NY Nole

Great pick by Bills - Floyd sucks and so does reif. WR is deep - there are better players than Floyd still left. 'Here's hoping Cordy Glenn lasts to round 2 pick.

I'll be making the trip from Rochester and looking to tailgate with some fellow TBDers - looking forward to it. Keep me posted on the festivities.

Chargers expected to cut LT M. McNeill. Could be another Merriman situation (due to obvious ties with Nix) -- but I wouldn't mind taking a chance on him assuming it is an incentive laden deal that hinges on his health. Could be an instant upgrade if he's healthy. I remember seeing him maul people in the Senior Bowl and wanting the Bills to draft him -- even with his back issues. My link Any thoughts?

It appears that our coaching staff makes really terrible decisions at critical times. For the last few weeks - its been the offense. Today it was the defense. How in the world do you call a corner blitz on third and whatever at the end -- we haven't gotten to the QB all day -- yet on this critical play they blitz and it cost us a crucial first down en route to the TD.

NGU - thanks for the info and bringing some reality to a "reporters" interpretation. The fact this whole story grew a life of it's own (i.e. Bean Counters dictating Bills moves) shows how irresponsible and un--informed that these elitist journalists really are. To counter their words is to attack their character - even though they have complete disregard for attacking a senior bills official character or integrity. I have never read an article by JW or any reporter and thought to myself they were privy to some special, inside information that wasn't meant to mislead or mis-direct. Get real - the Bills organization (like every NFL team) doesn't share earth-shattering news with any reporter - and it sure as he'll doesn't let them know what their motives are for trading or acquiring players. hey JW, why don't you write your next story about a decision that someone tells you was made at the White House that normally is up to the President but was done so without his knowledge. I think JW has an ego the size of a Buffalo and will not be reading his stuff anymore for the way he handled himself on this board. instead of talking about the season this crap could have been avoided if he didn't try to break some exclusive story that served absolutely no point. flame away so-called bills fans. Why not root for your team rather than against it.

Best post regarding this topic. It is really disconcerting that so many of you are being held hostage by the Buffalo Bills -- not allowed to pick a new team to root for. "Ralph is cheap", "Bills Suck," "Stop Buying Tickets" -- I really don't get this at all -- if you truly feel that the Bills are the worst run franchise with no hope -- then why subject yourself to the misery and find a new team. You guys are sucking the life out of the fun of rooting for the Bills. And speaking of sucking -- that's what I thought of JW's article. With all due respect JW, I know you get paid to sell your stories (and really what helps sell articles better than a good controversy or accentuating weaknesses to a fault). I mean, for a NFL team preview, there was not a single mention of Kyle Williams - the Bills Pro Bowl NT/DT. This guy finally seems to be getting recognition and respect around the league's media circuit but is noticeably absent in the one guy's story who actually covers the team most closely. Really? No word on Eric Wood - probably one of the best young interior lineman in the league and among the future players to watch for. What about the return of Parrish or the emergence of a player like David Nelson (another example of un-drafted players the Bills seemingly find every year). Instead the article tries to fan the "Bills are inept flame" and focuses on the Lee Evans trade - determined to get to the bottom of why the Bills traded a 30-yr old receiver who only had two 1,000 yard seasons in his career and is only known as a vertical-line threat that doesn't like to go over the middle. As for JW's assertion that Nix deferred to Overdorf for the entire handling of the trade -- I respectfully submit that he made this leap out of context. Another leap that JW made was: "What's unmistakable is how Evans' departure shed light on much of what's gone wrong." He then proceeds to rattle off a bunch of players let go -- that have yet to prove Buffalo wrong in their decision to get rid of them, yet the release of these unproductive players is apparently the root of what has gone wrong.

No offense, but you are simply out of your mind if that is the way you truly feel. He's 24 and going into his second year??? I get that the NFL fishbowl has become 24/7 with hacks like Jerry Sullivan looking to create controversy all the time -- but give the kid a chance. All NFL rookie running backs struggle with blitz pickups and speed-of-game adjustments. Mendenhall rushed for 58 yards in his rookie year -- do you think the Steelers are glad they didn't trade him away after his dismal first year?

Anyone know where I can get an extra ticket to tonight's practice. All Wilson Farms stores sold out in Rochester and I don't have time to drive to Buffalo to get one there -- but apparently they have plenty left. I have four tickets and need 1 extra for my buddy's 10 year old kid. Does anyone know if they would let him in regardless?

