switz1610 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Here is some stuff I wrote about lawson a few weeks ago on here: I think Lawson would be a key signing this offseason. He played in a 3-4 with san francisco but is much more suited as a 4-3 Sam LB position. The Sam LB to me is our next biggest void on the D besides the pass rush. He's 28, had some injuries in the past but has been healthy the last few seasons. I think he is worth that risk and would be a solid move by the FO to solidify the front 7. Here is a quick write up: Manny Lawson, OLB, Bengals. Age: 28. As expected, Manny Lawson thrived in the 4-3. He was a stout run defender as a two-down strongside linebacker in Cincinnati's stop unit. Shep and Barnett would be our 3-down LBs and Lawson on early/run downs. He signed a 1-year $3mil deal with Cincy, lock him up for 3 or 4 years at around that rate and we instantly have stability in our LB corps. Also from RotoWorld Bengals agreed to terms with LB Manny Lawson on a one-year, $3 million contract. Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson projects the former 49er as Cincinnati's Week 1 starter at strong-side 'backer. Lawson, 27, racked up nine sacks and a pick in San Francisco over the past two seasons. He has some Adalius Thomas to his game as a cover linebacker, which should appeal to Thomas' old coach, Marvin Lewis. Lawson has enough speed to run with tight ends and is a quality run defender. It's a very nice value pickup for the Bengals. It looks like he's got cover skills too and length (6'5"), we may actually have someone to match up against Gronk. He also played played on the same DL as Mario Williams at NC State (and cough... John McCargo... cough). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Positionally, I like your ideas. I'm down with Colston, but I'd actually prefer a guy like Garcon, who's got a bit more speed. Jackson, of course, would be the ideal pickup, but Garcon might be more cost effective (plus he's not 1 DUI away from a long suspension, as Jackson is). Laurent Robinson would cost a lot less than any of those guys, has 4.38 speed, and looks to be starting to "get it." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
section122 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Robert Meachem wr saints say 4.5 million Erin Henderson wlb vikings say 3.5 million Martellus Bennet te cowboy say 3.25 million Brandon Carr db Chiefs say 9.75 million I don't think any of these contract are unreasonable for either parties. Of course it would leave that hole at de that is still there but I think it will be filled with Merriman, Carrington, and a draft pick (hopefully Mercilus). I only spent 21 million and think the team would be improved tremendously with these signings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Thank you to the OP for posting some well thought out options for us. I would like to see Lawson here as well, though for some reason I think the FO is intent on handing the SLB job to Morrison (remember, we're looking for smaller quicker LBs according to the coaches). I like Robert Meachem (6'2, 210) and I think he is the type of WR we are realistically more likely to pick up over VJax. I'm not sure we look to pick up another TE, unless it's a waiver wire pickup in June (we've picked up like 3 in Chix's first couple of years here). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattsox Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 (edited) If we get two of the top 3 on that list I'll lay a bill on Buffalo in Vegas. Optimistic are we? LOL. They could sign all 4 and I'd still be skeptical. The Bills haven't done or won anything yet. Lots and lots to prove to me and the fans of Buffalo... Edited March 7, 2012 by mattsox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
switz1610 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Thank you to the OP for posting some well thought out options for us. I would like to see Lawson here as well, though for some reason I think the FO is intent on handing the SLB job to Morrison (remember, we're looking for smaller quicker LBs according to the coaches). I like Robert Meachem (6'2, 210) and I think he is the type of WR we are realistically more likely to pick up over VJax. I'm not sure we look to pick up another TE, unless it's a waiver wire pickup in June (we've picked up like 3 in Chix's first couple of years here). I have also come to the realization that Morrison will probably be our starting SLB with Moats backing him up. Considering that we will be in 2 LB sets (nickle package)a lot of the time it really makes it difficult to justify Lawson because it puts less emphasis on that position. I will say that Lawson does have ideal size and cover skills to match up with TEs (gronk) and for that alone could be worth the investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastRochBillsfan Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Optimistic are we? LOL. They could sign all 4 and I'd still be skeptical. The Bills haven't done or won anything yet. Lots and lots to prove to me and the fans of Buffalo... of course you would Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Here is some stuff I wrote about lawson a few weeks ago on here: I think Lawson would be a key signing this offseason. He played in a 3-4 with san francisco but is much more suited as a 4-3 Sam LB position. The Sam LB to me is our next biggest void on the D besides the pass rush. He's 28, had some injuries in the past but has been healthy the last few seasons. I think he is worth that risk and would be a solid move by the FO to solidify the front 7. Here is a quick write up: Manny Lawson, OLB, Bengals. Age: 28. As expected, Manny Lawson thrived in the 4-3. He was a stout run defender as a two-down strongside linebacker in Cincinnati's stop unit. Shep and Barnett would be our 3-down LBs and Lawson on early/run downs. He signed a 1-year $3mil deal with Cincy, lock him up for 3 or 4 years at around that rate and we instantly have stability in our LB corps. Also from RotoWorld Bengals agreed to terms with LB Manny Lawson on a one-year, $3 million contract. Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson projects the former 49er as Cincinnati's Week 1 starter at strong-side 'backer. Lawson, 27, racked up nine sacks and a pick in San Francisco over the past two seasons. He has some Adalius Thomas to his game as a cover linebacker, which should appeal to Thomas' old coach, Marvin Lewis. Lawson has enough speed to run with tight ends and is a quality run defender. It's a very nice value pickup for the Bengals. It looks like he's got cover skills too and length (6'5"), we may actually have someone to match up against Gronk. He also played played on the same DL as Mario Williams at NC State (and cough... John McCargo... cough). I'm with ya, but I think people in this thread wanna talk about wide receivers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'd much rather have Scott Chandler than Martellus Bennett. I'm with you on this one, Bob. As for the other names mentioned in this thread, I believe Wannstedt recently said that he likes his linebackers to be real fast… so I think that Manny Lawson is not a good fit for Wanny's system (however Bruce Irvin or Zach Brown on the other hand… ). The two wideouts from this free agent class I would most like the Bills to pursue are Laurent Robinson and Pierre Garcon. Both of these guys are pretty young, very talented, look to be very productive as they enter their primes, and may command a bit less than some of the bigger names out there. The numbers Garcon put up with Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins at QB are nothing short of amazing. And Laurent Robinson was easily the best wideout in Dallas this year, far outplaying Dez Bryant and Miles Austin when he finally got a chance to play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 colstons 5 knee surgeries and age tell me i wouldnt want any of that, meachem tho i would be happy with and it would free your cap scenario up to spend more on other players I actually know a few docs that have worked with colston over the years and without crossing too many lines they've said he's in surprisingly good shape really Colston has taken a pounding over the years, plays in the slot, mostly in a dome, and with one of the best QBs in the league. It's caveat emptor with him. I'd say that my list is very realistic. Hes played on the outside mostly. Not always, based on packages but quite a bit. I'm with you on this one, Bob. As for the other names mentioned in this thread, I believe Wannstedt recently said that he likes his linebackers to be real fast… so I think that Manny Lawson is not a good fit for Wanny's system (however Bruce Irvin or Zach Brown on the other hand… ). The two wideouts from this free agent class I would most like the Bills to pursue are Laurent Robinson and Pierre Garcon. Both of these guys are pretty young, very talented, look to be very productive as they enter their primes, and may command a bit less than some of the bigger names out there. The numbers Garcon put up with Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins at QB are nothing short of amazing. And Laurent Robinson was easily the best wideout in Dallas this year, far outplaying Dez Bryant and Miles Austin when he finally got a chance to play. I like both. Garçon matured a lot through the Haiti crisis and seems to have a great head on his shoulders Robinson has ties to nix in SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 1331126722[/url]' post='2397471']I hate the OPs FA list. I hope we sign 0 of those players. I like Doc's list much better. I hope we sign 3 of those players. Likewise. I don't want Colston or Bennett. Thomas will be too expensive and Mincey is eh. I picture him being the newest version of dawn edwards/spencer Johnson....decent player, but a player we can love w/o, and he'll be more expensive. Wimberly, Carlson and Robinson are all good players. I think Wimberlys gonna command 8-10 mill per though, especially if he signs with us. While I think it's doubtful, the two other guys I like are Lawson and Garçon. Garçon should be a little cheaper than Stevie and has the speed we need. Lawson will be mid lvl salary as well and would start from day 1. I wonder of buddy think we have our 3 starting lbs already (sheppard, Barnett and sign Morrison). Sure hope not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 1331169869[/url]' post='2398201']I'm with you on this one, Bob. As for the other names mentioned in this thread, I believe Wannstedt recently said that he likes his linebackers to be real fast… so I think that Manny Lawson is not a good fit for Wanny's system (however Bruce Irvin or Zach Brown on the other hand… ). The two wideouts from this free agent class I would most like the Bills to pursue are Laurent Robinson and Pierre Garcon. Both of these guys are pretty young, very talented, look to be very productive as they enter their primes, and may command a bit less than some of the bigger names out there. The numbers Garcon put up with Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins at QB are nothing short of amazing. And Laurent Robinson was easily the best wideout in Dallas this year, far outplaying Dez Bryant and Miles Austin when he finally got a chance to play. I'm not sure how fast Lawson is 5-6 years in the league but I believe he ran a 4.42 at the combine. Pretty darn fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'm not sure how fast Lawson is 5-6 years in the league but I believe he ran a 4.42 at the combine. Pretty darn fast. Holy Crap, really!? Isn't he really huge? Like 6'5" and 250? Watching him play for the Niners I was never impressed with his speed or quickness. I guess I wasn't watching closely enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geno Smith's Arm Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 If these guys know anything about what they are talking about, Lawson seems to have most of the skills they need in a linebacker (aside from pass rushing, though some of them feel he is capable of it, but wasn't really used that way). http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=433557 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuntheDamnBall Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'm with you on this one, Bob. As for the other names mentioned in this thread, I believe Wannstedt recently said that he likes his linebackers to be real fast… so I think that Manny Lawson is not a good fit for Wanny's system (however Bruce Irvin or Zach Brown on the other hand… ). The two wideouts from this free agent class I would most like the Bills to pursue are Laurent Robinson and Pierre Garcon. Both of these guys are pretty young, very talented, look to be very productive as they enter their primes, and may command a bit less than some of the bigger names out there. The numbers Garcon put up with Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins at QB are nothing short of amazing. And Laurent Robinson was easily the best wideout in Dallas this year, far outplaying Dez Bryant and Miles Austin when he finally got a chance to play. My brother has jumped fully on the Robinson bandwagon. Having not seen much of Robinson, whom would you choose, Garcon or Robinson (factoring in what each will get paid)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Forget Carlson, now that Chandler is re-signed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1B4IDie Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) My brother has jumped fully on the Robinson bandwagon. Having not seen much of Robinson, whom would you choose, Garcon or Robinson (factoring in what each will get paid)? I've seen a lot of Robinson play because of Fantasy Football. I thought he would have clicked when he was on the Rams, but it didn't happen. He looked great on the Cowgirls. He started as an injury replacement then the 4th option, as teams focused on Austin (when back) Bryant (when Back) and Witten and was open and took advantage of it. By the end of the season teams were keying on Robinson and he was still performing. He would be a great fit with SJ13, Nelson, Chandler, FJAX & Spiller coming out of the backfield. I would love a Robinson signing, Garcon I'm not as impressed with, although he did look good with Painter and Orlovsky. I wouldn't hate a Garcon signing I'd just fear that he might not perform as well. Either way Garcon or Robinson is a huge upgrade to The Ghost of Easely\Donald Jones\CJ Spiller\Ruvell Martin\Naaman Rossevelt And more importantly would solidify the #10 pick as one of the Top 4 OT. Edited March 8, 2012 by Why So Serious? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Holy Crap, really!? Isn't he really huge? Like 6'5" and 250? Watching him play for the Niners I was never impressed with his speed or quickness. I guess I wasn't watching closely enough. Yea - 6'5 and 240. Maybe a case of straight line speed vs agility? Especially at that height maybe changing directions loses a step? Haven't seen many games with him and never keyed on his play when I did though - so maybe your just wrong! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I've seen a lot of Robinson play because of Fantasy Football. I thought he would have clicked when he was on the Rams, but it didn't happen. He looked great on the Cowgirls. He started as an injury replacement then the 4th option, as teams focused on Austin (when back) Bryant (when Back) and Witten and was open and took advantage of it. By the end of the season teams were keying on Robinson and he was still performing. He would be a great fit with SJ13, Nelson, Chandler, FJAX & Spiller coming out of the backfield. I would love a Robinson signing, Garcon I'm not as impressed with, although he did look good with Painter and Orlovsky. I wouldn't hate a Garcon signing I'd just fear that he might not perform as well. Either way Garcon or Robinson is a huge upgrade to The Ghost of Easely\Donald Jones\CJ Spiller\Ruvell Martin\Naaman Rossevelt And more importantly would solidify the #10 pick as one of the Top 4 OT. Yeah, but did he perform only because it was a contract year? He did almost nothing his first 4 years in the league. I would go after him, but not break the bank. However I think he'd expect at least what Stevie got. Yea - 6'5 and 240. Maybe a case of straight line speed vs agility? Especially at that height maybe changing directions loses a step? Haven't seen many games with him and never keyed on his play when I did though - so maybe your just wrong! His 3-cone, short shuttle, VJ, and BJ numbers were excellent as well. Could be more of a workout warrior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1B4IDie Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Yeah, but did he perform only because it was a contract year? He did almost nothing his first 4 years in the league. I would go after him, but not break the bank. However I think he'd expect at least what Stevie got. His 3-cone, short shuttle, VJ, and BJ numbers were excellent as well. Could be more of a workout warrior. He was injured for part of the time on the Lambs. I don't think anyone in the NFL is planning to offer him 7.5M a season. I think 5M a season will be wear he signs. He has essentially been in "a contract year" for the last two years. I don't believe he has a lazy, work ethic issue, but thats for Buddy and other GMs to determine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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