Archives for April 2009

‘That puts the spotlight on a defense that is without a starter at strong-side linebacker and needs more pass rush. The Bills had 24 sacks last year, tied for 28th in the league. Southern California linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews III are the top outside linebacker prospects after Wake Forest’s Aaron Curry (a top-10 prospect). Texas’ Brian Orakpo and Penn State’s Aaron Maybin arguably are the top two pass rushers.’

‘"It’s a critical year," said chief operating officer Russ Brandon in a classic understatement. "We stated that right at the conclusion of the season; 7-9 is not good enough and we need to get back to where our fans expect us to be and that’s playing football in deep January. And obviously the draft is an important layer to making this football team better."’

‘There has been debate about the relative depth and quality of players available, but for a team that has not qualified for the playoffs since the 1999 season, there will not be much room for error. The consensus from the expert mock-drafters suggests the Bills will take a defensive end 11th overall — but the team’s management does not prepare for the draft with mock drafts.’

#11 Overall: DE Brian Orakpo – Texas Defensive end is the position that the Bills have identified as their biggest need. If he’s gone, they may go with Everette Brown or turn to offensive tackle and take Michael Oher.

‘This draft just got more interesting for the Bills with the trade of Jason Peters that gave them two more picks. It also became much more critical as they have another major hole to fill. The Bills now have two first round picks and three picks in the first 42. This adds flexibility to go along with all the needs. That should make for a very interesting and unpredictable draft for Buffalo.’

‘”But I think the team can benefit from it and (it’s) a good year to do that. I’m not going to get into measuring the value of the early first (round) to the last part of the first. There’s a bit of a difference, but nevertheless you’re going to get good players at either of those areas.”‘

‘The Bills simply have not drafted and developed enough superstar players. Only two homegrown Bills players taken or signed after the draft in the past seven years have been voted to the Pro Bowl (Jason Peters and Terrence McGee).’

‘Modrak has run college scouting and the draft since coming to Buffalo. Guy has been responsible for pro personnel. The Bills haven’t made the playoffs since, or made meaningful progress since Donahoe’s departure three years ago. Guy has done little of consequence in free agency.’

‘Barring trades, Buffalo’s first three picks will be 11, 28 and 42. If the Bills wind up with three of the following players with those picks, they’ll have pulled off a coup and I’ll be very impressed…’

‘”(A record) of 7-9 is not good enough and we need to get back to where our fans expect us to be — playing football in deep January. Obviously the draft is an important layer to making this team better.”‘

‘Four offensive tackles are projected to go within the first 10 picks (Jason Smith of Baylor University, B.J. Raji of Boston College, Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Alabama’s Andre Smith). If one of those four is still around when the Bills pick 11th, they may feel obliged to grab him.’

‘A tight end, outside linebacker and more help for the offensive line are also on the wish list and Buffalo now has great flexibility. The Peters deal even delivered a sixth-round pick in 2010 it can package.’

‘The team has a glut of receivers behind No. 1 Lee Evans after adding Terrell Owens, drafting James Hardy last season, re-signing Justin Jenkins and placing a higher value on second-year pro Steve Johnson, who has greater size and potential at the position.’

‘WR Terrell Owens, who made headlines for skipping the start of Buffalo’s offseason conditioning program, did arrive in town for a few days of work and socializing with his new teammates. It was reported that Owens would not take part in any voluntary work with the Bills, but he said he never said that. "I think you guys only got a piece of the story," Owens told a crowded news conference. "When I was asked about it, I told the (reporter) I’ve never really come to any optional or voluntary camps, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to show up. I know at some point I have to get acclimated with the system and come here and bond with the guys so I think you guys only got a piece of what was reported, which is the case nine times out of 10."’

‘He encouraged students to surround themselves with positive people saying, "Anyone that brings you down and tells you that you can’t do something or won’t succeed is not your friend. Set some realistic short term, middle and long range goals."’