CFB's returning mind dump

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 21, 2009 6:22 PM EST

Hey guys, been a while. I've got a few things on my mind and thought that this would be a good time to return, so lets go.

First I'd like to say that the reason I stayed away for a few months was because of the overwhelmingly (warranted) negitivity that has been in the comments section of the Rumblings since the start of the season. It kinda turned me off to the entire blogging thing, although I still read Brian and Co's articles daily. BTW, great work guys, as always.

Ok so lets get started shall we?

New Head Coach

First up, new head coach. There are a lot of possibilities out there, but two have really caught my eye as to what I would like to see happen in Buffalo. First is Mike Shanahan and second is Mark Trestman.

I'd would love to see Shanahan being signed as our GM and HC. Not so much because he makes brilliant personel descisions, in fact some would argue to the contrary, but because when it comes to developping players, he's by far the best coah available. Shanahan is great at developping QB's, I'm mean look at what he did with Jake Plummer for God's sake! Also he has shown the ability to work with difficult players time and time again (Branden Marshall for example). Plus he know what it is to coach in a cold environment with diehard fans. Not to mention the fact that he is also the most realistic possibility. I mean lets face it folks, Bill Coher ain't leaving a comfy, no effort broadcasting job to come coach in Buffalo.

As far as Mark Trestman goes, I've read a lot of ppl dismissing him simply because he's a CFL coach. As a big CFL fan let me tell you directly that dismissing him simply because he's a CFL product is a grave mistake. Besides, the last couple of times that we went looking to the CFL for answers turned out pretty well for us (Flutie and Levy). Believe me when I say that Trestman is a top notch coach and if we don't give him an NFL job, someone else will in no time. Also I would like him as a HC, but I would prefer to see him as our OC. He's great at developping the passing play and can work with just about any QB.

I think a combo of two offencive minded coachs like Shanahan and Trestman at HC and OC would be great for our team, especially if we draft or sign a good QB.

What To Do In The Upcomming Draft

Ok let me start off by saying that I do NOT want us to draft a QB in this draft. This draft might be QB heavy, but it's mostly spread offence QB's that will be available for us as we will surely be drafting around the 10th position again and like 7 of the teams that are ahead of us will also be looking for QB's. I am also very strongly of the opinion that you must build your line before you get a QB. After all what good is a QB if he can't stay standing (look to David Carr as proof).

I have one man in particular that I would love for us to draft as our first pick this year: Russell Okung. I don't care if we need to trade up to get him, we simply need this guy at LT. He could ancor our once again jumbled up line for years to come. (more on what I would like to see out of the offencive line in a few.)

The second round should be concentrated on drafting the best LB available. After that BPA.

Next Year's O-Line

Now I'd love to talk QB already, but once again, we have to fix our O-Line first.

So first thngs first: Draft Okung. Next: Move Wood back to C. After that move Butler back to RG and then move Bell to RT. Our new(ish) O-Line would look like this:

Okung - Levitre - Wood - Butler - Bell

Once again we'd be by far the youngest line in the NFL, but that has it's advantages too. And moving Hangartner to a backup role has it's advantages too as he has played both Centre and Guard in his NFL career and has shown to be quite the backup at both. Unfortunatly he's just and average starter. But with Wood, Levitre and Butler starting on the inside, and having Hang back them up, the inside of out line looks solide. Our Tackles would still be the weak point of our line, but it would still be MUCH better then what we have now.

Our Start QB!

OK i know that I'm going to get an earfull for this but here goes.... Trent Edwards. I just want to give the kid a chance with a good coach backing him up. Who knows, maybe he still is then answer. Then again maybe not. All I know is that I still prefer Edwards over Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy. ut I'd only give him one year, if he can't succeed under a QB friendly coach, then he is truly done as an NFL QB. I also think that Edwards is our short term answer as there aren't any good options in free angency that i foresee, that is unless the Eagles choose to finally release McNabb, which is highly unlikely. I also wouldn't mind Pennington (in fact I'd love to have him) but it's starting to look like he's going to retire.

