BillsVet

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)

Well, throw in the fact their offense was horrible, and that their pass defense stunk up the joint, and yeah, stopping the run isn't going to be enough. I recall we beat them 17-12 despite yielding a late TD when McGee allowed his man to get open. I realize that you have to stop the run and pass to be effective, I think a 4th grader can understand that one. Besides, they had Brad Johnson starting. Need I say more?

Kinda like there was no way we were going to take a S with our first pick last year? Unless your name was Mike Mayock, chances are you didn't see that coming. I'm not commenting on the Whitner selection, but just saying, this franchise has taken unpredictability to another level.

Where's Bill in NYC when you need him? Are you joking? With all the weaknesses we have, CB in Round 1? Guess we'll be giving up 140 yards per game rushing again if that happens. AARRGGH!!!

I'd still rather been in Pacman's predicament than Barbaro's. And to think all the horse probably got from a deal is more straw and hay. Pacman got strippers.

You obviously don't understand all the maneuvers teams make on each other during the draft. I'm all for honesty, but not between teams during the time leading to the draft. Honesty during draft time can get you screwed over big-time. I think even the notion Buffalo uses a pick in the first or second on a CB makes many of us want to throw up. If Marv says he's going to build on the lines, and in fairness he's started doing that on the OL, then drafting a CB isn't all that honest, is it? Sure it's nice to have 3 good CB's, but I'd rather have 3 good DT's. I'd rather stop the run really well and be adequate in the pass defense than vice-versa. We saw what that did for us last season.

No, the Cover-2 isn't there to stop the run in a classical sense, but if you let teams go for 140 per game you're not going to be very successful. I don't care what kind of offense you have, they won't be getting on the field. Let's not forget so quickly how poor the run defense was. The fortunes of the team have too much riding on how we play the run. Hargrove's spot as a pass-rushing DT now belongs to D. Walker. I recall reading Walker being a pass-rushing type DT who can come in on obvious passing downs. We no longer need Hargrove to fill that role for us, which makes him revert to being a backup DE. Do not underestimate the DT's in this defense. I personally believe they are the most important part of the defense. Everything is a lot easier for the LB's and DB's if they play well and control the middle LOS. You can have the fastest LB in the league, but he's still going to make a lot of down-field tackles if the DT's can't do their job. Your assessment of the Cover-2 is severely lacking btw. Perhaps a check of another website is in order.

I'd have to agree. Walker is an excellent pass-rushing DT but isn't the type who excells in the run defense. It's a huge risk to depend on the existing roster to provide the difference. I don't think Walker's acquisition improves us, no matter who plays LB. We cannot control the defense LOS with those guys, and we lose sight of just how porous we defended the run last season. As bad as Indy was against the run during the regular season with him, they still picked up Booger McFarland mid-season. Granted Bob Sanders helped there too, but a SS can't do much without the DL winning in the trenches.

So many people have us going with Pittman in Round 2 I'm convinced it can't possibly happen. I don't think this draft will be as predictable as some "experts" are making it. Willis and Pittman aren't the slam dunk it's being made, but I wouldn't be disappointed should we select both.

I completely agree that K. Williams was a surprise, but I'm not going to bank on him stopping the run. The Bills DT's are not the sure thing people are making them out to be. As we get closer to the draft, it's looking like Amobi Okoye will be gone before we pick. I want nothing to do with Alan Branch and would rather see Willis should Okoye be gone. There are too many players who play decent their first season and fall completely off the map their second. I'm just not going to rely on K. Williams, McCargo and of course Anthony Hargrove to help us stop the run. We know what we've got in Tripplett (who needed his face on a milk carton) and D. Walker is a pass rushing force it appears. I'm not convinced of that rotation.

Grabbing a LB and RB with our first two picks makes perfect sense, but of course we're not GM's of the Buffalo Bills. That said, I think Shaw might be a sleeper. Now I'm not saying because he's a PSU LB that this guarantees success, but being from a program that produces LB's is something that could further his progression in the NFL. I'm all for DT's in the draft if Brown is in fact not a DE. If there's one position we're deep at, it's DE. I think David Ball has some excellent possession skills and might contribute as a #3 WR. It'd be nice to get a WR higher, but we've got more pressing needs.

McShay has his complete 7 round mock draft...he's got us going with the following: 1 (12) Patrick Willis LB Ole Miss 2 (43) Antonio Pittman RB Ohio St 3a(74) Tim Shaw LB Penn St 3b(92) Tarell Brown CB Texas 4 (111) Kareem Brown DE Miami 6 (184) Le'Ron McClain FB Alabama 7a (222) David Ball WR New Hampshire 7b (239) Anthony Pudewell TE Nevada I really like it. I really do, except for one little thing. Rather not have anyone affiliated with the "U." Aside from that, we address some needs and get some potentially strong performers. Then again, who knows. Thoughts?

In light of what King has said about the 07 draft being a group of about 8 elite players and then the next tier, I'm beginning to believe Buffalo remains at 12 and takes Okoye or Willis. Should neither be there, you might see another reach, but I doubt anyone is going to trade up to 12. I'm not saying offers are out of the question, but the likelihood that there's a player at 12 that won't be there at 18-24 is not as great this year. WR C. Johnson, DE G. Adams, QB Russell, RB Peterson, DT Okoye, FS Landry, OT J. Thomas, and DE J. Anderson seem to be the eight elite. After that it really is a crap-shoot to predict who goes. King may talk about coffee too much, be seems to have enough sources to remain credible.

Did you use the force to come up with that analysis?

I've read in multiple areas that perhaps Buffalo is positioning itself for the 2008 free agent class. We know Briggs isn't happy in Chicago and is probably playing out the season. Not sure as to else will be available, but you never know. Perhaps C to the C is just a one year phenomenon.

Dean you and I always seem to start out rough and then slowly come to agreement. Funny stuff. I think K. Williams was an excellent college player. He always plays with heart and a "high motor." But in the NFL that's not always enough. We'll see how both he and McCargo contribute next season. I'm just not convinced he can provide part of the solution at DT yet. Our run defense criticism seems to wane during the off-season, but during the regular season we weren't stopping anyone. How much upside Williams has is the question. Can he improve or is he the type that has maxed out his abilities? Marv is indeed rebuilding this team. He was left with a bill of goods that went 5-11 in 05 but ultimately had some talent. TD did leave him Losman, Evans, Peters, Schobel, Kelsay, Crowell, and others. He didn't start from scratch but did have some big decisions to make with NC, and this season whether or not to let WM, LFB, and TKO depart. The 2006 draft has to be one of the more polarizing events in team history. What's done is done...you and I can talk all we want but it's not going to make a difference. Whitner is on the team and most likely the starter for the forseeable future. Marv's signature will continue to be more predominant on this team. Whether or not he can build a winner with reduced financial means remains to be seen. Either way, he's working with a lot less than most GM's in that regard. He's probably got one of the hardest jobs in football-having to work for a penny-pinching owner and still deliver. I hope he can do it.

I believe Marv works more in concert with the other leaders they have in the front office...Overdorf, Modrak, Guy, and DJ than most GM's do with their front office types. To blame one individual is ridiculous for any decision because we simply don't know how they arrived at the Whitner and McCargo decisions. I'm willing to bet the decision was made by committee, much like C. Bennett was in 87. And I'm willing to bet DJ being the defense first type had a big hand in it. I'll go along with mid-term grades, they've had some 06 picks play considerable time, but I still believe they played because their options were so limited and not because those picks were better. The second season will tell so much in an NFL career. It's make or break in many instances. Not all careers, but most. McCargo is a huge question mark. He was beaten out by a 5th rounder for PT, so his play this season might indicate where he goes from here. If he's lackluster, well, the draft doesn't look as hot as what some make it out to be. If his injuries preclude him from playing, I'd say that they gambled with a 1st rounder and lost. At that point we can't call him a bust, but his play could change the fortunes of a defense that could not stop the run all season. We'll have to wait and see.