Looking Ahead to Day Two

The nitty gritty work of the draft gets going tomorrow at 10am, when rounds 3-7 will take place. With two good picks in the fold, the Bills still have some work to do. They have eight picks tomorrow, with one each in the 3rd, 5th and 6th rounds, two picks in the 4th round, and three picks in the 7th. Dick Jauron, the Bills Head Coach, mentioned late today that after getting a CB in the first round, and a WR in the second, he feels free to really select the best available players in the rest of the draft. Nevertheless, it would be nice to see the team wind up with a tight end before too many more rounds elapse. Tennessee's Brad Cottam (above) is still available and he'd make another nice, big target in the red zone. The Bills could also use some depth at OLB and on special teams. Maybe Virginia Tech's Xavier Adibi will fall to them, or Penn State's Dan Connor. And they may not be finished at WR yet, I know there's some interest in LSU's Early Doucet among the Bills decision makers. We'll be back up on the blog and live on Channel 4 again tomorrow with more draft information about the Bills.

-John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Solid Day One for Bills

The Bills come out of the first two days of the draft with two solid pickups, players who have been on their radar screen for the last several weeks. They got the best CB in this year's draft class in the first round, when they drafted Leodis McKelvin of Troy. In the second round, they got the big WR they've been lacking since Eric Moulds left. I don't know how they could have done much better on the first day. McKelvin is a physical corner with good speed, a plus in run support, and an exciting return man for kicks and punts. Hardy is the biggest receiver in the draft, and the Bills got him just after the second round run on WRs began. After no WRs were selected in the first round, four of them went in the first ten picks on the second round, including Hardy. I can't wait to see Hardy in the red zone, using his basketball prowess to post up a smaller DB in the end zone, giving Trent Edwards the big target he was lacking so often last season. So now,on to day two.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Character Questions on Hardy?

The Bills brass addressed the character questions regarding 2nd round draft pick James Hardy tonight, shortly after they made the selection. Hardy reportedly was charged with two misdemeanors in a 2006 domestic battery case, but the Bills say those charges were dismissed. Dick Jauron told us tonight "Our interview was good, he's a very serious young man." Apparently the problems were answered in extensive interviews the Bills did at the combine in Indianapolis and in subsequent meetings. I remember attending Hardy's news conference at the combine back in February and coming away impressed with his demeanor and intelligence.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Hardy Has Hoosier Hoops in his Background

When James Hardy left Elmhurst High School in Fort Wayne for Bloomington, he probably never imagined he'd one day be an NFL draft pick. An NBA pick? Maybe. Hardy was the all time leading scorer in Fort Wayne history, and the 78th best basketball prospect in the country when he came out of high school. But after one year on the Indiana basketball team, Hardy devoted his attention to football. Good choice. He was second team All Big Ten in his first football season, and he went on to set Indiana single season records with 79-catches and 16-touchdowns last season.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Bills Select Hardy in Second Round

The Bills got the big WR theyve been looking for. They got one of the biggest in the draft. James Hardy of Indiana was Buffalo's second round pick tonight. He is a target. 6-5, 217lbs, a former college basketball player for the Hoosiers. Hardy is the perfect red zone target for Trent Edwards and that basketball experience will come in handy when he starts to post up DBs in the end zone. Hardy had 16 TDs for Indiana last year, and set a school record with 36-career TDs. Just exactly what the points-starved Buffalo offense needs.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

You Always Need a Corner

Leodis McKelvin is the 11th Defensive Back chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the first round, which is the most first rounders spent by the francise on any position group over the years. They've gone for a Running Back 10-times in franchise history. The last defensive back they chose in the first round was Donte Whitner two years ago. Other notables include Antoine Winfield in 1999, and Nate Clements in 2001. Here's the point--Winfield and Clements turned into solid corners during their tenures in Buffalo, but once they were eligible to hit the free agent market-they were gone. That's why you constantly need to replenish your stock of DBs with athletic corners who can cover. McKelvin should see plenty of playing time in his rookie year and will probably be a starter sometime in his first two years. Couple that with his amazing production in the return game at Troy, and you can see why the Bills were so enamored of him.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

McKelvin Ball Skills?

