ax4782

The irony of posting on this board never ends. The complainers always moan about the fact that the offense is so boring and uninteresting. The Bills draft Spiller. Then the complainers whine about it, saying that we had other needs, why on earth would we draft the most dynamic, exciting, and explosive players in the draft to make that offense better. That makes no sense. Then, they complain that we aren't big enough up front, and the DL can't stop the run. The Bills go out and draft a true three down NT and a 3-4 DE who can really play well against the run, getting much bigger up front. Then, the naysayers whine that the Bills didn't draft the players with names they recognize, and that we should have worked on the O-Line first, even though our run defense last year was the biggest reason we couldn't win games. Seriously, let's wait till all the picks are in and let those players play a game before we start to criticize them as a bust or a pro bowler.

Perhaps you haven't been paying attention to Nix's statements about their intention. The motto of this offseason has been that in order to win, you have to run the ball and stop the run. As Gailey said, you can win with, and I'm paraphrasing, a mediocre NFL QB, so long as you can run and play defense. As such, the Bills went out and drafted the best RB in this draft. Then, they draft a true NT followed by a run stuffing DE. If Bruce Campbell is there for our pick in the fourth round, I suspect that the Bills will take him and work him up as the backup next year, to be ready for 2011. As for the G and QB position, Gs can be found in the later rounds. There are a couple of Cs that are good too, including Ted Larson from NCSU who won the Jim Ritcher Award. You might remember him. Let's not get too upset until we see the team on the field and find out how the rest of the draft goes. So far, good players at positions where they were needed, except, arguably, RB. But when you can get a playmaker like that you have to take him. Remember, the first year Nix was in SD, they drafted Tomlinson. That worked out well for them over the next five seasons.

Yes, we should all bow down to the Almighty Kiper! Every player he has said would be the best ever, has been. Seriously? Spiller at 9 is not a reach. You are lumping all of the DTs together, not looking properly at positions. In the true NT 3-4 scheme position, there were few guys who filled that role as a three down player. Troup was one of them. Terrence Cody is a solid two down player, but who plays NT on third down? Kyle Williams? Perhaps, but why not get a true NT guy. Troup is not a reach, just because Kiper says so. Maybin hasn't been around long enough to judge what his status is in the NFL. Whitner is a solid player, but not a great player. He may not have been worth the #8 pick, but to call him a bust is nonsensical. The fact is, Buffalo needed bigger bodies on both lines. The FO has decided to shore up the defense first, then work on the offense. Being able to stop the run, will allow us to become a much better defense. And by the way, Bruce Campbell is still available in round four. There's a reason for that. He is a very raw player that only started at LT for one college season. The picks the Bills have made are of players who have been injury free for three or four years of starting at the college level. That experience is excellent and will help the team. Most analysts seem to think the Bills have had a solid draft, even if it isn't the best of everyone. Perhaps we should see what the new players can do before passing judgment. Oh, I forgot, you're part of the kabal of experts on this board who know more than everyone else about the players we've drafted. A group who can see the future, and predict, before one snap in a player's career, whether or not they will be worth the pick at which they were taken. Get real. Kiper can be wrong, and has been frequently. Buffalo seems to know what they want. I trust the new FO a lot more than the schmucky opinions of some of the blow hards on this board.

Bills trade up ahead of the Cleveland and draft Clausen. Then they move back into the late second to get Cam Thomas or Rodger Saffold at that point, whichever of the two is still on the board.

Close call, though I give EA the slight nod. However, I too think Rachael Nichols is an attractive woman, best or second best looking on ESPN.

That might be relevant if the guy had been able to play. Considering he missed most of last season with a knee injury and played in three games his rookie year. Seriously? I think we might want to see what the guy can do on the field, or actually have him run a route before calling him out as a bust. As for Thomas, he played well with Tech, though his route running is still rough. That's coaching. The kid has a lot of talent and would certainly help filling a need on the team. We only have three receivers that we know can go out and play on this team. Another really good one wouldn't hurt. That being said. 1) Dan Williams NT 2a) Tim Tebow QB 2b (via Trade) Roger Saffold OT 3) Best RB/WR Available

I agree with pretty much all of what you said. I didn't mean simply value chart. We have so many needs I hate to see us give up a second and third this year to move up for Okung. We won't be able to get any other top talent, and with all of our holes, I can't see justifying that. Now, here's a dream scenario. Buffalo is able to get Bulaga or Trent Williams at 9, Terrence Cody at 41 and Linval Joseph in the third. Buffalo needs two NTs and Cody and Joseph serve different purposes and that would be a hell of a rotation at NT. Then you get the LT we need plus filling the NT rotation. Never going to happen but that would be a hell of a draft for the DL and OL. Here's to wishful thinking.

Pass. Clausen has too many issues and is overrated because this is one of the worst QB classes in the history of the Draft. Buffalo needs serious help at both T positions on O and at the NT position on D. There will be top rated players at both positions when we select at 9. If Buffalo drafts a QB it will either be Tebow/McCoy (most likely the former) in the second round, or they'll draft one late probably after the Fourth round. Our lines need help. That's what we're going to build this year. Caveat: If the Bills trade Lynch, and don't get an RB in return, Spiller will be the first round pick, and Buffalo assuredly will not take a QB before the Fourth round. They'll have to take an LT/NT in the second round and third round if that is in fact what they decide to do. Too much help needed on the lines to take a risky 1st round QB like Clausen.

That's an interesting revision of history. Brohm wasn't brought in until there were five weeks left in the season. He only had three weeks to work with the offense before he was forced into the starting role. Yeah, a guy who has only had three weeks with the playbook would normally be sitting his ass on the bench when he has never started a game. When he did play, he actually didn't look bad. The O-Line was terrible, we had a ton of injuries, and with constant pressure from the Falcon's D, he still played well for a first time ever starter in the NFL. He also displayed solid arm strength as well. No one is saying that college stats mean everything. But what we are saying is look at the situations those other QBs found themselves in. Ryan and Flacco started right away, with teams where they had solid lines and running games. To compare Brohm's situation to Ryan, Flacco or Henne is ridiculous. Not to mention, Flacco's NFL numbers would be considered average or slightly better, but not hall of fame and Henne still has a lot to prove down in Miami. Many players are one year wonders, and that, in my opinion is going to be Henne's fate. Hell, John Beck looked good down there for a while the year before. Furthermore, no one is crowning him the starter. All people here are saying is that he deserves a shot at the job. He actually did play in a very good conference, and wasn't a starter his freshman year. Had he been, very likely he would have come close to breaking several NCAA records. What about him makes you think he's so bad, other than the fact that he was in training camp behind a solid starter, probably knowing that he isn't ever going to start in Green Bay unless Rodgers was injured? You can't say he was a terrible player in college. You can't say its based on his play in the NFL. The guy has only started one NFL game. Based on your theory Peyton Manning is a chump, Eli Manning is worthless, Philip Rivers should be out of the league and since Aaron Rodgers had to sit on a bench for two years behind Brett Favre, he's a chicken **** too. All of those players either sat on the bench for two seasons, or they had terrible first games/seasons in the NFL. Seriously, let's see what the guy can do in camp and preseason before we get all hasty and sh*t about getting rid of a guy who actually appears to have some talent and ability.

I say good ridance. I can't stand the Cowboys, or frankly any team from Dallas. Seeing Jerry Jones blow a billion dollars on a new and unnecessary stadium is the most enjoyable part of the whole thing.

The reason I have DW as a 9 pick, is because Cody will be gone by the second round. Cam Thomas is a possibility in the second, but Linval Joseph is not good. If you think DW gets mauled at the NT positions, go back and actually watch Joseph's play at ECU. In a sub par conference his numbers were no better than Williams' in the best College Football conference, against the best teams. Williams will need a bit of work, but he has a ton of potential and can be that space eater. I'm not saying he's going to be the best NT in the league ever, hands down. But he has more potential than Linval Joseph. I think Iupati could fall to the early third, though I agree it is unlikely. If Buffalo wants to draft him, they will have to trade back up into the second round, though at that point, I don't think it would cost them much value wise to do so. If he is there, I think that would be a worthwhile thing to do. They made the same move to get Levitre last year, so that wouldn't surprise me in the least. We lose too much to go up to 2 to get Okung, both this year and next year based on the value chart. I think making that trade would hinder our team for another two years. Okung is good, but not that good. Stay at 9. Take Bulaga if he falls, and if not, take the BPA at a position of serious need. Get DW. If Bulaga falls to 9, they can get Cody or Thomas in the second if they want to go NT, or they can get Tebow and go for Joseph or Owens in the third or fourth round.

Gaither is expendable by the Ravens because they have Michael Oher, and they don't need two top LTs soaking up big money. Gaither was going to be the long term starter in Baltimore, but Oher was so good last season after Gaither went out with an injury, he became expendable. According to NFL.com, he has played in 33 games, and started 28. According to most reports, he has a first round tender, but likely could be had for a second round draft choice. Considering that he was drafted in the Fifth Round, that would be a big benefit for the Ravens in terms of value gained and expended. If the Bills trade for Gaither, especially if it is their second round pick, I foresee the team spending the 9 pick on either Dan Williams at NT or on Tim Tebow. DW would then become the BPA at a position of immense need on the team's defense. However, the Bills seem to have really taken to Tebow, and if they want him, they can now afford to reach at 9 because their biggest need will have been filled with the addition of Gaither.

I tend to agree with you. I think the NT position is going to have much better value. DW will still be there at 9. I would rather take the top rated NT than the fourth or fifth rated LT in the draft. Bulaga, however, to me, is the third best LT prospect. He played in one of the top two football conferences at a very high level for four years. They guy is the third best LT in the draft, and some would say the second best LT. If he is there for Buffalo, I think they take him. That being said, I would prefer DW at that position, and try to get Saffold or Ducasse in the second round, but I would guess that if Bulaga is there at 9, they take him.

I agree with you that the line needs to be addressed. I think that the team began doing that last year. Our interior is solid with Levitre, Wood, and Hangartner. I think that Buffalo should go after Bulaga at 9 if he is there. However, if Bulaga and the other three top prospects are gone, I think the Bills should take Dan Williams at 9 to get that big NT for the middle. Not to mention that DW is a three down guy who is solid in the middle against the run and the pass. He is the top rated NT in the draft, and I believe drafting the best player at a position of need should be the priority over a person who is the fifth rated person at a position. That being said, Buffalo needs to invest three of the first four picks on the offensive and defensive lines. I think getting two NTs should be a priority. The DE position is solid with Stroud, Johnson, Edwards and Kyle Williams. The Middle is where the need is. I would be happy with a draft that looked like either of the following: 1. Bryan Bulaga LT 2. Tim Tebow 3. Vladimir Ducasse 4. Jeff Owens Or 1. Dan Williams 2. Roger Saffold 3. Mike Iupati 4. Dan LeFevour I think either of those scenarios would fill all of the Bills' needs with good young players. I think that the first scenario is more likely because the Bills seem to have really taken to Tebow, but know that they have to go OL or DL at 9. The need is just too great, and frankly, Jimmy Clausen just ain't worth it at that point. In terms of overall value to the team, though, I think the second option does us more good. DW can start at NT, and KW can rotate in on passing downs to spell him. Saffold is better right now than either of our LTs. Iupati and D-Bell can fight out for the starting role at RT and Cornell Green provides depth at the RT position. LeFevour has the potential to be the next Flacco. Check out his stats and his game video. The kid has serious skill and is heavily undervalued in this draft class. He could be a real diamond in the rough. Don't rule out the Bills taking a small, fast RB in the fourth round either. Based on Gailey's statements, that seems like a distinct possibility.

In the NFL, the game is won and lost on the lines. Both O and D. Buffalo needs a LT and a NT. Looking at the way things are shaping out, I think Trent Williams, Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis will be available as LTs at 9. Dan Williams will be available as the best NT prospect at 9 as well. If Bulaga is there, I say he should be the pick, then try to get a NT in the second round, say Cam Thomas or Terrence Cody. If only Trent Williams and Anthony Davis are left, I'd say go with Dan Williams at NT and try to get Saffold or Selvish Capers in the second round. Either way, the first two picks should be used to address the line. However, it appears that the Bills have gallen in love with Tebow, and I wouldn't be surprised to see us take him at 41, and try and take another lineman in the third, or trade back into the second and try to get one. Either way, Buffalo has major needs on both lines, and at QB, but they should focus on building their lines first. Personally, a draft where we took Bulaga and Cody or Cam Thomas, I think would be an excellent start. If they could get Bulaga, Tebow, and trade back into the third round to get Cody or Thomas, that, in my mind would be a very solid draft. Same is true if the Bills take Dan Williams, and Saffold, or find a way to get D. Williams, Tebow and Saffold. That would be a clear signal that the Bills are trying to get better the right way. Building the lines and going for a good QB prospect, even if he is not universally accepted as such.

