This years Aldon Smith = Andre Branch or Whitney Mercilus

[DaBills4Life]

But which one?

[VandelayIndustriesWNY]

I'd say Branch.

[PABillsFan23]

Size wise it's Mercilus.. All the brilliant minds on here say he's the next Maybin though. Even though they are polar opposites skill wise.

[VandelayIndustriesWNY]

Size wise it's Mercilus.. All the brilliant minds on here say he's the next Maybin though. Even though they are polar opposites skill wise.

I'm looking forward to his combine and pro day. But, I agree that the Maybin comparison is just asinine.

[starrymessenger]

If Branch is there in the 2nd for us, I think (hope) he will be a Bill. Have not seen enuf of Marcilus.

[Raptor]

V.Curry from Marshall

[Marshawn-2-the-housee]

I'm looking forward to his combine and pro day. But, I agree that the Maybin comparison is just asinine.

can't wait to see his combine..he was a one year wonder though correct? thats really the only thing in common that they have

[TheWien]

I'm not a fan of one year wonders that come out early.

[davejr51179]

I'd love to land Branch in the 2nd round. Not to fond of Marcilus who is pretty much a one year wonder. Funny that Maybin has turned us all off of those one year wonder prospects.

[SpielmanGilchrist]

I like Mercilus but I despise paying big money for guys who put a single great season together. Those numbers make me nervous http://www.fightingillini.com/sports...whitney00.html

[canadianbillfan]

Just saying someone is the next "Aldon Smith" doesnt mean they will be. Aldon Smith could end up being a bust. Ya never know.....

[starrymessenger]

I'd love to land Branch in the 2nd round. Not to fond of Marcilus who is pretty much a one year wonder. Funny that Maybin has turned us all off of those one year wonder prospects.

I was relly impressed with this guy. While it was still a game I noticed that WV chose to run/roll to their right i.e. away from Branch. Meanwhile he was consistently beating the LT/LG and getting good penetration/pursuit. He showed a good motor, unlike say Coples. Looks like a player to me. I've seen him variously rated as the 4th to 7th best DE in the draft. If that is realistic, he could very well be there when we make our second pick. Something tells me tho that he will be off the board by then. Mercilus might be good too. Just have not seen him.

[BlindMind13]

Just saying someone is the next "Aldon Smith" doesnt mean they will be. Aldon Smith could end up being a bust. Ya never know.....

Have you seen him play? At worst he'll be a serviceable player

[dje85]

Just saying someone is the next "Aldon Smith" doesnt mean they will be. Aldon Smith could end up being a bust. Ya never know.....

He could become an one year wonder..though its doubtful .. but he is definetly not a bust he had what 11 sacks his first season? Or do you mean hall of fame statue bust?

[davejr51179]

I was relly impressed with this guy. While it was still a game I noticed that WV chose to run/roll to their right i.e. away from Branch. Meanwhile he was consistently beating the LT/LG and getting good penetration/pursuit. He showed a good motor, unlike say Coples. Looks like a player to me. I've seen him variously rated as the 4th to 7th best DE in the draft. If that is realistic, he could very well be there when we make our second pick. Something tells me tho that he will be off the board by then. Mercilus might be good too. Just have not seen him.

Im not saying that Coples should be our pick at 10, but I really think that he was not productive this year because they had him at DT most of the season. I'm really torn on who I want for our 10th pick. I would like a pass rushing DE but non of these guys strike me as MUST have. I've always said we need the next Bruce Smith before our next Jim Kelly, but I dont see that type of player in this draft class. Might want to go with one of the playmaking WR Floyd or Jeffery

[Savior77]

Little iffy on Branch...he actually projects reasonably similar to Smith (good pass rusher, decent run stopper, similar size), although Branch can supposedly play in both a 3-4 and 4-3, which is a positive in our scheme. He also had 8 of his 10.5 sacks this season in 3 games, which strikes me as exceptionally streaky. There were games where he had almost no impact. This past year was also the first time he's been a force from a pass rushing perspective, making him a bit of a one year wonder. And his reaction time at the snap is a little meh, worse than guys like Coples or even Perry.


Mercilus is a similar size, also a one year wonder type, even more so than Branch. Can also do 34 and 43, also a decent run stopper, lot of pass rush moves (more than Branch), better first step than Branch...I'd prefer him over Branch in the draft, but we'll see.

[starrymessenger]

Im not saying that Coples should be our pick at 10, but I really think that he was not productive this year because they had him at DT most of the season. I'm really torn on who I want for our 10th pick. I would like a pass rushing DE but non of these guys strike me as MUST have. I've always said we need the next Bruce Smith before our next Jim Kelly, but I dont see that type of player in this draft class. Might want to go with one of the playmaking WR Floyd or Jeffery

If for whatever reason you think Coples is what he should be you take him before any DE in the draft.

[oak tree 12]

But which one?

mercilius would never be a consideration in the top 15 no way. the guy will be a second rounder @ best. if we took him @ 10 it would be another maybin pick and we would be the laughing stock of the league.

thank God buddy is running our draft and not anyone on this board.

[oak tree 12]

I'd say Branch.

did you watch branch in his bowl game. would you really pick him @ 10. he is by no way an impact player or blue chip prospect.

i would rather take blackmon or a OT if one of the 2 are available but even the second rated guy is not a blue chip prospect.

lets face it thare are only about 4 maybe 5 players who will be taken in the top 10 who are certifiable great prospects and 2 of them are QB's one LT and a suspect DE in couples who has a lot of question marks.

we all have to get it thru our heads this draft is not very good for our needs especially in the top end of the first round.

secondly all you guys who want corners. the top rated corner clayborne is 6 feet tall and weighs 173 pounds do you really think buddy wants to draft that guy @ 10?

i do like blackmon watching him he is a very physical beast and IMO would look great opposite stevie but he will be long gone @ 10 and i would prefer a defensive player in the first round.

hopefully unless a miracle happens we will drop down add an additional second rounder and still come away with a servicible defensive player like upshaw who i wouldnt mind taking in the 15 to 20 range.

[9dro2]

Nick Perry will lead Rookies in sacks next year.