TPS

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.

I skimmed through the thread but didn't see any mention, has anyone brought up the possibility (admittedly wacky) that once Schwartz was fired, Marrone initiated a plan to get him? Schwartz fired; 2 weeks later Driesbach unexpectedly fired; one week later Pettine allowed to seek Browns job: coincidences?

In the way that defenses (and offenses) are now rated--points, that would be an improvement. I'll take an improvement in points over yards any day as that translates to more wins.

No one will ever do what Belichick (in combination with Brady) has done, but I just found their similarities interesting. In John Murphy's interview with Schwartz yesterday, he mentioned an anecdote by Gregg Williams when he became the Bills HC. GW said that the guy taking over in Tenn (Schwartz) was going to be even better. There's a lot to like about the guy. There's been a lot reported that he is into analytics. In fact, there is a story that he told Belichick that fumbles were irrelevant--there was no correlation between good/bad teams and fumbles; it was totally random. Belichick still didn't believe him though. I forgot about that. I think I love the guy now!

It seems that Schwartz and Belichick have some interesting career parallels. While it's been reported that Schwartz started his career as an intern under Belichick, here are some other commonalities: - Both played football at good academic institutions at the DIII level. - Both majored in economics. - Both cut their teeth as (eventual) D coordinators under a couple of very good coaches, Parcells and Fisher. - In their first HC positions, both were able to get their teams to the playoffs within a few years. - Both then were fired a year or two after that playoff appearance. - Both went back and took D coordinator positions after losing their HC jobs. Belichick spent another 4 years a D coordinator for Parcells' teams before landing his next HC gig with the Pats. The rest is history, as they say...

I wonder how much Marrone learned about pettine's defense and how much input he'll have in shaping schwartz's defense to incorporate any of pettine's principles?

Sure, you move back for the right price, but I don't see a scenario at the moment where there will be a player available at 9 that some team will want to over pay for. Weird things happen in the draft, so you never know...

I'd hate to see them move that far back. I don't want to see them go beyond 15/16, or at the very least, they should stay in front of the Jets and Miami..

I came across a mock draft from Bleacher site (sorry, but I get a message that I can't link to it..), and I think this guy (Dan Hope) makes a good case for Mosely...

You're right, there are "holes to fill" and there are positions to "upgrade." I agree with your assessment that there are two holes to fill, LG and LB. I disagree with those who say QB, because you've just drafted someone at #1 who has shown ability, and it's not certain yet that he won't be a good starting QB in this league. Given the salary cap, all teams have positions they can upgrade. Given the differences, I'd like to see the Bills use FA to fill the holes LG and LB, then use the draft to upgrade RT and TE.