jethro_tull

probably the main reason Whaley is no longer the Bills GM and rightfully so. however much of the blame must go to the (now departed) scouting staff. I can't blame coaching for not developing them properly because these players are not contributing much on other teams either.

great, thanks for the info. thread closed!

Thanks for the link- it's good that scouting is coming under more scrutiny because it is the information that builds the foundation of a franchise. It's almost as if scouts should be rated with their own set of statistics and metrics- if it isn't already. I don't disagree that it might be trending towards data collecting vs. gut level evaluation but where did you get that info? There isn't any "crying" going on here, just constructive observations. I want the team to turn the corner and become a season to season contender as quickly as possible. If the Bills management does not have anyone in the scouting department that they have worked with in the past, that they can trust unconditionally, then there will be a learning curve between management and new scouts. Learning curves take time to overcome as the relationships build. It sets the team back a little bit. Acquiring some scouts that they have worked with in the past is an important step IMHO.

They are making moves but so far no scouts from Carolina. It is critical that the Bills add some scouts that McD and the Beane have worked with before- that they know and can trust their judgement and whose recommendations have been solid first hand information.

What if they weren't consulted? What if THEY think it's a problem and was mishandled? How far does this set a team back? 17 people is the better part of an MLB active roster, for example.

And nobody asked about this at the press conference.

It's a large number (17). Even if they have working relationships with (17) scouts, how are they going to get them all to leave their teams and join the Bills? The biggest point I was trying to make is the void of trusted relationships between scouts and staff. Who will be the guys who's opinions have worked in the past and can be trusted in the future? This is a serious void.

Somehow the idea that the Bills just fired their entire scouting staff (17 people except for two in personnel) does not seem concerning to most people but I am worried that it is a huge deal, a huge hole. When has a team fired their entire scouting staff? You can't just out source college and pro scouts to India or the Philippines (for example). A team needs a trusted network of them, people that have relationships with the coach, GM and other team officials. Trusted scouts are the worker bees that help build a successful team's foundation. Most likely McD and the Beane have relationships and connections to some Scouts and will succeed in bringing them to the Bills- but it will not be enough. I know that the previous scouts should be accountable in part for the lack of the team's success. But what the heck are they going to do next year? Rely on Mayock, McShay and Walter Football? This is a big deal!

I would like to know how they are going to find 17 experienced scouts.

Chicago Bear's GM Ryan Pace talked a good game too. Unfortunately he was voted bum of the week by Chicago fans when he traded the farm to move up one draft position and take Mitch Trubisky. Press conferences aren't meaningless but they aren't worth much. Although having the new guy sound like he has a chance to be successful is better than the alternative. Gut feeling is positive.

What is your 1 thing.

What about Todd McShay ? I watched some of NPs games and what I like about him is that he can actually (quickly) spot the wide open guy! This is something that has eluded TT so far for some reason. NP does not stare down receivers, appears quick and decisive in his read progressions, knows when to protect and when to run, not turnover prone. He also appears confident and decisive. On the down side his throwing motion and arm strength are not so great. Still I like the guy- maybe he can turn into something with some strength and technique coaching.

this is an asinine idea for a thread. there is no way in hail that i trade the kelly era bills for anything. period. bull. belichick stuffed the backfield and stifiled the run and shoot. the offense had no answer. also the bills d could not stop the giants long, excruciating clock eating drives. it was a team loss plain and simple.

just from watching gilmores effort last year. my impressions. yes, they saw that he has talent and wanted out. he will be a superstar on the patriots.

i totally did not see that and watched every game.

OK, but still gilmore wanted out last season- you could see it in his play. he did not want to be a part of the bills organization any longer. that's on the gm.

maybe the pats make him look better ? he did have 680 yards last season and caught more of his targets than edeleman.

doubtful, especially since gilmore was on his way out all of last season.

probably the only thing that kept him on as long as he was....

yes sir, right on the money..

not really. DW had some valuable input having lived the roster and transferred this info the new coach. made for a more productive draft and will be a great source of knowledge for the new GM.

oh i do, but as of now DW was the worst GM in the league.

hogan was more than just another guy- he was the guy that was immediately transformed into productivity by the kingpin in our division and rubbed it into the bills faces. same thing will likely happen with gilmore and gillislee.

and so would marrone most likely

can't possibly get any worse than DW.