BuffBills#1

No matter what we're going to pick up a RB on the first day of the draft. A-Train is an OK back-up and nothing more. There is a reason why no other teams want the guy.

Everyone talks about how great Fletcher was, but does anyone remember how bad are run defense was? The way I see it is it can't get any worse. Our season will depend on 4 things. 1. J.P. Losman keeps improves into a top 10 QB, and from what we saw at the end of last year I think it'll happen. 2. Our rookie class from last year improves (which they probably will) Simpson and Whitner are only going to get that much better, while McCargo and Youbuto are both question marks. Remember this though, Youbuto was projected a 1st round pick and probably would have been one of the top corners this year if he stayed another year. 3. We get at least 2 quality starters out of the draft, and hopefully 3. *bonus* They say it takes 2 years to get close to your old form (J. Peterson is as good as ever) If Spikes can get close to his old form, it makes us that much better. Remember, he suffered a hamstring injury the second series of the season and those usually take an offseason of rest to get back to full strength. The biggest thing is Losman, if he keeps developing like he did at the end of last year we should win more games then we loose.

One of those guys will probably drop to the 3rd round so I'de take which ever one dropped to the 3rd as long as it isn't Walker.

If our team could only look like it did in the first half throughout the entire year. Did you see those holes that were being opened up against them? It really did look like a high school game.

Timmons? The guy isn't even in the same class as Willis. Willis is a proven contributer while Timmons is all talent with upside. I feel like Willis could come in and have the kind of impact that J. Vilma had for the Jets his rookie year. Trying to guess who Marv is going to take in the draft is so worthless though, because when it comes time for the Bills to select we'll hear a name no one thought we'de want.

Patrick Willis would be a dream come true for the Bills. He's fast enough to cover the middle of the field and he flows to the ball and loves to hit people.

I thought Crowell signed an extension last year

I disagree, I don't think there is anyway Levy goes after a corner. You don't need stud corners to be succesful in the cover 2. If Willis is there I can't see why we wouldn't take him.

Len P. thinks a team might take a gamble on him, so thats somebody.

If you win people will watch. It's that simple.

