LB: Patrick Willis, Mississippi

[Merk]

http://i.a.cnn.net./si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0608/gallery.cfb.sec.players/images/Willis_Patrick.jpg

NCAA Statistics (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2006&org=433&player=49)

Video/Audio: #1 (http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2256092&ch=396337&src=sports), #2 (http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/216/popup/index.php?cl=1981128), #3 (http://eod.liquidviewer.com/wgr-od/wgr/20070330_willis.wma), #4 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=_bM4sEmaFLQ), YouTube Highlight (http://youtube.com/watch?v=_bM4sEmaFLQ)

This kid is an absolute Warrior on the football field. He never stops and if you get in his way on the way to a tackle you better be ready for a fight b/c he wont stop untill the whistle blows
-Sheds blocks really well
-Very sound tackler
-Has added muscle in the off season to bring his weight up to over 240
-Has improved in the passing game, but this is still the weak point in his game right now. He has improved since last year though
-Reads plays very well from the snap
-Hits like a Mack truck
-Gives 100% every play
-Reminds me of TKO and his days at Auburn
-IMO he has now taken over the the title of #1 ranked LB for the 2007 draft

Official Bio: (http://olemisssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=12787&SPID=737&DB_OEM_ID=2600&ATCLID=542726&Q_SEASON=2006)

One of the nation's top defensive players ... A linebacker who can do it all ... Has great speed and quickness and is a tremendous hitter ... A leader both on the field and off the field ... Heavily involved in community service.

2006: Distinguished as a First Team All-America By Associated Press, CBSSportsline.com, Football Writers' Association of America, Rivals.com, The Gridiron Gazette, **********, SI.com, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation ... Received the Conerly Trophy as Mississippi's best college football player ... Named Midseason First Team All-America by CBS Sportsline.com and CollegeFootballNews.com ... 2006 Butkus Award winner ... Named first-team All-SEC and SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the league's coaches ... Finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award ... Semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award and Lott Trophy Award ... Led the SEC in tackles with 11.4 per game, which also ranked sixth in the NCAA ... Ranks third in the NCAA in solo tackles with 7.25 per outing ... Started all 12 games at middle linebacker, collecting 137 tackles (87 solo), 11.5 TFLs, seven passes defensed, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery ... vs. Memphis (9/3): Posted 12 tackles (eight solo) and 1.5 TFLs and a forced fumble ... Earned Rebel Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week honors ... at Missouri (9/9): Turned in 10 tackles (six solo), and picked up a career-best two passes defensed ... at Kentucky (9/16): Recorded a season-high 13 tackles (12 solo), also turned in 1.5 TFLs and a pass defensed ... Combined with fellow LB Garry Pack for an Ole Miss record 26 solo tackles with Pack picking up 14 to go along with his career-best mark of 12 ... vs. Wake Forest (9/23): Notched his fourth double-digit tackling performance of the season with 11 tackles (seven solo) to go along with 1.0 TFL ... Named Rebel Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week ... vs. #9/10 Georgia (9/30): Held to a season-low four tackles (three solo) ... posted 1.0 TFLs and one pass defensed versus the Bulldogs ... vs. Vanderbilt (10/7): Tallied 12 tackles (eight solo), 0.5 TFLs, one forced fumble and one pass defensed in holding the Commodores to a season-low 10 points ... at Alabama (10/14): Posted 11 tackles (four solo), including a crucial fourth down stop which forced the game into overtime ... Also picked up one pass defensed versus the Crimson Tide ... vs. #15/18 Arkansas (10/21): Turned in a game-high 13 tackles (10 solo), including 10 in the first half versus the Razorbacks ... vs. #7/7 Auburn (10/28): Tied career-high with 15 total tackles (nine solo) ... vs. Northwestern State (11/4): Tallied a game-high 11 tackles (seven solo) versus the Demons ... at #9/9 LSU (11/18): Collected a game-high 12 tackles (six solo), including 3.0 TFLs, 1.0 sack and one forced fumble ... vs. Mississippi State (11/25): Recorded a game-high 13 tackles (seven solo) ... Also picked up 1.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack and one quarterback hurry in leading Ole Miss to a 20-17 Egg Bowl win ... Spring 2006: Did not participate in spring drills due to having foot surgery ... Received the 2006 Chucky Mullins Courage Award ... Preseason 2006: Named preseason first team All-American and No. 1 inside linebacker in the nation by The Sporting News, Lindy's and CollegeFootballNews.com ... Selected as a preseason All-America by Playboy and a First Team honoree by NationalChamps.net ... Named to Watch Lists for the Bednarik Award, Rotary Lombardi Award and the Lott Trophy ... Also picked by Lindy's as the preseason SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was ranked No. 4 of 10 on its Bronko Nagurski Watch list ... Named Most Valuable Ole Miss Player by Lindy's, which also ranked him No. 5 on its SEC Top 10 NFL Talent list ... Rated No. 10 on SI.com's "Best College Football Players of 2006," the highest among six players from the SEC ... Chosen preseason First Team All-SEC by The Sporting News, Lindy's and Phipps Football Magazines ... Named to 2006 SEC "Good Works" team.

2005: Named First Team All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com and the All-American Football Foundation ... Earned First Team All-SEC honors from Associated Press, SEC Coaches, CollegeFootballNews.com and Rivals.com ...Was the 2005 NCAA Division I-A statistical champion for solo tackles (9.0) ... Garnered Second Team All-America distinction from Walter Camp Football Foundation, The Associated Press, SI.com and Rivals.com ... Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeFootballNews.com and ********** ... Semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award ... Finalist for the Conerly Trophy as Mississippi's top player ... CollegeFootballNews.com distinguished him as the SEC Top Linebacker and SEC No. 2 Rated Player Regardless of Position ... Member of the All-Mayday Team ... Led the SEC in total tackles at 12.80 per game, which placed him sixth nationally ... His 90 solo stops was the second-most by a Rebel since 1968, two shy of Kem Coleman's 1976 mark ... Finished season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, three sacks, three pass-break-ups, two QB hurries, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception ... Started 10 games, missing the Wyoming game (9/24) with injury ... In his nine complete games of play, Willis averaged 13.7 tackles and totaled 9.5 TFLs ... Played with a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot sprain and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder ... Spent much of the year with a club covering his right hand ... Led a Rebel defense that finished 14th in the nation in pass defense, 27th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense ... Earned his third letter ... at Memphis (9/5): Made first career start ... Recorded 15 tackles with a forced fumble and two tackles for loss ... Directed a Rebel defense that contained Tiger All-American RB DeAngelo Williams under 100 yards rushing for only the third time in his last 23 games ... Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week and Rebel Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week ... at Vanderbilt (9/17): Totaled five solo tackles before leaving in the second quarter with injury ... at Tennessee (10/1): Returned to the starting lineup after missing two weeks of practice and the Wyoming game with injury ... Led the Rebels against the ninth-ranked Volunteers with 14 tackles (10 solo) with two TFLs ... Earned Rebel Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week honors ... vs. Alabama (10/15): Posted 15 tackles with 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks .... Led the Ole Miss defense in holding the Crimson Tide to a season-low 13 points and 121 rushing yards ... vs. Kentucky (10/22): Registered 14 tackles with two QB hurries, a pass break-up and a half sack ... Directed a Rebel defense that limited the Wildcats to one score and 256 yards of offense while forcing three turnovers ... at Auburn (10/29): Recorded 13 stops and made his third QB sack of the year ... vs. Arkansas (11/12): Posted a game-high nine stops with a fumble recovery ... Helped shut down the SEC's top rushing attack, holding the Razorbacks to 89 yards, 163 yards below their season average ... Named Rebel Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week ... vs. LSU (11/18): Tied his career high for total tackles with 15, including 11 solos ... Also forced a fumble and had a pass break-up ... at Mississippi State (11/26): Tallied 11 solo stops and hauled in his first career interception ... Spring 2005: Earned the Jeff Hamm Memorial Award as the Most Improved Defensive Player of spring drills ... Nailed down starting spot at middle linebacker ... Named first team preseason All-SEC West by Phipps Football Magazine.

