A bunch of quick (for me) thoughts followed by a mock draft

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 1:02 PM EDT Comment 63 comments

Buffalo's DEs had 8 sacks last season. That tied with Cincinatti for the second fewest of the 22 teams that ran a 4-3 (Cleveland was the only 3-4 team with 8 or fewer sacks from their OLBs and they tied Buffalo with 8). So I have to ask, why doesn't everyone have Buffalo addressing DE with one of their first couple picks in all the mock drafts that keep getting posted? (note: I love that people post their mocks, I'm going to put one at the bottom of this post) Everyone would have Buffalo picking a RB if Marshawn and Jackson only averaged 3.7 ypc for the last couple of seasons. Who wouldn't have us taking a QB if our team had the 3rd worst QB rating of any team? If Buffalo gave up 5 yards per carry last year, wouldn't we all want a new DT or MLB? Why is it different for the DEs? I don't get it.

Aaron Schobel is not the savior of the pass rush. In 2007, Our DEs only had 11.5 sacks. So for two seasons in a row, with Schobel playing 21 of the 32 games, Buffalo's DEs have consistently been one of the worst units in the league. Schobel is is soon to be 32 years old. He barely weighs 240 pounds and comes to camp a little slimmer every season in an attempt to maintain his average athleticism. And most importantly, Schobel has 7.5 sacks in his those last 21 games.

Let me try to explain why Peters' trade value is so low if he won't come down off his contract demands like this: If Buffalo just cut Peters and he was available to any team without having to give up compensation, how many teams would actually sign him to the contract he wants? So if teams are barely willing to do that, then why would any team give up a first round pick AND other pick(s) to sign Peters to a huge contract? Buffalo better hope that Peters' demands go down with a trade (I think they will).

I know a lot of people would like our defense to be more like Philly or the Giants, but both of those teams had more sacks from their defensive ends than Buffalo did as a team. Both the Giants and Eagles get 62% or more of their sacks from their DEs (Buffalo's 35% is pretty easily the lowest percentage of every 4-3 team). So in my opinion, drafting say, Clay Matthews, makes Buffalo's defense look less and less like NY or Philly.

Speaking of Philly, we really should model our DL after them. They have two established pass rush threats who can handle their duties as run stoppers, but are pass rush first guys. Trent Cole weighs an impressive 270 pounds, but he is an all-out get after the QB guy with 30 sacks in his last 3 seasons. Darren Howard weighs 260 and had 10 sacks last year. They then supplement those two with situational guys. Juqua Parker weighs 250 and has had 5 or more sacks 3 years in a row. Despite the presence of those 3 players, Philly still went out last offseason and gave 15 mil to Chris Clemons, a 240 pound speed rusher who had 4 sacks last season after having 8 as a situational guy in Oakland 2 years ago. Buffalo really needs to revamp their entire group of DEs if they ever want to have a dominant defense. A LB simply isn't going to impact the game enough to change the overall look of this defense.

If I'm drafting for Buffalo then I'm putting an emphasis on defense for a reason that we havn't really talked about yet. Special teams. Buffalo has by far the best punt return group in the NFL. They averaged a league best 15.5 yards per punt return last year. Oakland came in at 2nd with 13 yards per return while Houston and New Orleans both avereaged about 12. Only 7 other teams even averaged 10. With that big of an advantage a team that forces our opponents to punt from inside their own 40 more could help put more points on the board without addressing the offense as much. Last season, Buffalo only returned 30 punts. Only 6 teams had less than 29 returns while the leader, Philly, had 52. Don't blame the Tampa 2 either because the 2nd most PRs were by Tampa Bay and their 47 and that was in a very strong offensive division too. Just stop for a second and imagine how much better this team could be with Roscoe or McKelvin getting an extra punt return per game (not fair catch, actual return).

Here is one more reason to trade Peters (or at least one more reason for us fans to hope the team trades Peters). If the Bills end up with a coaching change next offseason (which we can all agree is very possible, if not very likely), then not paying Peters, letting TO and Denney leave and making some cuts like one (or both) of our other 30something DEs, maybe Walker, maybe Spencer Johnson and who knows who else could put this team into position to have a huge offseason. If this team trades Peters and has a solid draft, I think a new coaching staff could come in and have the roster flexibility and money to instill any new type of scheme they want and bring in their kinds of players immediately. I think this roster could be turned over in just one offseason and Buffalo could start competing immediately while still building for the future.

In my mock offseason, I traded Peters to Philly for the 28th pick and the 4th pick in the 5th round, so for this mock draft, I will do that again.

11 - Michael Oher - no explanation should be necessary

28 - Connor Barwin - Immediate pass rush contributer with the upside to be an every down RE in just a season or two. He also has plenty of schematic versatility, which I would be drafting for If I were the GM and got final say over a potentially soon to be fired Jauron. Michael Johnson and Larry English would also be options here if Barwin was off the board. I would have to be pretty confident that one of those three would still be available with our second round pick to not go DE with this pick.

RD2 - Jarron Gilbert - I would use him as a true one gap DT who can provide pressure on pass plays, take Stroud out of the game for a few extra plays (did anyone think Stroud played too many snaps last season?), make the overpaid Spencer Johnson expendable after this season, play DE in short yardage situations and/or a third DT for short yardage/goaline and he also offers that long term upside and schematic versatility that I would be looking for.

RD3 - Tyrone McKenzie - I'm not sure if he can take Ellison off the field in year one, but I like his upside and just think he is one of the few best players available at this point regardless of position.

RD4 - I'm praying that a TE I still like is available. I think one of Beckum or Casey is still here and I grab him. I'm a big fan of Casey and I think he has a higher floor than the other non-Pettigrew TEs, while still having the potential that guys like Beckum and Ingram have. If nobody is left then I'm taking the best interior OL player available.