Let me just make this clear, I would LOVE for us to have a better QB then Edwards next year. I just don't think that there is one that would be the answer for us. And the ones that are better are only marginally better, and thats not good enough for me. As for not drafting a QB, give me a name and I'll tell you why I'm not crazy about him. I think that we should draft a LT this year and wait one more year for a QB (as painfull as it will be).

Also, I'd like to throw another name into the mix. Keeping in the theme of poaching out of the CFL (like I did earlier with Trestman), I'd really like for you guys to look at CFL All-Star QB Darian Durant. He's got great legs, a cannon of an arm, and while he is not super precise (but still pretty good) he's got a good decision making skills to compensate. Plus he's still young (26) so he can be coached into being a very good (if not great) NFL QB in my opinion. Now I don't know when his CFL contract is up, but CFL teams have been know to give young players the oppertunity to try out in the NFL, so maybe something could be worked out. And at the very least he could compete with Trent for the starting job. Here's his websight if you guys want to know more.

Anyways, thats it for me for now. Let me know what you guys think.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Comments

Not reading our comments ????????

Now that takes guts to say that and expect people to continue reading your post. If I didn’t “know” you, I would have quit right there. To bad because we have talked about many of these things. Alright….enough busting your chops :-)

Shanny is someone most people wouldn’t mind as HC. The biggest concern is that a GM should be hired first and then allowed to pick his HC. Does Shanny have any connection with Trestman? If not, the odds are slim he gets the nod as OC.

I agree we need to go LT in the draft, but am not convinced we must trade up to get him at all cost. There are a few other LTs who look to be NFL ready. Wood to C and Bell to RT are good moves. I think we need to draft a RG no later than round 4 as well. Butler has a history of missing more games each season. I expect that to continue and we need to draft his replacement or bring in a FA.

I would not be surprised to see Edwards start the season next year, but I think he is done. Even if he would get better with coaching, you can’t unscramble an egg. The ease with which he got that second concussion is not a good sign. I agree that this years top QBs all have serious holes in there games. My early prediction was the Bills take Tony Pike in the second round. Yes, he may be a product of the system, but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn if he gets a year or two to develop. What is your take on Brohm? If we don’t bring in a stop gap Vet QB, Brohm could be in the mix next year. I expect him to be the backup to open the 2010 season.

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 21, 2009 7:35 PM EST reply actions

Agreed with all of your comments...

Getting Brohm and paying him a 2yr FA deal is essentually drafting a high QB in next year’s draft without having to wait for him him to negotiate a deal and you can start working with him this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see him on the field this year when Fitzy or Edwards stink it up pretty good or they just have to go to someone else.

Then if Pike or another QB is there to take, they can take them without having to press them totally in the starting lineup right away. If not QB is available, they wait another year when Edwards contract expires for the Bills.

I would assume though if they are interested in Shanny they will lure him with the Pro Player Director tag too.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 21, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions

I think the Brohm signing is a great signing. I liked Hamdan a lot, but he was essentially there to support Trent. Now that the team is seemingly headed in an other direction I think that the Brohm signing is a great signing.

Yes he is a bit of a project, but I think that signing him is a better option then drafting a QB in the first round this year.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 21, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions

Getting Brohm and paying him a 2yr FA deal is essentually drafting a high QB in next year’s draft without having to wait for him him to negotiate a deal and you can start working with him this year.

He was a player who was terrible in GB and signed off their PS. He was a player who was once thought of as a high first round pick, but never improved on his weaknesses and slid to the end of round 2. This is nowhere near drafting a QB high in the draft. It’s signing a bust QB prospect in hopes of molding him into a competent backup. Maybe something crazy happens and he becomes starting material, but right now he is barely 3rd string material….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

It is totally worth the risk for the Bills...

