Comparing The Big Men: James Hardy Vs. David Nelson

Before roster cuts, I believe it is appropriate to compare the skills that "the big men," James Hardy and David Nelson bring to the table:

1. Speed

2. Hands

3. Agility and Quickness

4. Value

I am not saying either player will or will not be cut, I am merely pointing out the skills that each player brings to the Buffalo Bills red-zone offense.

Speed

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver James Hardy #81 of the Buffalo Bills comes down with a touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter over Rashean Mathis #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on September 14, 2008 i

Speed is tough to judge when you are not actually watching Hardy or Nelson run down the field. With the camera focused on the pocket for the majority of the play, you can only judge how fast each player is by the separation between the receiver and the defensive back after the catch.

With that being said, I believe it is a tie between Hardy and Nelson. Both apparently run around a 4.50 40 yard dash, therefore, excluding the jump off the snap, each has decent speed for being 6'5''.

Result: TIE

Hands

Easier to judge this one! Nelson clearly has the upper-hand (pun intended)!

Hardy has become infamous to Bills fans for having inconsistent hands for a 2nd round pick. Nelson has shown nothing but good signs of being the possession receiver that the Bills have been searching for in recent years.

Result: NELSON

Agility and Quickness

I believe this one also goes to Nelson. They may have a similar stride, but I think Nelson is more agile and has a quicker step. Hardy is probably hindered in this category because of the knee injury he suffered.

Result: NELSON

Value

This one has to go to James Hardy. He was a 2nd round pick in 2008, and though he has shown little promise, he was drafted in that high for a reason. He MUST find a way to use his skills to his advantage in order to become a big part of the offense. 

Result: HARDY

Disclaimer: I do have more faith in Nelson to become a big part of the Bills red-zone offense in 2010, I think the guy is special, and his productivity in the preseason through only two games cannot be denied. But Hardy was a 2nd rounder, where Nelson went undrafted. Buddy Nix is aware of who the bigger investment is.

Conclusion

With the roster cut deadline of Saturday at 6:00 PM, the Bills with have their work cut out for them. I believe that Nelson is in no danger of being cut... Hardy, on the other hand, may not be so lucky. He has been given every chance to succeed, and hasn't taken advantage of many of those opportunities.

Winner: NELSON