News: FOXSports.com reports Saturday that the Bills have signed defensive back Leodis McKelvin to a four-year deal worth $20 million. McKelvin totaled 20 tackles and picked off just one pass in 2012 before landing on injured reserve with a groin injury late in the season.
Analysis: McKelvin also has value as a punt/kick returner for the Bills, which only helps Fantasy leagues that reward for special teams yardage. He has just six career interceptions in his first five seasons in the league and should viewed as a low-end IDP option on Draft Day.
News: The Bills placed cornerback Leodis McKelvin (groin) on injured reserve Thursday.
Analysis: McKelvin did most of his damage on special teams for the Bills. He had his most value in Fantasy leagues that reward for special teams yardage. He had marginal Fantasy value in IDP formats.
News: Bills defensive back Leodis McKelvin had his first interception of the season Week 3 at Cleveland. However, it was the second straight game he failed to record a tackle.
Analysis: McKelvin is a backup cornerback for the Bills. He gets most of his reps as a kick/punt returner for Buffalo. He has marginal Fantasy appeal in standard IDP formats, but he is valuable in leagues that reward for special teams yards.
News: Bills coach Chan Gaily told reporters on Monday that CB Leodis McKelvin is expected to play in Week 13 against the Titans. McKelvin left Sunday's contest against the Jets with a rib injury.
Analysis: McKelvin should be able to play on Sunday, although that doesn't really matter to Fantasy owners at this point. He has lost his role as a starter in the Bills' secondary and was being used exclusively on special teams in Week 12. Even when healthy, McKelvin isn't worth owning at this point in the season.
News: Buffalo DB Leodis McKelvin left in the third quarter of Week 12 against the Jets with a rib injury, according to the team's official website. McKelvin appeared to suffer the injury while recovering a fumble by New York's Antonio Cromartie on a muffed punt. His return is questionable.
Analysis: McKelvin's did not record a tackle before departing Sunday's game as his disappointing fourth NFL season continued. He has just 31 tackles and one interception this year while also appearing on special teams. Consider him a marginal option in Fantasy IDP formats when healthy.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin totaled six tackles (three solo) and one interception in Week 3 against the Patriots. It was his fifth career interception in four seasons.
Analysis: McKelvin had his best season as a pro in 2010, but he still managed just two interceptions and 11 pass defenses. McKelvin continues to develop as a pro, but he remains a low-end Fantasy DB until he produces a breakout run.
News: Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin made a late interception in helping secure Buffalo's 13-6 win in Week 14 over the Browns. Facing third-and-8, Delhomme was hit just as he released the ball. The pass fluttered high into the air and was easily picked off by McKelvin, who finished with one tackle and two pass defenses. He has an interception in each of his last two games.
Analysis: McKelvin has a career-high 52 tackles in 2010 and needs just one more interception for a new career high as well. He has bounced back after being limited to three games in 2009 because of injury. Still, McKelvin is more of a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin had a busy day in Week 13, making seven tackles and picking off Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson. He nearly made a second interception, as he got his hands on a touchdown pass to WR Sidney Rice, but he could not wrest the ball away in the end zone.
Analysis: This was McKelvin's best game of the year, but he will need to have more afternoons like this to merit more attention in Fantasy. He is a low-end option for the deepest of IDP formats at this point.
News: In his first series of practices since suffering a leg injury early last season, CB Leodis McKelvin appears to be back to his usual energetic self. McKelvin picked up a pair of interceptions in 7-on-7 work from Brian Brohm during the drills and also worked on catching kick returns from a JUGS machine. "I'm feeling kind of great," McKelvin said following a weekend practice. "Since being out, the day I was hurt, I’ve been sitting back in Georgia. I’ve been ready for this moment."
Analysis: When healthy McKelvin is considered a playmaking cornerback, albeit without the tackles you'd like to have in Fantasy. Draft him with a late-round flier in drafts this summer.
News: Bills WR Steve Johnson, DB Donte Whitner, DB Leodis McKelvin, DB Bryan Scott, LB Paul Posluszny, DL Chris Ellis, DL John McCargo and QB Gibran Hamdan (emergency QB) have all been ruled inactive for Week 4 at Miami.
Analysis: The Bills defense is definitely banged up. They are still without Whitner, Posluszny and McCargo, and have lost McKelvin for the season. Whitner and Posluszny are viable Fantasy options in IDP leagues when healthy, but most of the other inactives have marginal appeal. Keep them reserved for Week 4.