I am not saying this guy will be the franchise or anything, but I could see that the Bills give Brohm every chance to show them something this year in practice and probably on the field. Once they know what they have in the guy and his “potential” it will determine where they are going in the draft next year.

In my best guess, Brohm is a better than average QB that will develop to compete for a starting spot next year with Edwards, a rookie they will draft, and a washed up Vet they will acquire in FA (ala Kerry Collins or Chad Pennington). The top three remain and who starts is any ones guess unless one totally differentiates themselves and develops because we have a very offensive minded coach.

What the Brohm signing does is gives the Bills a way to not have to draft one with their top pick or move up to get the best QB in the draft because they potentially have a QB to develop now on their roster. Before this it was Edwards… Edwards is not the answer as the organization is indicating.

I am surprised more isn’t being made of the Edwards benching and Brohm signing as a very strong indication of the Bills moving away from Edwards as their future.

by dabillsr1 on Nov 22, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

If Brohm does well and picks up the system, I see him start a few games this season yet

by dabillsr1 on Nov 22, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions

Well said.....rec'd

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

Oh I’ve been reading the comments a lot. I was just not enthoused by the negitivity.

I’ll agree with you that having both Shany and Trestman is a long shot.

As for the LT, it’s Okung, and then a step down. If we have to trade up 3 or for spots, I say we do it. But at the right price. Thats to say I wouldn’t give up this year’s second or next year’s first to do it.

Searching for a replacement for Butler should be on the Bills to do list, but it does not make it on the top priorities list for me…. yet. Next season it probably will be.

And as for Edwards, I know he’s not the long term answer. But if we can’t get any better then him, i say we hold out drafting a first round QB for one more year. Thats to say that I don’t want to see us use our first round draft pick on a QB this year. None of the projected first rounders ae impressing me and I’d much rather see use use the pick on an LT or an LB. Preferably an LT. I definatly would not object to drafting Pike in the second, the kids got some talent, but he’s also a project. He’d have to be a backup for a year, at least.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 21, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

Trading up always comes at a high price

Okung might be the cream of the crop, therefore will most likely go before the Bills pick somewhere between spots 6-8. Therefore, you must have a realistic backup plan. Bruce Campbell and Bryan Bulaga for example. Maybe they are no Jake Long, but who wouldn’t settle for Michael Oher at this point?

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 21, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions

I think Bulaga is fairly underrated and will fall to the Bills, he’s not of the quality of Okung of course, but being second best to Okung isn’t too insulting.

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Nov 21, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe they are no Jake Long, but who wouldn’t settle for Michael Oher at this point?

Thats what’s irritating me though, at one point or another we have to stop settling for second best. We settled for lynch instead of Peterson. We settled for Puz instead of Willis. I’m not willing to do that again and neither should this team.

Point is great teams are great teams because they make sucessfull bold moves. We need to start doing that. So what if Okung costs us next year’s second rounder and a third this year? He’s got hall of fame potential at the tackle position, and unless he’s a Mike Williams type bust, it will have been worth it.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

Boldness for boldness sake isn’t the answer either. Great teams also happen to accumulate draft picks to build a championship. If I’m not mistaken, this team has been bold in the past. They drafted Whitner 8th, traded up for McCargo, and traded up for Losman. They have identified players they wanted, they were just the wrong ones. Also reports were that the Bills wanted to trade up to get both Willis and Roethlisberger, but had to give up too much to do it. Looking back, it appears they should have done it anyway, but in the draft, there are few “sure” things.

by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 22, 2009 7:33 AM EST up reply actions

I get your point, but

the Bills don’t need to have Long at LT to be good (see Mike Gandy). If they get lucky and he drops or another team wants to move down and gives the Bills an offer they can’t refuse, then do it. It might be worth it at other positions, especially QB. If we were trading up to get a stud QB, DE, DT, or even a Willis type LB, I would consider it if the price was right. The difference between Okung and Bulaga is not enough for the Bills to give up high picks. We have to many holes.

