2012 Buffalo Bills Needs List: What Follows The Pass Rush?
by Brian Galliford on Feb 2, 2012 12:01 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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In putting together our State of the Buffalo Bills Roster series, we asked the Buffalo Rumblings community to vote for the biggest offensive and defensive needs the team has entering the 2012 off-season. Now it's time to continue voting to merge those two lists into one community-developed needs list.
Resoundingly, Bills fans voted defensive end (or, more specifically, the pass rush) as the team's most pressing need. Today's matchup for No. 2 on the list: wide receiver and outside linebacker.
At receiver, the Bills are dealing with the impending free agency of top target Stevie Johnson, and even if they re-sign the fifth-year pro, they're also in desperate need of finding Johnson a complement - preferably a big one with speed. At outside linebacker, the team's impending switch to the 4-3 defense necessitates that they find a strong-side linebacker with athleticism, capable of dealing with extra bodies on his side of the alignment versus the run as well as dropping into coverage.
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im gunna say olb
Wr is a need, and probably right behind olb or cb. But the bottom line is that our offense usually did enough to win games this year. The defence is young and has lots of promise. But it must continue to acquiring top level talent in order to compete in this league. We have several unknown commodities at wr that could be good enough.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
OLB
spend one more year concentrating on the D as i am soooo sick of watching Tom Brady march up and down the field . I want to watch Buffalo SMASH his face in the mud BAD
This OLB position is going to be a 2-down player. It’s certainly a need, but it’s not a critical need.
You’d have to put a lot of stock in Easley to think OLB is more of a need, and he hasn’t been able to get on the field yet. Otherwise you’re relying on Jones or B Smith or Hagan. No thanks. The lack of a 2nd outside WR who can be a threat down the field is a bigger issue to me.
by Pistol on Feb 2, 2012 12:17 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
agreed
OLB and CB are needs but I think the pass rush upgrade will help those needs. I got to go with WR because true Easley could be real good but I can’t really believe he will stay healthy until he proves me wrong. I think we have some young good procession receivers but not a good #2 WR.
"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard" -Norm Nixon
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
by ChewyFL on Feb 2, 2012 12:24 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
CB?
I didn’t vote in this poll, because I think CB is the more significant need. We have a million guys capable of holding down the #2 or #3 CB role, but in my view, no one truly capable of holding down the #1 CB role. If we are able to upgrade our pass rush, and resign stevie, I think CB is a legitimate choice at the 10 spot in the draft.
CB
there is one CB that will be on the board when Buffalo drafts that will be worth first round pick just has been a bad boy and if Buffalo has the courage Janoris Jenkins has the talent
Couldn't agree more.
And that all assumes we have Stevie next year which isn’t a certainty.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
I agree there is a good chance that our OLB will be only a 2 down guy depending on his coverage skills...
I think that CB is a bigger need than WR right now…I think the only way i would draft a WR in the first half of the draft is if he is a guy that can be a game changer or playmaker for us..if not then build our team.
Rec’d Pistol. It’s WR for me as well for the exact reasons you stated. This team needs to improve pass D and pass O and a WR is the answer to that. An OLB isn’t going to be that impactful of a player.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
Lawrence Taylor
wasn’t impactful?
I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.
he only single-handedly reshaped the league as we know it.
that isn’t “impactful” is it?
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
That's my point
LB can be impactful. Actually, any position played by an elite player can have an impact.
I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.
...single-handedly reshaped the league...
Just imagine if he decided to use TWO hands!
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
-- Anais Nin
Definitely OLB
I think WR for me isn’t as high on the list as it may be for others. I think we have a good WR core as is and I want to see what Marcus Easley can do, if we were to draft defense with our first four picks say DE, OLB, CB, DE I would be fine with that then we can worry about reciever. That being said I think we will get a WR in FA so it won’t matter by the draft, I just hope Easley gets a chance to show what he can do he has talent, speed and size that could turn into a really good compliment to Stevie.
P.S. RESIGN STEVIE NOW!!!!!!
