands, and could win over fans with a big catch or two late in exhibition games. However, he is slow. Denney could be a good red zone and short area target, but faces an uphill battle to make the team. A late signing that I just read on KFFL, was Eric Bassey. Bassey is a fast physical corner who makes too many mistakes in coverage, but could be a standout special teams player, and could be moved to safety.

red indicates workout number in top range at position in draft

PLAYER

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WONDER
LIC

Whitner

Ohio State

5'10.1", 204

4.37

1.53

2.60

40"

11'0"

PLAYER WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE HIM

There is talk that Whitner may get drafted early as a potential corner. I don't think that will happen because of all of the true corner talent in the draft. Therefore, as a safety, Whitner may fall. That would be a mistake. He is one of the handful of guaranteed, Pro Bowl caliber, long-term starters in the draft. He is fast, a big hitter, and a playmaker. Whitner is a player I'd target for my team if I was a NFL GM.

SS/FS/CB

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McCargo

N C State

6'1.4", 302

5.11

1.78

2.99

4.37

7.29

30.5"

9'2"

DT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - McCargo is talented, albeit, a bit inconsistent. His best asset is his quickness which allows him to get good penetration. He is in the category of quick athletic defensive tackles, not the massive run-stuffing tackles.

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Youboty

Ohio State

5'11", 189

4.43

4.18

6.96

36"

10'0"

CB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Youboty has good speed and height. However, Youboty may need some seasoning before he can contribute as a starter. As a work-in-progress he could be a good third round pick (has second round value but this is a deep draft for cornerbacks and others are more of a finished product). Youboty is a natural athlete who isn't afraid to mix it up, but will need to add bulk and strength to continue to play as aggressively he did in college if he wants to avoid being knocked to the sidelines.

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Simpson, K

South Carolina

6'1", 203

4.45

1.59

2.64

4.20

7.09

40.5"

10'2"

PLAYER WHO WILL PERFORM BETTER IN NFL THAN MANY DRAFTED BEFORE HIM

Somehow, Simpson went from a bottom of round one prospect to an after-thought as a second round pick without playing a game, and while performing well, as expected, in workouts. Simpson is a playmaker, with good speed and athleticism for a free safety. In fact, he may be the best playmaking free safety in draft.

FS
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Simpson has a nose for the ball, plays physically against the run, and can step out and hold his own in pass coverage. In his first year he picked off 6 passes, while in his second year he had 103 tackles. He is a physical free safety who can be a playmaker on defense. Simpson has a nice upside.

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Williams, K

LSU

6'1.1", 301

4.99

1.73

2.99

4.52

7.43

27.5"

8'2"

DT/NT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Williams had a sack at the Senior Bowl. He has the rep of being better in games than in workouts.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Williams has a nice mix of speed and strength. However, he is small for a defensive tackle and does not appear to be a good candidate to move to end in a 3-4 defense. That limits the teams he will be drafted to to ones that play a 4-3 defense and look for athletic tackles (e.g. ATL), not massive run-stuffers (e.g. BAL). For this teams, however, Williams will be great value who they can probably get later in the draft than his value would dictate.

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Butler, B

Virginia

6'7.1", 306

4.75

7.51

OT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Butler is a work in progress. He has excellent size, the frame to put on more weight, and good feet. He will not make an impact in year one, but could be a nice player down the line.

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SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

WONDER
LIC

Ellison

Oregon State

6'1.6", 230

4.76

1.61

2.76

4.16

6.77

33.5"

9'7"

OLB
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Ellison had 99 tackles and 5 sacks his senior year showing a nice combination of tackle-hound and blitzer. Some analysts question if he can play SAM in the NFL, I do not. He has the strength, the ability to cover tight ends, and can blitz. Ellison is an underrated prospect who I may have rated higher than others.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

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Pennington

New Mexico

6'7.2", 345

5.21

1.87

3.15

4.69

8.06

28.5"

8'6"

OT
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - A big man with good strength, Pennington is a very interesting day two prospect. He needs coaching but showed he has potential with a solid East West Shrine Game performance.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
DASH

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SHUTTLE

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Merz

California

6'3.5", 326

5.60

4.96

7.65

26.5"

7'7"