RD5 - Best G or C available. I'll be honest and say that I don't know if that will be Tyronne Green, Louis Vasquez, Cornelius Lewis, Greg Isdaner, AQ Shipley, Edwin Williams or whoever. I'm pretty comfortable with Chambers starting so I'm not afraid to wait on a guard. If I went OG in round 4, then I'm probably settling for a blocking first TE like Anthony Hill with this pick.

RD5 - Best G or C available .... again. I am making sure that at least one of these two played center in college and can back up Hangartner.

RD6 - There are some intruiging late round safeties that I would look into here. I would consider FS Trimane Goddard and see if his 7 INTs last season were for real. To be honest, I don't really view either safety spot as a bigger need than the other right now, so I'm just taking the best available safety and that player is likely a FS. I just think you find more late round gems with the smaller ballhawk types than you do with the bigger in the box guys this late in the draft.

RD7 - Slade Norris, Oregon St. I'm hoping the 245 pound DE is still available here and I'm hoping to stash him on the practice squad and tell him to work on strength, but to not bother trying to get bigger. I would like to see Buffalo keep a 5th DE who they can use solely as a pass rush specialist (like Copeland Bryan is supposed to be) at some point. Slade is a bad-ass name and his 19 sacks over the last two years are just as bad-ass.

This FanPost was written by a registered user of Buffalo Rumblings. Its views do not necessarily reflect the views of Rumblings' editorial staff, but are just as valued as our own.

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i would take michael johnson well before barwin, and i'd even take english before barwin...

I’ve heard several draft experts say that barwin is phenominal athlete but he hasn’t developed as a football player yet.. as a football player he is a 4th rounder, but will probably be taken earlier than that..

mayock actually said if he’s taken in the 2nd he should be a TE because that’s the only position he will be able to produce instantly because of his athletic ability and his basketball background.

as a DE/rush LB he shouldn’t be considered til the 3rd at the earliest and probably shouldnt go until the 4th (obviously this isn’t how it will happen, but this is where he belongs), and at one of these two positions he will take 2-3 YEARS TO DEVELOP!!

NO WAY DO WE TAKE HIM IN THIS SCENARIO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FIRST ROUND!

by Shovel51 on Apr 8, 2009 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really don’t care if he can’t contribute much as a rookie. Someone who can come in and start is the last thing I care about when looking at draft prospects. Barwin has elite potential and if it takes him a few years to realize that, then I’d rather wait then draft a LB who will be good but not great. Buffalo needs star players at key positions if they ever want to be more than a .500 team. Drafting safe players and positions is no way to build a championship calibur team.

Barwin is a fantastic athlete and I think he can be a special teams stud, a situational rusher on obvious pass downs, you could line him up as a linebacker for a few plays a game and come up with some creative blitzes. You could use him as a distraction on offense and line him up in the backfield in the red zone or as a tight end and motion him around. I think he can contribute as a rookie, even if it will be a limited contribution.

The guy led the Big East in sacks in his first year playing DE. The talent is there and I wouldn’t think twice about rolling the dice on upside like his.

It’s funny you mention that you would take Michael Johnson a couple of rounds before Barwin when Johnson is just as raw as Barwin is. What do you see in Johnson that you don’t in Barwin?

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and why are you so sure that he's ever going to get it at the NFL at anyone of these positions??

YOU DON’T BUILD A TEAM BY DRAFTING NOTHING BOOM BUSTS GUYS EITHER!!

I agree michael johnson is in a similar mold of barwin, but he also has much more experience playing DE, and has the same potential… at least if we drafted him we know where he could play, not scratching our heads w/ a first rounder saying “where do we wanna put this guy?”. i also like his height better and feel that he could add more weight and his athletic ability is right up there w/ peppers, and i think he could be the same type of player.. the big east is not is not an elite conference.. that is still a great feat none the less….

and i agree that would be interesting if we did use him in all those roles… but come on now you better than to think the bills are gonna line a guy up on d, and o.. i mean come on this isn’t high school football anymore.. that would be entirely too much to put on this guys plate that early on.. and alls i’m saying is that i don’t think he is worth a 1st rounder.. and he wouldn’t be good value there.. this guy is not guarantee and either is johnson but johnson has just as much upside and we know that if drafted him it would be to play DE… If you wanna versatile guy on the defensive side of the ball then take mathews there at 28 kuz he could be there.. if not wait til our 2nd round pick to take barwin. not in the first that just wouldn’t make sense i don’t wanna reach for a guy like that.. and i feel it would probably also be a reach for johnson.. but not as quite as much as it would for barwin.

by Shovel51 on Apr 8, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

YOU DON’T BUILD A TEAM BY DRAFTING NOTHING BOOM BUSTS GUYS EITHER!!

There is obviously a happy medium between riksy and safe picks. My logic for drafting a bunch of players with very high ceilings is that we don’t currently have one of those guys on our defense. You could make the argument that of the two teams in the Super Bowl, each had 3 or 4 defenders who were better than any player on Buffalo’s defense. I would think that Darnell Dockett, Karlos Dansby are definitely better than anyone on Buffalo’s defense and Adrian Wilson and Antrell Rolle might rank as Buffalo’s best defender too. Pittsburgh has a glut of studs with Casey Hampton, Troy Polumalu, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. You could maybe even make a case for James Farrior. So for me to think that Buffalo’s defense is ever going to be Super Bowl calibur, I think we need to take some risks.

The fact that Michael Johnson has much more experience at DE than Barwin, but still struggles just as much with defending the run and diagnosing plays actually makes me like Barwin more. I LOVE Michael Johnson, but I think he will be completely limited to a pass rusher who rarely finds himself in position to make stops in the run game.

