TPS

Nice summary of the issues. Re Whaley, I've argued his drafting should be judged starting in 2014, his first full year as GM with his key staff in place, specifically Monos. 75% of their picks are currently on the roster.

This is why comp picks are so important. If you let your top FAs go and get an extra 3rd (or more), then you can use it to draft a QB every year, and you won't feel so bad when he turns out to be an EJ Trent Losman.

you almost got me on this one.

While it is fact that he suffered from a left knee injury. I think it's become a myth to say the injury is the reason he's not very good at RT. CK was a young, raw talent coming out, and, in general, he was not very good his first two years--regardless of which side he played. For example, in year 2 he couldn't beat out Henderson or Mills at RT. CK himself said he's simply more comfortable on the left side because that's where he's played his entire football life. It would be good to see him practice at RT through the year, but his hip injury screwed that possibility.

and while looking at past drafts, check out 2015 to see another R1 meh group, the pick we gave up for Watkins.

Except for what actually happened. He missed almost the entire preseason of Rex's first year, and I believe he was finally healthy enough to play in the last preseason game. Mario Butler, his competition for a roster spot, had a great camp and preseason, and won the spot. So they tried to sneak him onto the PS. Given the circumstances of his injury, and not being able to show the new staff much, one could certainly excuse them for that...

It's not just "conspiracy nuts" raising the question any more.... http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/a-soft-coup-or-preserving-our-democracy/

Good interview with Colin Powell's former under-secretary on Russia. http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=18594

No one knew much about Groy until he was forced into action, now Whaley's dumb if he doesn't match. Maybe there's a reason they kept Lewis...

Thanks, I was stuck on the "e" part, like some kind of new digital age concept: "e"mail, "e"tail, "e"trade, etc. "e"pochs, some kind of digital curse? That was good.

I think they start subtracting your real picks at this point.....

GG, for the life of me, since reading this I've been trying to figure out what the hell are "your epochs"?

Posted this in the martavis thread, but it belongs here. I have to believe the culture change will also show up in the draft by passing on guys with questionable character like k. Williams and A. Washington.

You make a very interesting point, which has broader implications than just free agents. Will Whaley and company also be asked to stop taking chances on draft picks of questionable character? Karlos Williams comes to mind.

Heads would explode, but I like the idea. Ideally with a trade back, but I'd be okay with oj at 10.

i think they looked at browns work and weren't all they impressed. I doubt they bring him back regardless of asking price.

Whaley is simply going after players the coaching staff wants.

Favorite signing in this espn piece. http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/232946/nfl-day-1-free-agency-winners-and-losers

New systems on O and D, so they are "re-tooling" with players that fit the systems. Looks like SM is making O a priority before filling in some depth on D.

AW is a fiery competitor and wants to keep playing. The Bills are doing the right thing. I hope you retire AW, so you can literally walk away while you can.

All of the focus is on getting Dennison his offensive pieces so far. Once they get a TE and WR, then they better start working on their defensive holes--WLB, CB, and S.

What sucks is the fact they dominate and always have cap space to sign anyone who wants to get their ring...

Zo has the character and work ethic SM wants to instill, and he can back up Hughes and Shaq.

Hiring Rex set this team back at least 3 years.

Maybe they can be packaged into a trade?