2009 Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 1:30 PM EST in Events Comment 101 comments

Over the past four weeks at Buffalo Rumblings, we have accomplished our first two major goals of the off-season. When the Buffalo Bills wrapped up their 2008 regular season with a record of 7-9, Bills fans everywhere had every right to go off the deep end and lose their productive edge. Not here, however. Through four of the most negative, depressing and sometimes perplexing weeks that we've seen in Western New York, y'all here produced. Big tip of the hat to everyone who made their opinions known and took part in constructing the first part of our off-season plans.

What exactly have we accomplished? Well, we analyzed every nook and cranny of Buffalo's roster. We've had some very constructive discussions about current personnel - which led to us identifying the core of the 2009 Buffalo Bills - and now, after several votes, numerous heated discussions and more arithmetic than I'd originally planned, the community has formulated our second annual Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List, in which every need the Bills carry into the 2009 off-season is prioritized.

All of our work over the past month is reviewable in the links above, and the ultimate product is the below list. Bookmark it, save it, do whatever you have to do, because this list will be our very own grading rubric for charting the Bills' activities from midnight on February 27 (the start of free agency) through Mister Irrelevant in April. Without further ado, here's this year's needs list:

CRITICAL NEEDS
* Pass-rushing defensive end: We've had enough of Buffalo's anemic pass rush. The days where Buffalo's leading "sack artists" register between 4 and 6 sacks need to be ancient history 12 months from now. A pass rush does so much for NFL defenses these days; it's about bloody time that the Bills started putting one together.

* Receiving tight end: When Jay Riemersma is remembered way too fondly in a fan base, you know that the team hasn't had a good tight end in quite some time. Considering Trent Edwards' propensities as a quarterback, it's about time the Bills found a receiver/blocker that can take advantage of the middle of the field.

* Starting center: Few players drew as much ire from the Bills' fan base over the past two seasons as the team's two starting centers, Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston. Both are free agents, and if a quality pivot is brought in, the Bills might actually find some consistency up front in 2009.

* Starting strong-side linebacker: There has been a lot of support for Angelo Crowell here, but the facts are that he's coming off of Injured Reserve and he's an unrestricted free agent. Until something happens with him, and until Keith Ellison can channel his inner Zach Thomas, this remains a priority for the Bills.

UPGRADE NEEDS
* Massive rotational defensive tackle: Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams are peachy amongst the fan base, but Bills fans live and bleed for a tough, physical, bruising brand of football that embodies the city's blue-collar attitude. Fat run-stuffers are appreciated in Buffalo almost as much as the rare golden-armed quarterback.

* Veteran backup quarterback: "Backup" because Trent Edwards is still the team's starter, and "veteran" because Trent Edwards is not. Here's the good news: J.P. Losman is now a distant memory in Buffalo.

* Veteran wide receiver: We don't need a world-beater here. We just need a viable threat that can make up for the inconsistencies of guys named Evans, Parrish, Hardy and Johnson. Even a tight end wouldn't eradicate this need.

* Blocking fullback: Remember what I said about Bills fans living and bleeding for a tough, physical, bruising brand of football? A power running offense would achieve that brand. In order to pull it off, they need a fullback that specializes in treating linebackers like doorways.

DEPTH NEEDS
* Young defensive end depth: Even after filling the need at the top of this list, and even with Chris Ellis on the roster, the Bills currently have three defensive ends that will be 30 at the start of the 2009 season. Depth and talent are needed, and you can never have enough good pass rushers.

* Reserve guard/center: Reserve linemen need to be able to play more than one position. The Bills have swing tackles, but with Preston and Jason Whittle free agents on the interior, new blood inside could be enormously beneficial.

* Reserve swing linebacker: Let's face it - we're not exactly sure where we want Paul Posluszny to play in '09. Linebacker depth is a need regardless of where Poz lines up, so we're putting "swing" linebacker here - we want a guy that can play both outside and inside.

* Developmental safety prospect: Ko Simpson's Bills career is on wobbly legs, even if he is worth millions, and Donte Whitner has been rather underwhelming for a former eighth overall pick. A developmental project here is good insurance for a position that many felt was a team strength just a year ago.