The Bills have just finished talking about Leodis McKelvin, their first pick in the draft today. What's not to like? Tom Modrak, the Bills VP of College Scouting, described McKelvin as "an all-around cornerback, really good athlete, with quick feet and explosion." Bills Coach Dick Jauron said "We've seen him play both left and right corner, he's got good size and very quick feet. He strengthens us in the return game." There were questons about McKelvin's "ball skills" and the fact that he had a total of 4 interceptions in his four years at Troy. He had two last year, both in the same game. Modrak said "We looked at that, the numbers can be misleading. He gets his hands on the ball, but always doesn't come up with the pick."

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

The Bills Have to be Ecstatic

We haven't heard from the Bills brain trust yet, and it's been about 20-minutes since they picked Leodis McKelvin in the first round. But I'm sure they were extremely happy McKelvin was available when they made the 11th pick. Not only is a top flight corner, but his work as a return man is off the charts. He has a share of the NCAA Division 1-A career record with his eight return touchdowns. Obviously, the Bills have solid return men in Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, but this guy brings a new option to Bobby April's special teams. Even though he played at Troy, in the Sun Belt Conference, Bills scouts were raving this past week about McKelvin's performance against heavyweights, like Florida, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, and Georgia. By all accounts, the Bills just selected the best overall CB in this year's draft.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

McKelvin to the Bills

It worked out perfectly for the Bills-they got the CB they wanted all along. Leodis McKelvin is their selection in the first round, a cornerback from Troy in Alabama. Sources told us weeks ago they loved McKelvin and considered him the best corner in the draft. He's 5-10, 190lbs, with 4.43 speed in the 40-yard dash. He's considered a good man in run support and a physical player. He also is a big time return threat, with eight returns for touchdowns over the years in college (7 punt returns; 1 KOR). McKelvin is a native of south Georgia, and reportedly is watching the draft today at a sports bar in the Atlanta area.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

McKelvin is There if the Bills want him

A shocker from New England, as they went down and drafted LB Jerod Mayo from Tennessee, with the pick right before the Bills. New England's LB corps is aging, and who am I to question the Patriots scouting, but on the surface it seems like a reach. Here's the good news for the Bills--they have their choice of any DB or WR they want, including CB Leodis McKelvin of Troy. Not a bad position to be in.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Watch Out for New England

It's getting close now, just two more picks before the Bills select. The Patriots bear watching, especially after the trade they made swapping picks with New Orleans a minute ago. The Patriots need a CB, and they could break the Bills' hearts by selecting Troy's Leodis McKelvin just before Buffalo. New England has the 10th pick now, the Bills 11th. Let's see how it plays out.

John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Watching the Draft from the Bills Perspective

The NFL Draft is underway, with the first six picks in the books. Things have gone pretty much as expected and we're trying to figure out what these early picks mean to the Bills. Atlanta chose QB Matt Ryan with the third overall pick, which means he won't be available for Baltimore down at #8. So don't be surprised if the Ravens use that pick on a CB, maybe Leodis McKelvin, a player the Bills really like. Kansas City got a great player at #5, DT Glen Dorsey from LSU. The Chiefs still have the 17th pick in this first round (from the Jared Allen trade) and they may start to worry about getting the OT they need, if they wait that long. So maybe the Chiefs will make a call to Buffalo to see if they can move up to the Bills spot, 11th overall, in exchange for an extra pick (3rd round?). The Bills would still be able to get a quality receiver at #17, and pick up an extra pick. We'll see how it plays out.

