papazoid

a mistake ?.... assuming the contract has basic safeguards...like I get paid if I get fired....it's a no brainer for Pettine. a person in Pettine's position doesn't wait around for the "perfect" head coach job.......they only become available because the team underperformed. what's the down side ?....he easily gets a Defensive Coordinator gig to fall back on. ask Mike Zimmer the DC for Cincinnati how long he waited.....Pettine should strike when the irons hot.....take the job if offered. this would be really bad for Buffalo....he is the ONLY coach on this staff that is elite.

MEL KIPER'S FIRST MOCK DRAFT 1 Johnny Manziel * Houston Texans (2-14) COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 21 HT: 6-0 WT: 205 POS: QB Analysis: I spoke to a number of high-ranking NFL evaluators this week, and this is the one QB anyone felt certain was a top-5 pick. So consider this an early bet, with one major caveat: Bill O'Brien just arrived, is still putting his staff together, knows a good QB when he sees one, and hasn't had enough time (if any) to study the draft class. But we know quarterback is a major need here. O'Brien likes a QB with presence, a leader and a guy who will out-prepare the competition. And while Manziel has gotten his share of bad press, he's a dynamic talent, and I feel he can lead at the next level; I'm not alone in that opinion. While Manziel is currently ranked No. 11 on my Big Board, this reflects the draft. Manziel doesn't fit the old prototypes of a QB drafted No. 1, and I have concerns about how well he can protect himself given his smaller frame, but he is a magician on the field, and is made for the current NFL. This league protects and welcomes QBs who can improvise, run and make plays beyond the playbook. It's early, but Manziel is a special player and has the draft process to prove it further. 2 Jake Matthews St. Louis Rams (7-9) (From WAS) COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 21 HT: 6-5 WT: 309 POS: OT Analysis: Rams general manager Les Snead has already said that he'll take calls on this draft slot, which makes plenty of sense given the fact that the three teams drafting directly after St. Louis need a quarterback. So if you want a certain QB, you might be trying to work out a deal with the Rams to assure you get him. That said, I can't project a trade, and Matthews would be a tremendous fit for the Rams, who need to bring in an upgrade at left tackle this offseason given the uncertainty regarding Jake Long's health. Matthews has proved capable of dominating on both the left and right side, in fact, and comes with more assurances in that regard than the tackles drafted at the top of the board last season. At tackle, I also think Greg Robinson could compete with Matthews to be the first one taken, and I don't think it's out of the question that St. Louis takes a QB or top defensive lineman. 3 Jadeveon Clowney * Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) COLLEGE: South Carolina AGE: 20 HT: 6-5 WT: 274 POS: DE Analysis: There is no question that the Jags need a QB. It is questionable whether they will take one at this draft slot unless they believe that QB will make them better at that position in 2014. So consider this an early bet on a front office that will look to hit what is still a major need (the pass rush) by drafting the best available player in the draft. Clowney got questioned on his motor in his final college season, but that has more to do with stats than the tape. And any evaluator who saw a tentative player could also imagine what Clowney had on the line. Clowney is physically prepared to come in and make a major impact, and I think there's a good chance the Jags draft for upside and angle for a QB later. Don't forget: Free agency and trades can still shift the QB market in the draft. Think of Kansas City last year at this time. As well, I recall when the Texans took Mario Williams at a time when QB was a question, and their GM told us it wasn't just about needing a QB, it was about the QBs they had to beat. Peyton Manning was in the division. Indy still has a good QB the Jags have to face. 4 Blake Bortles * Cleveland Browns (4-12) COLLEGE: UCF AGE: 21 HT: 6-4 WT: 230 POS: QB Analysis: Suffice to say, no coach in Cleveland makes this a pretty difficult projection. While there's plenty of debate in NFL circles regarding which QB in this class has the most upside in terms of overall ability, from a physical standpoint Bortles is at the top of the list. At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, with not elite but good arm strength, and the ability to move both in the pocket and to make plays down the field as a runner, he has a chance to add value and eliminate negative plays with his mobility as he develops as a passer. It goes without saying that Cleveland will look to address its QB situation through the draft or via a trade, and this is potentially a good fit for Bortles. He's still somewhat limited as a progression passer and struggles with ball placement, and can also be rigid with his mechanics, but the presence of Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron gives any new QB here matchup threats to exploit. Cleveland is, for the first time in a while, a really attractive environment for a young QB to grow and succeed. 