By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Archive It took only four days into free agency for the action to move to the restricted segment of the market, with the New England Patriots on Monday acquiring Miami Dolphins wide receiver Wes Welker. Rather than acquire Welker in the conventional manner, by signing him to a restricted free-agent offer sheet and waiting a week to see whether the Dolphins would match the deal, the Patriots instead struck a trade. They cleverly offered an additional seventh-round choice, beyond the second-round compensation tag Welker already carried, and the two sides avoided the usually inherent red tape. Whether other teams will be so creative in approaching restricted free agents remains to be seen, but there almost certainly will be an increasingly active market for the three-year veterans in the coming days. Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has been a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006. The addition this year of another level of compensation -- with the league adding a second-round tier -- will give some teams pause as they consider signing any of the players tendered at that level. Twenty-three of the 94 restricted free agents who received qualifying offers, in fact, received the second-round level. Still, there are enough intriguing restricted free agents to stir some action, and here is a look at 12 of them (all statistics are from team records): Rich Kane/US Presswire• FS Gibril Wilson, New York Giants (compensation: second round): He's been the Giants' most consistent performer in the secondary since coming into the NFL three years ago as a fifth-round draft choice. In fact, it's surprising that New York didn't make him a higher qualifying offer. He has some definite limitations in coverage, but is effective playing down in the box and is an excellent blitzer out of the secondary. His résumé is reflective of his all-around abilities: He has 267 tackles, six sacks, seven interceptions, 12 passes defensed and six forced fumbles in 39 appearances. • CB Jason David, Indianapolis (compensation: fourth round): Skeptics always cite his lack of size (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) and pedestrian long speed. But the guy was good enough to start all 20 games for the Super Bowl XLI champions in 2006, counting playoff contests, owns 43 regular-season starts in three seasons, and won't turn 25 until mid-June. He has eight interceptions and 26 passes defensed for his career, possesses good football instincts, and is well-schooled in the Cover 2 scheme. • WR Ernest Wilford, Jacksonville (compensation: second round): He is a long, angular receiver who doesn't run very well but knows how to use his body and is a consistent threat in the red zone. He'll always struggle against tight press coverages, but does possess some sneaky quickness up the boundary and will make the acrobatic catch. He owns a 15.4-yard career average and has scored a touchdown on every 8.3 receptions. The downside is that he's probably never going to be more than a No. 3 wideout, so some teams won't want to invest a second-round choice on him. • WLB Demorrio Williams, Atlanta (compensation: second round): A classic runaround defender who struggles to take on blockers and will get washed out at the point of attack because of a lack of bulk. But his quickness permits him to chase down a lot of plays from the backside. An active defender and playmaker who has to play the weakside spot. He has 26 career starts and 272 tackles, and looks like a player who could collect six to eight sacks per year if he is used the right way. • WR D.J. Hackett, Seattle (compensation: second round): Until last season, he was known principally as one of the NFL's top special-teams performers. But injuries in 2006 forced the Seahawks to play him more at wide receiver and he responded with 45 catches for 610 yards and four touchdowns. If a team believes he can continue to develop as a No. 3 wideout, it might not be unreasonable to sacrifice a second-round choice to grab him. • OT Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati (compensation: second round): Cincinnati was probably wise to make him a second-round qualifying offer, because had the Bengals placed a lesser value on him, some franchises might have been more tempted to try to pry away the 2004 fourth-rounder. The younger brother of Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews of the Philadelphia Eagles, he hasn't played a lot in three years, with only 31 appearances and three starts. But he has great size (6-7, 342) and the Cincinnati coaches speak with awe of his athleticism. A well-kept secret, but the Bengals feel he can be a star someday. • SLB Brandon Chillar, St. Louis (compensation: fourth round): A nice combination of size and strength, he can stack people at the line of scrimmage but also has some pursuit skills. He earned a starting job on the strong side in 2006 and registered 67 tackles and two sacks in 14 starts. He looks like an ascending player. He doesn't turn 25 until October and already has 26 starts on his résumé. • DT Shaun Smith, Cincinnati (compensation: none): Just a big, ol' 325-pound anchor who doesn't move all that well but who won't be moved, either. His numbers will never be very impressive, as evidenced by just 44 tackles and no sacks in 34 games, but he will eat up blockers inside and allow linebackers to flow to the football. Occasionally, he'll even get a little penetration. He can be a solid No. 3 tackle in some team's rotation. • WR Terrance Copper, New Orleans (compensation: none): A do-it-all player who excels on special teams and is a better wide receiver than people think. Coach Sean Payton demonstrated a lot of faith in him last season, especially when Joe Horn was injured. Copper made a lot of big plays for the Saints, catching 23 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns. He can also return kicks and will play on the coverage units. The kind of solid, serviceable role player every team needs to have around. • DT Tim Anderson, Buffalo (compensation: third round): A blue-collar run stuffer with good (not great) size, but a guy who will hold his own inside and whose motor is always revving. He's not especially athletic, but uses his hands pretty well and will keep on coming. He has 18 starts, all in the past two seasons, and though his numbers aren't dazzling (74 tackles, one sack), he's solid. • TE/FB Richard Owens, Minnesota (compensation: none): He can line up at tight end, H-back or fullback and will play on special teams, too. At 270 pounds, he packs a wallop when he makes contact and he hits well on the move. He has begun to develop his receiving skills and has 16 catches for 132 yards and one score. • OT Kevin Sampson, Kansas City (compensation: seventh round): He still needs plenty of work in a lot of areas but, in six starts in 2006, showed some flashes. He has good size and athleticism, and given that there's an upside, he might be worth a seventh-round pick for some team willing to be patient with him. He's only 25, so he has some time to grow into a player. I would be thrilled if someone would sign Anderson to a deal and we'de take their 3rd rounder off of them. Was it just me or was Anderson terrible??