* Viable third running back: No matter how "easy" it's perceived that this position can be filled, the Bills would be wise to get a guy ready to contribute in the event that something awful happens to Marshawn Lynch or Fred Jackson.

There it is, folks. Your 2009 Buffalo Rumblings Community Needs List. Your new charge: start throwing potential acquisition names out there. On your suggestion only can we put together a list of off-season targets as free agency draws ever nearer. So reflect, comment, and get brainstorming, folks!

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Comments

so wait you want us to put a name next to all of these needs?

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Names. Plural. Basically, throw all the names you like out there, I’ll collect them, and we’ll profile each one with some interviews from that player’s team’s blogger. For example, we profiled about 20 free agents last year, including Panda, Corey Williams and Lance Briggs, for example. We plan to expand those efforts even further this year – think we can double it?

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ah gotcha

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m guessing they fill maybe 2, maybe 3 tops, from the Critical list. I have no confidence that the FO is as adament about getting a pass rush and a good Center here.

I don’t know if you put the list in any sort of order, but I’d go:
Pass Rusher
Center
SOLB
receiving TE

I just can’t fully believe a receiving TE should be brought in early in the draft when the QB only looks to dump it off to his TE’s. Maybe it’s because we didn’t have a true fielder stretcher, but Edwards just looked so scared throwing it over the middle of the field, and deep, most of the time. If he won’t use the TE, why waste a high pick on one? A 3rd or 4th rounder with good receiving skills is as high as we should go!

I wonder how many of these spots they will actually attempt to fill with viable players, not just scrubs like Tutan Reyes and Jason Webster.

Doesn’t it seem like the needs list is longer every year? This FO has been brutal in recent years…..Find some top notch talents, PLEASE!!!!!!!

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if you put the list in any sort of order

The community put it in order. But rather than tick off everybody with numbers next to it, like I made everybody do yesterday (because I’m evil), I just categorized those with the most fervent support as “critical”, those with “man, it’d be sweet if we could get this guy…” comments as “upgrade”, and the rest as “depth”. That way everyone’s happy and the list is more malleable.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't know there was a consensus order

just Offensive and Defensive needs….

BUt yeah, they’re all critical needs, as sad as it is….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you see the post from yesterday where we combined the lists? :)

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

but I didn’t see a consensus “order”. Everyone gave their 12-14 needs in order, but I don’t see a Buffalo Rumblings full order….unless I’m missing something

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

THIS is the Buffalo Rumblings full order. Just without real order.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldnt say its longer.........

I would say when one becomes fixed……another one shows up as lacking…….

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it's not shorter

we can use that then

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol indeed

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

AHHHH

my head is going to explode. You really want them to just go on a spending spree? I don’t. we have to grossly overpay for Dockery and Walker. I don’t want to use all that money on average FA’s. I believe you sign some vets, but do most of your damage at the draft. Yes a receing TE should be top priority. Our receivers suck in general. We need a stud. Lee Evans is not a STUD. He is a complimentary WR. He is not a do-it-all WR. We need a big-time pass catcher. In fact I WOULD PREFER, a big time pass catcher, patchwork Center, and spend every other pick and FA pickup on defense. Two things win in this league
1) Dominant Defense
2) QB play

To be a good QB you have to have good weapons. Manning with Wayne & Clark, Brady with Moss & Welker, Rivers with Gates and cast, Brees with Colston, Bush and cast, Roethlesberger with #1 Defense and Ward/Holmes, Warner with Fitz & Boldin. When you compare all those to Edwards with Avg defense, Evans & Lynch/Jackson……it’s not even close. Its all about defense and playmakes in this league. I’m not saying Pettigrew is that guy, but I have no problem taking him if they think he can be a game changer

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

David Givens, Troy Brown, David Patten, Deion Branch, and Bethel Johnson

Tom Brady did just fine with those guys. Once Brady got Moss and Welker, he exploded.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha, definitely thought you were naming guys that you wanted us to look at as potential acquisitions for the Bills. Many versions of the word “crazy” ran through my head. :)

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

and last time I checked New England is the exception and not the rule. They also had top 3 defenses in those super bowl years. Like I said defense and QB play. hmmmmm

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My bad...

