Are we collectively on board with drafting Sam Bradford
by BRIANMULHALL on Dec 15, 2009 7:19 PM EST
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PrintNow that Jake Locker is not entering the draft and are draft position is hopefully just outside the top ten, because that would mean beating the Patriots and maybe the Colts and because i believe that top ten picks are prohibitively expensive, we can start to think about who the Bills will take in the 1st rd.
I know QB is a desperate need and i know i have said that i would be in support of bringing in a veteran and opening up a competition next summer with what we have now and whoever else can be signed to make it intersting i know that most people need a sense of renewal and that means new HC and QB.
So with that in mind i would like to see where people think we should go if that is the direction we are headed as a team. Clausen and Bradford will battle for the top QB off the board and im sure Clausen will be gone so that leaves Bradford who may drop out of the top ten due to his shoulder surgery and that may be just the break we need in order to secure the QB of the future.
Other options are to wait until the second rd. and try to draft a Colt Mccoy or Jevan Snead or Case Keenum or anyone along those lines and hope for the best but i think either shoot for Bradford or wait another year. So what does everyone think about drafting a QB first of all and then the prospect of not geting the number one QB but taking Bradford if he drops and we can get him around ten.
Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.
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No sense in giving a rookie QB the David Carr/Joey Harrington treatment
We’ll never know how those guys might have turned out if they had been drafted by teams that had actual NFL caliber offensive lines. With no real answers at either tackle position the Bills would be almost certain to ruin any QB drafted this year. Fix the line.
Anyone have the lists of QBs hitting free agency with and without a new CBA?
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
by Ron From NM on Dec 15, 2009 7:28 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
As a Lions fan I will correct your Joey Harrington analogy.
In Joey’s first two seasons the Lions allowed 20 and 11 [led the league] sacks. The O line was actually pretty good back then with a young Backus and Raiola and the veteran Ray Brown.
Joey Harrington just plain stunk from the get go. Don’t try to pin his personal failure on any other part of the team.
Having said that, I tend to agree that you should continue to upgrade your O line. You did use two early picks on Guards last year, right? There will be some very good Tackle prospects that may be available in the second round [Jason Fox, J. Barksdale, Ciron Black among others] who could help you at the Right or Left Tackle positions.
I am not sure that Bruce Campbell or Trent Williams or Anthony Davis are worth a top ten pick.
I kind of agree with that concept. Altough, I’m still not sure why Buffalo can’t address the OL in a big way this offseason and still draft a QB. Or why we couldn’t draft a QB if the right guy was there and instead of giving him the David Carr treatment, give him the Carson Palmer or Aaron Rodgers treatment.
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 Dec 15, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think this refers to what to do with our 1st round pick
I think it would take Suh to move me off taking an LT with our first pick. I am all for taking a developmental QB in round 2 or later rounds.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
But what I don’t get is why drafting a LT to start and a developmental QB to sit behind a vet QB because of this OL is a better plan than drafting a QB to start and a LT to sit the bench or play RT behind a vet LT like Matt Light or Donald Penn. Why is one this great plan while drafting a QB is unacceptable because of this line. Why can’t both be options?
Is it that impossible for Buffalo to fix the OL without a first round pick playing LT?
Is it that crazy to think that Buffalo can sit the QB on the bench for 12 games or the whole season?
If people don’t like the QB prospects, think LT is a bigger need, or something like that, then I can get behind it. But I don’t understand why the offensive line is a factor in drafting a QB.
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
I’m not sure if you’re getting the gist of my post. I’m suggesting that Buffalo can build a pretty good OL without taking somebody in the first round and if they fail at that, they don’t have to put the QB in a Carr or Harrington type situation. It is possible to not play a rookie QB. It’s worked for Rodgers, Palmer, Henne, Schaub and Rivers. Eli Manning and Jay Cutler didn’t play much as rookies. Why can’t Buffalo sit a QB on the bench?
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
That’s what I’ve wanted all along is to not let the QB even play the first year. I wouldn’t mind building OL through FA, as long as we grab a true MLB with our top pick.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
Well, I wouldn’t exactly want to build the OL through FA, I just think that a one or two year stop gap like Light would work well with a guy like Bell and/or a 2nd-4th rounder develops on the bench or at RT has a better success rate than drafting a QB in the later rounds.
And I should point out, that I’m far from married to taking a QB in round one and currently, would rather go with Gerald McCoy or Rolando McClain.
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
If the Bills draft McClain,
I expect your 1st post to be Yipie Kay Yay MFer :-)
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
by Joe P. on Dec 15, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Someone's will be
~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."
Honestly, I have no clue what Buffalo should do yet. I’ve gone from LT to QB to no clue, back to QB and now that Locker is gone, I’m somewhere between no clue and best player available (which I assume will be McClain or Gerald McCoy. I still like Clausen and am intrigued by Bradford, like a handful of OTs, wouldn’t mind trading up or trading down. Currently, I’d be OK with most (almost all) of the likely outcomes.
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
Can't say I blame you
No coach, no GM, lots of holes, almost no position that couldn’t be upgraded.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Pretty much. I don’t want to draft a crappy QB in the first round, don’t want to massively reach on any player and don’t want to take an overly toolsy player without results like Carlos Dunlap. And I don’t even know which QBs I think are crappy yet and still havn’t completely decided who is and isn’t a reach. Other than watching a lot of college football this year, I’m pretty much at square one.
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
I'm with you...
I’d rather try and get an established QB with an instant POSITIVE impact than sit a roookie and wait another year for dividends. Look how well “sanchise” and stafford did being through to the wolves, I cant go through that another year. We already have Brohm to work with next year, why not go for someone like Vick? I feel our needs are OL. As far as the linebacker position if the new HC decides to go with a 3-4 defense, i like Poz and Mitchell on the inside with Draft and Buggs outside, what does anyone else think?…
by Billsfanatic on Dec 16, 2009 7:48 AM EST up reply actions
I think it would be far from ideal, but could get us by next season. Why wouldn't
Maybin and maybe Schobel play outside LB in a 3-4? Drafting a big NT could help compensate for our LBs lack of run stopping ability.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Yeah, you want your pass rushers at OLB in a 3-4 and true LBs on the inside. So Maybin, Schobel and Ellis would be OLBs while every LB actually on the roster would be moved inside or cut. Kawika Mitchell could play either position. Kelsay and Denney would be tweeners and wouldn’t be on the team next year.
I’m with you and think Buffalo could transition over to a 3-4 pretty well even though they would have huge issues with depth (what’s new?) and would have a couple starting roles that needed to be filled this offseason.
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
Hey maybe we could actually see something for drafting Ellis byt putting him at OLB in a 3-4. maybe.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
They might be able to make a transition
but that doesn’t mean it’d be successful. Without a big NT and big 3-4 DE’s, along with Schobel playing OLB, I don’t see how this team could have much success running a 3-4 next year.
~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."
We just don’t have the pieces to do it. We would literally have to gut this team, and it can’t be done in one year, switching to a 3-4 is just guaranteeing losing for another couple years!!
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
it shouldnt be that hard to do
both offense and defense have been shuffled so much already,due to injuries, that IMO in the offseason with a new defensive coordinator, they can do it
by Billsfanatic on Dec 17, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
then isnt that were we use our draft pick?
by Billsfanatic on Dec 17, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve already given up on this team for next season because there’s no chance they will be able to get good enough QB play next year to be a threat to win a playoff game. So It doesn’t bother me if next year would be a transitional year. Finding that NT would be the key. If they can do that, they could have a good 3-4 defense in 2011.
Personally, I’d rather stick with the 4-3, but if I were the Bills I wouldn’t rule out coaches who wanted to switch over.
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
Actually Palmer steped in and started from day one. Remeber how Kitna just got tossed aside as a starter after that great year he had in cincy?
