Bills Poised to Miss on Johnson, McCree?

by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2008 10:24 AM EST in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Johnson weighing his options (Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills are now embarking on the fifth full day of what is being termed the "Bryant Johnson Watch". After visiting with the Bills on Monday, free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson has not yet visited with another franchise, nor has he come to terms with any team interested. What's making matters worse is the fact that Johnson's indecision has caused the Bills to miss out on one other potential acquisition (TE Ben Troupe) and may cause them to miss out on another (S Marlon McCree).

The Latest on Johnson
My latest information has it that the Bills remain interested in signing Johnson, and by and large the feeling is mutual from Johnson's camp. As we've mentioned here numerous times, the current wide receiver market has been thrown way off balance by the ridiculous contracts handed out to Vikings WR Bernard Berrian and especially Raiders WR Javon Walker. There has been some confirmation of the fact that the Bills are, indeed, working on a deal heavily laden with incentives for Johnson. Those negotiations, based on the aforementioned wideout market, are almost assuredly not going well.

My latest information also indicates that the Bills aren't willing to overspend for Johnson not because they're of the belief he's unworthy of such money, but because they're saving dollars for a Lee Evans extension. Evans' contract remains the number one long-term priority on Buffalo's "to do" list; an incentive-laden Johnson deal would save the Bills enough money to extend Evans, and would also allow Johnson to earn the type of money he's seeking. Rumors that the Bills are interested in trading Evans are blatantly false.

I've also heard rumblings that there are two other teams interested in Johnson's services. Most are aware that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have expressed interest in Johnson, and they certainly have the cap room to make a serious offer - probably one more serious than Buffalo's. It's unclear who the other team is, though it could very well be the Arizona Cardinals, who want Johnson back and are reportedly shopping Larry Fitzgerald on the trade market.

Johnson currently has more than one offer on the table. Look for something official to be decided from the Johnson camp over the weekend, but as early as today.

Hamstring Effect
Johnson is clearly still Buffalo's top free agent priority, and his indecision as he looks for the right deal is having a negative impact on Buffalo's ability to sign other free agents, specifically S Marlon McCree. The Bills are extremely interested in McCree's services, but their situation with Johnson has them believing that McCree won't make it out of Denver, according to my latest information. As McCree mentioned during his visit with Buffalo (he met with Broncos officials Thursday), he's expected to have a decision made by today.

Troupe is officially off the market, having signed with the Buccaneers, and it seems very likely at this point that the situation with Johnson was at least partially responsible for that decision as well - if Johnson hadn't been top priority, the Bills may not have been willing to let Troupe and McCree leave town on other visits. The team may be forced to wait on TE Courtney Anderson and FB Corey McIntyre as well until something is settled with Johnson.

The End is Near
In essence, the Bills are stuck. They're waiting on a decision from a player that they clearly believe would help them immensely on offense, but there are fears that Johnson's agent will simply take the best monetary offer. If McCree makes a decision before Johnson, it will most likely be Denver. Everything, at this point in time, is contingent on Johnson's decision.

My prediction: McCree will sign with Denver today. Johnson will take the best monetary offer, likely from Tampa Bay, over the weekend. The Bills will then turn their attention to Anderson and McIntyre, and really start researching cornerbacks and wide receivers for their first round pick. Stay tuned - the end is nearing with this week's free agency madness; it may not be a pretty ending for the Bills.

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I hope

this is all over soon. I think that Johnson is holding out to see what happens with Fitzgerald. If by chance he gets traded, he will look for the Cardinals to offer him something huge to tay with the team. Johnson is the top available receiver, so the cards are in his hands.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 7, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Latest on Fitzgerald...

... is that he's renegotiating with the Cardinals, pretty much as we speak. It's highly unlikely he goes anywhere. Johnson will choose between the three offers he currently has; it's looking less likely that the third team is Arizona.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2008 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

Well

Fitz is reportedly looking for a 4 yr deal with something like $30M guaranteed. He wants the ability to be a FA again before age 30. I'm not sure how happy the Cards would be to give a contract like that.

By the way, I think Fitz is one of the few WR's in the league who could get away with asking for that type of deal. I think he's one of the best 5 WR's in the NFL and deserves to be paid like one. That guy is simply great.

