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I love how pessimism gets defined/defended as "realist" when people have a take like this. Sure, it may be in the back of our minds as fans but I don't foresee the Bills going anywhere, near future or further down the road. The Raiders pretty much flat out refused to cooperate with local government in Oakland. And does anyone really think the NFL and Toronto want a team up there? Did you see any of the Toronto Series games? There'd be a smidge of Bills fans and opposing team fans and then the rest was filled in by people who just wanted to take in an NFL game. The crowd reactions weren't there, people looked bored. Now, granted, the Bills didn't always provide the best games up there but if Toronto is as starved for an NFL team as you think they are, the people there would've been a little more into it. The poor crowd responses were one of the main reasons they discontinued the whole thing.

Want: O. Howard, C. Davis, M. Williams, M. Hooker. R. Foster Don't Want: Any OL Dark Horse: David Njoku (after a trade down) Think: OJ Howard

I feel like Whaley gets such a bum rap. I feel he's done pretty well given the constant turnover with coaching staffs he's dealt with. He may have final say on personnel decisions but that say comes after collecting as much data and intel as possible from his scouts and coaches. When Marrone was here, Whaley did his best to draft players that fit within Marrone's vision. Marrone liked massive OL, Whaley drafted two giants in 2014. Rex Ryan comes in next, wanted a solid corner for his scheme, they find Darby in the second. They go defense in rounds 1-3 in 2016 and end up with three guys who have quite a lot of potential (I know, I know the Parcells quote on potential, I've seen it approximately 67.2 million times after being a BBMB member for years). Of course there's the trade for McCoy, they added Clay, he re-signed Glenn and Hughes, he brought in Tyrod, he found gems in guys like Alexander (re-signed), Z. Brown. Lately everyone wants to be down on him for the WR group being "weak" (all teams deal with injuries, also, run-based offense changes the priorities on receivers, plus finding Hunter on the street proved to be a decent move as the dude caiught four touchdowns) but those same people are likely the ones still clamoring over the trade for Watkins. He's really in a no-win situation no matter what he does. He hasn't hit homeruns on everything he's done, that's not what I'm saying, I just feel like his positive transactions outweigh the negative at this point. He's done everything he can to accommodate whichever head coach he's working with. I don't buy into the news bite from LaCanfora that much, he's consistently wrong when it comes to the Bills. I think McDermott has a much clearer vision for this team than either Rex or Marrone and hopefully they continue to work well together.

His positive traits read very well and the fact that he's ahead of every other QB in terms of acclimating to a pro offense is a big plus for him that'll probably get him drafted a little sooner than most think. This thread has gone back and forth on which type of QB is the ideal type to draft, the guy with intangibles, accuracy, high football IQ, throws with anticipation yet has physical limitations vs. the guy with all the physical tools in the world but lacking in experience with a pro system, lacking experience with anticipation throws, lacking experience with full field reads. So which one do you want? Because thus far in this 17 year drought the Bills have opted for the guy with all the physical tools in hopes that they can coach him up in the areas he's lacking. Losman, big arm, athletic, could move... Manuel, same, Jones, also pretty much the same save for he's probably not quite the same athlete as Manuel or Losman. So they've gambled on those guys... maybe it's time they take a shot on a guy with all the mental tools but lacks some of the physical abilities as some others. And he's a fit for the offense they're going to be running. He's on my radar for them, maybe in the third.

Not sure what kind of deal this dude is expecting. It was rumored that even before the season was over last year he was hoping his hot start would help him cash in. As the season progressed he kind of disappeared. Went into self-preservation mode after it was clear that more than a few guys on defense were done with Rex and the playoffs were out of the question. He was looking out for himself, playing not to get hurt and then he hits FA, doesn't get the monster deal he expects, fires his agent and signs with a new one and starts shopping around again. He turned down Oakland last week. They're a team on the rise and a destination for FAs after being a wasteland for the past decade or so. Miami just committed big money to Alonso so I'm not sure what type of deal they'd offer Brown. It's also been said that a deal has been on the table for him from the Bills since the end of the season but now that he has a new agent he wants to renegotiate. Maybe he's had a chance to learn what McDermott's plans are going forward and wants to be a part of that. If he does wind up here hopefully it's a fair deal and hopefully he keeps up the effort all season long.

I'm pickin' up what you're layin' down, haha. I'm just saying I think Howard's lack of production comes from design. It seems like they kept him in their back pocket and cut him loose only at certain times. He blew up during the National Championship. Also no clue how the QB is down there, I've heard he's not bad but who knows how often he was looking in Howard's direction. I understand the hesitation but for me, the guy has all the tools and I don't see any reason why he can't succeed. Taking him at 10 wouldn't be ideal because I believe he'll be there after that but you never know. I'm definitely on board with them dropping back and collecting some more picks. Looking at the draft order though, I'm not sure who would want to jump up to that 10 spot. As for Peppers, I can see if the Bills like him due to his versatility but more than a few scouts and analysts have said he's a head-scratcher because the Combine didn't help them determine his best position. He's a guy I wouldn't want at 10 for sure, just because of the uncertainty of where he's going to play.

