RunninRebel37

I honestly don't understand some of the people on this message board/fan base. He's a douche bag because he doesn't like talking to the media? The BS other players spew out is just as meaningless as his statements so I don't get where the hate comes from. He's been arguably the best RB in the league over the last 3-4 seasons and is beloved in Seattle, but HATED by some fans of the team that drafted him, its unbelievable.

I haven't seen anything on here about this (granted I didn't read all 42 pages) but would it make sense for Rex to bring in (dare I say this) Mark Sanchez to compete for the QB? Mark did a fairly good job with the Eagles this season and Greg Roman did a good job with the Niners limited skill positions and Kaep so I don't see why he couldn't help shape Manuel into a winner with the pieces around him. Any thoughts?

Theres only 32 of these positions in the entire world. 5 ( off the top my head, I guess six now) available. How ****ty do conditions have to be to cause someone to quit, without certainty to ever get it back again. This is a joke to the players and fans of this team.

I don't want to hate on the Browns or Cleveland fans but if they make the playoffs how are we as Buffalo fans and the Buffalo players supposed to feel about that? Pettine left Buffalo, went into the most one of the most competitive divisions in the AFC and made the playoffs in his first year? From my point of view (and while I know the season isn't over yet, they could face plant and Buffalo is still in position for a wildcard mathematically) it just sucks. Why does this team always find a way to let people down. The roster is as talented as its been in a long time and they had a favorable schedule, I just don't get it.

They HAVE. To win this game. Looks like they're imploding

Ha

Is it me or is Preston Brown a complete non factor? Looks like he's getting washed out every play, especially against the run which was supposed to be a strength of his. Any thoughts?

Not able to watch live just following the play by play but how is Manuel looking? Are the receivers not getting open or what?

Who are you people that don't like this move? I think this is just what the team needed and the fan base needed. It finally shows people that mediocrity is no longer acceptable in western New York. Adding a playmaker of Sammy Watkins caliber is going provide this offense and EJ a major weapon. Also, I don't know why theres speculation that Stevie Johnson is on his way out the door just because of this pick and the trade for Williams. Stevie is the most proven WR on the team and adding more weapons/competition should only make him better. Can't wait to see how the rest of the draft goes. GO BILLS!!!!

I think EJ will have a great year as long as he stays healthy. He went 4-6, which definitely doesn't look good, but considering 3 of those games weren't solely on him a 7-3 record, paired with the two Lewis wins, and were in the wild card spot. The first NE game, CLE, and ATL were all winnable games that EJ stepped up when it mattered. I love all the negativity directed towards him and the team, because I can't wait for him to prove all the pundits and haters wrong! GO BILLS!!!!!! p.s. REEBBBBBEEEELLLLSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

+1 this whole post is stupid

First, Id like to say I think the teams recent free agency signings will improve the teams overall roster talent. I think Whaley and Marrone were able to get players they targeted and would fit the teams positional needs as starters and also in reserve/depth roles. I know people feel like they're being cheap and getting "bottom" tier players but they're really not. These players are talented high ceiling players that fit the physical identity Buffalo wants to establish. Also, what's really being overlooked, is ALL the players signed (beside our own re-signed players) come from a WINNING team. All the players have contributed to their respective teams run to/in the post-season at some point in their career. I understand they aren't big "name" players that everyone wants, but they're competitive players that know what it takes to win and can change the losing culture in Western NY. I still think they make 2 or so proactive signings before they sit and wait for cap casualties/reactive player transactions before the draft. I think DT/DE and DB(some kind of safety). Now based on what the team has done to this point I still don't see their draft boarding changing much in terms of positional need, except maybe not worrying too much about OG and RB in the mid-late rounds. I do however see the team looking to draft a more traditional DE high in the draft if available. With the new additions showing us Schwartz is going to field a 4-3 I think this is the draft they look for a Super Mario replacement. The players that fit this description won't last till #9 and the ones that will be available aren't worth that spot. I think this draft is the first in a while that Buffalo is solid enough and the draft is deep enough they can draft BPA or possibly...trade up? Again this is just speculation, I'm no expert, but I see the draft playing out like this: 1. WR/DE/S 2.DT/OT/DE/WR 3.TE/DB/DT 4-7. BPA I know that's clear as mud and I basically put all positions to be draftable in the first 3 rounds but I think you guys get the picture of all the variables. Without a doubt in my mind the first or second pick will be a WR with the other being a DT or DE. As always I took a lot of time trying to write this intelligently and insightfully and feedback is welcome! Go Bills!!!!! On a side note I tagged Stevie Johnson in this because I support his being a Bill and think he is a core member of the team and is a piece to the puzzle. He's a talented tough player that has gotten better through his mistakes and I truly believe he will bounce back next year. All this trade talk is crazy P.s. RRREEEBBBEEELLLSSS!!!!! P.s.s. !@#$ Sdsu