Yesterday's choice was easy
If you start with the players on the roster as of this moment, we still have Stevie Johnson. With that in mind, another WR would be nice, but not critical. Easley might be able to fill the role of a #2 WR, or maybe Donald Jones will stop spraying his hands with WD-40 before every game and become more productive. We don’t have any semblance of a pass rush, regardless of scheme. We desperately need a good DE who can get after a QB so the DBs aren’t trying to cover receivers for ten seconds. However, if we lose Stevie to free agency, WR becomes an urgent need because we will have lost our #1 and our #2 is a question Mark. That would make them equally urgent.
Just like yesterday’s choice, we current lack any decent option at strong-side OLB, so it is more urgent right now… but losing Stevie would make WR more urgent.
by SiriusRed on Feb 2, 2012 12:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I don't think CB is as big a need as OLB
we a potential young star in Aaron Williams and a better Leo McKelvin in Justin Rodgers add that to our vets and we’re not that bad a CB would be nice to add one but not as much as OLB I think
CB
gets better with a pass rush. Any CB can stay with someone for 2 to 3 seconds. Even our guys can. It is 5 or 6 seconds that talent starts to separate them and a pass rush stops that.
I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.
by suteck on Feb 2, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
true
And pass rush should be addressed first but a pass rush doesnt solve all problems the bills need a balanced defense and our corners are looking grim.
Florence is only good when he gets away with PI
Williams shows promise but also had rookie mistakes
Rogers has potential but only had a limited amount of playing time
McGee is unreliable since he cant stay healthy.
and finally the coaches are afraid to put McKelvin on the field.
With the increased use of the nickel defense and not a single sure thing at corner I think the Bills should invest about 4 draft picks on DEs and CBs in the draft depending on what they do in FA and what happens with Stevie.
WR
Even if they re-sign Stevie they need another target. Jones, Nelson, Parrish etc. can be good #3s and #4s, but they need a #1 or #2.
Shep and Barnett will start, the other LB will play less snaps than the nickle corner.
has to be OLB
Punxsutawney Nix saw his shadow today, so 6 more defensive draft picks(minimum), OLB among them.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
by fansince60 on Feb 2, 2012 1:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Why does everyone think we need an OLB now?
There are multiple players on the roster who can play that spot RIGHT now plus some FA’s they can bring back. Kirk Morrison, Bryan Scott, Arthur Moats, Danny Batten, and Chris White are all capable of holding down an outside spot.
An ideal line-up would be
SAM – Morrison
MIKE – Shepherd
WiLL – Barnett
Next would be
SAM – Shepherd
MIKE – Barnett
WILL – Scott
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
That being said...
there are some guys that will be around between rounds 2-5 that could be pretty good…
Bruce Irvin – WVU
Travis Lewis – OU
Keenan Robinson – UT
Brandon Lindsey = Pitt
Nigel Bingham – FSU
Josh Kaddu – Oregon
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
I think Travis lewis should be avaoided by OBD. Nothing against Oklahoma, He just seems to have a glass jaw. He has been hurt and missed significant time every season. With the Bills current propensity towards injures i dont think he is someone we should target
How You Say...Wha Wha!
by Stabby Mcshank on Feb 2, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Why does everyone think we need an OLB now?
Because this “ideal” line-up you speak of is far from ideal.
Barnett is used to the 3-4. We don’t know enough about Sheppard. Morrison and Scott wouldn’t start on any other team. I know we have a zillion other needs, but why not bring one in now?
Because...
It certainly is ideal, I disagree. Morrison is a strong physical backer completely capable of playing the SAM. Barnett already essentially does play the WILL in the defense we just ran. And Shepherd is best suited to be a 4-3 MLB…. What’s not to like about those guys playing behind Dareus and Williams, oh yeah nothing.
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
"oh yeah nothing"?
I don’t know how you can say that linebacking corps is “ideal.” Perhaps we’re having some confusion with our definition of “ideal.” When I think of an ideal linebacking corps., I think of having Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis; not a backup-playing-a-starter role like Kirk Morrison (who had seven tackles last year and wasn’t even good enough to start on one of the worst defenses in the league.)
We ranked 30th in the league for points allowed. We have a decent D-line and an okay secondary—our linebackers were a huge part of the problem. I think you’re overestimating the impact of switching to the 4-3. It’s not like Wannstedt is going to wave a magic wand and turn mice into horses and a pumpkin into a golden carriage. We very much need an infusion of premium talent.