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Say what?

When did I ever say I want them to go on a spending spree?

I said I want them to get viable players, not the garbage 1 year fixer uppers that they’ve tried in the past. Nowhere does that indicate spending a ton. I don’t want us to sign Peppers because he’s almost 30 and will cost $80M. Being smart with the cash is what I want, but I also don’t want starters like Larry Tripplett, Robert Royal, Tutan Reyes, Jason Webster, etc, etc brought in.

I’ve talked about building through the draft for some time and how this franchise hasn’t been able to do it!!

I still don’t really understand where you got a spending spree from?!?!

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i overreacted. I just get sick of people wanting it both ways. Even Bertrand Berry, whom I want, would cost a lot of money, and my point is, even vet average FA"s cost a lot of money, especially when we have to overpay for them to come to Buffalo compared to most other teams unless no one else wants em. So, I think its a double edge sword. Yes, getting Crowell, or some other FA LB’s make sense, but we ain’t getting Peppers, Suggs, or any other big name most likely. So what we are left with isn’t that great so my point is I’d rather pluck up 2-3 average guys, and then just draft. We are going to have to pay huge deals down the line to keep our talent and not let it walk out the door like we have in 2003-2005.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pass-rushing defensive end – Bertrand Berry, draft (brown, orkapo)

Receiving tight end – Owen Daniels or draft. I saw someone thinking Winslow but I think
he comes with some baggage
Starting center – draft (2nd round)

Starting strong-side linebacker: suggs or dansby via FA would be great pickups

Massive rotational defensive tackle: Tank Johnson wouldn’t be bad or 4th round DT

Veteran backup quarterback: Charlie Batch

Veteran wide receiver: I could see Gaffney or Bobby Engram would be nice.

As far as depth needs – I think you need to go to later round of the drafts for this.

seems like a lot of holes to fill. I personally don’t like bringing in this many players in Free Agency – but man there’s a lot of holes to plug. uggghhh

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’ve jotted down Berry, Daniels, Dansby, Johnson, Batch, Gaffney, Engram. Suggs too, but I’m listing him as an end, because that’s what he’d play here.

Keep the names coming, folks.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Suggs as our FA DE and Dansby as our FA LB – works for me

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Birk

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve wanted Birk for a while – but too many Free Agents I think – so i’m hoping Center in round 2. we just have too many holes

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"panda" and Jason Brown

"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"

by Joe P. on Jan 22, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That'd work

and a starting LB

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Veteran wide receiver: Forgot Panda – he’s my #1 free agent pickup

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

#1 FA?

FA WR?

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yup – K . left that part out. definately #1 FA WR

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

honestly – even though he probably won’t hit the market – but Haynesworth would be my #1 FA pickup. he’d be expensive – but worth it

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Aside from costing a draft pick,

do you think Winslow is a bigger risk or problem than Haynesworth? I think they are both young and productive.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I do – the reason is when Haynesworth stepped on that guy he said that he didn’t want that to be the perception of him around the league and he vowed to change. well here we are and i personally haven’t heard a peep from anything regarding him in any negative capacity. he said he wanted to fix what he did and he sure is trying. you have to give people a second chance – he is worth it. Winslow has been a cancer in cleveland and it has been ongoing. not a “one and done” deal like haynesworth.

plus – the difference between Winslow and Haynesworth in my opinion is night and day. I think haynesworth is the best DT in the game. Winslow definately has some TE’s in my opinion that are better – clark, gonzalez, cooley, witten

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good points.

I see what you mean. I wonder what motivates Haynesworth to perform? Is it money or does he love the game? When he hits payday, will he eat himself out of the league? Maybe, maybe not.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think just personal aspirations – wanting to show people that he can be a good person and player at the same time. might be all there is too it. time will tell – but i know i’d rather have a guy that is trying than the cry baby winslow

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Winslow was definitely high maintenance at Miami and his first two years in the NFL. I think he has matured since then. From what I heard, staph is serious stuff and the Browns didn’t address it.