I would just use Barwin for a play or so a game on offense and 2-4 plays a game on defense. It would be solely in a tricky fashion and I was just using it as an example of how he could contribute as a rookie. I don’t think that him playing TE for one preplanned play per game would slow his defensive development and blitzing him from a standup spot a few times a game is something that should come naturally to him.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and 2-4 plays a game on defense

I meant 2-4 plays as a LB

by kaisertown on Apr 9, 2009 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

I could agree with the first pick. Hate the rest of your draft. Not gonna take Barwin at 28. I’m seriously hoping Jason Peters signs on. We cant afford to let him go and try and upgrade our front 7 the way we want to.

Gabezababe

by Gabezababe on Apr 8, 2009 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We have big needs for OG. We can’t wait unto the fifth or sixth round to go after one. Second round is perfect for OG/C. Any later than that and its a crap shoot. You can dream all you want about drafting a DE in the first round and its not going to happen, Doesn’t matter if we have 1 first round choice or three. First pick at #11 LT. TE has to be in the third round. After that not much left

by Bob on Apr 8, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why do those things HAVE to happen when you say?

Guards can be found throughout the draft. I don’t have any issue with waiting until day 2.

Where’s your big plan Mr “I make statements without backup!”??

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

by Kurupt on Apr 8, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have to agree with Kurupt on this one

Guys like Kragi Urbik and Antoine Caldwell will be available in the third and Tyrone Green and Trevor Canfield would be around in the fourth. I’d prefer any of these guys over Herman Johnson I know everyone thinks he’d be a good pickup but nfl.com says he’s a scheme specific blocker. He may be a “road grader” type blocker but that’s what Dockery was supposed to be to. I’d rather have smaller offensive linemen with attitude and who are maulers than these guys who rely on their size.

by MichiganBillsFan84 on Apr 8, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your right. Guards can be found throughout the draft. If you want one to come in and start right away and to perform as a starter should, then you have to take one by the second round or wait and try to get lucky. I would prefer not to wait and try to get lucky. And Im not saying we don’t need a DL. The Bills have a lot of money invested in their DE’s and I doubt if they are going to invest anymore big money (First day ) on more DE . So settle down and read whats there not between the lines.

by Bob on Apr 8, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why do we HAVE to take a guard in round 2? Why do we HAVE to take a TE in round 3?

At least I give a few reasons why I think DE is so important. Obviously the Bills have needs at G and TE, but I am more comfortable starting guys like Chambers, Ellison and Fine in the short term, than I am with ignoring the defensive line again.

If people don’t like Connor Barwin then that’s fine, but it isn’t really the point of this post. Maybe I shouldn’t have included the mock draft at all. The average age of our top six defensive lineman is about 30. They need to be replaced just as much as Ellison or Chambers or Fine do and even if they were 25 it wouldn’t matter all that much because they are just as unproductive as all the players that everyone is dying to replace anyways.

When was the last time a team won a Super Bowl with a DL as mediocre as Bufalo’s? I can think of plenty of teams who have done just fine without a great OL or without a TE to speak of our with a gaping hole at one of the linebacker spots. But DE and DT are just so much more important than TE or RG. We need to stop thinking about how to get this team to 9-7 and start looking at ways to find the game changers that can lead this team to a 12-4 season. I’ll actually look up the DLs for the Super Bowl teams just to show how far away we really are.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no your definately right kaiser – that dline needs to get blown up and rebuilt (save for Stroud)

Kyle williams is a good rotational/backup DT but shouldn’t be starting – I want a stud next to stroud.

Kelsay/denney/schobel – freaking crappy clones are all they are. we’ve seen shobel’s “best” days.

couldn’t agree with you any more here – rebuild the front 7 of our defense. 3 dline positions and 1 LB position.

The rest of you go get the goods on Stan. His mom grounded him once for setting something on fire. Let's find out what that something was and then lie and say it was a puppy.

by J2 on Apr 8, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Kyle Williams is a starting calibur guy, but you don’t build a defense around players like Williams and Marcus Stroud is getting up there in age. I think Jarron Gilbert is the type of player that Spencer Johnson was supposed to be and at about a third of the price. Having an even rotation where Stroud, Williams and Gilbert all got equal snaps can only make the DTs more consistent throughout the game and give the coaching staff the ability to put specific guys on the field in specific situations. The coaches can maximize the productivity of the entire defensive line by simply putting players in situations where they excel.

There just isn’t anything about this group of DEs that hasn’t already been said.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Williams – dont’ get me wrong – he just isn’t dominating. I want dominating DT’s.

i’ve hated our dline for years until at least stroud came along – i mean seriously – how long can you neglect a position or a whole unit as crappy as our dline. it boggles the mind and its the reason we’re not perennial playoff contenders

The rest of you go get the goods on Stan. His mom grounded him once for setting something on fire. Let's find out what that something was and then lie and say it was a puppy.

by J2 on Apr 8, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree i think we definately need to get younger at DE, and find try an find an elite pass rusher

but i also think we need to find a solid guard and i think the best place to do so is in round 2 w/ robinson, but if we wait and can find a solid guard or at least someone who can upgrade our starting O-line i would be all for that too.. i don’t think that DT is as much of need as some others do.. our stroud, williams, johnson, and mccargo (he can only get better too right?) will only get better.. stroud is getting up there in age, but he’s not all that old for a DT.. good DT’s which is what we have in stroud can many times play at a high level at the age of 35 or even later.. i think maybe next year depending on the areas we need to upgrade we could after a top DT.. i think DT is one of if not the most important position on defense.. i just don’t think we have the luxury of spending a day one pick on our DT’s and i think the coaching staff is pretty high on williams at this point.. of course if stroud were to go down we would be in big trouble… but i don’t think you can look at it like that.