-John Murphy at the Bills Draft

Outguessing the Bills

OK, here's my best guess at the first round draft scenarios for the Buffalo Bills tomorrow. Keep in mind I have no inside information, just a series of hunches based on talks with Bills scouts and decision makers over the last week or so.
If CB Leodis McKelvin falls to the Bills at #11 in the first round tomorrow, he's theirs. He's too good to pass up, and the Bills love just about everything about him. The problem is, he's not likely to last that long. The Patriots, the Ravens, and the Saints could all use help at CB. But if the Patriots go big (DL or OL) with the 7th pick, and the Ravens bite on QB Matt Ryan, the Bills might get lucky.
If McKelvin is gone, look for Buffalo to try desperately to make a deal to move down in the first round. Kansas City has been mentioned as a possible draft partner, and the Chiefs may want to move up to get one of the fine OTs in the draft, especially if a run on OTs develops. The Bills could probably handle moving down to KCs 17th spot and still get a player they like.
That brings us to the WRs. Whether it's the 11th pick, or more preferably the 17th, look for the Bills to select Michigan State's Devin Thomas if they have to go WR.
Don't forget about our Sports Blitz Draft Preview tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 4. We'll be blogging live from One Bills Drive tomorrow afternoon, and we've got live reports from Orchard Park scheduled for Saturday and Sunday of draft weekend. It should be fun.

COURTNEY'S MOCK DRAFT

Here is my mock draft for tomorrow. As my partner in crime, Murph, so eloquently stated the media needs to hype this mock draft so here we go.
I figured no trades and here is a the first round draft mock draft with a shot in the dark at the remainder of the Bills picks:
1) MIAMI: Jake Long OT Michigan: I am a genius!
2) ST LOUIS: Chris Long DE Virginia: Clearly the next best Long available. The Rams will decide to keep Adam Carriker at defensive tackle opening the door for Howie's boy!
3) ATLANTA: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU: Not since legendary musician Tommy has a Dorsey been in such high demand. Despite the Matt Ryan would be tempting here...the Falcons go with the best defensive player in the draft.
4) OAKLAND: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas: Not even "the Great Carnak" could figure out what Raiders owner Al Davis is going to do. That is why the obvious pick of McFadden is so scary. Also, don't put it past the Cowboys to try to move up here, Jerry jones has a thing for Mr. McFadden.
5) KANSAS CITY: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio St.: Trade the top sacker in the NFL, replace him...seems to make sense.
6) NY JETS: Sedrick Ellis DT USC: Despite the fact the Jets signed aging DT Kris Jenkins, the Jets could use some help at tackle and Ellis is a good one!
7) NEW ENGLAND: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy St: Good trade strategy got the Pats this pick, and they will try to replace pro bowler Asante Samuel with the best corner in the 2008 draft.
8) BALTIMORE: Matt Ryan QB Boston College: The Ravens are a little surprised and very elated to have Ryan here for them at #8. This is a slam dunk, because a tackling dummy makes a better quarterback than current starter Kyle Boller.
9) CINCINNATI: Derrick Harvey DE Florida: Some people may be thinking WR here with the Bengals issues with Ocho Stinko, but it's a little early for a WR here. The Bengals should get a quality pass rusher with this pick.
10) NEW ORLEANS: Dominique Cromartie Rodgers CB Tennessee St: The Bills would like this guy to slip to them, but the 'Aints need some help in their secondary.
11) BUFFALO: Devin Thomas WR Michigans State: The Bills are a little upset that the top 2 corners are gone and they may try to find a partner to pick up a 3rd round pick and move down to the 15-20 spot and still pick Thomas. Thomas has good size, speed and hands...he may not make a big splash right away but could have the potential for great things. (remember it was a few years before Eric Moulds made his mark)
12) DENVER: Ryan Clady OT Boise St.: If this guy can block on blue turf, he should do fine in Mile High. Clady has the potential to be an anchor for the Broncos for years to come.
13) CAROLINA: Braden Albert OG Virginia: Albert is originally from Rochester, this really is not a reason to pick him with the 13th pick in the first round, but his ability to play either tackle or guard position make him a Panther.
14) CHICAGO: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh: The run on offensive tackles is on!!!
15) DETROIT: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois: Could be a solid 30 carry a game running back for the Lions.
16) ARIZONA: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon: Future replacement for the Edge, he is getting old !(30 years old!!!well not old, just old for a running back)
17) KANSAS CITY: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt: The big guy from Vandy postponed his honeymoon to see where he would get drafted! He won't have to wait long as the run on tackles continues.
18) HOUSTON: Mike Jenkins CB S. Florida: Jenkins should make an immediate impact.
19) PHILADELPHIA: Aqib Talib CB Kansas: Another good corner, possible character issues.
20) TAMPA BAY: Keith Rivers LB USC: Best linebacker in draft should fit in well with Chucky!
21) WASHINGTON: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma: The Redskins worked him out with QB Jason Campbell and need a wide receiver...you do the math...
22) DALLAS: Felix Jones RB Arkansas: Jerry Jones would love to move to the top of the round and snag McFadden, but Jerry will settle for his teammate with the 22nd pick.
23) PITTSBURGH: Godser Cherilus OT Boston College: Did a good job protecting Matt Ryan, Steelers think he'll do the same for Big Ben.
24) TENNESSEE: Limas Sweed WR Texas: Despite missing most of 2007 season, he is the most experienced of all the top receivers and that's just what the doctor ordered for the Titans.
25) SEATTLE: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina
26) JACKSONVILLE: Phillip Merling DE Clemson
27) SAN DIEGO: Jerod Mayo LB Tennessee
28) DALLAS: James Hardy WR Indiana
29) SAN FRANCISCO: Quentin Groves DE Auburn
30) GREEN BAY: Brian Brohm QB Louisville
31) NY GIANTS: Desean Jackson WR California

