UpstateSwagger

Ummm... 64 TDs to 10 INTs (as I stated earlier). Is that a stat line that makes sense for someone who has no ability to be accurate, read defenses, or throw a decent football? Throughout this thread, you have shown you have some sort of irritated and heightened level of dislike for this kid. While I agree there are certainly some areas that may raise flags, to dismiss him as unable to play the position, whatsoever, is patently and blatantly stupid. Look no further than Pat White in this year's draft for a QB who doesn't exactly fit the mold of a NFL QB but still gets drafted relatively high. Against this year's #1 draft pick, Matt Stafford, Tebow went 10 of 13, including 3 TDs and ran for two more in the all-important WIN. And FYI, the biggest knock on Tom Brady was that he sucked -- at least according to the be-all-end-all, NFL scouts. As a QB, you don't stick around until the 6th round unless the prevailing line of thought is that you are a 2nd or 3rd stringer. Scouts rarely take into consideration the intangibles QBs possess; this is why you see guys with all the physical skills get reached for (i.e. Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, Josh Freeman) and why QBs who are not 6'5" 230, with spiral-throwing rockets for arms but who possess moxie and who are leaders of men, often slip further than they should (i.e. Drew Brees, Joe Montana, and yes, Tom Brady). It is not an exact science. And if you often find your response being, "Show me one scout who thinks this or that," than you may want to examine the flimsiness of your point, formulate at least a bit of your own opinion, or step back, admitting that you don't have much of a frame of reference. But for some that is too much abstract thinking. And to them, of course, all that matters is what scouts salivate over. Signed, Brian Bosworth Ryan Leaf Andre Ware Vernon Gholston Jim Drunkenmiller

How 'bout a little respect for the intangibles, gentleman. Hell, I have little or no preference here (I think we may have our guy in Trent) but don't compare Tebow to Vince Young, and don't make it sound as though he's Eric Crouch and won a Heisman with 10 TDs and 12 INTs. As for the intangibles: The kid clearly has limitless leadership skills. He is just about everything you could hope for character wise. He seemingly doesn't get hurt. He appears to be a machine as far as training and preparation. His faith is an absolute asset, given how religious the average NFL player is. And for all you knuckleheads, who may have had the SEC run up your asses the last few years, a few facts to set things straight: FACT: Tebow has a career QB rating of over 172. FACT: Tebow's lowest completion percentage for a year is over 64%. FACT: In his two years as a starter, he has thrown for a combined 62 TDs to 10 INTs, against the best defensive competition in the country. Take a look at how many first-round defensive players the SEC turns out every year. FACT: In addition to his very stellar passing numbers, Tebow has a chance to break the SEC RUSHING TD record this year. Yes, that includes Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson. FACT: Tebow has a damn good chance of becoming the most decorated football player in college history. Now, I can understand people being unreceptive to someone like Tebow, and hell, I can understand some of the skepticism with his game, but give me a break with all that "translates to a TE or h-back" bullsh!t. That is myopic and just plain ridiculous. I'm not sure his name on here, although I remember that he has a really stupid avatar of a stick figure poking itself in the eye, said something along the lines of " Have you ever seen him throw a ball? It's terrible. It looks like a coach says 'pull.'" Shut up, stick-figure-guy. That's just stupid. I believe you also said Drew Willy was a better pro-prospect. Get a clue. But, I'll beat you to it: "All the scouts say he sucks." We'll see when draft-time rolls around next year. Who would you rather have leading your huddle? I can understand the criticism, but there have been plenty of QBs, without the off-the-chart measurables, who have been franchise players in this league. INTANGIBLES ladies: Some QBs just have that necessary moxie. At the very least, I think it's silly to write this kid off before his senior year has even begun.

The bench press and straight-away speed numbers are a little concerning. Twenty-two reps is pretty mediocre. For comparison, a player like Percy Harvin who weighs 190 lbs. did 25 reps of 225 at his Pro Day. Now, if he can produce, that all comes out in the wash. But given the combination of his relatively slight build, and his mediocre speed and strength, that first step better be really explosive.

He's not 6'2". I don't know where you got that information.

I'm hoping for Ingram. I think he has incredible value at this spot, given his unique skill-set and size. I could definitely see a flier on Ricky Jean-Francois, though. That guy has heavy,heavy upside/potential.

I think it would be interesting to hear how everyone is celebrating this most-joyous weekend -- and jesus, something to pass the time for this god-awful 4 p.m. start-time. I have armed myself to the teeth, personally. I have 12 Newcastles on ice, as well as J&B on stand-by. I plan on riding this wild wave straight into the a.m. Now, what are the rest of you animals doing to prepare?

Strong point. Good aim, however, is an expected trait. You can't account for the short comings of the every-man.

I don't have a urinal in my home -- classic commode. I was merely referring to my familiarity with the classic stall set-up. Touche', though. Good equipment pun.

Well, ho, ho, ho ladies and gentleman. The NFL draft weekend is upon us, once again. Get the wings on stand-by, the recliner at the perfect angle and the Labatt's IV drip locked and loaded. It's nearly go time. Some random ideas of note: -If we trade up for Andre Smith by using a combination of our firsts and/or second, I will be physically and emotionally ill. I'm hoping this is a smoke-screen, but knowing the brain-trust up at OBD, I just don't know. For all I know, we could be trading up to #5 for Eben Britton -- ya know, just to make SURE we get our guy. -If we go DE at #11, I pray it is not Robert Ayers. As a rabid SEC football fan, I have seen Mr. Ayers disappear in a number of big games and be nearly non-existent for most of his career in Knoxville. Give me Everette Brown. He's more consistent and has moves for days. -The Falcons nabbing Tony Gonzales was awesome. We may end up with a legitimate slide from Pettigrew, right into our laps at #28. -Godfather II is better than I but not as good as Goodfellas. -Dream first day... 1a) Oher 1b)Pettigrew 2)Michael Johnson. Throw in a 3rd and 5th for Henderson and Antoine Caldwell or a Guard in the 4th and I black-out a happy man Sunday night. -Someone is going to get themselves a sweet-ass deal whenever Percy Harvin comes off the board. The more I think about it, the more a think he's Reggie Bush on horse steroids. He may be the most explosive offensive player in the last ten years. Something tells me NE ends up with him at the end of the first, and he averages 100 rushing and 100 receiving yards a game, for the next 10 years. -McShay and Kiper have some full heads of hair. -Any beer with less than 120 calories, per 12 oz. serving, is an abomination and embarrassment to quality beer everywhere. Furthermore, MGD 64 is the sorriest excuse for an adult beverage of all time. I would rather drink bug spray from a sippy-cup than degrade my pallet with that hog-wash. -Collin Cowherd, while insightful and often quite humorous, is a doofus. Someone needs to give that guy a wedgie. -Does anyone really think it would be wise to get rid of Roscoe for a fifth? -While in public bathrooms, I opt for the stall. I get a hard time from my buddies, but doesn't it make sense? It's private, peaceful and I have the same equipment in my home. I want to spear-head an anti-urinal movement. In my optimal public-bathroom, there are rows and rows of stalls. Happy Draft to all. I've thoroughly enjoyed everyone's commentary and insight through the dark days of the spring.

Nice race-card-pull. That's such typical short-sightedness. Because I was impressed that a kid who has clearly had a tough young-adult life has seemingly found a place where he can turn his life in a more positive direction, I'm some sort of yuppie who has a hard on for a feel good story from the "projects." Get a grip douche. Given the fact you know nothing about me, it's pretty ridiculous to give me the whole "black kid apologist" bit. If I happened to be black, would you call me an Uncle Tom? But, I'm sure you get it. You, from your pit of cynical skepticism, can tell exactly what someone really means when they say they're happy a kid seems to have found a place where he can make his life more stable. Are you a condescending sociologist, a mind reader, or just a trolling loser? Now return to your man-cave for more Nine Inch Nails in the dark.

And this is a message board -- not a distinguished panel of experts. So you can pick and choose at what you'd like to read, and take everything with a grain of salt. Your jaded and tiring negativism being the bits and pieces that I usually try to ignore. The post was merely a reflection of how I've been impressed by a kid who was deemed by many to be a thug. I think character and optimism can be the mark of a successful team. Clearly you disagree. To you, I say: Go back to your hole. The spring is far too pleasent for the likes of trolls.

Every time I see or hear an interview with this guy, I am stunned by his professionalism. Maybe it is a great facade, but it seems like he says the right thing almost every time he's given the chance. It's really hard for me to believe that this guy ever had the character concerns, and incidences, he was once perceived to have had. Part of me thinks it's a pretty remarkable testament to what can happen when a genuinely good kid gets removed from the toxic situation he's had to deal with at home. In that sense, Buffalo can be the perfect landing spot for some big-time athletes. I have a sneaking suspicion that the same thing may happen to one star, gold-toothed running back, after this latest incident. Regardless, I'm proud that this guy is a Bill.

I love the way the national media is talking to you upstate New York -- weak Talladega Nights reference, I know. But seriously, this is great. We are guaranteed to have every story blown out of proportion all year. It's like the complete opposite of what we're notoriously about. Even if we suck, we will get more attention than the last 10 years combined.

Agreed. Although, Soloman Wilcots massive dome has become a strangely comforting sight.

If by smacked around you mean stated falsities as if they were fact and added in cutesy smiley icons, then yes, he did smack some people around. He was always injured: Wrong. He was injured one time in his entire career and it was a freak accident in non-contact drills before his senior season. He wasn't really a blocking tight end: No sh--. And no team in the NFL is going to draft him to do that. He's a complimentary tight end who has the capability to flex out to create mismatches. No one is saying he's Brandon Pettigrew, who happens to be a TE/LT combo as opposed to a Cornelius Ingram, Jared Cook type athlete who is more of a TE/WR. Robert Royal sure could block. The problem was he had the body of a TE with the agility and hands of a LT. No big plays in big games? As a sophomore he made big, long-gain receptions, at critical moments, in both the Tennessee and SEC Championship games, without which those would have been losses instead of wins en route to a NC. He is one of the most unique talents I've seen as an SEC fan in the last 20 years. It's a shame he was injured before his senior campaign; that effectively kept him out of the national spotlight, as I'm sure he would have garnered a ton of attention on the Gator team this past year. But it could also be a gift for a team that gets first-round talent for a bargain in the second or early third.