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

He's also a bit of a knucklehead

I read something not that long ago, that said he showed up to sign his rookie deal with a handgun in his back pocket. I guess he thought the Bidwell's would mug him.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

REALLY!?!?!

I've never heard that. I'm not sure I'd believe it either as Fitz has always seemed like a pretty upstanding guy. I mean, he was Dennis Green's ballboy!!!

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

Check this out

I fond the link. Apparently he brought a mask also, maybe he was going to be doing the mugging.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

I think it was an attempt at humor from the writer

At least that's how I read it. After he mentioned that Fitz got a $20M signing bonus and is still owed $32M over the next 2 years, I think he was inferring that Fitz "robbed" the Cards blind.

I could be wrong though, but I think he was speaking metaphorically.

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:40 AM EST up reply actions

I think you might be right

I went back and re-read that, and I think you're right. My Bad. Although there is another point; How can a guy who says all he wants to do is win, be so against restructuring a deal that is clearly hamstringing his team? I mean if he was really so determined to win, wouldn't he want to help the team do that?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

Dennis Green

Was more of a "players coach," wasn't he? Why do I associate his teams with a bunch of knuckleheads?

by krytime on Mar 7, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Confusion

How exactly is Johnson's indecision the reason for not getting Troupe and the reason we may not get McCree? It's not that we trying to scrape together loose change to get these guys. We've still got plenty of cap room. I guess I'm missing how they are so heavily correlated, especially Johnson/McCree. For example:

The Bills are extremely interested in McCree's services, but their situation with Johnson has them believing that McCree won't make it out of Denver, according to my latest information.

Are they just expecting the worst because Johnson is taking his time? What gives?

I still think (or at least hope) Johnson will be a Bill. I don't see how Tampa is that great of a fit for him. With a 65 year old QB and not much behind him, how bright would his future be there? Plus, Tampa has seemed to do ok with Galloway and friends. On paper, Johnson in Buffalo (or Chicago) seems like the best fit.

I don't know why the Bills would be putting all their eggs in the Lee Evans basket. He's proven he's not elite, and never will be, but could be much better with a productive player opposite him. To me, and many others, Evans is nothing more than an excellent deep threat. He's never proven he can be much more than that. I know everyone is going to say he had a great 2006, but I think it was a little misleading. A good third of his stats came from two games (Houston/Baltimore) that year and he still had SIX games with 3 or fewer catches. It was a good year, no doubt, but I'm not sure that is going to be the basis for his long term contract. We all saw this past year how mediocre he can be at times. EIGHT games with 3 or fewer catches and only ONE with more than 6 grabs. A lot of that has to do with the QB musical chairs and poor playcalling, but we also saw Lee struggle to get open, produce nothing in the middle of the field and again fail to show the ability to turn a in play into a big gain. I don't know why we'd worry about giving him so much money, while almost neglecting the starting spot opposite him. Why shouldn't Evans get a deal with a bunch of incentives too? He hasn't proven to be worth a giant contract in my book.

It just seems smarter for the Bills to offer Evans a deal on the same scale as a Kevin Curtis or Jerry Porter, good WR's, but not #1 studs. Of course he'll be looking for Berrian money, which is ridiculous for a WR who's never been to a Pro Bowl.

Oh, and to be clear, I really like Lee. I just don't like the fact that we'd give him a monster contract, which would basically kill any chance of bringing in a threat opposite him right away. He'd be so much better, SO MUCH BETTER, with someone that can pull a double team off him, or go over the middle consistently across from him.

I suppose that guy could be the #11 pick, but right now I think the best move is getting a capable vet while developing a potential starting WR in the 3rd round region.

Maybe it's just me, but if Evans is going to cost so much that we can't really do much to add help around him, maybe we've got a problem that extends beyond all this this....