OG - Not at combine
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Merz is a player with a lot of heart. He went from walk-on to full time starter. He is a smart player, but limited athletically and may have to catch on as a free agent.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
DASH

20
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SHUTTLE

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WONDER
LIC

Nance

Miami - OH

6'4.2", 213

4.55

1.62

2.71

4.08

6.91

33.5"

9'4"

Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Nance is a big receiver who needs to learn how to utilize his height better. He also needs better concentration so he doesn;t drop balls. He was Roethlisberger's go-to receiver a couple of years ago when he caught 90 balls for almost 1500 yards and 11 TDs. Last year he caught 81 balls for over 1100 yards and 14 TDs. Nance needs to step it up some, but is still an intriguing prospect.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
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LIC

Denney

Nebraska-Oh

6'3", 224

4.65

1.63

2.74

4.36

7.03

33"

9'4"

Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Denney caught the ball very well during drills at the Combine.
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Denney is a tall receiver with excellent hands and limited speed and quickness. His combination of size and hands, however, could help him stick as a red zone, third down receiver if he proves he can play special teams.

PLAYER

COLLEGE

HGT-WGHT

FORTY
DASH

10
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20
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WONDER
LIC

Bassey

Oklahoma

5'11.7", 195

4.33

3.96

7.07

37.5"

9'8"

CB - NOT AT COMBINE
Jay Goldberg, 900FootballLinks.NET - Bassey had a nice workout showing speed, quickness, and good strength for a corner. Bassey's plays a physical corner but gets beat too much and lost his starting job hi senior year. However, with his physical attributes he could be drafted late and brought to a camp for a look. He could even move to safety in the NFL.

2006 TEAM NEEDS
prior to free agency

LEGEND: MAJOR NEED NEED DEPTH/POSSIBLE NEED NOT A NEED

BUF

QB	This assumes that the Bills are committed to Losman, which may not be true. Holcomb is better as a good backup than a low tier starter. If the Bills aren't sold on Losman, they need to bring in a starter better than Holcomb.
RB	McGahee talks better than he runs. He is a solid back, but not a Pro Bowl one. The Bills need better depth behind him than they currently have on their roster.
WR	Evans is a star in the making. Moulds is still steady, but his cap number means he will likely be cut rather than reduce his salary to stay on a team that has trouble throwing the ball. Reed is an UFA, Parrish is a slot guy, not a replacement for Moulds. The Bills need to find a new starter since Moulds will likely be gone.
TE	Campbell is a very good blocker and a better receiver than most think, however, in this day of tight ends that can stretch the field, he is a cut below. Everett was injured last year, but is no lock to be the receiving threat that Campbell isn't.
OL	The Bills may have a new left side next year. Gandy and Anderson are okay, but the Bills need better than okay. Teague, their center is an UFA. Preston will get first shot. Peters, a converted tight end could hold the starting right tackle position, but Mike Williams needs to get on the field and be the force he was drafted to be. The team needs a starting guard, a center to challenge Preston if Teague leaves, and a tackle who can push Peters, Gandy and Williams.
DL	Denny and Edwards are UFAs. Anderson replaced the injured Edwards and did okay. Adams did not have one of his better years at the other tackle spot. Kelsay and Schobel return as ends and are a good tandem. The Bills need a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and a pass-rushing end to replace Denny assuming he leaves in free agency.
LB	If Spikes gets back to full strength, then he teams with Fletcher to form a very good two-thirds of a starting linebacking crew. Posey is okay on tyhe other side, but could be pushed by Crowell who played well subbing for Spikes. A strong side linebacker to challenge Posey and Crowell should be added.
DB	Clements is an UFA and his heir apparent doesn't appear to be on the Bills' roster. McGee is an emerging star on the other corner. The starting safeties are old (Milloy and Vincent), but still effective. Wire is on hand as a young strong safety, Leonard as a free safety. The Bills need a corner to replace Clements if he leaves, and another corner to challenge Greer for the nickel.
ST	No problems here. Good kicking game, and excellent return game.