I do understand your overall point of view.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and my FA's to watch

and wish we could get:

Chaz Batch
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Byron Sandwich
Chris Simms
JJ Arrington
Heath evans
Leonard Weaver
Panda
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Jones
Roydell Williams
Reggie Williams
Jason Brown
Brad Meester
Matt Birk
Rocky Bernard
Bert Berry
Terrell Suggs
LeRoy Hill
Bart Scott
Karlos Dansby
Michael Boley
Sean Jones
Jermaine Phillips
Bryant McFadden

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I assume you’re looking at Bryant McFadden as a safety?

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No

If we’re going to even consider resigning Greer, why wouldn’t we consider other CB’s?

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But… but… it’s not on the list! :)

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And to answer your question, I think that something like 75% of voters/commenters advocated re-signing Greer, so that’s why we left corner off the list completely.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

75% huh? good deal – glad i’m not alone in that department

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if Kelsay can get a huge deal from the Bills for doing..well...not alot.....

then someone like Greer should be a no-brainer for OBD…..but…..as well no…..having no brains is what got us to where we are right now…….

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

[sarcasm] Yeah but Kelsay brings intangibles that can’t be measured in sacks such as being the mouthpiece for the team when we lose and by not getting arrested or caught “making it rain” in a strip club. Oh, and I forgot, he’s ultra good and running straight into people. Right into them, as if the QB or RB that’s running around or by him is the least important person on the field. Oh and he has tremendous upside and a high motor. Greer can’t do all that!!!!!!![/sarcasm]

by sabre74kkn on Jan 22, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes I think sarcasm is like breathing to Bills fans.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

its how we deal with the pain........it just hurts so much to cry all the time..

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjMYQyhjiYA

one of my favorite kids in the halls episodes

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hahah thanks for sharing

12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 22, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL – I want to be YOUR friend norcali

that stuff just cracks me up

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 23, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well we can’t drink 24 hours a day. At least I can’t.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I understand why CB wasn't on there

but I really don’t think we’ll be resigning Greer. If we and I suppose the FO plan to at least try to sign Greer, why wouldn’t they also look at other CB’s? Just a thought, and it probably isn’t going to happen anyhow.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would love to get Weaver for our FB, but I think he'll stay in Seattle

He is really a 3rd RB/FB player, and the staff loves him. But Mora is here now and with all the guys they got to resign, he may pop free like Hill will too.

Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?

by WABillsfan on Jan 22, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would like that too. He’s a good all-around FB, not just the 250 Guard playing in the backfield. I bet he becomes one of the top 2 or 3 paid FB’s in a few months….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's my list Brian

Pass rushing DE:
F/A: Suggs, Berry
Draft: Brown, Orakpo, Johnson with 1st round
TE: I see the Bills going with a third round pick again
Draft: Shawn Nelson, Coffman, Beckum 3rd or later
Center:
F/A: Matt Birk, Jeff Saturday
Draft: Mack or Unger 2nd round
Starting LB: I think the Bills will sign a vet here
F/A: Karlos Dansby is my top pick here, Crowell though I doubt it
Massive DT:
F/A Think Haynesworth would come?
Draft: Some guy I never heard of in the 6th round sounds fine to me.
Veteran Backup: Keep JP Losman (just kidding guys)
F/A: Driving the Charlie Batch Bandwagon
Other F/As: Byron Leftwich, Jon Kitna, Chris Simms
Veteran WR:
F/A: Amani Toomer, Panda I guess, Plaxico Burress? (if he is released)
Blocking FB:
F/A: Lorenzo Neal
Draft: Fiametta from SU, Quinn Johnson
Reserve Guard/Center
F/A Duke Preston (as a backup)
Reserve Swing LB
F/A: Keith Ellison, new draftee
DE depth I have no clue, no third RB for me either and no developmental safety.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Jan 22, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pass rushing DE:
F/A: Suggs, Berry
Draft: Brown, Orakpo, Johnson with 1st round
TE: I see the Bills going with a third round pick again
Draft: Shawn Nelson, Coffman, Beckum 3rd or later
Center:
F/A: Matt Birk, Jeff Saturday
Draft: Mack or Unger 2nd round
Starting LB: I think the Bills will sign a vet here
F/A: Karlos Dansby is my top pick here, Crowell though I doubt it
Massive DT:
F/A Think Haynesworth would come?
Draft: Some guy I never heard of in the 6th round sounds fine to me.
Veteran Backup: Keep JP Losman (just kidding guys)
F/A: Driving the Charlie Batch Bandwagon
Other F/As: Byron Leftwich, Jon Kitna, Chris Simms
Veteran WR:
F/A: Amani Toomer, Panda I guess, Plaxico Burress? (if he is released)
Blocking FB:
F/A: Lorenzo Neal
Draft: Fiametta from SU, Quinn Johnson
Reserve Guard/Center
F/A Duke Preston (as a backup)
Reserve Swing LB
F/A: Keith Ellison, new draftee
DE depth I have no clue, no third RB for me either and no developmental safety.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Jan 22, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Only issue with Plax is that he might be spending some time with the Sing Sing All-stars

