SB Nation User Blog: Fort Worth

Rumblings Scouting Report: DE Aaron Maybin

Fort Worth — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:28:02 -0000

Bumped from the FanPosts. This is exemplary work from Fort Worth. There have been a ton of quality FanPosts here recently. Keep up the good work, Rumblers. --Brian

One player that many bloggers here think the Bills should consider with their #11 overall selection in the upcoming draft is Penn State’s Aaron Maybin. If any of you are like me, you didn’t have a clue who Maybin was going into the 2008 season. Once I learned about him, it was too late in the season to watch enough of his games to give him a good evaluation. Since he was a sophomore, I figured he would return to Penn State for at least one more year, and then I could get a closer look at him. Well, the rest is history and I have to make do with what I have. For anyone that is interested, the following are my notes and observations of Aaron Maybin, compiled from game highlights, the entire Rose Bowl game (Penn State versus USC), and the Scouting Combine. Therefore, please consider this an incomplete evaluation.

Positives: Has natural pass rush ability. Shows good quickness off the snap, speed around the corner, and a burst to close. While he mostly penetrates with an outside speed rush, he will also counter by knifing inside or by using a spin move. Reaches out with his arms and forces fumbles. Showed some versatility by playing at both left and right defensive end, as well as occasionally dropping into and covering underneath zones. Defends the run on the move and in pursuit from the backside. Plays with passion and energy. Very competitive; hustles in games and participated in every event at the Combine. Good production (49 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2008). Appears to have good enough feet to play linebacker. Has added weight and gotten bigger and stronger. Good overall muscle definition. Has no known medical or durability issues and has not missed any games due to injury. Jumped well at the Combine (38” vertical, 10’4” broad).

Negatives: May not have the body type, particularly in the core, trunk, and thigh area where anchor strength is required to be an every-down defensive end in the NFL. Gets moved and pushed around in the running game. USC had some success running at him. Does not show the elite first-step quickness of a DeMarcus Ware or a Dwight Freeney, who are often the first guys moving at the snap. Displayed poor snap anticipation versus USC; was offside and penalized twice for it and almost received a third. Rarely double-teamed or chipped by a running back; is usually single blocked, regardless of run or pass. On two plays versus USC, he was single-blocked by a tight end and he stayed blocked. Only beats blockers with speed or an occasional spin move, and does not show great hand use or other moves to come free, such as a bull rush, a swim, a dip, or a club. Seems to have stiff hips for a linebacker. Demoted from first team to second team during the week of the Rose Bowl. Average overall Combine performance.

Much more after the jump.

Summary: Maybin has the tools to be a very good pass rusher, and with continued coaching and development, he has the potential to be a linebacker or a defensive end in the pros. His best NFL position could be rush linebacker. As a defensive end, some aspects of his game are correctable, but he could always struggle to defend the run in the trenches. Although Maybin could continue to add weight and muscle, the question is not only if he could still maintain his speed and quickness, but also if his body could naturally carry that added manufactured muscle and avoid injuries. Based on his raw talent and natural pass rush ability, I think Maybin grades out as a mid-first round pick.

Other Comments: While it may seem like Maybin has a lot of negatives, please understand these are merely my notes and observations, including specific plays, rather than negatives in his overall game. Also, some of his flaws are correctable. I do believe that Maybin is a first round talent. For a better evaluation, there are a few things that I would like to know but I don’t have access to, or I have been unable confirm: medical and injury information, personal background and character information, intangibles, more game tapes, and measured arm length to extend and defeat blockers, force fumbles, deflect passes, etc.

Additionally, I would like to caution anyone who labels players as being able or unable to do something purely based on height-weight-speed, without understanding what is more important and watching that player play.

When you only look at height or weight, it just doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, Emmitt Smith, one of the best inside runners of all time, was listed at 5’9” and 209 pounds. Reggie Bush is listed at 6’0” and 203 pounds and struggles running inside. Warrick Dunn is 5’9” and 187 pounds, he can run inside, but he also has very thick and strong thighs for his size. Every player is different. A player’s body type, physical makeup, and play in games are so much more important than simply their height and weight.

