pioniere

Well stated. Campbell is not the QB of the future, but he is without a doubt an upgrade over what we have now. Furthermore, for all of those clamoring for Tyler Thigpen, Campbell is pretty similar. If Gailey can make Thigpen look good, then he can probably make Campbell look good. With an inept coaching staff and meddlesome owner in DC, it would be tough for any young QB to succeed. I think he has more talent hands down than Edwards or Fitz, and could thrive with the right coaching. If we can get him cheap enough, I say get him!

Two words: Daniel Snyder

True, but if you read the original post, this deals with UFAs. Still pretty slim pickings...

Oops, actually that was just an oversight. Definitely add Chambers to the list.

Yep, I agree. I think it could very well be Nix. Just because nobody on this board had heard of him before doesn't mean he isn't a good talent evaluator. Everyone who is saying "it couldn't be him" needs to start losing the negative attitude. The fact is, Nix drafted a LOT of talent in San Diego, and I think he's going to do the same thing here, starting with this year.

Exactly. Just because the last front office didn't act on Jones doesn't mean this one won't. I also see us taking one of the less expensive NTs available, rather than trying to spend a ton of money on Wilfork or Hampton. I think Hollis Thomas would be a great pickup at NT if we can get him.

The UFA list has been released (http://nfllabor.com). Here is a list of players the Bills could potentially target at areas of need. A list of comments is at the end. NT Hollis Thomas (Car) Ryan Pickett (GB) Jason Ferguson (Mia) Jimmy Kennedy (Min) Vince Wilfork (NE) Fred Robbins (NYG) Casey Hampton (Pit) Aubrayo Franklin (SF) QB Dante Culpepper (Det) Chad Pennington (Mia) David Carr (NYG) OT Chad Clifton (GB) Artis Hicks (Min) Jon Runyan (SD) Barry Sims (SF) Levi Jones (WAS) WR Derrick Mason (Bal) Terrell Owens (Buf) Josh Reed (Buf) Kevin Walter (Hou) Chris Chambers (KC) Antonio Bryant (TB) TE Will Heller (DET) Ben Watson (NE) Randy McMichael (STL) Alge Crumpler (TEN) Comments: -- Players are listed in no particular order -- Lots of candidates at NT. Wilfork and Hampton probably won't be available when signing begins. Thomas and Pickett would be great space eaters. Kennedy had 3 sacks in limited playing time. -- Slim pickings at the QB position -- Not a lot of candidates at OT. Clifton could be a great fit. Do Runyan or Sims have any gas left in the tank? Not sure how Jones looked this past season. -- Mason may retire, but would be a great pickup. Walter could be a nice replacement for Reed, who I don't think the Bills should re-sign. Do we bring back T.O.? (Edit: Forgot to add Chris Chambers. He would be an excellent addition) -- TE isn't as much of a need as some other areas, but there's not much good depth there at present. The listed UFAs could be better options than anyone other than Nelson. Watson would be a nice pickup.

With Butler retiring, they'll keep him for sure now.. he may end up being our RT if they draft someone to play LT.

Wendling surprised me a bit. Fine, not so much. He's too small to be a really effective blocking tight end, has average speed at best and just gets hurt too much! I thought Palmer showed a bit of upside, but he's considered by most to be too small for a 3-4 LB.

The same Rivers who Buddy Nix drafted in San Diego. I have complete confidence in our new front office and coaching staff. We're going to get a QB, and he's going to be a good one. But I don't think it will be LeFevour. I don't think he's good enough to be an NFL starter. Think Kyle Boller.

I read that too. Just because a guy is a football writer doesn't mean he actually knows anything. Fortunately, he's not actually running the Bills. I probably won't be reading too much of his stuff any more. That article was plain silly.

Agreed. Donte, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!!

Check out this site: http://www.thespreadoffense.com/ Google, obviously, also has lots on the spread. A spread can be running or passing oriented. The idea is to spread out the defense and open more running/passing lanes.

Yep, have to agree with you. As good as McNabb is, there are too many other holes on this team. Giving up a 1st for him at this point would be a waste. Even the 2nd & 4th I would rather keep.

In fact, if it was Simms playing instead of Hostetler, I think the Bills would probably have won that Super Bowl. Hostetler's mobility was the difference on several plays. That 'not very good' defense would have sacked Simms about 5 times!

Because they don't care... and neither does anyone else.

I tend to agree. I don't think Evans has been a great Bills receiver. There's no way he starts over Reed or Lofton, and its not automatic that he plays over Beebe either. Great WRs will have dominant games once in a while, even with a bad team. I can't ever recall that from Evans.

I disagree on Stroud. Wright was overrated and not a great NT in the 3-4. Our run defense actually got worse when they replaced Smerlas with Wright.

I remember him from his college years too. He was average at best and didn't show enough to be the clear-cut starter over Jason Fife at Oregon. He would be a disaster as a starter, and will be a career backup IMO.

I think we never had a top rated defense because of the system (the Tampa 2 or whatever the heck you want to call it sucks), and because of the way Fewell implemented it. Too conservative and predictable.

Big thumbs up to getting DeHaven back. I gotta say, I am impressed with what Nix and Gailey have done so far at this very early stage. Here's hoping we get a good DC as well!

Have you actually done any substantive research on any of the coaches? Doesn't seem like it...

I haven't heard any rumors, but Pendergast just became available, so lets see what happens over the weekend. From what I've read about him, he could be a solid hire.

Nix was busy making the Chargers into contenders at that point

Well, his defense in Arizona was good enough to get them to a Super Bowl, so the guy can't be that horrible. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clancy_Pendergast