2005 COLLEGE DRAFT

Buffalo- links below go to NFL.com reports							Jaybird	Jaybird
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School	Ranking	Value Board
2	55	Parrish, Roscoe	WR	5-10	168	Miami (Fla.)	#16 WR	Round 3
3	86	Everett, Kevin	TE	6-5	241	Miami (Fla.)	# 4 TE	Round 3
4	122	Preston, Raymond 'Duke'	C	6-5	311	Illinois	Late Round Value	> Round 4
5	156	King, Eric	CB	5-8	189	Wake Forest	Late Round Value	> Round 4
6	197	Geisinger, Justin	G	6-4	322	Vanderbilt	#12 OG	Round 4
7	236	Gates, Lionel	RB	6-0	223	Louisville		> Round 4
FA		Gause, George	DE	6-5	275	South Carolina	# 14 DE	Round 4
FA		Leonhard, Jim	FS	5-8	191	Wisconsin	Late Round Value	> Round 4

2005 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

The Bills stayed within acceptable guidelines during their draft. While Preston was a bit of a reach in round four, Geisinger was a steal in round six. Flip flop those two in the draft and it was on the money.

All in all I was not overly impressed with the Bills' draft. Most draft analysts had a second round grade on Parrish. I had a third round grade, primarily, because he does not have the potential to be a number one receiver because of his lack of size. He is, however, an ideal slot receiver, and that is where the Bills will use him. With Evans, the Bills have a future perennial Pro Bowl player, and legitimate number one receiver anyway. Everett was a solid pick in round three. However, he is far from a sure thing. He needs developing. It remains to be seen if he will be able to take the step to become a major receiving threat, or if he will peak at a solid short-to-mid-range target. Preston was a bit of a reach. Jason Brown, or even Junius Coston, would have been my pick. However, I understand the selection. Preston is ready to play now. He will be steady, but need some help at times from his line-mates. He is a tough as nails kid. King is in the mold of Preston. He is a producer on the field. However, like all of the Bills picks, he has some built-in limitations or questions. His size will limit him to nickel packages, and his speed is not where you'd like it to be for nickel corners. However, the kid can play the game. Geisinger was the best value pick in the Bills draft. As a sixth rounder, at worst he will provide a quality backup at both guard and tackle. Best case, Geisinger could develop into a quality starting guard. It's hard to argue with the Bills when they select running backs. But I will. Nothing against Gates, mind you, but I liked a bunch of runners better than him at that spot. Kay Jay Harris, Walter Reyes, Derrick Wimbush, DeWitt Betterson are a few. Personally, if I drafted Gates, I would have followed it up by signing one of the runners just mentioned, since all went undrafted.

As of this writing the Bills had two free agent signing of note. Gause was one of the best undrafted players available. He is a defensive end who can pressure the quarterback. And at 275 pounds, he ran a 4.66! He also lifted the bar 28 times. I had a fourth round grade on Gause. He should make the team as a quality backup defensive end. Leonhard is another player who has a shot. He is in the Preston-King mold, a better football player than workout warrior. He also fits the Bills other pattern of drafted players with some built-in limitations. Leonhard is a bit slow for a free safety (his college position), and a bit short for a strong safety (where I think he will fit in best in the NFL). However, he is strong, smart, and a good football player. Worst case, he will be a terror on special teams.

RED NUMBERS BELOW - among best at position
Long shuttle numbers (where available) in blue, top performers to be determined later

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Parrish	WR	4.40	1.56	4.22	11.08	6.69	10	36"	10'6"	10

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: The people we talked to said Parrish did everything and more, including running routes, catching punts and speeding around as quick as two cats at his Pro Day.
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Parrish's could make an NFL roster as a slot receiver and return man. He is fast and a good athlete.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Everett	TE									12

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Has a higher upside than Smith or Dressen (higher rated tight ends), but also a greater downside. Has the tools to be the second best tight end in this draft class, but needs further developing.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Preston	C	5.45	1.81	4.53		7.58	21	32"	8'0"	33

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Preston is a functional sound, intense center, who showed more quickness than expected during his workout. However, he is limited athletically so he will need a good line around him if he is to be an effective starter.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
King	CB	4.41	1.61	4.18	11.36	6.92	12	38"	10'6"	19

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: King showed good cover skills and hitting ability during the Gridiron Classic game. His size, however, will limit where he is drafted and how he is used in the NFL.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Geisinger	OT/OG	5.35	1.84	4.62		7.87	34	27.5"	7'11"	29