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
That great year Kitna had was Palmer’s first year. Palmer was on the bench his rookie season behind Kitna.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Really? wow, ok that was off for me. my bad.
And in that case. Yes, do sit your rookie QB.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
But what I don’t get is why drafting a LT to start and a developmental QB to sit behind a vet QB because of this OL is a better plan than drafting a QB to start and a LT to sit the bench
I think that the OTs in this draft have a much better chance of staring and doing well right away than the QBs. A vet QB should have a better chance of making quicker reads and avoid getting killed or turning the ball over.
a vet LT like Matt Light or Donald Penn.
I have zero faith in the Bills ability to bring in FA lineman.
Why is one this great plan while drafting a QB is unacceptable because of this line. Why can’t both be options?
Both are options, but IMO, the first is more likely to succeed. Just like all the desperation moves the Bills made this season. They could have worked, but the odds were against it.
Is it that impossible for Buffalo to fix the OL without a first round pick playing LT?
Impossible…No. Again, anything is possible, but the odds of it working greatly decrease.
Is it that crazy to think that Buffalo can sit the QB on the bench for 12 games or the whole season
The Bills do not have a starting caliber QB on the roster. If we draft one with a high first round pick, do you really think there won’t be a huge amount of pressure to start him? With this group of QBs (not ready to start in the NFL) combined with a questionable O-line, even with a new OT, I think that spells trouble.
But I don’t understand why the offensive line is a factor in drafting a QB.
A rookie QBs best friend is a running game. Without a good Oline, you can’t protect your QB or take pressure off of him with the running game. Again, we need to fix both problems, and I think they have to be fixed in the draft. IMO, this draft sets up best by taking the OT first and the QB second.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
I think that the OTs in this draft have a much better chance of staring and doing well right away than the QBs
This team is going to suck next year anyways. And you’re probably never going to find a QB who is going to do well right away. Might as well take the hit sooner rather than later.
I have zero faith in the Bills ability to bring in FA lineman.
I have a lot of faith that this Bills FO will like pretty different in a couple months.
Both are options, but IMO, the first is more likely to succeed
I’d guess the combined odds of 1st round QBs and 2nd round OTs is much higher than 1st round OTs and 2nd round QBs. Mostly because 2nd round QBs have a terrible track record.
The Bills do not have a starting caliber QB on the roster.
Currently. They don’t currently have a starter on the roster.
Without a good Oline, you can’t protect your QB or take pressure off of him with the running game.
Then don’t play him. Or fix the OL. Or run it a ton of times even if it’s not effective. Or don’t play him. And you can always not play him.
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
Ding fries are done
I’d guess the combined odds of 1st round QBs and 2nd round OTs is much higher than 1st round OTs and 2nd round QBs. Mostly because 2nd round QBs have a terrible track record.
I wholeheartedly agree, kaiser.
You can always keep your rookie QB on the bench and not play him, right? :)
~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."
The last second round QB that I remember doing halfway decent in his rookie year was Drew Brees when he took over for Flutie in San Diego. That being said, even the future HOFer looked pretty bad his rookie season.
So yeah, I’m inclined to say that drafting a frist round QB and a second round LT is more likely to work if we start both. But I don’t want to start both. I want to draft a first round LT, sign a vet QB and draft a second round QB and have him sit his entire first season (barring injury to our starter). That would be my ideal plan.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
And just to note that Drew Brees would have been a first round pick at number 32 if he were drafted after the Texans joined the league.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
No.
Because he would have still been drafted by the Chargers with their first pick in the 2nd round. They don’t magically get another first round pick just because there’s an extra team.
by twoeightnine on Dec 16, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
I just noted that his draft slot would have made him a first rounder. Your point is noted, however.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Brees played in 1 game in his rookie season
He doesn’t count for this type of discussion then.
~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."
I don’t think it matters if you start both, one or none. The history of 2nd round QBs is abysmal and if Buffalo wants to draft a QB who has better than a 15-20% chance of being good enough to lead a consistent playoff team they have to take one in the first round or build one of the couple best defenses in the league around that 2nd or 3rd rounder. It doesn’t matter what you plan on doing with the 2nd round QB because the odds are stacked against non-first round QBs.
The history of 2nd round OTs isn’t bad. So, if you’re looking at the best combo of talent, QB than OT is generally going to be the best order. Doesn’t mean that holds true in this draft though.
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
Mostly because 2nd round QBs have a terrible track record.
And that is how I view the QBs in this draft….they are late first round to early 2nd rounders.
Then don’t play him. Or fix the OL. Or run it a ton of times even if it’s not effective. Or don’t play him. And you can always not play him.
See K’s post. I want to start fixing the Oline by drafting an OT in round one. Can’t run without a decent Oline….please don’t say you want to return to the run, run, run, punt offensive game plan. Don’t play the rookie QB???? What a novel idea……
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
And that is how I view the QBs in this draft….they are late first round to early 2nd rounders.
I can’t really disagree there. If you don’t want to grab the QB because you don’t like them, then come draft day, It’s pretty likely that I agree. I just hate the idea that Buffalo shouldn’t draft a QB if the situation isn’t right for him. You can work around a bad situation, but you can’t work with a bad QB.
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
I already agree. I think that the only reason that Claussen, McCoy and Bradford will go early is because they are the only QB’s available. in a stronger class, they wouldn’t be picked before the 20th pick.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
During the Donahoe era.
It seems more like run/pass, run, incomplete pass, punt.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
AMEN!
I would like to see the best available LT in the first, whether we trade down in the draft, or keep our current #8 pick. And then hopefully draft McCoy in the early second
I can do all things through he whom gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
by NCbillsfan12 on Dec 16, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Its not that one plan is acceptable and the other isn’t. It’s that there are a few good vet QB’s that will be available to teach a rookie, but no LT’s that could do the same.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
If people don’t like the QB prospects, think LT is a bigger need, or something like that, then I can get behind it.
Actuallty thats exactly it for me, I don’t like any of the 1st round projected QB’s in this draft. I really don’t. And Pike is the only second round Qb that I can really get behind. After that, the talent pool drops drasticly. Meanwhile I think that of the first round LT’s, they are much better prospects and could actually step in immidietly on our line.
If there were any quality LT’s available threw FA I’d also be much more inclined to say that we could go and draft another position in the first, but I don’t think that there will be. So out of all of our needs, I think that the one that can be best met threw the draft is also LT, which is why I’m so set at drafting that position in this year’s draft.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Why couldn't we get a QB and a better OL?
Can’t Buffalo do what Atlanta did a few years ago? Draft the QB first, then trade back into the first to get a LT? Obviously, with so many other needs, it might not be feasible, but it’s certainly not out of the question.
I happen to think a healthy Brad Butler is a more than competent RT. Hopefully, Wood will be healthy. With Levitre back, as well, and a good looking rookie LT, that line looks pretty decent. Of course, there’s a lot of “ifs” in there, but again, it’s certainly not out of the question.
~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 Dec 15, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m completely on board with this, as long as we aren’t giving up a ton to get back into the 1st.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
You could switch it also.
it depends on how they grade out. You can grab a stud LT and trade back in to the first to get a QB.
by BillsfanDan on Dec 16, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
100% agreed!
Rec’d
I can do all things through he whom gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
by NCbillsfan12 on Dec 16, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Matt Light and Donald Penn could both be decent FA options too. Couple one of those guys with an RT in the 2nd round and another project LT in the mid to late rounds and another Hang type cheaper FA on the interior and Buffalo has a deep and if nothing else, average OL.
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
Well, Light is good to go either way. I keep forgetting that Penn doesn’t have that much NFL experience despite not being a young guy.
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
I thought his contract was up? Maybe I’ll have to rethink my preferred offseason strategy
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
I went off the PFW UFA list a few weeks ago
But none of the lists are 100% solid, so you may be correct.
Light
Matt Light is due $4.5M in 2010, the final year of his deal.
