Dr. Who

I just don't see those players as qualifying for "big thing." Going by your criteria, I would include Grayson as a possibility.

I think it would be a nearly incomprehensible move. Something we don't know would have to come out to explain it. There doesn't seem any rational reason not to give EJ a chance to compete with the new regime. I personally don't see any available free agent who is clearly likely to be better. Even if there were, wouldn't he make a reasonably priced back-up? Of course, this would please the massive number of smug individuals who enjoy throwing contempt upon EJ and those who haven't already written him off.

Good Lord, Petty or Hundley qualifies as big things?

Probably more a sense that McCown was awful more recently.

I'd take Bryce Petty if he's there in the fifth. I think EJ is going to play well and really surprise, btw. Matt Moore seems better than McCown to me as well . . .

I am not crazy about this, but I think it speaks to the overall quality of free agent qbs out there. I expect EJ to beat him out -- pretty easily, actually. We need some vet as a backup. Roman and Kromer know him. They must think he's better than simply awful. I'm not capable of much more than a back-handed compliment. I think I would have preferred Hoyer. Guess we'll see.

Yes, most are. I'm not saying a qb that needs development shouldn't be taken, I was wondering if OBD will take one (other than a late round flier which would not be controversial) given the impatience that EJ has been shown.

Okay, I was going off of material I read on another board. Maybe someone is planting info hoping he will drop? Not sure OBD will take a project qb after EJ. If we take him, I will instantly become a fan. I'm not a hater.

He has concussion issues, so that is a bit of a red flag. I wouldn't spend a second or a third on him. Trade up and take him in the fourth? Maybe worth a shot.

McShay was raving about how good Marpet looked at the combine yesterday. I think he's going to go third round. Hope we take him.

My impression from what moshermw posted is that Taylor is an athletic qb. I was thinking what kind of qb would fit in Roman's system. Kellen Moore is not athletic and has a weak arm.

Thanks, moshermw. I'm intrigued now. I hope OBD brings him in.

Interesting, moshermw. That is certainly a name I haven't heard. Is Taylor a free agent?

As Hondo just pointed out, guard is a position one can actually address in free agency. Improved o-line is a must for this team. It is tiresome to hear the constant lament about qb. The available options just aren't that good. OBD should spend the money where real improvement is possible.

Not sure if you are joking or not. Pretty sure that would be illegal. Both leagues would not like it. You think the Sabres should just trade away potentially the next Gretzky in Connor McDavid (they are aiming for the first pick. If they finish last, it's the second pick at worst). Either way, the NHL team should give up a chance at a generational player so the Bills can sign a CFL qb. No doubt something less ridiculous could be worked out.

Red helmet was definitely a Fergie thing. Current helmet is better. Personally, I prefer the classic standing buffalo.

Alas, humanity.

I think EJ has potential. Personally, I don't like Cutler, assuming he would be traded. What available veteran would constitute a good qb? I think it's an underwhelming lot. I am generally brief. I wrote a dissertation for my own satisfaction and to make a rational case for EJ just because I like the kid and I'm old enough to remember when it was common for a young qb to "mature" for a few years before becoming a starter.

Alright. I'm fine with that. You know there are an abundance of people without merit who post on message boards?

Seriously, I haven't seen anyone suggest there shouldn't be a back-up plan. Even if you have Tom Brady, you need a back-up plan just because injuries happen. If you have uncertainty at a position, you need more than one player. That's common sense. I've seen a lot of posts that do presume that Manuel is not even an option.

I posted this on the BBMB a few days ago. What annoys me are the people who say "what are we going to do about qb?" with the assumed certitude that we know EJ Manuel is a lost cause. EJ is a gifted athlete with good character and a solid work ethic. He had some success at FSU, but never nailed down the starter job. He was definitely a project drafted for upside based on his athleticism and his work ethic. He was not supposed to see the field the first year, but injuries altered that plan. He had a typical rookie season with typical ups-and-downs. EJ worked very hard in the off-season. Wide receiver talent was added and an attempt was made to upgrade the o-line. What happened? EJ appears to have regressed. The o-line was for the most part abysmal. The offensive play-calling was inadequate, to the point where a journeyman qb with experience regressed as the year went on. Given Marrone's departure and the subsequent avalanche of rumor, it is at least plausible that Marrone is a stubborn meathead who made decisions at least partly to frustrate Whaley. He certainly does not appear to have made a good faith effort to develop EJ Manuel. What would a rational person with decent intellect and character take away from all this? The most plausible conclusion is that EJ Manuel is still an unknown quantity. His chances of becoming a great NFL qb are relatively low, because the number of qbs who succeed at this level is always a small number. One could argue that Rodgers and Brady are the only truly elite qbs playing now. (Manning is not the same player.) Still, it would be presumptuous to simply dismiss EJ at this point. The factors that made him an attractive project are still viable and there are mitigating aspects that could explain how his second year turned out. One cannot simply dismiss them without acting in bad faith,which is what many on this board are doing. The bottom line on all this is that EJ remains the most viable qb with actual potential on the Bills' roster. No doubt someone else will be brought in, but none of the free agents are anything more than journeymen with proven track records. While the chance is perhaps slim, we do not actually KNOW that Manuel's ceiling is mediocre game manager at best. I am looking forward to a coach like Jackson or Bevell putting him in a position to succeed. He may not, but he deserves a chance. Really too bad for those who are unable to make a complex judgement.

Obviously.

I think that would be an excellent situation as well. As for those comparing Jackson to Marrone, Jackson has a track record of improving offensive production in numerous NFL stints. Also, I would imagine that being on the same page with Whaley would be a factor in determining who is hired. Both of those elements are pretty much not like Marrone.

Oh, I think it's a pattern. Sorry, I'm at work and just scanning all this. I thought you were inferring something else.

So what? How it played out was not automatic. Individual motivations and assessments are involved.