TPS

I like it!

Don't see it as a full time shift, but an option to use to counter a team that is focused on stopping the pass. Something akin to using the wildcat during a game.

Saw the Pats picked up two veteran fullbacks a couple weeks ago. Is Belichick going to develop a power option as a counter to teams like the Bills moving to a "Giants-type" defense? They could do some interesting things with a power backfield combined with their two versatile TEs. Should be some good Chess matches this season.

With ZERO depth at LT, the odds are whoever is picked will play. Can they find another Hairston-type in R3-5? With such a critical position, I'd say it better be dealt with early, and am leaning to R1 pick.

My responses have focused on the evidence about tax cuts and revenues because the supporters always claim the reverse of what the evidence shows. I agree with your point AND I agree with Darin: government spending should be capped to some average % of GDP--I say average, because you need to have some flexibility during downturns.

Better re-read it then--it was a combination of lower revenues and higher spending. In 2006, personal tax revenues were 1.8% less than the 2001 level. But you are right about the spending, which is why Bartlett, the former Reagan Supply-sider, is highly critical of the Bush-Cheney record.

They had to flip a coin between the Fins and Panthers because they had the same SoS. Good the Fins won, so that we pick ahead of them in R2-3.

Good idea.

I think Buddy is adamant about not trading up and losing picks, but he entertains offers of trading down and gaining picks. I believe he mentioned they got a few calls to trade down last year, but their man was Dareus. If there is no one at 10 that they really like AND they get a decent offer, he will trade down.

I hope someone at OBD shows Buddy the thread, I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it...

I added that same thought about McKillop in the Moats thread today, in case you missed it. One analyst said he would be starting next Willis eventually. Hope he recovers.

FJ said that Buddy told him he would be taken care of before the (pre?)season starts, but the priority now is to sign people who are NOT on contract. The deal will get done.

From what I saw, I really thought he showed flashes of being a very good slot CB. We'll see. Though, your comment about scheme etc. suggests bad play is not always a CB's fault--Florence sure took a lot of criticism about his play too. Re, the positions of need. I have similar thoughts about WR. Take away Parrish, and it's the same WR crew that scored a lot of points when healthy. While I think they could get by at CB and WR, I won't be disappointed by a R1 pick up at either position, though I lean CB over WR. OT is currently the weakest spot on the team. I hope they re-sign Bell, so at least they have options and experience. I think they can find LBs in later rounds who fit their scheme--since most teams are now looking for 3-4 LBs. I also posted about Moats and McKillop as a couple of talented backups to 2/3 LB positions--however they do have ?s TE is riddle wrapped in an enigma. Yes, they can use more talent and competition, but how important is the position in Gailey's O? That said, I'm sure he'd like the option of a stud receiving TE with speed who can line up in a spread formation. At any rate, I think this draft should put them to a good place across the roster.

What he said.

I know he only did KR during the last part of the season, but that post was from early September just after they announced the 53-man roster. They tried him as PR in pre-season, not KR, so that's what I had to go on. As for his ability--for a R7 pick from a small school, of course he's raw. However, they had enough confidence in him toward the end that they benched McKelvin. He's too short to be on the outside, so he will only be a slot CB, but he is talented. He will be an asset in Wanny's system which will use more zone. Then again, I'm not Buddy Nix...

I was talking about Eddins in the first response and Moats in the second. Btw, maybe he deserves his own thread, but Scott McKillop, Wanny's former MLB at Pitt (who was picked up post season), looks like he could challenge Shep if he comes back healthy...compares to one "Zach Thomas"...hmmm. Here's his read from cbsports:

Well, I don't want to brag--ok, maybe I do--, but.. My link

Let's not sell Donald Jones short. He didn't do much initially thrust into the #2 role, but started coming into his own before he went down the second time. Fitz also has confidence in him. Not saying the Bills couldn't use at least one more highly talented WR, but there are some decent options currently on the roster. Given last season's injuries at the position, the more the merrier...

Doc, He was a rushing WLB behind Merriman. He was the reason they let Maybin go. Yes, I remember seeing him in preseason look lost at ILB also, but I think SLB in Wanny's D puts him in a position to play mostly zone in coverage, so he could excel there. He's a very good athlete and playmaker, and I hope they finally find him a home in this D.

Moats is listed as the backup to Morrison, and I'm thinking he might have the tools to be a very good SLB. His 40 time was 4.64, which is faster than Morrison. This cbssports analysis from the 2010 draft makes it sound like he can do everything necessary, just needs more experience. He is a good play maker and would be great to see him on the field in a permanent position sooner than later.

Translation: Calvin Johnson = sure bet. I think there's only one sure bet at WR this year in the top 10--Blackmon.

Yep, I'm leaning in the same direction, would rather see Kirkpatrick over Floyd. It's a lot easier to find a Stevie J or Cruz in late rounds or FAs, then a stud CB.

And I can't say I'm disappointed. He doesn't have the character that Chix look for, and the motivation question mark. That said, I also hope we stay away from WR at #1--unless there is a definite Calvin Johnson, which I don't see. OT is the most likely choice now, but I wouldn't rule out a CB. Signing Bell would mean all options are open. What a great off-season so far! When do the OTAs begin?

My link Check the link, he was being discussed last week.