The Pats may choose to release him and go with the younger, improving Vollmer….
~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."
But if they were smart, they’d keep Light for his last year and have Vollmer improve that much more. You know, like we should have done with Bell…
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Vollmer has been very good this year. WHy bother keeping Light around at 5M?
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
And they’ve got Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins to give big contracts to. Tom Brady is in the 2nd last year of his contract too. He’s up after to 2010 season.
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
They wont get to re-sign Wilfork. He stated last summer that he wanted to see what his value was worth on the FA market when he shot them down on trying to sign him on an extention. If they want him back, they’ll have to pay market the highest price for him.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
i didn’t know how good Vollmer was getting. If he can step in and start then by all means, release Light. So we can sigbn him!
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Someone else suggested it awhile back and I hopped on board without looking into it. Hopefully the Pats do cut him and give us one more offseason option.
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
Penn is only 26
and in his 4th season. His age is no different than many 4th year players.
~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."
Really? he seems older. I thought he was from the Jason Peters (2005) draft for some reason. Guess I was way off.
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
Wouldn’t that put him in his 4th year? lol
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
If he was 2005 (which he wasn’t), he’d be finishing his 5th season and still not an FA without a new CBA …. so, not sure what I was thinking.
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
The Vikes signed him as an UDFA following the 2006 Draft
~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."
Exactly
Drafting a player other than a LT early isn’t going to be the reason the OL might stink again next year. There’s a lot that can be done to fix the OL ills outside of the #9 pick or whatever we end up with. The bigger question is whether the Bills actually have decision makers in place who actually know what they’re doing….
~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."
"The bigger question is whether the Bills actually have decision makers in place who actually know what they’re doing…."
I’m with you K.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 15, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
The answer to that is, not currently. This is going to be one hell of an interesting offseason.
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
Can’t Buffalo do what Atlanta did a few years ago? Draft the QB first, then trade back into the first to get a LT?
First, didn’t Atlanta have the extra picks to do so. I don’t think the Bills do. I don’t think there is a “Matt Ryan” in this years draft. If so, the Bills should definitely take him……. what is his name again?
there’s a lot of "ifs" in there, but again, it’s certainly not out of the question.
Yeah, I am tired of the Bills "if"ing our season down the drain.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
I'm not saying there is a QB to take with our pick
I’m saying why couldn’t the Bills follow that type of logic if they do love a QB like Bradford?
They can get some extra picks by trading your favorite RB.
~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."
If they love Bradford, then go for it .... but if it were me, I wouldn't because I think there is too much bust potential
All for trading Lynch if we can get multiple day 1 picks.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
2nd and 3rd/4th would be nice.
but even one of those two combos might be unlikely.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 15, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
?????
Is the first round the only round drafted on day 1?
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
guess so....round one on Th....round 2 and 3 on Fri
OK……I would love to get 2 second round picks for Lynch, but would settle for a 2nd and a 3rd.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Guess so
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NFL_Draft
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Yeah. Get more viewers. Personally I was more likely to watch on the weekends since I could devote a whole two days to it.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Don't all QB's, or just any draft picks for that matter, have bust potential?
~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."
Coaches tie their wagon to their QB.......if the QB busts, it usually means the coach is a goner
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
I don't think there is any QB in this draft.
Who grades out as good as Matt Ryan in this draft. the only one that you might make an argument for is Clausen, but i think the argument would fall short.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
Facts that Support This Concept
I’m on-board with this.
Starting Quality UFA QB’s Available (making the assumption of no new CBA)
Chad Pennington
Kyle Orton
Jason Campbell
Starting Quality UFA OT’s Available (making the assumption of no new CBA)
Khalif Barnes
Chad Clifton
With that, fixing either positions in UFA is going to be competitive and expensive. Denver is not likely to let Orton go, considering the relationship between Orton and McDaniel. Pennington could be available and competition won’t be too extreme considering his lack of arm strength and injury concerns. Campbell’s late season decent play and youth will drive competition for him among teams that need a QB and aren’t in position to draft Clausen or Bradford.
The OT market starts and ends with Clifton. Barnes is a stopgap at best with some motivation issues. I would be shocked if Green Bay lets Clifton hit the market with how bad their line has been all season, though they did to exactly that with Mark Tauscher last year.
Buffalo will have an easier, though not much easier, time getting a UFA QB. We should target both Pennington and Campbell, and should be able to land Pennington fairly easily. Barnes shouldn’t be too hard to obtain, but I wouldn’t make that move.
With that said, with Buffalo’s pick, we may not be able to select Bradford or Clausen. Clasuen may drop similarly to Brady Quinn or Aaron Rodgers, but that’s not as probable considering the weak overall UFA market and the need for QB’s, particularly with St. Louis and Washington needing QB’s.
Buffalo would be better off drafting the BPA with their first round pick, and then thinking QB in the second round. With the DT’s at the top of the first round grading highly, it’s more likely that Buffalo will be in position to draft an OT (Okung or Davis).
I like this course of action best (at this point, since it’s December, and one cut or draft declaration would change all this). I like the idea of strengthening the team first and adding the QB later.
Keep an eye on SF
Alex Smith could theoretically be available too. That would assume, of course, that SF doesn’t view him as their starting QB in 2010 and lets him go.
~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."
Yeah, looks like Smith is going to be the man is SF
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
He’s been doing very well since taking over as starter again. I think it’s just a case of him having needed to mature some. He’ll be the man in SF for a while I think.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Trent Edwards could be our Alex Smith
I see a lot of similarities between the 2009 Bills and the 2008 49ers. The 49ers have focused on building a complete team since drafting Smith. I think we should go that same route. Maybe Edwards comes around like Smith?
We don’t have that much invested in Edwards though. Alex Smith was the top pick in the draft.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
That and Alex Smith is actually half a year younger than Edwards (would be 18 months older during the breakout season)
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
Edwards won't be around long enough for that
SF had so much invested in Smith that they had to let him fight through the injuries and develop.
~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."
Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell will not be UFAs unless there is a new CBA. They have less than 6 accrued seasons. The Skins could choose not to tender Campbell but he’d only cost them the league minimum and he would be required to sign. He’ll be a ERFA.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Here’s a team by team look. The Potential UFAs are guys with 6 or more seasons. The Potential RFAs are the guys in that limbo between uncapped RFAs and capped UFAs.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
Forgot the dumb link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=pfw-20091125_2010_afc_free_agent_preview&prov=pfw&type=lgns
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
That's the same list I was looking at
I misread the RFA’s. Reading comprehension always helps.
Also, Levi Jones? Fill in OT if we aren’t competitive for Clifton.
I'm with you Ron
Build inside out. Draft O-line and defense.
I wouldn’t touch Bradford with a ten-foot pole. Do you realize how much damage is already in his upper torso? I’ve had many friends have to get various shoulder surgeries when they get close to 40. Wear and tear from Army fun. Post-surgery, they are functional, but never the same, and there is always a bunch of scar tissue. Bradford will be a rookie next year and is already damaged goods. Want to spend 40 mil on that?
The rest of the QBs just don’t inspire me at all as future NFL players. Not a good year.
Best bet, bring in a vet to manage next year. Who’s out there? Garcia, Culpepper (barf), Pennington, or my personal favorite…… Collins back here from the Skins. He’s actually played well when Campbell was injured. Thoughts on Collins?
Wait for next year and maybe get Locker for a lot cheaper if they install a rookie pay scale.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 15, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions
I think Bradford’s injury is a non-issue. If people want to claim that the injury is the result of a thin frame and that his toughness has never really been tested in college, then I think that could be a valid point. But the injury itself isn’t a big deal.
