TPS

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...

It's one of the top 2 positions of need at the moment, so it would be great to hear from some local experts about him, yawin S, skov, and anyone else not named Mosley, since he's well known.

I'm all over the place with this draft, but more recently leaned toward OT. I started a thread on OTs a week or so ago wondering if Lewan was justifiable at 9 because I thought Robinson and Mathews would be gone. I've seen Lewan ranked as high as 10, and has moved up other boards. At this point, I'm going to withdraw my OT pick and remain neutral until I see what happens in FA. However, as of now, their biggest holes/weaknesses are OL and a LB to pair with kiko to stop the run.

these guys say OT is the biggest need too.http://www.footballoutsiders.com/four-downs/2014/four-downs-afc-east I don't think either Mathews or Robinson will be there, which is why I brought up Lewan as a possibility in another thread.

After reading that, it looks like we need to draft a MLB because it sounds like kiko is better suited to play the will in that alignment.

this summarizes my reasoning for the initial post--I think the first 2 will be gone, and I think Lewan would be a justifiable pick at 9. While I'd prefer to see them trade back a bit, I don't see a high likelihood there will be a trade partner at 9. First, with such a deep draft this year, giving up picks in R2/3 would be stupid; second I don't see many scenarios for teams wanting to jump into 9--what player would need to be there for a team to jump, and will that player fall to 9?I'd say we are very likely picking at 9. While I'd be ok with Ebron or Mosley/Mack, I'd prefer the OT. Is it may yet?

In my haste to post before some work, I forgot to put a "Kiper Kaveat"....You can criticize everyone's expert opinion, even the experts because, as we all know, the draft can be a crap shoot--R1 busts and R6 hall of famers... I don't have the time to watch film, so they are my source for better or worse...

There's an article on BB.com that has Kiper's discussion of these 3+ a few others who might go in R1. He says these 3 will probably grade higher than any OT taken in R1 last year. Good crop. http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Kiper-Top-3-OTs-better-than-2013-trio/d207b2da-20d3-4e4d-9ffc-0f07e2ea0f22

Yo 5-0, i think someone posted a link in this thread with an article that argues the distinction between LT and RT is significantly less now due to the way teams move pass rushers around. you need 2 good OTs, and all of those projected in R1 can play either side.

Goodwin is part of that mix as the R3 pick. He's already better than TJ. It will be interesting to see how pMeeks and d.williams end up too, though I think they were selected to fit into Pettine's scheme. Good topic.

I voted for trading down (as long as they don't go too far back). In an ideal world, they would trade down and still get one of the top 4 OTs. A suggestion: I think you should do another poll and take out the trade down choice. That selection doesn't provide info on what my priority pick would be.

I subscribe to the Parcells School, focus on both OTs and C, because you can always find someone decent to plug in at the G positions. Given the way defenses move around their pass rushers, you do need a solid RT now. I would argue that you ought to build your O-line BEFORE you try to pick up more play makers. Look at Pete Carroll's first two drafts with Seattle: first pick in 2010 LT; first two picks in 2011, OL. Most young QBs need protection and a running game to develop.

Yes, I've looked at him a bit. Ideally, I'd like to see the Bills trade back into the 12-15 range and select one of these OTs. It will depend on who's there at 9 and if the Bills don't value that player as much as others do.

somewhere I read Marrone's assessment of the Oline, and he only praised Glenn and woods. They know they need to upgrade at least lg and rt this year, and they will. Hopefully, at least one of the first 2 picks will address the OL. This draft looks like it will be a wild one given all of the QBs that will most likely go early. Hopefully a team or two reaches for an unexpected player and either Mathews or Robinson are available at 9. One of those and a TE at 2 would be nice. Though the LB position has to addressed too.

Sorry, it was the super Sunday beer influence talking...

id be more interested to know where Kiper's has him now than someone's opinion from this board. Though there are a couple people that I have a lot of respect for in their assessments of draft prospects. If I see their posts here, I'll take those more seriously. Your opinion, on the other hand, is no better than mine.

agreed, that's the ideal. OTH, if Robinson or Mathews make it to 9, you take them there. I'm not sure why people are labeling Lewan a "RT", he is like the other two, who are projected to start at RT then transition to LT. He played LT at michigan. In today's nfl, with pass rushers being moved around a lot, you need two quality OTs. I've seen Lewan rated as high as 10. I saw an article on espn that he's moved up Kiper's board, but I don't get insider, so not sure how high he's moved up.

Congrats Andre!

Seems there are three camps with this draft: big target WR/TE, LB, or OT. I've flopped around the first two for awhile, but recently have been convinced by the OL camp. As I look at various mocks, I'm not so sure that Mathews or Robinson will be available, which has me looking at Lewan. I like what I've read about him, especially that he plays with a mean streak. I've noticed he's been moving up draft boards as well. Bottom line, I'd be fine with either of these 3 OTs at the 9th pick. Obviously, add in an upgrade at LG, and the bills have one heck of an OL, which helps both EJ and the D. Imagine CJ and FJ with a dominant line...can't wait.

Gotta Play STs though. Otherwise, forget about it.

You make a good case for taking one of the two OTs (Mathews or Robinson--my pick) at 9.

agree. If Mosley compares to the dude from frisco, then fine. I haven't seen anyone state that yet.

Sure, "other factors" influence points--STs play to add to your point. Bottom line is Ws. If Schwartz can get this team to stop the run, and the team D averages fewer ppg, leading to the Bills winning more games, then I don't care if we have fewer sacks or we rank worse in yards per drive.