Dr. Who

I am not, but several weeks ago when this was a discussion topic a few folks pointed to his Miami days where he had Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II in his arsenal. Apparently the Cam Newton teams he was associated with leaned on TE usage which is why some folks were speculating last year one would see more 12 personnel. The OJ Howard experiment was a non-starter, however, and so one is left wondering.

The only OL you take is a fella that can't play this year? Sigh.

I haven't read anyone who believes the Jets are not better with Rodgers. I am still in the camp that believes the Bills remain the best team, but the division is very good and it might be the best in the league. The AFC in general is stacked. Nearly all the good QBs reside there. OTOH, everyone expected the AFC West to be a murderers row last year and that turned out a mirage.

Or it could be somewhere in the middle which ostensibly makes for a tougher decision, though I can't see them pulling him unless he is truly awful which I doubt happens.

Yep. Some folks on this board don't believe Dorsey will employ 12 personnel. Don't see how anyone can know that. We haven't had two really good TEs on the team to make it feasible. 12 personnel should also be particularly effective in the RZ where the Bills struggled last year. Dorsey was predictable and Josh had a lot of turnovers in the RZ where he had previously been stellar, so I hope it happens.

I live near Athens. Big fan of Darnell Washington. There is a report out there apparently that a number of teams have dropped him off their draft board for medical reasons. I am skeptical. Timing suggests someone is hoping he drops to them.

Are you expecting 12 personnel?

I am dubious. The timing on this at least is pretty suspicious. But if it helps us get him at 59, maybe they're true . . . See what I mean?

Stop saying things I agree with. My OCD kicks in and I have to keep giving a green check mark or a beer mug, etc.

Yes, I know. I don't share your views on this matter. They certainly were not fine last year with Morris on the team. The number of pre-draft meetings with TEs indicates to me the Bills think the status quo is insufficient.

If LaPorta and Washington are dropped or hurt by medicals, the TE depth at the top of this draft is cut in half. Sorry to hear about Washington, if true. OTOH, maybe someone is hoping he drops to them. This is the time when reports like this suddenly seem to become public knowledge.

I would have thought Mayer would be considered the best of the traditional TEs. I saw a lot of Washington. He's a phenomenal blocker and a sneaky RZ threat. I'm not sure you can expand his offensive capacity much beyond that. Still like him and he is my second favorite to Kincaid. Kincaid is an offensive threat all over the field, but not a blocker. I guess LaPorta is pretty good at both, but I'd rather go with one of the previously mentioned even though it is an unbalanced skill set. That said, I'm fine with LaPorta in the second.

I'd rather not take a slot only at 27, but I do think he's very skilled. One of those fellas I'd prefer to trade back to the top of the second to get. I won't be horribly upset if he's the pick.

I generally take curmudgeon as a term of approbation. Then again, I prefer cats to people.

As my post came right after yours, just to be clear, my post is not aimed at you.

I have a background in literature and philosophical theology. I can speak with some authority on at least some subjects that fall under those categories. Part of discerning intelligence is the capacity to recognize authoritative voices on matters outside one's expertise. There is a kind of corrosive egalitarianism that resists the notion that not all opinions are equal. In any event, everyone here has favorites and folks they always read because they find them worthwhile. When I read someone cavalierly impugning someone with a long reputation of helpful posts, I figure they are new and just don't know or they are dim and never will.

And those who disagree with you are not granting the premise that TE2 is primarily a backup for Knox, nor are they presuming that Dorsey will not use 12 personnel should it become a valid option with the addition of a second quality TE. Moreover, to reiterate a point I made earlier, 12 personnel could come into play as a significant formation in the RZ which is precisely where the team struggled with Dorsey as OC and where an inordinate number of uncharacteristic turnovers from Josh occurred. So, yes, we all have opinions and you are welcome to yours, but when rejecting a counter-argument, you don't get to impose your own presuppositions onto those who differ.

I think he's insightful, that's why I asked.

Since you've been doing this, has there been a draft this shallow with regards to first rounders?

I'd consider him at 59 if we did not take a WR in the first. I like him, but I am not in agreement with the folks that think slot is the priority at receiver.

Completely agree, just ironic that it has to be Mister Defense to point this out.

Despite the glowing rhetoric about how they love Gabe Davis' work ethic, I think this is a prove it year for him. I believe he is pretty much the player you see now which imo is a low end WR2. He might see that second contract, but I would not confidently assert it.

Noted. I live in Georgia, but I have heard complaints about the arena so I am sure you are correct in your assessment.

There are at best around 16 first round grades in this draft. Highly unlikely any of them fall to 27, but possible. Maybe one falls into the low 20s and Beane trades up if he covets the player.

I've been hoping for and promoting early picks for offensive line and offensive weapons, though naturally that assumes that a viable prospect is available at those positions. Fair chance there won't be, at least at 27. If Beane does go defense, I much prefer DL over LB or DB. Bresee is a possibility and I like him.