Bradford sprained his AC joint, which isn’t really a shoulder injury, it’s more of an injury in the area of the shoulder. Shoulder injuries, where the injury has to do with where the arm meets the torso can be scary things for a QB, but the AC joint is up where the collarbone connects to the shoulder. It was a minor sprain that was reinjured because he returned too quickly and hadn’t recovered. For me, that injury is no more worrisome than Tebow’s concusion or Locker’s torn hamstring or broken thumb. It’s football, guys get hurt and Bradford’s injury won’t have any lasting effects.
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
You are correct sir. An AC sprain is not an injury that will hinder him as far as throwing and range of motion is concerened. AC sprains are quite common. In fact that is the exact injury that occured to Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma. Needless to say as a physical and punishing runner he is having more contact with that shoulder than Bradford will with his.
Draft a QB ?
I dont think drafting a QB and starting him is wise myself, Id rather bring a vet. in and try and bring up a QB over time,spend the money on the line, just a thought…..
I completely agree with bringing in a veteran QB
First of all there are way too many QB high lottery busts and I’m not particularly high on either Clausen or Bradford.
Secondly, our abominable offensive line is going to make it nearly impossible for a young QB to succeed. There’s no way a rookie can adjust to the speed and schemes of the NFL when you have 3 seconds or less to get the ball downfield…
Finally, I’d much rather address glaring weaknesses at LB and offensive line. We need to be able to run the ball better and stop the run.
by billsfan4life on Dec 15, 2009 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
Are “we” ever “collectively on board” with anything?
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 15, 2009 7:54 PM EST reply actions
No, except that we are disappointed with how this year has gone.
by Mr. h on Dec 15, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I can agree with that
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions
with that said
Id love to be proven wrong if a 1st round QB is in fact drafted
It's not all that bad.... Go Bills 2010 !!!!
me 2 i dont wanna draft a QB
but would love one to be drafted and have success on par with mark sanchez or stafford
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else." John Madden
by BRIANMULHALL on Dec 15, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
i like stafford better… just saying
It's not all that bad.... Go Bills 2010 !!!!
by killascript on Dec 15, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Drafting Bradford would be a bigger mistake then drafting Tebow in the first round. Let me make this clear, the only spread QB that I’d tolerate considering is Tebow because I know the he will transfer into become a great NFL QB some day.
Bradford is a spread offense guy that has never taken a meaningful snap behind centre. Plus this year he proved very edgy, indecisive and down right scary while underpressure. I guess not having college football’s best offensive line in front of him great diminished his ability to play. That will get worst in the proes. On top of that that arm/sholder indury brings up a lot of concerns. Bradford would be a HORRIBLE pick for he Bills.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 15, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’d guess that Bradford took 20-30% of his snaps from under center (and I’m not sure why people don’t realize that) and shotgun does not equal spread. Spread QBs struggle more while adjusting to NFL routes, reads and progressions than the differences between under center and in the shotgun. There’s a huge difference between the option run spread offenses without a handful of progressions that teams like Florida and Texas run and the offenses of Oklahoma and Cincinatti that spread the field, but still ask the QB to read safeties and go through progressions. I think those OU and Cincy offenses are closer to New England and Josh McDaniels’ Denver scheme than Florida, Texas, Central Michigan or systems that ask their QB to run. That’s more opinion than anything, but it’s something I’ve seen while watching college games and QBs.
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
After watching Tebow this year extensively...
… I’m convinced that his mechanics are easily fixable. Almost all of his problems (accuracy, velocity) are functions of his inconsistant mechanics. Reading defenses is a function of learning, which Tebow will do.
He’s rough, but I can see why Parcells and Gruden think he can play in the NFL.
I hope you're right
if the Bills did end up drafting him, which I doubt….
~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."
If you go back and look at Tebow...
… you’ll notice that when everything is right in his mechanics,, his ball comes out on target, with proper velocity, and with a good spiral.
But that doesn’t happen often.
Tebow does not transfer his weight properly from his back foot to his lead foot, and then follow through with his back foot in frount of his lead foot. His back foot often kciks to the side. This greatly effects velocity and accuracy. It also makes his ball floats at times, and effects his arm follow through, leading to a wobbly ball.
Tebow is inconsistant pointing his lead foot at his receiver. This effects accuracy.
He over steps with his lead foot, particularly when he tries to fit the ball into a tight window. This effects his velocity, and the ball either sails or he drills it into the ground in ront of the receiver.
What Tebow has is an extremely powerful arm and torso. He can generate a great deal of torque. He doesn’t have a Stafford-type arm, but it’s very strong.
A lot is going to be made about Tebow’s elongated throwing motion. It’s not as bad as Leftwich’s, as some say. I watched Leftwich and then Tebow. It’s not even close. Roethlisberger and Rivers both have elongated throwing motions, and Tebow’s is similar. Tebow snaps through his throwing motion very quickly, like Rivers does. It could be an issue, but is can be worked through with practice.
All of this is easily fixed with time and practice. I’d take a flyer on Tebow late in round 1.
Changing mechanics
If only it were so simple….
Tebow has a lot that needs to be done to fix his poor throwing mechanics. You seem to think it’s almost definite that he’ll be fixed….I’m not so sure.
~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."
But his arm motion is a pretty big deal. At snap, Tebow brings the ball back to just over chest-level – not at chin or ear level, which is preferred, but this isn’t the major concern. The big issue is when he prepares to throw, he drops the ball back down (almost to waist level) then cocks back before he throws. Besides the simple fact that he isn’t gonna have the 4, 5, 6, plus seconds he has now to throw the ball in the NFL, he simply makes it far too easy to strip the ball.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
He not going to have the same time in the pocket
But that’s the same for most college QB’s. Bradford hardly got touched in 2008.
Tebow does have that wacky throwing motion, but he gets through it fast. Rivers also has a lower holding point, and it hasn’t hindered him.
Yeah, but (and correct me if I’m wrong), but Rivers doesn’t drop his entire shoulder and elbow when he goes through his throwing motion like Tebow does. Rivers’ main issue is his low release point that many scouts thought would result in more batted balls.
Tebow looks like a pitcher going through his wind-up. And you say he goes through it fast, and I certainly haven’t done the research, but it seems like that motion would take significantly longer than a normal motion.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
It does take longer
But I compared him to Leftwich, and he gets the ball off faster.
Rivers’ motion is wacky because he holds the ball low and away from his chin, which elongates his throwing motion. But he hasn’t had issues with fumbling or INT’s from DB’s jumping his throwing.
He's going to the Jags.
The Jags are now the Bills.
They need something to market, and Tebow will be it.
He’s a third round pick to me, but the Jags will take him, since no other team with any sanity will take him higher.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
Jacksonville doesn't currently have a second round pick...
…meaning Jacksonville either centers their entire draft around Tebow (foolish) or they trade down in the first to get later round picks, enabling a trade up into the latter part of round one to take Tebow.
If Tebow is the Jags pick, it’ll cripple the team next year, with almost no new talent infusion. Their GM knows this and reportedly doesn’t want to take Tebow for this reason.
It’s not similar to TO, since we just signed him. Tebow will cost the Jags their better part of their 2010 draft. Tough call.
PFT previously reported that Tebow to Jags may already be a done deal, and that the Jags have been working a while to ensure that Tebow gets drafted by them. Now I’m not sure if its true or how they would do it, but I honestly tend to believe it. I think that the Jags are that desperate of a franchise that they see Tebow as the best marketing move that they could do for the next ten years and maybe even see him as a chance to keep the team in Jacksonville. I actually believe that the Jags will find a way to get Tebow this year.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
I don't believe that report.
Jacksonville could be competitive in LA, so them selling tickets isn’t a show stopper for the league.
I do.
I don’t think there is one team besides Jacksonville who would take him in the first round.
Gators outdraw Jags 2-1, did you see how many empty seats there was against Indy tonight, the upper deck was barren land.
The Jags are winning, they are NOT filling seats.
Tebow is the perfect marketing tool to get Gators fans to buy Jags tickets.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
The game in question was sold out last night.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
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by MattRichWarren on Dec 18, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Also Weaver.
really wants to keep the Jags in Jacksonville, not move them, so that makes it even more likely IMO.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
I agree. That report is ridiculous. It’s not that Jax won’t target Tebow or even pull out all the stops to get him, but the report that they’ve already got a deal in place with other teams is crazy. It’s way too early for Jax to be pulling deals like that. Zero percent chance the PFT report is true.
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
The more I read on him and the more I watch film on him on Youtube, the more I’m starting to agree. I would no longer be disapointed if we drafted Tebow in the second. But something tells me that the Jags are going to pull out all the stops to get him.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
I’m still on the fence with the first round QB prospects, am not a fan of any of the 2nd or 3rd round guys and maybe like a handful of later round guys.
As of now, there’s a list of about 8-10 guys who I would OK with Buffalo drafting. I’m not all that commited or against particular players yet.
All that said, I’m pretty open to the idea of drafting Bradford, but whether or not he’ll be a preference or a backup plan is TBD.
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
I think our best option is to look long term
No QB in this draft will be the immediate answer. we should continue to build the o-line and get a LB in the second. Next year we do whatever we have to to get locker.
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
There’s a really good chance that I end up with this same line of thought. I’m really lukewarm on this year’s QBs and am inching closer to the McClain, Gerald McCoy or OT camp everyday. But it’s not because a QB isn’t an immediate answer. If an immediate answer is the goal, this team might as well call it quits and fold because there is no immediate answer. This team needs a QB and they’re not getting one that won’t come without growing pains and development still necessary. If the right guy isn’t in this draft, then I’ll wait, but at some point, this team needs to commit itself in every possible way to a young QB.
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
I’m absolutely on board with the idea of drafting a MLB and moving Poz to the outside. What is everyone’s opinion on McClain? Is he the consensus best MLB? Is he a franchise caliber MLB? Would he fit well in a 4-3?
by DCBillsBacker on Dec 15, 2009 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
I think McClain should be the consensus best LB and I think he is pretty close to a Patrick Willis caliber prospect. I’ll tell you that Brian and I both graded him out as the 3rd best prospect in the draft and Der Jaeger wasn’t far behind placing him in a tie for fourth according to our grading scale. As a LB, he won’t go that high, but I think he has that type of ability.
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
Thanks…you hit on what I was wondering. Willis is definitely one of those guys that only comes along once every 5 years or so. If McClain is even anywhere in the same neighborhood as Willis he would definitely be my choice
by DCBillsBacker on Dec 15, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn’t mean he’ll be a Willis type player, just that he’s that kind of prospect. I’d say Urlacher was in his own stratosphere as a MLB prospect and guys like Willis and DJ Williams are a little ahead of McClain while guys like Vilma and Mayo, I’d put a little behind. So that’s pretty special company.
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
How about Spikes, out of… Florida?
Herd he was a great prospect at LB too.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I like Spikes, but I don’t think he’s anywhere the prospect that McClain is. I think Spikes is a late first, early second type. I don’t think he’s as athletic as McClain is and view him as more of a 2 down LB.
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
What kind of speed does he have?
I’ll admit I haven’t checked McLain out. So I can’t say.
He should also be good in coverage and have the size to shed blocks.
If we want a MLB in the first round, he should have under 4.6 speed like Willis.
These are the things I would want if we are taking a MLB in the first round, it is such a shame, that SF took Willis the pick before us.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
He's got plenty of size
6’4", 260
~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."
One thing that I'll say about McClain is that he needs to play ILB/MLB
McClain is tall, and despite weighing 260 pounds, he’s kind of lanky. He reminds me of Keith McCants in some ways. McCants was better than McClain in college. He was used as a 3-4 OLB due to his size, despite playing ILB at Alabama.
What's his speed in the 40?
That’s what I want to know.
It seems he has the size.
Does he have the speed to be special?
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
4.6-4.7 range, supposedly
Not great, but not bad. We’ll have to see when the combine rolls around.
~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."
Close to special.
But very good for his size if you are correct Kurupt.
What was Willis’s combine speed.
If I remember correct it was under 4.5.
I’m gonna look it up now.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
I remebered correctly.
4.49 40
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Even if he does end up running a 4.7
that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be a high pick. He’s quick on the field and can shed blockers. He makes plays. That’s what you want most.
~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."
In a 3-4 Yes
In a 4-3 no.
The MLB needs to be faster in a 4-3
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
All combine and workout numbers should be taken with a grain a salt, but for everyone except CB’s and WR’s, the forty yard dash is the absolute worst indicator of speed and judge of talent.
A LB (short of kickoff or punt coverage) isn’t likely to sprint 40 yards in a game – and if he is, he’s chasing someone and probably isn’t going to catch him anyway. If you want to use any combine numbers for a LB, the only ones I would consider are the 20 yard shuttle and 3 cone drill, which measure a LB’s ability to move quickly in short spaces and measure lateral quickness – attributes that are much more important for a linebacker.
Without doing a ton of research, someone like Brian Urlacher (a pretty incredible linebacker in his own right) “only” ran a 4.6 forty at the combine, yet his 20 yard shuttle of 4.18 and 3 cone time of 6.9 are pretty incredible. Same with Vilma. He ran a 4.6 forty, but had a 4.2 in the shuttle and a 6.8 in the 3 cone.
Of course all of these numbers should be used AFTER actually viewing the player play.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
completely agree
the 40 is overrated in my opinion. Running in a straight line without pads isnt an indicator of game speed. And I mean this excluding CBs and WRs (because they do run in straight lines with very little padding), but for LBs you want more the 3 cone drill and 5-10-5 (20yd).
Middle Linebackers in a 4-3.
Do run in a straight line to the sidelines, on a sweep.
When the OLB forces the run back inside, you need a MLB with enough speed to stop a Chris Johnson if he cuts it back inside of the OLB.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
No. Middle linebackers sure as hell better not be running in a straight line to the sidelines on a sweep. If they are at that point, they’ve read the play horribly (and it’s probably too late), and if they turn the hips to the sidelines and run in a straight line, they’re either going to get driven straight into the bench on a kick-out block or the running back is going to cut back on them. AND, even if they do end up doing that, they’re going to run in a straight line for about 10 yards. Not 40.
On a sweep, the linebacker should be strafing laterally and working downhill so he can continue to take on blocks and when he does get to the RB, take him on head-on. Again, lateral movement, agility, quickness and power in small, confined areas. Not 40 yards straight down the field with no obstacles in his way.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
Good Points.
But In a 4-3 Speed is more Important for a MLB for stopping the Outside run, In a 3-4 it is less important.
If the OLB has contain, to push the runner back inside, the MLB must be fast enough to cut off the cutback inside the OLB especially on 1 back sets.
A fast player like Patrick Willis insures he will be in the right spot on outside runs where the OLB forces the runner to cut back inside.
But instinct is also imperative as well as Block shedding in a 4-3 where the MLB must shed the blocking back to make the tackle on the running back, on runs between the tackles.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think McClain has all the athleticism necessary and then some. He may not be the speedster that some other MLBs are, but he’s really rangy (sizewise), has good instincts and is an excellent tackler.
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
I’ll agree, not great. But great instincts can make up for an average 40 time at MLB. I think that McClain has that.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah no, I’ve been anti-bradford since the beginning.
I’m fairly sure I’m the only one who wants Sam “Twisted Shoulders” Bustford to stay the heck away from the Bills though.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
no your not this years QB are trash IMO
but someone’s gunna draft them thats a given …in the NFL u need a QB and its worth taking a shot on a guy if u think hell help u win
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else." John Madden
by BRIANMULHALL on Dec 15, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re not a fan of Bradford based on abilites or anything like that, then fine, because he’s far from a sure thing. And I’m still on the fence about Bradford myself, part of me is intrigued while part of me thinks he’s just an OK prospect. But if his shoulder is why you don’t like him, google “acromioclavicular joint”. It’s an injury above the shoulder and couldn’t be much less serious. Tony Pike has broken the same forearm twice. Why do people freak out about Bradford’s injury, but ignore that every other top QB has missed time? Is it that people don’t understand the injury or that they just don’t like Bradford and are using it as an excuse to do so?