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

I think Bulaga is better. I think he’s a more polished and NFL ready blocker and is much better in the run game. I believe Bulaga will be a better run blocker than Okung for his entire career. Okung has elite pass blocking tools, but he’s struggled at times this season and isn’t without flaws.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

good points, kaisertown

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

We settled for lynch instead of Peterson. We settled for Puz instead of Willis.

Says who? You have to have trading partners to get stuff like that done. Getting Peterson would have taken moving up at least 6 spots in the Draft into the top 6. That’s a major price to pay…I’d have loved to have moved ahead of SF for Willis, but if the teams in front of them didn’t want to move, what can we do? I think I’m more ticked the team traded up for Poz instead of staying put and taking the best available player then. That was a waste.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

I definitely agree with going against drafting a QB in this draft. We should continue to build the OLine, a LT with our first pick would be great. I am all for moving Wood to C, and either find RG through FA or move Butler back to RG. I am not sure I like Bell at either T position, he seems like he still needs to mature. OLB, and DL need to be upgraded as well. Letting Jauron go was definitely a step in the right direction. Can’t wait to see what kind of changes are made in the offseason. GO BILLS!!!

by Hassanali181 on Nov 21, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions

Rec!!!!

I have stuck around to read all the stuff. Can’t leave it is in my blood. Thank god for the staff and there pollitically correct analysis. Your post is received, couldn’t have said it better although I would like to be able to. Yes you did forget about Brohm and Meridth. Two additional signees with upside. Although I agree, OL then LB and LB again in round three or four.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Nov 21, 2009 10:16 PM EST reply actions

Oh I think that Meredith has excellent potential at RT. Maybe even as our swing Tackle next year. He’s just not quite there yet. I say he wont be ready to be a consistent starter until his third year.

Bell shouldn’t be either, I think he was rushed. But he does seem to be showing a steady improvement in every game so I do like him.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 21, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

I think both tackle spots need to be addressed, I’d be curious to know who the free agent RTs are (I know a simple google search could accomplish this….perhaps I’ll reply to my own post later today). I also agree that LB needs to be addressed, just not sure that a 2nd rounder is going to be enough of an upgrade. That’s the problem. They have so many positions where impact players are needed, and one first round pick.

by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 22, 2009 7:36 AM EST up reply actions

Another thing that I like about Shanahan is the FA’s that he can bring in. Branden Marshall is a UFA this year, and while there has been a lot of talk about an extention, it still hasn’t been done. Then there are guys like Tony Scheffler that’s a quality FA soon and Champ Baily is very close to Shanny and is UFA at the end of 2011. He might retire, but then again, the possibility would be there.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 21, 2009 10:31 PM EST reply actions

Take it from a guy in Colorado, Bailey will retire a Bronco. He’s probably the most loved player on the Broncos in Colorado since Elway left, he’s not going to leave that for Buffalo.

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Nov 21, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions

I was hoping that you wouldn’t say that, but somehow knew that someone would. But a guy can dream right? Even if it is totaly unrealistic.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions

Couldn’t agree more. A high profile coach makes Buffalo a more attractive place. He also immediately commands respect of the young guys in the locker room or draft picks.

by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 22, 2009 7:37 AM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure the entire community here agrees we should be drafting a Tackle first round.

All I know is that I still prefer Edwards over Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy.

So you’re just going to throw out the two worst possible candidates from the draft and say that Trent is better than them so let’s keep him around?

Trent failed. I supported him for a while through his downs, but it’s been almost 2 straight years of downs now. Coaching won’t help him from checking down every play. Coaching can’t help his tendency to throw half his long-balls out of bounds. Coaching can’t stop him from crumbling under even light pressure or holding onto the ball an extra 4 or 5 seconds each play.

