Leonidas

Have some faith, you guys. LT - Walker/Oher/Beatty LG - Unger/Hangartner C - Hangartner/McKinney RG - Butler RT - Chambers/Bell/Oher/Walker/Britton Wow, that wasn't all that helpful at all...

P.K. Sam

Oher seems to be the consensus pick at #11 at this point. Pettigrew won't fall to #28, no chance he gets by Atlanta at #24 (unless they can pull off a trade for Gonzo - even then he won't fall). Michael Johnson screams huge bust (have you seen the film on this guy?). And we won't be taking a CB in the first three rounds, despite claims to the contrary.

Do you take brand name prescription drugs or just the generic stuff?

God I hope you're wrong. He SCREAMS bust...

That's literally the worst idea I've ever heard. Congratulations.

Trading up for Monroe doesn't help things. Nobody wants a top 5 pick for a reason. And I don't want anything to do with Ayers. Also, if we're going to take Oher we take him at #11. That being said, I completely agree with everything else you said.

Or we could upgrade it in FA AND in the draft. Imagine if we take Oher at #11, Mack at #28, sign Simmons and an OLB (Keiaho/Brooks/Washington), a pass rushing DE in the second (Sidbury, Barwin, Johnson), then trade a 3rd rounder for Scheffler (or use it on Coffman). Then we have five more picks to use on depth. I'm actually not all that worried. I really wish you'd stop being so sensible. You know I don't like agreeing with you. That being said, I think you're spot on. And the conditional draft pick interests me as well. Damn you for being logical here...

Owens cost the team $6.5M and didn't piss off the fans (yet). Peters would have cost nearly twice that and did piss off the fans. Also, he didn't perform at a high level last year whereas Owens - a guaranteed hall of famer - did.

People remember Ryan Clady was taken by Denver at, what, #12 last year? People said the same thing over Jennings, Price, and Clements. How did those work out? Jennings busted with SF, Price is out of football, and Clements is making wayyyy too much money for what he offers. I'm not overly worried about this. Peters may be have top 5 talent, but he wasn't a top 5 tackle in this league, no way, no how. Maybe someday he will be, but I'm not willing to stake a cap-killing contract on it and potentially put the Bills in the hole for half a decade, a la Mike Williams. All in all, not what I wanted, but I'm glad he's gone. There's still a lot of work to be done, but if Oher gets taken at #11 I think we won't be any worse off for it, and will have extra picks to boot. We could really clean up in this draft if we scout our talent out correctly. By the way, can a moderator just merge all these threads or is that wishful thinking???

The only DE at 28 would be Ayers, if still available. The rest of the crew - Sidbury, Barwin, Johnson, are not first round talent.

It's not going to happen. But if it's true that Carolina was really willing to trade him for NE's second round pick, I would offer the Philly trade to Carolina for him (they can't afford the #11 overall pick with their cap situation) and make sure we have a contract in place beforehand. He apparently wants to play in a 3-4 but I find it unlikely that a team is willing to pay him the same they'd pay him for his proven position - a 4-3 DE. My problem with Peppers is that he basically took 2007 off, registering a measly 2.5 sacks. Then he had a contract to play for an put up 14.5. That's a problem right there. But I would explore it. Not that it matters. Julius Peppers has a better chance of winning the bronze in female gymnastics than coming to Buffalo. Concerning Sheffler, I've never really seen him play, but he is apparently a pretty solid TE and that fool in Denver doesn't seem to want him. I would happily give up a fourth for him and make it one less position to worry about in the draft next weekend. People don't really understand that now that we hold the #11, #28, #42, #75, #110, #121, #147, #183, and #220 picks, which includes six picks in the first four rounds, nine overall. Another free agent signing/trade or two (like a guy like Scheffler, Waters, and/or Kendall Simmons) would mean we could really clean up in this draft if we play our cards right.

I haven't seen a single mock with Oher going top 10. Why does everybody think he won't be there? Personally, I think Andre Smith is going to be a *huge* bust, so with any luck he'll be gone. I think Orakpo will be gone anyhow so I'm not all that upset about missing out on Brown/Ayers (who very well might be available at #28)/Maybin.

I think you take him, but I don't know enough about him honestly. I'm sure he'll still be there. I wish we could grab Pettigrew in the first round but it won't happen. We're left in limbo at #28. My guess is we take Unger/Mack there since it's good value, then take a DE in round 2 and Coffman in 3 (although I'd love to deal a 4th for Scheffler and let him compete with Fine).