News: Bills CD Leodis McKelvin (fibula), S Bryan Scott (ankle) and S Donte Whitner (thumb) have all been ruled out of the team's Week 4 game at Miami. Both Whitner and Scott were injured during Week 3 at New Orleans and McKelvin is out for the year.
Analysis: The harsh reality is that the only usable Fantasy DB on the Bills this week, and possibly in the coming weeks, is Terrence McGee. Consider him a No. 2 option at best, and that's if teams even throw in his direction and not in the way of the backup defenders. Whitner is just a No. 3 Fantasy DB when healthy and Scott is not worth owning in IDP formats.
News: Bills CB Leodis McKelvin has been placed on IR with a fractured bone in his lower leg. He is now out for the season.
Analysis: Luckily for McKelvin, he's still young and should bounce back from this injury in 2010. Obviously you can drop him in all non-keeper IDP leagues now. The Bills DST is falling apart and should not be used in Fantasy play at this time.
News: The injuries keep piling up on the Bills, who could be missing three-quarters of their defensive backfield for their game at Miami this weekend. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin (broken leg) and safeties Donte Whitner (thumb) and Bryan Scott (high ankle sprain) missed practice Wednesday after they were hurt in a 27-7 loss against New Orleans last weekend. McKelvin is out and Whitner and Scott aren't likely to play. Drayton Florence is expected to fill in for McKelvin while George Wilson and Jairus Byrd will fill in at safety if needed.
Analysis: The harsh reality is that the only usable Fantasy DB on the Bills this week, and possibly in the coming weeks, is Terrence McGee. Consider him a No. 2 option at best, and that's if teams even throw in his direction and not in the way of the backup defenders. Everyone else on the list isn't worth owning in Fantasy play other than Whitner and McKelvin (No. 3 DBs when healthy).
News: Bills CB Leodis McKelvin is out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his lower leg. Coach Dick Jauron said the team doesn't believe that McKelvin's previous fibula injury led to his current injury. He was hurt in action during Week 3 vs. New Orleans.
Analysis: McKelvin has always had the potential to be a solid Fantasy cornerback, but with this injury sidelining him he might not be useful for a while. Consider other options going forward.
News: The Buffalo Bills' defensive backfield is suddenly depleted by injuries following a 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin did not return after aggravating an ankle injury in the first half. Also unable to finish were starting safeties Donte Whitner, who hurt his thumb, and Bryan Scott, who also hurt his ankle in the second half. Without providing details, coach Dick Jauron would only say the players were being evaluated.
Analysis: McKelvin, who left the game midway through the first half, had already been bothered by a sore ankle which he hurt in last week's 33-20 win over Tampa Bay. The prevented him from handling kickoff returns against the Saints. He has two tackles before leaving Week 3. McKelvin is showing improvement in his second NFL season. He has 11 tackles in three games, but still doesn't have a pick. He has the potential to be a top playmaker, but until his numbers improve, he has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin (fibula) and DB Terrence McGee (ankle) are both active for Week 3 vs. New Orleans. McGee was questionable on the injury report, while McKelvin was probable.
Analysis: Both McGee and McKelvin are considered low-end Fantasy options when healthy. It appears safe to use them in Week 3.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin (fibula) is listed as probable for Week 3 vs. New Orleans. McKelvin returned to a full practice Friday after limited reps earlier in the week.
Analysis: McKelvin is showing improvement in his second NFL season. He has nine tackles in two games, but still doesn't have a pick. He has the potential to be a top playmaker, but until his numbers improve, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Buffalo DB Leodis McKelvin left Sunday's Week 2 game against the Buccaneers. He had made three tackles before coming out. McKelvin was spotted limping off the field after Carnell Williams scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass to cut Buffalo's lead to 20-14 with 27 seconds left in the first half.
Analysis: McKelvin has the potential to be a playmaker with the Bills' defense but this injury obviously throws a wrench into the Bills' plans. He is considered a low-end Fantasy option in IDP formats when healthy.
News: Injuries could force Bills starting cornerbacks Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin to miss the remainder of the team's spring minicamp practices. Though both have begun taking part in individual drills, coach Dick Jauron said Friday he's not sure whether either will be cleared for full practice for the Bills' final four sessions next week. "I would say maybe," Jauron said, noting he won't rush the two back to practice. McGee has been out since hurting his right shoulder on May 27. McKelvin also has been out since May 27 because of an infection to his middle right finger.
Analysis: McKelvin finished the 2008 season strong and has plenty of playmaking potential. In leagues where tackles don't count, he's a useful low-end Fantasy DB. In leagues where tackles do count, though, McKelvin doesn't make the cut as anything more than a one-week replacement even though he has touchdown potential on a takeaway.
