BillsVet

Mike Mayock says there's not one first round caliber WR. Mel Kiper isn't far behind, primarily because there's no Braylon Edwards, Calvin Johnson type talent this year. Kelly, Sweed, and Thomas are all fine players, but not elite talent. And this just in: Dallas will not trade their two firsts (22 & 28) for our first or anyone's outside the top 10. Jerry Jones may be a jerk and below average personnel man, but he's not making that deal. That is, unless McFadden's available, and he won't be at 11. Also, no player named Johnson or Owens went in the first round in 1996. If you're referring to Terrell Owens, he went in the third, due to his small school background. The Bills have backed themselves into a corner at WR. Bryant Johnson wanted a long term deal, as all free agents do. Only when he realized he wasn't going to get it for Stallworth money, he went the one year contract route in an attempt to set himself up for FA 09. B. Johnson and his agent failed to read the market correctly, though he would have given the Bills greater flexibility on draft day. A one year deal for a 26 yr old receiver wasn't in accordance with the Bills plans to build a team nucleus. I have no problem with that, provided the Bills know who's going to be their #2 receiver and know that player can complement Evans. So again this year, the Bills have gaping holes on offense. They've failed to give their young QB options to improve his growth and if they can't trade out of the 11th pick, their options are few. They could reach for a WR, or take best available, which leaves them hoping a second round WR can step in immediately and contribute. This rationale has been used for two years already, and we've seen what happens when you depend on rookies to make the difference.

It seems like most Bills fans have forgotten this team was ranked at or near the bottom in most offensive statistical categories. As a result, we get subjects like this to post about. For the record, Buffalo was 30th in total offense, 15th in rushing yards, 30th in passing yards, and 30th in points scored in 2007. Every year Bills fans count on the improvement of younger players. As Badol mentioned, they're counting on the QB (the most important position) to improve, but without the benefit of giving him legitimate options. No #2 WR, little if anything at TE, mean problems for Edwards. For this team to be a legitimate playoff team, they'll need to score more than 16ppg like they did in 2007. Unfortunately, Buffalo has taken on the look of their HC. Hope to win with defense, and maybe the offense scores 20 to win. It didn't work in Chicago for DJ, and it won't work now.

Both Schobel and Denney will be 31 when the season begins. I hadn't realized they were over thirty. At least that's what the Bills website lists their age as. How many times must it be mentioned that you cannot have enough pass rushers? If we haven't learned that after the SB, it won't ever happen. Absolutely. Tripplett had 2 memorable games in 2 seasons. Jax in 2006 and Was in 2007. Outside of that, I couldn't tell he was on the field. Stroud has more size and talent, and I'd take the risk than accept the consequence of lining up guys like Tripplett and Williams. Neither has the size or talent to negate opposing beat most OL's in the middle. Everything starts up front on defense (and offense for that matter) The LB's are in a much better position to make plays, and stop things much closer to the LOS with a bigger DL. I would not have an issue with another pass rusher, especially considering Schobel and Denney are over 30.

Don't forget Mike Schmidt.

I've got no problem with how DJ wins games, but the record shows Jauron's team's haven't been on the winning side nearly enough as a HC. In 7 NFL seasons (career record of 50-67) he's improved little, if any at all. He's never even demonstrated the ability to pick a QB and go with that guy alone. I hope it's not musical chairs this season if Edwards struggles. I don't really don't agree with the defensive talent thing either. Since arriving in Buffalo, the front office has jettisoned Clements, Fletcher, and a wounded and overpaid Spikes. Meanwhile, they've used rookies to fill their places. If anything, the Bills had less defensive talent in 2007 than 2006. Hopefully the young players improve, but banking on rookies to provide the margin for winning is dangerous. One other thing about DJ: Only 10 coaches in NFL History have a worse winning percentage with at least 100 games coached. They are: Marion Campbell, Bart Starr, Bruce Coslet, John McKay, Dan Henning, Ray Perkins, Dom Capers, Norm Van Brocklin, Joe Kuharich, and Leeman Bennett. Hardly the company of coaching greats. NFL Coaches Winning Percentage

PG, I'd add that there are merely spare parts for TE's. The common denominator among playoff caliber teams is having that pass catching TE who poses matchup problems for opposing secondaries down the seam. The Bills have not had a reliable TE in quite some time, and it appears nothing will change this season. Teyo Johnson is a WR in a larger frame without much semblance of blocking skills. Courtney Anderson appears to be bigger, but one wonders why he couldn't make it in Atlanta or Detroit. Schouman has receiving ability, but remains small for the position in the NFL. Royal is the best option, though one with poor hands and an inability to stretch the field. Matt Murphy and Tim Massaquoi are merely campers.

It's a wing and a prayer that an OC who's never done the job after 12 years coaching in the NFL will get this team to being average offensively. The question might be: will DJ let him do the things he wants to do? DJ HC'd teams have never been powers offensively, undoubtedly due to his reliance on making each side of the ball support the other so much. We've seen it time and again how the offense (both in 06 and 07) cannot score, forcing the defense to remain on the field and subsequently yield in the second half. Buffalo will, in all probability now, draft a WR and TE in the first three rounds. However, don't discount the DJ notion of drafting defense early and often. In the past two seasons, the Bills have selected 3 defensive players out of four picks in rounds 1 and 2. It should change, but with DJ having as much say as he does, it may not. Either way, we're again hoping that current players dramatically improve, because the scheme should work, and the players should get better. This very concept was echoed last season, particularly on defense. It didn't work then, and outside of getting a rookie WR to catch 60 balls, it won't happen this year either. There aren't enough options offensively to diversify the scheme like Schonert wants to.

He must be a figure skater who'll compete with Napleon Dynamite for the pair title in Vancouver 2010.

This post is pure insanity. As much as I think Lynch and Edwards will improve this season, you've got to have more than Lee Evans in the passing game, which is all they've got other than the hope Lynch will catches some passes himself. I agree with Obie Wan...if waiting and patience are your strong suits, what's the big deal about having another 2-3 seasons of sub par 7-9, 8-8 seasons? If you're a fan who thinks team accountability and the playoffs are reasonable expectations you'd think otherwise.

I didn't say a thing about a FA WR acquisition. My post demonstrated that it's easier for RB's to become standouts in their rookie season than WR's. After B. Johnson mentioned that the Bills didn't offer enough, I knew he wasn't worth it. I have no issue with the front office allowing him to go elsewhere. However, it puts the pressure on them to find another option for the QB, who needs all the help he can get. As for the WR position, there is no perfect solution. FA's can wreak havoc with team chemistry, and rookies lack experience and NFL savvy. Taking the best WR in the draft should now be the priority, given the lack of weapons on offense. BTW, you're reference to Edwards' habit to use the "drop-off" is short-sighted. Neither Losman nor Edwards attempted much downfield, especially considering the offense Fairychild was running. Edwards and Losman combined attempted only 118 passes out of 444 passes at 21 yards or more, or about 1/4 of their attempts. West Coast Offenses rarely throw deep, and rely on timing in routes.

I've heard Shonka on WGR some mornings, and he's very insightful. You're right though, drafting is not a one or two round event, especially considering how important it is to acquire cheaper talent in the salary cap era. You look at all the late round "finds" and it's those guys that make a team better and it's the best scouts and front offices finding these guys. The Giants have set the standard for second day picks, along with San Diego, Indy, New England, even Philadelphia. It's no wonder they're the more successful franchises.

You've neglected to realize the point about the college to NFL development curve of RB's versus WR's. As has been mentioned numerous times on this board, RB's generally make a quick impact while WR's require more time to develop and transition into the pro game. Put simply, playing RB in the NFL is more instinctual, while receivers must adapt to a host of new coverages and the speed of NFL DB's. Buffalo didn't ink Brown last year because they knew it'd easier to find a more viable alternative in the first round. Brown's always had durability issues, and he once again lived up to it this season. Finding a WR becomes paramount in this draft, provided the front office makes no further deals at the position. To expect a first or second round receiver to play at the level of an average NFL wideout is much more improbable than thinking that way with running backs.

Chris Brown on his blog noted that Buffalo wasn't willing to give a one year deal to a 26 year old. I understand this, given that the Bills are trying to build around a core group, and having a guy in for one year who could be out the door doesn't fit into that. Then again, having a guy in for one year and drafting a receiver to play should that guy leave shouldn't be ruled out either. If BJ wanted money, he found the right place with the 49ers. Production as a WR won't happen though, but he went to a division rival in SF without a decent starting QB

6'2 is big enough, especially given that he's carrying 215 pounds on that frame. Braylon Edwards has similar size, as does Fitzgerald. Finding a Burress is not an every year type thing, with 6'5 receivers with speed very rare. The knock on Thomas is he drops some balls, at least that's Mayock's issue with him. He's not got 3-4 years as a regular and/or starter at Michigan State, but not all players blossom in college. I'm just not a fan of these players who seem to become great after the season. I would hope the braintrust doesn't fall in love with him based on the combine and individual workouts. The tape on him in a segment Mayock showed showed he took a bad route a few times, but had the ability to get better with good coaching.

I think they'll find or even have a FB, but that's not the point here. As for LB, I can't seen them getting younger at the position. They've already allocated a 2nd rounder in 07 (Posluszny) and a good FA signing this year (Mitchell) so I cannot see Rivers. Unless they've got a CB they really like, and I think my head would explode if they use another high resource on a DB, it's readily apparent they've got little choice. IMO, the biggest areas of need (in order) are the following: WR TE CB C OL Depth S Granted, it's my amateur opinion, but the weapons on offense are few and far between. They can have a run first offense, but without more receiving threats, you'll see plenty of 8 and 9 guys in the box. Diversifying the offense should be priority number one in the first two rounds, unless something drops to them.

Now that draft day is quickly approaching (6 weeks tomorrow) I've seen numerous guides available on newsstands. I purchased Sporting News and must say it's downright terrible. The rankings are askew, demonstrated by their ranking Jake Long and Vernon Gholston as second round talent. To me it appears they've banked on name recognition alone or just did poor research and stopped altogether after about November. Pro Football Weekly's isn't bad and had some of the recent rising prospects. Anyone else have any notes on which guides they prefer? I'd heard ESPN isn't putting on out this year.

In theory, WR is deep this year with Sweed, Kelly, Manningham, Hardy, Doucet, D. Thomas, and Desean Jackson probably going before the first day is over. There will be plenty of options at 11, but we need to recall this is an offense ranked near the bottom of every statistical category in 07. Going defense in round 1 gives me the impression they're not serious about doing what Schonert is talking about. Granted, a first round receiver may not make 80 catches, but there aren't a host of receivers with size either. If the Bills go CB in round 1 (and I can't see LB or DL at this point) it makes me wonder about Schonert has for options with Edwards. At least a rookie with size like Kelly, Sweed, or Thomas gives them another option. Reed and Parrish are simply not enough to allow an offense to succeed in the passing game.

Love the avatar. Not in agreement concerning the first round pick. Drafting a first round CB seems the alternative. The other "needs" aren't on par with WR. A CB would not make this team much better, and in all probability would become a nickel and be worked into the lineup a la Darelle Revis for NYJ in 07. The TE class is weak, headlined by a bulked up WR in Dustin Keller and a slow John Carlson. LB should not be a priority, and unless Dorsey or Ellis fall, neither should DT. Outside of a talented DE dropping down, the WR position cannot be ignored. Opponents had too easy a time shutting down Lee Evans, and outside of games against also-rans Cincinnati and Miami, the Bills offense sputtered mightily, particularly in the passing game with Evans recording 100+ yard recieiving games against only the Bungles and Dolfelons. Yes, that first rounder would be relied heavily from the beginning. At this point, there's little option.

I think it's a good no-signing for Buffalo with Bryant Johnson. He overestimated his worth on the free agent market, and ultimately took a one year deal to prove his skills on a team without a #1 QB. He was out for a payday no one was willing to give him. At the same time, it leaves the Bills with a tremendous hole at WR, though I don't think Bills management sees a huge problem. Jauron is a defense first coach, and their three acquisitions on FA are on that side of the ball. Once again, it'll be win with defense, and hope the offense can score just enough. It's what DJ coached teams are notorious for, though opponents will easily take away Evans and Lynch much like they did last year. Edwards has been anointed as the starter, but the weapons will be few and far between. If the Bills don't grab a WR in the first round, or try to go with what they've got, it's going to be a long season offensively. Sweed, Kelly, and Devin Thomas represent the best options, though none are top half of the first round talents at WR.

I take it you weren't at the game...it was like being kicked in the you know where when Elam made that FG. Not to mention the atmosphere was terrible after the catastrophic injury to injury.

You're serious about the idea of having enough picks? I'd rather have more options than less and it's better to have a couple second round picks than one first rounder. The cost of a first round pick, along with the bust rate make it a big gamble. IMO, the draft practically begins in the second round. The Giants have made a living out of getting guys in lower rounds to contribute. Someone once said that free agency is the penalty you pay for drafting poorly. And I agree with it. To get around the cap, teams are forced to find young and cheap talent (No Spitzer reference there, trust me) to stay within the framework of the cap, yet competitive.

San Francisco: Where overpaid players go to lose. Clements, Banta-Cain, Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie, Michael Lewis, Justin Smith, and now Bryant Johnson.

Actually you stay the same age, and the women just get younger. As the kids say, "It's all good."

I posted this previously, and think it's a worthwhile point. No one knows for sure if Bryant Johnson will sign with Buffalo. Recent signs indicate he's trying to shop his services, but there've been no takers as of now. It could very well end up that he realizes he's not wanted as much as he thinks he is and signs elsewhere. If, and this is a big if, the Bills do not sign a decent receiver to complement Lee Evans, I believe it becomes necessary to draft one in the first, and certainly no later than the second round. The draft is deep at WR this year, with Malcolm Kelly, Limas Sweed, Devin Thomas, Mario Manningham, et al among others as good options, particularly the first three in that their size makes them more RZ worthy. OTOH, the team owner has mentioned that while they need bigger receivers, rookies take time to develop. He's right, and most WR's in their rookie campaign aren't prolific. However, the offense needs options, and right now outside of Lynch and Lee Evans, there aren't too many. If nothing changes at WR before the draft, I see them going offense again in round 1 with a wideout.

Have to admit I was surprised Oakland passed on both Leinart and to a lesser degree Cutler. Al Davis has a great track record with QB's (Marc Wilson in 80 and Todd "weedboy" Marinovich in 91) Huff had an excellent college career, but I didn't see him going to the Raiders. I guess this year's draft will offer their own surprises in about 181 hours, but who's counting? Quick trivia question: Who was drafted right after Marinovich in 91? (Hint, he played with Buffalo earlier this decade)