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:06 AM EST reply actions

They're hamstrung

Johnson is their top priority, which is why the Bills allowed McCree to visit Denver in the first place. Had McCree been top priority, he'd be a Bill. He may still be a Bill, but only if he chooses to be. If Denver gives him a better offer and a starting spot, he won't leave. Johnson's situation isn't currently inhibiting Buffalo's interest in McCree; it's already played its role.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

I don't necessarily agree

They play different positions and we have plenty of cap room. Sure, maybe we spent more time wining and dining Johnson, but there's no reason that both couldn't be priorities. I think McCree visited Denver because HE wanted to. I doubt it's because the Bills didn't make him #1 on their list. Plus, we don't even know how strong their desire to bring in a vet safety truly is. If it's more depth oriented, then that's why McCree is tapping the Rockies. He wants to start, it has nothing to do with Johnson being the Bills #1 priority. Just my 2 cents.

Also, if Johnson was such a priority, he'd have gotten a deal he agreed with and would have already signed, IMO.

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:26 AM EST up reply actions

I can say

with some certainty that the Bills are very interested in signing McCree. It's very conceivable that McCree would have gone to Denver on his own; all I'm saying is that if the Bills weren't focused on Johnson first and foremost, they may have made a more compelling argument for McCree to cancel his trip to the Rockies.

As I mentioned, the top priority is Evans. They can't over-exert themselves on Johnson just to get him in a Bills uniform because Evans is their top priority. Johnson is their top free agent priority, but they have to tread carefully.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2008 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Hmmmm

It just seems odd that they couldn't concentrate on both guys. I mean, last Friday alone, we were going after Mitchell and S. Johnson, while also trying to trade for Stroud. It's not as if the whole front office is spending their time wooing that one player.

I still think if the Bills wanted McCree as badly as it may seem, they would have made that crystal clear. I don't know though...

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

The biggest problem

Evans stats are much better than Berrian's, so Lee's agent will be doing his job and say, well this is what he got and Lee's that much better so you should pay us this.

The Berrian,and Walker contracts really screwed us.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

Why we are waiting on Johnson

Johnson is going to ask for the most money and is our top priority. So negotiating with McCree and Troupe might not give us enough money to sign Johnson. Or if we sign Jognson, maybe we just decide t o draft a TE.

If you are searching for a house, you wouldn't negotiate the price of three houses st once... would you? I wouldn't think so, you would first go after your #1 choice.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 7, 2008 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

Yes

but wouldn't a more proper comparison be negotiating a house, boat and car at the same time? Johnson, McCree and Troupe all fill separate needs.

If Johnson would cost so much money, why would we be looking at him so hard? We still have a lot of cap space, so I doubt that's an issue. Maybe if we include extensions to Evans and others, then it would be, but nobody's really certain about those at this point.

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 12:12 PM EST up reply actions

Answers

We're looking at Johnson hard because Bills officials believe that Johnson wants to be here, is talented, and can therefore be had for the type of contract they're offering. Don't expect Buffalo to spend all of their cap money, either - they rarely do that, and they're looking at Evans' extension on top of the $15ish million guaranteed that their top draft pick will get. Money will be leaving; Johnson and McCree may be the last "known" guys they target, unless they surprise us and bring in a guy like Hackett.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Mar 7, 2008 12:18 PM EST up reply actions

cap money

You don't want to get to tight under the cap, I remember a few years ago the Titans were very tight, and after a few injuries, they couldn't sign anyone because they had no room. They only had 2 guys on the practice squad and couldn't sign anybody else.
It's a good idea to leave so good breathing room under the cap in case injuries hit.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

Disappointing

This is all pretty disheartening. I think right now it is not a good situation. Lets face it. Johnson and McCree left town cuz they want more $$$, and the Bills were not shelling it out. So the Bills said, "go and look around and come back to us after you think about things and look around." And so they are looking, and unless they find nothing better they won't be coming back to the Bills. AND IF THEY DO, you gotta think they will be doing unwillingly, only because they couldn't find more $$$. It just doesn't set up well for a tenure in Buffalo when these guys don't really want to be here anyhow.

To not get B. Johnson is a joke. This WR core sucks. TE position is awful. TEYO JOHNSON is on our roster for crying out loud! He's been out of the league! I hate to bring in a rookie and then HOPE that he can be the answer. It is too much to ask. Evans is not ELITE. Not by any stretch. In fact, if there way anyway we could trade him for Roy Williams in deal I would much rather have Roy even though that is wishful thinking.