+1

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Thank you!

It wasn't the FO fault in 2002 and 2004 when Drew Bledsoe couldn't get over the hump (I KNOW everyone remembers losing to the Steelers 3rd string) and 2008 and 2011 when the Bills were 6-2. Yes, they've been a terrible organization but they can't take ALL the blame between whats happened from 1999 to now. This is a NEW GM who, until proves otherwise, has some sort of vision for the team.

The contract that they just gave Graham (4 yrs 16 million) is similar to Mckelvin's ( 4 yrs 20 million) who is a pretty solid starter on our team. Maybe they value Grahams special teams contributions ( I saw he was selected to the Pro-Bowl as a ST) as added value shown in the contract or they possibly view one of the two as a starting FS? I thought Robey did a great job as a nickel corner and depth never hurts.

Seriously? Can we drop the whole 'Sign Byrd" talk yet....he didn't want to be on this team. He's a grown man who is able to make that decision. And for real, some of you people on this forum are impossible to make happy all you do is B word like old women. First the FO doesn't make enough moves on day 1. Then the moves they do make suck. Why'd they sign this guy and not that guy, blah blah. Why not just enjoy the team making moves and complain IF they don't pan out after the season. p.s. Id gladly accept this team (or any one) to my home town. At least you guys have teams to complain about.

I fully understand the frustration of not appearing to be an aggressive team in FA, but I truly believe this GM has a plan in place. Plus MAYBE half the teams in the NFL have made moves with a majority of the good ones locking up their own talent and the other contenders getting role players/"missing pieces" that WANT to be there. And just because a select few players are signing right away doesn't mean they're going to have an instant impact on the team they signed with, at least not the players most fans wanted to see here. You think Oakland is all of a sudden a better team because they threw buckets of cash at Saffold and Austin? They had a better LT in Veldheer and paid more for an inferior player. Besides there really wasn't anyone that has been signed today that would've made sense on the this roster and instantly made the Bills a better team, except Byrd and possibly Geoff Schwartz. Theres still talented FA guards that can come in and do just as well in the trenches and tackles in the draft that can contribute and do just as well as Austin Howard or any other FA RT thats signed so far. Let's be patient and see what happens throughout the next week or so and see what happens. If we can get some depth on the DL and a LB or two, it'll help free up draft picks for the WR/OL/DB/DE. Im still holding out hope that we can sign a suitable guard OR tackle, but if it doesn't happen tomorrow, it doesn't mean it won't happen period. As always GO Bills! p.s. REEEEBBBBBBELLLLSSSS!!

Negative. http://walterfootball.com/draft2008.php http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-mock-draft.htm?csp=Sports among other sites the forum wouldn't let me post. Just google 2008 mock NFL draft.