by Shovel51 on Apr 8, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but i also think we need to find a solid guard and i think the best place to do so is in round 2 w/ robinson

I think this is a simple disagreement. I just like Chambers more than most and Duke Robinson less than most. If Buffalo loves one of the guards available in the second round and isn’t too high on a DE then they absolutely have to grab the guard. I also think that RG is probably the second least important starter on offense (slot WR, FB, or second TE being the lowest). So for me a guard can always wait.

i think DT is one of if not the most important position on defense.. i just don’t think we have the luxury of spending a day one pick on our DT’s and i think the coaching staff is pretty high on williams at this point

That’s fine. I understand that pretty much everyone here is going to have winning soon as a higher priority than I do so I can understand the logic on DT. I think DT is one of those, go into the draft without any plans type position this year. Kinda like with QB when we drafted Edwards. DT is a need, but it’s pretty far down the list. So if you have a guy rated very highly, then grab him, if you don’t get the opportunity than it’s a position you can address next year or even the year after.

I really, really like Kyle Williams. I think he is pretty much as good as Stroud is at this point in Stroud’s career. I just think a three man rotation is much more effective in a one gap scheme and Stroud especially will be more effective with fewer snaps. That’s why I think that DT could be useful. I especially like the idea of getting a potential great pass rusher which Gilbert is. We could take Stroud off the field on pass downs and save him up for when he is the best.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Peters for 1st and 3rd

We should really get a 1st and a 3rd for Peters if we do we should be able to do this
11 – Oher
28 – Johnson
42 – Barwin
3rd – Mckenzie
other 3rd – Johnson – LSU – G
4th – TE – Ingram or Beckum
5th – DT – Chris Baker – Hampton
6th – RB – Marlin Lucky – Nebraska
7th – SS – Chris Clemons – Clemson
Undrafted Free Agent – Nic Harris – OLB – Oklahoma – Project who would be a great asset on Special Teams and then take over in few years for Mitchell

Fat, Drunk, & Stupid is No way to go through life.

by Deadpool71 on Apr 8, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like it... until round 6.

So 7 out of 9 is good for me, especially since they’re al the early pics. Not sure McKenzie will make it to the third though, I see him gone late in the second simply because A LOT of teams are looking at him, he’s a value pick. We don’t need another RB, let Omon develop. As for the safety, I’d get another linenman. But overall, not bad.

by CanadianBillsFan on Apr 8, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back to back DEs?

I know that won’t be popular, but it’s exactly the kind of bold move that OBD needs to do in order to build a championship calibur defense. The Tampa 2 isn’t the reason this defense isn’t successful. It’s not a lack of “playmakers” either. We don’t get pressure on the QB and as a result our defense ends up with the same kind of results as the other teams that can’t get pressure on the QB (Cincy, Cleveland, KC, etc…).

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s good to have you in my corner! This has been my issue with our D for 2 years!

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

by Kurupt on Apr 8, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really wish I didn’t post a mock and that this thread didn’t largely turn into a Connor Barwin debate. I just wanted everyone to know exactly how bad our DEs are and how Philly and the Giants aren’t better than the Bills due to scheme. They have better defensive lines and that is where the huge gap lies. I hope people did actually get that out of this post.

And I am proud to have taken on Sireric’s role as your outspoken partner in the ~~war on terror~~ fight against Chris Kelsay.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And to keep going on that train of thought, how is nobody getting this? I feel like I could come up with a thousand arguments as to why this team can win with Chambers, Ellison or Fine, but cannot win with these defensive ends and all I will get in return is, well they can’t start right away, but Clay Matthews can.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Having no pass rush is why this team will struggle to make the playoffs and always struggles against the good teams. Well it’s not the only reason, but teams that have a good pass rush are the ones that are generally most successful.

Our DE’s are probably in the bottom 5 of the league as a group. They flat out suck, and I really don’t know what else needs to be done for fans and more importantly, the shaky FO, to realize they need a drastic overhaul at the position.

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

by Kurupt on Apr 9, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The reason is because your solution to the problem is to draft Barwin in the second round

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

by Joe P. on Apr 8, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

connor barwin isn't penciled in as a DE at the pro level... he could be a TE, LB or DE... in this case i'm thinking he would have to transition to LB

by Shovel51 on Apr 8, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Barwin is a terrible fit as a 4-3 OLB. I think he needs to be rushing the passer on at least 60% of pass plays to be effective. And I know some scouts like him as a TE, but I doubt any team would draft him as an offensive player. I think he is either a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please say this isn't so...

I read this article (and glanced at your mock draft). I can’t disagree with much of what you say. Except I cringe when I read this part…

If this team trades Peters and has a solid draft, I think a new coaching staff could come in and have the roster flexibility and money to instill any new type of scheme they want and bring in their kinds of players immediately. I think this roster could be turned over in just one offseason and Buffalo could start competing immediately while still building for the future.

You basically just asked us to start rebuilding again. We’ve done this 3 or 4 times over since the 90’s. I know you finish the statement by saying we could start competing immediately, but you can’t completely revamp the majority of your starting lineup, bring in a new coaching staff and expect to “start competing immediately.”

This post alone just put me in a bad mood.

Where else would you rather be...

by Slick Shifty on Apr 8, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

well this has been a popular opinion for a while – if DJ and Co. bomb this year – chances are it does get blown back up.

Which might not be a bad thing – there are a lot of quality HC’s available next year (the Chin, Gruden, Shanahan).