So I think he’ll be on the “probably NO ONE gets him” list :-P Unless we can covince the warden to release him for the weekends!

Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?

by WABillsfan on Jan 22, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I still have no idea how he’ll stay out of prison.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah me neither but he is certainly worth looking into wouldn't you agree?

Plus it’s not illegal to carry a gun in Buffalo…. good selling point right guys???

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Jan 22, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Completely agreed.

by krytime on Jan 22, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That was meant for K's comment.

This one – “I still have no idea how he’ll stay out of prison.”

Again – completely agreed…

by krytime on Jan 22, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Veteran WR

Ernest Wilford
D.J. Hackett

LOL…

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

Will Michael Clayton be available?

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He’s a UFA…

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you know the contract status of Tony Scheffler?

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, but I’m sure Rotoworld does. :)

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Got it.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d still take Hackett!

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

needs

I can only exclaim that I totally agree with this well-made list by the made community. We basically need four new starters (TE, Center, DE, OLB) and you might even include 2. WR, which is a need that you can’t underestimate. Yeah, Josh Reed did a good job as a 3. WR, but what is so important to understand is that he’s NO MORE THAN A SLOT WR. I don’t care if it means signing Amani Toomer, Bryant Johnson or even the highly inconsistent Reggie Williams of the Jaguars – we need to give ourselves and of course Trent another target at WR.
I’m not a fan at all of Brandon Pettigrew. He’s not overly athletic and is more of a blocker than pass-catcher, and that is not what we’re in need of. Jared Cook, Travis Beckum or Shawn Nelson would in my opinion be much better choices, since they’re all terrific field-stretching guys. We already have a terrific blocker in Derek Fine and an above-average blocker in Schouman, so what we need is – as mentioned – the field stretcher. Brandon Pettigrew provides none of that.

If we could sign Matt Birk, Bryant Johnson, Bertrand Berry and Angelo Crowell (if he clears with the injury) in FA and draft Orakpo, Beckum, Fili Moala and a run-blocking FB, then we’ll be in a very good situation in terms of the roster.
Of course then we would rely on the braintrust of Jauron and his coaching staff, something I can’t help but be discouraged by.

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Jan 22, 2009 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You are right concerning Pettigrew – he doesn’t run away from defenders. I had the same opinion of him and I definately don’t think he’s worth it to us for the 11th pick. ILB or DE has to be 11

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ILB or DE has to be 11.

What about DT? What about C? What about WR? I honestly can’t go into a draft with a closed mind. My focus is two things: Value and Talent.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thats not a closed mind – DT would be the only other one with Raji – I did omit that on mistake.

WR or C at 11 is too high.

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trade?

Anything is possible.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

of course anything is possible – its possible the Bills will get their heads out of their asses and do this thing correct but until they show it we have nothing to go on.

Based off of our community’s assessment of needs we need what positions?