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Geisinger is a better run blocker than pass blocker at the moment. He showed enough athletic ability in workouts to make the switch to guard. Long term he is a backup at tackle, but could have more of an upside if he can transition to guard.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Gates	RB	4.58	1.69	4.12	11.90	7.17	23	36"	10'1"	21

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: During the Gridiron Classic game Gates did not run strong. He seemed tentative at times, and was kept in check pretty much all day. He also made a bad decision and run on a return.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Gause	DE	4.66		4.64		7.37	28	31"	8'9"	14

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Gause played okay at the Senior Bowl, showing some ability to get to the passer. He is a fast, strong defensive end with good size.

PLAYER	POS	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP	WONDER- LIC
Leonhard	FS						19			24

Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: Leonhard is a better football player than athlete. Even with his smallish stature, he may be better as a strong safety in the NFL because he is a smart, tough player who may lack the speed to play free safety. Worst case, he will be a reliable backup, and excellent special teams player.

2005 TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

Jay Goldberg of 90FootballLinks.NET reports:
major need need position possible need, depth needed no real need
Key UFA: Jennings OT, Price OT, Williams DT, Neufeld TE, Bledsoe QB
Key RFA: Burns RB, Thomas CB (6th)
NOTE - RFA COMPENSATION AT MINIMUM TENDER

QB: Bledsoe will be cut. Losman will take over. An experienced backup is needed.
RB: McGahee had a good year. Henry will be moved, so a backup is needed.
WR: Moulds' deal was reworked, he is a good player. Evans will be special. Reed has regressed from his rookie year. Aiken could move into the three spot next year. Another receiver should be added in the draft to compete for playing time.
TE: Campbell and Euhus are okay. Nuefeld is a free agent. He is a better blocker than receiver. An upgrade would help the Bills offense, especially wuth the young QB.
OL: Jennings is an UFA. If he leaves there is a hole to fill, especially with his backup, Price also an UFA. Other than that, the Bills have talent along their offensive line and only need depth.
DL: Kelsay, Schobel and Denny are a good rotation at end. Williams is an UFA and he will probably leave. Adams is hot-and-cold. The Bills could use a tackle (maybe two).
LB: Spikes, Fletcher and Posey are a solid combination. The Bills could use some youth at the position for the future, and should also bring in competition for Posey.
DB: Clements is a good number one corner. McGee is so valuable as a kick-returner, it would be best to bring in a corner to start opposite Clements, moving McGee to the nickel. In any case, another quality corner is needed. At safety, Vincent took well to the weak side, Milloy keeps trucking on the strong side. Wire adds depth. A young free safety to apprentice under Vincent should also be addressed.
ST: Lindell was very consistent, but had a long of only 43 yards. Morrman is a solid punter. McGee is a top kick-returner. Clements can still get the job done as a punt-returner, but he's getting older and shouldn't be risked back there, he's too important in the base defense. If Smith sticks he had some electrifying moments returning punts.

2004 COLLEGE DRAFT

Buffalo
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
1	13	Evans, Lee	WR	5-10	197	Wisconsin
1	22	Losman, J.P.	QB	6-2	217	Tulane
3	74	Anderson, Tim	DT	6-3	304	Ohio State
4	109	Euhus, Tim	TE	6-4	247	Oregon State
7	207	McFarland, Dylan	OT	6-5	304	Montana
7	214	Smith, Jonathan 'Freddie'	WR	5-10	194	Georgia Tech