That is just plain false. There are plenty of offensive linemen on the market we could bring in: Jon Runyan Insider Analysis Grade 70 Expert's Take Runyan is an extremely durable RT with excellent size and strength for the position. He is a consistent player who plays physical and does a good job of controlling opponents within his frame. His foot speed and overall quickness are descending, but he takes good angles and can sustain contact with his balance and body control. As a run-blocker, he is more of a mauler than a position blocker. He does a good job of working for movement and he gives good effort to finish at the point of attack or downfield. He is better in a confined area than he is out in space. His foot speed and adjustment skills are limited versus quick players and he can struggle to adjust on the run. He is quick to set and react in pass protection. He uses his hands well to steer or punch initially, while maintaining good balance. He has to open his hips when reacting to speed rushers up field, but his long arms help him push defenders past the quarterback. Runyan occasionally gets overextended or edged by quick counter moves. A hard change-of-direction rusher can catch him off-balance with a quick move, but he usually doesn't get beaten by the same move twice. Mark Tauscher Insider Analysis Grade 63 Expert's Take Tauscher has been a mainstay on the Packers' offensive line, since entering the league nine years ago. He is a hard-nosed competitor who wins with effort, intelligence and technique. He understands angles and how to gain leverage with proper hand use and body positioning. Tauscher isn't an explosive blocker off the line of scrimmage, but has strong hands to stay connected once engaged. He can anchor effectively versus power bull rushes, but tends to have a tough time blocking speed edge-rushers. Tauscher is an average overall athlete who is best in a limited area. He has good knee bend, but his lateral agility and quickness is limited in space. He is effective on combination blocks, but his lack of nimble feet will get exposed on the second level. Tauscher is also a solid reactor to stunts and twists, which enables him to be effective in both man- and zone-blocking schemes. He is a good football player who has reached his ceiling as an NFL lineman. His experience, leadership and consistency make him a player who will likely be back in a Packers' uniform in 2009. Jonas Jennings (I know he'd be a retread) Insider Analysis Grade 66 Expert's Take When Jennings is on the field, Jennings shows good athleticism and flexibility, especially in pass protection. He has initial quickness and the ability to play the game on his feet. While he is shorter than you'd like for a left tackle, he does have long arms that help him compensate for his lack of length. He plays with a low center of gravity and does a good job of hunkering down to stop the bull rush. He has a tendency to lunge out after rushers and get out of control, which is surprising for a seasoned veteran. He bites versus double moves and needs to show more patience. As a run blocker, he is a wrestler type who plays with upper-body strength and does not create much movement or finish blocks great. Terrance Metcalf Insider Analysis Grade 68 Expert's Take Metcalf has great power and strength at the point of attack. He is a short, powerfully built player with a low center of gravity. He works with effective pad level to engage defenders well initially off the line of scrimmage, while working his feet to get movement. He has heavy hands to deliver a punch and can stymie defenders early in the play. He can anchor well versus powerful bull rushers or clog up interior gaps with his natural girth and hand use. He is a solid technician who takes good angles and understands leverage and body positioning. Metcalf has good quickness and balance in a limited area, but does show some effectiveness on the second level. He isn't great in space, but once engaged often finishes well. He is an instinctive player who reacts to stunts and blitzes. He can pinball defenders in a limited area. He is a versatile player because he has also played the center position during his career. However, he tends to get lazy at times when he is tired and loses his base, but most often he gives great effort and is a solid football player. Richie Incognito (what a name) Insider Analysis Grade 64 Expert's Take Incognito is a four-year player who started 15 games last year for the Rams. He has experience playing guard and center but last year. He has good size and strength and he plays with nasty temperament. He's an adequate athlete who plays with good initial quickness and pad level. He's an aggressive run blocker who can create movement on contact and has the ability to finish. His aggressiveness will cause him to get overextended at times, but he shows adequate recovery skills. He does a good job working double teams and providing good leg drive. He has a hard time making adjustments in space at the second level or when asked to pull, but does show awareness to wall off pursuit angles. He lacks good foot quickness in pass protection and gets caught leaning. Quick players that can change direction and work the edge of his frame can cause him problems. He has adequate success dealing with power moves, where he can lock down with his hands and control opponents within his frame. Eric Ghiaciuc Insider Analysis Grade 65 Expert's Take Ghiaciuc is a four-year player who has good experience as a starting center. He has good overall quickness with adequate size and strength. He is quick off the ball and he can sustain quick angles. He is a competitive player, but not explosive or powerful. He sees a lot of nose tackles playing in the AFC North and he usually gets help from either of the guards to create room running inside. If isolated, he has trouble creating movement and will usually get stacked quickly. He is an adequate athlete for the center position and he can play with knee bend. He has enough quickness to climb from the combo and secure the block on a linebacker in space. He is fairly agile on the move, but lacks top body control. Ghiacuc's technique and angles are strengths to his game. In pass protection, he has good balance and recovery skills. He will get walked back by power rushers, but he shows the ability to replace his hands and sink his weight to stay in front. He has adequate change of direction and balance to slide laterally versus stunts or twist games. Bryan Pittman Insider Analysis Grade 65 Expert's Take Pittman is a deep snapper/tight end who bounced around the league without catching on with a team until Houston signed him in 2003. He is not a tight end, but he has some skills as a deep snapper. He missed the last third of the 2008 season; he was suspended by the league for testing positive for a diuretic. He is an excellent worker and knows what his role in on the team. He has good velocity on his snaps and is accurate on both the short (FG) and the long (punt) snaps. He is unlikely to garner a lot of attention by other teams thanks to his league-mandated suspension, but the Texans are apt to try to re-sign him on the assumption that he can still hold his weight when he returns from suspension. and, of course, Melvin Fowler Insider Analysis Grade 65 Expert's Take Fowler has been a mainstay in the middle of the Bills' offensive line, since joining the team in 2006. He has missed several starts in 2008 due to injury and inconsistent play. He has excellent quickness, balance, speed and agility to gain leverage initially off the line of scrimmage. He has quick hands and locks on well working with a low center of gravity. Fowler is intelligent and instinctive to make all the line calls as well as being able to adjust to changing defensive fronts and blitz packages. He is an effective gun-snapper, but he is more effective versus odd fronts because he lacks great size to take on powerful nose tackles. He needs help anchoring in the middle versus larger bull-rushers, but usually is crafty enough to keep the pocket firm. Fowler is extremely flexible and works with great knee bend to be effective and stay connected on the second level. He isn't a dominating player and needs to regain his high level of efficiency that he once possessed, but he has enough talent to be a starter.