I believe there’s only 3 Spread Offense QB’s that will be drafted high in Bradford, Tebow and Lefevour. There’s still Snead, Pike, Mallett etc…

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Nov 21, 2009 11:47 PM EST reply actions

Ok maybe i did throw out the two worst draft possibilities out there for the Bills. My bad. But I think that Bradford would be just as bad an option as Tebow. Bradford has absolutly NO poise in the pocket and crumbles under pressure.

And I would LOVE for us to draft Snead, but he’ll realisticly be drafted before we go up. Thats an almost certainty. And if Pike falls to us in the second, I’d draft him in a heart beat and start him over Trent. No hesitation at all. But I think that thats a long shot too.

Realisticly we’re stuck with either Trent Edwards or an aging vet for one more year. I don’t like it any more then you. I’m just being realistic that this teams isn’t a one year fix.

Lets be honest, if you expect that we can draft a Matt Ryan or a Joe Flacco this season, it wont happen. Heck we probably couldn’t even draft a Mark Sanchez this year! And if we’re going to go the spread offence way, which is a horrible idea in the first place, then we might as well go sign Chase Daniels from NO’s practise squad and save the draft pick.

I’m just of the honest belief that we wont be able to find our QB of the future threw this years draft.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions

And I would LOVE for us to draft Snead, but he’ll realisticly be drafted before we go up. Thats an almost certainty.

Seriously?

You mention Bradford crumbling under pressure, but then throw out Snead’s name? Snead has been brutal this year. His best games are against the likes of SE Louisiana, Northern Arizona and UAB. He’s thrown 8 TD’s and no picks against those inferior teams and 9 TD’s and 14 picks against everyone else. You want to talk about someone crumbling under the pressure and playing poorly, Snead’s your guy. He’s been inaccurate and mistake prone all year. It’s highly unlikely he’ll go pro anyhow after this season, and if he did, he might not be a 1st round pick.

If Snead is a top 6-7 pick this year, I’ll eat my hat.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

Snead is definitely headed back to school. Even with a rookie pay scale possibly on the way, Snead’s best shot at a big pay day is heading back to school and having a good senior season.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

Wasn`t aware of that, all I saw was the entire stat line, not the specifics against each team. And keep in mind it`s hard for me to totally keep up with american college football, you know, me living up in Canada and all.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure the entire community here agrees we should be drafting a Tackle first round.

Really, there isn’t a single person on the blog who wants to draft a QB? Or one of the top DTs? I’d guess OT vs. QB is at least 50/50. I think it’s completely crazy to pass up on a top QB for an offensive tackle. If there is one rule of drafting, it’s that you never pass up on a potential franchise QB if you don’t already have one on the roster. Maybe a great QB won’t be available and the last thing I want to do is reach on a QB just to take one, but if our new GM or HC loves Sam Bradford, we better draft Sam Bradford. Or if Locker or Clauson fall, we’d be nuts not to grab them.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 6:48 AM EST up reply actions

I`ll stand my ground on what I said about Bradford, but if Claussen does fall, then yeah, we`d be NUTS not to draft him. Problem is he`s the ONLY franchise QB in this draft in my eyes.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

If you don’t like Bradford, then that’s fine. Personally, I havn’t made my mind up yet. But if the Bills like him. If they think he’s a potential franchise players, then they have to take him.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed. I’m just hoping that they don’t see it that way. My biggest problem with him is the spread offence thing.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

No they don't

I’ve been stunned that people seem to want to throw an early first round quarterback to the wolves with this O-line. The problem is, if we don’t hire a high profile coach, that person will feel the need to get his QB in a effort to keep his job more than three years. Building a line is long term, drafting a QB is instant gratification (although with no line, it is a crapshoot IMO).

by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 22, 2009 7:40 AM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure the entire community here agrees we should be drafting a Tackle first round.

Good luck with that one.

I want a QB to build around. If the QB’s go before us and a LT prospect is the highest or one of highest ranked players available to us, then yes, I’d like to see a LT. Right now, it’s QB or bust, IMO.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

You're alive!

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 1:22 AM EST reply actions

I know! Weird eh?