Several names have resurfaced on this week's Big Board, players who were fixtures in the top 25 during the 2006 season. The one player making his debut is USC senior wide receiver Steve Smith. He had a great combine workout and proved to be invaluable as a No. 2 receiver at USC. My next first-round projection will come out March 13, once teams have had a chance to address needs in free agency. Top 25 Big Board 1. Calvin Johnson*, WR, Georgia Tech (6-4, 225) | previous: Same He's not only a tremendous athlete, but he's a hard worker and very team oriented. Based on the needs of the Raiders and Lions, Johnson might not be the No. 1 overall pick, but he won't fall out of the top five. 2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6½, 313) | previous: Same Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan. 3. Adrian Peterson*, RB, Oklahoma (6-1½, 218) | previous: Same The most talented running back in the draft with an excellent burst to the outside for his size. The concern with Peterson is his durability. 4. JaMarcus Russell*, QB, LSU (6-6, 260) | previous: 6 Big, strong signal caller with a powerful arm, and his decision-making improved significantly in 2006. 5. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3½, 225) | previous: 7 Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations. Quinn did throw two interceptions in the Sugar Bowl after throwing just one INT in his previous eight games. 6. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1½, 205) | previous: 5 Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career. 7. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6-1½, 298) | previous: 8 A four-year veteran, and he is only 19 years old. Okoye is quick and explosive and goes all-out on every play. He is not only good at eating up space but also gets good penetration into the backfield. 8. Jamaal Anderson*, DE, Arkansas (6-5, 270) | previous: 4 A gifted athlete who is coming off an exceptional 2006 season. Anderson is a complete player, equally solid against the run and as a pass rusher. 9. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 260) | previous: Same Flashes dominating ability with his athleticism and quickness. Adams led the Tigers with 10½ sacks and 15½ tackles for loss. 10. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5-11, 193) | previous: 16 Tough customer who also shows very good anticipation and awareness in coverage. 11. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. (6-4½, 325) | previous: 12 Steady and reliable at protecting the quarterback's blind side. 12. Dwayne Jarrett*, WR, USC (6-4, 210) | previous: 15 Has the size and natural receiving skills to create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks. Jarrett also has better quickness out of his break than people give him credit for. 13. Greg Olsen*, Miami, TE (6-5, 254) | previous: 18 His performance at the combine should move Olsen up to the middle of the first round. Great hands and very athletic, Olsen reminds me of Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap. 14. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298) | previous: 13 You don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker. 15. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU (6-2, 217) | previous: 14 Big and productive, Bowe runs excellent routes and has the toughness to catch the ball in traffic. 16. Marshawn Lynch*, RB, California (5-11, 224) | previous: 17 Complete big back, right on the heels of Adrian Peterson when it comes to who will be the top RB in the draft. 17. Steve Smith, WR, USC (5-11½, 198) | previous: Unranked Sure-haneded and faster than advertised at the combine (4.44 40-yard dash). Smith is one of the best receivers at doing damage after the catch. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn (6-3, 300) | previous: 24 A versatile athlete who started his career at defensive tackle and then shifted to tight end. Grubbs brings a great deal of athletic ability to the interior of the offensive line. 19. Ted Ginn Jr.*, WR, Ohio State (5-11, 175) | previous: 10 Takes a backseat to no one in the speed department, brings a big-play dimension to the wide receiver position and also the return game. 20. Lawrence Timmons*, LB, Florida St. (6-2¼, 233) | previous: 11 Moves right to the top of a very subpar linebacking group, particularly from the senior class. Timmons' production and consistency from game to game are what jumps out at you. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6-4 ¼, 302) | previous: 24 Prior to going down with a season-ending injury (torn biceps), Harrell was performing at the level you would expect from a first-round draft pick. 22. Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi (6-2, 235) | previous: 20 Tackling machine with great football sense. Willis lead the Rebels with 137 tackles (87 solo). 23. Ryan Kalil, C, USC (6-3, 285) | previous: Unranked Game improved dramatically thanks in part to facing great competition in practice. 24. Alan Branch*, DT, Michigan (6-5½, 328) | previous: 21 Huge and athletic, Branch is a true space eater along the interior. Once his technique improves, watch out! Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan (6-5½, 300) | previous: 24 He's a former tight end who has developed into a natural left tackle. Staley brings incredible footwork, athleticism and agility to the position. Dropped Charles Johnson*, DE, Georgia (6-2, 280) | previous: 19 Not only gifted from a pure talent standpoint, but he also has the work ethic to match. Johnson is active, alert and extremely productive. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas (6-0½, 196) | previous: 22 An instinctive tackler who has excellent ball skills. Ross led the Longhorns in 2006 with six interceptions and broke up 19 passes. He also finished third on the team in tackles with 80. Craig Davis, LSU, WR, LSU (6-1¼, 200) | previous: 23 Possesses outstanding speed (4.35 40-yard dash) to go along with his size. Davis was steady and reliable for most of his career, then took his game to a new level late in the season. Robert Meachem*, WR, Tennessee (6-2½, 210) | previous: 24 Came through with a number of highlight-film plays in 2006. If he runs well at the combine, Meachem could elevate his status in the weeks leading up to the draft. Reggie Nelson*, S, Florida (5-11½ 198) | previous: 25 Outstanding player who can hit like a safety and excel in coverage like a cornerback. That unique combination makes him a highly regarded prospect. *-- Underclassman That is the 1st so called "expert" who doesn't have Branch as the #1 rated DT in the draft. Instead Kiper has him 3rd among tackles? His mock draft should be coming out within the next few days, it'll be interesting to see what it looks like.