I also like the idea of drafting a starting LB with our 2nd rd pick -- but does anyone know why Justin Houston has "fallen" down some draft boards -- is it character/drug concerns or injuries. Mayock had him in the first (although he also had Ayers). To me - Houston is listed at around 270 lbs and would make alot of sense - but don't know what the story on him is. I seem to recall Berman making a back-handed comment about him last night - something like "we all know why Houston has fallen..." Anyone got the skinny?

FWIW - I have been following various blogs, stories etc coming out of Mobile this week and found it odd that almost every one of them included some snippet about how disappointing the South practices were run by the Bills coaching staff. Apparently, Chan and the boys have had the South squad spending more time on special teams than anything else. Several writers commented about the pace of practice on the North squad as being much more physical and "scoutable" than the South. Here's an excerpt from Scout.com -- one of the blogs that routinely criticized the Bills coaching job.

Thank you for the clarification on why he was unblocked. However, I still do not believe (based on last night) that he is a game-changer on the interior D-line in the NFL. Maybe he would transition well to a 3-4 end, but he would likely have a steep learning curve. I do not think he is as good as Suh (doesn't appear to be as strong). I base this observation on multiple times that he was single-blocked and pushed back (though he does have quickness to regain his composure and fight to make a play). To me, he reminds me more of Gerald McCoy - a nice player but not a franchise D-lineman. I'm really bummed because I am not blown away by any of the blue-chip prospects in this draft. Hopefully there is a team desperate to get someone and is willing to trade multiple picks -- I would rather move back and get one of the top OT's and another DT such as the Alabama kid.

+1 He has been routinely unblocked - both his pressure and sack came when noone was blocking him. I don't think he is in the same stratosphere as suh was last year. I would want to see much more before I took him #3 overall.

I'm hoping for Bowers or Fairley, but given both may be gone I would not mind this pick at all. McKelvin looks completely overwhelmed as an NFL corner and McGee now has health issues (plus he's aging). I think Florence is our best CB and he could be gone. Peterson is the best CB prospect in the draft and a Top 5 recruit. Why would anyone have a problem with this pick?

I don't think they are worried about losing brown to waivers -- I want the kid to do well, but he didn't do anything spectacular in the one preseason game. I think if anyone goes it will be Fitz (assuming both he and Brohm are considered a toss up) because of his salary cap number. In the end - I think we keep 3 all three QB's and place Brown on the PS -- really don't think anyone else will pick him up.

First, I appreciate all the camp reports - it's fun to get different takes and many pick up things that i didn't focus on. As for Maybin and his quickness, I will give you that-- and I said as much in my camp report. But...he was running mostly with the 2nd and third rotations and going up against Wang and the other backups throughout the practice. Was he quick - absolutely. He beat them on several occasions because of the quickness -- but he was also buried by them on at least one occasion -- and I stand by my overall assessment that he is noticeably smaller than an outside LB should be. I think he would have a very difficult time beating an experienced first-string LT on speed alone. I do not think he has enough power nor do I think he plays "low enough" to establish any leverage against starting offensive lineman. But...you are entitled to your opinion and I hope you are right for the sake of our defense!

Apologies for my typos - the iphone isn't the best medium for posting on here As for Moats - he looks MUCH smaller than Ray Lewis. I'd be surprised if he was really 250 lbs. At any rate - he was getting swallowed up by our line for most of the 9-9 drills.