C+

2004 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

I love the Bills' selection of Lee Evans. He could end up being the best receiver in this draft. He is fast, has great hands and makes acrobatic catches. A great pick for the Bills. Losman is a player that you either love or hate. That depends upon whether you view him as cocky or immature. I think he's both. In time, Losman will be a quality NFL quarterback. Anderson has good skills but was drafted a little higher than I had him graded, and ahead of a couple of players who were higher on my board. Euhus is a great player to have on a team. He will do what it takes to win and will contribute anyway he can. However, I also think the Bills pulled the trigger on him a round early. McFarland is a developmental project as is the versatile Smith. Personally, there were other players on the board, particularly at wide receiver, that I would have taken a shot with instead; like Kendrick Starling or Justin Jenkins or Maurice Brown. The Bills did land some interesting free agents. WR Beard has better speed than Smith, and could beat him out for a roster spot. RB Williams was a productive player who could become a good kick returner. DE Ritzmann is a good college player still recovering from a knee operation. CB Richardson had his "Fans" (see below), but may be a tad slow and tad short. However, the most interesting free agent signing by the Bills is TE-OT Jason Peters. In my humble opinion, the Bills signed a player worthy of a late third-early fourth round pick in the draft. Peters will not be an every down player. However, in goal line and short yardage situations, he will be a very valuable asset. Peters is a 300 pound plus tight end with exceptional speed and quickness for a man his size, good hands, and has blocking skills good enough for him to be looked at as an offensive tackle in the NFL. In my opinion he is the third best player the Bills came with from the college players they drafted or signed in free agency.

PLAYER/ TEAM NEWS PRIOR TO DRAFT

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Evans	5-11, 198	4.33	1.51	4.02	11.47	6.74	-	34½"	10-0

Evans
Wisconsin

#3 ranked WR by Jaybird

Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: Observation from a NFL scout at the combine: "I am incredibly anxious to see if (Wisconsin wide receiver) Lee Evans works out and, if he does, how he runs. Here was a kid, two years ago, that people felt was the best overall prospect in the country. Not just the best wide receiver, maybe the best player, period. And then he blew out his knee in spring ball, had two surgeries, and he's sort of buried in the pack now, because there are so many great receivers in this draft. But he looked like he got his explosiveness back in the second half of the year. He makes the big play when you need it, sticks the ball in the end zone, goes aggressively after the ball. Someone is going to get him in about the second half of the second round and might get a steal."
Jay Goldberg of 900FootballLinks.NET reports: I love Evans, he makes acrobatic catches, has the speed to get deep, and good hands. If not for his prior injury, he would be in the same league as Roy Williams.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Evans ran pass routes for 45 minutes and not one ball touched the ground (no drops, in other words). One club representative at Evans' on campus workout was so impressed, he called his team's head coach to tell him about it. I'd say that's a good sign.
Vic Ketchman of jaguars.com reports: Everyone is rooting for Lee Evans. Following his junior season, Evans decided to remain at Wisconsin for his senior year. Then he blew out his knee in spring practice and missed the '02 campaign. He returned to action in '03, knocked off the rust, and is in the process of convincing scouts in his personal workouts that he's recovered from the knee injury and is worthy of a first-round selection. At 5-11, 197, he's a speed receiver who is the “best receiver to come out of Wisconsin since Al Toon,” Pauline (jaguars.com draft expert) said. “Excellent hand-catcher. Will stretch the defense and make the game-breaking catch. Smart player and very fast. Plays to his 40 time, which is a 4.4.”

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE DRILL	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Losman	6-2¼, 217	4.68	-	-	33"	9-8

Losman
Tulane

#4 ranked QB by Jaybird

D.J. Boyer of Football.com reports: I have seen some reports with glowing reviews of J.P. Losman. Maybe there are a few teams out there that like his upside but I don’t think he performed well at all (Senior Bowl practices), and he hurt his stock. Rivers was probably the best quarterback here but nobody blew the scouts away. When the coaches went to the two minute offense, Losman struggled.
Jamie Moore of gbnreport.com (Great Blue North Report) reports: QB J.P. Losman, Tulane... Easily the top QB in Mobile (at the Senior Bowl), Losman still needs a little work on his footwork, but showed great arm strength, particularly on deep fade routes on which the ball got there in a real hurry, as well as mobility. There were some whispers about Losman's attitude, particularly when interviews with several teams reportedly didn't go very well, but there is no question that Losman can get the ball where its supposed to be in a hurry.
InsideTheLeague.com reports: Tulane QB J.P. Losman was the unquestioned star amongst the quarterbacks at the NFL Combine Sunday, Feb. 22. He was clocked at 4.71 in his first 40-yard dash and 4.66 in his second run. He also threw the ball with a zip and perfect rotation.
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: Observations from two college scouts, one from each conference, on Saturday "I'm not telling you anything new when I say this quarterback bunch is like watching statues, their movement skills are so ordinary. But one guy who can move around is the (J.P. Losman) kid from Tulane. There are a lot of people down on him and he kind of got lost in the shuffle, but he's got some (arm) strength, and is tougher than he gets credit for being."
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: He is hardly a secret, since some scouting groups had him rated as the No. 1 prospect in the spring, but he got lost in the shuffle some during a disappointing senior season. Losman still probably is no better than the No. 4 prospect now but there is at least one team that feels he could sneak into the late stages of the first round. Losman had a little trouble with his accuracy on some medium-range throws but was excellent on deep routes, showing very good touch. He also showed foot speed in the 40, with a 4.62 time.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Losman's workout was put together by Saints quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard. Losman did not run or do jumps -- he just threw. His targets were NFL receiver Kevin Dyson, Tulane running back Mewelde Moore and former Tulane player Terrell Harris. Losman worked out at the combine, where he measured up at 6-2¼, ran a 4.68 in the 40 and had a 33-inch vertical. At this workout, he weighed 217 pounds, which is seven pounds less than he did at the combine. Overall, Losman's workout was also very good, but not as good as Manning's. Still, he will receive lots of attention between now and the draft.