The rest of you go get the goods on Stan. His mom grounded him once for setting something on fire. Let's find out what that something was and then lie and say it was a puppy.

by J2 on Apr 8, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s not that you have to blow things up at all. Atlanta and Miami just turned it around in one season, why can’t Buffalo? My point is all under the assumption that Buffalo had been planning this offseason around giving Peters an extension that paid him 9-10 mil per season. But if they trade him, that means that there is 10 mil in salary they were planning on spending this year that they won’t. It also means there was another 10 they were planning on spending on Peters next year that they can spend. TO is making 6.5. Denney and Kelsay are both making around 3. Buffalo could have a TON of money that they can spend next offseason.

So, If I were the GM, my focus would be on drafting the building blocks that Jauron or any other coaching staff, with any philosophy could build a championship team around. I hope a new coach doesn’t come in and tear everything down which is exactly why I would focus on finding pieces they can use in this year’s draft. Whether it’s Jauron or a new coach in 2010, this team can build around this draft as well as players like Edwards, McKelvin, Poz, Evans, Lynch, Jackson, etc…

We need to stop focusing on immediate impact. Drafting a player with limited potential to truly change games because they can start is about as bad of a philosophy as a team can have.

My entire point about Peters is that a new coaching staff wouldn’t have to completely rebuild. They would have the tools at their disposal to put an immediate winner on the field without the typical 2-3 years of grooming a new QB and instilling a new philosohpy. Buffalo could even switch to a 3-4 after this season.

DE – Kyle Williams
NT – Marcus Stroud
DE – Jarron Gilbert

OLB – Aaron Schobel / Connor Barwin
MLB – Poz
MLB – Tyrone McKenzie
OLB – Kawika Mitchell / Nick Slade

A new coach could fill in the pieces pretty quickly and field a great defense in just a year or two.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

You know, I’ve come to think that merely switching to a 3-4 might be enough to turn many people back in favor of Jauron. Why wouldn’t they explore it with the teams they face in their division?

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

because that would give us a competitive advantage – something we clearly cannot have in buffalo

but thats the defense that DJ and Fewell know – so thats what we’re getting. unless we get a new d coordinator – i definately don’t see us switching. but i do hope (big time) that we switch because i am not a fan of fewell. i think our d’s soft and pretty crappy actually

The rest of you go get the goods on Stan. His mom grounded him once for setting something on fire. Let's find out what that something was and then lie and say it was a puppy.

by J2 on Apr 8, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was upset when the 3-4 was abandoned years ago. They’ll revert to it once it’s no longer en vogue.

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea of maximizing Schobel's last years as an outside Linebacker...

But wouldn’t Marcus Stroud be just a little undersized to be playing NT?
Also if Tyrone McKenzie isn’t available Scott McKillop could be the other MLB (I have to mention Scott because I have officially started the McKillop bandwagon, sorry.)

by MichiganBillsFan84 on Apr 8, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you sure about Williams as your DE in a 3-4 package? Isn’t one of the knocks against him is his speed, unable to disingage and get after the quarterback. Don’t we already have that in Kelsay??

by Bob on Apr 9, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-4 DEs don’t really have to pass rushers. They are two gap players so strength is the most important thing and while Williams isn’t the best fit there, he is the best option on the roster as it stands now. Considering that Gilbert could be a good pass rusher and the OLBs are really the guys who need to get after the QB in this defense, I think Williams would be fine. I might want him to bulk up a bunch and play the nose instead. It would depend on what I could accomplish next offseason.

A lot of that is far from ideal, but I think that Buffalo could transition to any type of defense a year after this draft as well as any other 4-3 team could. And I’m not necessarily advocating a change, I just don’t want Buffalo to be limited to certain candidates if we do have to hire a new coach next offseason. I don’t want to be stuck with a Tampa 2 or even just a 4-3 because that is the personel we have now and because Ralph won’t want to rebuild. Despite how the draft may look, this was actually an attempt by me to avoid a rebuild.

by kaisertown on Apr 9, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but you can’t completely revamp the majority of your starting lineup, bring in a new coaching staff and expect to "start competing immediately

Cough “dolphins” cough cough

Wearing this Jumpsuit, my new Nikes and drinking the Bill's flavoured Kool-Aid pretty much all my life.

by Stabby Mcshank on Apr 8, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about Schobel's physical stature

He looks more like an Iron Man athlete (and this is by no means any knock on those guys, because pound for pound, they’re some of the most well-conditioned people around) than he does an NFL defensive end.

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here are the DLs / 3-4 OLBs of Super Bowl teams over the last however many years:

Arizona – not the best group of DEs, but Chike Okafor, Bertrand Berry, Travis LaBoy and Antonio Smith is a deep group that a good coaching staff could use in various situations. They had 19 sacks last year which is exactly as many as Buffalo’s DEs over the last two seasons combined. Add in stud DT, Darnell Dockett and 330 pound Gabe Watson along with their versatile upside filled second round pick Calais Campbell.

Pittsburgh – Obviously leaps and bounds better than Buffalo. Aaron Smith, Travis Kirschke and Brett Keisel are a great trio of 3-4 DEs that actually had more sacks than Buffalo’s DEs did. Casey Hampton is a better player than anyone on Buffalo’s defense. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley make Buffalo look like a college team trying to get presure on a pro OL and QB.

2007 Giants – They had 3 different DEs who had more sacks than Buffalo’s DEs. Enough said.

2007 Pats – Seymour, Wilfork, Ty Warren is a good DL. Adalius Thomas, Roosevelt Colvin, Vrabel and Junior Seau played OLB and combined for more sacks than Buffalo did as a team.

2006 Indy – Peyton Manning led a poor defense into the playoffs, but they really stepped up when they got there. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are exactly the kind of DEs that Buffalo doesn’t have.

2006 Bears – Mark Anderson, Ogunleye and Alex Brown combined for 25 sacks when their defense was awesome. Tommie Harris would be the best pass rusher on this team by a mile too. Go figure that every player is pretty much the same on that defense except the DEs havn’t played as well and the whole unit is pretty average now.

2005 Pittsburgh – OLBs Joey Porter and Clark Haggans combine for 20 sacks. The DL looked exactly like it does now. So the DL hasn’t changed, and the defense has stayed near the top? That’s a shocker.

2005 Seahawks – Their DL combined for 32 sacks that season led by Rocky Bernard’s 9 and Bryce Fisher’s 9. A young Marcus Tubbs and Grant Wistrom with a little left in the tank were the core of that Super Bowl D. Here’s another go figure, Seattle spends a bunch on a LB (Peterson) thinking he can support the pass rush and Rocky Bernard and Marcus Tubbs get hurt and the whole D goes down. But they have great LBs right?

2001- 2004 Pats – McGinist, Vrabel and Seymour were consistent 6-9 sack players. Anthony Pleasant had a 6 sack season and Bobby Hamilton had 7 in 2001 before Vrabel burst onto the scene. Colvin added 5 sacks in 2004. It should be no surprise that the one year NE didn’t go to the SB was the 2002 season (2003 SB) was the year where they had the fewest sacks.

2004 Eagles – Javon Kearse and Corey Simon in their prime. Derrick Burgess, Hugh Douglas and Jerome McDougal combined for about 7 sacks and Sam Rayburn added 6 of his own.

2003 Carolina – Julius Peppers in his second season didn’t even lead the team in sacks. Mike Rucker had 12. Kris Jenkins had 5 and former Bills Al Wallace also had 5. So that’s 4 different players who had more sacks than last year’s sack leader of this awful group of pass rushers.

2002 Raiders – Rod Coleman was their only stud, but he had a studly 11 sacks. Travian Smith had 5, Trace Armstrong and DeLawrence Grant each had 4 and Sam Adams, Tony Bryant and John Parrella all had a couple.

2002 Tampa Bay – Simeon Rice had 15.5 sacks. As if that wasn’t enough Warren Sapp was on that team and had 7.5 while Ellis Wyms, Greg Spires, Chuck Darby and Anthony McFarland combined for another 11.

2001 Rams – Leonard Little had 14.5 sacks and Grant Wistrom had 9. Brian Young added 6.5 more and Chidi Ahanotu, Sean Moran and Tyoka Jackson all had multiple sacks.

History has proven that you cannot have a great defense or a Super Bowl calibur team without a great pass rush. You can be good without a great TE or without 5 great offensive llineman, but a pass rush is absolutely necessary.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 4:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is Barwin really a 4-3 DE?

Brian’s boy Ayers is 272 lbs…….Barwin is 256 lbs and listed as a ILB on http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/Connor-Barwin.php and Walters has Barwin going to the Pats be the next Vrabel. http://walterfootball.com/draft2009_2.php I can’t find anyone who thinks he is a 4-3 DE. Does he really sound to you like a guy that fits what the Bills are trying to do?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

by Joe P. on Apr 8, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, this is what I would be trying to do if I were the Bills and not at all a prediction of what I actually think will happen. And Barwin is 6’4 and has the frame to really carry some added weight. He isn’t nearly as skinny as someone like Michael Johnson is. I think sites list him as a 3-4 OLB because he is a better fit there and not because he can’t play with a hand on the ground.

And looking at the weights of Buffalo’s current DEs (Schobel – 243, Kelsay – 261, Denney – 264,Ellis – 261), I think Barwin could play at a heavier weight than any of they are and still be the best athlete and pass rusher of the bunch by a considerable margin. I don’t really care if Barwin doesn’t have the bulk or strength to play DE at the NFL level right now. I’m confident that he can add that size. I’m really tired of Buffalo passing on upside in exchange for guys who are NFL ready. McKelvin was the best draft pick this team has made in a few years and he was nowhere near ready last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodmania/310306125/

If you check out Barwin’s waist, legs and shoulders, I really think he could add a lot of bulk to his body and play at 265-270 or even heavier than that if he really wanted to.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is only my opinion, but I think the Bills have realized that undersized lineman do not work in our weather conditions

Barwin might be able to bulk up, but the Bills are in “win now” mode, right or wrong, so I don’t think they will be looking to draft a player in the second round at any position that won’t see the field this season. I would be more willing to bet on the Bills drafting an OT and OG in the first two rounds than a DE that can’t help them win games for at least a year.

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

by Joe P. on Apr 8, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joe P.

I agree with your assesment it is pointless (when you are in win now mode) to draft more d-line men when your o-line has (or will have two gapping holes in it. We imo have to fill those holes with a gaurd and tackle.

Wearing this Jumpsuit, my new Nikes and drinking the Bill's flavoured Kool-Aid pretty much all my life.

by Stabby Mcshank on Apr 8, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, many of us feel that our DL has gaping holes on it too…

~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 Apr 9, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, this isn’t what Buffalo will do. This is what I would do and I would avoid a win now philosophy at every cost. You always have to be building for the future. If you neglect the future for the present, then you will only be able to build good teams and never great teams. When was the last time that NE or Pittsburgh made short sighted moves?

I also happen to think that a situational pass rusher who only sees 8-10 snaps a game would be a bigger upgrade to this team than Unger or Robinson would be over Chambers. A new starter who is just a little bit better than the guy he is replacing doesn’t actually provide all that much impact and most guards that get drafted where Buffalo pick in the second round do not have good rookie seasons.

And I honestly think that Connor Barwin can play at 270. That makes him the perfect size for this type of defense. Bills fans have really been overrating the importance of size lately. Chicago is pretty cold and they start two DEs that weigh 260 (Ogunleye and Alex Brown) and their 3rd, Mark Anderson weighs 255.

Green Bay is cold too and Aaron Kampman isn’t exactly big at 265.