I know it isn't beneficial to a team that is trying to rebuild and get better through the draft to trade away picks, but I think the Bills are serious about getting Watkins. No insider info, nothing like that, just a hunch. They clearly want to surround EJ with weapons and Watkins is the best prospect coming out. With recent rumblings about QB's taking a draft day slide (this could be all lies created by GM's targeting said players) that means a lot of skill players will be gone by #9. I think if they are unable to trade up, they will try and trade back stock picks and draft value i.e. OLB/DT. I think with so much depth this year, WR will take a major slide like in 2008. I remember pundits talking about Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, DeSean Jackson, and Limas Sweed all going in the first that year. Not one WR was taken in the first round, they all slid to the 2nd round with Donnie Avery going first at #33 and I see that happening again this year, so Buffalo will be able to draft a playmaker in that round without sacrificing value if they lose out on Watkins. Again, all speculation but I think/hope they will be aggressive in getting the best playmaker (prospect; everyone has the potential to be a bust) in the draft. As always...GO BILLS! p.s. REEEEBBBBBBEEEELLLLSSSS!

I think Carriginton is a versatile GOOD player that will potentially become a consistent playmaker (not quite great but better than solid) but I think his injury combined with his 4 year vet minimum will cause the Bills to let him go. I think they'd rather draft a young DT/DE prospect that they hand picked who they can watch and re-sign before/after that contract expires. Basically, his contract requirements (which he's deserved don't get me wrong) paired with his contributions/skill are replaceable through the draft. With that said if they re-sign him ignore this whole thing!

Thank you, and Yessir! Scarlet Grey All Day!

First off, I'd like to thank those of you that comment on TBD and make this forum an insightful website dedicated to the team we're all so passionate about. Also, I'm a long time reader but this is my first time posting a thread, so go easy. I think the organization is 100% behind EJ Manuel (as am I) and believe in building around him in order to help this team reach its goal of post-season success. With that said, I wanted to give my opinion of team needs (and when I say needs I mean positional depth as well as talent upgrade) and how they might be addressed. Here is a list of team needs in no particular order: -OL(G/T), LB, TE, WR, DB, RB, DE, Although Whaley and Marrone only have one offseason under their belts, I believe what they did last year and comments they've made up to this point are indicative that it's their strategy to build through the draft and plug holes with "dust settled" FA's. I personally believe theres a number of combinations they could use to build the roster with FA/Draft picks, but these are the most realistic options that fit their FA profile: FA OL: Michael Oher, Austin Howard, Ryan Harris, Jason Fox, Zach Strief, and Breno Giacomini are all RT that aren't expected to resign with their respective teams. Howard, Strief, and Giacomini are expected to command more than Buffalo (I think) is willing to pay for a RT, especially with so much depth in this draft, but Oher and Fox could come in and improve the position with a reasonable salary. Fox (DET) also has ties with Schwartz, which could help him sign with the Bills. The "name" OG this year is going to be Zane Beadles. Protecting Peyton helped him in his contract year and will be (possibly) sought after. Chad Rinehart, Oniel Cousins and Eben Britton are cheap options to bring in to compete for the guard positions. None are big name players, but are affordable options to at least get a look in training camp. An additional name to monitor is Garry Williams RG of the Carolina Panthers. I've never heard of him, but he was listed on pro football.com's list of UFA, and a blurb about him had him pegged as Carolina starting RG prior to an injury during their game with the Seahawks. FA LB: Whaley did a great job in getting steals at the LB position with signing Lawson, trading for Hughes, and drafting the DPOY (!@#$ Richardson) and I think he'll look to round out that group this year. While LB could be used with the 9th pick, theres a couple of FA to watch. Brandon Spikes, Jason Worilds, Joes Mays, Desmond Bishop are all expected to hit the open market. Spikes has ties to current Bills DL coach Pepper Johnson, and would be paired up with Kiko on the inside. While unlikely, he could come at a reasonable price given his limitations in nickel and pass situations. Joe Mays is similar to Spikes and could come cheaper and serve as depth. Bishop is coming off and ACL, but has versatility in both 3-4/4-3 schemes and DC Schwartz would be familiar with his tape from his NFC north days. Jason Worilds would be a great fit, but his salary demands may be too much given the money Buffalo has tied up in the position already (Mario now and Alonso in the future). My FA shocker is Buffalo will sign Worilds to start opposite Lawson, freeing up the 9th pick to help EJ. FA TE: Buffalo claimed Tony Moeaki last season, along with drafting Chris Gragg. Coach Marrone also recently stated that he'd like to resign Chandler (http://www.rotoworld.../scott-chandler) , which shouldn't be too difficult at an affordable rate. With the current TE on the roster I don't see them looking in the FA stable of TE, especially given the talented pass catchers in the draft. I do however, see Buffalo letting the market set the values of Chandler and Brandon Pettigrew, and signing the latter if their price tags are similar. FA WR: There are a bunch of FA wide receivers this year, making their open market value diminished. Emmanuel Sanders, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks, James Jones, and Andre Roberts are names to watch. With the money tied up by Stevie Johnson's (well deserved) contract, (He's easily the best receiver on the team, is a great leader, and will bounce back this upcoming season. Why people even THINK he should or would be cut is crazy to me) signing a "name" WR might be out of the question, although players like Britt and Nicks may be met with a soft market and signed at a reasonable rate. My gut feeling is the only way one of them is signed is if the FO feels they will be able to contribute sooner to EJ's development than a high round rookie. I think Nicks would be a quality signing. Either way TJ Graham is on notice. FA DB: The obvious is resign our all star talent Jarius Byrd. Hopefully this happens. Buffalo also spent two mid round picks on a pair of Safeties last year, so I'm sure this will factor into their decision making. If not, there are a couple options that would be able to contribute and fill the void. Louis Delmas, Malcolm Jenkins at FS and Antoine Cason, Chris Cook CB depth. Both Cason and Cook are tall/lean DB's with press coverage ability/experience and could be had at a reasonable salary. You can never have too many DB's. Louis Delmas has ties with our DC and finally played a full 16 games last season. He wouldn't be cheap, but could attempt to fill the void Byrd may leave admirably. Malcolm Jenkins is a solid mid field player, lacks some of the range, but could be had for less than Delmas. I don't see either being signed unfortunately. FA RB: None. I don't know enough about what RB's are going to be FA's and don't anticipate any being signed (other than camp bodies). This will be addressed either late round of the draft, or UDFA. FA DL: This is the Bills strongest unit, but also their most aged. The Bills have a pair of reserve guys that showed some flashes (from what I saw anyway) in Bryant and Charles. I see this position being addressed via the draft. Although they resigned Branch, getting Carrington under contract would be a huge boost to a strong unit. Given his limited tape and recent injury, id imagine his market being pretty soft and him being able to get resigned. Rotoworld.com suggests he may follow former DC Pettine to Cleveland. I find this hard to believe given the Browns talent, depth, and money invested into their d-line. Aside from the big name players, I don't know enough about the others available to say much, although it would be interesting to get a guy like Terrance Cody in as a two down run stuffer. He's been considered a bust in Baltimore but maybe a change of scenery would do him good. In conclusion, I (realistically) see FA happening like this: -Re-sign Byrd to multi-year deal -Re-sign Carrington 1 year deal -Sign Worilds to multi-year deal -Sign mid-level LG 2-3 year deal (Britton/Williams) -CUT RT Pears *Possibly sign RT after 2nd tier players get deals* With FA out of the way, I see the draft ideally playing out like this (Im not some draft guru or anything like that, just a gut feeling): 1.WR/TE (best available playmaker at each respective position on the clock) 2.LB 3.RT 4.WR/TE(whichever wasn't taken) 5.DT/DE 6.ST(either LB or DB to help on special teams) 7.ST(see above) Well there you have it. All this will change taking into consideration franchise tags, FA that are re-signed prior to hitting the open market and of course the combine changing draft stocks. Please comment your opinion in my findings and as always, GO BILLS!

This whole thread is ridiculous! Stevie is by far our best wideout and brings veteran leadership and experience. Removing him front the roster would be a step in the wrong direction.