The same thing can be said about speed. Just because a cornerback runs a 4.3 or 4.4 in the 40 doesn’t automatically mean that he can play man coverage. I think Antrel Rolle ran a 4.3 or 4.4 in the 40, but was unsuccessful at cornerback. A cornerback must have the hips, fluidity, closing speed, and instincts to play man coverage. In addition, just because a wide receiver runs a 4.5 or 4.6 in the 40 doesn’t necessarily mean that he is a possession receiver or that he can’t make big plays down the field. We all know about Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, and Anquan Boldin.

Therefore, when I attempt to evaluate a guy like Aaron Maybin or any pro prospect, I try to avoid those stereotypes and just watch him play. Will he be able to play defensive end in the NFL? Although he gets washed out in the running game, does he have the potential to significantly improve in this area? I thought about every reasonably successful NFL defensive end that I could think of in the last 20 or so years, and the only player with a similar physical makeup to Maybin is Jason Taylor (thin trunk and thin thighs). So defensive end seems like a possibility but not a probability for Maybin. At the same time, like I said, every player is different. If Maybin plays at, say, a more natural 240 pounds, can he compensate against the run by playing with better leverage and technique? On the flip side, does he have the range and athletic ability to move in reverse and play linebacker? He may be best utilized in a hybrid role as a rush linebacker in the pros. Questionable position, unquestionable talent.

Jason Peters to End Holdout

Fort Worth — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:53:23 -0000

Finally some good news!!!

http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/09/05/pro-bowl-lt-peters-to-report-to-bills/

Even before the games begin, the Buffalo Bills and Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters have their first victory of the season.

Peters informed the Bills on Friday that he plans to end his summer-long holdout and report to the team Saturday, one day before Buffalo opens its season against Seattle. The team already has made the decision that Peters will not play Sunday against Seattle.

“It is our understanding that Jason has filed a re-instatement letter with the National Football League and that he is reporting to One Bills Drive tomorrow (Saturday) morning,” Bills COO Russ Brandon said in a statement released by the team.

With Peters applying to the league for reinstatement, the NFL is expected to grant the Bills a two-game roster exemption.

However, Buffalo could opt to activate Peters at any time, and would be expected to do so next week, meaning he would likely be available to play Sept. 14 at Jacksonville.

Peters will not be arriving in Buffalo with the new contract he has been seeking. But both sides have agreed to maintain an open dialogue throughout the season with the hopes of striking a deal that will satisfy both sides. Peters has three years left on his contract.

Paving the way for Peters arrival were the talks the two sides had throughout the past week, when they began speaking Monday morning for the first time in a long time. Throughout the summer they had limited, if any contract, but with the regular season approaching, both sides recognized the need to open the lines of communication, which they did.

Those talks resulted in a compromise that will bolster Buffalo’s offensive line, afford quarterback Trent Edwards more time to throw, and running back Marshawn Lynch more holes to run through. Peters is on his way back, and this is a win even before the season begins.

Great Debate

Fort Worth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:18:56 -0000

For anyone interested in a great debate/discussion, please read and COMMENT IN THIS LINK (near the bottom of the thread):

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/story/2008/3/23/0837/94675#commenttop

I look forward to hearing from you!

Often times discussion is discontinued in threads that are a day or two old despite some excellent comments that are posted later and not read.

My only purpose for writing this diary is because I would like to get some additional comments specifically in the thread linked above. It's too great of a back-and-forth discussion to attempt to summarize in a diary. However, I am purposely rambling on here to meet the minimum 300 character requirement to post a diary. This should do it (from Pro Football Weekly):

March 21, 2008

The most eagerly anticipated new face in the Bills' defense isn't massive DT Marcus Stroud. Nor is it free-agent acquisition WLB Kawika Mitchell. Rather, it's MLB Paul Posluszny. Technically, he's entering his second season in Buffalo, but after suffering a season-ending broken forearm in Week Three, he's essentially a new addition. According to a Bills source, Posluszny was an active presence around the team facilities throughout the season, unlike many injured players who slink into the background. His hardnosed style fits in well with the Bills' mantra, and his heady play provides the team with what it believes will be the consummate defensive centerpiece. That being said, don't expect him to alter, or provide flexibility, to the game plan. He won't be asked to do much blitzing, and his primary importance is providing a physical, run-stuffing body to a unit that was undermanned in '07. Mitchell, active coming off the edge on blitzes, is the addition that allows for the most defensive options.

Draft Thoughts

Fort Worth — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:52:41 -0000

I would like to save the Rumblings Community some time, energy, and future disappointment by promoting awareness of the probability that all of the Bills' roster needs will not be properly addressed in the upcoming draft.

Now, take a deep breath.

Please do not misinterpret my initial statement. Obviously I am hoping for and not ruling out the possibility that the Bills can get 8 future Pro Bowlers out of this draft. However, I am encouraging everyone to acknowledge the probability. In addition, my statement says nothing about making the playoffs in 2008.

This is a league-wide challenge that is not exclusive to the Buffalo Bills. Many teams are in a similar situation as the Bills: team needs exceed team resources. In no particular order, the Bills need two wide receivers, a defensive end, a cornerback, a strong safety, a tight end, a center, and a defensive tackle, not to mention overall team depth. Many of these players need to be very good players. Although they currently have 8 draft picks, most drafts only yield about 3 good players. Just because a position of need is drafted, in any round, does not mean that the position of need is properly addressed. Essentially, not everyone is going to be happy. When push comes to shove, something has to give. Unless they get a Jared Allen in the fourth round and a Marques Colston in the seventh round, I don't see any likely way around it. Unfortunately, some positions are likely going to have to wait until later (next year) to be properly addressed.

I think the Bills should select Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB, Tennessee State) in the first round, Tyrell Johnson (SS, Arkansas State) in the THIRD round, and trade their fifth round pick to Tampa Bay for WR Michael Clayton. Honestly at this point, I would be pretty happy with that. Additionally, an elite WR or TE needs to come from somewhere in this draft. As I mentioned, some positions are likely going to have to wait until later to be properly addressed. Tough pill to swallow.

I think everyone, including myself, would like the Bills to trade down in the first round with a team such as Dallas. This seems like such an easy solution, but in reality it is probably a pipe dream.

Latest on Shaun Rogers

Fort Worth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:52:01 -0000

From Pro Football Weekly:

Don't lock Rogers in with trade to Broncos -- yet

Feb. 27, 2008

Although the Broncos are among the DT-needy teams that have contacted the Lions about a trade for Shaun Rogers, don't expect a deal to happen in the next couple of days as many media outlets are reporting. We hear the Lions suddenly have found themselves in the catbird seat, discovering a healthy market for their defensive tackle. Although they are almost certain to part with him -- we hear the team thinks he'll never reach his full potential in Detroit -- they'll be content to sit back and let teams up the ante. The Lions will shoot for getting a second-round pick in return but may accept a high third-rounder, something in the first 75 picks, for Rogers, we hear. The irony of the situation is that team president Matt Millen probably would prefer to keep Rogers -- Millen drafted him, and the two get along -- but the relationship between Rogers and head coach Rod Marinelli is so broken down that it's clear that Rogers has played his final snap as a Lion. There is a bit of urgency to do a deal by this weekend, considering that Rogers is due a $1 million roster bonus on Saturday, but it's possible that the team may pay the bonus if the right deal isn't available to them yet and then wait for a better offer.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+North/Detroit/WWHI/2008/wwhi022708.htm

Window of Opportunity

Fort Worth — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:09:33 -0000

What seems like our community's consensus support for building the Bills at a slow and steady pace beggs the question: What size is the typical window of opportunity in the NFL these days? As young as the Bills are, how big (or small) is their window of opportunity?

By the time the Bills realize what they need to acquire (real, elite talent; they already have plenty of high character and high effort players that are short on talent; find a balance) to be serious contenders, Jason Peters, Lee Evans, Angelo Crowell, Terrence McGee, Donte Whitner, John McCargo, Marshawn Lynch, and Paul Posluszny will be in line for new contracts and solid starters such as Langston Walker and Aaron Schobel will need to be replaced. You only have so much time, money, draft picks, and franchise tags to use.

Yes, I know. It's called the challenge of building a consistent winning program in the NFL. The more success that you have, the more likely it is that you will lose the individual parts that make you successful (players and coaches). You can only afford to maintain your core group of personnel. My short answer is to draft and develop and take advantage of pro personnel opportunities (Roy Williams?).

My questions are: How much time do the Bills have? Is slow and steady the best way to build in this era? I do not think the Redskins (although they've had more success than the Bills recently) and the Raiders can be used as examples of why not build fast. It seems like they go out and get big name players that don't fit. The bottom line is that you have to acquire the right players, which does not exclude acquiring elite players. And it doesn't have to be every year like the Redskins and Raiders, just once in a while. Takeo Spikes was the last impact pro personnel acquisition that I can recall. The Bills are due for another one soon.

I'm sure we all know about Dick Jauron's histroy. Same ingredients, same results. Will Jauron learn to adjust his philosophies? The best way to complement his Cover 2/Prevent defense (thanks, Nick) is with an explosive offense. Does Jauron have it in him?

Time for Patriots to Pay Up?

Fort Worth — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:49:49 -0000

I am not saying that the Patriots are in decline (they still have Tom Brady in his prime), I just hope they will have some trouble in the future. Pre-2007, they still had good players without spending a lot of money. Furthermore, I am sure there are loopholes in the system that we may not be aware of. Anyway, these are two good reads. Enjoy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2859992

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/WWHI/2007/wwhi2230.htm

Bills to Draft WR at #11?

Fort Worth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:57:40 -0000

Not exactly a new flash in these quarters, but possibly some reinforcement. From Pro Football Weekly:

Bills looking for more size in WR corps

Feb. 1, 2008

While the Bills see new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert as an important step in getting more out of the passing attack, a receiver upgrade is sorely needed. With Lee Evans entrenched as the No. 1 receiver, the lack of a legitimate No. 2 option has kept the aerial attack shackled. The Bills love Roscoe Parrish, but at just 5-9, 171 pounds, he's strictly a change-of-pace, deep-threat type who can't handle the physical rigors of being an every-down receiver. Peerless Price has been a colossal disappointment and is a good candidate to be cut. Team insiders tell us that the need for a big receiver is of paramount importance. The Bills didn't have the type of receiver to go up and grab the key third-down reception this past season, and they're adamant about filling that void. They took the first step earlier in the week by signing 6-foot-7 TE-WR hybrid Teyo Johnson -- a Stanford product, like Schonert and QB Trent Edwards -- but he has yet to prove to be a capable receiver at the pro level. If either Texas' Limas Sweed or Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly -- the consensus top two big wide receivers in this year's draft -- are available when the Bills select at No. 11, expect Buffalo to choose one of them.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+East/Buffalo/WWHI/2007/wwhi020108.htm

Troy Williamson

Fort Worth — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:51:52 -0000

Would anyone be interested in acquiring Minnesota WR Troy Williamson? I'm sure he could be obtained for very little compensation. As a former #7 overall selection in the 2005 draft, his size and speed has never been questioned. However, he clearly has struggled to consistently catch passes thus far in his short career. He's still young, and I believe that Williamson may still have some serious potential. Anyone interested?

Another question: is catching a football a talent or a skill?

I think talent is gifts that you are born with. In football, talent is usually physical gifts. Size, speed, quickness, and arm strength are good examples of talent. Conversely, I think skill is something that can be learned with experience. In football, route running, coverage reads, and pass rush moves are good examples of skill.

If catching a football is a skill, then why not target wide receivers such as Troy Williamson and Devery Henderson as potential acquisitions?

Scenario: if I were scouting a receiver with many positive attributes, but I knew that he dropped a lot of passes, is that okay because pass catching can always be coached up?

Many fans incorrectly assume that just because a player plays the wide receiver position that catching the football is a given.

With all of our discussion regarding YAC, if a receiver cannot catch, then yards-after-catch becomes irrelevant.

Rd. 1 Mock Draft Tracker

Fort Worth — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:11:49 -0000

Brian,

I found another mock draft for you to add to our mock draft database:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2007/mock2229.htm

Obviously this is early and things are likely to change. However, in general, Pro Football Weekly is a pretty knowledgeable resource.
I want to emphasize that if the Bills stay at #11, they must take the player that is ranked at, above, or pretty darn close to #11 on their overall draft board. While Keith Rivers and Dan Connor are good, solid players, I do not think they are #11 overall material. At #11, the Bills need to get more than just a solid player; they need to get an elite player. Don't reach for need!