I hate our TE position. We have a bunch of average, UNPROVEN players and at WR we have a bunch of scat-wideouts who should be YAC guys but aren't.

There is no way you can go into camp with this much of a deficiency on OFfense after last year if you just add a couple rookies in the draft. If you don't get B. Johnson, I suggest they get on the phone and find someone they can trade for. Need a veteran, tough, physical, pass catcher.

I guess I'm just frustrated that we have let the offense play 2nd fiddle to the defense again. I know we needed defensive help, but the offense just keeps getting ignored.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 7, 2008 11:43 AM EST reply actions

Agree MARV

I hate our TE position. We have a bunch of average, UNPROVEN players and at WR we have a bunch of scat-wideouts who should be YAC guys but aren't.

Good way to put it

by Kurupt on Mar 7, 2008 11:52 AM EST up reply actions

Last Year was Offenses chance for 1st Fiddle

I agree that the offense is playing second fiddle this year, but I think in the restructuring plan Marv laid out last year was the year to improve the offense and this year was the year to improve the defense. Recall the major O-line restructuring, drafting 2 new RB's and a new QB. Thats alot of attention. Unfortunately it didn't make much of an impact on the final score. I remember reading a quote from Marv last year when askked why the defense was largely ignored in the draft and he said (paraphrasing) "this year (2007) the offense may have to carry the defense" Oh well..

by south123 on Mar 7, 2008 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

And Marv's plan worked

Everyone needs to relax. This team is one elite offensive weapon, or two good ones, away from being a playoff force. Marv's plan has worked beautifully if you ask me.

Last year was a breakout year for the offense despite the stats and awful production because it set our foundation. Last year our O-line became one of the better units in the league, we drafted a standout RB, discovered a hidden weapon we can use in Fred Jackson, and found a rookie quarterback who is extremely coachable. Coachability is the most important quality for a QB to have as the position requires a high learning curve, checking down targets, and making proper reads, the rest is just secondary. Coachable quarterbacks continually get better while raw talent QBs tend to level off.

With this off-season phase two is almost complete, our defense has the look of a mean, solid squad. How many teams can point to a linebacker core with three productive, solid, playmakers? Or a defensive line that has two Pro Bowlers, and an on the rise, soon to be dominating DT? We have two young safeties who have shown they belong in this league and a cornerback who has proven that he at least deserves a starting job as the second corner. Could we improve at corner and upgrade Kelsay? Sure we could, but no defense is perfect and ours sure looks good.

I think that right now if we as fans take a deep breath, step back for a moment, and examine what our beloved Bills look like, we might find that Marv's plan has created a good football team. Last year we faced the toughest schedule in the league, one that was so difficult a playoff berth was an impossibility, and still we missed out by a nose. We had no business doing that and I think it was a testament to the players and coaches on this squad. And now this year we are better and have an easier schedule.

We are closer to our goal than we think, and one more playmaker on our offense can take us there. Is Bryant Johnson that playmaker? Maybe, but if we can't sign him I'm sure we'll look to trade for a WR. This organization has done a tremendous job the last two years of rebuilding a shattered franchise and I don't think they'd throw it all away now. We'll sign Johnson if we can, if we don't I'm sure there is a good reason for it, and if that happens I'm sure we'll do everything possible through trades and the draft to get our weapons.

The organization knows how close we are. Imagine this defense playing alongside an offense which has the weapon at WR to allow Lee Evans to run free down the field, to allow Marshawn to shred defenses that are no longer stacked against him, and to open up options a young Edwards can harness to unleash his potential. We are a good football team, we just need one more piece to be a great one. Get excited Bills fans and stop panicking, I have a good feeling those days will soon be behind us.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 7, 2008 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Well

if DJ is trying to put a blue print together like the Chicago Bears team he coached to 13-3, that is all fine and good, even though this defense if a far cry from that defense, but that blue print does not work. We have seen it in the NFL. Unless you have a 2000 Ravens defense, or 2002 Tampa Bay Defense, you are not winning Super Bowls. Your offense has to be "above-average." I just don't think the front office understands how to build it or coach it. I love what Jauron does in motivating players, discipline, high character guy, but he does not know how to bring offense to a team. He either does not have the right offensive staff or his philosophy is debunk

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 7, 2008 12:27 PM EST reply actions

Panic in Needle Park

Good grief people--I just checked and it is March 7th!!! Free Agency is still underway, the draft is 6 weeks away, and camp doesn't open until the end of July!!! STOP with the panic already. You all sound like some of the bozos over at BB.com

Do you REALLY think that the people at OBD are not aware of their weaknesses/strengths??? Or that Trent needs more weapons!!!???? If our opener was next week, OK...go ahead and gripe--but enough already.

Geronimo

by Geronimo on Mar 7, 2008 1:57 PM EST reply actions

Indeed

There is plenty of time. And plenty of moves and a draft left to be had. Nice post Geronimo, indeed the sky is not falling!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 7, 2008 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

Ahhh..... Geronimo

such a calming influence. Thank you.

You are absolutely correct, I'm sure that OBD knows what it's doing and will do it's best to field the best possible team.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 7, 2008 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Thank You

this thread is getting pretty frustrating to read. I thought we were having a great offseason and suddenly we don't sign an unproven wideout who is still available and everybody freaks out. I don't even like Johnson that much anyways.

by kaisertown on Mar 7, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

and another thought

The Bills have a long term plan in place. Every problem doesn't have to be solved today. If Trent Edwards isn't going to develop into a Super Bowl calibur QB then none of this matters much. Adding league average players (like Johnson) doesn't make you an above average team. We aren't winning the Super Bowl this year so why not wait until better solutions present themselves. For example: The draft this year and next and next year's FA crop. Rome wasn't built in a day.

by kaisertown on Mar 7, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

The great calming effect of perspective...

Thanks for bringing some perspective to the thread. I mean, at worst, Buffalo "blows" a chance to sign an unproven wideout; they are not missing out on signing Jerry Rice.

by fletcherjd on Mar 7, 2008 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

yeah,

I'm sure they know, but come on, this offense has been worst 3 in the league for a couple of years. Changing QB's, and not doing anything yet raises concerns, especially when the options look like the draft is the only signifcant way of upgrading the talent at the skills positions. Lets call a spade a spade. They have shown little in there 2 year tenure that they have any clue of how to run an NFL offense. Whats to think some FA WR of lesser caliber, and some 21 year old rookie and a guy who has never ran an NFL offense, will all of sudden make a difference. Reality is reality. Sure $74 million spent on the offensive line is nice, but without a proficient QB, good scheme, or weapons (which we are 0-3), does this offense have a chance. But after the wretched output last year I guess they are thinking it can't get any worse.

I mean seriously, last year the talk was how the offense was going to carry the team, and wait until the defense came around. Turned out JP and SF-M were a bunch of talk and little actions.

Actions speak louder than words. I won't judge anything until the 2008 season is in the books, but significant improvements have to be made and I really hope they are taking the offensive ineptitude seriously

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 7, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions

My take

A few comments about your comments.

Sure $74 million spent on the offensive line is nice, but without a proficient QB, good scheme, or weapons (which we are 0-3), does this offense have a chance.

I agree with needing QB, scheme and weapons to go along with an offensive line, but I do disagree with your 0 for 3. First of all, I think the Bills have the QB. Does he need to improve? Of course, but I believe Trent is going to take a major step in year two. I think he has the tools, both mental and physical to succeed. The scheme I think will end up being good too. Schonert hasn't ever ran a NFL offense, as you pointed out, but I think he is smart and, while he wiil never be Bill Walsh, I do think he will do well. As far as weapons, of course the Bills need to add more talent, but who doesn't? I think you might be selling the weapons they have- Lynch, Evans, Parish, Jackson- a bit short. Add in WR and/or TE either in the draft or FA and they should be able to spread the ball around and move the ball. So, while I wouldn't give them 3 out of 3, I do think that Buffalo is much closer to having a productive offense than 0 for 3.

Turned out JP and SF-M were a bunch of talk and little actions.

I definitely don't refute that statement. But, JP won't have much if anything to do with the offense in '08 and SF-M won't be within a 1000 miles of Buffalo. So my point is that I choose to be optimistic about the QB and OC we have in place now.

Great statement...100% agree.

by fletcherjd on Mar 7, 2008 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

"one elit offensive weapon away"

Think about that statement Poz? Who is that 1 elite offensive weapon? They don't grow on trees. Sure we have a stud RB and productive O-line. But QB and scheme is where the game is won. Lets hope T. Edwards is the guy. Otherwise, an above-average defense and great ST's will go to waste again

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 7, 2008 3:31 PM EST reply actions

My take...

This is actually a very logical way for the situation to play out, and really what I would have guessed was happening without any "inside" informaiton.
It's pretty simply really: Johnson wants to be a Buffalo Bill. The Bills are interested. The Bills aren't going to give Johnson some crazy contract (good for them). And Johnson is doing right by himself by looking for a team that will give him more. If Johnson gets another offer that is more, then he'll have to make a decision between playing for a team he wants to (and maybe less money) or playing for the team that offers him more. It's that simple.

Despite this, I still have a feeling that in the end Johnson will end up a Bill. I think that he'll take the Buffalo contract, even though it could be a little less then, say Tampa Bay.

We'll see. I'll be disappointed if the Bills don't get him, but I think both sides are doing what's best for each other, and you really can't fault them for that. Good for Buffalo, not to throw him a big contract that he doesn't deserve, i.e. Kelsey, Price, Berrian, Stallworth etc... And good for Johnson - remember he's 28 years old. This is, most likley, his last chance for a big payday, you can't fault him for making the best of it. Hopefully, when it's all said and done, they get what they both want and he's a Bill.

I'm not going to start stressing about the WR position yet. There's still a long way to go.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 7, 2008 5:13 PM EST reply actions

I agree

I have not heard much in the way of Johnson actually visiting other teams. I think it is a stand-off to see who will budge first. The Bills in raising the contract or Johnson not wanting to wait anymore to sign with a team.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 7, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

Let them go

I don't care about losing out on Troupe or Mcree. I actually hope Mcree does sign w/Denver. I like Simpson and would hate to see him delegated to a backup role. If we land Johnson who cares about the other guys. We don't need Mcree and a rookie TE like Davis or Keller is at least just as good as Troupe if not better. Even if we don't get Johnson I like the position we are in @the draft. We can go CB in the first because Jenkins, McKelvin and Cromartie could all be shutdown corners, then you find a way to get Hardy or the best available big WR you can make a move at in the bottom of the 1st or top of the 2nd (there r so many ways in this draft to hopefully move around if they so desire-trading off Losman for extra picks or trading down from 11 and aquiring picks that way, or maybe Dallas will want 11 and we could get thier 2 1st rounders-but aquire some more picks either way and then move around and get those players.). Then you go TE w/ Davis or Keller (there are some others im leaving out like that kid from Mich. ST.) and bang there is your offense to go with your D that you improved also this offseason and say hello to the playoffs finally.

by ZOOP on Mar 7, 2008 5:54 PM EST reply actions

Mike Jenkins

An interesting take on Jenkins is posted on rotoworld.com. Here it is cut and pasted.

"After watching CB Mike Jenkins at the USF Pro Day, Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin came away saying "Man, this kid is something else."
The Bucs could use a No. 2 or No. 3 corner to play with Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon. "He can play man and he's got great man skills," Kiffin said of Jenkins. "We always talk about the Tampa 2. But...I can't teach speed. You can't teach a guy who runs a 4.8 to run a 4.3. He's a special guy."

Well, is this some sort of trick into getting a team like the Bills to take this guy? If he's as good as Monte Kiffin says (and the man is a defensive genius) maybe he should be our first pick in the draft. Apparently the kid is great for the Tampa 2 that we employ.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 7, 2008 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Kiffin's not the only one

saying great things about Jenkins. I am firmly in the "corner" of drafting a corner (see what I did there :) ), because the corners this year are such awesome athletes. Buffalo hasn't had a headline grabbing, outstanding talent in some time. The three top corners (Rodgers-Cromartie, Jenkins, & McLovin (sorry couldn't help myself)don't only have just plain raw talent but are very good corners a position we need.

If we lose out on Johnson, I fully support the idea of drafting a corner first, WR next, then TE in the thrid. The talent is there to get good players in each round.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 7, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions