shoretalk

Nix and Gailey (And, Whaley) appear to be building a team of leaders with high character who are high motor performers with an on-field attitude. When you think about Merriman as a young player he seemed to have all of these qualities when San Diego picked him (Hopefully, he has recovered enough to give us 60-70% of his former level because that will be exciting to see.). No more slackers ... no more highlight reel one year wonders ... when you look at last year's draft and this year's the potential benefits to the team's success in the coming years will be seen in these picks (Spiller (I think we'll see him add to his 1,000 plus total yards from last year and become someone special) - Troup (watching his 2010 provided a glimpse at a player willing to learn and develop plus the reports of off season work shows he wants to keep getting better ... he added body mass when another guy continues to build a wide receiver body out of what was once a DL) - Alex Carrington has looked good from the start and 2011 will give him a chance to be a force in the DL rotation - Easley was many of our picks for the best rookie in last year's class and he is healthy plus has stayed connected to the team while building his body strength - I have to admit that Ed Wang is still a mystery but OL usually take time to develop and if we ever see a preseason this year we may find out if this intelligent kid can play RT for us - Arthur Moats - You have to love this kid! He gives us everything we want in an OLB and last year was just the beginning. He wants to learn the game, he plays hard, and gives back to the community. He shows a leadership quality and much more (sort of like our 2011 picks) - Danny Batten was looking so good in preseason last year and may be one of those great ST guys and also contribute at LB and Levi Brown is our mystery QB the only thing I know is he looked better than Brohm (And, I admit I was a Brohm guy ... ). Our only toss away was the last pick Kyle Calloway but when you think about the 2010 draft ... there is still a lot of upside and possibilities amongst that group mixed in with this year's selections!

He sounds great but ... he is Los Angeles' based plus when you read his bio including the issues revolving around his departure from TCW and his alleged temper you being to ask questions. However he has the money and if he commits to Buffalo ... and isn't worried about having to make money with the team then he might be a good option once Ralph moves on to the football owners' box in the sky.

Dareus is ready to attack and since the Bills' have been so ineffective these past few years it is clear that if he lives up to his hype he will make the biggest difference out of the top five picks. Peterson may need some development and may be hurt the most by the labor situation but he will come around because he is an amazing talent! Green needs a quarterback to excel so we will have to see what the Bengals do. I continue to not be a major Miller fan and anticipate his sucess will be minimal. As for Newton ... only time will tell.

Thanks for providing this ...

So, are you saying that our draft picks should sit home and eat cake? I think it's great that the rookies are joining with our veteran players while this stupid lock-out continues? They are getting a chance to meet future teammates (introducing themselves to be sure that the vets know which Marvel comic nickname the rooks will be using this year), to get a limited grasp on the playbook, gain a feel of the NFL, and gain some minimal on-field interaction with their future teammates. The vets are being extremely careful to avoid injuries since injuries would impact them as well as the rookies. But, I would hope that every player in the NFL is working out to get ready for this coming season and with that comes the risk of injury. What I am interested in learning are the names of the players not willing to be part of this 'team' work out and what their excuse is.

I disagree with those who are saying that number two draft picks need to be immediate starters who contribute to a team's success. To be a valued pick however, they have to be players who by their second year are contributors to the team while continuing their development. DL players are a good example of players who take time to adapt from college (Yes, I gave Mr. Maybe some benefit of the doubt but instead of developing himselve he keeps drifting further away and now looks like a wide out.). Troup appears to have the potential of making a difference in the middle this year based on the continued development we saw during last season. He is dedicated, smart, and appears to have a fire in his belly ... all of which look good on paper but if we can be 'that guy' coming off the bench who fills up the middle then we are in good shape. I just want this lock out to end so we can finally determine if these dreams are true or just another moment's wishful thinking that will evaporate on the field. Nix and Gailey's type of players are winners with an attitude ... so to me that makes Troup's possibilities increase in value. We'll see come September if there is football.

It is a great and mch appreciate post!! The length benefited those of us who missed the interview. It is great sensing 'Fitz the Leader!' we'll see what he does with some help on the field!

Yes, he has to prove it but the Nix picks have an attitude you have to love! Moats has it ... Carrington appears to have it ... This year's late round picks have it and so does HULK! Most of us know that Dareus will have things to learn and NFL ol will teach him some things but one thing I am sure of ... No reporter will ever print a story saying that he looks like a wide receiver!

I have always loved Pat Williams ... Donahue irresonsibly let him leave even when Williams was (reportedly) willing to take less money to remain with the Bills. BUT ... he is old, finished, kaput, and bringing him back other than to give him a chance to retire as a Bill would be counterproductive to the team we are building now. He is a class act and a special part of Bills' lore. Why not bring back Talley, and BRUCE ... Kelso is in town and so is Jeff Nixon! I became a fan of the Vikings' D when Pat was there but this is a young man's sport and we have some potentially exciting and talented young men ready to step up on the D line (Dareus, Kyle, Carrington, Troup (yes, I think he can play ... rookies usually need some seasoning before their talent comes through), Jasper (Oh, I am so hoping he is for real), Edwards, and Johnson). Now if it was a choice between keeping a McCargo or signing Pat Williams then that is a no brainer but I think McCargo will be out the door with the first cuts of the preseason if not before.

I am really hopeful that Hairston can be the guy on the right! He seems to have the intangibles needed for success when you watch the game video's and read about his attitude towards the game. The truth is, I don't think our OL is as bad as many "fans" say it is. Wood and Levitre are both solid players. Wood should be our center for years to come and Levitre keeps learning and getting better (Get really tired of the whiners who point out his weaknesses as a rookie starter as if rookies can't make any mistakes on the field.). Speaking of rookies, Howard seemed to keep improving the more he was on the field. He seems to be ready to add some push out of the RG spot. Hangartner gives us a solid reserve for all three line spots if Wood is moved to center. Wrotto also seems very capable of fitting in as needed in Gailey's offense. If it is not Hairston at RT then we have Pears who the coaching staff seem really high on plus Wang who remains a mystery could be ready to compete for playing time. Finally, I feel good about our LT situation. The attacks on Bell continue to confound me because coming off a devastating injury in only his second year of playing he did a decent job of protecting the QB without making any stupid penalties. According to Pro Football Weekly, Bell gave up 5.25 sacks last year and had only five penalties (four false starts and one holding) while playing all 16 games.Bell 2010 stats Here are the Pro Football Weekly statistics for BLEACHER REPORT's top ten LT's in the league going into the 2010 season, top ten LT's going into 2010: Matt Light of NE gave up 10 sacks and had 3 holding penalties with 1 false start. In 12 games, David Diehl of the NY Giants gave up 7 1/2 sacks and had one holding penalty with one false start. Tennesee's Michael Roos gave up 10 sacks with one holding and one false start penalty over 16 games. The Colts Charlie Johnson game up 4 1/2 sacks with no penalties through the 15 games he played last year. Our "favorite" Eagle, Jason Peters played 13 games giving up 2 sacks while having 3 false starts and 3 holding penatlies. D'Brickashaw Ferguson played 16 games allowed 2 sacks while also being penalized five times, he was caught holding 2 times and was flagged for 3 false start penalties. The Browns' Pro Bowler, Joe Thomas allowed 4 1/2 sacks in his 16 games and was penalized once for both holding and a false start. The Fish's Pro Bowl LT, Jake Long allowed Dolphin quarterbacks to be sacked 6 times and he was penalized 4 times each for holding and false starts. And, Bleacher Reports #1 LT, Ryan Clady of the Bronco's opened the door for 7 sacks in the 2010 season while also being penalized twice each for holding and false starts. * Jared Gaither, the #5 LT according to Bleacher Reports did not play in 2010. So, when you match up Bell ... although I don't make any claims that he is a top ten LT ... it sure looks like he had a better season than most people on this board claim. And, Jackson seemed to have success running behind Bell and Levitre too. For the glass half empty types who thrive on 'dissing' every Bill they can ... go outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. The signs are looking good for this team ... we have young players with character some of whom are now reaching the beginning of their effective playing years after learning what it takes to play in the NFL. Gailey's offensive mind is going to continue to help this team, having Fitz as the starter from Day One, our receiving corps (please, oh please ... sign a tight end who can do something with the ball after catching it or who is a bulldozer blocker) excites me with the exception of the tight end, Jackson is a top NFL back and I think Gailey is going to figure out Spiller, and our defense is going to get the ball back to the offense more effectively this year. You have to be excited ... now, we just have to have some football player!

You obviously gave some thought to how these five played or did not live up to expectations! I almost stopped reading this because of all the Kelsay hate (is it because of the contract that none of us are paying?); Kelsay is not a linebacker but when he returned to the DE position he his play improved and he contributed to the team. He is a team leader who on a good team would be a role player worth having. My only change in your list would be to put Green up in the number five spot ... yes, most of us assumed he would not be worth his pay but still he was being given the chance to be the 'old leader' with many of the younger guys talking about him as Gramps (someone they could depend on rather than being feeble enough to wear them). Nelson has that migraine issue that sadly will probably keep him from ever developing into a decent player. Because of his health issue I would not list him amongst the worse performers. The good news on your list is that Byrd seemed to be playing better the last 3 or 4 games so maybe he has shaken the sophomore jinx and Gailey has had an entire off season to figure out how to use CJ and I expect he will be a weapon this year. And, yes sympathy and prayers for Maybin but I really don't think he'll ever have an impact but we can always hope.!

In another discussion someone brought up Stevie's "drops" and when added together his total is not excessive and actually is right in the mix with the elite receivers in the league. Yes, we will always remember Pittsburgh but I also saw him make some truly difficult catches in his first year as a starter. I am an Evans' fan but I think the chemistry between Johnson and Fitz plus Gailey's faith in #13 has moved Stevie to the number one spot. However, I think we could have a good debate as to who the best receiver is on a team with some really good ones ... I really like Nelson's abilities and Roscoe came out last year showing he does have talent ... Easley could be a really good one and Namaan in no slouch. You probably also question Kyle Williams' abilities since our run defense was abysmal and he didn't have double digit sacks. Point taken ... (how easy it is to forget on a Saturday night when the world was supposed to end) but I like this group and their potential.

This very well could be the strongest group of wide outs the Bills have ever had. We saw what Stevie, Nelson, and Roscoe could do with a Gailey offense. Now if Evans gets in the game more and we add in Easley (Remember everyone was saying last year that he was our steal of the draft) plus Namaan and we have a very threatening group of receivers. Now, if we can pick up a tight end ... give Fitz a little more protection ... have a D that gets the ball back quicker ... we just might be a scoring machine!

As someone who has been very critical of the unispiring on-field efforts of Maybin, what is always important to remember about all of the playes in the league is that they are just as human as any of us. To lose a child is a terrible tragedy and impacts every parent differently but there is no doubt that any parent would lose a little of themselves when they lose a child. Unfortunately, I do not think that he has the football skills neither physical nor mental to produce at the NFL level. If he had some ability to play at an NFL level especially when considering the speed we have heard about since before he was drafted then I would have thought he'd have found a place on the kick-off and punt defense teams at the very least. The fact that he can't even get on the field in those situations along with Gailey's comments about him can only lead us to think that Aaron had better have saved the money from this contract because it may be his only big time pay check for his life. That being said ... maybe he can be a situationaly pass rusher with Dareus, Kyle, and crew this year coming in on third and long. The o-line may have its work cut out with our other guys allowing Maybe to use his one move and speed to get at the QB. That would be great news ... I would have no problem to having been proven wrong about this kid (and he is still young).

Looking back on 2010 had Kelsay somewhat effective as a DE so that is where I expect to see him in passing situations since he had some success rushing the qb. I cannot imagine him back inthe olb spot. There is a value to guys like Kelsay inspire of the hate some on this board have for him. His contract dollars do not guarantee him starting ... We have some great young players and hopefully Merriman who will turn around the mess we had at LB both inside and out.

Another foolish poll with no connection to reality ... Fans vote on prior records and usually with little insight into the improvements teams have made through the draft or coaching changes (I think Dave W's hire alone will improve us even without knowing what our rookies can do.). Media types are not any smarter (if the GR guys were polled they don't even know about their home teams since they are so busy cresting lists that they don't do their sports homework). If Stevie makes the catch bs Pittsburgh and a couple if bounces go our way we would have been #20 or so last year. So, worrying about this poll I May is as stupid as evaluating team drafts before players drafted play at least two seasons. So GO Bills!!! Would love to make fools out of those polled but we won't have any idea about this team until we have played dome real games but as a fan I want the Bills to win them all ... but I will be happy with each win!

How can you not love a kid fired up to play and do great things? I do not recall Mr. MayBe ever hinting at being motivated about playing other teams ... Buddy and Chan are bringing in smart, talented players who are leaders with an attitude! I love seeing the new Bills way of playing no more bend until we stop them it is going to be stop them and then go out and score!

I too am thankful for Ralph Wilson's willingness to bring professional football to Buffalo without which we still might not have an NHL team. I can afford to go to a Bills' game, which wouldn't happen if we had a stadium with seat licenses, etc.. Do I criticize the man at times? Of course I do. I still wish he'd just sign a long term commitment to the area as a last act of support. What I remember most are the experiences my parents had when Mr. Wilson would have breakfast at Friendly's in Williamsville and take the time to chat with my mom and dad. He has given back a lot to charity and his gift of the Bills is something we should all celebrate. Thanks for the reminder!

He is worthless but must have "photo's" ... His ratings are because he is on when no local sports talk competition exists so sadly he is the only game in town. But, I have never heard a more ego- centric national sports talk guy ... Listen for 30 and he'll priase himself 20 times! So given the chooce of 'the herd' or elevator music, I am going to push the button for the bland while waiting for something closer to sports journalism to return to my espn radio.

Thanks PROMO!! I think all of Buffalo is rooting for the possibilities of this kid!!! His drive is intense and if he proves the naysayers wrong we have found a treasure for both on and off the field (Funny, but the Nix picks all seem to have those characteristics! Refreshing after the lazy attitudes we have seen coming to OBD the last few years.).

How in the world does this get him in trouble? I think it's refreshing to see how Stevie is stepping up to become a player spokesperson plus if you saw the NFL Network interview you'll see how he accepts responsibility for his mistakes. Who doesn't enjoy time away from their jobs? I have no problem with guys saying they enjoy time off as long as they also give 100% once it's time to start work. Johnson and other receivers have been using their vacation time to be out in Arizona working with Fitz ... so let's GO BILLS and GO STEVIE!

Listen to all of these draft picks ... watch their game film ... these guys play every play hard plus they are team leaders with intelligence. The run D is going to be soooo much better (Yes, it can't get worse) but that will also increase pressure on the quarterback, which will give our DB's more opportunities for turnovers. I am so glad Carolina picked Clauss ... oops Newton because it gave us the foundation of our new D in combination with Kyle! GO BILLS

Great pics ... sounds like a fun time!! Every interview with our offensive team shows their confidence in Fitz ... time to start thinking where this team might be going now that these guys have some time under their belts and Chan's system is kicking in with a known starter.

Thanks for the link ... got to love the guy!! He clearly beat himself up for the drop in the endzone ... I was impressed with Steve/Stevie/Steven from the moment we drafted him but last year was his coming out year and this year I think we are going to see some really special things from him. Another poster talked about jersey's and I was trying to decide whose jersey to buy once the new ones are out ... I think this interview increased the possibilities that this will be it!