Thank you. Until we have starters starting, we can’t call this ideal. What we have now is a fun little experiment to see which other team’s rejects we can squeeze some blood out of, which is neat and all, and might make for great reality television, but hasn’t gotten us to the break-even point yet, let alone playoffs…
by Ian MacPersonoid on Feb 3, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
You can do the same thing for WR but those options are more appealing than these options.
You have to assume Stevie is here until he isn’t. That leaves you deciding between Donald Jones and Marcus Easley as the #2 WR.
I have more faith in both of them than I do in either of the line-ups you listed here.
If they plan to play defense according to their opponent, then OLB is still a HUGE need. When they transition to the 34, they will have no one to take on the role of edge rusher. It’s a huge need that the team has to find multiple solutions for.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 2, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
I still like DJ's idea from a couple of days ago...
After signing FA M.Williams, why not try S.Merriman at SAM in a 46-style scheme? A front seven of Kelsey/Carrington, Dareus, K.Williams, M.Williams, Merriman, Shepherd and Barnett would look pretty good to me.
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
-- Anais Nin
People are really overestimating the WRs that we have
I like David Nelson, but he’s not a well-rounded guy. Donald Jones is a No. 4 option, Brad Smith overperformed last year at the 2, and Marcus Easley, who might be the best option we have for that slot, has never played in a regular season game.
We’ve still got to get someone in there who can cover better than Arthur Moats, but if we don’t threaten defenses enough, we’re going to see a lot of 2nd half of the season Fitz this year. We’ve got to get a serious WR, more than almost anything.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
by Dyl on Feb 2, 2012 1:17 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
OT anyone?
Does anyone else think an offensive tackle should be a big priority? Harriston and Bell are ok, but I think the Bills need to improve here. Fitz didn’t get sacked much last year, but he mostly threw short, 3 step passes and quick slants from the gun. If they want to throw down field more in 2012 they will need a solid OT. I still think this comes in 3rd place to DE and WR, but perhaps higher on the chart than OLB.
by Bills Backer Bob on Feb 2, 2012 1:18 PM EST reply actions
That's arguable.
Our offensive line with Hairston and Bell last year may have overperformed, but they still came in as one of the top units in the league, if not the top unit. Our run blocking was fantastic, and our pass blocking wasn’t bad. In my mind, while we may need some at LT, it’s not a top need.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
by Dyl on Feb 2, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
This is why I’m glad FA signing will be taking place before the draft this year. Questions such as, “Will (Bell, Morrison, Scott, Johnson, Chandler) be back?” will be answered. By the first week of March we should have a really clear picture of just how much of a need there will be at all of these positions. All we can go off of now is limited information and gut feeling.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
Agreed
Our opinions of what the team needs will change over and over as FA get signed leading up to the draft. Hopefully, Nix goes out and spends that money like he said he would.
by Bills Backer Bob on Feb 2, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Almost. If nothing else, this should be the last poll with only two options.
For me, it’s WR and then I could go in a handful of different directions with OLB, OT, CB or even another DE depending on how they want to fill that SAM spot.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
Absolutely
As always it depends on who’s available but if a premium LT is available…well, let’s just say I’ve made my desire to have Reiff on the team quite clear. I would put OT as even with DE and ahead of WR. The visual of our very first offensive play in the Dallas game where no one decided to block Demarcus Ware won’t get out of my head. Yes, we were down to our 3rd string OT in Levitre but that’s my point. Having a premium LT not only opens up the offensive playbook due to having more time in the pocket but also excises the nail-biting anxiety of wondering whether our fragile LT will make it through the next play without getting hurt.
Punt?! In our moment of triumph?! I think you overestimate their chances!!
Chan Gailey to Brian Moorman
by TexasBillsFanatic on Feb 2, 2012 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
OLB
For sure. We need a pass rush. Until we get that, we won’t be in shape to win too many games. Fitz and the offense can only do so much. The defense needs to stop people.
I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.
For sure. We need a pass rush
I almost want to change my vote after reading that. I was thinking that Buffalo would fill that SAM spot with a true LB. If they want to go with an elephant pass rusher type that is more 3-4 OLB than a true 4-3 LB, than I’d probably put it ahead of WR.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
Disagree
Offense needs to sustain drives and score more. Eat the clock. Offense imho wins games in this league. D needs to improve obviously but so does offense. Not meant to be snarky.
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
by buffalobacker on Feb 2, 2012 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
Two WR's are needed
Whether we have the OLB first or WR’s first, I can tell you that they are targeting two types of players at WR. Nix said a “Get open when they are not open” type of bigger WR that can out physical DB’s on the outside. Then they need a speed burner for the outside they can take their shots with and to get DB’s to back off the press coverage. It would be outstanding if that was the same guy… but I am guessing it will be two different guys.
I wonder if Donnie Avery from STL will be the target speed guy who isn’t on anyone’s radar because of his injury the prior year? He was the #1 WR drafted in ’08.
Donnie Avery
I completely forgot about him. If I remember correctly, wasn’t he really coming on right before he got injured?
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
Avery was picked up by Tennessee last year after Britt went on IR
Only activated the last half of the season. Caught 4 passes for 45 yards and a TD his last game (not bad for being a situational WR – exactly what we would use him for in our offense). Could really be ready to return to full form and speed this year.
Agreed, two recievers should be targeted, even if Stevie Re-signs
IM going to break down my thoughts on needs into time periods….number one Need ..Sign Stevie..this is essential. He cant be another classic bill’s homegrown talent that we let slip away. Thats the priority till march 13. Dont even let him reach FA. someone will throw the cash at him and he will leave. That being said we do need two more recievers even after We resign stevie. Essentialy, we had our speed guy that people had to not so much game plan for as just be mindful of in Parrish. However we all know that he cant stay on the field and in my opinion should not be a Bill going forward. That does open up the need for a speed wideout.. the Eagles have D. Jackson, the Ravens Torrie Smith, and the Vikings have Harvin. We need that speed guy that can blow the top off the defense. I like donny avery, but would only look at him if we could assure he was fully healed and didnt lose any speed. Also as was stated by DaBills, we need a big Uncoverable wideout as well.. I hope OBD looks toward Vincent Jackson or Dewayne Bowe. Realistically i have doubts these guys would even want to come here unless we opened up our wallets and handed them top five cash, But we have to try.
The next and biggest need we have will have to be addressed in FA. Our pass rush is anemic and sorry to watch. We have to go try to court a big name pass rusher. Mario or trade for Osi would be ideal. Realistically a Cliff Avril signing might be closer to what the bills do. We have to get someone to lock down the right side. My plan would be to sign a big name in Fa and use the 10th pick to get another DE.. then i would use a third or a fourth to get another. Thats how bad we need to start getting pressure.
Our next need is up in the air for me. Many people say Sam Backer. I dont know..Come March 13 we might need a Starting Lt, a starting TE, and Maybe another CB? I think we can fill a few needs in the draft, but we actually have to be active in Fa this year to be ready to win when Sept rolls around. Personally, I would resign Bell. Between Him and Hairston they did okay on the left side. Then After going after the best Pass Rusher with the 10th pick i would use a second Rounder to get our Sam Backer..
How You Say...Wha Wha!
by Stabby Mcshank on Feb 2, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve never felt that Parrish was that fast, at least not faster than most other NFL players.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 2, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Parrish was elusive and could stop and change directions in a flash
He was too tough to cover underneath in man coverage and could sit down in a zone quicker than anyone… He was the perfect go to guy on third and short because of it. When we tried him outside to fly up the field, it didn’t work for him as well, but we had to do it one year because we didn’t have any other WR’s healthy.
Joe Adams from AK reminds me a lot Parrish with his elusiveness.
I voted WR – I feel that we need another significant threat to open the field up more. Just imagine – Stevie and another threat at WR to be determined each drawing big coverage opening up the field for Chandler and Coby Fleener all over the middle. You think Gronk and Hernandez look nasty…just wait for Chandler and Fleener – all because of one more significant receiver threat.
After drafting a pass rusher, I would say……….how about another one?
by AP22 on Feb 2, 2012 2:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d. It’s not exactly how I’d answer the poll, but I don’t think there is anything Nix could do that would make me happier and more confident in him than take back to back pass rushers and address a team issue instead of trying to fill positional holes.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
What about a Floyd in the first, Hightower in the second and Avril signed as a free agent? Hopefully a Chandler Jones falls to the third, allowing you to bring in two pass rusher and a # 2 WR.
I have a feeling Stevie may get the franchise and treated ala Vincent Jackson. Not in the disrespected way Smith handled him, but in the ‘Jackson is a one dimensional possession WR that costs too much if he wants elite money’ type of way. Personally, if Johnson wants too much I believe taking a WR high and Stevie the ‘tag’ buys us a year to see what Easley has to offer. If he shows Johnson like progress, Stevie is expendable. If not, give Johnson another tag a year from now while building your WR talent further.
ALSO -
This is a side note, but is it just me, or does anyone else find this advertisement for this adult swim show disgusting and disturbing. Normally I would not be offended by this, but everywhere I look on BR and Mocking the Draft I have to see this creepy, flabby guy in tighty whiteys. Is it just me?
With the choices available, I took OLB
The new defense calls for a Sam that’s similar to the Will and has coverage responsibilities for the tight end on most downs.
I’d rather see Fitzpatrick throw to Easley, Jones, and Nelson than Morrison or Batten trying to cover Gronkowski and Hernandez.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Agreed
Kirk Morrison covering anyone is scary. Same with Batten, Moats, anyone but Scott. And Scott might be deficient in run support. We need another Barnett type, 3 down LB. Shep is playing MLB and will probably come off on obvious pass downs. I mobile vote for OLB over WR.
by buffaloparks on Feb 2, 2012 3:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why does it have to be that, though?
I’d rather see Fitzpatrick throw to Easley, Jones, and Nelson than Morrison or Batten trying to cover Gronkowski and Hernandez.
We aren’t outscoring many teams with that trio of WR’s, no matter who’s on D. And it’s not like too many players are going to be able to cover Gronk/Hernandez. I’d say there’s a better chance that the team can win with improved WR play than with improved play out of SLB.
~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."
Could you name someone else in the division you wouldn’t mind seeing Kirk Morrison attempt to cover? Because I can’t. Maybe if Brady lined up at receiver, but he’d still get a step on him.
by Ian MacPersonoid on Feb 3, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Vince Wilfork
I would love to see that matchup!
by buffaloparks on Feb 3, 2012 5:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It has to be OLB from the choices available to us.
They have NO ONE to play that position, at least not well.
At least they have Stevie Johnson – as long as they don’t cheap out. I don’t care what it takes, they need to resign him. There’s a chemistry with Fitz and losing him would set the team back even further than they are. But right now, they have the players in house to field at least what they started out with last year. And those players worked well enough.
But if they don’t fix the outsides of the front seven, it’s going to be another long season in an already too-long 21st century for Bills fans.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 2, 2012 3:10 PM EST reply actions
Doesn't this line make WR the bigger need for you.
I don’t care what it takes, they need to resign him. There’s a chemistry with Fitz and losing him would set the team back even further than they are.
I classify Stevie as part of that need since he’s not yet re-signed. Once they handle that business then WR no longer becomes such a high priority for me.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
I thought someone might pull that out and get cute. No, not by my definition of need. He’s still in town, and he’s still a priority. They have NO ONE to play OLB that I feel comfortable saying will do a sound job.
They have no one to play OLB as a 34 package player in situation where they need to counter what an offense is doing. It’s going to be ugly if they don’t find great answers to the problem.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 2, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
LOL, wasn't trying to be cute. My apologies if it came off that way.
For me I see the SLB position as a lesser need since he’d really only be used in base packages and see at most probably 1/2 the snaps.
Hopefully it is easier to find a decent SAM. I never thought I’d be missing Jeff Posey.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Cute might have been the wrong word to use there, sorry. I guess they need too much help in too many places to fully fix the team as soon as we’d all like.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 2, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
No question it has to be linebacker. There is no depth, not even a legit third starter besides Shep and Barnett. Plus, we are putting a whole lot of our eggs and pressure onto Shep, who while looked good – is still only going to be a second year player. Bottom line, we need linebackers, need someone to start, and at the very least we need depth. The more pass rushers the merrier, we shouldn’t rely on one or two players to be able to rush the passer. If Stevie leaves, I’d probably do a coin flip for WR or linebacker.
This is much closer than the other one.
but if we can get talent on defense we will be much better. Still need to get draft a couple WRs or pick one up in FA.
With the 10th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Buffalo Bills select Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama.
Neither
Superb pass-catching tight end. It’s time to adapt.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Well, if we get to pick outside the choices
Then I pick QB first, DE second.
But I see where you’re coming from here.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
voted OLB
But we need to pull 2 out of this draft. And i think we need 2 WR’s, one speed guy to replace Roscoe, and on Big WR, wouldn’t mind him having a little speed with him also.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Feb 2, 2012 5:42 PM EST reply actions
Defense!!
But the farm! Need pass rushers yesterday.
Can always get a decent WR in the 3rd.
Is it just me, or has anyone else been locked out of this site for the last 2 hours?
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 2, 2012 9:37 PM EST reply actions
I just got back in too.
I thought it was to take down the half naked dude in the terrorist mask. I was going to be happy. But, nope, creepy dude still there.
I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory, then slowly fade away in the antiquities of time.
SBNation said there was a glitch, subsequently fixed.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Feb 2, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
the wr situation
Is actually exciting. If we don’t resign Steve, then the chance of getting a top fa guy rises significantly.
I think obd sees Steve as a second tier talent and will not pay his as if he was. I do believe however they would pay a guy like Vincent or bowe what they demand.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 2, 2012 9:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Why even bother?
It is almost silly to try and prioritize one position over the other. If both are a huge need, and they are, there is no reason that this question should have to be answered. Between the depth of the quality wideouts that should be available in free agency, the depth of the position in the draft, the depth of the de position in the draft, and our number/placement of picks, there is no reason not to deal with both issues. On top of that, we have to spend to get up to the cap minimum. If Nix is serious about turning this squad around, and I think he he is, he will address both issues.
Holy crap, what? How the balls is OLB winning this poll?
Folks, Ryan Fitzpatrick needs targets, and the SAM linebacker will MAYBE play half of the team’s defensive snaps. This is a no-brainer to me. Wideout is the MUCH bigger need.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 8:30 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
It appears that today, most of the site disagrees with you. I voted OLB because I don’t like any of our current options outside of Barnett. I’m not comfortable with the wideout position but I’m even more uncomfortable with the OLB’s.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
But you also appear to be ignoring the fact that this OLB will not play half of his team’s snaps, at minimum.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
If they play a 43 most of the time, then yes. You need to remember that Gailey said they’ll play the defense that works best against the offense they face.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 3, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
They’re a base 4-3 that might use more nickel packages against pass-happy teams like the Patriots. That linebacker would play less against those teams than the half of the time he’s already playing against traditional teams.
It’d be like saying a dime cornerback is a bigger need than the 4-3 Sam linebacker.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Did he really say that?
You need to remember that Gailey said they’ll play the defense that works best against the offense they face.
Oye! You can’t keep switching D’s hoping that an offense can be slowed simply through schematic differences. Create an identity, build it and make offenses adapt to you!!!!
~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."
That’s what he said, but it’s not what he meant. It’s coach speak, and it means nothing. They’re a 4-3.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
He did, maybe not exactly as I put it, but it was either Gailey or Nix who said it. The Patriots have had some success floating in and out of schemes, but they do more presnap confusion than true formation changes.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 3, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not ignoring it, no. I understand that’s a very distinct probability. I’m more concerned about the 40% of defensive snaps this OLB will play than I am about whatever % of snaps the WR will play. I feel like at the very least we have some options at WR that have a chance to be productive.
I have more faith that the offense as a whole will be able to mask the deficiencies we have at WR than I do in the defense to do the same. Again I’m not saying WR is not a need, I just have it below OLB today. If Stevie doesn’t re-sign, that’s a different story.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
I’m more concerned about the 40% of defensive snaps this OLB will play than I am about whatever % of snaps the WR will play.
That “whatever % of snaps” will be, at an absolute bare minimum, 95%.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
That "whatever % of snaps" will be, at an absolute bare minimum, 95%.
I’m okay with that. It could even be that we’re talking about bringing in a #2 receiver that will see 99% of the snaps. I still have more faith in the offensive staff as a whole (Gailey, Fitz, Jones, Easley, Nelson and so on) to mask the potential deficiencies at the position even if it’s not addressed at all. It’s not ideal to do so, no. I do see WR as a need. But just in a matter of ranking which I see as more important, I still think it’s the less than half the snaps the OLB will be taking. I don’t feel like we have any legitimate options at the position currently which could really compromise the integrity of the defense on those 40 or whatever % of snaps.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
And not having a legitimate No. 2 receiver doesn’t compromise the integrity of the offense on 99% of snaps?
It’s looking like we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one, and I guess I’m agreeing to disagree with six and a half out of every ten Bills fans. I just can’t fathom how a part-time employee would get priority over a full-time employee in pretty much every context. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I can agree to disagree. :) Although I do think it’s a fair discussion to be having. I also think we could both agree that the Bills will be looking to add talent at both positions.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
There’s no question. Positions aren’t on the needs list if they don’t need to be addressed. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Then why did you put up a poll? If you wanted to show us all the answer that you think is right, you should have posted a column why you feel the WR need is greater than the OLB need. ;-)
Plus, weren’t you sold on Jones last year?
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 3, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
Haha – I’m not allowed to argue my own opinion on a poll? I cast a vote too, man!
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Holy crap, what? How the balls is OLB winning this poll? It’s a no brainer
I think it is the tone of disbelief that discounts any other opinion as brainless. In other words, if the other choice was stupid, why not just have one choice, i.e. just speak to the smart people.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
What I actually said was that it was a no-brainer to me. Big difference. I don’t write articles that are universal no-brainers, because they are boring and dreary and nobody would like this blog. This way, at least a few people do.
And I didn’t say that voting for OLB is stupid, either. Obviously, the Bills need one. I’m just trying to understand why the majority of Bills fans would prioritize it over receiver is all.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 3, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
sometimes it’s not what we say, but, how we say it ;-)
I got your meaning, but, could see how someone could misconstrue that meaning through the tone.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
I picked WR...
but that’s because neither CB nor LT was up there. I’d say that LT is the 2nd biggest need on this team. And then CB and WR are close. I agree that OLB is way down from WR. I’d actually put TE above 4-3 OLB. Maybe even RB (jk).
I’m just trying to understand why the majority of Bills fans would prioritize it over receiver is all.
well, for me, I want to find the quickest way out of the Fitzpatrick sweep stakes and I figure he less amount of weapons he has the quicker we find a QB. :)
Seriously – as moronic as that is – that’s why I voted that way.
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 4, 2012 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
You just seemed shocked at the outcome, like you had expected WR to win hands down.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 3, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
I too am baffled...
Nickel corner plays a more prominent role in this defense than the SLB. Meanwhile the cupboard is bare at WR, even if we do sign Stevie.
because
there are no wideouts in the draft(or anywhere) that are “MUCH bigger”, to the point that they can catch a ball thrown into the area of a two car garage, i.e. the “vicinity” in which Fitzpatrick will “hit” said target?
It will be a while before man evolves to 8.5’ tall with 5’ arms. Plus, receivers don’t play defense (well, at least not until the interception)…Buddy will draft defense until he gets it right.
So, by process of elimination…OLB was the only defensive choice.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
lots of good posts
My thoughts. I look to get as much value out of the draft as anyone and I do believe we will sign bell, chandler and stevie back. Bell can play when healthy and we have no reason to believe that hairston can’t be helped with scheme at this point. Chandler is the best target we’ve had in a while. Stevie is our number 1 right now and we can’t afford to lose him. Everyone wants to sign free agents but alot don’t want to come here. So I am assuming we will sign a #1 or #2 reciever in free agency and maybe an OLB. Then with the draft take the guy who can play both the 4-3 DE and the 3-4 olb position at 10. I’d only pass on the best olb here if the right tackle is available, very slim chance. Then don’t slap me yet but in the second I take the best TE available to make our offense more than 2 dimensional. We probably get the best guy available at 2 positions. Another aspect is the guy helps the running game, passing game and new formations. Whose gonna be able to cover spiller/jackson and chandler/elite TE. We then become a formidable offense with 2 additions. that works for me could see another linebacker being taken here or jared crick DE. Sorry guys but jared crick as a 4-3 DE and a respectable OLB who can russ is making alot of sense to me. Carrington will take the other DE side. Third round take the best rushing 4-3 olb available. In the fourth take the best CB and backup QB. Sorry but thigpen is done. Wouldn’t mind a project QB like Kellen Moore. Have names available if anyone is interested.
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