Tag: Cordy Glenn

Cordy Glenn to start at LT for Bills

Bills, Rookie Notes
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The Buffalo Bills have named 2nd-round pick Cordy Glenn their starting left tackle, beating out Chris Hairston, a move which comes as a mild surprise.

This will be Glenn’s second year at the position after he transitioned from guard to tackle as a senior at Georgia. While he held his own at Georgia, many scouts believed his feet were too slow to handle left tackle in the pros.

Head coach Chan Gailey had this to say about Glenn’s performance: “Ability’s not the issue. It’s just playing time. He needs as much playing time as he can get. I think if he gets playing time he’s got a chance to be a really good football player.”

Cordy Glenn to play left tackle for Bills

Bills, Uncategorized
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The Buffalo Bills are planning to let 2nd-round pick Cordy Glenn compete for the starting job at left tackle, and began using him there this weekend at rookie camp. It’s an odd decision considering Glenn’s size (6’6″, 343 lbs) and his lack of athleticism. Most draft analysts, myself included, assumed Glenn would be shifted inside to guard or to right tackle.

Bills new left tackle?

This move raises more questions about the Bills strategy when it comes to the offensive line. Despite having significant holes on the line, especially at tackle, the Bills have ignored the position in recent drafts. Then just when Demetress Bell stepped with a reasonably solid performance in 2011 at left tackle, the Bills let him walk as a free agent.

For whatever reason, the Bills don’t value the offensive line position. It’s a unique strategy, but their their patchwork offensive line strategy has worked reasonably well so far. However, with a relatively immobile quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, having a slow-footed rookie at left tackle could lead to disastrous results.

Draft Grades: Buffalo Bills

Bills, Draft Grades - 2012
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The Buffalo Bills were already having a strong offseason, highlighted by the addition of Mario Williams. And their 2012 draft class completes the process, and potentially makes them darkhorse contenders in the AFC.

The Bills reached for Stephon Gilmore. There’s no denying his potential, but he’s will need time to develop – more time than you’d typically expect from a top-10 pick. That said, I believe cornerback was one of their most glaring needs, and there was a fairly significant dropoff in talent at the position. If they felt this was an area they needed to addressnz in order to compete in 2012, the reach was justified.

Cordy Glenn could be a steal in the 2nd round, but it depends where the Bills use him. He played left tackle this past season at Georgia, but is best suited to play right tackle or guard in the pros. If the Bills use him at left tackle, they’ll be missing an opportunity to maximize his skills.

T.J. Graham was a reach in the 3rd round. He’s more of a track star than a football player. He can stretch the field and potentially contribute as a return specialist, but his upside is limited.

Nigel Bradham is a developmental prospect but I like how he fits in Buffalo. He won’t be forced to play a significant role right away and can be brought along slowly.

I love the selection of Ron Brooks. He was stuck behind Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu this past year, but had the skills to start for nearly any other program in the country. His lack of experience makes him a bit of an unknown, but he played well in a nickel corner role at LSU and, at worst, should be able to fill that role in Buffalo.

Zebrie Sanders could be the Bills long-term answer at left tackle, but he isn’t ready for that role just yet. Ideally, they’ll keep him on the sidelines for a year, developing his strength and technique. But they’re desperate for help on the offensive line, which may force him into action.

Tank Carder lacks the measurables, but was extremely productive at TCU. He may never start, but should have a long career as a backup and special teams contributor.

Mark Asper may add some depth to the offensive line, but he’ll have to fight to make the final roster cuts. The Bills have no shortage of mediocre interior linemen.

The selection of John Potter doesn’t make much sense. Rian Lindell seems to be entrenched as the starting kicker and Potter is no better than any number of kickers who could have been picked up after the draft.

Overall, the Bills did a nice job of addressnzing needs without making many significant reaches. They also landed a few solid developmental prospects who could pay off a few years down the line. This may be Buddy Nix’s best draft class since coming to Buffalo.

Cordy Glenn scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
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Cordy Glenn OG Georgia #71
Ht: 6’6″

Wt: 346

  
Strengths:
Elite size and strength. Impressive upper body strength allows him to knock smaller pass rushers off their course with ease. Has the lower body strength to anchor against bull rushers. Decent athleticism for his size; could be viewed as a right tackle prospect by some teams. Quick feet for his size. A nasty run blocker who has the ability to swallow up defenders. Gets to the second level quicker than most interior linemen. Experience at both guard and tackle; started at left tackle throughout senior year.
Weaknesses:
Occasionally struggles with speed rushers off the edge; just doesn’t have the mobility to match their explosiveness off the snap. Stamina may be a slight issue; appears to wear down throughout the course of the game and will get sloppy with his fundamentals, playing too high at times.
Comments:
Glenn was put in a tough position switching to left tackle prior to his senior year. He was surprisingly effective, but lacks the athleticism to play the position in the NFL. Most teams will view him as a guard, where he has the potential to be among the best in the game. Some more run-oriented teams may view him as a right tackle. As a guard or right tackle he is definitely a 1st-round prospect, and should be able to play at a high level from day one.
Videos:
2011 vs LSU

Cordy Glenn scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Cordy Glenn OG Georgia #71
Ht: 6’5″

Wt: 350

  
Strengths:
Elite size and strength. Four-year starter with experience at both guard and tackle; could potentially play right tackle in the pros if necessary. A dominant run blocker; does a great job getting low and driving his man back. Excels in short-yardage situations. Adequate athleticism for an interior lineman; can occasionally get to the second level. Strong lower body gives him a sturdy base to hold his ground against the bull rush. A durable player who hasn’t missed any time.
Weaknesses:
Played out of position at left tackle as a senior and struggled for much of the year. Lacks the quick feet necessary to play tackle in the pros. Has a tendency to get too upright in pass protection, especially if he isn’t engaged immediately, and is suceptiable to delayed blitzes.
Comments:
Georgia didn’t do Glenn any favors by having him shift to left tackle, but he tooks his lumps and showed some improvement throughout the year. He clearly lacks the athleticism to play left tackle in the pros, and probably shouldn’t be playing on the right side either. However, his massive frame makes him an ideal interior lineman, especially for a power-running team. If his skill set fills a specific whole a team is looking to fill, he could sneak into the 1st round.
Videos:
2011 vs Boise State (left tackle)
2010 season (guard)