My only concern is that the #21st pick would have gotten Pettigrew. No way he falls to us now. With so many draft picks and so many holes to fill at least we can actually draft the best player available. We have options now: 11: DL (Orapko, Raji, Brown) 28: OT (Britton, Oher (if he falls)) 42: TE (Nelson, Cook, Coffman) or: 11: OT (Oher, Britton (too early though) 28: TE (Pettigrew, Ingram, Nelson) 42: DE (Sidbury, Barwin, Johnson)

1) Is the Body Armor Store in Los Gatos near Compton? If not, it should be... 2) Keep Parrish. We still need him. 3) I don't know about Oher, but stay away from Andre Smith at all costs. I think Oher is still there at #11. Who's the better prospect Bandit27 - him or Britton?? 4) The #28 overall pick and some fourth rounder isn't good enough. Gotta do better than that, Russ.

Actually, if you knew anything about the Philly FO you'd know that they have a zero tolerance policy on hold-outs. Ask Terrell Owens and Lito Sheppard, among others. So in a sense I agree with you. But not the way you'd prefer, I'm sure. No more or less than if Peters was playing. I'm sure he'll miss his standard 3-4 games, per usual. You sir, are on drugs.

psst...DE and "end" are the same thing...

Can you all just relax, please?? If I am not mistaken, Freddy has no choice but to sign the tender and show up for the season. Then next year we tender him for $2M and change, and other teams have the right to negotiate with him. If they choose to sign him we get a first round draft pick. What on earth is wrong with parlaying an UDFA into a 2010 first round draft pick?????? He deserves more money, yes, but you can pay him a $1-2M bonus this year on top of his current salary (after the rookie contracts are signed) and still not sign him long term in light of the rules on signing RFA's. It's not like this isn't being discussed, either... http://www.stadiumwall.com/index.php?showt...4124&st=500

Because in a 3-4 you aren't expected to get to the QB as much as in a 4-3. You are expected to anchor your position, hopefully take up two linemen a la Richard Seymour, and making it easier for the rushing LB to get in and holding your own against the run. I've heard speculation of him going to Green Bay at #9 and Denver at #12.

Great, now we agree on two things. !@#$...

"I'm right more than I'm wrong. The stats don't lie." I...I don't even know what that means I've already pled my case against McNabb going into the Hall. You are welcome to disagree. Does he have great statistics? Of course. But his performance in the big game has never been there. Peyton kept running into Belichick, but eventually got over the hump. Donovan never did. The sports writers who ultimately vote for this kind of stuff don't like guys who are 1-6 in Championships/Super Bowls. Not for guys who freak out and throw up in the huddle. But again, you're welcome to your own opinion. And yeah, he didn't do it McKellar and Metzellars...as if that's what got Kelly to the four Super Bowls. But he did do it with one of the greatest defensive geniuses of all time helping him out. Go game by game and make an excuse for him Harami. The only team he beat in the championship was this gimmicky Falcons team with 40 mph winds. Michael Vick vs. Jim Johnson? Are you insane? Even your boy Romeo saw the light. But I guess I'll check the stats on your right/wrong 'percentage.' Rumor has it they don't lie. Oh, and nice signature, you buffoon. We all get it. You like T.O. Well done, sir.

Is there any doubt to that though? He's obviously worth that and probably more. I think that's a great strategy personally, but I'd love to hear Tim's opinion on it.

So...if he signs the tender this year and signs somewhere else next year, we get a first round pick? Everyone keeps shouting "pay him" and "I hate the FO" but they aren't looking at all the options by doing that. I think/hope the FO does more due diligence than the joe schmoes that post on this board.