Here's a few observations from today's camp: 1. Aaron Maybin could very well be the biggest bust since Mike Williams. He looks like a friggin WR out there. I don't care how much muscle he has - he doesn't have any mass. He may be quick but I saw him getting thrown on his ass by our 2nd string lineman (who probably wouldn't make 4th string on any other team). Very disappointed in him and unless our coaches are planning to move him to safety I'd say he won't see much of the field this year either. Chris Ellis is ahead of him right now. 2. Our lb's appear to be a very weak unit overall. Granted Poz wasn't out there today but it isn't a good sign when Reggie Torbor looks like the best of our bunch out there. Danny Batten appears to be the next "high motor" white guy. He was all effort but I'm just not sure he will have a big impact. Aurthur Moats looks way to small to be an effective 34 inside backer and Mitchell wasn't even noticed. I think this is a real problem area. 3. Troupe looks like a potential find - though he appears a tad smaller (height) than i thought but looks damn powerful and appears to pack a wallop. Watched some of the line drills and he seems to be very capable of pluggin the middle. I thought Kyle Williams looked real sharp also and I think this could be a nice rotation. 4. Carrington seems pretty quick and i think he could be a nice changeup guy but he won't start anytime soon. 5. Kyle Calloway was the backup RT and he looks pretty good to me. He seems to have good leverage and finishes blocks. I'm not sure if he will see more action at guard or tackle but I think he looks decent at rt - and he's a pretty big guy. Wang (backup LT) has a ways to go. He doesn't handle speed real well and got beat on alot of rush drills. 6. Chad Simpson is really quick though I doubt he makes the team. Easely made a couple nice grabs but I don't think he's ready to contribute yet. Hardy made a bunch of catches with his body (bad) but did make a nice finger catch on a ball that was way low and should have been incomplete. He's up and down and I'm still waiting to see our no. 2 receiver - Johnson looked ok but we don't have a great wr corps overall. On the bright side Jonathan Stupar continues to impress with his catching abilities - now if he could only block. 7. I think we've finally found a good strength coach in Eric Cianio. He was working with Corto and really had him doing some interesting strength drills. There's just something about this guy I like and hope he pans out. Finally our QB's really didn't impress me today. Fitzy had accuracy issues and Trent had numerous passes batted down as well as a pick that he lofted up for Easley. Brohm didn't stand out and Brown didn't really get much action. It looks like a long year ahead but I understand it's early on in training camp. Here's hoping that our staff figures it all out before September.

The way I see it -- Schobel wants no part of Buffalo's rebuilding project. I bet he still wants to play -- in Houston -- which is why he doesn't want to announce his retirement (wouldn't Buffalo own his rights if he retires) and is hoping to be flat-out released (which Buffalo doesn't want to do and get nothing for him). I don't think Buffalo could trade him b/c Houston wouldn't want that contract on top of what Williams is making. In the end -- Schobel was a good player for the Bills -- but I'm not sure he is a fit for our Defense any longer anyways. I say good riddance to him and let's move on with what we've got.

Can we either delete this thread or change the damn title.

This is one of the worst-thought out articles I've read. He puts Buffalo on the list, but ignores Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland --- C'mon. I'm surprised this idiot doesn't work for ESPN. Other posters are right on -- it's all about what players-that-I've heard of signed with who this year for him. Forget about the bloated contracts or past-their prime abilities (LT).

Sad to see Tim go, but I think he must have had a bad day or something because Leonidas did not attack TG, he merely pointed out what a majority of posters think on a daily basis -- Tim's company employs some terrible NFL reporters. ESPN's love affair with the Patriots renders much of their information un-readable/watchable. Personally, while I respect TG for joining the TBD nation and sharing his opinions, I don't view his self-imposed boycott as a loss. Contrary, I think he loses more -- because the only time ever I read ESPN articles/links is when he posts them here. I don't waste my time with their crap (or if SDS posts them on TBD). This site is for Bills fans to vent their frustrations, conjure up crazy (only in their world-type scenarios), commiserate with others and generally talk about our team. If anyone (national sportswriters included) doesn't feel this site provides a great deal of entertainment -- then let them click on by to ESPNhappytown.com (it's their prerogative).

You do realize that Campbell wasn't on anyone's radar before his combine workout. He is at worst an over-hyped, work-out wonder and at best no better of a prospect than Ed Wang.

One of the most well-thought-out, best written articles about the Bills I have seen in quite some time. Kudos to the author. I liked this draft from the get-go and believe the Bills will emerge better for it. The offensive line is a concern -- but so was the Defense heading into this draft. The Bills got tougher, they got bigger and also got a hell of a playmaker in Spiller. If he turns into half of what LT was this will go down as a very good draft for us.

Spiller - was the sizzle. He will be great if we can get him the ball Troup/Carrington usher in the new defensive philosophy where bigger means better Easley was not a one year wonder and played well against the Pats top CB pick Wang looks like a real find. I am excited to see what he can do. Moats will be converted to a linebacker - too small to play end -- but he's quick and should compete Batten/Brown - ??? Calloway - a great last pickup -- should have went earlier and Iowa players come ready!

I really like this pick. Wang started out at VT as a Tight End (he was the 10th overall HS prospect in Virginia in 2005). He was moved to Right Offensive Tackle after Brandon Frye (now with the Seahawks) was injured. He broke his fibula (sound familiar - Wood) in the 2007 pre-season and came back in late September and started 21 straight games after that. He was moved from Right Tackle to Left Tackle at the end of 08 and played every game at Left Tackle in 09. He is strong as hell and athletic. His parents were Chinese olympians and his younger brother is an offensive guard for VT.