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Our community mock continues with the Buffalo Bills on the clock!
The 2014 BTB Community Draft continues!
This is our favorite opportunity to interact with our community and allow them some front-page limelight, while simultaneously getting our first in-depth look at several candidates for the draft's first round.
This will be much more than just one community member's idea of how to help out their assigned teams. After each selection is forwarded to me, I will gather all of the pertinent information about this prospect from some of the internet's best draft resources. We will try to highlight the profile's best and worst traits, so that our reader's are highly educated come May 8th when these guys names are called.
To keep things simple, no trades are allowed; I think for a one round exercise that does little to actually project how things are going to turn out. One GM, one team, one pick. Let's get it on!
Draft Pick # 9
Team Name: Buffalo Bills
GM: LeedsCowboys
Selection: (WR) Sammy Watkins, Clemson
Why the pick:
In running the podium, the Bills almost knock over several tables on their way to turn in their card.
The Bills land the #1 WR in the 2014 draft. A smooth running athletic, 4.43 WR with good footwork. With Jackson and Spiller they can run the ball, and with Stevie Johnson and Scott Chandler they have 2 reliable vets at WR and TE, but they lack real quality and depth at Wide Receiver, yes they have the aforementioned Johnson, and last year they drafted Robert Woods in the 2nd round and Goodwin the former track star in the 3rd round, but in Watkins they finally have a true down field vertical threat who finished with 101 passes for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013 for Clemson.
Buffalo now has a corps of 3 very young receivers and a young QB to build on their future.
Other players considered: Ha Sean Clinton Dix, FS the loss of Jaryus Byrd has left a hole in the middle of the backfield. Taylor Lewan, OT Buffalo still has issues on its OL and protecting last years #1 pick EJ Manual, Lewan would add some nasty to OL.
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Feature Receiver, Right Tackle, Tight End
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): 4-3 Defensive End, Middle Linebacker, Guard, Feature Back, Center, Strong Safety
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): 4-3 Defensive Tackle, Nose Tackle, Corner, Free Safety, Quarterback
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Speed Receiver, Left Tackle, COP Back, Outside Linebacker
-- Drafttek.com ranked #4 Overall, #1 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #2 Overall, #1 at the position
Watkins has good size at 6'1 - 205 and is strong. He plays taller because of his long arms. To go along with his size, he has good athleticism and body control. He is fast (4.48 est.) with quick change of direction and is explosive. He can be very physical and does a good job competing for the ball in traffic.
Watkins is used often on quick bubble screens. He shows he can snatch the ball on these type of plays and consistently gets yards after the catch. He also runs slants, outs, comebacks and deep routes. He does a good job setting up defensive backs with double moves on the deeper routes. When running routes, he can sink his hips and get in and out of cuts quickly to gain separation. On comeback routes, he doesn't waste time chopping his feet. He can put his foot in the ground and burst back. He shows he can find the seams in zone. He usually shows very good hands and almost always tries to snatch the ball, but he will have an occasional concentration drop. He is a consistent runner after the catch showing instincts, moves, and power. He has the skills to turn a short pass into a long gain.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #4 overall, #1 at the position
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #8 overall, #1 at the position
-- OptimumScouting.com ranked #8 overall, #1 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #6 overall, #1 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #4 overall, #1 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #1 at the position
-- Josh Norris ranked #4 overall, #1at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):
STRENGTHS:
Smooth acceleration and doesn't take long to get up to full speed. Follows blocks well with controlled burst to weave through defenders - multiple gears to win at every level of the field.
Sharp footwork off the line of scrimmage to beat press and get vertical with his galloping strides. Terrific body control and coordination with smooth hips and joints. Good depth in his routes with quick footwork in/out of his breaks, working the soft spots vs. zone.
Above average ball skills and has shown steady improvements in this area over the years. Nice job adjusting his frame and watching the ball into his soft hands, snatching the ball and quickly getting upfield. Good hand size and uses his quick mitts to pluck off-target throws. Tracks well with the hands to highpoint and finish.
Good patience before bursting to top speed and sets up his routes well - veteran at playing the ball and the defender. Dangerous catch-and-go pass catcher and will create yardage on his own, forcing poor angles by defenders. Tough and will lower his pads to initiate contact. Active blocker and gets the job done in this area.
Versatile experience lining up wide, in the slot and in the backfield - also as an impact return man. Productive career, school-record for career receiving yards.
WEAKNESSES:
Only average height with a leaner than ideal build, lacking elite muscle definition or strength. Lacks elite speed and more of a glider. Not overly physical and won't break many tackles.
Hands are steady, but he'll have his share of focus drops, especially when he hears footsteps - a few botched returns on his resume. Room to improve his reliability on 50/50 passes. Minor durability concerns. Character needs investigated - arrested in May 2012 on drug-related charges.
'13 Sammy Watkins vs Ohio State
'13 Sammy Watkins vs Syracuse
Previous Picks:
Houston, Jadeveon Clowney,
St Louis Rams, Greg Robinson,
Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnny Manziel,
Cleveland Browns, Blake Bortles,
Oakland Raiders, Khalil Mack
Atlanta Falcons, Jake Matthews,
Tampa Bay Bucs, Teddy Bridgewater,
Minnesota Vikings, Aaron Donald
St Louis Rams, Greg Robinson,
Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnny Manziel,
Cleveland Browns, Blake Bortles,
Oakland Raiders, Khalil Mack
Atlanta Falcons, Jake Matthews,
Tampa Bay Bucs, Teddy Bridgewater,
Minnesota Vikings, Aaron Donald
Poll
Do you agree with this pick for Buffalo?
- A resounding yes. Fortune favors the bold!
- The pick makes sense, it does... but I would've gone somewhere else with it.
- Winter is coming.
30 votes | Results
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