REST OF BILLS PICKS:
2ND ROUND 41ST Overall: Antoine Cason CB Arizona
3RD ROUND 72ND Overall: Jason Jones DE E. Michigan
4TH ROUND 114TH Overall: Owen Schmitt FB West Virginia
4TH ROUND 132ND Overall: Kellen Davis TE Michigan State
5TH ROUND 147TH Overall: Allen Patrick RB Oklahoma
6TH ROUND 179TH Overall: Korey Lichtenstiener C Bowling Green
7TH ROUND 219TH Overall: Anthony Morelli QB Penn State
7TH ROUND 224TH Overall: Marcus Monk WR Arkansas
7TH ROUND 251ST Overall: Jehuu Caulcrick RB Michigan State

Nobody Knows Anything

The cone of silence has descended around One Bills Drive, as the team prepares for Saturday's NFL Draft. We talked with Tom Modrak, the team's VP of College Scouting yesterday, and he even asked us who the team would be selecting in the first round. (I think he was just kidding). The point is, the Bills play it very close to the vest right about now, when it matters the most. It's understandable why they would--there's no upside to tipping off your competitors regarding your plans. That's why I get a kick out of all the speculation and mock drafts that pop up in the media. Most of the guys making these predictions know very little about the draft prospects, and simply look at a depth chart to evaluate a team's needs. Dan Patrick, in Sports Illustrated last week, wrote about self-proclaimed draft experts who may have seen a couple of Notre Dame games, and the second half of the Cotton Bowl--now they're experts on the draft class of 2008? It makes you wonder. It should be a great weekend full of surprises from the Bills and other teams. Make sure you catch our Sports Blitz Draft Special Friday night at 730, and draft coverage live from One Bills Drive all weekend long on Channel 4.

Pominville Finalist for Lady Byng

Jason Pominville is one of three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy, which goes to the player who has exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. The Sabres final captain of the season against Pavel Datsyuk, of the Red Wings and Martin St. Louis of the Lightning. Datsyuk won the award in 2006 and 2007. St. Louis is a finalist for the 3rd time. To be named a finalist speaks volumes about the type of player that Pominville is. He's always a clean player that rarely is penalized, and never takes cheep shots. The winner will be announced at the N.H.L. awards on June 12th.

It's Still Not a Foul

Sad news from Arizona tonight, where longtime NBA referee Darell Garrettson has passed away. He was 76 years old. Garretson began officiating games in the NBA in 1967, and served as chief of the officiating staff for several years. He finally retired from his supervisor position in 1998. Longtime Buffalo sports fans remember Garretson as the man who called one of the most controversial fouls in local sports history. It was the 1974 NBA playoffs, the Braves and the Celtics, and it was Game Six on a Friday night at the Aud. The score was tied at 104 and time was running out. The Celtics had the ball, and JoJo White put up a crazy shot as the buzzer sounded. Garretson called a foul on Bob McAdoo, and it was a bonus situation, three-to-make-two. White missed the first free throw, made the next two, the Braves thought they had one second left to inbound and try a miracle shot, but the game was ruled over. The foul on White was ticky-tack, and it decided not just the game, but a playoff series. The Celtics won 106-104, and won the series four games to two. Reportedly Garretson and his fellow referees needed police protection to leave the Aud that night. It was the most bitter loss in Buffalo Braves history, and I remember it still 34 years later. Let us know if you can remember a more controversial officiating call in local sports history.

Draft for Scheme? Draft for Need?

You hear every NFL personnel man say it--"We won't deviate from our draft board." Why would they? NFL teams invest hundreds of thousands of dollars, and man-hours, scouting players, double-checking their reports, cross-checking each others work, and finally placing a draft value on each prospect. So you can imagine the personnel gurus would be reluctant to drop down at all on their boards, when it's time to select. But Bills VP of College Scouting Tom Modrak talked with us today about the concept of drafting for scheme. He maintains you have to be flexible before you set up the board, and on draft day. In Modrak's case, this will be his seventh draft with the Bills. But he's already drafted for three different head coaches, and three different systems. The players the Bills selected for the Gregg Williams-Jerry Gray defense in 2002 might not fit at all in Dick Jauron and Perry Fewell's 2008 Bills defense. That's why the personnel experts have to factor in the scheme when they set their boards and make their picks. More importantly, that's why continuity is so important when it comes to building a NFL program. You might argue that in the free agency/salary cap era, with the roster in a constant state of flux, it's even more important to have a stable football operation (GM, Coach, and Personnel Department). You can hear more from Modrak Friday night at 7:30, on our Sports Blitz Draft Special on Channel 4.

Kane a finalist for Calder Trophy

South Buffalo's Pat Kane was announced today as one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, which goes to the rookie of the year. Also included on that list is Kane's teammates, Jonathan Toews, and Washington's Niklas Backstrom. I would imagine Kane is the clear cut favorite to win the award... going from being the top pick in the draft to finishing the season by winning the rookie scoring title with 21 goals and 72 points. Backstrom appears to have the only other shot, as he was 2nd in rookie scoring and part of a young Capitals team that won their division, and went on to lose in the 1st round of the playoffs.
The winner will be announced on Thursday June 12th, during the end of the year N.H.L. awards ceremonies in Toronto.

Bengals Get Tough with Ocho-Cinco

It's beginning to sound like the Bengals have had enough of Wide Receiver Chad Johnson. He's been lobbying hard for a trade, and the Bengals reportedly turned down an offer from the Washington Redskins for Johnson. Now, Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis has some harsh words for the disgruntled WR. After listening to Johnson beg for a trade, and threaten to sit out the year if he doesn't get one, the head coach says, go ahead. Lewis says Johnson should live up to his word and follow through with his threat to sit out. The head coach denies that the Bengals have received a trade offer for Johnson, and he repeated his plan not to trade him away. Even if they did want to ship him off, Johnson does his team and himself a disservice by mouthing off in the media repeatedly about how unhappy he is. He's only lowering his trade value, and making it even more difficult for the Bengals to find a viable deal.