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 1:32 AM EST up reply actions

Joe mentioned that Buffalo will likely pick between 6-8 and that’s a pretty safe bet. It’s not as crazy as people think that a QB could be sitting there.

The six teams with 1-2 wins are:

Detroit, Tampa, KC (won’t draft a QB) and Oakland, St. Louis, Cleveland (might draft a QB).

Then you’ve got the 3-4 win teams in Buffalo, Tennessee, Washington, Seattle, San Fran, Carolina and the Jets.

We’ve seen teams pass on a QB before. It’s not unlikely that Cleveland or Oakland would pass on a QB for one of the top DTs, Eric Berry, Dez Bryant or Okung. Seattle and St. Louis both passed on Mark Sanchez last year. In 2008, Miami passed on Matt Ryan for Jake Long and Chicago, KC, Carolina and Detroit all watched Joe Flacco slide by only to see Baltimore grab him a few picks later. A bunch of teams (CLE, DET, MIA, ATL) all passed on Brady Quinn. Leinart and Cutler fell to 10th and 11th, Aaron Rodgers slid to 24th and Roethlisberger went 11th.

If Buffalo can draft a QB, I think they would be crazy not to. I know the OL is a mess, but I don’t agree with the notion that you need to build an OL before you can get a QB. Why can’t you do both at the same time? Atlanta went out and got their QB with a crappy OL, then drafted a LT, found a new RG, had some young players improve, pounded the run and now people think it’s one of the better OLs in the league. And if the OL is that bad next year, then let a crappy vet QB play while the rookie learns on the bench for a season. How good was the Giants OL when they drafted Eli? People look at that line and assume that it was a great situation for Eli to walk into, but their best lineman, Chris Snee, was the 2nd round pick of that same draft as Manning was taken. David Diehl had just finished his rookie season as a guard who nobody thought could handle LT. Shaun O’Hara was a mediocre free agent addition that NY added the same offseason as they drafted Eli. Why is it such a necessity to do one thing (fix the OL) an entire season before doing another (draft a QB)?

Buffalo might not have a top 10 pick next year and the draft might not present a good option at QB for this team. We can’t assume it’s a postion that can be fixed in the future and if Buffalo gets a chance to draft a top QB, they need to take it.

Consider this a softening of the blow for people expecting Shanahan to hire a name OC: It will not happen. This isn’t directly a response to Trestman (who I would be very happy to add as an OC), but I’ve seen a bunch of people throw possible Shanahan/OC combos out there and they aren’t happening. If Shanahan is hired here, he will definitely, without doubt bring in somebody he is familiar with and has worked with in the past. Some random former QB or OL coach. He’ll do that because Shanny not only has a reputation for surrounding himself with yes men, but because he will want to run his own offense. Shanahan will use his philosophies, schemes, formations and plays. He’ll do everything on offense except call the plays. Same goes for any coach with a great reputation on offense or defense.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 7:56 AM EST reply actions

I totally agree

If you have a chance to get a franchise QB, you take it. Never ever ever pass on a franchise QB if you don’t one. That’s one motto every team in this league follows, or at least should.

And isn’t this draft rather deep at OT? We couldn’t get one near the top of round 2 or trade back into the first for one? I like your ATL example, because that would be just fine with me.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions

Of corse you never pass up a Franchise QB. You Never EVER do that. I just think that the only QB resembling that in this draft is Claussen, and he’ll realisticly be gone before us. If he slides to us, no hesitation, he’s the guy that we have to take.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

OK, so you don’t think that OT is a more pressing need or should be taken in front of a QB, you’re just not a fan of the QBs that will be available? As a guy who was bashing this QB class until Locker stepped up, I can respect that.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions

I’m a guy that has no confidence in this QB class, hence why I think we should build the line this season.

QB is obviously our most pressing need, I just don’t think that there will be a franchise QB available to us this year.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

True be told, the QB I like best is Tebow. Not sure I want to draft him with our 1st pick, but

fix his mechanics and you have the next Jim Kelly.

