Git'er Done

I see you're a Poz fan and a Leonard fan. A fool like you should just stay away from any of my posts. Go watch Canadian football, all the Great White Hopes you'll ever need.

No,I'm sure it's too much for you.

I also posted all the Super Bowl winners, they weren't necessarily "premium picks" but almost all were 1st rounders. I have posted a few different lists, this is just to add another aspect. No one has come up with any contrary statistics that make ANY argument for the players from the other rounds (because there aren't any), they just post stuff like "I think you can get better value in the 2nd or even 3rd round at running back" or spew out a couple names of successful running back from other rounds. My contention is that it's almost essential to have a great back to win a SB, that the odds are way better in the first, that an average back is a waste of time (and other players careers) and that perhaps the top guys just have that little bit something extra that can push a team over the top. Also alot of the guys won more than one ring. I still haven't seen a well reasoned argument for a 2nd rounder, and some fools are counting on a 3rd. To me this is the way to waste picks.

I have been trying to convince posters here that if you want to win the Super Bowl ,you need a 1st rounder at RB. Almost ALL the Super Bowl winners had one. I just found an article with some nice stats and such. Great Running Backs Readily Identified by Draft Day NFL teams do not overlook many great running backs at draft time. The proof is in the statistics. Below is a list of the career leaders in rushing yards. It is overwhelmingly dominated by first round selections, super premium picks at that. While NFL teams occasionally select running backs too early in the draft, the great one's are rarely drafted late. Nine of the top 10 running backs were drafted in round one. Only Curtis Martin, currently number four on the list, was drafted any later. Martin was a third round pick of the New England Patriots in 1995 from the University of Pittsburgh. Of the top 20 career rushing leaders, 15 were selected in round one. In addition to Martin, the other top 20 rushers selected outside of round one were: No. 11 Thurman Thomas (2nd round, Bills, 1988, Oklahoma State), No. 15 Ricky Watters (2nd round, 49ers, 1991, Notre Dame), No. 18 Corey Dillon (2nd round, Bengals, 1997, Washington) and No. 20 Terry Allen (9th round, 1990, Vikings, Clemson). Among the top 55 all-time rushers: 31 were first round picks, 8 were second round selections, 5 were picked in round three, 9 were tabbed in later rounds and two players were not drafted at all. The undrafted running back were No. 22 Hall of Famer Joe Perry and No. 34 current great Priest Holmes. Perry, who entered the NFL via its incorporation of the AAFC in 1950, was perhaps the most exciting runner of his era. In the AAFC, Perry scored 23 touchdowns in 25 games over two years, averaging seven yards per carry. In the NFL, Perry rushed for over 1,000 yards in both the 1953 and 1954 seasons, an extremely difficult task in 12 game seasons. In 1953, Perry gained 1,018 yards rushing for 5.3 yards per carry and scored 13 touchdowns. He followed it up with perhaps an even better season when he rushed for 1,049 yards for 6.1 yards per carry and scored eight more touchdowns. Holmes has confounded not only all those who overlooked him at draft time, but also the Baltimore Ravens who failed to resign him after he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1998 and the Cleveland Browns who didn't try hard enough to get him to join the team when it had the opportunity and room under the salary cap to do so upon its reentry into the league. If Holmes can stay healthy enough to have just one more good season, he will enter the top 20 in all-time rushers. Of the career leading rushers who were actually drafted, No. 23, the unheralded Ernest Byner (10th round, Browns, 1984, East Carolina) was the least appreciated at draft time. Nevertheless, Byner had a 14 year career with the Browns, Redskins and Ravens. He not only rushed for 8,261 yards, but also caught 512 passes for 4,605 yards more. Other late round picks included No. 20 Terry Allen (previously mentioned), No. 33 Terrell Davis (6th round, 1995, Broncos), No. 38 Leroy Kelly (8th round, 1964, Browns), No. 46 Wilbert Montgomery (6th round, 1977, Eagles) and No. 54 Don Perkins (9th round, 1960, Cowboys). No. 24 Herschel Walker was drafted in the fifth round in 1985 by the Cowboys, but he would have undoubtedly been the first pick in any draft he entered if he had not already been signed and playing in the USFL. Over 40% of the career rushing leaders were super premium draft picks. Somewhat arbitrarily, I've defined the super premium picks as the nine first selections in the draft. Super premium picks that turned into all-time rushing greats include: No. 2 Walter Payton (4 player in 1975 by the Bears), No. 3 Barry Sanders (3rd player, 1989, Lions), No. 6 Eric Dickerson (2nd player, 1983, Rams), No. 7 Tony Dorsett (2nd player, 1977, Cowboys), No. 8 Jim Brown (6th player, 1957, Browns), No. 12 Marshall Faulk (2nd player, 1994, Colts), No. 13 John Riggins (6th player, 1971, Jets), No. 14 O.J. Simpson (1st player, 1969, Bills), No. 17 Ottis Anderson (8th player, 1979, Cardinals), No. 19 Earl Campbell (1st player, 1978, Oilers), No. 26 Gerald Riggs (9th player, 1982, Falcons), No. 27. Larry Csonka (8th player, 1968, Dolphins), No. 28 Freeman McNeil (3rd player, 1981, Jets), No. 29 Garrison Hearst (3rd player, 1993, Cardinals--do the Cardinals lose all their great draft picks), No. 31 Edgerrin James (4th player, 1999, Colts--who wisely bypassed Ricky Williams), No. 35 Fred Taylor (9th player, 1998, Jaguars), No. 36 Mike Pruitt (7th player, 1976, Browns), No. 40 George Rogers (1st player, 1981, Saints), No. 43 Curt Warner (3rd player, 1983, Seahawks), No. 47 Chuck Muncie (3rd player, 1976, Saints), No. 52 Ricky Williams (5th player, 1999, Saints) and No. 53 Floyd Little (6th pick, 1967, Broncos). Few running backs drafted with super premium picks become total washouts. When they do, it is often due to injuries. Nevertheless, the following players probably did not meet the lofty expectations of the teams that drafted them: Ki-Jana Carter (1st player, 1995, Bengals), Blair Thomas (2nd player, 1990, Jets), Bo Matthews (2nd player, Chargers, 1974), Alonzo Highsmith (3rd player, 1987, Oilers), Brent Fullwood (4th player, 1987, Packers), Curtis Enis (5th player, 1998, Bears), Lawrence Phillips (6th player, 1996, Rams), Tim Worley (7th player, 1989, Steelers), Joe Profit (7th player, 1971, Falcons), Michael Haddix (8th player, 1983, Eagles), Touchdown Tommy Vardell (9th player, 1992, Browns), Sammie Smith (9th player, 1989, Dolphins), and Bubba Bean (9th player, 1976, Falcons) An added note, Brian Leonard could be this years "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell.