News: Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin did not practice because of a hand injury, which is expected to force him to miss the final two days of this week's minicamp, which concludes Friday. The Bills' first-round draft pick last year, McKelvin was in street clothes while watching practice from the sideline. Buffalo is counting on McKelvin to compete for a starting job opposite McGee after losing free agent Jabari Greer to New Orleans this offseason.
Analysis: McKelvin finished the 2008 season strong and has plenty of playmaking potential. In leagues where tackles don't count, he's a useful low-end Fantasy DB. In leagues where tackles do count, though, McKelvin doesn't make the cut as anything more than a one-week replacement even though he has touchdown potential on a takeaway.
News: Bills starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injury when Buffalo hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Greer's right knee was injured against Cleveland two weeks ago and he'll miss his second straight game. Starting strong safety Donte Whitner, who's nursing a separated shoulder, is doubtful. Whitner has missed two of the last three games since hurting the shoulder against the New York Jets in Week 9. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are expected to start against the Niners.
Analysis: McGee and McKelvin make for interesting Fantasy options -- they were not only effective last week against the Chiefs, but they'll be asked to make big plays again vs. the Niners' aggressive passing offense. Consider both No. 3 DB options for Week 13 Fantasy play. Greer and Whitner should remain benched or on the waiver wire.
News: Bills rookie first-round pick Leodis McKelvin had a breakout performance Week 12 at Kansas City in his second career start at cornerback playing in place of Jabari Greer (knee injury). McKelvin had two interceptions, including a 64-yard return for a touchdown. He's now scored in consecutive games after returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Cleveland. "I got my chance to come in and just show that I could be ready to play defense," said McKelvin, who had difficulty breaking into the starting lineup, even though the Bills had high expectations for the player they selected 11th overall out of Troy. "I wanted to get out there."
Analysis: McKelvin might be this year's version of Antonio Cromartie, the Chargers cornerback who didn't get to start right away last season but ended up making play after play after play. McKelvin won't surrender his starting role if he keeps this performance going, so consider him a No. 2 Fantasy DB right now.
News: In the Bills' 54-31 win at the Chiefs in Week 12, notable defenders included: CB Leodis McKelvin (two solo tackles, two interceptions, one touchdown), LB Blake Costanzo (six solo tackles, two forced fumbles), DB George Wilson (four solo tackles, sack), DB Reggie Corner (three solo tackles, forced fumble), DE Ryan Denney (three solo tackles, sack) and DL Copeland Bryan (solo tackle, sack).
Analysis: Of these defenders, McKelvin is the only one who will garner Fantasy attention. He's a quality player with excellent speed and quickness, two skills you need to play corner at the NFL level. Consider him a solid option in Week 13 when the pass-oriented 49ers come to Buffalo. The rest of the defenders can be ignored.
News: Bills starting safety Donte Whitner and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs in Week 12. Whitner, who missed the second half of Buffalo's Monday night loss to Cleveland, is nursing a right shoulder separated against the Jets on Nov. 2. Greer, meanwhile, hurt his right knee in the Browns game. Buffalo's secondary might be even further depleted if Whitner's replacement, Bryan Scott, can't play. Scott is questionable because of a left knee injury sustained against the Browns. Rookie Leodis McKelvin will likely start in place of Greer, while George Wilson would start at strong safety if Scott is unable to go.
Analysis: Unless you're considering Terrence McGee, the only healthy starting defensive back in Buffalo, steer clear of all Bills DBs in Week 12. Only Whitner is worth holding on to in deeper formats.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin scored on a 98-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter Week 11, helping his team stay in the game against the Browns. On defense, he recorded only one solo tackle.
Analysis: McKelvin has Fantasy value only in leagues that reward return points to individuals. He simply doesn't contribute enough on defense to matter in most IDP formats.
News: Bills DB Leodis McKelvin had three kickoff returns for 138 yards Sunday at New England.
Analysis: McKelvin has minimal Fantasy value because he sees little time on defense, so ingnore him in IDP leagues in Week 11 against Cleveland.
News: Three weeks into cornerback Leodis McKelvin's first NFL training camp, the Bills' first-round pick has experienced the familiar waves of highs and lows that come with competing for a starting job. High point: Reading quarterback J.P. Losman's eyes during practice, McKelvin perfectly timed his burst to intercept a pass and return it up the left sideline as his teammates cheered. Low point: A few days earlier, with his teammates and reporters within earshot, McKelvin was chewed out by defensive coordinator Perry Fewell in a profanity-laced tirade for not knowing what play was called during a 7-on-7 drill. For all McKelvin's electrifying speed and potential, the eleventh player and first defensive back selected in the draft is taking small steps in his development. The Troy University product is currently fourth on the Bills' depth chart. "He still has more improvement and a ways to go," Fewell said, noting McKelvin needs to work on his press coverage and learn to anticipate what receivers can do at the NFL level. "But he is progressing very nicely for us."
Analysis: McKelvin is a low-end option heading into the season since he has to prove himself first before becoming a must-own Fantasy player. He does have a shot at getting a few touchdowns this year on defense and special teams.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Bills DB Leodis McKelvin's 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Steelers sealed himself a role in the team's special teams plans for 2008. McKelvin showed the speed and explosiveness that allowed him to set an NCAA record with eight career scores while at Troy, reading a key block from fullback Darian Barnes and just leaving the Steelers in his dust. A week earlier against Washington, McKelvin had a 37-yard kickoff return and a 45-yard punt return.
Analysis: The Bills have two of the NFL's best return men in team record-setters Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, but coach Dick Jauron said a team can never have enough of these guys. "Those guys (return men) tend to get nicked so there's room for all of them," he said. "They'll all have their opportunities." The Bills DST is a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option at this time, but if they can get consistent points from their return game, they might end up a No. 1 option by season's end. As far as McKelvin's IDP Fantasy value, he is a low-end option heading into the season since he has to prove himself first before becoming a must-own Fantasy player.
News:Bills rookie first-round draft pick Leodis McKelvin made a splash on Thursday against the Steelers. The cornerback sealed the victory by scoring on an electric 95-yard kickoff return immediately after the Steelers (1-1) cut it to 17-14. McKelvin also made two tackles on defense.
Analysis: In Fantasy leagues where you get extra points if your defenders return kicks, McKelvin was extra Fantasy value. In all other leagues, consider McKelvin nothing more than a late-round Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day, but it's probably best to leave him on waivers until he proves his worth in the NFL.
News: Mindful of already missing four practices because of contract talks, Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin wasn't about to lose any more time after waking up for his first day at training camp Sunday. Up at 7 a.m., the first-round pick was in the film room by 8, followed by team meetings, an on-field defensive walkthrough, a weightlifting session and finally -- after most of his teammates had showered -- an individual session at 4 p.m. catching balls thrown by a machine. "I didn't want any rest," McKelvin said a day after signing a five-year contract potentially worth $19.4 million, including $12.6 million guaranteed. "I mean, I've got to get extra work in. ... You come in as a rookie, and they have high expectations of me. I'm just coming in and trying to do my best to help out the team."
Analysis: It was a good first impression three days into camp in suburban Rochester for the player selected 11th overall out of Troy. The Bills are counting on him to immediately begin competing for a starting job opposite Terrence McGee. The initial plan is to have McKelvin work at the nickel spot in passing situations alongside McGee and returning starter Jabari Greer. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said the objective is for the rookie to earn a bigger role as quickly as possible. "We always have a sense of urgency to get the young man on the field because he's a high-round pick," Fewell said. "But we're going to do what's best for our football team. And if what's best for our football team is Jabari, then that's what we'll do." The only knock against McKelvin is his poor catching ability, which is why he ended his day with extra practice catching balls. Consider McKelvin nothing more than a late-round Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day, but it's probably best to leave him on waivers until he proves his worth in the NFL.
News: Buffalo Bills first-round draft pick Leodis McKelvin's agent says his client has agreed to a five-year deal with the team. McKelvin was one of only of four first-round draft picks yet to reach contract agreements with their respective teams. The cornerback's agent, Hadley Engelhard, says they agreed on terms Saturday. He missed four practices over the first two days of camp as contract negotiations continued but took part in all of the team's spring minicamp sessions.
Analysis: Selected 11th overall out of Troy University, McKelvin was the first defensive back selected in the draft, and the Bills expect him to immediately compete with Jabari Greer for a starting job opposite Terrence McGee. McKelvin is at best a low-end bye-week replacment DB in 2008 Fantasy play. He's not worth drafting in seasonal play, and is a middle-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
News: With the No. 11 pick in the 2008 draft, the Bills took Troy CB Leodis McKelvin, strengthening their secondary and adding a legit playmaking returner to their defense.
Analysis: McKelvin should play right away opposite CB Terrence McGee in Buffalo and be a pain in the side of passing rivals like the Patriots and Jets. McKelvin is at best a low-end bye-week replacment DB in 2008 Fantasy play. He's not worth drafting in seasonal play, and is a middle-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