PLAYER

POS

HGT-WGHT

FORTY

10 DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

Anderson

6-3 1/8, 307

5.01

1.79

4.32

7.35

32½"

9-1

Anderson
Ohio State

#17 ranked DT by Jaybird

Drew Boylhart of www.thehuddlereport.com reports: DT - Tim Anderson - Ohio St - He played a lot of DE. Did well at the combine. He just knows how to play the game. Good balance, etc. The Tool-Man.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Anderson worked out very well at his pro day workout, and turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Anderson is one of these "anchor tackles" teams are looking for these days, and his workout catapulted him into the first day of the draft.
NFLFans.com reports: Anderson is not going to be in the highlight films every week but he will give you consistent play weekly and is an excellent leader on the field. He will not give you a dozen sacks a year but he will batter and bruise many a running back that dares to come his way.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Euhus	6-5, 249	4.84	-	-	-	-	25	-	-

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	20 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Williams	5-7 3/8, 193	4.59	-	-	-	-	26	35"	-

Williams
Auburn

Jaybird: below 4th round

NFLFans.com reports: I am not certain, because of his size, even with the success he had at Alabama, if RB Shaud Williams will be drafted. If he isn’t, I am sure he will be picked up afterwards and attend a teams summer session. At best he would be a third down back and special team player because, as stated, he will have major difficulties do to his limited size and strength.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Evans	6-0 1/8, 180	4.46	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Beard
Miami

Jaybird: below 4th round

NFLFans.com reports: Despite his speed and potential; his lack of production at Miami, his frail frame, and his durability questions, will be a major reason he may be a very late draft selection or be an undrafted free agent.

PLAYER	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	10 DASH	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Peters	6-4 3/8, 328	4.87	1.73	4.75	-	7.70	25	33½"	9-7

Peters
Arkansas

#5 ranked TE by Jaybird

Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com posted at foxsports.com reports: Projected: 3rd round. Good or bad move to come out early? Peters is listed as a tight end, but at 320 pounds he projects as an athletic tackle.
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: TE Jason Peters (Arkansas): At a whopping 334 pounds, ran a sub-4.9 time in the 40. And, no, that is not a typo. Showed plenty of strength in the bench press. Might never play a single snap at tight end in the NFL and he knows it. Given his bulk and his very quick feet, there already are teams figuring he can make the transition to offensive tackle. In fact, he bragged to a few scouts that he might be the best tackle prospect in the draft.
Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports: Peters worked out as an offensive lineman and at tight end. Most people think he can be a tackle.

PLAYER

POS

HGT-WGHT

FORTY

10 DASH

SHORT
SHUTTLE

3 CONE

BENCH

VERTICAL
JUMP

LONG
JUMP

Ritzmann

6-3 254

4.97

1.65

4.36

7.29

30½"

9-1

Ritzmann
Tennessee

Jaybird: below 4th round

NFLFans.com reports: DE Ritzmann missed all of 2002 with a torn ACL in his left knee. Seems to have recovered ok but will have to go through some extensive exams at the combine..