DE, TE, C, LB

Center is too high and we can get very good quality in the second round.
TE may happen – but Pettigrew won’t be running away from anyone soon

So what we have here is DE/LB or Massive Fatboy DT(which I forgot).

actually – i am closed minded on this. I’m sick of them building from the outside in. I want me some linemen or linebackers. Give me the fat guys that push the pile and play with a mean streak. I want a pass rusher that can get after a QB or a DT that will make everyone on the D-line that much better. Stroud can bring those guys along and make our inside very very tough to run against – and that would be just dandy by me.

I don’t want to see another skilled position taken in the first round for the next 3 years unless something happens to Trent. I want O and D linemen and linebackers. not even a safety.

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If you reach down on your draft board for positions of need, you are getting less value for your pick and letting other teams get the better players.

Shouldn’t positional need only be considered when the draft grades on two or more players are the same or very close (within percentage points)?

I don’t understand need-based drafting. To me, a needs list and a draft board are two different things. The draft is all about value and talent. Draft players, not positions.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

so if a CB is rated higher on the board than say the DE Brown you’d go that route?

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ideally, the BPA plays at the position of your highest need. If not, then hopefully you have a group of say 3 or 4 of the best available players at different positions with very close grades. At that point, positional need may be a consideration to break the tie. However, when you reach below that group of players (where there is a dropoff in grades) for positional need, that is when you usually get into trouble. The draft board represents a significant investment, a lot of time and resources, hours of travel, film study, discussion, grading, etc. and you don’t want to stray too far from it on draft day.

To answer your specific question, if a CB and a DE are so closely graded that you are basically getting the same player in terms of value, then I would take the DE. If the CB was alone at the top of the board, I would either trade the pick and acquire value equal to the original pick, or select the CB.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I do take into consideration what you are saying because you have to. I always have.

If you have a large discrepancy then yes you have to do something. But the Bills are picking at 11. which means that there WILL be quality offensive/defensive linemen and linebackers. since these are our main areas of needs then how could you not select one them? I can’t see taking a WR/CB/S/RB/FB/QB with all of our needs. so essentially at the top of the draft you have to narrow it down.

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the strategy should be the same whether you are picking at 11 or 211: value and talent. If a roster has value, then it has trade value, too. Look at what the Bills got for Willis McGahee and what the Falcons got for Matt Schaub. Many Bills fans would have been devastated if the Bills had drafted Ryan Clady last year. Just imagine what the Bills would get in a trade for Jason Peters. You just never know.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The idea is to acquire value to improve your roster, not necessarily to execute trades. Trades can just be a benefit.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well that is obvious – what isn’t obvious is what the Bills are going to do. I am just saying what I would do and what I think they should do – which is take d-linemen or a linebacker with the first pick.

you say you wouldn’t narrow it down – I say they have to narrow it down to at least 4 or MAYBE 5 positions – tops. then take their guy – there will be somebody at 11 that will grade out for them. i get what your saying – but I don’t think that’ll apply to their situation – depending on free agency.

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 23, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

from BB.com – Chris Brown

Making the need for a pass rusher more interesting is the fact that San Francisco (10th pick), Washington (13th) and Houston (15th) are all looking to improve their pass rush as well. If some of these teams do not believe all of the aforementioned prospects are top 15 choices, jockeying for position on draft weekend could get very interesting.

if they don’t go DE here at 11 then they’ll lose out on the top DE’s in the draft – as far as this community is concerned as we have prioritized our needs – DE is our pick here. again – depending on FA. this could all change

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 23, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

While we may not completely agree on how they get there, we may still agree with the player that they get when it is all said and done.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 23, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You replacing Poz at MLB?

Because I don’t think the staff will be doing that….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nope – moving him outside

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 22, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Again, THIS staff drafted him as a MLB. He hasn’t been bad enough to move, so I don’t see it happening. Maybe next year with a new coaching staff….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Next year with the new coaching staff.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no I know K – but Whitner was also drafted as a strong safety and he’s probably going to move to free safety. same deal – i actually would prefer this because its showing that they maybe actually using players to their strengths.

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Jan 23, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly

OLB and MLB are much different IMO, than the two safety positions in our D. Plus, Whitner hasn’t been moved their full time, like drafting a MLB and moving Poz outside would be.

