Tipster19

Just to help pass the time away until the draft, I thought I'd post a few tidbits that are or were of interest to some of us Bills' fans. FA QB Charlie Batch is STILL recovering from knee surgery from August of 2004. He estimated that he's 80-85% recovered. Here's a name that was being tossed around when we were looking for a back-up QB. Having ALL the facts makes a little bit of a difference, don't ya think? OL Roberto Garza was stunned when he failed a physical earlier in the month with the Ravens, after agreeing to a 3yr/$7 million deal. The physical showed he DID NOT have an ACL in his right knee! So naturally the Ravens yanked their offer from the table. I'm hoping that their making another mistake in not wanting OL Bennie Anderson. Here's an old familiar face- OG Ruben Brown is recovering nicely from a neck injury suffered from last season and says he'll be ready for May's minicamp. I wish him well, but now I'm really glad we don't have him anymore. TE Marcellus Rivers met earlier in the week with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they did not offer him a contract. I don't know if we did, but he's still out there for the taking. And last but not least, the Chargers want to trade up for a WR. They feel that they need more size at the position. Both Braylon Edwards and Mike Williams would be on their target list. I don't like the sound of this, especially with Miami having the #2 pick overall. Bad enough that they're in our division and we don't need them to get healthier by trading down and getting multiple picks, but in addition, we would be looking to fill and/or strenghten the same positions.

If memory serves me well, he's a very good T when healthy. His 2005 salary is $3 million. Based health status he could be a good bargain. I'm late for work and got to go. If somebody could offer an insight on him and his status it would be greatly appreciated.

This post was never meant to reflect on what kind of season NE is going to have. It's sounds like you're being a little touchy on their season's success. You have a great team and organization. We're just focusing on getting there ourselves. I do believe we are very close to getting there. Nothing to be uptight about, a few more moves and we'll be talking Super Bowls.

I don't know. I guess it has alot of variables from personnel, strategy, and maybe even has something to do with the opponents that you play. With a young, mobile QB with little experience and a fast powerful RB in MaGahee, one would like to think that roadgraders may be more beneficial. But hey,what do I know? I'm just a passionate Bills fan who hopes for nothing but the best for this season. This could be a big step in the right direction for a promising season.

Hey Mike32282, that was a great call! This is the kind of guy we were talking about. I hope we sign him. Now let's add another Goliath to the mix in addition to Andersen. Let's not stop here. Looks like it might be time to play some smashmouth football boys! I gotta tell ya, this board is by far and away the most active board I have ever been on. The Bills are very fortunate to have such passionate fans. Then again that's exactly why Mr. Wilson has been so good to this community. He knows and always did. The loyalty has been a 2 way street. Shame on anyone who would consider relocating this team and destroying such a love affair between a community and a organization. Go Bills!

There's rumblings that the 49'ers and Chargers may be talking about a Drew Brees deal. On another San Francisco note, ESPN's John Clayton reports one name to watch in June is the 49'ers' ROT Scott Gragg. He has close to a $4.5 million cap hit. The shifting of OT Kwame Harris to the right side and the acquisition of OT Jonas Jennings eliminates Gragg from being a starter. They're waiting until June to release him so they can save money under the cap. They don't want him to suffer an injury during the off season work outs. He's a quality RT and will have a market for a team that didn't address their RT need during the draft or free agency. Detroit acquired the top 4 UFAs on their wish list. They are the following; SS Kenoy Kennedy, TE Marcus Pollard, back-up QB Jeff Garcia, and last but not least G Rick DeMulling.He was the only G invited to visit the Lions. There is also talk about upgrading the 3rd WR position. WR Corey Bradford is being mentioned. This may allow WR Az-Zahir Hakim to be expendable. After this conclusion it is believed that the Lions will be done in the FA market. I offer these tidbits because they could provide opportunity. In the San Diego-San Fran scenarios it would appear that if this trade for Brees materializes, then I would imagine that swapping of their 1st rd picks would be involved amongst other factors. If San Fran were to move back and the current situation of their roster, then they may be a more willing partner to deal with if we so wished to do. The other realization is the front offices have the inside sources of knowledge of other teams cap and contract situations. This may very well be an example of why TD is being particuliar in the free agency. He is waiting for the proper releases of personnel. With the Detroit scenario, Hakim could be a very inexpensive and serviceable 3rd WR option with speed. That's one of the knocks on our current 3rd WR options. Can anyone else add input on options from other teams?

I agree with that. By the way, thanks for the response.

After we didn't sign the last few prospects I'm glad we didn't have a knee jerk reaction and go and sign another Patriot cast-off. To go one step further this inactive move also signifies to me that there is a definite course TD wants to maintain. Chin up, eyes open, when this is all over and done I think we are going to have that long sought after satisfaction that we all been waiting for on our offensive line. I just hope that it's not too offensive. Any other input on this train of thought?

I would just like to think that there should be SOME sense of urgency for TD to at least make the post season. The time is NOW. This team does have a nice blend of veterans and youth, but make no mistake about it, we are still lacking in a few spots. All the scenarios mentioned were in the late 1st rd or early 2nd. Granted, I'm bored and I don't really know that much about contracts and such, but I do realize this; a) 1st selection at #55 doesn't appear to be a need filler for the upcoming season. b) Late 1st rd/early 2nd may not be too costly. c) Has to be a player(s) that we really want/need for TD to do this. d) Based on past drafts/performances, this is something quite realistic to fanthom Donahoe doing something of this nature. e) Ralph Wilson didn't pay all this money and NOT make the post season again.

When you think about it, Buffalo's 1st pick is in the 2nd rd (#55). It would not surprise me to see Donahoe work his way into this year's 1st rd. Purely speculating, here's a couple scenarios or partners who could be willing. San Diego-has 2 first rders. #12 and #28 overall. This is a team that really turned the corner last year as you all know. Possible scenario could be a combination of current/future draft pick(s) and a young prospect. They would be looking to upgrade their secondary. We do have up and coming talent at our CB position. With anticipating Buffalo having a successful season, it stands to reason that our 1st rd pick in the 2006 draft would be in the later half of the 1st rd. San Diego may be willing to part with the 28th pick overall for any or all of the above compensation. Keep in mind that next year we could have the opportunity to trade a franchised player to recoup our 1 rder back if we were to include that in a package to San Diego. Bottom line is a pyramid type strategy. It could also help balance our salary cap situation based on the player(s) and principle(s) involved. The Chester Taylor sweepstakes-Cleveland just signed him to an offer sheet. He's a RFA and the compensation would be a 6th rd pick. The Browns are willing to pay him $3 million to compete with Lee Suggs. This suggests much more than a mild interest. The ball is now in Baltimore's court. This would offer 2 possible opportunities for the Bills. 1) If Baltimore were unwilling to match the offer, than how stable would their RB position be? Jamal, he's great but he's getting out of jail. If you noticed him last year, he wasn't right. In a COUPLE of prime time games last year he would come out of the game after just a few runs, and I'm telling you, this guy was huffing and puffing like he had emphysema! As far as I know this leaves them with Musa Smith. The Ravens pick #22. Could Travis Henry have value to them? That would be his type of offense, straight ahead between the tackles downhill running. Surely I'm not suggesting that they would trade their 1st rder for him but couple him with current and/or future draft pick(s) in addition. 2) Cleveland picks #3 overall. The compensation for that would be too absorbent, but they do have the second pick in the 2nd rd (#34 overall). Obviously they want Taylor or they wouldn't have signed him, so Henry could still apply. Once again couple him with a package of current and/or future draft pick(s). These scenarios could be way off base but I do see Donahoe possibly working his way up the ladder into this year's 1st rd or a very early 2nd. Thoughts, comments (egad!) or opinions (even worse)?

Aw man, that was great AND pretty accurate. I especially like the Hollis comment!

I'm more mad at myself than DeMulling, Detroit, TD, the Bills, Ralph Wilson and anyone or anything. As in probably the majority on this board, I've been on pins and needles waiting for us to sign DeMulling. Matter of fact this anxiety dates back to the 1st whispers of the TH/Shelton trade. I had to grab more antacid when I thought we were getting "Porkchops". Now this. I'm done. No mas! I lost sight of my initial belief that when TD just let Jennings go he had a definite blueprint on who and what he wants to do. Pass blockers can go pound sand for all I care. I'd rather us get some of the biggest, fattest, ugliest, snot dripping behemoths that will just push their suma type figures across the scrimmage line and let Willis do his thing! Let that fancy new toy (JP) use them feet. I don't care how unexciting our offense would look, I'd just rather manhandle the defense and plod down the field. I would also like to see our TEs look like the size of RT Mike Williams (just a stab at some humor). Forget looking pretty, let's just slam the ball down people's throats. TD says free agency isn't just now, but all the way thru the draft and then camp. I wonder how much emphasis is put on the draft for the offensive line now that we missed out on some our targeted FAs? Does anybody have any insightful input on this matter?

Oh well back to the drawing board. Any suggestions?

He's going to visit GB. Apparently he's got great character and work ethics. He's young (25 yrs. old) too. Kind of sounds like a Mularkey type guy. If we can land Demulling this O-line would look in pretty good shape. Would anybody be upset with this starting line-up? LT-Trey Teague LG-Rick Demulling C-Robert Garza RG-Chris Villarieal RT-Mike Williams

Me too. A few others have suggested Pathon. That's an interesting option. He's used to being a 3rd WR and he has speed. A good late round consideration or even just a FA after the draft would be Valparaiso's Rob Giancola. He's got some awesome stats. I would love to know more about him. Anybody familiar with him or Valparaiso's program?

I don't think it's been posted. One less canidate for a 3rd WR. Is Josh Reed our solution?

All the more, shouldn't we get Moulds replacement NOW? At the very least, just consider an earlier round pick. I'm not saying our 1st pick in the draft, just an earlier one.

" Typically a WR doesn't officially blossom until his 3rd year". That's opinion not fact. If that's true, then all the more we should be considering grooming Moulds replacement. What was last year for Evans? An aberration? In 2-3 years EM's better days will have been long, long gone. Who do you want for his replacement? Josh Reed? A slow Sam Aiken? I want a Moulds/Evans type speed receiver. How 'bout you?

His base pay will be $6 million for 2006 with prorated bonus payments that would escalate it to around $11 million for a hugh cap hit. That's WAY TOO MUCH for a 30+ yr old player, even if it's a home boy like Moulds. I'm sure EM will be willing to sit down and restructure again, but knowing Donahoe he'll be ready. It wouldn't hurt to be grooming another speedster NOW so we can prepared for the future. I don't want another hands of stone calendar timed 40 paper boy route running WR. Question; What round should Buffalo should be looking for another WR?

If so, who? I don't think this has been a great farm system for us. Maybe I'm wrong. Can anybody name any notable players that panned out for us? Thanks.

Sorry The Jokeman, I didn't see that. What happen was I posted a thread and it landed up as a response to this thread. I didn't look at the previous responses that were before my inadverted one. I agree with GuessWhozBack21 with your opinion on the need at S and TE position. I would love for us to walk away from this draft with SS Ernest Shazor and TE Mat Jones. I realize it would take an awful lot of finagling to do this, but then again TD seems to find a way when he wants.

Good call Astrobot on Pathon. I like that one.

I can see Josh Reed being shown the door. It would be a reasonable cap savings for a underachiever. If Sam Aiken so much as flounders and this position isn't drafted, then give Drew Haddad a whirl for a 3rd WR. I had a short phone conversation with him thru a family member who knows him. I was impressed with how intelligent the dude was. Anybody have a prediction and/or a replacement?

Outside of RT Mike Williams (#4 overall) in the draft, it seems that Donahoe tries just a tad too hard in getting a "deal" on a player for the position that he wants to fill or groom. Granted Evans was a worthy selection but he was also an obvious one too. The success ratio of mid to later round picks have not been favorable. I'm in favor of really stepping up for a blue chipper. I'm just not confident in our mid-late rd. selections. This team needs either a impact player or at the very least, a 1st year starter. No more grooming. Examples of some disappointments, bargains, or players who were groomed but allowed to leave for no compensation. 1) Willis McGahee -bargain, but had to wait a year and hope his leg healed. 2) Josh Reed -disappointment, was touted as a steal.He qualifies for 2 out 3 above categories and possibly all 3 when it's all over and done with. 3) Jonas Jennings- groomed, no return on this investment. 4) Antwain Winfield-ditto. 5) Ben Sobrieski-can't comment, haven't seen or heard of him since we signed him! 6) Drew Bledsoe- can't fault TD. It did look like a good move at the time. At least he was good for gate revenue but keep in mind he did cost us a 1st rder. 7) Sam Aiken- could be another Josh Reed in the making. Have to wait and see on this one. I'm sure there be some of you that will throw up Terrence McGee and maybe one or two others, but that's about it. Most of our success for players on the current roster came through free agency or early rd picks. It's time for Donahoe to wheel and deal again but this time for a starter for the upcoming season. If that would mean packaging pick(s) and/or a player (TH?) to move in the draft so we can get a stud, then do it. I'm not comfortable having our 1st pick being in the 2nd rd.(#55?). I'm all for a starter NOW! If so, then that would leave either the O-line (Center?) or TE position as the position to fill. Any other suggestions on what position and who that could be?

John Clayton listed teams salary cap situation and the Bills apparently are under by less than $700,000. Not that I take much stock in what he says, but if we are remotely close to that, then that would lead me to believe a couple of things. 1) Donahoe has done this purposely so he can keep the cost down when he is wheeling and dealing with potential prospects. Can't give what you don't got. 2) He follows up the 1st part of this observation with a great orientation of the organization, coach(s) and player personnel, team chemistry, and opportunity. I bet he even uses the facility/playing field to their (prospects) advantage. You know, great to play on, less injuries so that they'll be prolonging their careers. In short, a great dog and pony show. 3) If there is truth to the cap situation, then you can expect that when it's time to close the deal that there's going to be some trimming of the current roster so that he can fit the final contract(s) under the cap. He can't and won't show his hand too soon, it'll blow the deal. Sometimes you have to slow down so you can speed up. I do believe that Donahoe is only looking for a few pieces in free agency. More than likely it's the O-line/TE. The rest of the additions will be found in the draft, mostly just for defensive depth and/or 3rd WR and a back-up RB. The thing that should be of concern or of interest will be who is going to get the chop. You can bet that when TD gets his few pieces to the puzzle that there's going to be a bloodletting soon after. Bottom line, TD is one GREAT closer! I'm glad he's on our side. Does any of this sound reasonable? Can somebody add or elaborate on this observation? If you think that this is off base, can you explain why? Go Bills!