PLAYER	POS	HGT-WGHT	FORTY	SHORT SHUTTLE	LONG SHUTTLE	3 CONE	BENCH	VERTICAL JUMP	LONG JUMP
Taylor	CB	5-9 3/8, 195	4.60	-	-	-	9	31½"	-

Richardson
Arkansas

Jaybird: below 4th round

Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com posted at foxsports.com reports: Projected: 5th to 6th round. Good or bad move to come out early? He could've come back for another year, but his stock wouldn't have gone any higher. He's a nice cover corner who'll end up making someone's roster.
NFLFans.com reports: Despite his size, Richardson is one of the top pass defenders in the draft. He needs coaching on run defense but could emerge as a mid to late round gem.

2003 COLLEGE DRAFT

Buffalo
Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
1	23	McGahee, Willis	RB	6-0	223	Miami (Fla.)
2	48	Kelsay, Chris	DE	6-4	273	Nebraska
3	94	Crowell, Angelo	ILB	6-0	236	Virginia
4	111	McGee, Terrence	CB	5-10	201	Northwestern State
4	127	Aiken, Sam	WR	6-2	209	North Carolina
5	151	Sobieski, Ben	G	6-5	307	Iowa
6	187	Sape, Lauvale	DT	6-2	297	Utah
7	228	Haggan, Mario	ILB	6-2	252	Mississippi State

2003 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

I can understand a team with a crying need for a feature back, or a team with multiple first-round picks selecting McGahee in round one, but not a team with one pick and feature back like Travis Henry. The benefits from McGahee, should he recover his full skills, will be felt down the road for the Bills. So time will tell. Kelsay was an excellent pick in round two. If he develops like I think he can, then you can look at Kelsay as a first rounder and McGahee as a second-round chance. Crowell is a tweener-type of linebacker who may lack the size and strength to play inside and the speed to play outside. McGee may develop into a slot corner, but then again he may not. Aiken has size and was good value in the fourth round. Worst case he is a red-zone target, best case he develops into a solid all-around receiver. Sobieski looks the part, but has had both injury and production problems. Sape could develop into a valuable bench player. Haggan can play both inside and outside and should be a good special teams player. Haggan may be more useful, long term, than Crowell.

McGahee

The Miami Herald's Gary Estwick reports the doctor who performed surgery on Miami RB Willis McGahee's (left knee) knee said McGahee should recover from his injury in time for the upcoming NFL season. He will be able to withstand physical contact by June and should be healed by the fall, Miami team physician Dr. John Uribe said. That could mean McGahee will be selected sooner than later in the NFL Draft, if his aggressive rehabilitation stays ahead of schedule. McGahee's injury will prohibit him from participating in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. McGahee's rehabilitation is going so well that he received permission from his physical therapist to walk without crutches at Walter Camp awards weekend.
KFFL.com reports: Updating previous stories, the AP reports Miami RB Willis McGahee (knee) is recovering at an impressive rate. He says he will be ready to play by the start of the 2003 season. So far his doctors have been amazed by the speed of his recovery.
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports: One general manager noted on Thursday (at combine) that the best back he had seen so far was Miami star Willis McGahee, who might not even get on the field in 2003, as he continues to rehabilitate from the catastrophic knee injury that he suffered in the second half of the Fiesta Bowl. Said the general manager: "He walked in with just a (protective) 'sleeve' on his knee, no limp, looking strong and well conditioned. Hell, just that alone was enough to put him ahead of some of the healthy guys here. It's a shame (about the injury) because he was, head and shoulders, the one premier back we knew would be in this draft.."
Draft2003.com reports, Willis McGahee, Miami -- His personality and confidence made believers out of everyone in attendance... he was in only his seventh week of rehab from his knee injury... yet showed up with only 6.2% body fat...
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com reports, there is some talk among some teams that if University of Miami RB Willis McGahee (knee) isn't happy with the round in which he is taken in next month's NFL Draft, he will simply refuse to sign a contract. He will then spend a full year rehabilitating from his devastating knee injury suffered in the Fiesta Bowl, and go back into the 2004 draft.
Nick Cafardo, of the Boston Globe, reports mixed messages from University of Miami RB Willis McGahee's (knee) workout Tuesday with the Patriots McGahee's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, thought the workout was impressive, saying "there's no question" his client will play this year. But a scout who viewed the workout said he believes teams interested in McGahee should be thinking about 2004, not 2003.
KFFL.com reports, University of Miami RB Willis McGahee (knee) went through additional tests at the league’s re-check combine on Friday and Saturday. According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, McGahee passed all of the tests. “He said some of the doctors had to look at him twice to see that he was the same guy they saw in February,” Rosenhaus said. He added that he spoke with nine NFL doctors and “they have never seen a recovery like this.”
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN reports, Miami RB Willis McGahee worked out for several scouts Tuesday in Florida. The reaction by most accounts was very favorable. He showed considerable mobility for someone less than four months removed from a tremendous knee injury. He performed squats and compiled 26 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press. McGahee ran two 50-yard sprints at approximately 75 to 80 percent of his full speed. He also caught 50 passes, without a drop.

Kelsay

Gil Brandt, for NFL.com, reports Nebraska DL Chris Kelsay will work out as a LB at the NFL Combine.
AllProScouting.com reports Chris Kelsay measured 6043, 273, did 23 reps, and ran 4.68 and 4.77 in the forty.
Draft2003.com reports, Chris Kelsay, Nebraska -- Ran 4.71 in the 40... at 6-foot-4, 273 pounds... plays with a very high motor... impressed teams in his interviews... is now a late first to early second round pick...
Matt Gambill of AllProScouting.com reports, I see very little upside and very little anything that I like. Good workout guy, but I don't think he will be worth a hill of beans in the NFL. Maybe a solid performer, but SURELY NOT a first round talent.
ProFootballWeekly.com reports ar fast riser who could sneak up the draft boards, like Dwight Freeney did a year ago, is Nebraska’s Chris Kelsay, who might have more upside than Rams DE Grant Wistrom, who was drafted No. 6 overall by the Rams in 1998, when he was coming out of Nebraska.

McGee

WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, Terrence McGee was measured at 5-foot-9½ and 198 pounds. He ran 4.41 with the wind, and 4.53 against. His vertical jump was 36 inches, and his broad jump was 10-4.

Aiken

AllProScouting.com reports in pre-combine workouts, North Carolina WR ran a 4.5 forty.
WORKOUT NUMBERS Matt Gambill of AllProScouting.com reports, WR Sam Aiken ran two sub 4.5 forties at 6017 and 210 pounds. His best time was 4.45 and he had a 37 1/2" Vertical

Sobieski

WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, OG - Sobieski (6-4 3/4 311) was a sixth-year senior as he was granted an extra year because of injuries. He had a 34-inch vertical jump and an 8-foot-7 1/2 long jump> He ran 4.99 in each of his two 40s and benched 19 times.

Haggan

WORKOUT NUMBERS Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports, Mario Haggan worked out and ran. He improved on his time of 4.68 twice.

2002 COLLEGE DRAFT

GRADE : A-

Plug in Williams and leave him there for the next 10+ years. A great player a need position. WR Reed was a steal in round 2. While he is not a home run threat he is consistent, tough and has great hands. He is the type of receiver QBs look for when they need to convert a key third down. Denney was a solid third round choice and should start for the Bills this year. Wire has some long term potential and Bannan is anothe lunch-pail player who could fit into the Bills rotation at DT. Thomas is a good extra corner for a team to have. He has some good cover skills. Purcillo is another useful player. He can become a good utility back-up offensive lineman.

Links below take you to NFL.com's report on player, position or college team.

Rd	Sel#	Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	School
1	4	Williams, Mike	OT	6-6	375	Texas
2	36	Reed, Josh	WR	5-10	210	Louisiana State
2	61	Denney, Ryan	DE	6-7	276	Brigham Young
3	97	Wire, Coy	SS	6-0	209	Stanford
5	139	Bannan, Justin	DT	6-3	300	Colorado
6	176	Thomas, Marvin 'Kevin'	CB	5-11	180	Nevada-Las Vegas
7	215	Pucillo, Mike	G	6-4	317	Auburn
7	249	Wright, Rodney	WR	5-8	175	Fresno State
7	251	Ferguson, Jarrett	FB	5-8	222	Virginia Tech
7	260	Stevenson, Antone 'Dominique'	ILB	6-0	222	Tennessee

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