Yeah, you're definitely wrong, pal. Ingram was regarded as the elite play-maker other than Harvin. He certainly would not have been on the depth chart behind Aaron Hernandez. Urban Meyer was devastated when Ingram went down. And you try watching some football (like Ingram's junior year). You may have read that it doesn't matter whether a guy can run or not, but we've had blocking tight ends. What we need is a stretch-the-field receiving threat that commands respect from safeties and linebackers alike.

Cornelius Ingram vastly improved his stock at the UF Pro Day (he ran a 4.53). I hope we take this guy to stretch the field and add an extra element to our already-improved offense. I think he can line up at WR in some situations, as well. Options, options, options. If we could get him in the 3rd, I'd be thrilled. Check out the pic after the link; the man is a freak of nature. Cornelius Ingram Pro Day

Because we have two quality backs. Fred Taylor isn't going anywhere to be 3rd string. Marshawn may end up getting ONE game suspension -- that's it. The coaches love him, our players love him and he plays his ass off. But, "They should probably let him go for A 2nd." Anyone who thinks that is an idiot and a chicken little. The chargs against Marshawn are so minor. Get a grip. Kelley Washington deserves a shot on this team. Big strong guy, athletic, still fairly young... Yeah, I'll give him a shot. Pea Brains.

Once again, the short-sightedness of this board is insane. Kelley Washington was an absolute stud in college. He also could have also played major league baseball. The guy is an athlete. Of course he could help. He's not better than Justin Jenkins? He is at least big, fast and athletic. All this "pass," "no way," stuff is ridiculous. It's the same bunch of you that think Marshawn should be imprisoned and think Fred Taylor is actually going to come to Buffalo to replace him. Are you kidding?!? Marshawn is the best thing to happen to this franchise since the Super Bowl teams. Fred Taylor is obviously going to NE, so he can torch us twice a year. A bunch of Chicken Littles, you guys are.

I think it's really reckless of you to compare these two incidents. The Jags player had been in a physical altercation with the gentleman who shot him and had a history of violent run-ins while drinking. Even so, the shooting incident was a very unfortunate, but "freak" occurence. Most people don't get gunned down when they have an altercation at the bar. Marshawn doesn't seem like the violent type. And even though that is just pure conjecture on my part, none of his brushes with the law have indicated otherwise. I absolutely do not think he needs, or will get, four games. All the charges are minor, and the "hit-and-run," from last year, was a $100 traffic ticket when all was said and done. We don't even know all the details, but I'm glad so many of you, in your infinite myopicism, have decreed from your moral soap boxes what this 22-year-old non-felon's punishment should be. Give me a break!

I couldn't care less if Marshawn walked into the locker room before each game, hung up his double-holstered .45 sleeves in his locker, hit a 3-foot water bong he keeps next to his cleats, and then dog-cursed the people of Buffalo as he warms up. If he gives every bit of himself out there on the field (as it certainly appears he does) then he's OK in my book. And as long as no one gets hurt -- and don't give me the Canadian girl incident, as clearly the details of that night are pretty damn shaky -- we should all just relax. Of course he's going to be a Bill next year! Are you all nuts. He might not even miss a single game. These are minor charges. They let Leonard Little play in this league; he killed someone, on his like 3rd DUI. People are beating their wives and assaulting people and still making it out on the field. Open your eyes. This is no big deal, ya bunch of Chicken Littles.

I would be irate if this happened (the original mock). That mock is like a sugarless bowl of oatmeal. Gross...

There is no way in hell Maclin falls out of the 1st round. Where have you even seen one report of that happening?

Yes, I am familiar with our needs. How many times this season was our most dynamic receiving threat an aging Josh Reed? Are you familiar with the current roster? How many times were we completely incapable of any excitement on that side of the ball? It wouldn't be my favorite way for the draft to unfold, but you need playmakers to excel in this league. And in our version of the West Coast Offense, you have to have game-breakers capable of big RAC numbers. We clearly do not have a sniff of that.

I posted a few weeks ago on Ingram. I think this guy could be a perfect third round pick for us. Urban Meyer has said he has the best hands he's ever coached (Urban coached Chris Carter at OSU) and he is a fluid player who spent time on the UF basketball team. The observation about being built like a house is spot on; the guy is an animal. If it hadn't been for the ACL tear in non-contacts before the season, he would have had a massive year, coming off a really nice junior campaign. The way he came on in 06 and then 07 is pretty remarkable, considering he'd never played the position: He was brought in as a QB. CI is definetly capable of being the stretch-the-field threat that we've been begging for. For our need, and where we'll be willing to draft TE, I think this could be our guy.