I'm good with how free agency has gone down for them this season. Again, no really big "flashy" signings but quality players with versatility. I was a Gilmore fan from day one, I felt like he was the best corner to come from the 2012 class. He certainly didn't deserve the bum rap he got from some fans as every CB gets beat now and again. Also, it's likely not easy to stay consistent when you're working under a new head coach, defensive coordinator and different scheme every season or every other season. Gilmore is a good player but not irreplaceable. If he had been a consistent Pro Bowl/All-Pro type player I would've wanted the Bills to pony up to keep him, but he isn't that so it's fine by me that he went elsewhere. He has some excellent traits and abilities but he does tend to shy away from tackles (and I think that's because of the injuries he suffered early in his career which were the direct result of being involved in tackles) and to hear that he felt disrespected and unwanted in Buffalo kinda baffled me. Unfortunately his reputation in Buffalo was any time a pass was completed on him there was a ridiculous group of fans who screamed about "how awful" he was, as if the only acceptable type of DB play for these fans was if Gilmore or any DB allowed a 0% completion rate, which is impossible. I was also a fan of Woods, there's a lot to like about the guy. He's a team-first guy, realized his role within the offense and really excelled as a blocker. I'm sure he was bummed out more than a few times after some games when he was getting open consistently but just not being seen by whomever was under center. Again, tough to be consistent with the turnover this team has gone through since 2013. He worked with Marrone/Hackett/EJ, then Marrone/Hackett/Orton (his best season), and then Rex/Roman/Taylor, and Rex/Lynn/Taylor. When you stack those two guys up against the guys they've signed, it's fine. They upgraded at kicker. They upgraded at fullback (Felton is a great blocker but didn't offer much beyond that, Tolbert has been RB1 before and DiMarco catches it coming out of the backfield, the H-back or the TE spot), they upgraded at safety with Hyde and Poyer, both younger and more versatile than Graham and more durable than Williams. Holmes had similar numbers in 2014 to what Woods had so there's potential there for the same and probably a fair share of red zone targets given his size. Overall I think they've done well and I like the direction McDermott is headed.

Howard is definitely going to be in their discussions for their first round pick whether they stay at 10 or move off that spot. He's a matchup nightmare for LBs and DBs who he towers over. Freak of an athlete with incredible size, team-first guy, never complained about his role in Bama's offense, high character, does all things well within his position. I know some people have pointed out how they have Clay/didn't utilize him. He was much more involved over the last 6 games or so. Keep in mind, though, Clay misses a lot of practice time with injuries and he has consistent issues with his knees. Also, since Whaley has been in charge he's shown more interest in putting a higher value on the TE position than his predecessors. He was said to be sold on Eric Ebron back in 2014 plus they tried working with that basketball kid from Canisius, they were interested in that Rico Gathers from Baylor last year or the year before, he was another converted basketball player. And then they quickly plucked Logan Thomas off Detroit's practice squad as soon as he made the switch to TE. Not sure about anybody else but I really have no issue with this organization adding big targets with a big catch radius to help out Tyrod. Knowing all he has to do is be "area code accurate" with players like that might help him start throwing more into tighter windows or tossing it up while under pressure to give his guy a chance to make a play as opposed to bailing out of the pocket so often.

Howard just rarely had his number called by Kiffin, and he's earning points among NFL teams because he never complained about his inclusion (or lack thereof) in the offense. He's a team-first guy and definitely has the ability to be a special player.

Surprised no one has mentioned Zay Jones. There's a chance he could be there in round three. His college HC is now Bills WRs coach so there'd be some familiarity there. He's 6'2", 205, ran a 4.46, all-time leader in catches in the FBS. Wins at high pointing the ball, solid route runner, high football IQ and character. On the downside, his production was a result of being a focal point in the offense. His game-speed is said to be average and that he'd have to work to improve his speed and separation in routes. Seems to be a type of player McDermott would covet though, along with his character and IQ he has a tremendous work ethic.

The defensive back talent in this draft is super deep, but not so much for offensive playmakers which I believe they need a little more than a DB, especially if they stay at 10 and don't drop back some. I'm 100% on board with OJ Howard, he's a freak athlete and is a matchup nightmare for LBs and DBs. After watching Gronkowski kill 'em for the past seven years I'm hoping they're thinking it's time they get their own Gronk. Mike Williams and Corey Davis are also options. I don't think John Ross is in the mix because I believe they're going to hope Listenbee can turn into their "take the top off a defense" guy. Usually first year coaches draft in line with their philosophy so defense makes a lot of sense given the type of coach McDermott is, but after they signed Hyde and Poyer (pencil 'em in as starters right meow) I think they might be able to wait until later for DBs and get an offensive playmaker early on.