2004: Earned honorable mention All-SEC honors from The Associated Press ... Appeared in 10-of-11 games ... Did not see action at Wyoming (9/25) ... Earned his second letter ... Recorded 70 tackles (54 solo) ... Led team with 11.0 TFLs (-62 yards) and five QB sacks (-39 yards) ... Tied for the team lead with four QB pressures ... Also recorded one pass deflection, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... vs. Memphis (9/4): Recorded eight hits (five solo), including one TFL (-3 yards) ... vs. Vanderbilt (9/18): Credited with a team-high seven tackles (four solo) and recorded his first career QB sack (-9 yards) ... vs. Arkansas State (10/2): Credited with two stops (one solo) and had one pass deflection ... Recovered his first career fumble in the third quarter to set-up Brandon Jacobs' three-yard TD run to extend the Rebels' lead to 28-14 in the 28-21 win ... at South Carolina (10/9): Made eight tackles, including being credited with a career-high three TFLs (-13 yards) ... Also recorded one QB sack (-5 yards) ... Named the Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week ... at Arkansas (11/13): Tallied a career-high 13 stops (eight solo), including two TFLs (-5 yards) ... Earned Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week honors ... at LSU (11/20): Recorded 12 stops (nine solo), including tying a career high with three TFLs (-20 yards) ... Also set a career high with two QB sacks (-13 yards) and was credited with one QB pressure ... vs. Mississippi State (11/27): Registered a team-high nine tackles, including one QB sack (-12 yards) ... Also credited with a career-high three QB pressures ... Spring 2004: Had five tackles in Red-Blue Game, including one hit behind the line for a minus one yard.

2003: Played in all 13 games ... Earned his first letter ... Made 20 stops (16 solo), including one TFL (-6 yards) and had one QB pressure ... at Vanderbilt (8/30): Made his collegiate debut and recorded one solo tackle ... vs. Louisiana-Monroe (9/13): Credited with three stops (two solo), including one TFL (-6 yards) and one QB pressure ... vs. Arkansas State (10/11): Made a season-high five solo tackles ... vs. Alabama (10/18): Credited with three stops (two solo) and was named the Special Teams Player of the Week by the Quarterback Club ... Received Scholar-Athlete Award from the Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

HIGH SCHOOL: Class "A" Mr. Football in Tennessee ... Two-time All-State selection ... Regional Most Valuable Player ... West Tennessee Player of the Year ... As a junior, was named All-State, All West Tennessee, and Regional Defensive Player of the Year ... Was All-Region and honorable mention All-State as a sophomore and All-Region as a freshman ... During senior season, had 194 carries for 2,167 yards and 30 TDs on offense ... Defensively, was credited with 163 tackles, including 36 for losses, while racking up 12 QB sacks and four pass interceptions, returning one for a TD ... Career statistics included 276 carries for 2,486 yards and 39 TDs ... Averaged 9 yards per carry ... Had 51 pass receptions for 946 yards and 17 TDs to average 18.5 yards per catch ... Had 494 career tackles, including 275 solo hits, as well as 23 QB sacks, 46 tackles for loss, and 13 pass interceptions, with six returned for TDs ... Scored 392 career points (62 TDs, 1 PAT, 3 two-point conversion, 1 field goal, 2 safeties) ... Compiled 3,944 all-purpose yards ... Helped lead Central High to 2001 and 2002 Regional Championship and State Quarter-finalist ... Central was a 1999 state semifinalist ... Earned four letters in football ... Coached in high school by Rod Sturdivant ... Also earned four letters in basketball and three in baseball ... Averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds, 24 points and 11 rebounds, 18 points and eight rebounds during basketball career ... Picked up All-District, All-Region, District Most Valuable Player, All-West Tennessee, and honorable mention All-State honors in basketball ... Was All-District in baseball ... Named Mr. Central High School.

PERSONAL: Guardians are Chris and Julie Finley ... Son of Ernest Willis ... Full name is Patrick L. Willis ... Born: January 25, 1985 ... College of Liberal Arts ... Made the Chancellor's Honor Roll in Fall of 2003.

WILLIS' CAREER STATISTICS
--DEFENSE--

Year G-S UT AT TT TFL-YDS Sacks-Yds CF FR PD PRES INT BLK
2003 13-0 16 4 20 1.0-6 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0
2004 10-0 54 16 70 11.0-62 5.0-39 1 1 1 4 0 0
2005 10-10 90 38 128 9.5-42 3.0-28 2 1 4 2 1 0
2006 12-12 87 50 137 11.5-44 3.0-25 2 1 7 1 0 0
Total 45-22 247 108 355 33.0-154 11.0-92 5 3 12 8 1 0

WILLIS' CAREER HIGHS
TACKLES: 15, five times, most recent vs. Auburn (10/28/06)
SOLO TACKLES: 12, at Kentucky (9/16/06)
TFLs: 3.0, three times, most recent vs. LSU (11/18/2006)
QB SACKS: 2.0, at LSU (11/20/2004)
PASS DEFLECTIONS: 2, vs. Missouri (9/9/06)
QB PRESSURES: 3, vs. Mississippi State (11/27/2004)

[Merk]

His first 3 games vs Memphis, Missouri, and Kentucky


I've made it a point to watch this kid this year b/c ever since I saw him play last year I have been nothing short of impressed w/ him and he is def one of my fav college players


-This kid is an absolute Warrior on the football field. He never stops and if you get in his way on the way to a tackle you better be ready for a fight b/c he wont stop untill the whistle blows
-Sheds blocks really well
-Very sound tackler
-Has added muscle in the off season to bring his weight up to over 240
-Has improved in the passing game, but this is still the weak point in his game right now. He has improved since last year though
-Reads plays very well from the snap
-Hits like a Mack truck
-Gives 100% every play
-Reminds me of TKO and his days at Auburn
-IMO he has now taken over the the title of #1 ranked LB for the 2007 draft


Heres a good article on him from last year


OXFORD, Miss. -- Patrick Willis keeps Mississippi's team
doctors busy and the Rebels' opponents worried.

Not even a broken finger, a sprained knee, a bruised and
sprained foot and a partially separated shoulder could slow the Ole
Miss linebacker who leads the Southeastern Conference in tackles.

"I try not to let (the injuries) get to me. I'm going to be as
strong as I have to be," Willis said. "Unless it's something to
the point where I can't move or can't go, then I'm going to give my
all."

Willis averages a league-best 12.4 tackles per game despite
playing five games with a club-like cast protecting the broken
middle finger on his right hand.

.............


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=2227262

[admarc]

After 3 games:

Is #8 in the Nation (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2006&div=4&rpt=IA_playertotaltackles&site=org)with a 11.67 tackle per game average.


He is #2 in the nation (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2006&div=4&rpt=IA_playersolotackles&site=org) with 8.67 solo tackles per game average

26 solo tackles
7 assisted tackles
33 Total tackles
4 solo tackles for loss
1 assited tackle for loss
1 fumble recovery
1 sack
3 passes defensed.

[Mouldsie]

any more updates? i wish i could see some mississippi games

[Merk]

any more updates? i wish i could see some mississippi games



He had a good game against Georgia but I was only checking in from time to time b/c I was watching other players



I have Oct 28th at Auburn and Nov 18th against LSU circled as the next time I'm going to watch him. Both teams have good guard play so it will be a good test for him



Also ER I saw your Fletch thread in the HC, another guy you might want to take a look at is B.Siler from Florida if your looking for MLB in the draft

[Mouldsie]

I watched him (Siler) vs LSU and I didnt come away that impressed. I liked the gators DL though

[Merk]

I watched him vs LSU and I didnt come away that impressed. I liked the gators DL though



DT M.Thomas is a beast but w/ off the field issues I imagine the Bills wont look at him


Siler has trouble engaging sometimes but is pretty good in pass coverage and is a class room guy much like in the mold of Whitner which is why I think the Bills will be high on him


Another MLB to look at is D.Harris from Mich. Good run stopper but might be a concern in the pass covergae area. Hes a gamer though


After that there is a drop off

[GvilleBill]

nice article on Willis in ESPN the mag few weeks back. Can;t remember the cover though

[Merk]

nice article on Willis in ESPN the mag few weeks back. Can;t remember the cover though



Do you know if they post there articles online also?

[Merk]

Coach I moved your post to the Siler thread

[admarc]

Interesting article on Willis and Jonathan Abatte, who both recently lost their little brothers. USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-20-cover-willis-abbate_x.htm)

and another from CBS Sportsline: (http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9857361?SPID=737&DB_OEM_ID=2600&SPSID=12787)

[Brick Tamland]

Patrick Willis is the real deal.

Philip Fulmer, who has seen a few good players roll through the SEC, called him the best defender in the SEC this year and one of the toughest players he's ever had to account for.

I've seen him play a bunch (my boy Chal is an Ole Miss grad and we watch a good bit of the Rebels) and he's got a feel for the game like you wouldn't believe. Diagnoses and blows up runs, sniffs out counters and playaction, and can hang with running backs and tight ends over the middle.

I'm a big fan. If we don't shore up this MLB thing in free agency, I'd definitely look hard at Willis.

[FknGvna]

DT M.Thomas is a beast but w/ off the field issues I imagine the Bills wont look at him


Siler has trouble engaging sometimes but is pretty good in pass coverage and is a class room guy much like in the mold of Whitner which is why I think the Bills will be high on him


Another MLB to look at is D.Harris from Mich. Good run stopper but might be a concern in the pass covergae area. Hes a gamer though


After that there is a drop off

I was ALL OVER Thomas at the beginning of the season. Another guy who's name keeps coming across my sight is HB BLades. Sounds like an under the radar guy.

Pros: Strong ILB, very instinctive. Has played some OLB if teams prefer him there. Tackles well, shedding blocks to zero in on the ballcarrier. Great team leader who makes big plays when it really matters.
Cons: Not particularly fast, nor big, nor athletic, but makes up for a lack of speed by his ability to diagnose quickly. Still, he may not be quick enough to stay with receivers in coverage.


owns an impressive package of intensity, instincts and strength...those qualities aren't surprising considering his bloodline...is the son of Bennie Blades and nephew of Brian and Al Blades... Bennie, Brian and Al all starred for the Miami Hurricanes and played in the NFL.

sounds like the next Angelo Crowell to me.

http://www.nflfans.com/x/2007/showplayer.php?key=H.B.%20Blades

[bcw]

All of the draft sites have Willis falling to the late 1st round lately. I find it funny how someone's stock can fall over a week's time when there hasn't been any football played.

[PaulStBonas]

He is my pick for Buffalo at #12. London will be gone, and TKO is not the same as he was pre injury....Patrick Willis seems like a high character guy, something that Marv loves.

[SC FAN]

That would be a solid pick. He is a stud.

[Callaway]

I was ALL OVER Thomas at the beginning of the season. Another guy who's name keeps coming across my sight is HB BLades. Sounds like an under the radar guy.

Pros: Strong ILB, very instinctive. Has played some OLB if teams prefer him there. Tackles well, shedding blocks to zero in on the ballcarrier. Great team leader who makes big plays when it really matters.
Cons: Not particularly fast, nor big, nor athletic, but makes up for a lack of speed by his ability to diagnose quickly. Still, he may not be quick enough to stay with receivers in coverage.


owns an impressive package of intensity, instincts and strength...those qualities aren't surprising considering his bloodline...is the son of Bennie Blades and nephew of Brian and Al Blades... Bennie, Brian and Al all starred for the Miami Hurricanes and played in the NFL.

sounds like the next Angelo Crowell to me.

http://www.nflfans.com/x/2007/showplayer.php?key=H.B.%20Blades



I think Blades would make a great SLB

[FinNasty]

You do not want to draft him...

You do not want to draft him...

You do not want to draft him...

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:K52m1Lju81jF_M:http://www.starwars-tw.com/story/character/jedi/yoda-ep2.jpg
(Attempting Jedi mind trick)

[sdolan11]

Patrick Willis/MLB/Mississippi: Willis gave good effort all week and looked strong in the box. Problem was he struggled making plays out to the sidelines or in reverse. He does not resemble the first-round talent many have pinned him to be.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/01/26/senior.bowl/index.html

Sorry if this was posted already .. .

[emo]

uh no, patrick willis is the single greatest linebacker to play college football, he ran mcfadden down from behind. He also had no other decent, hell he didn't have any other players on defense period.

though in all fairness I didn't read that anywhere

[Callaway]

That is the only report I have seen that says Willis didnt have a good week

This is a quote from Footballguys.com its a pay site so I cant post the entire review

Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss – excellent in all facets of the game. Class of all the LB’s at the Senior Bowl.

Mike Mayock also mentioned he was seperating himself and said he underated him during the year

[FknGvna]

Cuz he isn't as good as you guys think. Think where we found Ellison and you'll see where we'll find our MLB. Okoye isn't sliding.

[Merk]

Just a reminder guys there are going to be plenty of differing opinions on all the players at the Senior Bowl


I've learned that they are usually not as good as there best report and not as bad as there worst one


For example last year I heard and read reports that said D.Ryans had a horrible Senior Bowl week and was vastly overrated. He turned out to be the DROTY

[Mouldsie]

If Mayock liked him I like him.

[FknGvna]

If Mayock liked him I like him.
Okoye Just caught Mayocks eye.

[FinNasty]

Why do I keep hearin g this guy is a 2nd rounder? Its crazy IMO. I would be content with him at #9...

If he fell to us at the top of the 2nd... oh man...

[skoorah720]

I don't know if this was posted already but Willis led all defenders with 11 tackles in the Senior Bowl and was named the South's defensive player of the game. I know we might not need a LB, but if we lost Fletcher and don't sign a guy like Briggs...this kid would look real good in a Bills uniform. We could possibly even trade down a few spots and pick up a 3rd or 4th rounder and still take him.

http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9958159

[admarc]

Here are my notes from the Senior Bowl:

Willis showed a great ability to go sideline to sideline all game long. What I wanted to see a little more is his ability to shed blockers and stuff runs at the line of scrimmage. He seems to be better in pursuit than head on. That's not a knock if he is used correctly and placed in the right system. I think he may be better on the outside, where he played a few snaps today, in the Bills Defense. I thought Willis had some problems in recognition and really bit hard on some fakes and misdirection plays. To his credit he was able to recover and still make the tackle on more than one occasion that he overpursued on a misdirection. Unfortunately it was after significant gains on the play.

[FinNasty]

Here are my notes from the Senior Bowl:

Willis showed a great ability to go sideline to sideline all game long. What I wanted to see a little more is his ability to shed blockers and stuff runs at the line of scrimmage. He seems to be better in pursuit than head on. That's not a knock if he is used correctly and placed in the right system. I think he may be better on the outside, where he played a few snaps today, in the Bills Defense. I thought Willis had some problems in recognition and really bit hard on some fakes and misdirection plays. To his credit he was able to recover and still make the tackle on more than one occasion that he overpursued on a misdirection. Unfortunately it was after significant gains on the play.


That can also be caused by trying too hard to make a play and impress the scouts... dont you agree?

[admarc]

That can also be caused by trying too hard to make a play and impress the scouts... dont you agree?

Sure, but he was really out of position and needs to do a better job regardless. What can't be as easily dismissed is how he had trouble disengaging from blocks. I think he is better either as an outside backer or inside in a 3-4 than a MLB.

He can be an incredible weapon as a blitzing LB and will help a run defense from sideline to sideline, but in a cover two he won't have the protection of a big d-lineman in front of him tying up blockers. He can run around blocks or shoot through gaps, but head on, I question his strength at the point of attack.

[FinNasty]

Sure, but he was really out of position and needs to do a better job regardless. What can't be as easily dismissed is how he had trouble disengaging from blocks. I think he is better either as an outside backer or inside in a 3-4 than a MLB.

He can be an incredible weapon as a blitzing LB and will help a run defense from sideline to sideline, but in a cover two he won't have the protection of a big d-lineman in front of him tying up blockers. He can run around blocks or shoot through gaps, but head on, I question his strength at the point of attack.

Agreed. He did get blown up by that pulling guard on the TD run towards the beginning of the game.

I want to know how his instincts would translate to OLB. If he is projected as an OLB, I have ALOT more interest in him. We have a MLB with Zach, and a MLB waiting to take his place in Crowder(and playing outside while waiting). I didnt really want to draft another natural MLB, and force him to play OLB (like Crowder) because of our depth at MLB. But if he is going to be a better fit for an OLB... SIGN ME UP! :D

While a little high, I wouldnt be opposed to taking him at 9. The guy is a playmaker... period. This talk of him being a 2nd rounder is crazy... I dont get it. If we were able to some how land him in the 2nd... I would be doing cartwheels and backflips all over my house...

[bcw]

The only reason I could see him falling to the late 1st round is his size. Are there any MLB's starting in the NFL under 240 pounds?

Personally, I'd love to draft him with the #12 pick. Some "experts"may say that is a little high but he's what I want in a 1st round pick---production and attitude.

[FinNasty]

The only reason I could see him falling to the late 1st round is his size. Are there any MLB's starting in the NFL under 240 pounds?

Personally, I'd love to draft him with the #12 pick. Some "experts"may say that is a little high but he's what I want in a 1st round pick---production and attitude.


Zach Thomas... ;)

[admarc]

Agreed. He did get blown up by that pulling guard on the TD run towards the beginning of the game.

I want to know how his instincts would translate to OLB. If he is projected as an OLB, I have ALOT more interest in him. We have a MLB with Zach, and a MLB waiting to take his place in Crowder(and playing outside while waiting). I didnt really want to draft another natural MLB, and force him to play OLB (like Crowder) because of our depth at MLB. But if he is going to be a better fit for an OLB... SIGN ME UP! :D

While a little high, I wouldnt be opposed to taking him at 9. The guy is a playmaker... period. This talk of him being a 2nd rounder is crazy... I dont get it. If we were able to some how land him in the 2nd... I would be doing cartwheels and backflips all over my house...

I don't want to sound too negative about the kid, I think he is an amazing talent that can be used in several different ways. His speed is obviously his greatest strength and he is a sound tackler. The bottom line is he is a playmaker. However, in a D that asks it's DTs to shoot gaps and penetrate into the backfield, you might want a MLB who is stout enough at the point of attack to shed blockers.

I think he is best suited for ILB on a 3-4 that likes to blitz and has a big space eater at NT .

[Merk]

I don't want to sound too negative about the kid, I think he is an amazing talent that can be used in several different ways. His speed is obviously his greatest strength and he is a sound tackler. The bottom line is he is a playmaker. However, in a D that asks it's DTs to shoot gaps and penetrate into the backfield, you might want a MLB who is stout enough at the point of attack to shed blockers.

I think he is best suited for ILB on a 3-4 that likes to blitz and has a big space eater at NT .



In the games I saw during the year he was shedding blockers fine and even planted a pretty good guard named Will Arnold from LSU.

Willis had problems earlier in his college days shedding blockers b/c he was playing at 225-230 range and then he bulked up to 240 and became much better at it.

Beekman did get him on a play but that happens to every LB and the Leonard plow he was in the middle of shedding Yanda and BL Hit him w/ Yanda still half on him. After that 1st Q he settled in and just started playing his game

[Mouldsie]

Let's be real...
How many linebackers CAN consistently take on blockers?

Adalius Thomas? Possibly Shawne Merriman (when he decides the play the run)? and maybe Brian Urlacher and Mike Vrabel here and there?

[FinNasty]

Let's be real...
How many linebackers CAN consistently take on blockers?

Adalius Thomas? Possibly Shawne Merriman (when he decides the play the run)? and maybe Brian Urlacher and Mike Vrabel here and there?

Ya, exactly...

Its pretty hard to take on a guy that has you by 60lbs... lol

[admarc]

In the games I saw during the year he was shedding blockers fine and even planted a pretty good guard named Will Arnold from LSU.

Willis had problems earlier in his college days shedding blockers b/c he was playing at 225-230 range and then he bulked up to 240 and became much better at it.

Beekman did get him on a play but that happens to every LB and the Leonard plow he was in the middle of shedding Yanda and BL Hit him w/ Yanda still half on him. After that 1st Q he settled in and just started playing his game

I know he can shed blockers and most LBs will struggle if they get hit head on by someone 60 pounds heavier, what I am saying is his greatest strength is his speed and ability to make plays laterally in pursuit. He has amazing range. I think he would be best used in a system that allows him some freedom to roam and make plays in space. To me that means he'll thrive more in an atacking 3-4 with a big NT in front of him where he'd be able to blitz and pursue more than he would in a zone based cover2.

[JLB]

You do not want to draft him...

You do not want to draft him...

You do not want to draft him...

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:K52m1Lju81jF_M:http://www.starwars-tw.com/story/character/jedi/yoda-ep2.jpg
(Attempting Jedi mind trick)

If I was Stewie I would say damn you FinNasty it worked lol.

[Merk]

I know he can shed blockers and most LBs will struggle if they get hit head on by someone 60 pounds heavier, what I am saying is his greatest strength is his speed and ability to make plays laterally in pursuit. He has amazing range. I think he would be best used in a system that allows him some freedom to roam and make plays in space. To me that means he'll thrive more in an atacking 3-4 with a big NT in front of him where he'd be able to blitz and pursue more than he would in a zone based cover2.



That range is why I think he can fit our system. When he drops back into a zone he can cover a lot of ground and make his way up to LOS fast if need be. He could also fit at WLB in our system which would free him up even more though I would prefer him at MLB and keep Crow at WLB.

[ricogarion]

He has impressed me now lets see how much impressed the Bills.

[McD]

One more thing to impress the Bills front office:

Notes:
Won the Butkus award as a senior...17-year-old brother, Detris, drowned in July of 2006...Has overcome a lot in his life to get where he is...Is heavily involved in community service...Is a great person and player who will be an asset to a team both on and off the field...Is simply one of the best linebackers available this year.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/ilb/patrickwillis.html

I think this guy is on our short list.

McD

[admarc]

from GBN's Senior Bowl (http://www.gbnreport.com/seniorbowlgamereport.html)notes:

Because they are not allowed to blitz etc, all-star games are tough venues to grade LBs. And that was certainly the case this year in Mobile, although what this year’s game did show is that no LB – at least senior – has the sideline-to-sideline range of Ole Miss MLB Patrick Willis who led all tacklers on Saturday with 11; indeed, there were a few times when Willis had to wonder where the rest of his mates had gotten to; Willis has decent agility and is a long-strider who can cover a lot of ground when he gets into the open. Willis, though, didn’t always necessarily find the ball right away and needs to work on shedding blocks, but is a solid wrap up tackler.

[bcw]

Great sideline-to-sideline range, trouble shedding blockers, trouble diagnosing plays----exactly like you reported earlier admarc. Good job!

[FinNasty]

That range is why I think he can fit our system. When he drops back into a zone he can cover a lot of ground and make his way up to LOS fast if need be. He could also fit at WLB in our system which would free him up even more though I would prefer him at MLB and keep Crow at WLB.

See, thats actually the only reason why I'm not sold on him in your system... because coverage isnt his strength. He has the athleticism for it, but he is only average in coverage... and in your defense, the LBs have alot of coverage responsibilities...

[FinNasty]

Great sideline-to-sideline range, trouble shedding blockers, trouble diagnosing plays----exactly like you reported earlier admarc. Good job!

I really dont think he has trouble diagnosing plays. He bit on a reverse early in the senior bowl... but he normally is all over plays.

I think it had more to do with him trying too hard... than it had to do with him misdiagnosing the play. Once he settled down... he was all over every play.

[Buffalo1]

It will all come down to value with our first pick and who is still available. Which position is most valuable, which player is the best fit, and positional need. We NEED a big DT, but there may not be a DT there at 12 that warrants the pick so you must go with the best value for your team. Branch will likely be gone so I think OT and MLB should be looked at for the first pick.
These positions are very important and valuable to a team, you can't just plug these hole with guys off the street, you must invest high draft picks and nail them to be successful.

[jaymitch84]

He is my pick for Buffalo at #12.

I had been indecisive for a while on who I want the Bills to realistically take (Gaines Adams won't actually be there at 12 like that one mock somebody posted said)...and I've finally settled on Patrick Willis.

[FinNasty]

I had been indecisive for a while on who I want the Bills to realistically take (Gaines Adams won't actually be there at 12 like that one mock somebody posted said)...and I've finally settled on Patrick Willis.

Hes going to be great. Apparently, he is a reach though at 12. As of right now (pre-combine)... he will be available in the 20's... so you can trade down and still grab him.

[jaymitch84]

Hes going to be great. Apparently, he is a reach though at 12. As of right now (pre-combine)... he will be available in the 20's... so you can trade down and still grab him.

Sounds a little like that September Rookie of the Month the Bills took at 8 last year.

[bcw]

I'm torn between Willis and Lawrence Timmons. The combine should help me make my decision between the two but LB is definitely the direction that I am leaning now.

[emo]

I wasw previously anti willis, and I still think he isn't extraordinary, it helps that this not last year's crop of lbs.

But now, just pick the best damn plaer and if its him...fine, get him and lets go

[buffan100]

Draft Patrick Willis at #12. Don't trade down and blow getting a guy who would be a stallwort at MLB for a decade.

Like last year, when you identify a guy that fills a need, is outstanding at his position, and is availabe - JUST DRAFT HIM. Don't play games.

Here are my comments on Willis from another post. I have seen Willis play in 20-25 games over his career, and a couple of those in person.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I follow SEC football VERY closely all year round, the season, post-season, recruiting, spring practice etc. In my opinion Patrick Willis may be the best player to come out of the SEC since Payton Manning. Willis has been dominant for two years. I know MLB is not the priority position that QB, RB, LT, CB, and rush DE/LB, but Willis is as good as it gets at MLB and if he is not the highest MLB drafted in the last 10 years, than several teams have made a mistake.