Some quotes from NFL Draft scout "Higher than you Think: At this point, I don't know of another draft analyst ranking Meachem as the second-best receiver of the 2007 class. I know of at least a half dozen NFL teams that do -- including a handful of that own picks in the top 15. Those toward the middle of the first round don't expect Meachem to be available when they pick." NFL COMBINE: Meachem may have solidified a first-round grade by having a good Sunday at the combine workouts. The 6-4, 214-pound receiver from Tennessee kicked off his workout by running a 4.39 40, third best in his group and tied for seventh among the receivers who worked out. He showed good power during his run. His arms spread out wide like an airplane as he gathered his speed. Though you would think the extended arms would have slowed him down, it didn't. Meachem predicted on Friday he would run in the 4.3s and he lived up to his prediction. What was most impressive about his drill work was how well he caught the ball with his hands instead of his body and how he positioned himself after the catch. On throws to the inside of the numbers, he watches the ball into his hands while positioning his feet to get yards after the catch. He caught all of the balls on the gauntlet drills going across the field and allowed very few balls to hit the ground during the day. He did seem to be a little slow coming out of his cuts as he went around a cone on some precision routes. That is the type of footwork he would need to improve. He looked very natural on the long passes and showed great ability to adjust to over-the-shoulder catches and long passes. He seems to have the right combination of size, speed and pass-catching ability to merit a first-round grade. -- John Clayton, PFWA

Marv made it clear that he likes the current TE's and felt they were hindered by poor line play. I believe him. No high rd TE this year.

I think people are getting a little too caught up in the "needs" of the Bills. There will be veteran linebackers and lineman and cornerbacks available for short term contracts that can come cheaper than the guys we let go and will be adequate. I think if they find a guy that they REALLY like and think will be a consumate pro they will and should take him at just about ANY area of need as opposed to the fans perceived "top priority need". I feel the Bills needs at running back are the hardest to fill, but don't want them to just take any jackass. I think they want a guy that they feel SURE about. I read that Meacham was the most impressive interview at the combine. His skills also fit the Bills needs at wide receiver.

Well thank you. I'm completely convinced they will place a priority on Juniors just like last year. Almost all the top picks of the draft are gonna be Juniors. Leon Hall is a year behind Youboty (even if he didn't really play, he knows what to expect).

Polls in general are sketchy. I mean if you are from Toronto (family, friends old teammates) would you really choose Edmonton over Buffalo. You might say "Toronto first, and Buffalo 2nd" and Buffalo gets no vote.

I find that very hard to believe. I just saw an article about how many formerplayers/coaches/current players (hockey people) live in this area. It's location right on the border is a big plus. I can't see Buffalo last for NHL'ers. These "Bling Bling" NHL'ers love Edmonton? Ottawa? Calgary?

Buffalo is not the first choice for a player to live, but it can be and has been the first choice for a player to PLAY. If the team and organization are top notch, they will come, no problem. I know it might seem like a homer thing to say but I KNOW it's true. The Bills fans are among the top 5 in the NFL, and THE FANS are maybe the biggest source of CAREER enjoyment for a player. Buffalo Cleveland Green Bay Pittsburgh Kansas City

Uhh, I like Lynch

I could be wrong, or overestimating this kind of thing, but isn't there alot of bad blood between the Bills organization and AJ Smith? If so, I think the egos involved would really have to be sure that they were getting the better of the deal. It just seems unlikely that the Bills would feel good about a deal with the Chargers.

Yeah, but that's part of what is clouding peoples perception. They are still over reacting to Willis. Don't let that fool mess with your real focus. Things like "I don't want another player from a glamourous college or state, they aren't Buffalo guys". I see posts like that. Fools

Exactly how I feel.

I think money and fame are fine motivators and not necessarily "bad character" traits, as long as there are others as well. Bad character traits that can affect a team are thing like placing personal accomplishments ABOVE team accomplishments. For example, Bruce Smith (I feel) was motivated by fame and money, also placed alot importance on personal stats, but I always felt that winning was THE most important thing to him. He worked hard to stay in shape, even if he didn't practice hard or held out and was a prima donna. He played hurt. He wanted to be the best. that's the big one.

No,No,No "Poz" might be great I don't really know, but I do know people have a tendency to root for people that they think they see some of themselves in. Every short guy in town LOVED Doug Flutie, every East Indian is voting for Sanjaya, and every fat guy rents Ron Jeremy videos......it's universal. It just clouds their judgement thats all.

Exactly. Brian Leonard. Paul Posluzny. Great White Hopes. How many of the these "POZ" boosters are Polish? Hmmm..... And Shane Conlan was above average, not GREAT (I like Conlan). I'm hoping they get someone GREAT.

I'm not so sure he was a great lockerroom guy. I think he was part of the divisiveness of the lockerroom with Eric Moulds in 2005. I think the team wants a new set of leaders, their own guys. Spikes time was up. I'm esctatic that they got ANYTHING for him, and cut loose Holcomb. I think he was a big cap hit, and won't be worth the money in the LONG RUN. By the time the Bils will be legitimate Super Bowl contenders (2008 or 2009) he will be very average (I think he has some gas left in the tank, just not 2 or 3 seasons). The BIll need a bunch of guys RISING to their peak at the same time in order to win a Super Bowl. Spikes was AWESOME and I wish him well.

There is more than one guy working there giving out their opinions. Some liked the trade , others didn't. Who gives a rat's a$$

I believe the Bills (and most teams in the NFL) will use their Top 15 pick on a JUNIOR Here are the juniors ( left out QB, S, OL, and TE. Really, give it up, they aren't gonna use the pick on a TE) Running Backs Adrian Peterson Marshawn Lynch Antonio Pittman Ahmad Bradshaw Michael Bush Chris Henry Brandon Jackson Gary Russell Raymonce Taylor Darius Walker Danny Ware Dwayne Wright Wide Receivers Calvin Johnson Robert Meacham Dwayne Jarrett Ted Ginn Anthony Gonzales Dwayne Jarrett Maurice Price Sidney Rice Defensive Lineman Jamaal Anderson Jarvis Moss Alan Branch Amobi Okoye (I know he was a senior, but he's 19) Antwan Applewhite Stanley Doughty Charles Johnson Mckenzie Matthews Linebackers Lawrence Timmons Jon Beason Brandon Siler Rory Johnson Joe Abbate Cornerbacks (Personally, I don't see a CB happening here, if Youboty were coming out THIS season he would have been a top rated CB, maybe higher than Leon Hall. But here they are.) Darrelle Revis Chris Houston Eric Wright C.J. Gaddis So who do YOU like. (please, there are plenty of posts naming Senior players like Patrick Willis, let's just ASSUME that they will go for a Junior (Like they did with THE FIRST 4 PICKS LAST YEAR). I think 2 or 3 of these guys will be BILLS

I think this is the BEST offseason in years! Frankly, I think the team "culture" is the most important thing. Look the difference between two 300 pound pro athletes isn't gonna be that big. A lineman that runs 4.8 versus a 5.5 etc,. What counts a lot more is whats between the ears and their heart. For instance Langston Walker. It's REAL hard to get into it when the team you are on blows. I know there are paid ALOT of money, but on the field you aren't counting dollars. They are human. It's MENTAL! The Bills WILL be better. I think TKO was a downer in the lockerroom.

I never said you had no right to voice your opinion. I just used Spikes as an example. He may have something left but I doubt it will be worth 4.5m , I think there will be some vets let go and I hope the Bills keep some money for those developments. Chicago is overrated to me, and they are losing guys, Grossman blows. They have problems, I think they have peaked. Yes there are some teams that are ahead of the Bills in their development, the Bills have to catch up. Really all the teams have weaknesses. The Bills are gonna be better than last year, I believe they will make the playoffs. The offense will be way better. It would have been better even if they hadn't changed a player because Losman is gonna know the offense better, Fairchild will have more options, more audibles at the line for instance. The offense should be real good. The guys are gonna have more experience. Spikes didn't do much last season, there won't be worse play at that position. I expect them to pick up a veteran linebacker that has been cut, and they will be fine. After this next season I think they will be a more desirable place for free agents. I think if they make the playoffs, Ralph will open up the wallet and spend above the cap, but they have to make the playoffs first. Were I an owner, I would certainly wait until the team had a strong, young core before I payed out big for free agents. We shall see, I am through bickering with you, I have already posted all these opinions in prior posts. Believe what you will, we shall wait and see.

If they are "lying" about something I would say it is that Fred Jackson is a serious consideration at RB.

My point is you have to let things play out, there is nothing else to do, you have to give the new "regime" a reasonable amount of time to get things in order. I expect them to fill some the holes with guys that will be cut, kinda like Spikes, a guy who maybe past his prime and too makes too much money. I expect them to make the playoffs. The reason I want to know what team you think will win the Super Bowl is that I want to check that team's boards out and see how it's fans are bitching and moaning like the sky is falling. Every team has problem areas at coaching, management and/ or player levels. The BIlls are on the right path.