Rockinon

Not a bad analogy. I think the Bills are definitely looking to get that run game going, but don't over look the potential of a modern style passing attack. Honestly, it's about balance. You can't run all the time and you can't pass all the time. You have to mix things up. When both the run and pass are clicking, the offense really gets rolling. With Josh Allen's ability to do both pass and run, that dual threat can be hard to handle. Having a mauling OL is great for old school running plays designed to wear a defense down but the real dagger to the heart is a quick strike pass. As a game moves into the 4th qtr and the defense gets tired, that mauling OL can really shine. So, I agree.....less modern, but not completely without modern concepts. Don't want to get pigeon holed.

Very good observations. People are way too focused on pass catching TEs. Blocking is where it's at, even in a "modern NFL". ? The guy has actually caught better than 80% of his passes. Is he a pass catching TE? No. Not by any stretch of the imagination, But when he does run a route, he catches it, You have ask why that is. Lee Smith catches nearly everything because he does his job and blocks like any good TE should, and when he gets that opportunity to run a route, it's not expected. There is tremendous value when an offense does something you don't expect. And there is tremendous value just doing something as boring as blocking so someone else can make a play. And as you have pointed out. There is also tremendous value having a veteran presence in the locker room to teach the young bucks how to be true professionals. This could end up being a signing that is very under rated. It's my belief that the Bills are planing to run 2 TE sets with more frequency. Lee will be asked to block a lot, which is his strength while another TE will be running a route. Occasionally, he'll run a route too. His history is approximately 1 catch per game. Don't see that changing much, because that is what he excels at. It's truly amazing that folks can't see the value. When he blocks, he's as good as an OLman. When runs a route, he catches a very, very high percentage of them. He's experienced and can be a mentor. What's not to like again? There is no doubt that other TEs will be running more routes and getting bigger statistical numbers in catches and yards. It just blows my mind when folks can't see past those statistics. I'll say it again. This is football and blocking, even though it does not show up in the statistics, it's important, Very much so.

You couldn't be further from the truth. Blocking TE's are very much used in the Modern NFL. Gronk wasn't just a pass catcher. NE always shocks defenses when they go old school and runs the ball. The notion that running is obsolete in a modern NFL is a very narrow way to look at it. You do whatever works and blocking is a major part of that. Let's not forget this is still a football game.

Having Smith on the field does not mean it's automatically a run play. Blocking is not always about running. It's also about protecting the QB. I think this could be an indication that we will be running more 2 TE sets.

I think Beane is still miffed over news reports that Buffalo is not a desirable place to play. He's repeatedly shut down those reports.

I say screw the wild card crap. Take NE down and win the damn division.

I think having a disruptive force on the interior will not only create sacks for Oliver but also for our DEs. This is exactly what was missing from the pass rush last year. Often DEs feed off of the QB being flushed out of the pocket and sent their way. The thing that I like about Oliver is how quickly he penetrates. This has the added effect of making the QB antsy. It also forces the opposing OL to double team him, again making it easier for DEs to feed. Really think the sack numbers will increase from our edge rushers because of Oliver.

Thanks. Fisher could be utilized as a blocking TE/OL. Hope our "old" RBs go on an epic tear this year.

Bills picked up a lineman that is converting to TE in FA....Can't remember his name. So basically, you could be right.

This is what I'm thinking. I think the G position is going to be a battle. If Ford does not impress early at one of the tackle positions, he could also be thrown into the guard competition. Nsehke is the swing unless Ford loses the job to the veteran. Pretty sure management wants Ford to win the Tackle job, leaving Spain, Teller and Long to duke it out for the 2 guard spots and leaving Nsehke at swing where he has been most of his career. I suppose it's also possible that Dawkins could lose his spot as well. Leaving Nsehke and Ford as the Tackles and Dawkins becomes the swing. So many possibilities. However they do it, Dawkins, Spain, Morse, Feliciano, Ford, Teller, Long and Nsehke should all be active on game day. 5 starters and 2 as backups.

May be a FA add there.

Who's the 1st team they go against with a pass rush?

Expectations are high. I just hope they gel quickly. A lot of new pieces here...... could take a while.

You can't look at merely receiving production. The reason Hock is rated higher is because he can block too. That is a huge advantage. The D does not know whether he is staying in to block or running a route or a combination of the 2. This opens things up in both the run and the pass game. It also gives the D more to think about. A good all around TE can stay on the field and force defenders to guess what is coming. Not projecting whether a pass or a run is coming is what good offenses do. A good multidimensional TE is one effective way to do just that.

This year's draft is all about strengthening the team around our QB. No more wasting draft capital trying to find that QB. It's a different kind of draft, but still very exciting. I can see going with somebody like Hockenson or an OLman with that 1st pick. I can also see going with a DLman. Whether its an edge rusher or an interior disrupter, who knows. Whoever it is, they are going to get a difference maker. Don't really see a move up above 9th, but there are likely going to be moves past that. I think we are going to get some talent. With 10 draft picks, they are going to hit a few good ones. How can you be thinking boring?

That's what I'm thinking too. Have no problem bundling picks to move up but the price in the 1st round isn't worth it. We have a lot of picks in rounds 4 - 7. I can see moving up into the 2nd or 3rd

I don't really bye the OP's take on this. If the Bills stay at 9, I can't see it happening. No one is going to accept a bunch of late round picks for that move(from our perspective sounds great....not so much for a trade partner). However, if there is a trade down that gives us another 2nd, then yea, I can see a move up into the 1st using one of the 2nds to get there along with a later pick. I also don't like the idea of waiting 2-3 rounds mid draft to be able to pick again. I think if we trade down first, the chances of getting 2 1st rounders is very likely. I also think it's pretty likely we bundle some late rounders to move up. We don't need 10 picks, but we also don't want to be waiting 3 rounds before our next pick is up. Have to be flexible if our overall draft is going to be a success.

But do they have enough money to sign their DE now too?

I'm down. He even has hurdle move in that vid!

Funny. No one is talking about the type of blocking scheme that will be deployed with these new additions. A lot of people assume that a zone blocking scheme is likely because that is what Morse did in KC. But, we have significantly gotten bigger on this OL. These guys would excel in a power run game. Spain for instance, at 330lbs, had a down year last year when they changed to a zone. He was much better in a power scheme. I think we are gearing up to wear defenses down with hat on hat blocking. Morse, even has some bulk to him. Teller we know has some power. Nsechke is huge. This line is not going to be doing fancy speed blocks. They're going to meet the Dline head on.

C'mon, John. You are enjoying the 5 alarm fires you're seeing here after your twitter post.....at least a little bit. It's OK. You can admit it. I Know I would.

Interesting how most people are taking this tweet and running with the assumption that the trade up is with our 1st pick. Could be they stay at 9 and trade up afterwards. And perhaps Wawrow is enjoying himself watching everyone salivate.

These OL signings look more like a power run game and less like a zone to me. Most of these guys are strong but not very nimble. Mostly good pass protectors though. Not really sure where they are going with all of them. Maybe they don't either and are just waiting to see who sticks.

I guess we should just stay home and not even bother to watch them this year then. This is in response to the OP. Didn't even bother to read the rest of this thread.

I agree. Plus, after the Redskins spent so much on QB last year, I don't think they will be in the FA market. They need their QB to come from the draft.