As an intense Alabama fan I am a huge Demeco Ryans fan. Alot of teams screwed up not taking him alot higher. Willis is a little bit better than Demeco.

[bcw]

I'm beginning to question how Marv will feel about starting a rookie like Willis as our new MLB, especially since his back up at MLB is John Digiorgio. Instead, would Marv play it conservative and move Crowell to MLB and draft an OLB like Timmons instead.

Maybe I'm overanalysing the pick but if Willis struggles in training camp we can't just slide Crowell over for a few games until Willis learns the system. On the other hand, if we draft an OLB and they struggle at the start at least we have Ellison.

Again, I like the Willis pick but the more I think of it and see people projecting him drafted in the 20's the more I question it. A big part of the problem is that we have such a long time between the end of the season and the draft.

What do you think?

[Merk]

I'm beginning to question how Marv will feel about starting a rookie like Willis as our new MLB, especially since his back up at MLB is John Digiorgio. Instead, would Marv play it conservative and move Crowell to MLB and draft an OLB like Timmons instead.

Maybe I'm overanalysing the pick but if Willis struggles in training camp we can't just slide Crowell over for a few games until Willis learns the system. On the other hand, if we draft an OLB and they struggle at the start at least we have Ellison.

Again, I like the Willis pick but the more I think of it and see people projecting him drafted in the 20's the more I question it. A big part of the problem is that we have such a long time between the end of the season and the draft.

What do you think?



It really all comes down to how you think Crowell will do at MLB spot

He played it in college and has been a back up at it in the NFL and I was all for it in the beginning but now that I think about it I have cooled on the idea. I think he is best utilized to stay were he is and then find a run stuffing athletic MLB whether that be Willis, D.Harris, or someone else in that mode later I think that is the better route to go.

[bcw]

I don't disagree with you but where is the insurance policy if Willis or Harris aren't ready to step in?

With Whitner last year we had Wire and Bowen ready in case he stumbled. With Simpson, we had Vincent.

Sure we may sign a veteran back up but that is putting a lot of pressure on a rookie in an important position of our defense.

[buffan100]

Willis will be ready to play. He could have played in the NFL this season.

[coastal]

I'm beginning to question how Marv will feel about starting a rookie like Willis as our new MLB, especially since his back up at MLB is John Digiorgio. Instead, would Marv play it conservative and move Crowell to MLB and draft an OLB like Timmons instead.

Maybe I'm overanalysing the pick but if Willis struggles in training camp we can't just slide Crowell over for a few games until Willis learns the system. On the other hand, if we draft an OLB and they struggle at the start at least we have Ellison.

Again, I like the Willis pick but the more I think of it and see people projecting him drafted in the 20's the more I question it. A big part of the problem is that we have such a long time between the end of the season and the draft.

What do you think?
i think this is some solid reasoning. i do think you have it wrong with Timmons though.

i tink that come draft day the name you will here called is Paul Posluszney.

I'm convinced of it.

[SabreNasty2630]

i think this is some solid reasoning. i do think you have it wrong with Timmons though.

i tink that come draft day the name you will here called is Paul Posluszney.

I'm convinced of it.

If we take Poz at #12 I'll kill somebody. After his Senior Bowl workouts it was reported he may no longer be a 1st round pick

[emo]

If we take Poz at #12 I'll kill somebody. After his Senior Bowl workouts it was reported he may no longer be a 1st round pick


you must have gotten some bad info, he was awesome in senior bowl practice

[FknGvna]

I read Willis shouldn't have any problem playing OLB. I don't like him though. OKOYE!

[Callaway]

i think this is some solid reasoning. i do think you have it wrong with Timmons though.

i tink that come draft day the name you will here called is Paul Posluszney.

I'm convinced of it.



I read he was horrible in pass drills so I dont think he will fit here at all

[bcw]

i think this is some solid reasoning. i do think you have it wrong with Timmons though.

I'm not really sure that I even agree with my own reasoning. I was trying to be the devil's advocate.

There are thousands of reasons why Willis would be a great fit for Buffalo, many of which have already been stated on this board. To make a good draft pick you need to look at the other side of the coin too. Maybe Marv thinks he is the answer at MLB. Maybe he sees Crowell sliding into that spot.

[Goodfella]

I just watched Patrick Willis run the 40 at the combine. He ran a 4.49. Good speed.

[bcw]

I'd be happy if he ended up a Bill.

[Goodfella]

His second time is 4.53. Looks fairly consistent.

[treydawg]

Impressive.

[emo]

yeah that sure is, I'm not longer anti pwillis

him in teh first and pittman in teh second and yuou've gone a long way towards replacing fletch and willis

[jaymitch84]

How are those times compared to other LBs in the draft (and in the league now)?

[TheAnswer74]

Ht and WT?

[M76]

Ht and WT?

6 '2 240 out of old miss.. senior ILB projected by some between 14-28

[Yankeez]

6 '2 240 out of old miss.. senior ILB projected by some between 14-28

Short but good speed

[emo]

willis put himself into the top 12 with that 40 time

[jaymitch84]

6 '2 240 out of old miss.. senior ILB projected by some between 14-28

I have him projected to go 12 :D

[TheAnswer74]

6 '2 240 out of old miss.. senior ILB projected by some between 14-28

Thats his combine #'s?

[twosheds]

willis put himself into the top 12 with that 40 time

Willis is a senior, which means he's been scouted all year, and teams have a very good idea how fast he plays. I don't think the 40 time will affect his draft standing with the teams, whatever it is. What might improve his draft stock is a good interview.

[Later]

Thats his combine #'s?

Actually 6'1 1/8", according to nfl draft countdown's combine coverage:

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/combine/positions/ilb.html

[BLADE33]

INDIANAPOLIS - Patrick Willis and Paul Posluszny grew up in different worlds. One considered attending the Naval Academy and representing his country on the battlefield - if he couldn't become the next Western Pennsylvania kid to star at Linebacker U. The other dreamed of creating a better life for his siblings in the South.

Now their divergent paths have crossed here, at the NFL's annual scouting combine, where the award-winning linebackers are vying to become first-round picks in April's NFL draft.

"It would be a blessing, especially the way I grew up," Willis said, when asked what he would do with his riches. "It would help me take care of those who helped me along the way and make sure that if I have children they won't have to go through what I went through."

Willis endured the kind of childhood experiences no youngster should.

The real-life nightmare began when his mother left home, abandoning her four children and forcing them to fend for themselves with an uninterested father. Willis was 4 years old.

Two years later, Willis was cooking meals for his siblings, and by age 10, Willis was working in Tennessee's cotton fields with his grandmother, earning $110 per week. The money went to his dad so he could pay the family's bills.

As a teenager, the situation worsened. When Willis learned his father was abusing his sister, Ernicka, he turned him in to child services and suddenly, Willis and his siblings needed to find a new family, one that would give them the love and respect they deserved.

When Chris and Julie Finley took in Willis, becoming his legal guardians, things changed. Eventually, Willis earned a scholarship to Mississippi and began emerging as one of the Rebels top players.

As a junior, he led the nation with 90 solo tackles despite playing with a broken finger, a sprained knee, a sprained foot and a separated right shoulder - pains that paled in comparison to his life off the field.

But just when it seemed everything was finally going right, Willis was struck by another tragic chapter. Last summer, his 17-year-old brother, Detris, a two-way starter on his high school football team in Bruceton, Tenn., drowned while swimming with friends. Willis delivered the eulogy.

He played his senior season like he a man on a mission. Willis finished with 137 tackles, 11 1/2 for losses and three sacks. He was an All-American, the SEC's defensive player of the year and the Butkus Award winner as the nation's top linebacker. He also earned the coveted Chucky Mullins Courage Award, named for the former Mississippi player who was paralyzed during a game in 1989. Mullins died in 1991.

Last month, he added the Senior Bowl's defensive MVP award to his list of honors.

Yet even now, the wounds still cut deeply. Asked to explain what happened to his parents, the soft-spoken, polite linebacker simply said: "There were complications with my dad, and my mother was never really around."

In 22 years, he's overcome more obstacles, challenges and disappointments than most people experience in a lifetime and Willis believes the tribulations have helped him grow as a player, too.

"My real-life experience taught me how to compete through adversity," he said. "No matter what happens, if someone knocks you down, you have to find a way to get up and get the job done. That's what you have to do."

[ICRockets]

Marv, if you're looking for high character, you've found it. PLEASE DRAFT PATRICK WILLIS!!

[dasaybz]

Damn this Willis kid had it rough.

I'm very happy to see that he's finally going to make it rich, and take care of the people that helped him out.

I'm liking him more and more every time I read about him.

[f8ta1ity54]

wow. sounds like he has the mental toughness and character we need.

[jaymitch84]

Pleeeeeease take him!

[TRIPLE P]

I would take this guy over Pozluzny any day of the week.

[emo]

yep I'm good with him at 12, I wasn't before his combine and reading this article, but he seems to be a HIGH character human being and one I'd be proud to have wearing a bills uniform

[Merk]

Good article


I wish I could find the one that was in ESPN the mag a few months back


Bassically says the same thing but more in depth

[Brick Tamland]

I would take this guy over Pozluzny any day of the week.

Werd. +1000000000

[TigerJ]

I like Willis. I also like Okoye who has a very different story, but is a very high character guy. Either one would make an excellent pick at #12

[admarc]

I have looked at every other possibility for the Bills with their 1st pick, and I am now convinced Willis is the best choice. I still have some doubts about his run stuffing ability, but believe he has separated himself enough from the pack to be worthy of the 1st pick. Here is my assessment of his best attributes:

Athleticism: He has great range and straight-line speed to track down runners from sideline to sideline. What concerned me pre-combine and senior bowl week was his short area explosiveness. Willis's best plays seem to be on the edges, or when he has a chance to work up a head of steam. However, he showed fluid hip movement and an explosion in his vertical that demonstrated he can operate in a limit area and make plays. I went back and looked at his practices senior bowl week and his ability to explode vertically was impressive. Mayock had a highlight reel where in one play the pass was to a receiver a good 5 yards behind him, he quickly recognized and lept up to deflect the pass. He may not be the tallest middle linebacker in the league, but with a 39" vertical, he'll more than be effective disrupting the passing game in the middle of the field.

Character: Besides his athleticism, the thing that most impresses me about Willis, is his strength of character. It is very apparent in the stories and interviews I have read, he lives and breathes football. He has grown from adversity. He plays hurt, he studies the game and he leads by example.

Technique: One of the Bills biggest problems against the run was missed tackles. Well this kid not only has the range to cover sideline to sideline, he is an expert technician once he gets there, rarely missing a tackle. He wraps up runners better than any player in the draft. I will enjoy using his tapes to help teach my son how to lower his base, keep his head up, exaggerate the wrap up and drive through to make a tackle. He's a student of the game and will make sure he puts himself in the right position. Some of the plays where I saw him out of position were likely a result of being on a team where he was asked to do it all and developed some bad habits as a result. That can be corrected, and I believe he is dedicated enough to improve raise his game to the next level.

He wears a Superman tattoo on his chest to honor his late brother. Let's hope the Ralph becomes his fortress of solitude for the next decade or so.

[GvilleBill]

I have looked at every other possibility for the Bills with their 1st pick, and I am now convinced Willis is the best choice. I still have some doubts about his run stuffing ability, but believe he has separated himself enough from the pack to be worthy of the 1st pick. Here is my assessment of his best attributes:

Athleticism: He has great range and straight-line speed to track down runners from sideline to sideline. What concerned me pre-combine and senior bowl week was his short area explosiveness. Willis's best plays seem to be on the edges, or when he has a chance to work up a head of steam. However, he showed fluid hip movement and an explosion in his vertical that demonstrated he can operate in a limit area and make plays. I went back and looked at his practices senior bowl week and his ability to explode vertically was impressive. Mayock had a highlight reel where in one play the pass was to a receiver a good 5 yards behind him, he quickly recognized and lept up to deflect the pass. He may not be the tallest middle linebacker in the league, but with a 39" vertical, he'll more than be effective disrupting the passing game in the middle of the field.

Character: Besides his athleticism, the thing that most impresses me about Willis, is his strength of character. It is very apparent in the stories and interviews I have read, he lives and breathes football. He has grown from adversity. He plays hurt, he studies the game and he leads by example.

Technique: One of the Bills biggest problems against the run was missed tackles. Well this kid not only has the range to cover sideline to sideline, he is an expert technician once he gets there, rarely missing a tackle. He wraps up runners better than any player in the draft. I will enjoy using his tapes to help teach my son how to lower his base, keep his head up, exaggerate the wrap up and drive through to make a tackle. He's a student of the game and will make sure he puts himself in the right position. Some of the plays where I saw him out of position were likely a result of being on a team where he was asked to do it all and developed some bad habits as a result. That can be corrected, and I believe he is dedicated enough to improve raise his game to the next level.

He wears a Superman tattoo on his chest to honor his late brother. Let's hope the Ralph becomes his fortress of solitude for the next decade or so.

Jeez dude, you're giving me shivers. I think P-Willie will be a force in Buffalo.

[Callaway]

I'm a little worried about him not being on the board at 12 now. I can see the 49ers having his named circled

[admarc]

yahoo interview (http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/216/popup/index.php?cl=1981128)
has been added to the profile

[Merk]

I'm a little worried about him not being on the board at 12 now. I can see the 49ers having his named circled



That has crossed my mind


I see Carriker a possiblilty there too

[TheAnswer74]

Patrick Willis LB Willis (6-1, 237 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/individual_workouts

[BillsCAfan]

Wow....nice.

Thats AJ Hawk status.

[TheAnswer74]

Wow....nice.

Thats AJ Hawk status.

I wish he ran sub 4.0 in his short shuttle and sub 7.0 in his 3 cone drill, but if he did he would probably be a top 5 pick.

[voicekiller]

that is pretty good...

[admarc]

I think he may have just put himself at or near the top of SF's draft board, if he wasn't there already.

[FinNasty]

:ohwow:

[hello]

PLEASE draft him!

[Merk]

I think he may have just put himself at or near the top of SF's draft board, if he wasn't there already.



I think that is where he lands

[BlackRockBills]

if he's there at 12 and we don't take him, I'm gonna be hating.

[BanditsRock11]

if he's there at 12 and we don't take him, I'm gonna be hating.

Exactly. We can't pass on this monster. If we draft him, I'll be getting his jersey the next day.

[Bills23]

I think he may have just put himself at or near the top of SF's draft board, if he wasn't there already.

That’s what I was thinking too. He probably just literally ran himself out of buffalo.

[emo]

I was all against him but those are some serious numbers. I still think he's more akin to the 4.49 at the combine, but either way, he's faster than marshawn lynch and almost as fast as whitner, young and faster.

I'm on board.

though I don't know about him in a 3-4, he'd play inside, but the not lb that takes a guard on. He seems like the kind of player who would really thrive in a 4-3 where he is protected by fat bodies.

[JLB]

That’s what I was thinking too. He probably just literally ran himself out of buffalo.

4.37 he won't be available.

[Mouldsie]

wow

[Ru]

Gotta love those hand-timed 40's.

[SpikedLemonade]

Didn't he run a 4.51 at the Combine?

Well, I guess I've been sold on him for a while and this just confirms it.

With that kind of speed and height he can cover TEs and RBs.

[FinNasty]

I was all against him but those are some serious numbers. I still think he's more akin to the 4.49 at the combine, but either way, he's faster than marshawn lynch and almost as fast as whitner, young and faster.

I'm on board.

though I don't know about him in a 3-4, he'd play inside, but the not lb that takes a guard on. He seems like the kind of player who would really thrive in a 4-3 where he is protected by fat bodies.


I'd agree. His best scheme IMO is one that allows him to flow to the ball and make plays, with some big guys up front.

Although... I'd STILL love to have this guy... cause I think he can play almost any LB position hed be assigned to. Zach's future replacement? Him and Crowder in the middle? Oh boy...

[TheAnswer74]

Didn't he run a 4.51 at the Combine?



Yeah.

[treydawg]

I take these Pro Day times with a grain of salt. How do you cut .14 off your 40 time like that?

[SpikedLemonade]

Yeah.

.14 is huge improvement!!!

A Safety like Landry only ran a 4.35 at the Combine and Willis who is much larger runs a 4.37.

I was always worried when there was a coverage mismatch on Fletcher because of his height and speed.

Willis would certainly address that and take some pressure off our young Safeties.

[B-loCrew]

I hope this changes the minds of the Marshawn Lynch lovers.
Take Willis at 12, please.

[SpikedLemonade]

I take these Pro Day times with a grain of salt. How do you cut .14 off your 40 time like that?

I hear you, but all the NFL team scouts watching are also there with their stop watches just like they are at the Combine.

[hello]

I think and hope that the 49ers will draft a WR. They have a great QB, RB, and TE. I think they need to go WR. I could also see themm going OL. For what it is worth, Kyper has the 49ers taking Jarret and McShaw or whatever the wannabees name is has them taking Ginn, Jr.

[treydawg]

I hear you, but all the NFL team scouts watching are also there with their stop watches just like they are at the Combine.

Combine is electrically timed where as these are all hand timed times.

[SpikedLemonade]

Combine is electrically timed where as these are all hand timed times.

Oh, I appreciate that.

That's why the hand timing scouts are all asking each other what they got after the run.

[hello]

The 49ers released the leading reciever in Antiona Bryant (40, 700 and some yards, and 3 TD) and now have Amaz (or something) Battle as their best WR (he had 57 or so receptions, 500 yards, and 3 TDs). the rest of the WR were below 30 catches. I think they will be going WR and not LB. Let them take Harris in the 2nd but give us Willis! They also signed a Back-up from the patriots that they expect to start.

[Goodfella]

He was in the 4.4 range at the combine. I watched it live. This guy can flat out fly!

[voicekiller]

I hope this changes the minds of the Marshawn Lynch lovers.
Take Willis at 12, please.

No not really, even though he is my second choice for that pick

[Might]

I hear you, but all the NFL team scouts watching are also there with their stop watches just like they are at the Combine.

Depends on the runnign surface. Some people run on an actual track for their pro days... which can mean a .1-.15 difference in time from the combine.

[twosheds]

The 49ers released the leading reciever in Antiona Bryant (40, 700 and some yards, and 3 TD) and now have Amaz (or something) Battle as their best WR (he had 57 or so receptions, 500 yards, and 3 TDs). the rest of the WR were below 30 catches. I think they will be going WR and not LB. Let them take Harris in the 2nd but give us Willis! They also signed a Back-up from the patriots that they expect to start.

I don't think there's a wide receiver good enough at #11.

[twosheds]

We know Willis is fast. Combine and and Pro Days are tie-breakers, nothing more. The game tape will decide who we draft.

[hello]

I don't think there's a wide receiver good enough at #11.

You don't think Jarret is good enough? I think there are quite a few that look good at that pick.

[dasaybz]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/individual_workouts

dang

[McD]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/individual_workouts

That ain't sh!t! Hell I ran a 4.37!!....oh wait I ran a 4.37 10 yrd dash, lol.

I'd be fine with the Willis pickup.

[jaymitch84]

THAT'S MY BOY!

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[JP Losmania7]

wow good

[FinNasty]

You got to believe his real time is probably in the middle of his combine and pro day at around mid 4.4s...

But that is still good speed for a LB...

[voicekiller]

That is a very impressive highlight reel

[FinNasty]

BTW... It was reported that PWillis ran the 40 on FieldTurf. Some scouts wont even adjust the time due to the surface. If some do, the max is by 0.05, making the slowest he ran a 4.42...

I believe it was still a hand-time though...

[CanadianBillsFan]

WILLIS CLIMBS THE LADDER

According to NFL.com, Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.37 and 4.38 seconds during a Tuesday Pro Day workout.

The times were generated on FieldTurf, which is the same surface used at the scouting combine in Indy.

The move is sure to send Willis farther up the draft board. In our most recent mock draft, Willis had climbed to No. 11, as the first linebacker taken. He could now potentially challenge Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams as the first defensive player selected.

Most impressive to us is that Willis didn't rest on his dazzling time from his first crack at the 40. Instead, he ran again to prove that it wasn't a fluke.

Willis was the 2006 Butkus Award winner, and he would be a great fit in a Cover 2-style scheme, which requires the middle linebacker to chase receivers down the middle of the field.


from
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

[FinNasty]

A Cover-2 team... and high in the draft...

Maybe Minn?

[superman]

I saw this coming he and Okoye have peaked at the right time. I didnt think we had a chance at 12.

[emo]

push willis into the top 12 okoye too..push a player down to us, jamaal anderson

[Bills23]

push willis into the top 12 okoye too..push a player down to us, jamaal anderson

According to Marv that’s the deepest position on our team. Jamaal would do nothing for us. We need a MLB or DT in the first not a DE. If that were the case and both guys were gone they should definitely trade down.

[Merk]

push willis into the top 12 okoye too..push a player down to us, jamaal anderson



I'd be real surprised if we picked him


Cant say I would be unhappy if we did though

[Mouldsie]

I heard Anderson is 18 lbs heavier than his playing weight and its hurting him

[jaymitch84]

Patrick Willis was put on this earth to wear a Buffalo Bills uniform.

[JLB]

Patrick Willis was put on this earth to wear a Buffalo Bills uniform.

Let's get this done!
:bills: :bills:

[ROOK33]

WOW man how can U pass on a perenial SUPERSTAR!!! That can make teams game plan around him!!

Willis and see what is available in the 2nd Round. Bush surgery just made him drop and drop in my opinion to the 3rd or 4th and maybe the 5th round.

Dare I say LEONARD in the 2nd???? And then focus on defense with 2- 3rd round picks. Or do we go cb 2nd round and then look at rb in the 3rd with a guy like Bush still around with the later 3rd round pick??? We should know more on Bush by the draft.

But Willis is a GEM!! If not available I would welcome LYNCH!!!

[twosheds]

You don't think Jarret is good enough? I think there are quite a few that look good at that pick.

I think he is a borderline first-rounder. I'd take Meachem and Bowe ahead of him. But not at #11.

[twosheds]

So, where are the people who make fun of Al Davis for selecting players for their fourty times?

[SCBILLFAN1]

I'm impressed with his time but don't think it's a priority that a MLB be super fast. We need a big tough guy in the middle. Willis is probably labeled outside LB now because of his time.

[jaymitch84]

So, where are the people who make fun of Al Davis for selecting players for their fourty times?

The difference is he sees the 40 time and thinks great player, we see a player we think is great then toss the 40 time into the mix.

[FknGvna]

I won't be fine with it. You can't run if your pancaked on you ASS!

[FknGvna]

So, where are the people who make fun of Al Davis for selecting players for their fourty times?

Still laughing at their secondary and asking where in the hell is Micheal Huff. LOL:bills:

[Might]

push willis into the top 12 okoye too..push a player down to us, jamaal anderson

Alan Branch.

A month ago I would've been ecstatic. Now I think the Jimmy Kennedy comparison is fitting. The talk of his conditioning and his lack of interest in football worry me.

I'm pretty sure Willis and Okoye will both be gone by 12. We'll be looking at Marshawn, Leon Hall, Branch, or AD Peterson.

Or Marv will defy all conventional wisdom and draft Robert Meachem. Honestly, would that be anymore surprising than taking Whitner last year?

[JLB]

Alan Branch.

A month ago I would've been ecstatic. Now I think the Jimmy Kennedy comparison is fitting. The talk of his conditioning and his lack of interest in football worry me.

I'm pretty sure Willis and Okoye will both be gone by 12. We'll be looking at Marshawn, Leon Hall, Branch, or AD Peterson.

Or Marv will defy all conventional wisdom and draft Robert Meachem. Honestly, would that be anymore surprising than taking Whitner last year?


Excellent post I think we might just draft Meachem but we would probably trade down first from that position.
:bills:

[Might]

Another thought, based on a trade scenario I mentioned in another post:

ATL trades up from #8 to #2 with DET (plus both #2s they won) and grabs Calvin Johnson.

DET takes Willis at #8. They are looking for a MLB in their cover-2.

[jaymitch84]

Another thought, based on a trade scenario I mentioned in another post:

ATL trades up from #8 to #2 with DET (plus both #2s they won) and grabs Calvin Johnson.

DET takes Willis at #8. They are looking for a MLB in their cover-2.

At one point when I was scouring a Detroit Lions message boards, there were A LOT of people saying they hope Detroit trades down to the bottom of the Top 10 and take Patrick Willis...so this is a scenario I would believe.

[twosheds]

The difference is he sees the 40 time and thinks great player, we see a player we think is great then toss the 40 time into the mix.

All I've heard so far was about his speed and highlight films. Speed is good but not everything by far. Highlight films can make an average player look great.

I'm not against Willis at all, but since MLBs are usually taken lower, I'd like to know what exactly makes him an exceptional prospect at the position. Strengths, weaknesses, athleticism, technique, and the mental aspect of the game.

[emo]

I heard Anderson is 18 lbs heavier than his playing weight and its hurting him

anderson was hurt, that's why he didn't participate at the combine.

But I know teh bills wouldn't take him, but imagine having a guy who could do what denney and kelsay do combined. plus he's just now starting to get his de legs.

He'd be a fantastic pick for buffalo.

picture it. 4th and 2 and the patriots are trying to runt he clock out up by two. they run at where schobel would be, but they run at anderson gain a yard and are a yard short of the first bills ball 3 minutes left.

I would like to think that most every position if it can be upgraded should be upgraded. You really can't have enough pass rushers like anderson.

[FknGvna]

At one point when I was scouring a Detroit Lions message boards, there were A LOT of people saying they hope Detroit trades down to the bottom of the Top 10 and take Patrick Willis...so this is a scenario I would believe.

And I agree 100%.

[FknGvna]

All I've heard so far was about his speed and highlight films. Speed is good but not everything by far. Highlight films can make an average player look great.

I'm not against Willis at all, but since MLBs are usually taken lower, I'd like to know what exactly makes him an exceptional prospect at the position. Strengths, weaknesses, athleticism, technique, and the mental aspect of the game.

Because everyone's seen him run straight lined, uncontested, directly to the RB with 4.3 speed. And they saw the replay of him making a form tackle on a RB who ran high. Hell that must the the kicker these days, because that was the first replay you always saw when they were selling Nate. Decleaters always get you recognition. I guess.

Pancake Willis I call him.

[D-Rocafella]

averaging his combine 40 time with his pro day 40 time you get an average around the 4.45 mark. That is extremely fast for a LB. He would definitely be a welcomed addition to the Bills at 12. But with his recent 40 time he may have just increased his value out of our range.

[Mouldsie]

this thread is hilarious all around

[Bills23]

this thread is hilarious all around

Your Probably right, as far as professional scouts are concerned his latest 40 time probably factors into less then 1% of their actual evaluation. Its something for the layman draft enthusiast to get excited over though, thus the hilarious thread.

I don’t know what is says about me, but I drooled a little when I read he ran a 4.38. Guess that takes me out of the professional category.

[Mouldsie]

Thats not the funniest part for me but sweet post dude.

[buffan100]

I'm still cool with Willis at #12, though I'd love it if we were able to trade down, pick up a 3rd and make this still happen.

[jaymitch84]

Because everyone's seen him run straight lined, uncontested, directly to the RB with 4.3 speed.

Isn't one of the ideas behind a defensive line to distract the O-Line so the LB's can roam around?

[FknGvna]

Isn't one of the ideas behind a defensive line to distract the O-Line so the LB's can roam around?

It is and I can sum in up in one word. OKOYE!!!!

[hello]

It is and I can sum in up in one word. OKOYE!!!!

I can sum it up in the same word, except that you misspelled it. The word is not spelled Okoye but WILLIS!:partysmilies:

[jaymitch84]

I'm fast as lightning bro...

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(senior bowl highlights)

[jaymitch84]

...ya better use your Nikes bro.

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(running the 40 at the combine)

[TheAnswer74]

Patrick Willis on WGR today...

http://eod.liquidviewer.com/wgr-od/wgr/20070330_willis.wma

[FknGvna]

Beason looks just as fast on the field and Harris tackles just as hard.

[jaymitch84]

Beason looks just as fast on the field and Harris tackles just as hard.

So what you are saying is Patrick Willis is a combination of Beason and Harris?

Sounds good to me!

[admarc]

Modrak on Willis

<TABLE borderColor=#09347b cellPadding=10 width="95%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=mediumrow style="BORDER-RIGHT: #548bb5 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #548bb5 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #548bb5 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #548bb5 1px solid" colSpan=2><TABLE style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #002d78 1px solid" width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>Today


</TD><TD align=right>Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 3:45 PM ET | Link (http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?post_id=1253)



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>MODRAK ON WILLIS: Not surprisingly Bills Asst. GM Tom Modrak was asked about Patrick Willis, which many mock drafts have going to the Bills at 12. While he would not divulge the 40-time the Bills had on him (there is no one universal official 40 time) he did offer the following.
“He’s really fast. In his case his timed speed supports his ability to run on the field. He can run, he can get to the ball anywhere on the field. He’ll cover the field. Just by his numbers he makes a lot of plays which sometimes on defense can be deceiving, but in his case it’s not. He makes a lot of plays.”

I'm really having a tough time deciding who is more important for the Bills to have in round one, Willis or Marshawn Lynch. Of course that's assuming both are still on the board when Buffalo is on the clock. But if both are it will certainly be a good dilemma to have...Chris Brown


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[FknGvna]

So what you are saying is Patrick Willis is a combination of Beason and Harris?

Sounds good to me!

Well if you put it that way. I don't hate Willis, I just think LBs are deep this year.

[FknGvna]

I'm really having a tough time deciding who is more important for the Bills to have in round one, Willis or Marshawn Lynch. Of course that's assuming both are still on the board when Buffalo is on the clock. But if both are it will certainly be a good dilemma to have.

Under my X-pert microscope, this phrase doesn't have any " " marks. Who would say something like this?

[admarc]

Under my X-pert microscope, this phrase doesn't have any " " marks. Who would say something like this?

These are quotes from Chris Brown's blog. Look at the top of the post it has a link and says Chris Brown

[jaymitch84]

Just made this at the following website:

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/motivator.php

Perhaps I'll order this to be printed after the draft :D

[admarc]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/news/31CFC9FA95C44F408AD91550ED9E2519.jpg </TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE style="BORDER-RIGHT: #083071 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #083071 1px solid; BACKGROUND: #ffffff; BORDER-LEFT: #083071 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #083071 1px solid" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=265 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.buffalobills.com/images/more_coverage.gif
</TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.buffalobills.com/images/related_links.gif (http://www.buffalobills.com/news/archive.jsp?category_id=4)
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylinks style="PADDING-RIGHT: 20px; PADDING-LEFT: 20px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 10px; LINE-HEIGHT: 16px; PADDING-TOP: 10px">http://assets.buffalobills.com/images/icon_video.gifNFL Draft: ILB Preview (http://www.buffalobills.com/multimedia/index.jsp?FILE_300=http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/bills/wmdemand/06billsfocus/042307ilb.wmv&proto=mms?mswmext=.asx)
http://assets.buffalobills.com/images/icon_video.gifNFL Draft: OLB Preview (http://www.buffalobills.com/multimedia/index.jsp?FILE_300=http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/bills/wmdemand/06billsfocus/042007olb.wmv&proto=mms?mswmext=.asx)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Seeing veteran departures like Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher via trade and free agency had Bills fans disheartened about the prospects for Buffalo's defense in 2007. However, if a certain Ole Miss linebacker is still on the board when the Bills are on the clock at 12, there figures to be a healthy faction of fans with their fingers crossed for Patrick Willis. A two-time All-American, Butkus Award winner and Senior Bowl South team defensive MVP, Willis is ultra productive as indicated by his 265 tackles his last two seasons including 21 for loss, four forced fumbles, 11 pass breakups and an interception.
Willis wouldn't mind playing in a 'Tampa-2' scheme on defense.
"The 'Tampa-2' is sort of like what I played in the last three years," said Willis. "So I feel I could play that defense well."
Widely considered the top inside linebacker in this year's draft class Willis only enhanced his draft stock with an impressive on campus workout at the Ole Miss pro day in which he ran a blistering 4.37 40-time.
Bills Assistant GM Tom Modrak is one of the many who respects Willis' abilities.
"He's really fast," said Modrak. "In his case his timed speed supports his ability to run on the field. He can run, he can get to the ball anywhere on the field. He'll cover the field. Just by his numbers he makes a lot of plays which sometimes on defense can be deceiving, but in his case it's not. He makes a lot of plays."
Surprisingly Willis has been knocked for his ability in pass coverage by some of the so called draft experts, but he doesn't consider that aspect of his game a flaw.
"I guess I'll just let the facts speak for themselves," he said. "The last two years, injured or not injured, I've been out there every down. This season, I didn't come off for one snap. For the most part I'm good enough at my pass defense. The first two years in college I played outside linebacker, covered some slot receivers. I'd say I'm confident in my abilities, but anything I need to do I'll work on and do my best to get the job done."
Always striving to do better is a quality that was rooted in Willis' difficult upbringing. At a young age he knew he and his siblings deserved better. When he was four-years old his mother abandoned him and his siblings.
"Because of some complications with my dad, my mom wasn't around," said Willis.
And his father didn't exactly strive to fill the void left by their mother. By age 10 Willis was working in a cotton field with his grandmother with his earnings put toward supporting his siblings.
Eventually Willis turned his father in to child services and Chris and Julie Finley became the legal guardians of the Willis children.
"They didn't adopt us, but they kind of took us in for five years," said Willis.
Though his childhood was anything but easy, Willis has used his past to persevere in football.

Continued (http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4716)

[Merk]

Bump

[JLB]

Just made this at the following website:

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/motivator.php

Perhaps I'll order this to be printed after the draft :D

God please let us have Patrick Willis!
:bills: