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As much as I dislike Von Miller I actually agree that he's probably viewed as the safest 3-4 OLB in this years draft. And while I personally like Justin Houston morethan Miller he played a lot of DE for Georgia, so he may be viewed as more of a risky pick, as you're asking him to essentially switch positions. I'm also a fan of Quinn's, but believe him being out of football for over a year will pretty much eliminate his possibility of being the pick at #3. Doesn't fit Buddy's MO. He too would have to switch positions to OLB in a 3-4, which could scare teams as well. No football for over a year, and a position switch is a big hill to climb for a rookie. If Dareus is gone the pick likely will be a decision between Miller and Bowers, which is why I wanted to know what people thought about Bowers. For the record, I don't beleive Fairley is a good fit in the 3-4.

I don't seem to think Bowers is a fit in a 3-4 base defense. The only position I can envison him being able to play in a 3-4 would be OLB, and that'd be a huge gamble to take at the #3. Picking a guy who's played his entire career with his hand in the dirt and then asking him to go learn a new position and play in space in the pros would be much too risky. Bowers is 6'3" and 280 lbs, which actually indicates he could possibly man the 5 technique. Compare that to Alex Carrington who weighs in at 6'5" and 280 lbs. I'm just not convinced he's strong enough to be an effective 5 technique. Not to mention, I believe his biggest asset, which is his pass rush would be somewhat wasted in a 3-4. Who knows, if Gailey is being truthful about wanting to run a variable 3-4 with some 4-3 looks mixed in, maybe Bowers makes more sense. I wanted to see what others thought of Bowers on our current defense. Does he fit? Is he too much of a one year wonder for Nix to pull the trigger? Speaking of Nix, here's what he had to say about Boweres at the Combine (remember you can't believe everything coming out of GM's mouths 2 months before the draft): http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=6463&line=201566&spln=1

Not happy to hear that they're high on Von Miller. If they like him in a trade down scenario I wouldn't be as upset (actually even then I'd still be upset), but at #3 it would be terrible. I've always been a little worried that Nix and Gailey would take a liking to Von. He especially fits Nix's MO. He's been a productive, 4 year player, and Chan had the chance to get to coach him for a week in Mobile. The problem I have with Von is his size, and his inability to stop the run. For a guy who's hype is attacking the QB, I'm also unimpressed with his variety of rushes. I rarely see any inside moves, as most of his pressure comes soley from outside speed rushers. When an OL gets there hands on him, Miller is totally neutralized. Like I said, for a team who has a good run D and is looking for that final piece to get to the QB.........Von would make sense (a team like the Jets or Packers for example). For the Bills, who have holes all over the front 7 and can't stop anybody's run game, Von makes little sense. What is Von Miller going to do for you when you're getting gauged for 5-6 yard per carry and you opponent has no need to pass the football. You need to be stout against the run first, for guys like Von to come in and make their presence felt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed Dareus is still around at #3, even though I think it's a long shot. If he's there I have faith that Buddy has Darues rated higher than Von. I think Von enters the discussion if Dareus is off the board (which he probably will be) and the Bills have no trade partners to move down a touch. The front 7 defenders who seem to fit best in the 3-4 that could be considered in the top 10 are: 1- Marcel Darues 2- Cameron Jordan 3- Von Miller

Gabe Carimi is one of my favorite T's in this years draft, and I think he fits Chan Gailey's mold perfectly. He's more of the mauling RT type who can improve the running game quickly. He probably won't be the first T taken because he'd probably struggle on the left side, but I think he'd make a great RT. Can't see him lasting to #34, but would certainly be a possibility in the 15-25 range is we move around on draft day.

I respect Russ Lande's opinion, but he's not the best evaluater of talent especially when it comes to pass rushers. He seems to fall in love with those smaller, faster pass rushers, that are often not physical enough for the pros. Last year he was a real big fan of sergio kindle and ricky sapp. Neither went as high as he projected. If he's lazy it is a concern, but on the field he looked good to me. By the way, I haven't checked, but my guess is Lande loves Von Miller.

Yes

I posted basically the same exact blueprint to get Luck in 2012. A lot of people believed you can't really bank on getting Luck unless you happen to end up with the #1 pick. Even if you were to offer 2 #1's, plus additional pick there is a good chance the team picking #1 overall, will be all over Luck. I don't think that should stop you from bettering your chances of getting Luck if all the cards fall right. There is always an outside chance the team that selects #1 overall next year already has a QB they like, doubtful, but it's possible. Any team that takes Newton or Gabbert this year could very likely have a poor season and not be in the market for Luck next year. I'm quoted as saying I'm all in on Luck, he's a future All-Pro, so anything to better our chances of getting him is a good thing. I'd love to be able to come away with a 2012 1st round pick, by trading back a touch this year. Move down to pick 8-10, pick up a 2nd and 4-5th this year and a 1st next year. That'd be a ton of ammo to come up to #1 next year for Luck if the team at #1 isn't in the market for a QB.

Oh well, not a huge loss if he goes elsewhere. I like the idea of not creating more holes than neccesary, but I don't see Whitner as a strong starter so I think he's replacable.

So what's the deal did he resign or what? After the Atogwe numbers came out and with a lockout looming maybe Donte lowered his expectations. Seems a lot of guys who were on the fence are pouncing on deals before the CBA expires, better to have some sort of contract then none at all.

I generally don't put a lot of stock in player comparisons, nor do I pretend to be smart enough to do so. I find most the time, pundits just match up a prospect to someone who plays the same position and has a similar build. What I do see in Justin Houston though, is this: A nice combination of speed rush moves. His bread and butter is the outside spped rush, but he has enough power and awareness to rush inside and creat pressure that way. From a run support stance he's head and shoulders above Von Miller. Much tougher and more physical and will get involved in run stuffing. If you watch him he actually uses his hands well to engage with OL and then seperate off of the block to make a tackle. He's not one of those LB's who gets engulfed by blockers or has to run around blocks to make tackles (ala Akeem Ayers). I know Miller clocked in with a very fast 40 time, but using my eyeball test I think Justin Houston is quicker off of the edge. He turns the edge with more power and while he sometimes over runs his rush into the backfield it doesn't seem to happen as frequently as it does with Von Miller. Don't forget Houston weighed in at 270, and ran a 4.62 40 yard dash. His playing weight during the season was in the high 250's, so he clearly has the abiltiy to slim down a touch if neccesary. I think he came in at 270 to show scouts that he's capable as a 4-3 DL too, that way he appeals to more teams. If the Bills liked him as a 3-4 OLB, 260-265 would probably be a better weight to help with speed and coverage, yet still strong enough to take on the run.

Phil Taylor is a beast and I'd be happy with him at #34, maybe just as happy as I'd be with Houston. Taylor is a little raw, but he has the talent and potential to become your typical run stuffing NT. He also possesses the athleticism and quickness to beat a C/G and get in the QB's face quick. Occasionally, he'll have bad leverage and get spun around by an OL but he still has the awareness and strength to anchor down and plug the run. His dominating Senior Bowl practices opened a lot of eyes, and I think it'll be tough for him to escape the 1st round. They're too many teams that run the 3-4, and in need of a NT, for him not to be selected late 1st (Jets & Steelers come to mind). A nice youtube clip of Phil Taylor vs. Oklahoma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezk5xKe_vHg

Justin Houston will be a much better pro than Von Miller, IMO. I've taken my stance and I'm sticking to it. I plan on using these posts, as "told you sos" 3-4 years from now, and if I'm wrong, well then everyone will forget I said this anyways!

Joseph Barksdale is a big OL who played RT for LSU. Last season he was forced to plat LT, but he's probably a RT in the NFL. Should be around in round 3. There is also a T prospect from Florida, who's name escapes me, that should be around in the middle rounds. My favorite RT prospect in this draft is Gabe Carimi. #3 seems much too high for him, and there is no way he'd last until the 34th pick. His pass blocking is average, but his run blocking is tremendous, which Gailey would highly value on the right side. If the Bills trade down in the 1st round and pick up some additional picks, maybe Carimi becomes an option. IMO, it makes more sense to spend our higher picks on the defensive side of the ball or QB, if they're sold on one. Gailey and Nix seem to have luck bringing in capable OL (Wrotto, Pears, Kraig Urbik) through waivers, FA, etc. Maybe we get lucky with an UDFA or mid-late round pick.

1- Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama 2- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

I know it sounds crazy, but I also wouldn't rule out Moats eventually moving to ILB. Don't forget, the Bills plan going into last year was to play Danny Batten at OLB and Arthur Moats at ILB. After Danny Batten went down the Bills were forced to revise their plans, which included moving Moats to OLB. Moats showed some promise at OLB, but a lot could change between now and the beginning of the season. Perhaps the Bills draft an OLB this year who becomes a starter, perhaps Merriman becomes a starting OLB, maybe Danny Batten comes back strong and the Bills like him better at OLB (as they seemed to last year).

Tyler Thigpen was just tendered by the Miami Dolphins, but like Poz and Whitner, his tender will likely be nullified if and when a new CBA is agreed upon. I'd expect the Bills to give Thigpen serious consideration when he is a "true" FA. Chan has experience with him and has seen that he can run his offense competently. He certainly would be an upgrade over Brohm, who looked absolutely terrible with every chance he was given. Thigpen has at least been able to come in and adequately move the ball, when given the chance. He'd be a quality backup, and the Phins obviously feel the same way otherwise he wouldn'y have been tendered. Thigpen also gives you flexibility in the draft. If things don't shake out the way you want you're not handcuffed into taking a QB just for the sake of filling out the roster. Even if you do draft a raw prospect, you can keep Thigpen as the backup, and make sure the new rook doesn't have to see the field in year 1. the problem with this plan is it requires FA taking place before the draft, which likely won't be the case this season. This probably means the Bills will have to draft a QB at some point, but that shouldn't prevent them from signing Thigpen when FA ultimately takes place.

and I'm sure they met with Ponder, McElroy, and Dalton extensively when they were coaching them at the Senior Bowl. I don't think you can read into who they visit with to narrow down who they like. The Bills will be meeting with tons of prospects and a handful of QB's. Kaperneck from Nevada has little chance to become a starter in the NFL, IMO. This is a passing league and he has a big arm, but little accuracy and little experience running a pro style offense. He also has a lanky, wirey build, which won't hold up, from a physical standpoint. I compare him to Dennis Dixon, who's been a backup with the steelers and looks to be just that, a lifetime backup.

With him we had a solid run defense and he was still performing at a high level. Add in the fact that he wanted to stay inBbuffalo and siad he was willing to take a home team discount to stay put. It was a big mistake, but I understand your point, he was uo there in age even 6 years ago. At this pont with where the Bills are as a team, Pat Williams would make little sense.

Letting Phat Pat walk without even a legitimate contract offer after the 2005 season was one of the Bills biggest blunder in the last 10 years. With that said we should've retained him 6 years ago. At this point he's pretty much finished, and if he decides he's got another year to make a run, he sure as hell won't choose the Bills. I hated when Pat left, and looking back at it I hate it even more. A huge blunder on Donahoe's part, of course you'd never hear that from his pal Chris Mortensen.

Newton, Peterson 1 & 2 would be good, but because I like Gabbert less than Newton, I'd prefer, 1- Blaine Gabbert, 2- Patrick Peterson This also leaves the door open for a team that loves Newton to pay a fortune to come up and get him. I'd prefer taking Dareus, who is a beast IMO, but to slide back a few spots and pick up an additional high 2 or future 1 would be ideal.

I tried to get Clint Boling in the mock draft somehow, but I couldn't justify selecting an OG with the 34th pick. Boling is one of the top rated OG's in this years draft, and looks to be a late 1st-2nd round prospect. A solid guard would allow Wood to stay at C and solidify the interior of the line. It would be nice, but this team has much more pressing needs on defense and at the OT position. I believe Boling actually played tackle in college so I wouldn't count him out as a possible tackle, although most project him as an interior offensive lineman in the pros.

Round 1 - Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/cfb.preview.all-sec.team/content.14.html Round 2 - Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/cfb.preview.all-sec.team/content.15.html Round 3 - Ahmad Black, SS, Florida http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/cfb.preview.all-sec.team/content.20.html Round 4 - Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=68510&draftyear=2011&genpos=OT Round 4 - Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/cfb.preview.all-sec.team/content.18.html Tried to be as realistic as possible with what round each prospect is touted to be taken. I'm a big fan of Houston's and don't think he'll escape the 1st round, but he seems to be a fringe 1st round prospect on many sites, so I guess it's possible. The two LSU guys are round 3-4 guys, so we'd possibly have to part with a 5th rounder to move up in round 4 to get Sheppard. We all know Buddy is an SEC guy, not that that means anything, but this is a draft that would really give us a promising young nucleus on defense. Barksdale could provide nice tackle depth and perhaps win the RT job. If Dareus is off the board at #3, my next choice for round 1, following the same theme would be: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/cfb.preview.all-sec.team/content.10.html

I believed there was a great chance Marcel Darues would be there for the Bills taking at #3, but that was a few weeks ago. I think he's the best prospect in the draft and as things sort themselves out over the next 2 months, I think he'll end up going #1 or #2. If Carolina decides against taking a QB, there decision will come down to dareus or Quinn. In the end I think Dareus would win out as he's the more proven prospect of the two, and with the #1 pick you don't want to get too risky. Too bad, too because Dareus would've beefed up the Bills run D immediately, while also providing a nice pass rush from the inside on passing downs.

Solid depth guy. Knows the offense, and will provide depth along the line. I'm sure it was a favorable deal for the team.

Solid move by the front office. Wislon would've been one of the better safeties to hit the open open market this year IMO. I'm guessing 3 years $12 million with $5-$6 mill. guarenteed. A good deal for both sides. Wilson is an adequate safety with decent ball skills and a good special teams player. I'm glad Buddy extended a valuable member to the team.