thewildrabbit

http://www.pro-footb.../W/WillMi22.htm The Bills drafted him for LT and moved him to RT when they saw he had no work ethic, and wasn't motivated. It certainly sucks to draft a player that high only to find that they are not an all out "football" guy. AKA JaMarcus Russell. What bothers me more is it seems the Bills have been positively gun shy about drafting OT's in the first round since Williams. "Washington Redskins OG Mike D. Williams is working as the team's starting right guard, reports Jason Reid, of The Washington Post. Williams said, "It took some time for me to get it, but it's just that simple. I know what it takes now. ... I really didn't workout before in the offseason. I was one of those guys. But I know what it takes now. I know what it takes to be at this level and to be the best player you can. Now, I spend all my day in the weight room. Why? Because I know what this job requires. It took me some time, but I get it." http://www.kffl.com/...wo-placed-on-ir I can only think that like J Russell, when he started running out of money he thought "oh damn" I'd better get back in the NFL. This is part of the so called "intangibles" that scouts talk about so much. Some guys would play pro football for nothing because they love the sport. Those are the "football" players you need to find. Some call them gym rats, I prefer the term "warrior".

I agree, although I liked Levitre very much as he was a gamer and would play any position he was asked to play. He was only average at best IMO and he looked better then he actually was by playing next to Eric Wood. Who, if he ever stays healthy a full season he will make the pro bowl. Then there is the fact that the O line had Fitz throwing so they didn't need to hold their pass blocks very long. Should the Bills draft one of those top 3 OT's or Warmack I think that O line could be something special this year. Perhaps moving Glenn to RT if they draft an OT at #8. I think most Bills fans like myself yearn for blue collar the old days when they ran more then they threw with Kelly and Thurman.

I get what your saying, and am not arguing the idea of finding good to average OG's in the later rounds. That has been a standard policy for just about every NFL team. What I am disputing is that every now and again a very rare and special player is available at whatever position, and when you have a chance to draft a player like that, you go for it. NFN, David DeCastro was graded at #6 BPA and he did have some minor flaws. Warmack OTOH grades as the #1 overall BPA and his only flaw (if you want to call it a flaw) is that he is 6'2" and thus better suited for OG then OT. My argument going by pure grade, and going by what the scouts have to say. To roll the dice on a pick like Jauron taking Aaron Maybin at #11, who was a complete bust in Buffalo. Whereas Warmack has a very good chance to not only be an instant starter he could very well be an immediate all pro guard. Which is something the Bills haven't had since 8 time pro bowler OG Ruben Brown who was taken by the Bills at #14 in the first round. Like I said, #8 doesn't seem that far fetched to me. http://www.greatest-players.com/NFL-Guards.htm

You mean like the last 3 drafts under Nix? Yea, this team drafting more DB's, because they don't have the evaluators to get it right the first time, and then when they do find a decent player they let them walk. As long as Buddy Nix is in charge of this draft its the same as it ever was the last 13 years.

You are right, in grading Buddy Nix as he is very predictable. I expect that Nix will not trade down at all, and then draft a very average DB or OLB at #8 (Dee Milliner / Jarvis Jones anyone?), and might get lucky again in the second round like last year and take a QB that the Bills like. ( Nassib, Barkley, Wilson) Depending upon which QB falls to them. I yearn for the days of Norm Pollom, Bill Polian, John Butler when the scouting dept knew what they were doing, and built a solid playoff bound team. P.S. I can only hope that like Chan Gailey in his first draft with his "water-bug" pick in CJ Spiller, that former Saints O line coach recognizes the need to build that O line / offense more to sustain a dominate run game.

Well, after reading what Mayock has to say about him, and NFLdraftscout.com. Some stuff from the latter. ''Alabama coach Nick Saban said Warmack's skills make him a good bet as a high pick at a position that produces relatively few first-rounders. ''I just think that Chance has unique skill set and he's got really good size,'' Saban said. ''He's very powerful, he's athletic, he's got good feet, he can pass block and he can get moving in the run game. I think people that have his kind of balance and body control and the kind of athleticism that he has at his size are rare commodities. Everybody knows that those guys play 12, 14, 15 years. I think Chance has a chance to have that kind of career.'' - AP Sports "COMPARES TO: Will Shields, OG, Kansas City Chiefs -- Let's be clear, no incoming rookie truly deserves comparison to a first ballot Hall of Famer, but Warmack is a rare prospect. While perhaps a tad shorter than ideal, Warmack uses his natural leverage advantage to consistently get under the pads of his opponents, driving them off of the ball in the running game and anchoring in pass protection. His lateral agility and balance make him effective getting to and blocking at the second level and handling quicker pass rushers, as well. " The players you mentioned aren't getting praise like this. Plus Jordan already has had medical issues. EJ Manuel doesn't even have a first round grade by the majority of draft sites. Ansah has some noted risk factor as do all the players you mentioned. From everything I've read it doesn't get any better then Chance Warmack. Over the 30+ years I've been reading about football players (PFW subscription prior to the internet) and the grades they are given. When I read about a player who's grade is this high, those players usually are very successful in the NFL

The way I look at it is, if the player is graded as the best player in the draft and it also fills a huge need. Then go ahead and pull the trigger on a more then likely all pro OG at #8. Which would help the Bills run game / pass blocking immensely. Like I've stated many times I'd rather see the Bills draft one of the top 3 OT's, but I wouldn't cry if they took Warmack. I'd rather have an all pro guard at #8 then an any average player. IDC if guards are supposed to be drafted in the later rounds. If there is a player who can solidify, and lock down a position for years, I'll take him. It he played OT with that grade he would most certainly be the #1 overall pick. So #8 isn't that far fetched. This conjecture is all moot anyway, as Nix will draft a DB who the Bills will let walk in 4 years.

What I'm saying is that Buddy Nix one of the worst GM's in the history of the franchise, and I believe in time most every Bills fan will acknowledge this, even if you never do. Why he is still the GM, I don't know as he should have been canned along with his loser HC & DC. What I do know is if this draft is anything like the last 3, we Bills fans can maybe expect that #8 to be an average player, and the rest of the draft almost useless. I'm quoting Nix...sort of v

Dunno If I'd be quoting the GM with one of the very worst records this franchise has seen. Going into the 4th year of constant rebuilding program that Nix stated "was not that far away" when he took over. All Nix does is band aid positions that keep needing new band aids. That really is a stupid philosophy IMO. Glenn was graded as a possible right tackle and would probably make all pro as a guard because of not quick enough feet to play LT. Granted he did well last season, but a lot can be said of Fitz getting rid of the ball very quickly. Glenn might easily be exposed this season with Kolb or TJ, we shall see. .

All pro guards are not easy to find and can make a huge difference for that O line. See Ruben Brown! The Bills want to build a power running game for whatever QB they settle on and right now that line is still unstable with Levitre gone and Woods always ending the season on IR. I'd rather see them draft one of the top 3 OT's, but I wouldn't be upset if it were a Alabama OG like Chance Warmack. Who BTW is graded as the best player in this years draft by NFL.com and Mike Mayock.

Look at the history of drafting this team has done the last decade. So many DB's drafted, think I counted them all once and it was 30+ or so since 2000. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Bills going DB again this year at #8 as I think the prevailing thought has been to try and counter Tom Brady, and that Patriot passing attack. So far that philosophy hasn't worked very well at all, and even recently drafting heavy for the defense (that has floundered badly the last 3 years) hasn't worked well. Anyway, I don't see the Jags passing on CB Dee Milliner, or a pass rusher. Tho I can only pray that Geno Smith is long gone by the time the Bills pick, perhaps to the Eagles at #4. The Bills will get a chance to draft some decent talent with that #8 this year, OT, OG, WR are my choices.

Mayock doesn't guess as he watches endless hours of film on college players at this time every year. Ever see his eyes as it get closer to the draft, it looks like he hasn't slept in days. Like every scout out there he misses now and then. But sometimes its the coaching or situation the players find themselves in. Ayers had to make the transition from DE to OLB which isn't easy. I think he will improve under John Fox who should keep him at DE. Gabbert is on his 2nd coaching staff already, and it usually takes 3-4 years to develop a QB under the same regime. That said Gabbert went 1-9 last year and may never fully develop. The kid did grade out as good as Kerry Collins by a lot of scouts. So lots got this one wrong.

Mayock on Geno Smith, April 4th “It’s absolutely the football side,” Mayock said on Path to the Draft. “Talk about the football issues: First of all, ball security, ties into the pocket awareness. Whatever that number is, 30, 32 fumbles in his career, he has no awareness of the rush surrounding him. So his pocket awareness — five sacks in the first half against Texas, three of them he could have gotten rid of the football easily, and one of them he was stripped of the football in the end zone for a touchdown. There’s no internal clock, there’s no feel.” “Deep ball accuracy: I put a reel together of six to eight throws that should have been touchdowns, wide open vertical guys that he overthrew or underthrew,” Mayock said. “He stares down receivers and he throws the football late, so there’s a lack of anticipation and timing.” http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/04/on-field-issues-are-bigger-concern-than-work-ethic-for-geno-smith/ I simply don't like Smith because what he has done in games that his team got behind in, he fell on his face! Winners rise up and take control, and not roam the sidelines looking dejected.

I think it will be more like 4 as it wouldn't surprise me at all to see teams reaching for that proverbial "franchise" QB. I see the Jets taking Geno Smith if he falls to them.

"There just weren’t enough weapons outside, and sometimes it was hard to figure out what was going through Gailey’s head." "Although Gailey’s creativity allowed Spiller to get into space, the old-timer often criminally underutilized his Ferrari back" We know, its what most of us here complained about all last year. Marrone, and his running attack should remedy that situation.

No it isn't, you missed my point about the Vikings making the playoffs with Christian Ponder at QB. The Only reason I used the Ravens was to show that playoff game, C'mon, Flacco throwing only 4 completions in 10 attempts for 34 yards in a playoff game that the Ravens dominated the Patriots IN New England. The running game always works, to what degree it works depends on what you put into it. It worked for Chan Gailey utilizing the same spread offense that worked back in the Jim Kelly / Thurman Thomas days. When you spread the LoS out it makes it so much more difficult to stack the box, one missed tackle and its a big gainer..The difference is that the Jim Kelly Bills had better talent on that line and could make a 3rd and short by running, and also pass blocked better. Fitz took a lot of hits after the ball was out. Another RECENT example: Look at that 49er O line, in 2010 the Niners took an OT & an OG with first round picks. This past season they went 11-4-1 and went to the super bowl with LT Joe Staley a 1st rounder, all pro. LG Mike Iupati is a 1st rounder, RT Anthony Davis is a 1st rounder, only the RG and Center are later picks. The 49er O line dominates!! The Niners in 2012 436 attempts passing vs 492 attempts rushing. The two teams in the Super Bowl this year, Ravens - 49ers both have dominate running games.

I disagree. The Ravens, 49ers, Texans, Falcons, Vikings all have / had a run first offense and their QB's have developed very well under that philosophy. It worked for the Jets the first few years with Mark Sanchez at QB, then they got away from running it, and fell apart. Using the Ravens for example: Remember that 2010 AFC Wildcard game from the 2009 season. Baltimore at New England? In case you missed it Joe Flacco (his 2nd season)went 4 for 10 for 34 yards!! Meanwhile Ray Rice had 22 attempts for 159 yards, 2 TD's. Willis McGahee had 20 attempts for 62 yards, 1 TD. in a 33-14 win. The Ravens utilized 3 OT's, and used one as a TE to block. The Patriots had no answer to stop that running game. That should have become a blueprint for the Bills to beat the Patriots. 2008 Ravens 433 attempts passing vs 592 attempts rushing= 11-5 playoffs, AFC conference Championship game. with a rookie QB 2009 Ravens 510 attempts passing vs 468 attempts rushing= 9-7 playoffs a tad more passing 2010 Ravens 491 attempts passing vs 487 attempts rushing= 12-4 playoffs very balanced The Ravens allowed Flacco to develop properly because he had a decent defense and running game to support him The Vikings last season 483 attempts passing vs 486 attempts rushing=playoffs with Christian Ponder at QB Running the ball works, its always worked!! Its just that teams seem to think they can put just anyone on the field and make it work, It won't always work with sub par players. Hence the reason I've always advocated building a dominate O line first thing. That dominate O line is something that has been lacking since the Jim Kelly days when they ran the ball more then they threw it most years. That K-gun offense was all about handing off to Thurman Thomas who was 70% of the Buffalo offense. The Bills had the Electric Co for OJ. The Bills had a good O line under Chuck Knox, the man who drafted a guard at #16 in the first round in 1980. That guard was all pro Jim Ritcher who played 16 seasons in the NFL, 14 for Buffalo. Right now the Bills have a very average O line with some questionable starters / backups. That could improve greatly with drafting one of the top 3 OT's this draft or even one of the 2 top OG's.

There are reasons that Kolb didn't succeed in Philly where he had many weapons, RB LeSean McCoy, WR's DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek. In 2010 Kolb had 5 game starts and went 2-3 with the talent on that Eagle roster. In those 3 losses. (18-36 for 162 yards 1 TD, 3 INT's against the Cowboys 14-13) (26 of 48 for 231, yards 1 TD, 2 INT's against the Titans 37-19) (22-35, for 201, 1TD, 1 INT against the Redskins 17-12) Kolb has been in the league long enough now to fully develop, and he worked in the WCO under Andy Reid while in Philly. You have to think that if Andy Reid saw something in him to use a #2 draft pick on him and then trade him away for a #2 there must be many flaws or Reid would have kept him. All the Bills did with this move is get a younger QB who hasn't proven he can win in the NFL. Who really knows if he has that same survivability that Fitz had. Fitz had two major traits that allowed him to survive in Buffalo, escape-ability like Mike Vickish ability to scramble, and a very quick release that allowed him to get the ball out to the open receiver in under 1.5 seconds and always usually under 3 seconds. Now Trent Edwards had a quicker actual arm release, but couldn't get the ball to the receiver as quickly as Fitz. He also had difficulty reading the defenses and setting protections. Also, Fitz took many more chances with down field throws that Edwards hardly ever did. That said, if Marrone builds a run first offense with Spiller and Jackson getting more attempts then the QB passing attempts. Then Kolb or TJ might prove to be decent game managers, and might even win more games then Gailey or Jauron.

The first best thing to happen was the owner stepping down from a presidents job he had virtually no ability to handle in a football sense. Now, if Wilson had then hired an actual football man in Bill Polian or Thomas Dimitroff as president instead of a money man the chain of results might have been much different so far. Buddy Nix would be napping at someplace other then OBD. The Bills would have hired a very experienced GM, and HC like Cowher, Reid, Lovie Smith. You can bet your last dollar he would find a suitable franchise QB this year or next year. He would be drafting to build that O line first and the later picks in the draft would actually be useful instead of useless. As it stands now I see no reason at all to be excited about the draft or the upcoming season, sad to say.

The Bills will NEVER trade that #8 pick as Nix thinks of those picks as his children. He probably already has a list of players he will select with that #8. With Doug Marrone an ex O line coach I would think he will try and make that line better first thing, and they will need to do that with Levitre now gone. This is the year to draft for the O line as 3 OT's are ranked in the top 10, two OG's in the top ten. No question in my view that building up that line to make a 3rd and short by running will help whatever QB they have behind center.

On one hand, Philly saw something in the kid to draft him in the 2nd round, and so did Arizona to trade for him, (2nd round pick and starting CB). OTOH, If he was really worth a damn he would have stayed the starter in both those cities. He couldn't beat out Mike Vick or even John Skelton for the starting Job. Is Kolb a better QB then Fitz, who had the ability to get the ball out so quickly to the open receiver? I look at this move to simply bring in competition to the QB position for this year as I don't think anyone had total faith in Tavaris Jackson considering Gailey wouldn't even give him a start. To the people who say, Oh, in Arizona he had no running game, only one WR, no O line and no TE need to remember he had all those players around him and Philly and they still traded him away rather then keep him. I also think that both Kolb / TJ will light up all the flaws in that supposed good O line that Buddy Nix thinks is fine. It will be interesting to see if anything has changed for the better on the Bills this season.

The fact that I'm almost to the point where I no longer care about watching the NFL at all anymore. Didn't really care about watching the playoffs last year, save the Patriots, and rooting against those bastages. Last season I watched about 1/3 the Sunday ticket games I've watched in past years. Since the Bills strive to continue down this path of mediocrity the more they lose again this year I expect the more my passion for the sport will diminish. With Buddy Nix still the GM for the upcoming draft I'm not even looking forward to that event. Perhaps Marrone can build a winner despite being handicapped by Nix, and Wilson's stooges. Chuck Knox managed to do it, so who knows.

I agree, i don't get the love for Barkley either. Not only in his arm strength but also with the recent failure of USC QB's, Sanchez / Leinart. Carson Palmer was allowed to sit and develop a bit and even so look at him now. Bills fans just don't realize how tough it is to throw in RWS at times. That stadium is particularly tricky for kickers and QB's when the winds kick up. I don't like Geno Smith or EJ Manuel either for various reasons, as both have the physical tools needed its just I'm very skeptical about their ability to fully develop into starting NFL QB's, reading defenses ECT.

This is actually a smart move by the Bills....did i just say that I can't believe I praised Nix. Arizona did have a very bad O line, one good WR and no TE or running game to speak of. The Cards were 32nd in offense and 32nd in rushing The Cards thought enough of Kolb to give up a #2 pick and starting CB, and not many QB's could have played well in Arizona on that poop team. This will give the Bills an opportunity to use that #8 pick on something other then a REACH for a QB

That alone stands out because the Packers stated they let Flynn go because of his "lack of arm strength". http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=4949&line=258958&spln=1 Some scouts feel he will be fine tho. If this kid had enough talent to start I suspect Seattle would have done so over a rookie QB. JMO