It's Aaron Maybin and it's not even close. Don't know how/why anyone would call Spiller their worst first round pick ever. The dude didn't match the hype but he was productive and had an excellent year in 2012. Maybin made a handful of tackles, zero sacks and was cut after two seasons. With his size and athletic ability he should've been converted to tight end. 6'4", 250, ran a 4.64 40, had a 40" vertical, a 10'10" broad jump, 22 reps on the bench press. Jauron went gaga for his burst off the snap but that's all he had in his arsenal. Couldn't stack and shed blocks, had no counter moves, pure speed rusher. After that, I'd say Mike Williams, but he was the number one OL on every teams board that year and was one of those "sure thing" types that never made it. Losman, Whitner, McKelvin, etc. none of those guys ever lived up to their draft slot but they at least had stretches of time where they contributed. Maybin contributed zero, which is why I can't understand how he isn't the unanimous choice for worst first rounder ever selected by the Bills, haha.

He played well in the first half of the season but he reached a point where you could tell he was done buying in. He started playing less aggressively, "self-preservation" mode they call it. Knew the team was likely out of the playoffs, he was on a one-year deal, wasn't going to risk getting hurt and was/is hoping his good start in 2016 will be enough to cash in somewhere. I read earlier before free agency started that they had interest in retaining him but I'm betting they didn't offer him a great deal. And maybe McDermott picked up on that lack of effort he displayed at times and it's pretty clear, even with what little has been stated by OBD since they hired him, that he's not going to tolerate guys who wanna coast.

I'm good with Howard at 10, although I think they could move back a little bit and still land him. Them signing Hyde and Poyer makes me think they'll go secondary in the second or third round as it's a very deep class for that position group and McDermott seems to have a knack for getting a lot out of secondary players who may not be the most talented. Howard is a mismatch for any team and it'd be nice to see the Bills have their own "Grownkowski" type of player, finally. I like Clay but I honestly think this could be his last season here if they do add/upgrade to the TE spot. He counts for $9 million on the cap this year and next. Plus, his knees only have so much longer. He rarely practiced during the season last year but was able to go on gamedays which is gritty and gutty but them adding Logan Thomas (who they're apparently really big on) and being linked to Jared Cook this week in FA makes it clear they either want to add alongside Clay or be prepared for his departure down the line. I can see Whaley offering one of those fifth round picks in a deal to move back for a team's second or something. They only have six picks and still have a fair amount of holes to fill. I'm usually a wait and see type of person regarding their draft strategy but this year I'm kind of on the train with "please trade down and get a few more picks."

I have no problem saying I'm a Watson fan. Kid may have some flaws (they all do) but he just balls out in big moments. He's relaxed, doesn't seem to get rattled, keeps his focus and you feel like the team is never out of it with him back there. Inaccurate on the deep ball and some poor decision making is about the only consistent knocks I see on the guy. His FBI (football intelligence) is high, he's a team-first guy (news out of the Combine on him was he impressed teams in interviews by highlighting team accomplishments and taking the focus away from himself) and his teammates believe in him and that's big. I don't think he's Tyrod 2.0, I think he hangs in the pocket a bit longer than Tyrod does and he seems to throw a bigger variety of routes. But, as I say in a lot of threads, keep in mind that Greg Roman's playbook had about 400 different ways to run the ball and like 50 ways of throwing it. Those are made up numbers but the gist of it is, Roman has always been knocked for a predictable passing scheme, it's not his strong suit. I like what I know of Dennison's offense so far in that it involves a lot of QB movement which is something I've felt they should've been doing with Tyrod since day one. His height limits his visibility so they need to roll him out, move him around and that'll open up different lanes for him to throw into. Anywho... Watson's combine performance may have moved him up a little bit on some boards so who knows if he'll even be there at 10. If he is I think the Bills would have a tough decision to make even if they keep Tyrod.

AP writer John Wawrow disputed a lot of the stuff LaCanfora wrote. I believe he said the "split" isn't as severe as some perceive it to be. The coaches are good and ready to roll with Taylor. The front office is leaving all options open until the final minute, if nothing comes up then I think they pick up the option and move forward.

Thanks for having us. I signed up and was active on the original Bills board in 2002, then it went through a redesign in 2004 so I had been posting there for quite a while. I posted as, get ready, cause I made a huge change to the screen name, but it was "blacklabel82" and now it's "blacklabel." Poof. Mind blown. Anywho... I just realized those weenies killed the board on my birthday.