“Bill Parcells and Gil Brandt called Tim Tebow a “top-10 pick.” Jon Gruden said that Tebow would “revolutionize the game.” Tony Dungy stated that he would draft Tebow over Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford and even Matt Grothe. The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins have a “high regard for Florida’s Tim Tebow.” Mike Ditka, who is 10-0 with his Monday night picks, recently praised Tebow as well. " http://walterfootball.com/draft2010_1.php

Just sayin….

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Stop drinking the Tebow juice Joe.

Truth be told, I like Tebow too, just not until mid to late second round. So yeah, if he falls to us in the third, by all means!!!! but that wont happen, the Jags will pick him in the first.In my eyes he’s a second round prospect that is also a project.

And I that if you can fix his mechanics he will be an outstanding QB. But thats a BIG if. And he’ll need one of the best QB coaches available to help him, and I don’t think that we’ll have that here in Buffalo, Shanahan or not.

There are simply too many things that can go wrong with Tebow in my eyes.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

Don't be so negative CBF, or I might stop posting.....hahahhahahahahha :-)

You said you would jump all the way to NYC (or something like that)if the Bills got Dungy to coach, and Dungy (among others) like Tebow. I understand that Tebow is a two year project, but we have the time. It is going to take 2 years to fix the line anyway. I am not completely sold on Tebow, but if he ends ups being the next Peyton Manning, wouldn’t it be worth waiting 2 years for? The big question is can he be fixed? If the answer is yes, then I want him. “I want winners”…..hummmmm sounds like I should change my sig?

"Are the Bills better than we think, or do they just suck the life out of most teams they play and drag them down to their level? - oompaloompa

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

We have the time, sure

but does Ralph?

I don’t know if he wants to bring in a $10M HC and then wait 2-3 years before we might see some improvement out of the QB position….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

I said 2 years, and if Ralph thinks the Bills are going to turn things around enough to make the playoffs next year,

they need to decrease his meds. There is a better chance of Tebow going to the Pro Bowl in 2010 than the Bills making the playoffs.

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

See you think that Tebow can be fixed, I on the other hand still had my doubts.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

I do think he can be fixed, although nothing is certain

Look at Russell and Young. IMO, Tebow is a better QB than they were when they were drafted. Young might be taking that step after a rocky start, and Russell plays for the Raiders, so just like JP/Edwards, who knows if he could have been good. The key for Tebow will be for him to sit a year…maybe two. Watch the freaking Pats take him and let him sit behind Brady for the next 2-3 years.

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions

I think a coaching staff that knows how to build an offensive system specifically for him could be make or break. If you just tried to toss Tebow into some NFL system, I’m not sure he could succeed. But if you take a lot of the spread stuff, reads he is familiar with and cut the field in half for him at first (IE: Roethlisberger’s rookie year), then he has a much better chance.

by kaisertown on Nov 23, 2009 6:49 AM EST up reply actions

are you talking year one....or this that all you think he can be?

If his mechanics can be fixed, I don’t see why he has such a low ceiling. The two main problems with mechanics are footwork and throwing motion. Footwork is very fixable. The throwing motion is trickier, but the problem is with the windup, not the release, correct? That is fixable also. Tebow wouldn’t be the first QB who likes to run that has had to learn you can’t do that in the NFL. I think Tebow has the physical tools and the drive to be make the changes needed successful. He will need a good QB coach, which makes me wonder about the Bills?

