Sierra Foothills

Apparently I'm the only one who didn't know the new stadium will have a grass field? I'm surprised that hasn't been a bigger topic of conversation here. Super happy to hear this... might playing on grass have some impact on the roster building strategy?

Gauntlet time?

Quinton Morris anyone? Seymour or Norty? That is wild. Isn't Knox a bit shaky in the catching department? It's been brought up by others elswhere that between Knox, James Cook and Gabe Davis that the Bills had too many players with undependable hands.

We're at our usual ratio of one good post per every 4 pages. Thank you @section122 for the one good post. Agree with all of the above and would have made the same arguments had you not posted. All of your points are excellent. To point number one, of course Parry will have involvement in training camp and practices. Why would they pay him as an officiating/game management coach and not have him do so????? To point number two, of course he'll advise the coaches on officiating nuances which can be taught to the players. And of course he'll know the tendencies of the various officials and crews and of course his hiring will generally play positively in the officiating community. And yes, there is zero downside... which makes you wonder why anyone would have a negative view of this hire. The Bills have just done something that makes total sense... and that no other NFL team has done before... to a generally lukewarm and negative response here. Other points to consider: In 2020, the Bills hired Marc Lubick as their Game Management Coach. You think that maybe Parry will be assisting Lubick in these duties? Half of all NFL games are decided by 7 points or less. You think maybe that Parry's hire might have a generally positive effect on game outcomes?

Bill, you can call it what you want. Scouting consists of more than just video analysis or attending games or practices in person. Was McDermott scouting or not when he was almost run over by Ed Oliver at the Oliver's Pro Day Workout? Do you think the Bills drafted Tre'Davious White and Ed Oliver without McDermott doing a fair amount of "talent evaluation" beforehand?

Then they’d have enough for a Venn diagram.

I have to amend the above bolded to "there are very few O-linemen in the NFL that don't cross train at another position." I would say that it's common for players to have center-guard flexibility and guard-tackle flexibility. It's not as common for a tackle to train at both ends of the line as a swing tackle. From comments players have made over the years it seems like swing tackle is the most difficult adjustment for an O-lineman. I would imagine that for the same reason (reverse mirroring), that guard-guard flexibility would also be difficult. On another topic, in the Buffalo News today Bills Director of Player Personnel Terrance Gray said the following about SVPG: “(Kromer) had a chance to simulate some things you would see at the guard position that confirmed, at least for us, that he has the interior line flexibility center and guard,” Gray said. “He also stood out in the classroom with his football intelligence and an ability to process.” How does an evaluator look at Van Pran-Granger’s video of him playing center and project him to guard? “One is a consistency to play on his feet and his ability to bend and seeing him get out in space and hit his target.” Based on those comments it seems SVPG will cross train minimally at one of the guard spots.

Trying to stay warmed up and ready to go!

Yeah, McDermott goes to the Scouting Combine but he has no interest in scouting the players. Got it.

You'll have to ask him and until you do, it's your conjecture vs mine. I'll add that you cannot argue that 1) The Defense is McDermott's Baby and 2) McDermott is a renowned control freak. Believe what you'd like but I'm not here to debate. P.S. - Tre'Davious White was not Doug Whaley's idea.

Sounds like a Beast!

Hopefully this doesn't rekindle the debate... There's absolutely no question in my mind that McDermott has definite opinions about SOME of the players in the draft. The question is how many? (this is essentially what we can't agree about) There's zero chance in my mind that McDermott doesn't have a strong opinion about any players the Bills pick in the first 3 rounds. For instance, tell me with a straight face that McDermott doesn't have a very strong opinion about DeWayne Carter. JMO.

I don't wish to debate this but I will say that the cliche amongst NFL teams which normally holds true is that "we'll start our 5 best offensive linemen." I am expecting that to be the guiding principle.

Very true. Collinsworth's excitement made me feel a bit uncomfortable and a bit queasy as well. I had to watch some Josh Allen highlights in order to feel better again.

Yeah I don't know who he was talking about either but I'm fundamentally opposed to adding any player who doesn't pull his own weight. JMO.

The bolded is my belief as well... it will be an open competition. No one is gonna be handed anything on a plate.

There's probably not a single O-lineman in the NFL that doesn't cross train (at least) at one other position. Cross training is particularly important for young O-linemen because it provides a deeper understanding of each player's assignment on every play. Understanding the assignments and footwork of the entire unit is a prerequisite in becoming a successful O-lineman and a successful offensive line. These are professionals and they're employed because of their work ethic and aptitude for the game. I highly doubt there's an O-lineman in the NFL that only practices and studies his own position. Doing half the work of the others at your position group is no way to gain esteem among your group, or proficiency at your craft.

Yes, he should be complimented.

Let me know when we're starting...

Things that make you go hmmmmm....

Gore was 44, not 54. At age 34 Ray Davis is definitely older than the average rookie. By comparison Tremaine Edmunds is going into his 7th season and he's only 21... but every athlete is different so in that regard, age is just a number.

The suspense is really starting to eat me up... what's the next step?

That's impossible... he doesn't have any quick-twitch muscles.