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 23, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We already have a terrific blocker in Derek Fine and an above-average blocker in Schouman, so what we need is – as mentioned – the field stretcher. Brandon Pettigrew provides none of that.

I think Pettigrew has solid value. He will be able to get off the line, has the sheer power and nice athleticism. I think he will be a good pro TE. Remember a TE does not have to be able to run a 4.5 seam route. He just has to be able to get off the line, and then have the same skills any WR needs to have: body control, ability to jump with defenders on his back, and great hands.

Its way too early to read anything into these mocks. After the combine we’ll get a pulse of who the top 10 really will be. And of course when FA starts in 36 days, then we’ll have a much, much better clue of what’s going on. Don’t despair. Give it a chance. Remember, Jauron and company are on the line in 2009

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like some of the names coming out of our lists

If I was running our FO, this is how I’d handle the situation
FA-
SLB- Leroy Hill or Bart Scott
FB- Leonard Weaver (if he escapes Seattle) or Lorenzo Neal
Vet QB- Chaz Batch or Chris Simms
Vet WR- Panda or Amani Toomer (though he may stay in NY depending on Plax)
Rotational DT- Tank Johnson (toss McCrapo asap) Rocky Bernard
Reserve Guard/Center- Resign Preston (gags)
Pass Rushing DE (MAYBE if we got the cash)- Suggs, Berry
3rd RB- JJ Arrington

Draft-
Pass Rushing DE- Orakpo or Brown maybe Johnson (if we drop back in the 1st)
Starting C- Mack, Unger or Cecil Newton (3rd or later for Newton)
Pass Catching TE- Coffman, Nelson, Beckum, Jared Bronson
Massive Rotational DT- Sammie Lee Hill, Louis Ellis, John Faletoese
DE depth- Lawrence Sidbury, Chris Baker
Swing LBer- Jason Williams (the only late round guy I found anything on)
Developmental S- Not sure, but shouldn’t be picked before the 5th or 6th

Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?

by WABillsfan on Jan 22, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Forgot this

Draft-
DT- Raji (if Brown and Orakpo are gone)

Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?

by WABillsfan on Jan 22, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What about

signing UFA Suggs and trading our #11 pick to Carolina for Peppers (assuming Carolina put the tag on Peppers). Then cut Kelsey and Schoebel.

by gjv on Jan 22, 2009 5:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WAKE UP !!!!

All the Bills are going to do is sign a few reserve FAs that weren’t full time starters on another team and blow smoke at us and say how great they are and how they will take them to the next level. The Bills will not trade their #11 pick and grab some guy they could have gotten in the second round. That’s what they do!!! They play everything safe and don’t take huge chances.

by Easy Money on Jan 22, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I give you props for routinely thinking outside the box, brother.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WR

Anquan Boldin in a trade (2nd round pick) would be great.

by labill on Jan 22, 2009 6:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bills WR Coach

Tyke Tolbert coached Boldin in Arizona and coached against Boldin when Tolbert was at Florida and Boldin was at Florida State. Maybe less friction than with Todd Haley.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Very solid point…

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 22, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

AZ would be absolutely crazy to trade him for anything less than a 1st round pick AND another pick. A 2nd rounder isn’t going to happen….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Jan 22, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if

you could trade #11 for Boldin I’d do it in a heartbeat. That’s me. Some will say they don’t like his character his attitude, woudn’t give up a #11 pick. But. I’m telling you Boldin would be the perfect fit for our offense. The tough, pass catching guy that is so great at YAC. Is so physical. Would compliment Lynch and Evans perfectly. and even though he has some WR attitude in him, I don’t think that’s a bad thing. We need a little of that here, and its not like he is a cancer like TO. ANd he has been used to losing, he just wants to get paid and get his touches. I would do anything to get 81 in a Bills’ uni

We could trade that Jason Peters guy for him

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Jan 22, 2009 11:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Peters for Boldin straight up?

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And he has been used to losing?

I don’t want a player that is so used to losing that he accepts it. I want a player that is used to winning, knows when to step up his game, plays his best when it matters the most, and won’t let a 5-1 team get complacent and fall to 5-2, 5-3, etc.

Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.

by Fort Worth on Jan 22, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs