Sell Crowell? (1 Viewer)

[Keith Lewis]

Bills would keep Willis at MLB Written by: Allen Wilson ¦ 4/19/2007 Source: www.buffalonews.com With Takeo Spikes traded to Philadelphia, London Fletcher signing with Washington and Angelo Crowell recovering from a broken leg, Levy acknowledged help is needed at linebacker. To be exact, the Bills want a linebacker who is a run-stuffer.

The best prospect in the draft is Mississippi's Patrick Willis. The consensus All-American and Butkus Award winner is among numerous rookies the Bills have brought in for visits.



The Bills have considered moving Crowell from the weak side to the middle. But he would slide to the strong-side spot if the Bills draft Willis, a natural middle linebacker with the size, instincts and toughness to excel at the pro level.

Willis raised a lot of eyebrows when he ran a staggering 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his on-campus workout a few weeks after running 4.51 seconds at the combine. Some players are faster on the track than they are on the field. But Modrak said that isn't the case with Willis after looking at the game film.

"In his case, his timed speed supports his ability to run on the field," Modrak said. "We know that he's fast, he can run and get to the ball anywhere on the field and cover the field. Just by his numbers he makes a lot of plays."

http://www.buffalonews.com/

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

He should still be a three down LB and a decent LB3 if that happens. I wouldn't sell unless you can get the value he would have as a top 10 LB, and someone would have to be crazy to give that for him.

Plus, Denver is going to trade up to Houston's spot and take Willis

 

[Rozelle]

Do ya think Willis gets past the Niners @ 1.11?

 

[Jene Bramel]

He should still be a three down LB and a decent LB3 if that happens. I wouldn't sell unless you can get the value he would have as a top 10 LB, and someone would have to be crazy to give that for him.Plus, Denver is going to trade up to Houston's spot and take Willis

Agree. Willis isn't on board yet, and nearly every other LB prospect would fit better outside than inside in a predominantly Cover-2 scheme. Crowell's upside is too high to move right now IMO.

 

[Rozelle]

The Bills have alot of holes to fill outside of a LB. RB is a pressing need as is CB and WR. I could see them trading back, to aquire more picks and drafting Lynch. Curious what Aaron thinks they'll do?

 

[Keg]

i am going out on a limb and saying that Buff makes a play for Adrian Peterson(if he slips past #3)

 

[Pipes]

Why wouldn't Crowell just stay at weak side if they draft Willis?

 

[KellysHeroes]

I doubt Willis gets that high... his stock rises everyday... don't sweat

 

[lord_helmet]

Someone already sold him.... To me , my trade for Al Wilson got ugly fast so I figured I needed to make a move for a "sure thing"

I gave up alot of depth with lengthy contracts and a 3rd rd rookie pick, so I guess it won't hurt too much even if the worst case scenario comes true but damn the hits just keep piling up on both sides of the ball.

We shall see, but if Willis falls to them I wouldnt be surprised to see the Bills call his name. Hopefully they're in love with one of the toprated corners or Lynch maybe.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

He should still be a three down LB and a decent LB3 if that happens. I wouldn't sell unless you can get the value he would have as a top 10 LB, and someone would have to be crazy to give that for him.

Agree. Willis isn't on board yet, and nearly every other LB prospect would fit better outside than inside in a predominantly Cover-2 scheme. Crowell's upside is too high to move right now IMO.

Crowell is the Bills best linebacker. They are going to build their defense around him. If he does play SLB instead of MLB, it will certainly hurt his numbers a bit. But, the difference between WLB and SLB in this scheme is not that great since he'll be a 3-down LB and the WLB Ellison probably won't. Sometimes, talent trumps position and I think this would be one of those situations.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Why wouldn't Crowell just stay at weak side if they draft Willis?

It's more of a right/left situation than weak/strong, but Crowell was the LOLB/SLB while Ellison was covering for Takeo Spikes in 2006. It may end up being only a marginal difference if Elllison improves this off-season, but Crowell is better at shedding blocks than Ellison and the Bills will probably elect to keep him aligned predominantly on the strong side if both play outside.What will be interesting is what happens with Ellison and say, Justin Durant or Rufus Alexander or insert-undersized-rookie-OLB-draft-pick-here if the Bills miss/pass on a clear MLB like Willis.

