TNBillFan

Absolutely right! Spiller is an extremely rare back. He looks like a clone of the Titans' Chris Johnson ---only quicker, in my opinion. I don't know that I've seen anyone hit the hole with as much speed in years. He made Clemson go---he wasn't made by a great Clemson team. I don't know whether a RB should or shouldn't have been the #1 choice, but this kid is very special.

The Bills should pass on a QB until they address other, in my opinion, far greater needs like OT and DT (NG). If they insist on another QB out of this below average class, I'd pass on both Clausen and McCoy. Neither of them is a sure thing. Clausen, another California QB with all that comes with it, will have issues if he is relegated to a small market and McCoy simply isn't physically gifted enough to be an effective AFC East QB. If they want a QB project well suited physically to playing in Buffalo weather, they should go in a later round for Crompton. Physically he has all the throws and he is extremely mobile for a guy his size. He has a cannon for an arm and can be incredibly accurate when he is either protected or has a plan. The knock on this kid (who was rated the #2 or 3 player coming out of HS a few years ago) is that he doesn't see the field when under pressure. His vision seems to narrow down to a third of the field when the big guys start pressuring him. He improved at UT tremendously in that area, though, when they started moving him around---and with Buffalo's line, the QB is going to be moving whether it is "planned" or not. He's not a sexy pick by any means and there is no way he gets labelled a "sure thing", but he is physically gifted, tough, resilient, capable of learning and he would bust his butt for the chance to play anywhere in the NFL.

I love Tennessee and there is no doubt Wade is fast---he's a national level NCAA /Olympic caliber sprinter. He's most likely faster than Hall, but I wonder if he has the football tools to consistently succeed as a starting corner in the NFL. Regardless, I agree with your first round trio of targets. My hope is Okoye.

My friend, I doubt you are heartless---few people really are although sometimes people play the role to show how tough and independant they can be. I also doubt you are an idiot and wouldn't pretend to suggest that you are. I do think you are uneducated and only know the NFL as it exists today, not as it was in the beginning. Learn some history and quit trying to be a big strong capitalist for a minute. God knows, I'm a capitalist, with all the good and bad that comes with it---and so were the early owners who treated the early players like disposable property. Those guys didn't "choose football as their career" the way today's players do with hundreds of thousands of dollars as the league's annual minimum salary. Today's projected stars start with agents and millions of dollars in the bank before they ever play a down. Hell, I hear "rumors" that some even start cashing in while they are in college. Back then players took literally a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per game and if they were cut or hurt, they were out. If Chicago Bears great Doug Atkins---one of the greatest to ever play the game--- had no negotiating power and took whatever Papa Bear offered, I doubt any of them could do anything other than beg for a raise. There was no competition for players' services, the league was run like a co-op. Those guys, even the stars, were paid next to nothing, even by income standards back then. I remember Tom Day, a star defensive end for the Bills in the 60's and a big hero around town, had to suppliment his income in the off-season by being a substitute gym teacher for 3rd and 4th graders at my grade school, P.S. 88. Hall of Famer, Billy Shaw worked odd construction labor jobs to get by and even though he was a full blown star, he wasn't paid enough to take care of his family on his salary in his early years. Until Joe Namath ($400,000) and John Huarte ($200,000) started to be paid big bucks around 1964 because of the NFL v. AFL competition, there were very very few players in either league who didn't have to moonlight during the season. Virtually all had "regular" jobs in the off-season---usually basic labor positions because they had to quit to play in the fall. These stories weren't the exceptions, they were the rule. It was far worse in the 40's and 50's, but most of those guys are gone. I'd bet "chicks" were available then, just like now, but they didn't bring in income. Few of those guys could afford "fancy cars". Finally, the game back then was brutal. Equipment was borderline worthless. The rules literally allowed maiming and many coaches encouraged it. My friend, I'm no socialist, but I know the difference between right and wrong. Today's NFL owes those guys a debt and it could satisfy it and ease terrific suffering without ever missing a meal---not one. Again, Gene Upshaw, the NFLPA, the owners and today's silent players and fans ought to be ashamed of themselves.

The screwing the old timers received without a collective labor organization is one of the big reasons why the NFLPA exists today. I just wonder why, in recognition of its own roots, the NFLPA doesn't step up and do the right thing today. It would take very little diversion of today's assets to get survival money to the remaining guys who built the foundation today's players and owners are enjoying.

Former Bills great Joe DeLamielleure is once again showing the leadership abilities he exhibited as a 6 time All Pro and leader of the Electric Company back in the day. His campaign to help the older veterans should have the support of all NFL fans and Gene Upshaw should hang his head in shame for not being part of a solution to this shameful issue. I've got a feeling, maybe totally naive, but I believe that today's players could, should and would help the older vets, if they knew how bad it is for a lot of them. Congratulations again to a great Bill for doing the right thing. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/p.../702220334/tbd/

Ouch! That's potentially a lot of child support to pay. At guideline rates, he could be looking at 40-50% of his net take-home in combined support payments. Now there's a good reason to think about contraception. No wonder he needs a new contract this year.

Come on. I want the Bills to stay in Buffalo forever, but it is unreasonable to expect any business person and his/her family to eat millions of dollars in lost revenue simply to make Bills fans happy. Bills fans are fantastic, loyal, borderline insane, etc., but not one fan has ever risked his own money to invest in the success of the franchise. Bills fans have supported an entertainment product with more loyalty than nearly any fan-base I can imagine---but not one of the fans have put their own money at risk to operate the Bills. You must be fairly young because you refer to a $25,000 investment in a totally unproven product in the early '60s as if it was chump change. Back then---for this investment---it was viewed as burning paper money by a lot of potential investors. Note, too, that nobody in Buffalo put up that cash. In the early years, both the Buffalo franchise and the entire AFL came extremely close to collapsing and, later, the Buffalo franchise was stalked by outsiders for relocation multiple times over the decades. Ralph Wilson could have cashed out for a profit numerous times, but he didn't. He also could have moved the team, just like owners in St. Louis, LA, Baltimore, Oakland, and Cleveland---but again he stayed loyal to Buffalo. Moreover, you fail to realize/acknowledge or appreciate how much additional money---his own money---- this guy has tied up in the club during the intervening 40 something years. I doubt his "basis" in the franchise is $25K any longer. Ralph Wilson has been loyal to the City of Buffalo for decades. Show him and his family a little respect. The Wilson family didn't create this insane economy and it is ridiculous to think that they should take a personal financial bath just to make "generations of Western NY Bills fans" happy. If the future of the Bills is to be in Buffalo, civic minded investors need to put together a purchase offer that Ralph Wilson can live with while he's alive. If no one in WNY feels strongly enough about the wisdom of investing in the Bills' future in Buffalo, you can bet that people in one of the many "larger" markets will be interested and it doesn't need to be just LA. There are multiple cities, far more economically viable than Buffalo, that have been seeking an NFL team for years.

I've been a Bills fan since the very beginning and I appreciate all that Mr. Wilson has done to keep this team in Buffalo; however, the Wilson family is not a Buffalo family and unless someone moves to buy this team while Mr. Wilson is alive, it is nearly impossible for me to believe that the team won't end up elsewhere within the next few years. It's all about the money. If someone wants to commit to keeping the Bills in Buffalo, the window of opportunity is closing. I could imagine Mr. Wilson selling below top dollar to keep the team where it belongs, but why would we ever think his family would do the same?

I'm just hoping the Bills find some D-linemen this time, regardless of the round.

I’m not saying Justin Harrell is the key to the Bills d-line issues, but if you’re going to post about a player, be accurate. He is in no way worthy of the label "injury prone". This kid’s total college injury experience was a broken ankle in his freshman year and a torn bicep this past season---with which he played the entire Tennessee v. Florida game, one-armed and against doctor’s pre-surgery orders. He is 6’4”, 300lbs and a very good DT. He was not a lazy player and was an above average leader on the Vols. He started 22 of UT’s 24 games his sophomore and junior years. He was All-SEC and the Cotton Bowl Defensive-MVP in 2005. After deciding to return to UT for his senior year (2006)---he was projected as a mid-second to late third rounder after his junior year---he did miss most of his senior year due the torn bicep. He is not the beast that John Henderson was at UT, but he’s a very good DT with an above-average work rate and extremely high character. I bet he’s on the Bills’ board come draft time, but not as a first rounder.

Absolutely true! We could talk about the playoffs, but I don't care about the teams that will be playing.

Why would the Bills have an interest in a 22 year old, 6'4" Left OT who looks trim at 320 lbs. and who has started since his true freshman year? He's played every position on the line except center and was First Team All-SEC (both coaches and writers) as a junior. He's been one of the best O linemen at UT in years, he comes from an Alabama football family ---his brother starts at Auburn---and he is a great student and the epitome of a high character player, never being in trouble of any kind during his years in Knoxville. Nah, not the kind of OL the Bills would like---no big press stories about moving mountains like Big Mike and he hasn't played against good competition in the SEC.

Who's RJ? [Please do not answer that question! I've forgotten and I like it that way!]

A couple of weeks ago I asked whether he would play to his potential for the Bills anymore. I was soundly criticized for my question almost as quickly as it was posted. I still don't think the question was inappropriate; HOWEVER, the answer to my question appears to be a resounding "yes" he will. He is playing his butt off. I still worry about his long term future with the Bills, but my doubts about now were misplaced.

The suspension is the longest for on-field behavior in NFL history. It was well deserved and fair and more legal issues may be added on top of the league decision. No matter what else comes of this, this should be his last chance. It has been reported that Haynesworth had a history of violent behavior while at UT and has had confrontations with his own teammates in Nashville. As a UT sophomore he had a fight with an offensive lineman at practice where, after being sent off the field to the locker room, he tried to return to the field and confront his teammate armed with a long pole. He was stopped by Phil Fulmer and received a suspension. It has also been reported that he has been involved in another kicking attack on a former Titans teammate in practice and, more recently, he was involved in a road rage incident in which charges where eventually dismissed. I think, while he has apologized, been self-critical and has accepted the suspension without any dispute, this guy "has issues" and he needs to get them under control. At 6'6" and 320 lbs. he is a danger to others with that temper and lack of self control.

Fair. I've been a Bills fan since near the beginning of the franchise. It all started when Tom Day was my 3rd and 4th grade PE teacher at PS #88. By now and after the last 40 years, I'd be cheering for the Cowboys or whoever this season's "America's Team" is, if I was inclined to react to ill winds. Most of the years have not been good although there have been some fabulous exceptions. I think, given that I usually read but don't post, my timing could have been better to avoid your perception of being a fair weather fan. I absolutely hope I'm wrong. I'm more than willing to suspend judgment on this player until we see how the line goes and how he performs down the road.

"Nice, well thought out post. " ----quoting, Lurker. Lurker, I'd expect more from you, especially because you disagree. Am I wrong? Why? I hope I am, but spell it out. From my question it must be clear that I have trouble understanding football stuff unless you speak simply, slowly and loud. Having reviewed additional posts---as suggested---I find I'm not the only person and far from the first to post this question. I also see there is substantial disagreement on the board---both hardly big surprises. My post wasn't occassioned by a failure to pick up one yard. Willis didn't loose that game anymore than any other single player lost it. My post was occassioned by multiple games with few results beyond that you would expect from a solid journeyman back. Look, McGahee and his agent already sold an NFL team on using a #1 choice on a running back whose last playing experience resulted in an extremely serious knee injury. That sale, alone, was worthy of a national marketing award. McGahee's agent is worth every dime he gets paid. The second (i.e. "big", "mega", etc.) contract marketing of McGahee, as an elite back who is suffering through an initial stint with little help from his team, began a long time ago. In the NFL today, he and his agent will easily find a friendly ear that will buy his unfulfilled potential, provided he doesn't get hurt again. If that's a bash, oh well. I'd like to think of it as a question that someone would address with something other than fear of hurting Willis' feelings or a commentary on my own, clearly low, Wonderlic score.

Thanks for the orientation. I haven't had time to read "the 50 or so threads from the last few days" on McGahee. I don't have the chance to review all of the earlier posts. I just wanted to ask a question/make an observation on your forum. Ramius, no one wanted McGahee to plow into his blockers. I personally thought taking 3 points was the prudent, conservative course and I ws a little surprised at the play selection. I also realize not every play can work---blockers get blown up, backs get tackled for losses, defenders make plays. I wish the play had worked but it's not the dancing on that play that I am concerned with. I'm concerned with his total body of work up to now. But my point seems lost on someone who doesn't agree or isn't seeing the same issue and that is okay. We will both survive and so will the Bills. Go in peace.

You may be right about college v. pros on this issue. There is no question it happens in college. The theory goes that running backs, for example, have a limited number of plays that their bodies can take, so save them for the next level. This was a big discussion when Lewis tailed off and Henry came on strong at Tennessee. I just wonder if a similar theory affects different levels in the pro game, especially considering there are venues that are seen as more attractive than the small market arenas.

I'm not bashing McGahee. I asked a question. If you honestly see the same fire in his belly to excel in Buffalo that similarly gifted backs like Cookie, O.J., Cribbs and Thurman had, among others, I'll respect your opinion. With the exception, probably of OJ, he may be the most gifted athlete of all of the Bills' backs, but for whatever reason, his performance is falling short of their standards. What I've seen are lots of yards early on against weaker defenses and pretty mediocre performances against top teams, especially more recently. If I'm wrong, I'm sorry. I didn't realize posts that weren't all happy weren't welcome here.

The Bills put a lot of trust in a wild card choice a few years ago by picking McGahee. He was a terrific college runner until his injury and, initially, he showed great promise as a pro. He returned to the game after his injury like he had something to prove and he provided the Bills with a lot of initial production and promise. Other backs were shipped out or went undrafted in reliance on McGahee's expected continued development. More recently, however, he reminds me of Jamal Lewis' last year at Tennessee. Lewis seemed to be "saving himself" for his future NFL career and Travis Henry pretty well chased Jamal out of Knoxville and into the pros. Is McGahee still capable of being an elite back and, if the answer is yes, is he holding back waiting for his second "big market" team with an accompanying big contract? It's time to stop blaming the line (it was worse his first year) and it's time to stop dancing toward the hole---unless, of course, he's saving himself for the future. I honestly think the Bills should have taken 3 points last week, but a decision was made and it is hard to believe that an elite back wouldn't have picked up 3 feet. Is this guy finished with Buffalo?

I don't think Toeaina is a character risk. His suspension from the Vols was, in my opinion, a reaction to a frustrating year in Knoxville and a weak effort to reestablish "discipline" in a team that had already left the barn. Toeaina did nothing worse than several other players upset by an unthinkable loss to Vanderbilt. He definitely took the brunt of the heat for tossing his helmet in the end zone after the Vandy game. This kid comes from a good family and really wants an opportunity to play.

This is exactly what I'm talking about! 1) Come on vegas, what are the winning percentages for the other teams and how does Buffalo compare? Don't suggest that a stat is significant without putting it in context. Enquiring minds want to know. 2) Name the franchises that have not spent time being a "laughing stock" over the last 40 years. How many can you name. Put this comment in context, too. 3) Can you think of anyone else who road the USFL to fame and immediate fortune other than Jim Kelly? How about Herschel Walker, Reggie White,.... Any others? Did they go there because the NFL teams with their rights were "messes" or did they make financial decisions. As for Cousineau, so what? What did he ever do after college to distinguish himself as a best of all timer? 4) What do you suppose $100,000. in 1960's money would be worth today and do you honestly believe Ralph Wilson's investment over the last 40+ years has been limited to his start up capital? Brilliant! 5) How many other franchises have been positivey affected by Ralph Wilson during the last 40 years? Ask Oakland if he helped them out. Check with Detroit. What about others? Can you name other owners who had as much influence on the league over the last four decades? There aren't too many. Most are in the Hall. You are right in part, it's not about Buffalo, its about his impact on the league. 6) Finally, if you had $500 Million (laughing heartily here) tied up in a small/struggling market like Buffalo would you leave it tied up there for the good of the community or would you cash it in by selling or moving the franchise rights (a scarce economic commodity) to a new, shiny, Sun Belt city where your investment could double again? Most would have gone long ago. He didn't. I don't agree with all Ralph Wilson has done with the Bills but the man deserves the respect of Buffalo and its fans. His decisions also deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Amazing. I guess, this "drooling idiot" must have simply lucked into becoming a self-made multimillionaire. He clearly has no clue how to run a business (i.e. the Buffalo Bills) given his track record for more decades than I care to remember. If you were a stockholder in the Bills, would you rather have some anonymous "clown" with a computer (or some uninvested newspaper guy) making decisions for the Bills or Ralph Wilson? After all, "fans" clearly have much more of their own net worth and personal reputations tied up with the team than the team's owner. Ridiculous. It is a wonder to me how Ralph Wilson's unending loyalty to the City of Buffalo is continually disrespected by Buffalonians. Has it occurred to any of these geniuses that Mr. Wilson stayed in town over the same 40 years when half of Buffalo's population took off for greener pastures. This man deserves better than this kind of crap. Did anyone stop to consider who the team's President was when Polian and Butler were here? P.S. Polian is among the best GMs in the NFL, but differences occur and he moved on. Get over it. He's got a great job and he's not coming back. Butler certainly recognized talent but he also helped spend the Bills into a decade of mediocrity because he failed to adjust to the cap. He was the last "glory years" GM, but that doesn't make him a great GM. The new team deserves the benefit of the doubt. Mr. Wilson is not a doddering old fool---especially with his own money.