Brohm has played one game in the NFL with an offense that he had three weeks to learn and an offensive line that was down three starters. I think that saying he sucks based off that one performance is a bit premature. As for all that talk about how he couldn't cut it with the Packers, if you were suggesting that he was even competing for the starting job in his ROOKIE season there, you're nuts. Aaron Rodgers was the #1 QB on the team and not even a first round pick was going to challenge him that year for the starting job. And, since when did a Rookie QB in a 3 QB system ever become the second string QB in their first season. It is extremely rare, except in cases where the grizzled old vet is getting ready to retire, and if he gets hurt, they want the new guy to get a chance to play and learn the system in game time scenarios. People who post comments about players sucking or being busts without thinking are frequently wrong or unknowledgeable about football in general. Further, to say that Brohm only had a mediocre career at Louisville shows a clear lack of research at the very least into the topic. Here are his stats at Louisville from the three years when he was their starter. Att Cmp % YDS TD INT Rating RAtt RYds Avg RTD 2005- 301 207 68.8 2,883 19 5 166.7 41 -36 -0.9 4 2006- 314 199 63.4 3,049 16 5 158.6 46 45 1.0 0 2007- 473 308 65.1 4,024 30 12 152.4 57 -46 -0.8 3 Here's the link to the stats page at Rivals.com where the stats here came from. http://collegefootball.rivals.com/cviewpla...er=36481#ticker The fact is, Brohm passed for over 11,000 yards in his college career and played in a very good football conference. Not the best, but very good. In Green Bay as a rookie, Brohm was never going to start. The backup, Matt Flynn, has only appeared in four games, and his stats are atrocious. Rookie QBs never play very well when coming off the bench, or in camp because they have to learn a system with which they are almost always unfamiliar. Talentwise, Brohm is probably the best guy on the roster. I don't know if Brohm is the long term answer or not. I do think the Bills like Tebow, and that statements like this could be a smokescreen to keep other teams from drafting him before the Bills pick at 41. If they draft Tebow, I think it will be clear who the Bills will want to be the opening day starter. But Brohm is a good prospect, and given a good coaching staff, he has the tools to develop into a good QB in the NFL. Stating that a player "sucks" when they have appeared in 1 NFL game is completely ridiculous. Let's give the guy a chance with the team and the new staff before we unequivocally, and without any evidence at all is ridiculous. If you go back and watch that Falcons game, you'll actually see that the guy has a good arm and solid instincts. He just needs to be in a system that he has more than three weeks to learn, and have a line that isn't made up of third string starters. Those things will tend to lead to bad QB play.

I think his point, however, is well made. People on this board want to trade away our best players at certain positions to "stockpile" picks. Of course, this strategy makes no logical sense, considering that we'd have to use that pick to obtain said player's replacement. The strategy is just stupid, and people make those posts seriously, just throwing out the phrase "Trade Evans" or "Trade Lynch" etc, without contemplating the ramifications, really should have their posting privileges restricted.

There aren't going to be any definitive assurances that the team will be here at the end of the lease, but think about it logically. The Bills are still selling out and have a very loyal fanbase. There are teams like Jacksonville that couldn't sell out their own home playoff games are were blacked out every week because they couldn't sell out. They are far more likely to be moved to a place like LA than the Bills. Also, don't forget that Goodell was born and raised in Jamestown and his mother was from Buffalo. He has also made it very clear that he is going to make sure that football stays in Western New York. Why is it that every time someone talks about long term prospects the fearmongering about the team moving away starts up. I am beginning to think that this is the default argument for people who just want to blow the bank on free agents now like the Redskins have done unsuccessfully for years to try and force the team to win now rather than doing it the right way. That being said, Whaley was a good hire. He is a smart football guy who understands how to build a winner. Nix is the same way. Coming from SD and with all the scouting experience he has, his football IQ is high and he was with a team that painfully built a winner over a number of years. The Chargers used to be a joke too not that long ago, but have come into their own. Let's give the new people a year at least before the attacks start. For crying out loud they haven't even been through one draft or training camp yet and already some here are ready to give up and start all over again. We didn't get Cowher. Get over it, and let's give the new FO and coaches a chance.

Agree 100% Why take the fifth rated LT on the board when you might be able to take the top rated NT, DE, OLB/ILB or WR in the draft? If Bulaga or Okung are there, you should take them and fill your LT need with a top quality, proven commodity at the position. If they are gone, it just make sense to take the top player at one of your other needs. The Bills are not going to win the Superbowl in one year, but if they draft smartly, in two or three years we might be back in they playoffs and contending for it.

Defense wins championships. Just ask the Baltimore Ravens back in the early 2000s, when they had Trent Dilfer at QB how important defense is. That's why people on this board want to draft DL players early. Two more points. First, I agree that if either Bulaga, Okung, or Trent Williams are there at #9 you take them. Simple as that. They are all very likely to be good LTs in the pros, though Bulaga and Okung will likely be more NFL ready as rookies. However, if the top four tackles are gone, and you have to choose between taking the fifth best T, or the best NT or best DE or best OLB/ILB in the draft, why the hell would you take the Fifth best guy at any position when the best players at other positions of need are there. Second, Brandon Graham should not the be the #9 pick. It would be a huge talent reach as most consider him a mid to late 1st rounder, and second our DE position is actually in very good shape with Marcus Stroud and Dwan Edwards as the starters. Taking a DE makes no sense when we have a gaping hole in the middle of the line b/c we have no NFL 3-4 NT. Building the lines are important, either on offense or defense and there isn't much drop off between the #5 and #6 LT in this draft. Saying that they better take offense in the first round or they are stupid is just ignoring the fact that there are a lot of holes on D right now too. Let's get the best player available at a position of need. And if Clausen is there at #9 I don't think we should take him either. Overrated. I'd still go NT or LT even if Clausen is there. He is not the answer for us at QB.

A GM in football has a lot of things in their job description, but the top priorities are the Draft and FA. For the last decade we have not had a person in the role of GM who has been a solid talent evaluator come draft time. Not since John Butler left for SD. The fact of the matter is, Nix and Whaley are widely known for being very good evaluators of college talent that can translate to the pros. Therefore, having them in the GM/Asst. GM role means that come draft and FA we actually have a pair of persons taking the reins who know what they're doing. I don't give either of them "credit" for building their respective former clubs, but there is no denying they know how to evaluate talent and help in the decisionmaking process for building successful teams. No one here is saying with absolute certainty that they are going to work out. But for crying out loud, is it too much to ask that people take on a positive outlook knowing that we have football knowledgeable people working in our FO again? That Russ Brandon isn't the one making player and personnel decisions? Christ I'd forgotten how negative some of the people on this board can be.

Okay, wait a second. I agree that if Bulaga is there for us at #9, he is the obvious pick. He fills a need with a long term quality starter in college, which is exactly what Nix has said he and his draft team look for. A guy who has been consistently good. I also think that the Bills are going to take a QB, and likely Tebow in the second. Now, why you wouldn't want a guy with Tebow's leadership ability and playmaking ability is beyond me. He certainly has better intangibles than Jimmy Clausen. I'm not saying Tebow is the best QB in the draft. He's not, but he's better than what we have now and the guy knows how to win. As for Linval Joseph being the answer at NT, I don't think so for two big reasons. First, he played in a really pathetic college football conference against average competition and second his stats were not any better playing against that significantly weaker competition than Dan Williams, another 3-4 NT prospect. Joseph's stats were as follows per ESPN. 2009: 59 Tackles 3 Sacks 0 FF 0 INT. You said that Dan Williams from TENN is a bum in one of your other posts and would want nothing to do with him because he was only good at Tennessee for one year. Look at Williams' 2009 stats playing against the best college football competition in the country down in the SEC. 2009: 62 Tackles 2 Sacks 0 FF 0 INT. If Williams is a bum in your opinion, how can you say that Joseph is the answer? His stats are worse against lesser competition. Seriously? Getting him in the third would be good? I'd rather draft Cam Thomas in the second and get LeFevour for the QB position in the third and see how he did in TC with the new offense. Thomas was consistent at UNC, and while I hate Carolina being an NC State grad, he was very good against above average competition. Linval Joseph is not going to be a stud in the NFL. He's going to be a back up rotational player, much like McCargo was. If Buffalo is serious about drafting an NT this year, they better go after one of the top three: Williams, Cody, or Thomas. After that, the talent seriously slides. I think the FO will get talent, though I trust Nix and Chan as talent evaluators more than your unsubstantiated opinion. I won't say they suck until I see the product they put on the field. But rest easy, I think they will take Bulaga in the first, and will go after either Tebow or a solid NT prospect with their second rounder.

I think anyone would be excited to see a playbook this season after last years debacle of an offense. Perhaps they have even designed plays that will get the ball to receiver more than five yards down the field? Let's hope. Steve Johnson and Jame Hardy will be integral parts of this offense and I expect that their numbers will be quite good this season. I don't see Buffalo drafting any of the top receivers this year, certainly not in the first or second round when we need so much help up front at the T positions on both lines. Still, if they can design an offense where we can actually try and throw the ball down field and over the middle more than three times a game, that would be exciting for everyone.

The question is what type of NT is this defense going to employ. Traditionally, a 3-4 set requires a run stuffer in the middle who requires two blockers to stop. Williams did that in the SEC last season because he has good speed and penetrating ability to get into the back field. With Stroud, Dwan Edwards, Spencer Johnson and John McCargo rotating at DE, he has the size to be the run stuffer that we need. I think his improvement year to year at Tennessee, which plays in one of the best college football conferences in the country, and where he performed well against some of the best teams and players in that conference last year, shows that he has what it takes to make a solid nose tackle in the NFL. He may be a bit of a reach at 9, but if the top four tackles are gone, think about it. Would you rather draft the #5 rated LT in the draft, the #3 rated QB in the draft, the #2 rated 3-4 LB in the draft or the #1 rated NT in the draft. Based on all of our needs, we have to draft that NT. The odds of getting a solid T prospect in the second round of similar talent to the #5 overall T is pretty good and there are only three NT prospects IMO worth a first or second round pick this year. Williams, Thomas and Cody. If the Bills don't get a NT in the first round, look for Cody or Thomas at our spot in the second. After that you're looking at Linval Joseph in the third or fourth round and he is a much bigger project than Williams.

Most of the players you have listed on here in your sarcastic tirade all have very strong counter arguments to your suggestion that they are busts. Whitner is only criticized on this board because he was a #8 overall pick. He is a solid NFL player, even if he doesn't make the pro bowl every year. Not everyone has to be Ed Reed back there. Maybin only played in three games and is changing positions. It's a bit early to call him a bust when he hasn't even played half a season. Everyone knew he was going to take some work to get him ready. Let's give the guy a full season before calling him a bust. Kyle Williams is playing much better than the Fifth Round draft choice that he was. Almost everyone agrees that the guy is excellent. I don't know where you're pulling that from. McElvin has played very well at corner even though he has been injured for long stretches. Again, the guy is young and has a lot of talent. Give him a chance to play. Lynch has been good, but last year he was hampered by suspensions and injuries. If he can get the character issues sorted out, he's a hell of a player. All of these players are NFL caliber guys, some of whom are solid players already, some of whom are too young to judge. And don't throw Hardy on the list either. The guy has played in three games and was out all of last year with a very serious knee injury. How about the rest of our top picks last year. Wood, Levitre, and Byrd are all starting quality talent and started immediately. No mention there. Your post, like the one from BillsPhan earlier are always trying to focus on the negatives. Having a real GM who knows football, and a coach who actually believes he can win games and will actually ADAPT to his players, has a chance. We've been 7-9 under Jauron and his terrible coaching schemes. I think Gailey is a better coach than Jauron, by leaps and bounds. I think Gailey's offensive talents and ability to manage the clock could win us two or three more games. That would have put us at 10-6 last year and in the playoffs. We're not that far away, though I think it will take another year of 7-9 or 8-8 before we get there.