Richard Noggin

We probably don't know the exact timing/context of when those comments (about Knox, in particular, were uttered...although I only watched it once). Even subtle editing can create the impression of a narrative-friendly timeline. But that's a cynical take that I don't care to pursue further. Beane and his team are prepared and poised. I like watching them work.

It's also possible to completely separate McBeane's team-building process (pardon my use of the term) from the on-field results; we can evaluate roster decisions independent of how they ultimately pan out. That probably is an unpopular take, but players and teams ultimately succeed and fail for myriad reasons, and management can only make decisions based on the information available at any given time. I think we can say, right now, that the decisions made in building the roster back up (after a moderate tear-down that can be viewed more than one way), have been well-conceived and well-executed. I'm pretty sure that's JW's point, and I completely agree. Whether it results in winning football over the short- and longer-terms will be the result of so many factors, many of which are not fully under McBeane's control.

I hope we're closer than that. Year TWO of the rookie QB deal is a good time to make the jump. Not necessarily to championship contention (I don't think the Bills are there at all), but to the playoffs (or else we're behind schedule). Next year is all-or-nothing. Once a team has to pay its QB, IF he pans out as a franchise guy, the windows aren't so wide open (unless the team consistently drafts well). So year three is still the perfect opportunity to make a run with well-paid talent throughout the roster. A FA splash or two, a resigned draftee or two, etc. The Bills pay almost nothing for QB and OL and CB right now. They should be able to field a deep roster because of that.

If we believe any of what Beane tells us, the best five will play. That means Dawkins is not a lock at LT. Nsekhe will challenge there. And Ford is who they hope will win the RT spot. There really isn't a good alternative on the right side. Can Spain slide over to RG? That's my number one question. Because if so, we have a nasty o-line in the making...

Pump the brakes a little here... McShay's literal job is to act as a foil for Kiper. He is supposed to needle Mel and challenge his assertions. Sometimes it's even funny. But they both do their homework on hundreds of prospects. Neither is an idiot, although of course McShay's role has him being quite smug at times next to Kiper's sincere, sometimes flawed, evaluations.

White is a smart, witty guy in a general way. He's sharp. But, like Mike Schoop, who is also bright, he has arbitrary and uncompromisingly progressive approaches to NFL team-building that don't always align with reality. Schoop, in particular, refuses to temper his desk-jockey, fantasy-fueled infatuation with stats and analytics. He completely dismisses the complex human components of roster building and development. Which doesn't work with football, in my opinion. Measurable talent and past production are important, but there are so many variables, and so many reasons why some players progress and others don't, and why some teams persist while others unravel. Howard is a nice guy but doesn't seem to have any expertise about sports or Buffalo teams in particular. He might have at some point. But Jeremy carries him. If we were in a Mets market he'd be better suited. The guys they interview and bring in are worthwhile: Paul Hamilton is a snore but knows hockey. Sal C and Joe B offer better insight on the Bills and the NFL landscape in general than any of the hosts.

Run game I think has to improve with new/improved linemen and new/improved coaching (I mean Castillo, amIright?). Allen having loads of time behind the line probably has a lot to do with how defenses play him this season. Will they man-up and send pressure often to speed up his decision-making? Or will they sit back in zones and make him take what's given? It will be interesting to watch unfold. We can reasonably expect the line to better handle stunts and twists and zone-blitzes; they had a rough time with those last season, especially with Groy in the pivot. Morse is key here, as are more savvy interior vets like Spain, Long, et al. How Allen and the offense execute against defenses designed to beat him/them will be fascinating.

One could substitute White Trash for Blue Collar, with respect to Richie.

I'll take dad jokes for $200, Alex.

If true, that's petty. Me likey.

See, my thinking is that if it's not a guy (at DE specifically) with legitimate starter potential, like a hidden gem or a guy who fell for whatever reasons, then he won't make the 53-man team. The Bills have a logjam of back-of-the-rotation DEs right now. Guys who can play, but shouldn't necessarily start. Difficult room to break into, though, for a later pick. 4 or 5 legitimate NFL rotation-level players ahead of him. But I don't know much about Nelson, to be honest. Maybe he's got ability. I fancy another TE, LB, S, and/or CB moving forward. I guess a flyer on a plummeting WR makes sense, too.

Not a lot of grit being displayed by several posters tonight.

An H-Back type? Good. We didn't have anyone like that. And he looks like he could develop quite a bit, given his trajectory so far.

I love satirical posts like this...

Says you... Jumbo package, baby (wink wink)

Trolls gonna troll

That's what she said

I don't love the idea of this potential trade either. Problem being, it might cost picks next year. Trade up for a QB. I don't think a DT is worth the extra capital it will take...

Is this, good sir, a "Sing" reference?! Parenting is a dirty business.

Looks like you need one more. I'm in. Is there a specific time I must be available?

One could also argue that there's no better play than the one the other IS looking for and still can't stop... I don't disagree that catching teams off-guard with playcalling wrinkles and creativity is essential and has proven to be so in recent Super Bowls, for example. But there is nothing so sought after, by coaches, as being able to execute their staple concepts consistently, independent of what defenses do.

Bills draft trauma surfacing subconsciously a week before the draft...

Not bad for a "lighter" guy with decent height.

Manny Lawson was still an athletic freak when he played for the Bills. Rare coverage ability for a lengthy guy. Great #3 OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Versatile. But didn't he kind of do something terrible or at least get into some trouble at the end, after his Bills tenure? Domestic stuff? (I don't want to open another tab and type stuff there and all that.)

Those last few seasons had lost the magic. Which happens. Still a great reference.