All it took for McGahee to become a star with the media is for him to get traded. Why is this guy all the sudden one of the best running backs in the league?

winning mentality is supposed to come from our 1st round picks and "the rb in the NFL". McGahee is a joke and I hope he takes Baltimore's money and produces like he did for us.

I'm so sick of ESPN and their bogus. They just said the Patriots are the most improved team so far this offseason and the Bills have regressed the most. I agree loosing Clements hurts, but I feel like we're getting better. Fletcher is past his prime and can't be the attacking LB we need. Anyone who watched Bills games knows that McGahee isn't a top 10 back and can be replaced without much drop off. We've addressed our O-line and we have 3 players that I expect to really make that next jump into stardem. I'm talking about Losman continuing to develop with a real O-line and our rookie safties, both Simpson and Whitner. Also throw in the fact that We are essentially getting a 1st rounder in McCargo this year and we get Crowell back.

It's wierd how Kiper's rankings are so much different from other people's rankings. Just goes to show you that someone rated in the 30's could be in the top 10 in Marv's eyes. If there is one thing I've learned with Marv so far it's that you'll never guess what he is gonna do next. Guessing who he is going to draft is pretty much pointless. Show me one person who said we'de take Whitner at 8 last year? Updated: March 2, 2007, 2:55 PM ET Top 5 seniors by positionBy Mel Kiper Jr. ESPN.com Archive Asterisk denotes underclassmen who have declared for the draft. Quarterbacks 1. JaMarcus Russell,* LSU 2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State 4. Trent Edwards, Stanford 5. Matt Moore, Oregon State 5a. John Beck, BYU 5b. Kevin Kolb, Houston 5c. Troy Smith, Ohio State Running Backs 1. Adrian Peterson,* Oklahoma 2. Marshawn Lynch,* California 3. Brandon Jackson,* Nebraska 4. Michael Bush,* Louisville 5. Antonio Pittman,* Ohio State 5a. Kenny Irons, Auburn 5b. Tony Hunt, Penn State 5c. Darius Walker,* Notre Dame 5d. Dwayne Wright,* Fresno State 5e. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State Fullbacks 1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers 2. LeRon McClain, Alabama 3. Stan White Jr., Ohio State 4. Jason Snelling, Virginia 5. Bryson Davis, Mississippi State 5a. Deon Anderson, Connecticut Wide Receivers 1. Calvin Johnson,* Georgia Tech 2. Ted Ginn Jr.,* Ohio St. 3. Dwayne Bowe, LSU 4. Dwayne Jarrett,* USC 5. Craig Davis, LSU 5a. Robert Meachem,* Tennessee 5b. Sidney Rice,* South Carolina 5c. Anthony Gonzalez,* Ohio State Tight Ends 1. Greg Olsen,* Miami 2. Zach Miller,* Arizona State 3. Scott Chandler, Iowa 4. Ben Patrick, Delaware 5. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota 5a. Joe Newton, Oregon State 5b. Clark Harris, Rutgers Offensive Tackles 1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin 2. Levi Brown, Penn State 3. Joe Staley, Central Michigan 4. Marshal Yanda, Iowa 5. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas 5a. Renardo Foster, Louisville 5b. Chase Johnson, Wyoming 5c. Doug Free, Northern Illinois Offensive Guards 1. Arron Sears, Tennessee 2. Ben Grubbs, Auburn 3. Josh Beekman, Boston College 4. Justin Blalock, Texas 5. Andy Alleman, Akron 5a. Tim Duckworth, Auburn 5b. Dan Santucci, Notre Dame 5c. Kurt Quartermain, Louisville Centers 1. Ryan Kalil, USC 2. Samson Satele, Hawaii 3. Kyle Young, Fresno State 4. Uche Nwaneri, Purdue 5. Leroy Harris, NC State 5a. Enoka Lucas, Oregon Defensive Ends 1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas* 2. Gaines Adams, Clemson 3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska 4. Charles Johnson, Georgia* 5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue 5a. Tim Crowder, Texas 5b. Jarvis Moss, Florida* 5c. Jay Moore, Nebraska 5d. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame 5e. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan 5f. Quentin Moses, Georgia Defensive Tackles 1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville 2. Alan Branch, Michigan* 3. Justin Harrell, Tennessee 4. Turk McBride, Tennessee 5. Brandon Mebane, California 5a. Tank Tyler, NC State 5b. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State 5c. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma State Inside Linebackers 1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi 2. David Harris, Michigan 3. Buster Davis, Florida State 4. Brandon Siler, Florida* 5. Zach Diles, Kansas State 5a. Rory Johnson, Mississippi* 5b. Zak DeOssie, Brown Outside Linebackers 1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.* 2. Paul Posluszny, Penn State 3. Jon Beason, Miami 4. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska 5. Michael Okwo, Stanford 5a. Quincy Black, New Mexico 5b. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma Cornerbacks 1. Leon Hall, Michigan 2. Aaron Ross, Texas 3. Chris Houston, Arkansas* 4. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State 5. Daymeion Hughes, California 5a. Eric Wright, UNLV* 5b. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh* 5c. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse Safeties 1. LaRon Landry, LSU 2. Reggie Nelson, Florida* 3. Eric Weddle, Utah 4. Michael Griffin, Texas 5. Brandon Meriweather, Miami 5a. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest 5b. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech 5c. Michael Johnson, Arizona

He's 6'2 how does he sound like the next london fletcher?

For the record, Kiper doesn't have this kid in his top 5

Even though my #1 choice would be to take Willis with the 12th pick, I just don't think he is going to be there. On yahoo they rank the top 5 at each position and the #3 rated ILB jumped out at me. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jm-i...o&type=lgns The say he is perfect for the cover 2 and can start early in his career. Say we go with Lynch in the 1st, Tank Tyler or the best available corner in the 2nd, and this LB in the 3rd. I'de be thrilled with a draft like this.

We might need to jump San Fran at 11 to grab Willis. Espn Insider seems to think he'll sky rocket up the boards leading up to the draft.

And McGahee doesn't??

For the record I don't think this is true because I can't see the Raiders giving him up for a late 2nd rounder a year from now. There is no way this is all the Raiders are asking for. This radio report or who ever posted this is just blowing smoke out of their a**

Well it's good to hear that Moss doesn't scare you anymore. We can never beat the Pats and now they have added A. Thomas and Randy Moss. But you're right, he doesn't scare me either.

Of course the Patriots would get Randy Moss for a 2nd rounder. The news just gets worse and worse for Bills fans.

Do you know where you read that from?