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
uncapped year Campbell is a RFA
I believe with the UNcapped year, he will be a RFA because you need more than 6 yrs exp to become a FA.
7 games and counting!!!
I don’t think its makes a difference if Campbell is UFA or RFA. With the owners of the ’Skins publicly stating that he has no more faith in Campbell, I think that theres a 90% chance that he gets flat out cut.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
With Locker Returning
I don’t like any of the QB’s in this draft.
If Bradford falls to where we pick in the second round, I might be onboard with that.
It’s a gamble, but at least it wouldn’t cripple the franchise like taking him in the first round if he is a bust.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply actions
Draft O-line & Trade/Sign Veteran
It seems more logical to get an offensive lineman like Okung (likely not available), Davis, or Williams. And if I was still thinking logical, I’d get one of the DT’s in the second as there seems to be a deep crop of d-lineman this year. Then, we take a qb to battle for the 3rd or 2nd string spot. Our first string should be a vet we trade for…I didn’t want to admit this, but if I was thinking like Spock (logically) this is how I would do it. Kinda boring, I know. Any chance on Brohm playing at all?
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 15, 2009 9:42 PM EST reply actions
IMO there isn’t much drop off in talent of QB’s rounds 1-4. So our first couple picks can be say OL, or MLB, we can pick up a QB later and sit them for a year or two….can you red shirt in the pros? lol Bring in a someone as the stop-gap solution for the time being. I have said before I would love Vick as I think he is the best chance to win the most games the next two seasons, but I would not be against someone like Campbell, or TJ in Minn if the price was right. The only reason I don’t want Pennington is because of the arm strength. ’Cause as of right now Lee Evans is going to be the only decent receiver on this team next year, and he only thrives off the deep ball.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
hehe
Redshirt in the pros, Is called riding the bench til the coaches give you a shot.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t even want him to have a shot. I don’t want him to take a snap for the first year at all. Learn the playbook, get through a NFL training camp, and learn from others not just about being a QB, but how to be a good teammate and a leader.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
This is about where I’m at right now. Bring in a vet as your starter. Let Edwards and Brohm fight it out for second string duties. Take a flyer on a mid-round QB and place him solidly in the third-string spot; see what he learns in the span of a year.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
I'm officially holding my opinion back, but
What is wrong with drafting Bradford (mid to late 1st) and let him develop on the sidelines for one year. Get a vet like Carr (barf), or someone like pennington to mentor the young QB and then let him EARN the Starting job after the 1st year. It allows us to work on the OLine for another year before throwing in a young kid.
But I dont really have an opinion on the QB’s because I don’t watch college Football, and have alot of homework before i choose who I like (which really doesn’t prove much).
7 games and counting!!!
The problem with drafting a QB in the 1st is they usually don’t sit on the bench. Not with how much money your paying him.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
thats why
I would be good with taking a gamble on Bradford in the 2nd round, 1st round? NO WAY!
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
That's OK
We are going to pick 7-12. You are insane making a that big a gamble at that spot. The upside is not worth the risk.
I would rather go OT there.
and get a stopgap QB, or a coach that thinks he can fix Trent with a better OL.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s because teams largely draft QBs with the intention of playing them. Plenty of QBs have sat on the bench. As long as the team decides to not play them, I’m not sure why the paycheck matters.
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
They are also drafting QB's because their current options stink.....
Matt Ryan had to beat out….who?
Joe Flacco was pretty much given the job when Troy Smith got sick.
Mark Sanchez had to beat out Kellen Clemens…
Matt Stafford had very little competition in Culpepper…
Josh Freeman was raw coming into this season, but when it was obvious that Johnson and Leftwich were not taking this team anywhere, they made the move. If either of those two had played better, we might not see Freeman this year.
Trent Edwards played early due to the Losman injury and incompetence, too.
Matt Leinart played early because the Cards didn’t have Warner playing like he has the past two years early on in the 2006 season.
Recent QB’s who sat early include Chad Henne (behind Pennington), Brady Quinn (stuck behind Derek Anderson’s unexpected 2007 season), Kevin Kolb (McNabb), Cutler (Jake Plummer)….
Basically, if a team doesn’t have a solid option in place, the rookies tend to see the field pretty early….At least recently.
~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 Dec 15, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
But Matt Ryan was drafted without the intention of having stiff competition. Same with Sanchez, Stafford and most of those guys. If Buffalo signed a legit guy like Pennington, then they wouldn’t need to force him into the game. All I’m saying is that there are options other than playing the rookie QB.
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
I'm not disagreeing with you
Just pointing out that, coincidence or not, the QB’s who’ve played right away had no real competition for the job.
~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."
Of course there are always options.....I could win the lottery tomorrow, but I am not going to plan on it.
Things could change a lot between now and April.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
I wouldn’t exactly compare winning the lottery to signing Chad Pennington, but it’s a good point you’ve got.
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
i like that option the best
sign pennington and then if available draft Bradford and sit him he’ll be a good pro i think… he’ll have completely healed and be fine in terms of his shoulder… the oline will improve with some draft picks and time together people forget that the later rounds produce good players too u dont need to draft oline in the first rd its def possible to get a solid player in later rounds a oline that looks like this would be ok with me
LT FA pickup or 2nd/3rd rd draft pick
LG Levitre
C Hangartner
RG Wood//Simmons if Wood is not healthy
RT Butler
possible FA LT are nick kazcur matt light or jermon bushrod could be available he has played great filling in for Jammal Borwn in NO and he is a RFA so maybe a trade could be worked out
u let pennignton play while Bradofrd learns and u can draft Defense in the later rounds plaer like arthur jones and brian price up fornt and maybe a good LB falls deep into the draft or u get a sleeper SLB
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else." John Madden
by BRIANMULHALL on Dec 16, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
With the addition of Matt Light this could be a solid O-Line.
assuming Wood comes back from injury without lasting effects this line would be pretty solid.
LT: Matt Light / D. Bell (cut him some slack, it was his first year starting)
LG: Levitre
C: Wood
RG: Brad Butler
RT: Bryan Bulaga (1st round)
w/ Hang a solid backup.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 16, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Joe Flacco was pretty much given the job when Troy Smith got sick.
Speaking of Troy Smith, what’s his status this off-season? I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Bills jersey.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I believe he is will be a free agent this year if there is a new CBA. Even if hes a RFA, I think he would be worth some midround picks. This guy did win the Heisman and had won the starting job over a guy who is turning out to be pretty good.
Another guy I am mildly curious about is Armanti Edwards, the senior QB from Appalachian State. I know its only 1-AA, but he has thrown for 10,000 yards and ran for 4,000 yards in his college career (Pass TD 74/Int 33/Run TD 65). I think he might be worth a later round pick as a prospect.
Know who else won the Heisman? Jason White and Eric Crouch.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t saying it was a surefire indicatior, but some great players have won it and been successful in the NFL.
BTW, you forgot Chris Weinke
Not many that play QB
and outside of Palmer not many recently.
by twoeightnine on Dec 16, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Don't forget
Chris Weinke
Danny Wuerffel
Gino Torretta
Andre Ware
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
One more I missed since watching football.
Ty Detmer
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
Yet another I missed.
Charlie Ward
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 18, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
I actually just got the chance to watch Armanti Edwards play against Montana in the DII (or whatever it’s called) playoffs. And I liked what I saw. He’s got a decent arm, his athleticism didn’t dissapoint and I thought he played a smart game. He’s not really an NFL QB though. He’s listed at 6’0" and might be shorter and is really thin too. His arm and frame are maybe good enough to play in the CFL where shorter QBs typically do well with the wider field and more wide open game. But at the next level, he’s probably a slot receiver and specialty player, maybe a returner if he’s fast enough too.
And I like Troy Smith, but have zero interest in giving up draft picks for a marginal player or a stop gap option. We need those picks.
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
Armanti Edwards looks like DeSean Jackson
and that’s not a good thing
~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."
What is wrong with drafting Bradford (mid to late 1st) and let him develop on the sidelines for one year
Absolutely nothing. As long as we have a coaching staff that we have confidence in to have that type of restraint, then I think there isn’t a single thing wrong with drafting a QB without the offensive personel to play with.
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
Because we wont be picking Mid-Late 1st round.
We will probably pick 7-12.
Too high for Bradford, unless he wows at the combine.
Pick 39 or higher, sure, he is a worth a shot there.
Lower Risk, High reward if it pans out.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 17, 2009 1:20 AM EST up reply actions
Ndamukong Suh (duh!) / Rolondo McClain / Gerald McCoy / Brandon Spikes – round 1
Best RT available / Duke or Syracuse DT / Eric Decker / Pike (maybe) – round 2
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 15, 2009 10:52 PM EST reply actions
Kolb
What about Kolb for our stopgap qb, or even qb of the future. The trenches is where we need to build. I agree with most of you, there will be plenty of qb talent left in the mid rounds.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 15, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions
Philly will not let him go, he is their future. McNabb will retire a Eagle, then its Kolb’s team.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
I agree
Kolb is going nowhere,
He looked good filling in this year.
The Eagles will let McNabb go before Kolb.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 15, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Can't argue but...
McNabb is making $10 million next year and Kolb’s contract expires this year…I think…so I guess they will have to figure a way. I realize I was dreaming a little.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 15, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
McNabb makes that much, because he’s a winner. He doesn’t a lot of years left, they will retain Kolb no matter what.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
Not disagreeing...
I’m just saying, wouldn’t Kolb rather go to a team where he has a real shot to play next year…how long will he wait for McNabb? This could still be years, especially if we look at the age of retirement is being pushed by geriatrics Favre and Warner.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 15, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
They will bring Kolb on for probably another 3 years, and see if McNabb regresses. After that I say he leaves town.
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
Kolb will not stay if he gets offered a starting gig....
…but I’m getting Rob Johnson flashbacks.
Yuck.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 15, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Kolb doesn't have a choice, though
That’s the problem.
~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."
Help me understand why he wouldn’t have a choice if his contract ends at the end of the year? And yes I got Rob Johnson flashbacks as well.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 16, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
By the way, it just makes me ill how much “in the driver’s seat” Philly is with how they have structured themselves on offense.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 16, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
nevermind
His contract is through 2010…boy is my face red.
by BillieverSince89 on Dec 16, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
Because.
They are going to offer him a nice new contract.
Guaranteed.
Sometimes you get paid for being a good soldier.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
yep
you hit the nail on the head,
Kolb doesn’t make this choice.
The Eagles FO does.
Kolb is going nowhere except being an Eagle,
If we want to pick up an Eagle QB.
McNabb is a more realistic option.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
I would actually consider Vick.
If we are willing to draft some OL that can Run Block.
We could run him into the ground, til he breaks.
I’m thinking for aiming for an offense that could roll up 200 yards on the ground and 100-200 yards through the air on sunday.
That might be our best option to win.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
How Long?
Did Aaron Rodgers wait behind Favre?
Kolb will stay an Eagle.
I see no way Philly let’s him go.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
The more I think about it the more I want to see the Bills doing the following:
1) Sign Chris Kuper of the Broncos and move him to RG and then, when he’s healthy, move Eric to Center, where he can replace the average at best Geoff Hangartner. Of course, this also works as a pretty solid contingency plan, because if Wood isn’t ready for the 2010 opener, we’ll still be fine with Hang in the middle.
2) Trade Marshawn Lynch and a second-rounder for LT Marcus McNeill. Everybody knows that the Chargers need a new starting RB, as LT isn’t close to resembling his own great self. The already have the speedster and now they get the bruiser in Marshawn. The Chargers will also have to lock up guys like Vincent Jackson (who’s having a monster season), Weddle, Cromartie and Merriman, which makes me believe they’ll settle on trading McNeill.
3) Draft Sam Bradford in the first round
4) Find a capable MLB in FA (Barrett Ruud, but there might be a bit cheaper guy to plug in)
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Dec 16, 2009 1:39 AM EST reply actions
Chargers
Why in the world would they trade their LT for a RB?
~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."
Because they can pick a new LT up with their new second round pick?
I’m not saying they would necessarily do it, but the logic isn’t really flawed. You’re adding one player and have a pick to fill the position you lost. He’s a Pro Bowler and that might negate any hope of a trade, but McNeill was taken in the second round himself. Hey, we traded a Pro Bowl LT in the offseason, why can’t somebody else?
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
We certainly didn’t want to trade him…he wanted out
"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy
And the fact also remains that these are two different situations. It would be a bad move for the Chargers to trade away McNeill.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt it would be. Of course, teams other than ours are capable of bad moves. At least, I think they are. My point was really just that trading a pick and a player for a player isn’t a bad policy necessarily. I wasn’t the one that brought McNeill up. I wouldn’t do it, but I also don’t know what SD has for depth at the LT position.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 16, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Or
Or they could just keep their proven LT and draft an upside RB to go with a FA.
No team is going to trade a proven quality, young LT unless they are absolutely forced to (like us).
~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."
strategy
I am not sold on any of this year’s draft QBs as a first round pick. Forced to make the call, I would take Tebow because of his toughness and leadership qualities. The mechanics can be fixed with time. (I would remind to readers of Joe Kapp who led the Vikings for several years- he had terrible technique and his passes fluttered miserably, but he was a leader and he won!) My preference would be bring in a veteran QB and specifically, to pursue QB Jason Campbell, as I think he offers the greatest potential for making a significant difference quickly.
Although drafting a LT with out first pick has some appeal, depending on who is available when we draft (Okung?Campbell?), I think the defensive side has a greater number of players who could start every game and make an impact in their first year. Of course, everyone’s first choice would be Suh, but we have no chance for him unless we move up, maybe even as far as #1. More realistically, Gerald McCoy (DT), Rolando McClain (MLB) or Eric Berry (S) would be there at our turn to draft, and of these, I am leaning toward McClain. McCoy (or Terrance Cody) would bolster the line and Berry would be a really sweet complement to Byrd (Witner could possibly be packaged with a draft pick to improve our draft position). McClain addresses the biggest need on defense and would add some much needed size in our linebacker corps. We could then draft an offensive tackle, or perhaps Guard Mike Iupati in round #2 to solidify the OL and then follow with either DT or LB in round #3.
Ultimately, I would like to see the Bills fill needs at these positions on draft day: Two LBs, 1 DT, 2 OL, 1 S (only if Berry or Taylor Mays) or BPA, 1 QB (developmental assuming success in FA with a veteran).
nice list....to bad they all couldn't be first rounders :-)
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations" – Dan Dierdorf
Okung or Defensive Line help
What good is a Q.B., in which there are questions about Bradford’s shoulder, having no line to protect him. I say draft Okung at tackle and that side of the line is safe for 10 years. Otherwise, we need to address the run defense “bigtime”!
What good is a Q.B., in which there are questions about Bradford’s shoulder, having no line to protect him
There shouldn’t be questions about Bradford’s shoulder. Although his ability to take a hit could be questionable.
And what good is an OL without a QB? Or what good is a defense if your offense scores 16.5 points per game? I don’t understand why we need a certain situation to draft a player. If the OL is going to be a problem, than use the rest of the draft and free agency to fix it. If the QB isn’t good enough, then that’s a good reason to not draft him, but I think it’s crazy to pass on a QB because the OL wasn’t good the previous season.
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 Dec 16, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
truer words were never spoken
we NEED a franchise QB not just for next season but for the next decade…if Bradford is the guy and the resasons to like him are solid… very accurate quick release and smart with the ball… he sounds like a stud…an oline needs time together to gel u dont just need to assmeble lots of first round picks and say okay thats done now we go get our QB u get a QB when u can and a top ten picks seem like as good a chance as any… let the line come togther thru FA and the draft (yes even late rd picks can be good players) and then u hope it all comes togther with the right coaches calling the right plays
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else." John Madden
by BRIANMULHALL on Dec 16, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Okunk is ok
The guy who’s gonna be awesome is Bruce Campbell from Maryland. If we dont get either him or McClain in the first round I’ll be kinda sad. If the Bills were to pass on one of those guy and thier still on the board I’d be insanely angry.
Throwing it out there
I’m not up on first round selections, but if no one is sold on the QB’s and the Tackles we want are gone, is there any LB’s available in the first round that would make an impact as this is a glaring need. Not that we don’t have tons of needs. Like I said, just asking.
Well we tried the no offense huddle, why not give the no huddle offense a go?!!
I wouldn’t want to pick a LB that high. They always fall on draft day. Running backs, too.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Just wondered if there was any dominate game changers like a R. Lewis, Urlacher, or whatever
Well we tried the no offense huddle, why not give the no huddle offense a go?!!
Patrick Willis is a guy in recent memory who I recall watching and saying to myself the Bills should draft at 11. Obviously he didn’t make it there. Most LBs tend to fall. Rey Rey from USC last year, for instance.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 16, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
6 LB's in top 20
One mock draft had these six in their top 20, not being sold on a lot of QB’s and RB’S in the first round. If Buffalo drops a few spots do any of them look good in the blue and red?
For the record they had Buffalo picking at 8. and taking Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma
Ricky Sapp, LB, Clemson
Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State
Well we tried the no offense huddle, why not give the no huddle offense a go?!!
To add to above
They had us taking a LB in the second round Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina, perhaps this is more realistic
Well we tried the no offense huddle, why not give the no huddle offense a go?!!
Sadly, Patrick Willis didn’t fall past 10.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
He was drafted 11th overall
~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."
Yeah, the one year that Buffalo doesn’t pick 11th. Sigh.
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
Defense
Pick up a LT in free agency. Then draft a DT in first round and LB in second. Third round look for a QB
Pick up a LT in free agency
Who? The only one that MIGHT be out there to be a starter is Matt Light and he probably wont come here.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 16, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Why a first rd DT?
The only guy worth being taken in the upper half of the first rd tom at that position is Suh. Of course Suh absolutley should be the number 1 pick. But I really dont like Gerald McCoy all that much. I’d rather go OT first round, Grab a guy like Oghabaase from Duke in the second. If theres a QB we really like in the second trade back in to the round to get him. Then try and sign a guy like Thomas Howard in FA. And oh yea 3rd round of the draft. I wanna take a WR.
You can cross out
Suh, McCoy, Okung from your lists because unless we trade up, it will take quite a miracle for them to be around by (8-12)
McClain has a good chance of being gone as well
Personally, I think Clausen AND Bradford will both be gone before we pick. QBs always get picked up higher than their value suggests.
by flutieflakes007 on Dec 16, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions
I think both could very well be available where we pick.
Especially Bradford, if he doesn’t wow at the combine and show his shoulder is good.
I don’t have a good feeling about either though.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Dec 16, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
DTs will be plentiful this year
Unless Suh or McCoy drop. (Highly unlikely). I wouldn’t advise taking a DT in the first round. There’s a big drop off in value after those two go.
The good news is that there will be a lot of 2nd/3rd round prospects that we can pick from if our team decides to pick up a DT.
As far as drafting an OT in the first round. Let me just say that I would love to get Okung. Problem is that there is almost no chance of him being around by the time we pick. Everything I’ve read about tackles after he is gone has not been that positive.
Honestly, it might actually be a good idea to trade down with someone if someone like Berry is still around and a team with a lower #1 pick is in desperate need of a safety. We could maybe exchange #1s and potentially pick up either their #2 or #3.
I really wish safety was one of our needs this year because Berry would have been the perfect pick for the spot we have, assuming of course that he is still around.
by flutieflakes007 on Dec 16, 2009 5:15 PM EST reply actions
Berry wouldn't be a terrible pick for us either.
though we could always trade back and try and snag Bulaga later in the draft.
by NordicBillsfan on Dec 16, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions
They could be a lot of quality DT's available
key word “could”
If McCoy, Marvin Austin, Brian Price and maybe even a Jerrell Powe all declare, this will be one deep class.
~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."
Yeah, you’d figure that McCoy has to declare. Marvin Austin has first overall pick type ability and he might think he can pull it all together with a great senior season and go really high next year. Price is a good, but not great prospect.
Allen Bailey from Miami is an early 2nd round prospect, Stephen Paea (oregon St.) is an early round Jr, Lawrence Marsh from Florida is dripping with potential, but lacks production, Cam Heyward is a first round type and he could play DT, Ian WIlliams from Notre Dame is another one who could declare with the coaching change.
That’s most of the draft though. Every position is dependent on underclassmen. It’s really a very average group of seniors and one of the better junior classes in draft history.
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
If I'm the Bills
I’m trying to get as many picks as possible for the next two drafts. Assuming this franchise finally tries to rebuild instead of half-***ing it, acquiring as many picks as possible makes too much sense.
Of course, they have to draft quality players if they do get extra picks….
~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."
Yeah, GMs are actually in a bit of a tough spot because depending on who declares this could be a great draft or an average one and next year could be great or average as well. But I most definitely agree with the general idea of stockpiling picks and young players over the next couple seasons. I’ve mentioned that I hate the idea of giving up picks with the idea of acquiring a vet QB to be a placeholder. I really hate doing something like that. Expletive next year, it’s time to build a real winner here. It’s time to find a real QB and surround him with whatever he needs to form a good offense, regardless of how long that is going to take.
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
The more picks you have the better the chance of success. See John McCargo and Kyle Williams. They buffered themselves against a huge bust.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 18, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I hate the word "potential". I want our 1st 3 picks next year to be starters....
….not “projects”. Fill the holes with guys who can step in. No more Roscoes. No more ….. you insert the name.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 17, 2009 10:52 PM EST reply actions
It’s funny cause I feel the exact opposite way. I want upside players. I want to draft premier positions. For me it’s no more Lynchs, Whitners or Pozs. I’m tired of Buffalo taking these guys to fill specific holes on the roster in an attempt to win now. This team isn’t going to win now no matter what they do this offseason, so I think every decision should be based on what gets this team closer to a championship. Forget next year, I want to draft the player(s) who is most likely to bring a SB to Buffalo.
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
Shoulder scares me
I’d rather we address other needs on the team first like building a solid o-line and shoring up our run defense. Bradford’s shoulder injuries scare me and if he’s getting hurt on hits like that by d-linemen in college what’s going to happen when we play New England twice a year and Wilfork lays into him? Also to play in Buffalo you better have one of the better arms in the league, something Bradford certainly will not.
I’d rather wait a year and wait on a guy like Locker who will inevitably drop because teams will harp on his weaknesses excessively as always happens to QB’s who stay four years. Since we also win too much to get a top-5 pick, but lose too much to make the playoffs this should work out fine for us. I also like that he will be playing his second-year in a pro-style offense and Sarkisian should do a good job of working with him to fix his mechanics.
The other guy to look at next year is Ryan Mallett. I saw him play before he transferred from Michigan when I was a student there and he has a bigger arm then anybody in the NFL right now. Coming into college it was known he could throw through the uprights on his knees from midfield easy. He’s still a bit raw, but hopefully another year starting at Arkansas will improve that.
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