jri111

Hey, I'm with you 100%! Like it or not though numbers do help/hurt draft status. What effect does this have on the Bills? Well Puz, who prob. had a slight chance of falling into the second round, def. won't now. Even more so of an effect though would be if we wanted to try to trade back into the lower first to get him. He might not be there now. As for Hunt, this actually might help the Bills. They may be able to get a good RB in a round or two later then they could have because of this. As for me, i trust Levy and Co. They seemed to have found great talent/playmakers in the later rounds (i.e. Kyle Willaims in round 5) last year. I just hope everything falls nicely into place!

http://rotoworld.com/Content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL Chris Brown's agent talked to the Titans Wednesday. Brown is still debating over whether to sign with the Titans, Lions, or possibly Green Bay. Returning to Tennessee could be his best chance for a decent role. Source: Nashville City Paper

rotoworld: Paul Posluszny-LB- Player Mar. 23 - 1:03 pm et Penn State LB Paul Posluszny ran forties of 4.58 and 4.62 at his Pro Day. The 4-3 outside linebacker prospect and possible 3-4 inside linebacker improved on his 4.67 Combine time and looks to be a first-round pick. Source: nfl.com Tony Hunt-RB- Player Mar. 23 - 1:01 pm et Penn State RB Tony Hunt ran 4.68 and 4.71 forties at his Pro Day. Hunt's short shuttle time (4.72) was also poor and he displayed weak athleticism with a 31.5-inch vertical. He hurt himself on his home turf. Source: nfl.com ---------------------------- I am by no means a numbers guy, I think overall they mean sh*t. You can either player football or you cant. It's about what you can do on the field and what's in your heart. That said I'm surpirsed by these numbers. Going into combine/workout season people said Puz's numbers may hurt him becasue his strenths are more instinctive then atheltism. So I'm surprised/happy he did good, he's a great player/teammate/leader and whoever gets him is going to get a good player. Hunt on the otherhand really surprised me how slow he ran. I still think he's going to be good in thise league, but his poor day may have dropped him into the third round, maybe even the 4th. He's another gamer that can wear on you. His draft stock has been rising the last few months, but now, these numbers seem to indiacte he'll slip. Could mean we could get a "steal" in the third round though!

I would hope he doesn't go to cleveland, at least then i can still maintain the illusion that Cleveland will take Quinn and Peterson will fall to us... If Cleveland picks up a FA QB, whoever it is, then that hope is pretty much dead in the water...

I think that's right. My only thought is if they know Holcomb is going to retire and want an experienced number 2, maybe they are a tad interested.... That's said though, it creates entirely too many problems to be legit. First, though I think Losman phsye would be OK, there's no reason to jepardize that. Second, Carr is going to want to go somewhere where he has a chane to start and that's not buffalo. Third, although he's not going to break the bank, he'll still get a decent salary, way more than the Bills should be willing to pay for a back-up. It is interesting though. Although it almost for certain that its mere speculation about an uninformed national sports writer, it is pretty amazing how many national sports people still think Losman is not the answer. I can't wait until he becomes a top 10 QB this season behind that massive o-line!

http://rotoworld.com/Content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL David Carr-QB- Texans Mar. 22 - 11:55 pm et The Texans may release David Carr by as early as this coming week. Beat writer John McClain says the team doesn't want to "drag it out." Oakland currently seems like the team most likely to give Carr a long look, but Carolina, Detroit, and Buffalo could also join sweepstakes. Source: Houston Chronicle Related: Bills, Panthers, Lions, Raiders ----------------------------------------------- hey if holcomb retires i'd take him as a back-up on the cheap, he'd be good insurance. I just wonder why they would suggest buffalo? Is it just another ignorant national media sorce not relaizing the HUGE strides losman made last season? or are they implying as a back up?

I see your reasoning and it may make sense, but I think it would have to be one hell of an offer to pass up on Petterson. BUT if some team will give you something like a 2nd and 3rd and another high pick next year, then maybe i would. Then you would have 1 first, 2 seconds and 3 thirds. You can do some damage with that. ALOT of flexibiliyl Also have to rememer you would need a trading partner. Who would trade up to 12 to get Petterson? Green Bay? Not if they can sit at 15 and get lynch. Maybe the Titans at 19. I think that would be a good spot for us (i'm sure either Puz or Timmons would be there). The thing is, You don't pass on taking Peterson unless you get the EXACT deal you want. You hold all the cards. That said, how about a pick and trade senario. Take Peterson and then see what teams are willing to offer! Could pull something off like SD did a few years ago. That said, any other team that picks before us can do this too...

That's where I think he'll go too. I live in DC and Okoye was in town the other day for a meeting with Snyder and the rest of the front office. The local news reported that it's a pretty good indication of what the Skins were thinking. If the front office liked him enough to bring him in, it would mean that they did so to see if Snyder would give his seal of approval. Of course with Okoye's potential, character, etc... they said they didn't see why he wouldn't. Of Course, this could be a smoke screen, but I think Okoye is pretty safe at 6 and there's not too much of a threat of him going before that (because of other teams needs and the other players out there), so they may be a little more inclined to show their hand....

actually here's another one too... http://www.nfldraftpro.com/mockdraft.html funny, both of them have us taking Peterson

Here's an updated one, first one I found: http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/2007draft.html I think it's pretty realistic too with good analysis, not just some dusch trying names out there

Chris Brown on his blog on buffalobills.com thinks that this means that it's more likely that Houston takes AP now. But i just don't see that happening. Here's what I think happened. Houston wanted Quinn and when his stock started falling they thought they had a chance at him. However, now Quinns stock is soaring again and could go as high as Detroit at 2 (or someone else at 2 since Detriot as made it known that it's available for the right price). If he didn't go there he could have also went to Cleveland at three. They probably just decided that it wasn't worth the risk of not getting him so they made the trade with Atlanta. Now if they really wanted to get AP would they trade away this years 2nd, next years 2nd, and slide down two spots in this years first? (with atlanta being one of the other teams that could snatch him up if he fell too). Also they have a $30 million back in Green and just re-signed Dayne to be their number 2/1a guy. Wally Lundy is still on the roster too. Since they gave soo much for Shaub he WILL be the starter on Day one. You give up that much for a QB, you better have a O-line to protect for him. That's why I see them going OT at 10 (Levi Brown?), even if Peterson is there. Overall therefore, I think its LESS likley they would take Peterson. That said, Atlanta could now take him at 8 (they too have 2 good Rb's on the roster though). I think if Peterson slips past Cleveland our biggest concern wouldn't be Hoston or Atlanta taking him, but Green Bay leap frogging us to get him. And even that I think is not likely. A lot of time before draft day though and I gurantee they'll be other top 10 trades before then, so its still to early to predict....

exactly, I really don't see the love affair with Bush. He had one good seaon. He's 250 pounds and not a power runner. He can't break tackles. Yes he's elusive for his size, but you're not going to get very far in the NFL if you get knocked down on the first hit. He's also coming off a leg injury, which usually heals at 100%, but he hasn't worked out in 6 months, Frankly out of all the seond-tier RB's I'd take him last.

I have nothing againt Turner and I think he could be a good/great back in teh NFL but some observations/concerns I have: 1. People keep saying he had TONS more experience as any of the second round draft RB's. Although it's true that he's played in the NFL, the fact is, we don't know whether he can be a good starting running back in this league anymore then we know if Tony Hunt (or irons, pittman, *insert name here, etc...) would be. Yes, his numbers are good, but as pointed out in many other posts, that could be attributed to any number of things (Playing behind LT, Defenses not focusing on him, playing in such a good offense, etc...). Of course it could be him, the simple fact is, we just don't know. IMO the unknown factor is just as high for him as anyone you pick in the draft. 2. Although it's true he doesn't have the wear-n-tear as a starting RB who is 25, he's still 25. The human body starts to break down eventually, even if you're in excellent shape. Most of these guys in the draft are 21 or 22 years old. That's at least three years of youth you'd be giving up. Granted Turner hasn't been worn out, but like I said, no matter who you are, but especially for NFL RBs, you eventually start to break down. It's a trade off i guess.... 3. Ideally, I think the way to get the best value for Turner is during the draft. This creates a problem though, since he needs a new contract. If you trade for him before the draft, what happens if Petterson falls in your lap and you just gave turner big $$. You can do one of three things... 1. take you defensive guy you want and just ignore that hes there. 2. try to find a trading partner that really wants him (GB? Tennessee?) and trade down -however, if Petterson is still there at 12, that means Lynch is too, so GB really wouldn't have too much incentive to trade up, MAYBE the titans though. or 3. Take Petterson and shop either him or Turner to another team in need. Any of them could work i guess... Ideally you'd like to see what happends in round one and then pull the trigger with a trade, but again the contract issue kindof makes that unlikly. 4. Lastly, it may be better to take the "wait-and-see" approach. Wait until after the draft and see what happens during the it (i.e. if Petterson fell to you, or if all the good RB's were gone and you had to settle for someone that wasn't your first choice, etc...). If Turner isn't traded by then this could be adventageous for a couple of reasons. First, there aren't too many teams that are in need of starting RBs (Top three: Cleveland, Buffalo, GB) and a handful of others who will probably target the second-tier backs for needed depth/youth. Two teams looking for starters will be eliminated for sure (petterson and lynch) which ultimately means SD won't have as many options if they haven't moved turner by then. Second, this also means that AJ's asking price will come down. He's not going to give him away, but maybe he'll start considering something lower then a two (like a 3rd and 7th?). Third, you don't waste a draft pick this year and can use your full aresnal to fill the needs on your team (and with the Mcgahee trade we have an extra third next year, so who would be upset if we used that pick with another to get a potential star RB?)

good research. I completely agree with the back-up analysis. I would take him for a third though, I think that would be a steal if he turns out. If, not, well we still have three first day picks and a great back up RB/or 1a for years to come. Of course, that's where the contract issue gets tricky.

??????????????? what does that do?

Exactly! I love puz, I want puz. But I really feel if the Bills want him, they have to take him at 12. Though that may seem high to some people, Levy made it clear last year, he'll take the guy he wants when he picks, no matter where that is. I have this suspicion that Puz is the perfect Levy guy. Great player, good student, humble, and he's played his best in 2005 as the WLB in the college equivilant to the cover 2 defense at Penn State. I would love nothing more then to get Okoye at 12 and then trade up to the late first to get Puz. But that's taking a big chance that he won't be there. A lot of mocks have him going as high as 13 to St. Louis. So I think if he's the highest rated player on Levy's board in a need position when he picks, don't be surprise to see puz picked at 12. By the way, Shane Conlon, another great LB from Linebacker U!

good point, i'll have to edit mine....

my draft board: 1. Calvin Johnshon (WR) - 6'5'', 4.35 fourty time?! are you kidding me! 1a. Peterson (RB) - Although I'm in the camp with everyone esle who thinks we shouldn't draft RB in round 1, if peterson fell to 12, I think you have to take him and not look a gift horse in the mouth... 2. Okoye (DT) - next warren sapp? perfect for the cover 2 D- can penetrate up the middle in passing situations but can also be a force agaisnt the run 3. Willis (MLB) - pure attacking LB 3a. Puz (OLB) - Just a great football player/leader/person/blue-collar guy. Would be perfect in Buffalo. --------------(trade down line?) 5. Hall (CB) - I like him, but I discount all CBs because I think adding a second or thrid rounder to the guys we already have would be more then sufficient to create good competition for the starting job... 6. Branch (DT) - "boom or bust" - this is a pharse about him that's starting to circulate mock drafts, but i think it's fitting even if it's a litte cleche'... a risky pick 6. Revis (CB) - see Hall 7. Houston (CB) - see Hall 8. Timmons (OLB) - I rank him 3 among LB's. I would take him if we traded down and Puz and Willis were gone. 9. Lynch (RB) - He won't make it past GB, but i have him this low because I just don't like him enough to justify a top 15 pick. If he was there in the low 20's maybe... but he obviously wont be there) **I would insert some of the DE's after Puz, but I don't know enough about any of them to make an educated prediction about where they would fall. just not a big enough priority for the Bills....

I disagree with a bunch of this... 1. when you put a draft board together you don't leave people off that you don't think will be there. That's the whole idea of a draft board, to rank the best players in the draft, and then ideally, take the best one available. 2. Although I agree with you that I think Marv and Co. rate LB and RB as higher priorities then DT (because of the young guys we drafted last year) that doesn't mean they wouldn't take okoye if he was the highest ranked player on their board at 12. Although DT is not priority one, it's still a need and you don't just bypass a good player because he's not your very first priority, especially a player you really like. It all depends on where they have him ranked on thier board and who's available when we pick at 12. 3. I think you put entirely too much emphasis on drafting willis at 12 and if he's not available then Lynch. First, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Bills had Puz rated higher then Willis. Second, I highly doubt we take lynch unless he truely is the highest rated player we have on the board when we pick and I seriouslly doubt that. I think marv understands that we have a lot of defensive needs and that a good rb can be had in the 2nd or 3rd round. Add the fact that DJ is so high on A-train and Levy seems to like Jackson, all signs point to a 2nd-tier RB that would split carries rather then carry the full load (now i don't like that anymore then you do, but it is what it is.... and personally i think a lot of people are discounting these 2nd round running backs too much. I think hunt could def be a full time starter in this league. I also like the potential of Pittman and Irons too as viable starters too). 4. Lastly, and i'll admit this is a personal annoyance of mine, but I'm sick of hearing people say, "well, even if Petterson slips passed Cleveland, somebody will trade up to get him..." But the funny thing is, no one ever says who that somebody is. IF, and that's a big if, Cleveland passes on him, simple logic will show that he really does have a chance to fall. the ONLY teams between 3 and 12 that would take him would be Atlanta, Houston or the Vikes. Atlanta has Dunn (who is getting up there in age), but is also high on Norwood (who they just drafted in the 3rd round last year). Hoston has Green (granted he's on the wrong side of 30) but also just re-signed ron dayne, and have wally lundy on the roster too (who's no scrub). The Vikes have chester taylor and a young Moore (who passed 600 yards in both rushing AND receiving last year!). Then after buffalo picks, there is St. louis (Steven jackson), Carolina (Foster and Williams), and Pittsburgh (Parker). Green Bay is obviously the other team that needs a RB, but it would cost them a pretty penny to move from 15 to somewhere around 7ish. In additon, if Petterson is still on the board after Cleveland picks, they would have to assum that lynch would fall to them, because there would then only be one team that would be in need of a RB before they pick (buffalo) and two backs still on the board. The only other team that really needs a starting RB (and that can be argued) are the Titans at 19. Again, that would cost ALOT for them to move up that high. Not saying it would happen, but I would bet against it. So if you look at the draft order and where teams picks and what their needs are I doubt some team will trade up to get Petterson. It's not that he isn't worth it, because he definitely is, but its just a matter of doing what's in the best interest of your team. It could be argued that the Bills are in need of a starting RB more then any other team and if we're so h*ll bent on not doing it, why would someone who really doesn't need him? All and all. Cleveland probably takes him. If not, then my guess is Atlanta. But he definitley could fall to buffalo at 12, even if the chances are slight, it is a possibility.

OK, now that i analyzed, i'll throw in my two cents on these players and positions of need and where I see them getting filled in the Draft. 1. I think LB is priority 1 and if we dont select one with the 12th pick I can definitley see us trying to get back into the lower first round (or earlier second round) to try to get one of the big three. this is one position that I like all three prospects. As a former Penn Stater who has seen every game Puz has played i'm personally partial to him. But Either him or Willis would be great additions to our defense. I'm OK on Timmons, but not at 12. If we traded down and the other two were gone I'd be OK with it or if we got somelike like Okoye or Petterson at 12 and traded up a little in the second to get him I'd be happy with that too. 2. I personally like Peterson ALOT and think he's going to be HUGE in this league, no matter who he plays for. IMO if he's there TAKE HIM. That said, i'm not 100% sure we would. Jauron loves A-train. Levy obviously has a plan and if taking a first round RB is not in that, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't divert from it, even though an unexpected Petterson fell to him. In that situation, I hope, at the very least, we would try to trade down get get some high value picks from someone who REALLY wants him. As far as lynch goes, I like him, but not in the first round. I agree he's a first round talent, but in my opinion we don't need a first round RB. Peterson would be the exception, becuase personally, I think he's just that good not too. As I said though, that's my opinion and it's all a matter of what Levy and Co. thinks... 3. I don't know what to think about the CBs. I like them all, but I'd rather not spend a first round pick on one. Almost same analysis as RB's, i guess... I think if you add a second or third round Corner to the mix of players you have right now, that would create good competition for the starting spot and provide excellent depth at the same time. That said, I know levy is a DB guy, so taking one in round one would not surprise me at all. 4. Finally DT's. Quite simply I really really really like Okoye, and I DO NOT like branch. I think Okoye has the potential to be what warren sapp was to the Bucs when they went to the super bowl in the cover 2 defense. that VERY VERY rare cover-2 DT, that can penatrate to distrupt the passing lanes, but that can also be a force against the run. Essentailly that one DT that every Cover two team in the league is missing (which is the reason even the two super bowl teams were less then average agaisnt the run). So if I were the Bills my draft board would look something like this: Petterson (RB) Okoye (DT) Willis (MLB)/Puz (OLB) ----------- (my personal trade down line if none of the first 4 were available, which would be highly unlikely) Hall (CB) Revis (CB) Houston (CB) Timmons (OLB) Branch (DT) Lynch(RB) Simply take the best guy available.

I agree 100%. Everyone keeps talking about these positions like they're gapping holes (me included btw), but the fact is there's someone on the roster right now for at each of these positions with potential. DT: McCargo, Williams, Triplett, Anderson (McCargo was a 1ST ROUND pick last year, something that i find i have to remind myself of at times! Williams was last year's 3rd and Triplett, although he didn't have a great year, is only one year removed from having a pretty good season in Indy. That's a lot of potential to just give up on. Although I personally think we need to beef up in the middle if our Run D is going to be good, all indications from the front office says that they're more concern with LBs then DT's to fix this problem). CB: McGee, Youboyte, Thomas, Greer (McGee is a good number 2 corner and youbotye, thomas and greer are all above average nickles. Youbotye is also a third rounder from last year and it seems the coaches are high on him. Anyway you look at it we need another CB on the roster, but even if its a second day pick, our corners are still decent. I think gettting a CB in the 3rd, someone like Dameyon Hughes if he falls, to compete with Youboyte and Thomas would be more than satisfactory and would create good competition for the starting spot) RB: Thomas, Jackson, Williams (A-train is a Jauron favorite and his comments suggest that he's more than willing to have A-train as he starter this year. Jackson has been a surprise out of no-where who has been getting a lot of local press as of late following levy's comments after the A-train signing. Whether it's all puff or he'll actually make a difference on the field, only time will tell. This is another positions like CB where we 100% definitely will add a RB in the draft, but if we don't add one in the first round it won't be devastating. Definitily first day though. Aside from the first rounders, Hunt, Pittman, Irons, Jackson, would all create a decent if not good 1-2 punch with A-train. LB: Spikes, Crowell, Ellison, Wire, Haggen, DiGrigorio (This is another position with an up-and-comer in Ellison, but I think Marv and Co. target this as priority one because of the question marks that come along with it. Will Spikes return to form? if not, you have a huge hole to fill. And even though I like ellison and it's evident that the coaching staff does, I suspect they wonder and worry about his size. Overall another position that we need help at, but if we HAD to go into the season like this and add a young prospect we could pull it off). Overall then you're right, I think we'll take the best player available at the 12th pick in one of those four positions. and really ALL it comes down to is where they have those players in comparison to one another on their draft board. For example, I wouldn't be surprised if Puz was higher on their board then people think. They may even have him higher then Willis. I def would not be surprised to see him picked at 12, nor would i be upset. With all that said here's potential first round selections for us: RB: Petterson, Lynch LB: Willis, Puz, Timmons DT: Okoye, Branch CB: Hall, Revis, Houston I will spare everyone my opinion on these guys in this post, as its more for information and analysis rather than opinion, but I would be shocked if we didn't get one of them by the time the first round is over (whether we stay at 12, move up or move down). It's just a matter of how much Marv and Co. likes each one. I'm gong to take a stab and say that we get Willis or Puz. As I said above, I think the front office views LB as priority one and will have both guys rated very high on their draft boards. (of course if petterson unexpectedly falls, who knows...)

Michale Bush = larry johnson?! hahahahahaha (that doesn't even deserve more of a comment) i also don't get the kenny irons/cadilac williams comparison? i like them both, but what the heck is similar about the two? Irons is more small, swifty and quick (although not super "fast"). Cadilac is more of a between the tackles runner with enough speed to get to the outside. am i missing something? These comparisons are worthless

Here's something new brewing that would scare me though.... http://rotoworld.com/Content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL Lions Offense-TM- Lions Mar. 16 - 9:35 am et The Lions are reportedly being flooded with calls to trade down, and hope to do so at least once. Detroit's ideal plan, according to MLive.com, would be to trade down a few times, stockpile picks, and draft Gaines Adams. Considering the roster, getting quantity over quality sounds like a great idea. hmmm what teams would be interested in moving up that high? i would have to think most likely the Vikes and Houston trying to get in position to get Quinn. If that true that could mean major trouble for Cleveland if they did indeed want Quinn. If oakland goes with Russel and say the Vikes move into 2 to take Quinn, Cleveland is SOL at QB and would probably take AP. If the vikes or houston make a move like this the only hope of AP falling would be oakland taking Johnson. MAYBE then Clevland takes Russel (but even this isn't as likely as them taking quinn - see my post above). Interesting to say the least...

i don't know. What would make cleveland want russell any more than Quinn? Actually I think it would be the opposite... I think they would want Quinn more: 1. I don't think you can discount the Crenel/Weis connection. Weis knows Quinn. He could be telling Romeo all of the positives about the kid that would increase their chances of taking him. 2. I know for a fact that Cleveland attended Quinn's pro day in full force, I'm not so certain on Russell, anyone know?

you make all good points and i agree with you on most of them, but I don't think my reaosnsing/suggestions are as rigid as you may think. I'd I dont' have any problems with taking a RB in picks 1-10, as long as he's the type of player that you think would be worth it and that would fit your team. For example if you're a team set as QB and you're not dscredde with ohter needs (i.e. something like New Orleans last year) I have no problem taking a RB early in the draft. Now heres my thinking about the Bills: First, we're set at QB. I have all the confidence in the world in JP and think he becomes a top 10 QB this season. However, I think we have too many defensive needs (particularly at LB and DT) to just take the best RB available in the first round (for all the reaosns i mentioned originially). I like a lot of the second/third round RB's (especially Hunt and Irons), so I definitiely think we should go D in round one (Okoye, Willis, Puz are on my personal wishlist for round 1) that said...I would have NO PROBLEM with us taking a guy like Peterson at 12. I think he's that special RB that would be worth taking. (i would NOT take lynch though). Peterson is a top 5 talent, and if he does fall becuase of other teams needs, then I don't think you just ignore a gift that falls right in your lap. If something unexpected like this happens you take Peterson and then I think it becomes imperative that you try to get back into the first and get one of the best three LBs available (Willis, Puz, or Timmons). In the end it's all about value and where these players fall on the Bills draft board. IMO Peterson is worth the first round pick despite other needs. Otherwise you go def.in round 1 and grab your RB in round 2 or 3 (which is obviously the most likely senario) just my two cents