uncle flap

OTOH, that's probably good news for Brad Smith, as he won't be wasting time in QB meetings, and getting more reps at WR. If he's gonna stick, it'll be as a "true" WR, IMO. It's a win-win scenario as he either gets a real chance to contribute regularly, or someone better will take that spot. It seems to me they're gonna carry at least 6 WRs and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Brad Smith is one of the top 6.

Here's the notebook paper, if you prefer Thought I'd be nice and transcribe it for ya I wouldn't be shocked at all if Scott didn't make it, and I even forgot about him at first. If he was cut, who do you think takes his place? White/ Another LB? Or should they add some depth somewhere else? On Anderson, sure, plug him in somewhere else. We don't know what the formations will look like at this point, but I figure he sticks somewhere. Again, I'm certain that the players will be defined more by their roles than their positions. As you can see from my defensive line up on the notebook sheet, it's kind of ambiguous as far as a 3-4 vs 4-3 Over/Under (not totally by design or anything- that's just how I run my base D in Madden ). I think just about all of the front 7 players can fit into at least 2 or 3 roles and can also flip flop sides. How many WRs do you think they'll carry? 6 and Easley makes it over Smith? Or does some other position get the nod?

Good points, fellas. I'm not gonna update it just yet, but I'll put Brown in over Snow when I do. I basically cut Kolb bc I thought that'd get more of a response than taking the easy route with Tjax or Tuel. I'll change that too next time around, as if I had to bet, I'd assume Kolb is most likely to stick out of those three. I'm changing the title from Flap's roster to TBD's roster, as I'd like to hash this out together, and it doesn't necessarily reflect what *I* want or believe will happen- just want to see what we're all thinking. I have no idea- that's a good start, tho. Any other suggestions? Actually, I don't know how to change the thread title, so if any mods could name it appropriately, I'd appreciate it. Or just leave it, nbd. Anyone reading thru the thread can figure out the gist.

More on minicamp with pictures: http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/sports/photo-gallery-day-1-bills-rookie-camp/

Just a hunch on Brown? Or is he generally considered the better player? I typically only notice the outlying plays (good or bad), and can't think of any for a lot of the depth guys. I'll definitely be paying attention to the line this year at Training Camp. I agree about the depth needs on D, but as I see it, they've got a lot of guys who can (or at least be forced to) play multiple positions. To add depth, some of these guys would have to be cut. Any guys on there anyone think definitely will not or should not make the final 53?

Martin was used as a gunner, and I'm pretty sure Chan himself said something along the lines of his special teams ability was the deciding factor regarding his roster spot. I think Chan had a problem trusting younger players and erred on the side of experience when it came to a lot of personnel and lineup decisions. Basically, his way of playing it safe, for better or worse.

OK, so I know it's super early for this. (Mods, feel free to merge this into another topic, but I searched and there didn't seem to be a recent one where this fit.) I took out a piece of notebook paper and just drew up projected starters and backups. I counted up the players and had 60, so I had to make some cuts. This is not what I am saying the roster should be, nor what I think it might be. I just posted this for the sake of discussion. What do you guys think? At first glance, they are thin at corner, but I think the base D will likely look more like a 4-2-5 than a traditional 3-4. That said, some of the guys I have in the safety spots would serve the place of a corner. After Brooks, I simply threw some names out there. They have a lot of young guys I don't know much about, although I think bringing in all those guys signals Justin Rogers is fighting an uphill battle. WR was tough, as I don't think they'll have room to keep 7. I kept Brad Smith over Easley, but could see it going either way. Da'Rick is a wildcard too, but I think he stays as it'd be too risky to try to stash him on the practice squad. OL was tricky too, as I don't know enough about many of the guys' strengths/weaknesses. Anyone with a better grasp, please advise. The DL/OLBs could be interchangeable based on packages, etc., so while the depth may not seem to be there at certain positions, we can plug DEs at DT and OLBs at DE, etc. I like that the final (real) roster will seemingly reflect lots of versatility in terms of roles that players can play. You may notice that Kolb is not on the roster. Well, one of the QBs had to be cut. I have no idea who it'll be. If they are planning on Manuel starting, Tarvaris offers a similar skill set, and if Manuel gets hurt, they'll be able to run a similar offense. Just one way it might play out. So- let me have it! I'll make adjustments as you guys see fit, I just wanted to have this discussion and figured we needed a starting point.

Didn't see this posted yet. Here's the Mario video: http://www.buffalobills.com/media-center/videos/Top_100_Players_of_2013_Mario_Williams/d443b9c1-0b47-4687-86cb-f580fde885f9

http://www.wgr550.com/Former-player-suggests-Bills-and-Byrd-are--2M-apar/16313127 (WGR 550) -- All has been quiet on the Jairus Byrd front since the Buffalo Bills placed the franchise tag on him before the start of free agency in early March. Byrd has yet to sign his tender, and the Bills have been mum on where negotiations have been. A few days before the start of the team's first voluntary OTA session, the gap between the two sides might have a little bit of a clearer picture. By no means is this an official report, but the comments made by one former player on The John Murphy Show (which airs on WGR 550 nightly from 7-9) suggest that Byrd and the Bills are $2 million apart at this point in time. "It's unfortunate. It is what it is though," Kelso remarked. "Honestly, I had the conversation with him. 'What's the difference between $7 million and $9 million?' Two million, I realize that. I'm smarter than a fifth grader but in the realm of professional sports, I think there are a lot of things more important than that $2 million." Again, to be clear, this is not an official report of the exact standing between Byrd and the Bills, but it might be a look in to what could be holding things up. Long-term deals for franchised players can only be negotiatied through July 15. If he signs his franchise tag, he'll be due $6.916 million this upcoming season. Click the link for more and the audio of the full interview.

What are the odds that's his son?

I've heard of him Git er done ...if the price is right etc etc Seriously tho, if he's willing to play Guard, no harm in kicking the tires Did I get them all? What'd I miss?

Welp, that was fast: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/09/the-aaron-corp-era-ends-in-dallas/ On Monday, the Cowboys signed quarterback Aaron Corp. It’s Thursday, and the Cowboys have cut him.

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_st_lucie_county/port_st_lucie/professional-football-player-charged-fundraising-tradition-field-celebrity-softball-game-canceled Here's the full article

No biggie, just didn't want to type all that again, lol. I agree that the guaranteed money will be a sticking point, but I disagree on the projections (yours and the authors). I think if Byrd re-signs with the Bills, it'll be for over $45 mil if it's a 5 yr deal, and over $20 guaranteed. Byrd might not get that elsewhere, and his value would fall closer to the projections, but I think since the Bills don't want to let Byrd go and have the money to pay him, Parker will see that as an opportunity to squeeze every last cent out of the deal. JMO, but I think Byrd and Parker sense they can get more than market value out of the Bills and are willing to play hardball to get it. I just hope for better or worse, Byrd gets into camp and the Bills at least get another year out of him.

Stevie Johnson as a father figure? Big Brother? Sure. But I doubt he had any real influence on Nelson or Jones. If anything, I'd guess it was the other way around. Also, Keith Pough is listed as 6'2" 240. That's basically the same size as Alonso and Bradham. Not huge, but we're not talking Bryan Scott size here. I love your interviews, Damond, but I'm not following these points. How do you figure Stevie played that role? Am I wrong on Pough?

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/158005-jairus-byrd-jason-peters-part-ii/page__st__120#entry2804969

Why stop there? They might as well go 0-16. I can't believe all the sheeple don't see that it's Brenden's master plan to tank every season. It's not about wins, it's about hype and marketing. #1 drafts picks sell hope aka jerseys and season tickets. If they lose enough to draft in the top 5 each year, that'll definitely give the fan base what they really want.

Did Evans? I know the play to which you're referring, but I'd hardly call that a "drop."

I would disagree, although I'm not familiar with the pre Kelly days, so I can't say where Yeevie ranks. But he's pretty damn good and I'd bet he's arguably as good as whoever's 6-10 on your list. And that site's opinion is actually just these 35 guys' opinions: http://www.rankopedia.com/ViewAllVotes/9492/.htm?refresh=71130926 Also, most of those votes were tallied prior to Stevie breaking out as a starter.

FWIW, Pro Football Reference attaches an "Approximate Value" to players, and Moulds is ranked significantly higher than Evans. I have yet to fully read the multiple posts explaining how the AV is derived, so I'm not claiming the methodology is sound. And of course it's not like this is some sort of universally accepted measure of greatness or anything. Hopefully, the stat geeks will enjoy debunking or supporting this... Just thought I'd throw it out here: http://www.pro-footb...f/career-av.htm Here's the basis for the methodology: http://www.pro-footb...g/?page_id=8061 There are more posts explaining the reasoning in further detail that can be found here: http://www.pro-footb...og/?page_id=518

BOOM!

Yeah, he's not very eloquent, but I can understand him perfectly fine. He's got a little bit of a Jeff Spicoli thing going on- maybe even a slight lisp. A tad soft spoken, but not a mumbler. I don't get where this idea that he's difficult to understand is coming from. It's not like he has a serious speech impediment or a thick accent or anything like that. Then again, I can understand Leodis just fine, too, so maybe it's me

Aaaaaaaand on the other side of the ball, there's Alonso, who could wind up being the LB calling the plays. Extra time to sync with Pettine's terminology and getting the rest of the D in position.

The best part about rookie camp is that allows Manuel and Woods (and Goodwin and Rogers, for that matter) some extra time to develop some chemistry. NIce to get those guys a head start, as I hope/expect Manuel and Woods to play prominent roles this season.

I don't disagree with any of your points. I've done some digging on Parker too, and found that for his top tier clients, he does seek record-setting contracts. I think the Bills are willing to make Byrd one of, if not the, highest paid safeties. But by how much? With a new coaching staff and Byrd's prominent role, it pains me to think he won't be around for OTAs and perhaps even training camp, for the sake of a small percentage of what will one way or the other be an enormous contract. I pin the Peters scenario more on Peters than Parker. I think Peters was the greedy/gulilty party, and Parker did his job to the best of his ability. I wonder if there is too much posturing going on in these negotiations. Either the Bills knew they were going to have to pay, and offered a generous contract which led Parker to believe he has the Bills over a barrel. Or... the Bills knew that they're going to have to pay, and that Parker was going to fight tooth and nail, so they low balled him and figure paying market value will seem like a win to Parker, since he had to battle for it. One thing's for sure, I've spent too much time worrying about this in April and May... when I should be spending my time fantasizing about EJ leading the Bills to multiple SBs!