TPS

one reason I think they should go with OT, and the Oline strategy build in general, is to be able to handle the Jets' Dline, specifically Richardson and Wilkerson. They controlled the line of scrimmage in both games. The bills need to draft an elite OT to handle Richardson, and I'd love to see that matchup for years to come--Lewan v Richardson. Obviously, they need a big upgrade at LG as well.

Check out what B.Brooks has to say about Lewan in his "Day 1 Winners and Losers" piece.

That would give them 2 prima donnas with questions about their work ethic and desire too...

I assume that means they'll have $12 million freed up for next year when they need to sign or extend several key players?

I suggested elsewhere that a swap with the Rams, 13 for 9, would cost the Rams their 3rd (75 overall). This could happen if Watkins is there at 9. However, I really don't think the Bills will trade down. Most likely gone in the first 7 out of 8 picks: 3QBs, Clowney, Mack, 2 OTs. That leaves Watkins, Barr, Lewan, Ebron, or anyone else you think should be in top 10. Out of the others listed, I think Barr will be gone in the top 8. Would they be willing to pass on one of LEW to pick up the 3rd? I'm not so sure? Lewan had a very strong combine--Mayock had a lot of praise for the top 3 OTs, so he's now a legit top 10. On the NFL.com mocks, he is projected to go to the Giants at 12. If the Bills traded with the Rams, Ebron would most likely be there at 13. If not, you'd probably have your pick of the "big" WRs. As I continue to waiver on that top pick, deep down I still want to see them get that bookend OT with a nasty streak. I saw Lewan's interview, and I didn't see much to dislike. He was asked about, and he addressed, the non-football issues. If they are not high on Lewan (and they value the extra pick over Watkins), then I hope they make the trade with the Rams to give them 4 picks in the top 75.

Nice piece by JW on the Pegula/Sabres development. Now we just need an NHL team... http://bigstory.ap.org/article/buffalo-rebranding-itself-hockey-mecca

It looks like Lewan's combine workout will make him a legit top 10 pick. Mayock was gushing about all three OTs--Robinson, Mathews, and Lewan. He was less thrilled with the TE class.

Ok, I'm back on the OT bandwagon.....at least until the next post...

There hasn't been much news on CArrington, and I've been wondering... I wondered if Pettine would have an interest? It will be interesting to see what happens if AC hits the market, and what Pettine/Clev do? Hopefully the Bills will sign him before that happens (1 year as you suggest).

i think we all agree, a trade only happens because another team wants a specific player at your pick. The trade is based on someone being there, like Austin last year. If Houston takes a QB, the rams will take clowney. If there's a OT or WR the rams want at 9, and the bills don't, could happen. This gives the bills 4 in the top 75.

thanks. I assumed it was like that. They really do need to upgrade lg and rt.

I think a very doable trade is with the Rams at 13 (will they partner again this year?). We'd get their 3rd (75th) according to the draft value chart, which would give the Bills 4 picks in the top 75. I don't think I'd go further back. I want to be picking ahead of the other AFCE teams.

Interesting. How many of the latter games were away? I think this is where a strong O-line is needed most, those away games. Running game has to be good and protection is more difficult with crowd noise.

That and Mayock's grade has Lewan as his 16th best player. He's got Mosely, Benjamin, and Ebron ranked 7-9. It looks like it's Mathews or Robinson at 9, otherwise one of the 3 listed.

Jeremiah has Borland #43 in top 50. Was impressed with him at senior bowl. No skov.

These guys also have him at 9. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nfl-draft-top-250-201235564--nfl.html

Doc, these guys seem to think Gilmore won't be a worry, in fact just the opposite.

I'm not sure who is behind "Scout's Inc", FWIW their top 32 is listed on the ESPN draft site, and they have Lewan ranked #9.http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft

Agreed, but it will depend on what they can sign him for? Also, no one has seen Moeaki play since coming off his injury, so having the current group going into the draft is a good option, on depending Chandler's price...

I do like your logic. The Bills should get 2 starters easily from this draft and both should be significant upgrades. We should be discussing in terms of those first two picks, though I think they can find a starter at G in the 3rd too, given the current level of play.

Which LB position is Mack projected for? Since I know he's not a MLB, would Kiko stay there in this scenario? Or would Mack replace Hughes? If it's a Mack for Hughes and tiny for Pears vs. Lewan for Pears and Skov for Moats (but moved to the middle), I'm not sure it's as easy to say which outcome is better?

I thought this was a Lewan post... He's nasty and a need.

while I like and think this is a possible trade, the numbers suggest it's a 3rd, not a second

Stop making sense!In FA, they will not over-spend for external (may do so for Byrd). Given that, I think the Bills can find a LB and G in FA that upgrade the position (because they are so weak now), and they could easily find someone to improve on Graham, all of these without breaking the bank. These additions would at least give them the ability to target those positions later in the draft. However, I don't think they can find an OT, who would fit their spending budget, that would be a significant upgrade over Pears. They'll have to find that in the draft.

Thanks. I've read that some think Lewan has more potential than Mathews, and he is on the cusp of being in the top 10.I agree with your strategy, but I'm afraid the Bills won't find a trade partner, so they'll have to pick one of those four names (includes Lewan). Some think Mosely should be in that mix as well, and I do think that having a better run-stuffing MLB is a big need, if he fits that Bill. I think this is going to be a wild draft throughout that top 10, given so many projected QB picks AND double picks for the Rams and Browns. You just don't know what some of those QB needy teams really think about the QBs projected...