Philly starts a 270 pound DE (Trent Cole) a 260 pound DE (Darren Howard) and the only other DEs on the roster weigh 250 (Juqua Parker) and 240 (Chris Clemons).

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Barwin looking fully capable of putting on weight. He’s a legit 6’4" and if he is drafted by a 4-3 team, I can see him growing into a full-time DE without question.

He’s as athletic as any DE candidate this year, and is still very new to the position. Plus, the dude is smart, so I really have no problem predicting he’ll learn the nuances of the position quite quickly. I actually think Barwin would help this team immediately, for the same reason you like a pass rusher over a potential Guard upgrade. Barwin or another talented pass rusher could play 10-15 snaps and provide this team what it has lacked for a long time….an actual threat off the edge. Barwin just happens to have the potential of being a full-time DE more than some of the other guys do….

~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 Apr 9, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

barwins speed

far exceeds any other DE/OLB’s on the draft board. His versatility, drive and athleticism give him huge upside.

by dzil on Apr 8, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No on Barwin!

I can see taking Gilbert with the #28 overall pick (cause Gilbert won’t be there in the 2nd round), but Connor Barwin? You’ve gotta be kidding…English is a much better player than Barwin. Why would you even consider him when English is an option?

by fami1y_first on Apr 8, 2009 9:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe the best kept secret of the draft...

Nick Reed, DE Oregon / 6’2" 248lbs. / 40-Yard Dash: 4.71 / Bench Press: 24 reps / Reed’s 4.71 40-yard dash would have made him the fifth fastest defensive linemen at the Combine / Reed was awarded the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s top defensive lineman and he was voted by his teammates as the Ducks’ Most Outstanding Player / Reed led the country in fumble recoveries (5), ranked fourth nationally (1st in the Pac-10) in quarterback sacks (13.0), and tied for ninth in tackles for loss (20.0) / Epitomized as a player with a constant motor who refused to be outworked by the opposition and exhibited a great passion for the game / Drops this far in the Draft due to worries about his size / Compared to Tedy Bruschi, Aaron Kampan, and a poor man’s Jared Allen

A better player than Barwin and will be available later in the draft

by fami1y_first on Apr 8, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Nick Reed too, although I think those are terrible comparisons. I think he could be a Travis LaBoy type of player. Which is still a great way to invest a 7th round pick. I just like Slade a little bit more. Plus his name is Slade!

I think it’s absolutley crazy to call someone like Reed a better player than Barwin. In his first year at DE, Barwin almost matched Reeds stats and he has elite athleticism. Barwin has potential that Reed can only dream of.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barwin

ProFootball Weekly states: Barwin is only a one trick pony with few counter moves. One year starter who is still very raw. Late to react to the ball anddoes not instinctively see plays developing. Lacks strength at the point of attack. Takes on blocks with the wrong shoulder. Not stout and needs to get stronger and do a better job of setting the edge and containing. Lacks base strength and needs to spend more time in weight room. Instincts very raw and still in infacy stages as a pass rusher with no arsenal of moves. Could take a few years to develop. Does not sound like a first day selection to me. Maybe I’m wrong.

by Bob on Apr 9, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I won’t disagree with the scouting report, although I do think it overstates how far away Barwin is by a little bit. I just think that the important things, the things you can’t teach are there.

C’mon though with Nick Reed. He is a nice player, but he might go undrafted and that will happen for a reason. Odds are that Barwin could bust entirely and he will still have more value as a special teamer than Reed will have at all. Nick Reed is a nice late round choice, but he is going to have a tough time earning his way onto a roster next year.

by kaisertown on Apr 9, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Antonio Gates went un-drafted...

…the potential to go un-drafted doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Barwin does have great athleticism, but I don’t think he’ll be any better at the DE position than Nick Reed will. Barwin is bigger than Reed, but not as strong; Reed had 2 more sacks than Barwin last year. I think due to his speed (4.47 pro-day 40), Barwin will be moved back to TE in the NFL.

by fami1y_first on Apr 10, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barwin was a mediocre TE in college, and that is being kind. He was a very good DE this past year with limited experience. I think it’s safe to say Barwin’s got a much higher ceiling at DE.

Nick Reed won’t be a DE in the NFL, at least full-time. He can be a situational pass rusher, or will be a 3-4 OLB. Barwin has the chance to grow into a full-time 4-3 DE.

Who cares how strong they are right now? Both guys are going to get stronger as they continue to grow anyhow. BTW Reed put up 24 reps of 225 lbs, Barwin put up 23, so I don’t think there’s much of a difference in strength there. Maybe lower body strength, but again, that will be improved in both.

~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 Apr 11, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

English is a much better player than Barwin. Why would you even consider him when English is an option?

Better size, better speed, bigger upside. He has more potential than English and I think Barwin has a much better chance at being a superstar. English might be more likely to be a nice NFL DE who gets 6 or 7 sacks a year, but I think Barwin has a better shot to be a 12 sack type of player than English. Potential is easily the biggest factor in that decision.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barwin was also more productive this past 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."

by Kurupt on Apr 9, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good write up Kaiser

I agree with some and disagree with some:

Agree:

- I completely agree that a defensive end is a must early round pick. Whether we use our second rounder (looks like first aint gonna happen, though if we keep Peters it might not be a bad idea) on a guy like Michael Johnson or use a late 1st rounder we get in a trade. My personal preference is that if we do get a late first Peters we got OT at 11, Pettigrew in the 20s, and then Michael Johnson in the 2nd round.

- excellent point about our phenomenal punt return unit basically going to waste. In fact, its one of the reasons I like Pettigrew so much with a late 1st rounder. Use him to give Trent and the offense that little bit of a boost to score with good field position and then focus on the defense. I’m a little surprised that in your discussion of our defense and our need for a pass rush you never mentioned Chris Ellis and what you expect from him next year. Truth be told, I’m a bit surprised that nobody around here mentions Chris Ellis. Odds are that Ellis will have a greater impact next season than any DE we can draft this year. Not only that, in terms of building for the future as you mention, we should expect a third round pick to be a part of that future. Its funny how folks (not saying you, because you did not do this) keep talking about 3rd rounders in their mock drafts like they will be major contributors and nobody is getting excited about what Ellis will be able to contribute in terms of a pass rush this year. Anyway, got on an Ellis tangent there but back to the punt return unit, great point its something I will admit I haven’t given much thought to but man, if we can stop opponents at mid field next season our offense will look much better.

- You are dead on with the inability of our DEs to generate pressure. While Clay Matthews could give us another Mitchell type as a rookie he won’t be the answer to our woes. As you said, the DEs have to get more sacks or at least more QB pressures.

Disagree:

- I really can not get behind waiting until round 5 to fix what is a gargantuan hole in our offensive line. I too am comfortable with Ellison and Fine if we have to go but we are in disagreement over Chambers starting a full season at RG. That is just asking to kill our running game, we saw what happened last year when we couldnt get any holes with Dockery.

- Following up on this, and the above where I stated that I like Oher at 11, Pettigrew in the 20s and Johnson at 43, I would go ahead and ship the 3rd and 6th for Brian Waters at LG.

- Finally, you seem annoyed that people are telling you that players can’t start right away after the draft (and I know this is your mock as if you were GM) but there is no getting around it Kaiser: Dick Jauron and his staff are going to be drafting for guys who can help us win by playing and starting now. This is most likely DJ’s last stop as a head coach if he doesn’t win this year, he has no incentive to build for the future especially as he already has a solid young core in place. He will draft for winning now and that means guys like Pettigrew, Matthews, and Mack/Unger who can start the first Sunday in September.

Good write up.

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Apr 8, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the response.

My personal preference is that if we do get a late first Peters we got OT at 11, Pettigrew in the 20s, and then Michael Johnson in the 2nd round

I would be OK with that. It’s not my favorite, but in my mind, we could do much, much worse.

I still like Chris Ellis, but the fact that Buffalo is relying on him to be a good pass rusher this year just shows how much trouble the unit is in. I also think that there is a good chance that Kelsay, Schobel and Denney aren’t around any more as early as 2011 (next year wouldn’t be surprising either considering the likelyhood of a new coaching staff). So Buffalo doesn’t just need DE help now, they need DE help for a long time. I also think that drafting a DE early hedges their bets with Ellis and if he busts or is even good, but not great then they are better off drafting DE as soon as it makes sense this year.

Agree to disagree on Chambers. I am more comfortable with him starting than anyone else in the Fine, Ellison group. Maybe it’s just Ron’s numbers that have sold me on him, but I think he has what it takes.

I’d rather give up a touch less for Waters, but I wouldn’t be opposed to that trade at all. I would change my mock to:

1 – Oher
1 – Barwin
2 – Gilbert
4 – Best TE still
5 – Jason Williams – that LB from Illinois or best LB or safety available if he isn’t there
7 – anyone who can play center

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hit post a little too early.

Dick Jauron and his staff are going to be drafting for guys who can help us win by playing and starting now.

I think your right, but I would have guessed that last year too. After two consecutive 7-9 seasons and approaching the end of his contract, I would have thought that Jauron was in a win now mode last year. They could have traded away Losman for a late round pick, but they thought he was too valuable as a backup. They then drafted a raw CB and let him develop very slowly. A WR and even though they tried their hardest to get him on the field, they should’ve known a 6’5 rookie WR wasn’t going to be a huge contributer. And then they took a raw DE when they already had a bunch of DEs. If they could put the future first last year, then I think they can do it again this year.

I also think it’s pretty debatable that those prospects who appear ready to start now will be all that much better than the guys they are replacing, particularly a guard. Interior offensive lineman who last into the second round typically struggle as rookies.

by kaisertown on Apr 8, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pettigrew

Why is everyone so in love with Pettigrew? He is a good receiver and the best blocker that the TE position offers this year. Big Deal!!!!! We already have two blocking TE’s. What is wrong with taking a good pass catching TE who can spread the field and be a mismatch for the opposing Defense, someone with speed? We could wait until the third round for a TE with good pass catching ability and speed and someone who could help take the pressure off our WR.

by Bob on Apr 9, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

well supposedly he’s the best TE prospect in the last 5 years. i’ve heard last 10 years.

but i dont’ know jack s*** because I don’t watch college ball – but thats what i’ve heard.

The rest of you go get the goods on Stan. His mom grounded him once for setting something on fire. Let's find out what that something was and then lie and say it was a puppy.

by J2 on Apr 9, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lee Evans and TO

won’t need to have pressure taken off them, they’ll be taking the pressure off of the tight end. Which is why I think Pettigrew is so attractive. Any tight end is going to flourish in our system (even Derek Fine) so Pettigrew, who we already know is a killer blocker (he handled Orakpo in the blocking game) will get a chance to become a viable receiving threat and become comfortable with Edwards. Why not go for a guy who is the best blocker in the draft AND can be a great receiver on our offense. When TO is gone, Pettigrew will have the confidence and rapport with Edwards to be a solid career receiver.

Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.

by poz on Apr 9, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK. Good reasoning but I still think speed would be a big factor too.

by Bob on Apr 9, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another plus with Pettigrew

is especially is if the whole Jason Peters trade for Philly’s first 1st round pick goes through that’s like the ultimate draft need and draft value pick at 21. Plus it looks like the Bills will have to draft either Oher or Smith and having another good blocker next to them might have a lessen the impact on the learing curve.

by MichiganBillsFan84 on Apr 9, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs