Is it too early to give Buddy credit for last draft class?

[metzelaars_lives]

Well said Ted. He nailed picks 2-7. EJ is still unknown.

Anyone know what Chan is doing? I really hope he gets an OC job again.

Agreed. He totally nailed that Jonathan Meeks pick. The jury is still out on Manuel, but the verdict is in: Duke Williams, Dustin Hopkins and Chris Gragg are studs.

[Tcali]

And while we're at it, also for getting Whaley and for stepping down at the right time. In my opinion, "Well done, Buddy."

 

exc for the shaky pick at the most critical position

[San-O]

Agreed. He totally nailed that Jonathan Meeks pick. The jury is still out on Manuel, but the verdict is in: Duke Williams, Dustin Hopkins and Chris Gragg are studs.

 

 

LOL

 

That's just funny.

 

I do like Kiko and Woods though.

[SactoBillFan]

Buddy ? . . . . are you kidding me . . . no way was this his draft -- no way he picks Alonzo or Duke Williams -- this was Whaley's draft from pick 1 through 7 + all the UDFA's --- if you believe anything else you are crazy ---

 

No different than when Buddy was hired and he pretended it was Modrak picking Spiller --- didn't buy that either --- Buddy was out of the decision making circle in January

Horse Pucky!

[metzelaars_lives]

LOL

 

That's just funny.

 

I do like Kiko and Woods though.

I'll play devil's advocate here for a second. Alonso looks like he'll be our starting MLB for years to come. But I find it somewhat curious that ever since Manuel's injury, one by one, people are starting to question how good he might be. He is a raw rookie 4 1/2 games into his career playing the hardest position on the field. If we can go back to the Carolina game for a second- everyone was certain he was our guy. That was only 2 1/2 games prior to his injury. And I'm not saying that I'm certain he's our guy, I'm just saying that people have been curiously critical of him since the Cleveland game. Meanwhile, what in the world has Robert Woods done to cement his status as a sure thing? He's been non-existent the last two games. And for all those people who thought he'd be our #1 by season's end, I think SJ had something to say about that on Sunday. Look at what Keenan Allen is doing in San Diego. DeAndre Hopkins has outplayed Woods and Patterson is already a KR stud for Minnesota. All I'm saying is that I take issue with the over-scrutiny/skepticism of Manuel contrasted with this anointing of Robert Woods as a slam dunk.

[Leelee Phoenix]

Buddy gets full credit for however Manuel turns out since he openly said he was taking HIS QB before he left. He hopes the reach pans out.

 

I question how much input he had in the rest. It's hard to see him taking Alonso.

 

But, I'm a hating doubter of him. I'd like to forget Gailey/Nix era ever existed.

[FireChan]

I'll play devil's advocate here for a second. Alonso looks like he'll be our starting MLB for years to come. But I find it somewhat curious that ever since Manuel's injury, one by one, people are starting to question how good he might be. He is a raw rookie 4 1/2 games into his career playing the hardest position on the field. If we can go back to the Carolina game for a second- everyone was certain he was our guy. That was only 2 1/2 games prior to his injury. And I'm not saying that I'm certain he's our guy, I'm just saying that people have been curiously critical of him since the Cleveland game. Meanwhile, what in the world has Robert Woods done to cement his status as a sure thing? He's been non-existent the last two games. And for all those people who thought he'd be our #1 by season's end, I think SJ had something to say about that on Sunday. Look at what Keenan Allen is doing in San Diego. DeAndre Hopkins has outplayed Woods and Patterson is already a KR stud for Minnesota. All I'm saying is that I take issue with the over-scrutiny/skepticism of Manuel contrasted with this anointing of Robert Woods as a slam dunk.

 

In regards to Woods, his lack of production can be "hand-waved" as he's 2nd on our depth chart, and when Stevie was out, I believe it was said that he was double covered. Graham, Hogan and Chandler have never been as viable targets this season compared to Woods. I don't know if that's true or not, but it is what is. Also seeing as Woods has had decently productive days with the QB he has the most chemistry with, he fits pretty nicely as a number 2. Woods and even Kiko have been overhyped as superstars already, but QB is the most important position on the field and thus under the most scrutiny. You also have to consider that WR is so dictated by QB play, to mention one without the other is insane.

 

Kiko gets more praise simply because he's had the most success at the LB position on the Bills in recent memory. His worst games have been pretty good.

[thewildrabbit]

Of course we have no way of really knowing, but is it possible Doug Whaley had a bit of say in this draft? Is it too early to give him credit for anything?

Whaley stated this was his draft, that EJ was his guy. That his job is on the line if this draft doesn't succeed. I give Whaley ALL the credit for Kiko, R Woods, EJ, Thad Lewis.

 

Whaley will have the “final say” on all personnel decisions the team makes, Brandon said.

 

http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2013/05/doug-whaley-officially-named-gm-of-buffalo-bills/

 

 

"I was an integral part in the drafting process of EJ Manuel," Whaley said on the NFL Network show. "I was the person that handled the draft process and setting up the board. But it was a collaborative effort between myself, coach, the area scouts, the cross-checkers and, of course, Buddy Nix."

 

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/05/doug-whaley-wont-middle-buffalos-big-wager-on-ej-manuel.html

 

 

I will give Nix credit for sweeping the garbage out of the scouting dept tho.

[Buftex]

I'll play devil's advocate here for a second. Alonso looks like he'll be our starting MLB for years to come. But I find it somewhat curious that ever since Manuel's injury, one by one, people are starting to question how good he might be. He is a raw rookie 4 1/2 games into his career playing the hardest position on the field. If we can go back to the Carolina game for a second- everyone was certain he was our guy. That was only 2 1/2 games prior to his injury. And I'm not saying that I'm certain he's our guy, I'm just saying that people have been curiously critical of him since the Cleveland game. Meanwhile, what in the world has Robert Woods done to cement his status as a sure thing? He's been non-existent the last two games. And for all those people who thought he'd be our #1 by season's end, I think SJ had something to say about that on Sunday. Look at what Keenan Allen is doing in San Diego. DeAndre Hopkins has outplayed Woods and Patterson is already a KR stud for Minnesota. All I'm saying is that I take issue with the over-scrutiny/skepticism of Manuel contrasted with this anointing of Robert Woods as a slam dunk.

 

 

There is an element amongst us who have the insatiable need to declare that someone sucks, or is a bust, before anyone else...most were happy with Manuel after the Panthers game...but there are always those people hanging around who will concentrate on all of his mistakes in that game, rather than what he did well..that old "great" argument, you know, "take away all the good things he did in that game, and he sucked"! These are people who have to see everything black and white, no gray area..sure, they say, they realize that he is a rookie, but look what Russell Wilson did last year? Andrew Luck?

 

Then, on top of that, they take glee when Gino Smith has a really bad game cuz it is the Jets...but they take equal glee when he has a good game, because it means they can move forward with their "EJ is a bust" movement, and proclaim that it is the "same old Bils" its a win-win! For these people (and this is mostly, ultimately, the Bills fault) criticizing the Bills is the fun of the football season...who gives a **** about the games, as long as they lose? These folks can't deal with the fact that what Gino Smith does, has nothing to do with what EJ Manuel does. I would argue, while Manuel may not have had as many huge performances this early in his career as Smith..he has never looked as bad as Smith at his worst, either. Patience is not a virtue it seems.

 

Whaley was stupid not to have a backup plan for Manuel, even though they knew all along he was a bust....yadda, yadda, yadda... people just seem to need instant gratification....an insatiable need to label things...I am guilty of it too...look, going off in a thread where the topic of discussion is how long do we have to wait to thank the previous GM for a great draft...and we aren't even half done with the season yet!

Edited October 23, 2013 by Buftex

[thewildrabbit]

I give Buddy a lot of credit. In the 3 seasons before becoming GM, Buffalo was 20-28 under HC Dick Jauron and GM's Levy and Brandon. After Buddy's ascendance to GM, the Bills managed to get worse, going 16-32.

 

You really can't make up this level of ineptitude. Not to mention they had to fire the HC he hired.

So True All we did for three years is hear that baby screaming, didn't even see a toenail.

 

I wonder how this board will feel next year when Mario is due his 18 mill per

[dezertbill]

And while we're at it, also for getting Whaley and for stepping down at the right time. In my opinion, "Well done, Buddy."

 

WOW.

 

A complimentary post about Buddy and the Bills 2013 Draft.

 

Frame it!

 

...and yes. I agree.

[thewildrabbit]

 

Whaley was stupid not to have a backup plan for Manuel, even though they knew all along he was a bust....yadda, yadda, yadda...

While I agree is was a colossal blunder to go into the season with two rookie QB's on the roster, and one an undrafted free agent no less.

 

I also think it was not very bright to release LG Chad Rinehert if they knew they weren't going to resign Levitre. Andy's replacement at LG, Colin Brown was probably the worst player in the NFL his first 5 games.

 

I have to pause to think if its the bean counters at work here again. Trying to keep the team as profitable as possible so the balance sheet looks good for the next owner.

[Nikademus]

When did they release CR? I thought he was part of the free agent class. He choose to leave, we didn't push him out the door.

[BillnutinHouston]

 

 

Doug Whaley was in the Kirk chair from what I've heard.

 

GO BILLS!!!

Would be interested to know who you heard that from.

 

As I recall, the video of the "war room cam" clearly showed Buddy and not Whaley on the phone working the deal with the Rams that landed us EJ and Kiko.

 

I also think it was not very bright to release LG Chad Rinehert if they knew they weren't going to resign Levitre.

Don't believe Rhinegold was released, just became a free agent and the Chargers signed him.

 

Whaley stated this was his draft, that EJ was his guy. That his job is on the line if this draft doesn't succeed. I give Whaley ALL the credit for Kiko, R Woods, EJ, Thad Lewis.

 

Whaley will have the “final say” on all personnel decisions the team makes, Brandon said.

 

http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2013/05/doug-whaley-officially-named-gm-of-buffalo-bills/

 

 

"I was an integral part in the drafting process of EJ Manuel," Whaley said on the NFL Network show. "I was the person that handled the draft process and setting up the board. But it was a collaborative effort between myself, coach, the area scouts, the cross-checkers and, of course, Buddy Nix."

 

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/05/doug-whaley-wont-middle-buffalos-big-wager-on-ej-manuel.html

 

 

I will give Nix credit for sweeping the garbage out of the scouting dept tho.

What was the point of the first link? Whaley was promoted in May, after the draft. Edited October 23, 2013 by BillnutinHouston

[TXBILLSFAN]

Evaluate Buddy on the 3 drafts he was in charge of 2010, 2011 and 2012, guys he drafted and guys he didn't draft ---and UDFA's and FA's he signed / didn't sign --- players he resigned and players he didn't resign --- ultimately, Buddy will get a failing grade --- not an F, but a D --- if anyone sees it differently, I'd like some explanation --- the product on the field was the ultimate objective score and the team never won more than 6 games with him at helm --- did he leave the cupboard bare ? --- no, he added some talent --- but not enough ---

 

Whaley so far gets much higher marks --- his first draft is solid --- but will ultimately be judged on Manuel's success or failure -- like it or not --- unless of course Kiko and Woods become All-Pro's --- I like the Hughes trade, he Branch signing --- not as thrilled with letting Levitre walk without a good backup plan (i.e.Rinehart or other) --- so far, his grade is Incomplete, but to date, I'd give him a B

Edited October 23, 2013 by TXBILLSFAN

[26CornerBlitz]

And while we're at it, also for getting Whaley and for stepping down at the right time. In my opinion, "Well done, Buddy."

 

Yes to the title question because I believe he was only the nominal GM at that point with Whaley running the draft and making the decisions. Enjoy your retirement Buddy.

[Webster Guy]

I'm always amazed at how passionate this board gets when Buddy Nix is mentioned. It's like throwing a hunk of meat in a tankful of piranha's.

 

My understanding is that our organization uses a draft board for picking players. Everyone is ranked from 1-300 and we cross off players as they're picked and when it's our turn we pick the highest guy on our board. There is no talking about individual players on draft day, every college guy has a rank number by then, and that's how they're picked.

 

How we rank the players on the board is a collaboration of opinions from scouts, coaches, and managers.

 

There is obviously much discussion and debate over how they are ranked, but the GM is likely to be heavily influenced by the opinions of the scouting specialists. I realize the GM has the final say in the draft rankings, but there is a big team effort behind every draft (including scouting consultant firms etc.) It's not a handful of people, it's more like 25. Chan influenced the Spiller pick, Ralph influenced the Marshawn pick, Whaley, Wanny, Edwards, Jauron, Mularkey and hundreds of hunches and gut feelings and guesses from the scouting team.

 

When people try to stick a draft on a GM, it's like saying the president makes laws. It's very misleading. A draft is the product of an entire organization, not one guy or even two or three guys.

[NoSaint]

I'm always amazed at how passionate this board gets when Buddy Nix is mentioned. It's like throwing a hunk of meat in a tankful of piranha's.

 

My understanding is that our organization uses a draft board for picking players. Everyone is ranked from 1-300 and we cross off players as they're picked and when it's our turn we pick the highest guy on our board. There is no talking about individual players on draft day, every college guy has a rank number by then, and that's how they're picked.

 

How we rank the players on the board is a collaboration of opinions from scouts, coaches, and managers.

 

There is obviously much discussion and debate over how they are ranked, but the GM is likely to be heavily influenced by the opinions of the scouting specialists. I realize the GM has the final say in the draft rankings, but there is a big team effort behind every draft (including scouting consultant firms etc.) It's not a handful of people, it's more like 25. Chan influenced the Spiller pick, Ralph influenced the Marshawn pick, Whaley, Wanny, Edwards, Jauron, Mularkey and hundreds of hunches and gut feelings and guesses from the scouting team.

 

When people try to stick a draft on a GM, it's like saying the president makes laws. It's very misleading. A draft is the product of an entire organization, not one guy or even two or three guys.

 

agreed - and even if he didnt have final say on the players, he organized the scouting department, brought in whaley, etc.... no matter what his role, he had an impact on this draft. we succeeded as an organization (hopefully)

[eball]

I give Buddy a lot of credit. In the 3 seasons before becoming GM, Buffalo was 20-28 under HC Dick Jauron and GM's Levy and Brandon. After Buddy's ascendance to GM, the Bills managed to get worse, going 16-32.

 

You really can't make up this level of ineptitude. Not to mention they had to fire the HC he hired.

 

You're one of the primary reasons I no longer post often. Thanks for that.

[K-9]

Would be interested to know who you heard that from.

 

As I recall, the video of the "war room cam" clearly showed Buddy and not Whaley on the phone working the deal with the Rams that landed us EJ and Kiko.

 

Don't believe Rhinegold was released, just became a free agent and the Chargers signed him.

 

What was the point of the first link? Whaley was promoted in May, after the draft.

 

Technically, Whaley was promoted in May. Functionally, he had been taking over more and more of the GM duties upon the completion of the '11 season. It was a show of respect to Buddy Nix to allow him to retain the title until after the draft. And it was the classy thing to do. Also, from a continuity standpoint owed to the year long process of preparing for a draft, it made sense as well.

 

It really doesn't matter who I heard this from. And I fully appreciate your taking all this with a grain of salt on an anonymous internet forum. But I'm comfortable with that.

 

GO BILLS!!!

Edited October 23, 2013 by K-9