Willis McGahee (1 Viewer)

[Defending Champs]

I haven't heard much discussion on this board about him.

I can see the ADP and the writers predictions, just kind of curious what the Sharks around the Pool think.

Is the QB situation scaring too many? Maybe it's more reason to get him high on your list? I don't see this team throwing the ball too much.

 

[Defending Champs]

Sorry, now I see the thread that is active. I overlooked it when I was looking through here.

 

[(HULK)]

I think he's slightly undervalued.

I can't see him doing any worse than last year. His schedule against the run is better than last year. I expect that he'll find the endzone more than last year as well.

You should be able to snag him as your RB2 in the second round, and I think he presents an excellent value there.

 

[Joe T]

What is his current ADP?

 

[Banger]

McGahee has talent but a bad line, questionable qb and questionable defense (could be good or bad). I think Willis was overvalued last year due to his great schedule and high TD count and is undervalued this year due to the number of owners burned and the ? marks on offense.

Not many RB's will have Willis opportunity (350+ touch min if healthy) and the entire offense will run through him. He was severely misused last year in the red zone (there will be an emphasis to get the ball in his hands more), he will be the 3rd down back and used more as a WR than any point in his career (was taken out in 3rd down situations last year for some unknown reason), has dropped weight to increase quickness/burst, has a new coaching staff that has stated that they will get him the ball and has no talent behind him to take touches.

Due to his increased role as a 3rd down back/receiver I definitely think 1600 total yards is acheivable (had 1425 last year) but the TD's are a question mark. He got all the opportunities two years ago and scored 13 td's, he was misused last year (they ran trick plays, passed, etc.) and got 5. The new staff has emphasized that they will get him the ball so whatever scores Buff has he will probably get them. I would think that 8 TD's are probable with 10 a decent possibility.

 

[Defending Champs]

They are showing 15 and the 13th RB I believe.

Correct me if I read it wrong.

 

[Cleat Spike]

I like this little blurb on the Blogger too! I mean, I know it's from Gates but it sounds like they are going to pass to the RB's a lot more in the 'Lo?

August 7, 2006, 13:28

Bills :: RB

RB L. Gates Looks For More Playing Time

Tim Bontemps, Buffalo News - [Full Article]

Buffalo Bills RB Lionel Gates is ready to make an impact for the this season. The former Louisville star and seventh-round pick last year was active for only two games last season, but he has impressed during the first part of training camp. Gates is relishing the new role running backs have in OC Steve Fairchild's offense. Gates made a nice catch on a deep pass from Kelly Holcomb on Thursday. "I was the two-minute guy at Louisville so I caught a lot of passes, and that's where I made a lot of my receiving yards," Gates said. "It's a nice opportunity - the coaches are doing a great job of using the running backs in the passing game."

 

[Defending Champs]

I believe that translates to more 3rd down situations for the RB's, now the question is, which one?

 

[pantherclub]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

 

[TheLastDispatch]

i think in one of JBs email updates a little bit ago he said it looked like McGahee was going to get the goaline carries and more TD opportunities this year. anyone heard anything new on that?

 

[TheLastDispatch]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

7th pick overall? assuming this is a redraft you should target brown 7th overall and mcgahhe in the 2nd round. brown is going before mcgahee and you should still be able to get mcgahee in the 2nd IMO

 

[Cleat Spike]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

So you're not even considering one of the Big6 WR's that WILL fall to you in the 2nd?I agree, that combo of RB-RB sounds very nice, but having Ronnie, a Top 5 WR and a RB2 that could be comporable to Wills sounds even better?

 

[Z-Dog]

McGahee has talent but a bad line, questionable qb and questionable defense (could be good or bad). I think Willis was overvalued last year due to his great schedule and high TD count and is undervalued this year due to the number of owners burned and the ? marks on offense. Not many RB's will have Willis opportunity (350+ touch min if healthy) and the entire offense will run through him. He was severely misused last year in the red zone (there will be an emphasis to get the ball in his hands more), he will be the 3rd down back and used more as a WR than any point in his career (was taken out in 3rd down situations last year for some unknown reason), has dropped weight to increase quickness/burst, has a new coaching staff that has stated that they will get him the ball and has no talent behind him to take touches. Due to his increased role as a 3rd down back/receiver I definitely think 1600 total yards is acheivable (had 1425 last year) but the TD's are a question mark. He got all the opportunities two years ago and scored 13 td's, he was misused last year (they ran trick plays, passed, etc.) and got 5. The new staff has emphasized that they will get him the ball so whatever scores Buff has he will probably get them. I would think that 8 TD's are probable with 10 a decent possibility.

But I disagree on the increased use in the passing game. I think that's fluff. McGahee is an 1100-1200 yard rushing back until the Buffalo line improves. His TD numbers should improve some this year, and at best, I see a slight uptick in his receiving numbers. But he'll get 350+ touches, and that makes him hold his value.

 

[pantherclub]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

7th pick overall? assuming this is a redraft you should target brown 7th overall and mcgahhe in the 2nd round. brown is going before mcgahee and you should still be able to get mcgahee in the 2nd IMO

that is what I am saying, pick ronnie at 7 and if McGahee falls to me in the 2nd. A stud WR or maybe Westbrook would be highly considered but at this point I would take McGahee. Now having said that if the Bills really look aweful in the preseason than I may reconsider.

 

[zanti8]

i would rather have a guy like westbrook than willis this year . i think the bills are going to be this years version of the 2005 49ers . although he has potential numbers i dont see the bills getting many scores or first downs this year .

 

[Joe T]

McGahee has talent but a bad line, questionable qb and questionable defense (could be good or bad). I think Willis was overvalued last year due to his great schedule and high TD count and is undervalued this year due to the number of owners burned and the ? marks on offense. Not many RB's will have Willis opportunity (350+ touch min if healthy) and the entire offense will run through him. He was severely misused last year in the red zone (there will be an emphasis to get the ball in his hands more), he will be the 3rd down back and used more as a WR than any point in his career (was taken out in 3rd down situations last year for some unknown reason), has dropped weight to increase quickness/burst, has a new coaching staff that has stated that they will get him the ball and has no talent behind him to take touches. Due to his increased role as a 3rd down back/receiver I definitely think 1600 total yards is acheivable (had 1425 last year) but the TD's are a question mark. He got all the opportunities two years ago and scored 13 td's, he was misused last year (they ran trick plays, passed, etc.) and got 5. The new staff has emphasized that they will get him the ball so whatever scores Buff has he will probably get them. I would think that 8 TD's are probable with 10 a decent possibility.

But I disagree on the increased use in the passing game. I think that's fluff. McGahee is an 1100-1200 yard rushing back until the Buffalo line improves. His TD numbers should improve some this year, and at best, I see a slight uptick in his receiving numbers. But he'll get 350+ touches, and that makes him hold his value.

 

[Festivus]

I've been down on McGahee for the typical reasons but so think there is an upside scenario. If the Bills get better QB play then Lee Evans might stretch the field a little more and open up some running lanes. The question is whether they will get better QB play and I'm starting to think they will.

Either Losman will improve in his 2nd year or Holcomb will take his job. Neither will make all-pro, but an upgrade to mediocre quarterbacking could really be a boon to the running game.

 

[Banger]

Any way you cut it I think last year was Willis's floor. The team was absolutely horrible, had no line, no qb, no defense, he was terribly misused (in the redzone/3rd down back) and there were rumors that he was frustrated in how he was being used and "gave up" to an extent in the 2nd half of the season.

If their line improves or they get better (not great just better) QB play or their defense improves (dependent in large part to Spikes health) or the new coaching staff changes their philosophy and uses him more in the redzone and as a 3rd down back he has a good chance to improve those numbers. Last year he finished as the #13 RB and that is essentially his ADP (and ranking) this year so if one or more of those factors improve (which I believe they will) he has a good chance to outperform his ADP.

 

[bocksheesh]

Any way you cut it I think last year was Willis's floor. The team was absolutely horrible, had no line, no qb, no defense, he was terribly misused (in the redzone/3rd down back) and there were rumors that he was frustrated in how he was being used and "gave up" to an extent in the 2nd half of the season. If their line improves or they get better (not great just better) QB play or their defense improves (dependent in large part to Spikes health) or the new coaching staff changes their philosophy and uses him more in the redzone and as a 3rd down back he has a good chance to improve those numbers. Last year he finished as the #13 RB and that is essentially his ADP (and ranking) this year so if one or more of those factors improve (which I believe they will) he has a good chance to outperform his ADP.

Good point about the return of Takeo Spikes. I think a lot of people overlook the impact of his absence last year. I heard him interviewed on the radio, and he sounded like he's fully back. Only time will tell if that's true.But if Spikes is back in action, the Bills Defense gets a whole lot better. Quickly. And they are only a few seasons removed from having a beast-like defense. So with some moderate improvements on the defensive end, better QB production, and a softer schedule than last year, I could see McGahee creeping back towards his season of two years ago.And ultimately, a lot of that, as many have said, will stem from him simply getting the rock a lot.

 

[hutchins929]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

If you are targeting McGahee with the #7 overall pick you are making a big mistake... Even if he is the #1 RB in your mind. You need to take advantage of the fact that his stock is really low right now. I got McGahee in my league with the 19th overall pick.

 

[pantherclub]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

If you are targeting McGahee with the #7 overall pick you are making a big mistake... Even if he is the #1 RB in your mind. You need to take advantage of the fact that his stock is really low right now. I got McGahee in my league with the 19th overall pick.

I just worded that incorrectly, what I am saying is I have the 7th pick in the draft and I hope to get Ronnie at 7 and then McGahee in the 2nd round.

 

[wannabee]

Bills | McGahee leaner and more focused

Published Thu Aug 10 12:25:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) John Warrow, of the Associated Press, reports Buffalo Bills RB Willis McGahee is leaner, having dropped about 15 pounds from last year, more outgoing with fans and reporters, and happy with the team's new running back-friendly offense. Combined, that has McGahee focused on putting aside what he acknowledges was a tough season for him and for an offense that was divided by distractions and disputes, contributing to Buffalo's 5-11 finish in 2005. Last season McGahee was faulted for not hitting his assigned holes properly. Initial glimpses of offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild's offense have McGahee running more to the outside, which was his strength in college at Miami, while also being used as a receiver.

 

[Shiver44]

I only see positives in regard to McGahee.

+ More use as a Receiver, in TC, he's being used in the slot at times.

+ Better O-Line play, Jason Peters is an emerging all-pro, and Tutan Reyes is a big road grader.

+ QB play can't get any worse than last year.

+ Cupcake division, defensively.

 

[chris1969]

My first impression is "RUN WILLIS RUN!!!" I like the guy, but it would be nearly impossible for him to stay healthy on this team, this year.

 

[Banger]

My first impression is "RUN WILLIS RUN!!!" I like the guy, but it would be nearly impossible for him to stay healthy on this team, this year.

 

[3nOut]

I only see positives in regard to McGahee.

+ More use as a Receiver, in TC, he's being used in the slot at times.

+ Better O-Line play, Jason Peters is an emerging all-pro, and Tutan Reyes is a big road grader.

+ QB play can't get any worse than last year.

+ Cupcake division, defensively.

These are the only positives? Here are a few more:+ Mularkey is gone. He played with Willis' mind and after that, Willis' numbers dropped. He was playing well up to that point. (Is this something to consider when selecting R. Brown?)

+ Fewer gadget plays near the goal line = more goalline carries. Willis wasn't used the way he should have been. Also does not have a GL vulture (he IS the GL vulture).

+ He's young and proved he can put up good numbers, unlike some other RBs being drafted ahead of him.

Playing in a keeper league (1 per position), I am considering keeping him over Tiki (I am still leaning towrd Tiki at this point). I want to see how they use Willis in the preseason. If he is used more in the passing game and more in GL situations, he may be my keeper. Tiki will have a good season but he gets taken pout at the GL where Jacobs gets the carries. He may also be playing in his last season and would have no trade value for next year. We'll see.

 

[Banger]

Personally, though many would think I am nuts I'd prefer Willis over several guys ranked above him like SJax, R. Brown, Westbrook and on par with Edge and Lamont. None of these guys will probably see the ball more than Willis and I prefer to go with a guy that has done it in the past over a Brown/SJax for such a high draft pick.

 

[kylechoffman]

My keeper league we are allowed to keep 2, must keep 1 - I am keeping portis and mcgahee would be the second, but If I drop him, I have a chance at S Jax, Lamont J and R Brown, plus Holt and Moss. I would also have a chance at mcgahee if those guys dont fall to me (draft order not determined yet)

I definately value s jax and lamont more than mcgahee - just sour on last years performance.

 

[Reagan]

I really like him this year. I am targeting him with the 7th pick and hoping to get Ronnie Brown and McGahee, to me that is a very solid backfield.

I think he'll be there in the 3rd round in our PPR league. He's rated around 15th or so. At the front end of the 3rd round, I'd expect to see him there. He's sort of in the D. Davis, J. Jones, area on the projections and with the health issues of the others, WM might be a good play.

 

[cstu]

Offensive is right. Any sign of hope with these guys compared to last year?

Bills | Offensive line coming into lightPublished Wed Aug 9 10:28:00 p.m. PT 2006(KFFL) Tim Schmitt, of the Tonawanda News, reports the Buffalo Bills starting offensive line of OLT Mike Gandy, OLG Tutan Reyes, OC Melvin Fowler, ORG Chris Villarrial and ORT Jason Peters continues to take most of the snaps during drills at training camp.

 

[joffer]

what i don't get is every staff member has McGahee projected for less carries than last year. i'm not seeing that.

 

[PahtyTom]

I only see positives in regard to McGahee.

+ More use as a Receiver, in TC, he's being used in the slot at times.

+ Better O-Line play, Jason Peters is an emerging all-pro, and Tutan Reyes is a big road grader.

+ QB play can't get any worse than last year.

+ Cupcake division, defensively.