Signability Counts

The NFL Draft starts officially Saturday, but the Miami Dolphins got things started today by agreeing to terms with Michigan Offensive Tackle Jake Long. Not a very sexy signing, is it? But in today's NFL, the ability to sign a first round draft pick is viewed as one of the critical evaluation factors when teams scout players. Obviously, with all the needs a 1-15 team, the Dolphins can use the help at Offensive Tackle. But really, when you get the first overall pick in the draft, shouldn't it be used on an impact player? Are the Dolphins so sold on John Beck that they can pass up Boston College's Matt Ryan this year? With Jason Taylor's future in Miami in doubt, can they really bypass Ohio State pass rush specialist Vernon Gholston? What happened here with the Dolphins is that new head coach Tony Sparano, a former offensive line coach, is comfortable with a sure fire starter at left tackle. The Dolphins brain trust is comfortable with a guy who is signed, sealed and delivered, avoiding a costly and embarrasing holdout. But you'd like to be more than comfortable when you get the first overall pick in the draft. The Dolphins have settled for comfortable.

Bills Scout & Mock Drafts

I asked Bills Coordinator of College Scouting Doug Majeski if he ever looks at mock drafts, projections and media draft previews. I wondered if he thinks they're mostly wrong, or if he every reads a player report that makes him re-think his opinion.

"Very rarely do I every agree with the projections, but there are obviously top guys that are top guys. Its easy to pick the top guys. Its easy to tell the guys who can't play. Its the guys in between that make our jobs harder."

Its a good lesson to all of you fellow draftniks who base your opinions on what Mel Kiper, Ourlads and Pro Football Weekly say about players. Each team has its own parameters, more information about character, and specific positional needs. A linebacker who fits one team's defense might not fit the Bills Cover-2, athletic run-to-the-ball style.

So don't get too hung up on what the experts say about the Bills picks. Everyone called Donte Whitner a reach two years ago. I think that opinion would be different now.

First Round Receivers

The Bills give the media a draft preview release full on interesting stats and draft tidbits. This one jumped out at me because it applies the Bills needs and focus for this year's first round.

Percentage of starting wide receivers drafted in the 1st round: 24.2%
Percentage of starting wide receivers drafted in the 2nd round: 27.2%

This illustrates how risky it is taking a receiver in the first round. So many of them don't pan out, and the ones that do often take a few years to develop. Scouts will tell that next to quarterback, receiver is the hardest postion for a college player to learn.

While these stats aren't enough to prevent the Bills from taking a receiver with the 11th pick, it could make them think hard about waiting until the second round. Because of all his recent controversy, if Malcolm Kelly drops into the second roun, I'd take him in a second.

What do you think?

Lance Armstrong runs Boston in 2:50:58

Lance Armstrong set a goal to run today's Boston Marathon in under 2 hours and 40 minutes. Although he did not reach that goal, it's amazing how people are drawn to his story. Once the winners crossed the finish line, VERSUS followed Armstrong to the finish. I found myself curious as to how fast the winners were.. but I was really more interested in Lance, and to see how well he would do. Watching the winners look like 26.2 miles was effortless does nothing for me. However, to watch Lance and see that he is in pain (like normal people feel during a marathon) is what draws in viewers. Armtrong came into his 3rd career marathon a little heavier than in his past 2, and missed several long runs a month ago due to a foot injury. Afterwards, he said he was like everyone else.. he struggled over the last 4 or so miles and again said running a marathon is the toughest thing he's ever done. That says alot coming from a man that has won as many Tour de France's as he has.
Today's winners were: Robert Cheruiyot in 2:07:46:, and Dire Tune in an unofficial time of 2:25:25.

Danica Patrick Wins

I'm happy for Danica Patrick. She became the first woman to win an Indycar race, by claiming the Japan 300. I'm also glad that her performance will now actually justify her hype. What she's done has been amazing. But it was getting a bit tired seeing her in every commercial, magazine spread and TV show....when she had yet to win a race. I know how the marketing world works, but the traditionalist in me ( and in a number of male IRL drivers) was hoping that the PR machine would slow down until she actually won something. We've seen it with Reggie Bush, Brady Quinn (??) and until this year, Eli Manning. All were athletes who were more famous for being pitchmen then they were in their actual sports. Now we can cross Danica off that list, and for that, I'm glad.