5 Sammy Watkins * Oakland Raiders (4-12) COLLEGE: Clemson AGE: 20 HT: 6-1 WT: 205 POS: WR Analysis: I count Oakland among the teams that could use a talent upgrade at QB, but the Raiders need to take really good football players who can help the team right away -- and I believe their front office knows it. Watkins qualifies as an experienced and explosive combination of a pass-catcher and dynamic runner after the catch. And while he lacks elite size for the position, Watkins brings an elite level of explosiveness before and after the catch and is a significant threat and can beat defenses over the top. Unless you count a healthy Darren McFadden (who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason), Oakland has lacked a player who is a constant threat to create big plays. Watkins can fill that void. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10283026/2014-nfl-draft-mel-kiper-unveils-first-mock-draft'>http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10283026/2014-nfl-draft-mel-kiper-unveils-first-mock-draft 6 Anthony Barr Atlanta Falcons (4-12) COLLEGE: UCLA AGE: 21 HT: 6-4 WT: 248 POS: OLB/DE Analysis: Three years ago the Broncos drafted Von Miller, a move that caused many to ask whether Miller would fit in John Fox's scheme. Fox was known as a 4-3 guy, and Miller seemed well-equipped physically to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. I could hear some saying the same about this pick, but (A) great players make great systems more often than the other way around, so don't get too caught up in the whole 3-4 vs. 4-3 thing, and (B) the Falcons really need a pass-rusher. Barr gives them that, as an explosive matchup problem on the edge who does more than disrupt the passing game. And he can certainly add weight. 7 Khalil Mack Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) COLLEGE: Buffalo AGE: 22 HT: 6-3 WT: 245 POS: OLB Analysis: The Bucs are another team that must create more pressure to take advantage of the fact that they have a good defensive core in place to stop the run and make plays in the secondary. Mack gives Tampa a three-down linebacker who can rush the quarterback and drop and make plays in space. He could be plugged in across the formation from Lavonte David and won't need to come off the field. This could be a really good defense in 2014 for Lovie Smith. 8 Teddy Bridgewater * Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1) COLLEGE: Louisville AGE: 22 HT: 6-2 WT: 220 POS: QB Analysis: In terms of his ability as a passer, Bridgewater could go higher. But while I currently have him rated as the top QB on my Big Board, Bridgewater will need to prove to teams that he can command an NFL huddle and be the face of a franchise. I think he has the necessary physical tools to succeed, and shows an advanced approach with his footwork, anticipation, pre-snap command and ability to improvise. He's a very good value here for a team with a huge need at the position. Whether he can start right away is a question we'll need more time to answer. 9 Greg Robinson * Buffalo Bills (6-10) COLLEGE: Auburn AGE: 21 HT: 6-5 WT: 320 POS: OT Analysis: Cordy Glenn has been an adequate and at times above-average NFL left tackle, but the Bills definitely need a right tackle. That could be Robinson as a rookie, or he could come in and Glenn could move to the right side. Robinson has the physical tools and proven level of performance against SEC competition of a potential star at the next level, and the Bills must protect the investment they have in EJ Manuel, who has had issues staying healthy. 10 Justin Gilbert Detroit Lions (7-9) COLLEGE: Oklahoma St. AGE: 22 HT: 6-0 WT: 200 POS: CB Analysis: With continued improvement from Ezekiel Ansah to go with the dominance of the interior of that defensive line, the Lions could create a ton of pressure on opposing QBs next season. The problem is if they can't do a better job of covering, it might not make a difference. Gilbert would help the cause coming off a season where you could argue that no cornerback in college football performed better. He has the size to compete with bigger wide receivers and the agility and speed to run with anybody. He also brings strong return skills. 11 Taylor Lewan Tennessee Titans (7-9) COLLEGE: Michigan AGE: 22 HT: 6-7 WT: 315 POS: OT Analysis: The Titans have some decisions to make at tackle in the short term, with David Stewart likely not to return at right tackle and Michael Roos a free agent after the 2014 season. If they want this offense to take another step forward, adding talent and continuity on the offensive line will be pivotal. Lewan comes off a fine career at Michigan where he started since his freshman season, and added power as a run-blocker to his already ideal frame for a tackle. He could start at right tackle as a rookie and transition to the left side. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10283026/2014-nfl-draft-mel-kiper-unveils-first-mock-draft