 

[TEOM]

He should still be a three down LB and a decent LB3 if that happens. I wouldn't sell unless you can get the value he would have as a top 10 LB, and someone would have to be crazy to give that for him.

Plus, Denver is going to trade up to Houston's spot and take Willis

not to hijack, but as a DJ Williams owner who has been waiting p a t i e n t l y, can I get a little clarification of substantiation of this

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

He should still be a three down LB and a decent LB3 if that happens. I wouldn't sell unless you can get the value he would have as a top 10 LB, and someone would have to be crazy to give that for him.

Plus, Denver is going to trade up to Houston's spot and take Willis

not to hijack, but as a DJ Williams owner who has been waiting p a t i e n t l y, can I get a little clarification of substantiation of this

no substance, just the knowledge that Denver is never satisfied to sit around and wait for their pick on draft day - when they see a guy they want, they go after him, and the fact that Willis could start from day one and have them not miss a beat.I own DJ in a few leagues myself, he'll still be ok.

 

[Bob Magaw]

i agree with nearly everybody here...

possible willis gone by that pick... you could also make case for RB or CB...

the risk is greater that he STAYS at MLB & you can't get fair value AHEAD OF THIS CONFIRMATION...

than that willis becomes MLB & crowell is shunted to SLB...

but i like how you are thinking... a great shark strategy is to be pre-emptive & proactive in your thinking, & try & see what is looming just around the corner before everybody else...

 

[Biabreakable]

Just want to add that I have bought Crowell twice in the past few weeks at a cost I consider worth the risk even if he has no improvement from past performance because of the upside. I like my chances that he will pay off on investment made.

I did this with the knowledge that the Bills may indeed end up with Willis.

Being smart sometimes involves taking risks and advantage of those thinking of selling high..

 

[TecmoBeast]

crowell was producing big with london next to him, i don't think you can lose

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

crowell was producing big with london next to him, i don't think you can lose

this is another good point. last year, when Spikes went down with an injury, Crowell moved to the strong side and Ellison was inserted at WLB. Crowell's numbers weren't hurt, and I think Fletcher probably stole a lot more tackles from him than a rookie would.

 

[bcr8f]

I think Denver's going to give up their 3.05 to SF move up and grab Willis. At least I hope they do. In Bates' system he will put up some monster numbers for years.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the Bills are saying today they wouldn't have taken Willis even if he was there at #12.

speculation is also that Posluszny will play MLB and Crowell will shift to SLB.

 

[bcr8f]

the Bills are saying today they wouldn't have taken Willis even if he was there at #12.speculation is also that Posluszny will play MLB and Crowell will shift to SLB.

Really. Ellison at WLB then?

 

[Jene Bramel]

the Bills are saying today they wouldn't have taken Willis even if he was there at #12.speculation is also that Posluszny will play MLB and Crowell will shift to SLB.

Really. Ellison at WLB then?

It's more of a LOLB/ROLB deal, but yeah, that's the way it worked last year when Spikes was out.

 

[Keith Lewis]

Trading Crowell for Hawk is feeling ever so more tingly now.

 

[bcr8f]

Trading Crowell for Hawk is feeling ever so more tingly now.

Someone traded Hawk for Crowell? From the Democrat and Chronicle(LB positions)-

"He played them both and played them pretty well," said Jauron. "He's athletic and he's a smart guy, so we'll let him compete and see how it falls. We won't slot him to start out."

Meaning he could fit as London Fletcher's replacement in the middle, or Takeo Spikes' replacement on the outside.

"He's a terrific athlete who has really good instincts for the ball," said assistant general manager Tom Modrak. "He has a great nose for the ball, his drops in coverage are very good. We're very excited that he has a whole lot of talent and the intangibles that we talk about."

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Jauron says ideally he sees Posluszny manning the middle linebacker position.

"This guy is really good and he can play inside or out," Jauron said. "I would love to see him be more comfortable inside and leave Angelo (Crowell) where he is and just move forward."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4754looks like Ellison/Posluszny/Crowell as the starting group.

Crowell will play in the nickel and dime defense. Ellison and Posluszny will likely compete for the other nickel spot. not great news for Crowell, but he should still be a solid LB3. Ellison is certainly a good sleeper candidate right now, and Posluszny should have the biggest upside of the 3.

 

[lord_helmet]

 

[lord_helmet]

Guess its safe to say reports are a little conflicting right now

(Rotoworld) Bills LB Angelo Crowell is expected to play outside this season.Impact: Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick, is penciled in as the new starting middle linebacker. Keith Ellison should start at strong side.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Guess its safe to say reports are a little conflicting right now(Rotoworld) Bills LB Angelo Crowell is expected to play outside this season.Impact: Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick, is penciled in as the new starting middle linebacker. Keith Ellison should start at strong side.

I don't think there are conflicting reports at all. Rotoworld just has this one wrong with their mention about Ellison playing the strong side.But, as Jene mentioned, the Bills use a ROLB/LOLB alignment. Most of the time, Ellison will be on the weakside lined up behind Aaron Schobel. Crowell will generally line up across from the opposing TE. This is what the Bills did last year when Spikes was injured. They inserted Ellison at WLB and shifted Crowell to SLB. Crowell is more comfortable playing outside since that's where he's been for pretty much his entire NFL career so makes sense to keep him there.

 

[lord_helmet]

Guess its safe to say reports are a little conflicting right now(Rotoworld) Bills LB Angelo Crowell is expected to play outside this season.Impact: Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick, is penciled in as the new starting middle linebacker. Keith Ellison should start at strong side.

I don't think there are conflicting reports at all. Rotoworld just has this one wrong with their mention about Ellison playing the strong side.But, as Jene mentioned, the Bills use a ROLB/LOLB alignment. Most of the time, Ellison will be on the weakside lined up behind Aaron Schobel. Crowell will generally line up across from the opposing TE. This is what the Bills did last year when Spikes was injured. They inserted Ellison at WLB and shifted Crowell to SLB. Crowell is more comfortable playing outside since that's where he's been for pretty much his entire NFL career so makes sense to keep him there.

Thought so, see post #25

 

[ATRAIN56]

Rotoworld) Bills LB Angelo Crowell is expected to play outside this season

.

Impact: Paul Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round pick, is penciled in as the new starting middle linebacker. Keith Ellison should start at strong side.

 

[TEOM]

CAN Keith Ellison start at strong side? I don't get the impression that this is his prescribed role....?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

CAN Keith Ellison start at strong side? I don't get the impression that this is his prescribed role....?

he's not. rotoworld got that wrong.the article they link to as the source of that blurb says this:

The Bills had to get a linebacker early in the draft and they ended up with the guy most analysts rated as second best in the draft. Paul Posluszny gives the Bills size, quickness and athleticism at a vital position. He also gives them flexibility because he can play middle linebacker or on the strong side. The Bills gave some consideration to moving last year’s weak side starter, Angelo Crowell, to middle linebacker, but Jauron would prefer to play Posluszny in the middle and keep Crowell outside, where he’s more comfortable.

I think they are mis-interpreting the above statement. When Spikes was in the lineup last year, Crowell played on the weakside. But, when Spikes was out of the lineup, Ellison played WLB and Crowell played SLB.the Bills want to upgrade their run defense. putting the 228 pound Ellison at SLB is not likely to do that.

 

[ditka85]

I'm debating whether to keep Derrick Brooks or Crowell. I'm leaning toward keeping Crowell at this point. If Crowell is SLB, will he stay on the field on 3rd down?

 

[Keith Lewis]

I think people missed the boat here, should have traded high and also sent over Jene's LB rankings at the time where Crowell is #1. Hearing things like "He will still be a good LB3" isn't encouraging, when the MLB news broke a couple of months ago I was extremely high on him, not so much now. He still has value, more than Derrick Brooks for the one poster who asked.

 

[Pipes]

I think people missed the boat here, should have traded high and also sent over Jene's LB rankings at the time where Crowell is #1. Hearing things like "He will still be a good LB3" isn't encouraging, when the MLB news broke a couple of months ago I was extremely high on him, not so much now. He still has value, more than Derrick Brooks for the one poster who asked.

Not if you're at the other end of the equation. I thought I was pulling a shark move and traded for Crowell about a month ago. I didn't give up alot so it wasn't a bad deal on my part....I'm just not as fired up about it today as I was a month ago.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I think people missed the boat here, should have traded high and also sent over Jene's LB rankings at the time where Crowell is #1. Hearing things like "He will still be a good LB3" isn't encouraging, when the MLB news broke a couple of months ago I was extremely high on him, not so much now. He still has value, more than Derrick Brooks for the one poster who asked.