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 23, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

I’m talking about his first year as a starter, regardless of when it comes. The Florida offense that he has been running for four years is so unlike your typical NFL offense that a team would be very smart to incorporate similiar routes and reads into their offense and ease Tebow into an NFL system as much as they can. And I think dumbing down an offense with half field reads and run heavy attacks is smart with any rookie QB this side of a Peyton Manning or multi-year USC Carson Palmer type starter. You always have to be careful not to overload a rookie QB and considering the mechanical stuff that Tebow needs to work on and the fact that he basically needs to learn to read defenses from scratch, an NFL coach is going to have to be particularly careful with Tebow. It’s not a bad thing as long as the coach knows what he is doing.

by kaisertown on Nov 23, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

To add onto and maybe simplify that: Tim Tebow needs to be eased into an NFL offense and one of the best ways to do that is with an offensive system, scheme, playbook or whatever that he is somewhat familiar with. Let him read half the field at first and then open things up over time. Let him tuck and run after a couple progressions at first and then slowly make those reads more intricate and complex. Let him chuck a bunch of fade routes and deep balls early and use other simple routes. I think Tebow has a very high ceiling, but he needs to be taking baby steps at first because there are so many different things he needs to work on. When Tebow drops back to pass, whether it’s a game or in practice, he can’t have a dozen different things going through his head. Let him work on a couple things at a time until he has worked out everything he needs to be the big time player that he can be. I’m just not sure how many coaches would take that approach with him.

by kaisertown on Nov 23, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds right to me. Remember when a QB sitting for a few years was the norm?

I think Polian must have put a curse on the Bills when he left. Anyone know where we can get a live Buffalo to sacrifice on the 50 yards line? Or, maybe we should use a Dolphin ??? Preferably, Nick Buoniconti

by Joe P. on Nov 23, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t be so negative CBF, or I might stop posting

I’m not going to hear the end of that any time soon am i?

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions

Hey......I haven't be able to give you crap for a loooong time

I am sure it will get old soon……maybe :-P

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 11:51 PM EST up reply actions

lol, now by getting old soon I’m sure you mean that in a big picture kinda thing. Like over a lifespan, 1 year is soon. Thats what you ment right?

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 23, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

LOL!!! ..... no promises :-)

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 23, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

LMAO! I KNEW IT!!!!!!!

This is going to be as bad as the spelling thing!

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 23, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Everyone talks about fixing his mechanics

and footwork, but that is so much more difficult than it sounds.

I think he has a LONG way to go if he is to ever be legit pro style QB. His playing style would get him killed in the NFL, or at least constantly nicked up. He has to not only improve his mechanics and footwork, but also change his style some. It won’t be easy for the kid. He’s a marvelous leader, but is he an NFL QB? I have more than a few doubts.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Nov 22, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions

I agree.....a lot to fix...but a lot to like

leader on and off the field (no hitting pedestrians and smoking weed with a loaded firearm worries here), big arm, tough, smart, will be a great member of the community, fiery competitor.

Senior Bowl and the preparation leading up to it will tell us a lot about where Tebow will go. I almost hope he struggles at the Senior Bowl and slips to us in round 2. If not, there is always Tony Pike :-)

"I want Winners. ... Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win. ..." - Mike Singletary

by Joe P. on Nov 22, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

And I forgot to mention, it’s a huge no thank you on Darian Durant. He’s not an NFL style QB. He won’t have the space or time that he gets in the CFL and with his 5’11 height and exaggerated release, he would need in the NFL. He’s an inaccurate passer who excels in the CFL because of the rules of the CFL. He’s barely rosterable as an NFL QB.

by kaisertown on Nov 22, 2009 8:01 AM EST reply actions

Good points. Just thought that I’d throw his name out there.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Nov 22, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

wow

this was a good read comments and all, I don’t even have anything to add it has all been brought up, the only real thoughts in the draft is where do we expect to be next year as far as draft order, and what kind of depth there is at QB next year. The answers to that tell me who and what I want to draft. If there are no decent QB’s that are attainable then you almost have to take a chance at QB this year and hopefully the coaching staff can mold him.

If the prospects are low next year and the expected draft spot is in the middle of the pack then you are stuck with Free agency which is even more unreliable to get a franchise QB than the draft.

Can anyone fill in as to what we are looking at for QB’s next year?

by guruu on Nov 22, 2009 7:43 PM EST reply actions