1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M Manziel (6-0, 205 pounds) is a unique athlete who produced 10,000 yards of offense in two seasons with the Aggies. He has great vision at quarterback. 2. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina Clowney (6-foot-4 1/2, 260 pounds) did not play well this season, but he is an outstanding athlete with speed and has great talent. 3. Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA Like his father, Barr (6-foot-4, 242 pounds) is a former running back. He had 23.5 sacks over two seasons and can rush and play in space. 4. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M Matthews (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) stayed in school for his fourth year and learned the left tackle position. He can play guard or tackle and is a good pass blocker. 5. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville In two seasons, Bridgewater (6-foot-2 1/2, 207 pounds) had 58 TD passes and only 12 interceptions and a completion percentage of nearly 70 percent. His thin upper body is a concern. 6. Blake Bortles, QB, UCF Bortles (6-foot-3 1/2, 225 pounds) is the flavor of the month right now. He has emerged after receiving only two offers out of high school, including one from Purdue, which recruited him as a tight end. In two years he had 50 TD passes to 16 interceptions. 7. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson Watkins (6-0, 207 pounds) is a very strong receiver. He had a great first year in 2011, when he had 82 catches and 12 TDs and averaged 25 yards per kickoff return, then missed three games in an up-and-down sophomore season. He finished his college career with 240 catches in three years. 8. Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo Mack (6-foot-2, 247 pounds) broke Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson's NCAA record for forced fumbles. He was especially impressive against Ohio State in the season opener, posting nine tackles and 2.5 sacks. 9. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan A fifth-year player, Lewan (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) does things very easy and has the strength to play left tackle. His play this season wasn't quite as good as last year. 10. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn A third-year player, Robinson (6-foot-4 1/2, 325 pounds) redshirted in 2011 and has started 24 games the past two years. He played guard in high school in Louisiana. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000312939/article/johnny-manziel-ranks-no-1-on-top-50-nfl-prospects-list

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!

it needs to be 500-1

I put them both in the Top 10-15 range......neither is elite.....YET.

There are still three games to play in the 2013-14 NFL season, but the SuperBook in Las Vegas has wasted no time posting odds to win Super Bowl 49, which is set for Sunday, February 1, 2015, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/nfl/2014-01-14/super-bowl-49-odds-date-site-seahawks-broncos-49ers-patriots-falcons-packers

#1- Montana #2- Brady #3- Manning #4- Otto Graham #5- Elway

at #9 draft Greg Robinson OT Auburn. play him at RT and move Pears to LG.

all the QB's who aren't as good as manning & brady suck. now we are sick of manning & brady. tough crowd.

I agree with that......mostly. especially when Fitz was getting rid of ball in 3 seconds. also the disaster replacements at LG.

they were ranked 4th in most sacks allowed.

Top 5 money is 5 years $8.25 mil/yr with $20 mil Guaranteed. (Dashon Goldson money) Top 1 money is 5 years $9-10 mil/yr with $27-30 mil Guaranteed. (Eric Berry & Troy Polamalu money) (essentially a 3 yr deal)

he was injured.....he was NOT "faking" an injury. the Plantar Faciitis is real and it is painful. he was just exercising his right to wait until it was 100% healthy (you know, like all the other players do) to play in 2013 after resting for 8 months after playing through the same injury in 2012 when it was less than 100%. cue the apologists who will claim we don't know which year hurt more. absent the written sworn testimony some need before they believe what the press was told, we do know what the bills offered (Top 5 money). we also know that his agent wants Top 1 money.

if you don't like the word holdout, what do you call the time when Tyrd is refusing to sign his Franchise tag tender until after every offseason workout and training-camp practice was over. then signed it right before the regular season started so he wouldn't miss a paycheck ? his agent calls it "leverage"....

a OL blocks 60 times a game. a WR catches 10 times a game. the Bills gave up the 4th most sacks in 2013.

$8,500,000 in Salary Cap relief

as a GM - i'd prefer the draft first. as the NFLPA - i'd prefer Free Agency first.

#1- they deserve huge credit for putting together so much talent. that is a very nice and deep roster. #2- soon they will have serious Salary Cap issues as all those young players will want to get paid. #3- Russell Wilson is a Top 15 QB (not a Top 10). #4- Seattle right now is probably the best example of a great team that isn't so dependant on the QB play in order to succeed. in other words the best example for those who say build around EJ.

and he left the last game injured.......so just in case the bills tag him again......he can wait until he is 100% healthy before playing in 2014.

#1- HIPAA does not allow me to share his medical records. lets be clear, i'm NOT saying he was faking or exaggerating his injury. I believe his foot was injured. i'm questioning why he waited until it was 100% healthy to play in 2013 when he played on it at less than 100% in 2012. #2- his agent is well known for advising his players to HOLDOUT. his incentives in 2012 were no guaranteed money. he needed to play through injury to get a big contract the next season. in 2013 all the franchise tag money is guaranteed wether he plays or not. the less he plays the more likely he will see more guaranteed money in 2014. #3- If Coach Marrone did have any doubts. he would NEVER say so publicly. that would be the kiss of death and Tyrd would never play for him.

you mean the one he played through in 2012, then after 8 months rest, decided he needed more time until he was 100% healthy before playing in 2013.....that injury.

because his agent is EUGENE PARKER !!! maybe you've heard of him.....he will not flinch.....but the bills will. please google some of his clients that held out and tell me how it ended ??? i'll save you some time....the player won......Jairus Tyrd will become the HIGHEST PAID SAFETY IN FOOTBALL (just not with Buffalo). Cornelius Bennett - held out......became highest paid defensive player in the league. Curtis Martin - New England to the Jets Jason Peters - Buffalo to Philly Richard Seymour - New England to the Raiders Ndamukong Suh - Detroit $40 mil GUARANTEED Michael Crabtree - SF In 1995, Parker negotiated Deion Sanders lucrative seven year, 35 million dollar contract, with a 13 million dollar signing bonus, which at that time made Sanders the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. In 2004 he negotiated a six year deal worth $60 million for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, making him the highest paid rookie in the NFL ever. Other holdouts that have been Parkers clients include: Derrick Brooks-10 days-2001 Cedric Benson- 36 days- 2005 Hines Ward- 14 days- 2005 Richard Seymour- three days- 2005 Devin Hester- two days- 2008 Steven Jackson-27 days- 2008 Sedrick Ellis- six days-2008 Parker and the seven holdouts listed above were pretty clear winners in all of the holdout negotiations once all were said and done. http://sportsmanagementdegree.org/2012/agent-spotlight-eugene-parker/

the Big Board is based strictly on talent......it does not account for a QB premium

the good news is......there is gonna be a nice player at #9