And just one more cautionary tale that any set of rankings/projections done between January and mid-April aren't worth much. Late free agency, the draft and mini-camps are hugely important to predicting how things will look in September. Training camp will matter some, but if you recall 2006 we knew all the major moves by the middle of June. Ryans and Morrison were MLB by then. We knew Thurman was suspended. We knew Gerald Hayes was the clear favorite in Arizona. We didn't know what was going on in Minnesota or New Orleans but that was because there wasn't anybody who was obviously talented enough to have top value. It's the essence of buy low -- sell high. If you paid any more than LB3 value for Angelo Crowell or Bradie James or James Anderson on the strength of the consensus rankings in February or my projected "if the season started today" rankings in March, you made an error. Similarly, it's still my opinion that if you sold Crowell for less than LB2 value last week, you made an error.In most cases of questionable value, it's exceedingly difficult to predict what a given coaching staff is thinking even when they specifically tell you what the plan is in March. Not one week before the draft, the Tampa Bay coaches are giving votes of confidence to Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen. Now, it's looking better than 50-50 that at least one will lose his job in camp and quite possibly both. I'll never understand why leagues hold rookie drafts or startup drafts before mid-June just because they're so excited after the NFL Draft. I'll guarantee you that there'll be at least two IDPs (and probably more) who are in that "some 2007 potential" tier who'll vault themselves into the top three. Same goes for offensive talent. You may get some shark advantage by grabbing a developmental talent in the 4th round that you expect to have value. But I'd much rather wait until a guy like DeMeco Ryans or Roman Harper declares himself as ready NOW. Everybody who drafted Chad Greenway or Michael Huff in the second round in May when they would've taken Ryans or Harper instead in June knows the pain.

 

[lord_helmet]

I'll never understand why leagues hold rookie drafts or startup drafts before mid-June just because they're so excited after the NFL Draft.

Early drafts is more like the real one, you can land a stud even after the first couple of rounds. Sometimes things change in camp yes but NFL teams doesnt get those before making their picks either.

 

[Rozelle]

I'll never understand why leagues hold rookie drafts or startup drafts before mid-June just because they're so excited after the NFL Draft.

Early drafts is more like the real one, you can land a stud even after the first couple of rounds. Sometimes things change in camp yes but NFL teams doesnt get those before making their picks either.

Its an old school thing for me. To a certain extent, I like it when you really had to do your homework and dig and scrap for info. Basically, by drafting earlier, as a general rule, you get out of it what you put in it.

 

[chook]

I'll never understand why leagues hold rookie drafts or startup drafts before mid-June just because they're so excited after the NFL Draft.

Early drafts is more like the real one, you can land a stud even after the first couple of rounds. Sometimes things change in camp yes but NFL teams doesnt get those before making their picks either.

Its an old school thing for me. To a certain extent, I like it when you really had to do your homework and dig and scrap for info. Basically, by drafting earlier, as a general rule, you get out of it what you put in it.

It also adds to the gamble of it all, which makes it a buttload more fun.

 

[msommer]

I'll never understand why leagues hold rookie drafts or startup drafts before mid-June just because they're so excited after the NFL Draft.

Early drafts is more like the real one, you can land a stud even after the first couple of rounds. Sometimes things change in camp yes but NFL teams doesnt get those before making their picks either.

Its an old school thing for me. To a certain extent, I like it when you really had to do your homework and dig and scrap for info. Basically, by drafting earlier, as a general rule, you get out of it what you put in it.

It also adds to the gamble of it all, which makes it a buttload more fun.

or it can be a way of keeping the league alive all year. In one league I'm in we've already done two auctions and the rookie draft will begin on Sunday...

 

[chook]

From Sporting News...

Bills Team Report

Posted: May 4, 2007

Allen WilsonFor Sporting News

SCOUTING REPORT: After starting last season on the weak side, OLB Angelo Crowell is expected to replace strongside starter Takeo Spikes, who was traded. Crowell has been a solid starter the past two seasons. He plays with a nonstop motor, possesses good lateral movement and has the quickness and range to make plays from sideline to sideline. He's instinctive and fills hole against the run, showing good strength and leverage at the point of attack. He's a reliable tackler and works well in space. Crowell doesn't have great range in pass coverage, but can run with some running backs and tight ends. The team considered moving Crowell to the middle, but he's better suited outside where his speed and athleticism make him a good fit in the team's defensive scheme.

Nothing really new (just more opinion), but more information for the masses nonetheless.

 

[noneother]

From Sporting News...

Bills Team Report

Posted: May 4, 2007

Allen WilsonFor Sporting News

SCOUTING REPORT: After starting last season on the weak side, OLB Angelo Crowell is expected to replace strongside starter Takeo Spikes, who was traded. Crowell has been a solid starter the past two seasons. He plays with a nonstop motor, possesses good lateral movement and has the quickness and range to make plays from sideline to sideline. He's instinctive and fills hole against the run, showing good strength and leverage at the point of attack. He's a reliable tackler and works well in space. Crowell doesn't have great range in pass coverage, but can run with some running backs and tight ends. The team considered moving Crowell to the middle, but he's better suited outside where his speed and athleticism make him a good fit in the team's defensive scheme.

Nothing really new (just more opinion), but more information for the masses nonetheless.

that mean Putz is the favorite for the middle??

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

that mean Putz is the favorite for the middle??

not sure Putz is a good nickname, but yes Paul Posluszny figures to be the starting MLB in Buffalo for the forseeable future.

 

[lord_helmet]

that mean Putz is the favorite for the middle??

not sure Putz is a good nickname, but yes Paul Posluszny figures to be the starting MLB in Buffalo for the forseeable future.

But there is a small matter of winning the job first right ? (which I don't doubt that he will). Also Crowell might be the LOLB, but can we agree that doesnt nescessarily make him chopped liver ? He just won't put up the stud numbers all us hopefuls was dreaming about.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

that mean Putz is the favorite for the middle??

not sure Putz is a good nickname, but yes Paul Posluszny figures to be the starting MLB in Buffalo for the forseeable future.

But there is a small matter of winning the job first right ? (which I don't doubt that he will). Also Crowell might be the LOLB, but can we agree that doesnt nescessarily make him chopped liver ? He just won't put up the stud numbers all us hopefuls was dreaming about.

well, I don't really see him competing with anyone for the job. if he struggles, they could flop him with Crowell. But, the Bills don't really have anyone else ready to push for a starting spot, and given how much they like him, it sounds like the job is basically his to lose.Crowell should be fine. He'll play in the nickel and dime packages and probably put up a few sacks and interceptions to go along with solid tackle numbers. He won't be an IDP stud but he'll be productive and reliable.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think Putz is a fine nickname for a LB.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

May 18, 2007 Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 9:10 AM ET | Link

CROWELL PREFERS OLB: While most of us can figure out in an ideal situation the Bills starting lineup at LB would be Crowell (SLB), Posluszny (MLB) and Ellison (WLB), Buffalo's coaching staff isn't committing to it yet, presumably until they see Posluszny in this scheme in pads playing close to live football, but it's no secret that's what they'd prefer to have on the field Sept. 9. Further proof that it is indeed the plan was this comment from Angelo Crowell on Sirius NFL radio. When asked where he'd like to play in the defense his response was the following.

"I would kind of prefer to play on the outside just because that's what I'm used to."

I think the outside is better for Crowell too. He's not as thickly built as Posluszny, but has more range than the rookie which helps on the outside. Knowing how highly the staff thinks of Crowell's abilities it's hard not to believe they feel he's most valuable outside. I think they just need to see Poz working effectively inside in a live football setting to sign off on the lineup above.

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

 

[duece2626]

Bills | Crowell expected to start on strong side

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:47:34 -0700

The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills LB Angelo Crowell is expected to start at the strongside linebacker position this season.

Per KFFL

 

[Stunt Rock]

that mean Putz is the favorite for the middle??

not sure Putz is a good nickname, but yes Paul Posluszny figures to be the starting MLB in Buffalo for the forseeable future.

But there is a small matter of winning the job first right ? (which I don't doubt that he will). Also Crowell might be the LOLB, but can we agree that doesnt nescessarily make him chopped liver ? He just won't put up the stud numbers all us hopefuls was dreaming about.

well, I don't really see him competing with anyone for the job. if he struggles, they could flop him with Crowell. But, the Bills don't really have anyone else ready to push for a starting spot, and given how much they like him, it sounds like the job is basically his to lose.Crowell should be fine. He'll play in the nickel and dime packages and probably put up a few sacks and interceptions to go along with solid tackle numbers. He won't be an IDP stud but he'll be productive and reliable.

Wasn't he productive even when in the SLB position the past 2 years?