thewildrabbit

Not only that. Look how Nassib managed when the Syracuse coaches changed up the offense this year. He adapted and played well considering the lack of top talent around him. He should feel right at home in Buffalo.

I agree with everything you said, plus Nassib had like 5 comeback wins so he didn't fail when he faced a heavy rush or being behind. Just give this kid a solid run game like he had at Syracuse and he should develop into a top NFL QB.

So you are ready to draft a QB based on how he played in 2011,and part of 2012 without waiting to see what his arm is like after his shoulder injury? Which games would you like me to watch? The ones where he threw 15 INT's in 2012 or the one where he injured his shoulder and couldn't play in the senior bowl or throw that the combine? USC went 7-6 last year and lost to GT in the Sun bowl. Barkely was the starting QB in 4 of those losses "Some will knock his size, "average" arm strength or the fact that he has never faced SEC competition" http://www.cbssports...players/1664140 "Arm Strength: This is another area where I find Barkley’s skill set lacking. When required to drive the ball across the field (for instance on the deep out) the ball hangs on him. He doesn’t have the ability to muscle it in at the next level, and that’s really a deal breaker for me. He has decent velocity in the mid range game, but struggles vertically. In the NFL, defensive backs break on the ball much more quickly, and many of the passes Barkley throws in college would be picked off at the NFL level. Barkley has also benefited from throwing to standout receivers like Woods and Lee." "Overall: Barkley rides a lot of hype from the media, and obviously for being the starter at USC, I just don’t see a first round/franchise caliber quarterback here, though. His tools are middling, and he lacks the “plus athleticism” to overcome that. When I look at Barkley I’m reminded a lot of Trent Dilfer. A guy with a wealth of football knowledge, who has/had a middle of the road skill set, and will need a good team around him to be successful. I wouldn’t pin my Super Bowl hopes to him, though. All in all, I wouldn’t touch Barkley in the first round. He’s not a franchise caliber quarterback, he’s a journeyman backup type, and I just can’t justify spending anything very high on him. Someone will reach for him earlier than warranted though, most likely." "However, things started to unravel in a Week 3 loss to Stanford, with Barkley appearing to crumble under the intense pass rush from the Cardinal. He repeatedly made poor decisions against the blitz, resulting in a pair of interceptions and several negative plays. In addition, Barkley’s lack of athleticism and questionable arm strength stood out as possible deficiencies at the next level. Those flaws continued to show up throughout the season, with Barkley tossing 15 interceptions, including nine in his final four games. Poor decision making and sub-standard physical tools were already spawning questions about Barkley’s capacity to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL when a shoulder injury in the Trojans’ Nov. 17 loss to rival UCLA sparked concern about his health and durability, particularly when he couldn’t return for the Sun Bowl." http://nachmanyfootb...couting-report/ Like I stated earlier, I'm waiting to see what the story is AFTER his pro day, and to read what the scouts say about his arm then. What I base my opinion on is the fact that with any QB throwing in Ralph Wilson stadium it can be very difficult at times considering what the velocity of the winds are like some days. Both kickers and QB's have complained about what its like to play in those swirling winds. Jim Kelly had so much success in RWS because he had a cannon arm, and could easily rip a tight spiral threw those winds. If you want me to keep my mouth shut, it's gonna cost you some dough. I figure a thousand bucks is reasonable, so I want two.

How about this? "Captain Comeback: Matt Ryan Passes Tom Brady As NFL's Best QB In The Clutch" http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/captain-comeback-matt-ryan-passes-tom-brady-as-nfls-best-qb-the-clutch/18391/

While I would agree that Barkley stepped up in big games whereas Geno Smith folded. The comparison i made with Fitz & Barkley had to do with his smarts, hight and weight and limited arm strength, Not with his winning, and that is over rated in college. Just ask JaMarcus Russell, Vince Young, Matt Leinart The thing is, we have to see what Barkley does at his pro day because he didn't throw at the combine. Wanna know what the scouts are saying? NFL Draft Rumors Feb. 20: I've heard from multiple sources that NFL teams are souring on USC quarterbacks because they are viewed more as Hollywood stars than football players. Matt Barkley's decision not to throw at the Combine has prompted similar sentiments from two scouts: "Here we go again, another L.A. movie star quarterback who needs his own day to throw," a veteran scout told Yahoo! "And you wonder why guys from Southern California (are bad)?" a veteran team executive said. "Everything is like they have to draw attention to themselves." When Barkley not being cleared was mentioned, the executive just grew angrier. "I'm telling you, it's always [something] with guys from down there… not just USC, the whole area. I don't know what it is." Want another Mark Sanchez / Matt Leinart (37-2 as a starter at USC)? I thought the Bills had enough of the So Cal boys with Trent Edwards / Rob Johnson Hey, the guy could be a future great NFL player as I have NFC, and am not a scout. I just go by what I see on the field and read from the scouts. I just prefer Nassib / Bray / Glennon

perhaps about 7 years ago....

First off I'd never make Russ Brandon CEO / president,,,him and his silly idea of bringing moneyball to football. But then, that has been the downfall of the Buffalo Bills since Bill Polian / John Butler were fired. This owner has been the president of the franchise when he has no football acumen, and so he ran it like a business that only wants to make money. Now to the question, Fire Brandon or give him a job on the money side. Hire Thomas Dimitroff the current GM of the Falcons and make him president. Then let him decide who he wants as GM. Or simply hire Bill Polian as president and again let him decide who he wants as GM.

I can only think of two reasons why Nix is still with the Buffalo Bills. First, Nix has spent the entire year during the season scouting (instead of doing his job as GM and watching over his HC/ DC and team), and I expect that Russ doesn't want to dismiss Nix and give a different team the benefit of Nix's work from his year of scouting. Second, Buddy Nix was Ralph Wilson's hire and he nearly broke his arm patting himself on his own back for that hire. (Wilson is still under the impression it was Buddy Nix who built that 2005 Chargers team with 8 pro bowlers) I think history has shown that neither AJ Smith nor Buddy Nix built that team as most of the players were from John Butler era, and Marty Schottenheimer must have had a big input. Both Nix and Smith have done nothing but stink it up the last 5+ years.So the fact that Nix is still the GM might be saying that Russ Brandon doesn't have all the power. When I look at his last 3 years of drafting and free agency the only thing that I see is band aids all over the place from the waiver wire. Save the 100 million spent on a DE because he was unable to find one in the draft. The only drafted players that are starting and making any kind of impact are first round draft picks. Ralph Wilson fired Tom Donahoe for going 31-48 from 2001-2005, he drafted only 3 players to make the pro bowl. So exactly how many pro bowlers has Buddy Nix drafted in his 3 years?? This is the man who will choose the Bills next franchise QB? Marv Levy had the vision of the "greatest show on snow" when he hired OC Steve Fairchild away from the Rams to run that high octane passing offense in Buffalo. Then he rebuilt the O line with high priced free agents to protect the QB. He went about it the wrong way, should have drafted for the O line first thing, even if it takes 3 years to develop those players. Then Jim McNally the vaunted O line coach retired and that line went to hell because of promoting an assistant O line coach to replace him. Jauron tore it all apart once Marv retired, and screwed himself by refusing to hire established OC's that knew how to run an offense. At least Marv tried to find a QB when he drafted Trent Edwards with a 3rd rounder. He must have seen then that JP Losman wasn't going to get it done.

Some of you are so enamored with stats you fail to see if the player is a WINNER!! This franchise has had enough losers the last 20 years Exactamundo. If you gotta take a chance on one of these not so great QB's. Trust me, all of them have issues. Take a player you KNOW is going to be very good with that #8 OT, OG, WR, LB, and take the chance on one of several QB's that can be had in the 2nd round., Yea, I'd take Nassib over Geno Smith, just not at #8, because I see big time fail written all over Geno. Barkley is minime of Fitz, same smart guy, hight / weight and noodle arm.

Stats again... why not just look at "highlight" reels over and over.... The real test is, how does a player look when faced with adversity by being down in the game by 20 points ? Can the QB make a comeback and win the game? He appeared to be a shoo-in for the Heisman Trophy during a red-hot start to 2012, but then ran into significant issues in blowout losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State. Over the first five games (five wins), he completed 81.4% of his passes with an astonishing 24-to-0 TD-to-INT ratio. Then, against Texas Tech and K-State, Smith had just a 57.5% completions and two touchdowns, along with his first two interceptions of the season. In those two games, the opposing offenses jumped out to big leads and Smith struggled to rally his team and answer with the big plays that wowed us earlier this season. Against the Wildcats, he appeared hesitant and a tad gun-shy with his longest completion going for just 13 yards. Smith stayed tough in the pocket, but his mental toughness has been questioned as he appeared uncontrollably discouraged on the sideline and had little answers for Kansas State's good, but far from great defense. Despite his gaudy statistics, there are some warts to Smith's game. He takes virtually every snap from shotgun, is inconsistent with his set-up and delivery, often throwing off his back foot and has only average accuracy, at this time, on deeper throws -- especially those that require touch. I don't like either QB in the first round with that #8 pick, both have too many question marks. I'd rather see the bills take an OT, Guard Chance Warmack, WR, LBer at #8 and then trade back into the first for Ryan Nassib who beat Geno Smith in the pin strip bowl. Watch this game and then tell me which is the better QB.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27_09VIL3d8 http://www.cbssports...players/1664302 Nassib didn't have a #1 draft pick at WR to throw to all season in Tavon Auston like Geno Smith did.

What I'm saying is I don't like the guy at all, and not even at 15-20. I see better value in other players at other positions Let me clarify then. I don't like Geno Smith at all, not in the first round. What Mayock is saying is this guy is not a blue chip player (franchise player), and will have difficulties in the NFL just like he did in blow out loses to Texas tech and Kansas st. What happened in those two games is that the opponent got the lead and Smith couldn't bring his team from behind.. So what happened to that great play maker when he suddenly faced adversity? Neither of those two teams had great defenses either. His great offense couldn't even beat Ryan Nassib in the pin stripe bowl. "Despite his gaudy statistics, there are some warts to Smith's game. He takes virtually every snap from shotgun, is inconsistent with his set-up and delivery, often throwing off his back foot and has only average accuracy, at this time, on deeper throws -- especially those that require touch." http://www.cbssports...players/1664302 I look at Geno Smith and just don't see a Cam Newton or RG3 and a top 10 pick. I hope Arizona steals him away one pick ahead of Buffalo

I'm hoping Geno Smith is long gone when Buffalo picks simply because Mike Mayock says he has too many holes in his game to be taken at #8. The guy should be the 15th to 25th pick and not a top ten. I'd rather see the bills take an OT, WR, LB, and a QB in the 2nd or trade back into the first and take the QB

There was an article not long ago in the news about the problems the Bills had last year at RT due to injuries and off young player play. Glenn was average at LT, and he could be an above average RT, or all pro guard. He played guard in college and that is probably his true position as his strongest ability is blocking straight ahead rather then running the arc. OT on the Buffalo Bills is NOT a strength, not even close even with everyone healthy. With the Bills taking one of the top 3 LT's in the draft would finally solidify a position that has been ailing since they traded away JP.. The Bills band aided that right side with players off the waiver wire and still desperately need depth at several positions. Levitre is an average guard IMO, and not worth 8-10 mill per he is looking for in free agency. While I don't usually condone letting top players walk away like this, I just feel he isn't worth the money he wants, regardless of him not suffering any injuries during his career in Buffalo.

Yea well, I can recall so many fans here constantly defending him over and over. (Just like they now do with Buddy Nix) Gailey was the worst HC hire since Wade Phillips!! http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/152328-in-defense-of-chan/ http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/151746-who-wants-to-see-a-change/page__st__20 I can dig up more if ya want.

Who cares... Levitre is far from worth what the top guards are getting IMO. Draft one of the top 3 LT's with that #8 and move Glenn to RT or guard. Anyone else recall how Levite looked at center or LT, or how he looks when Eric Wood isn't next to him?

Fans know nothing.... how many here were still endorsing Chan Gailey right up until Nix fired him. Nix even gave Gailey his endorsement half way thru last season and stated Gailey will be the Bills HC for 2013 and probably longer...what happened? Nix also stated Gailey is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. Yea, that is why he is out of football. Even Jauron took a job right after he was canned, and Wannstedt already has a new job. Buddy Nix should have been fired right along with the two morons he hired in Gailey and Wannstedt. Unless the Bills (Russ) were afraid that Nix would take all the knowledge he had garnered all season scouting to a different team. I'd say let him do just that, and screw up their drafts, and free agency. How can fans forget statements like " I'm going to get some sleep" when the 2010 free agency opened. Then proceeded to bring in the worst player ever for 2 mill per in Cornell Green. CJ Spiller was all Chan Gailey who wanted his "water bug" months before the draft and then got him during draft day. Then who did Nix select with the #2, DT Torrell Troup when Rob Gonkowski was right there, and the Patriots got him with the very next pick. That 2010 draft was almost a complete wash and so was the free agency period. So far Nix has been able to band aid the LBer corps, band aid the O line. Pay 100 million for a DE. Not find a QB for the last 3 years while other teams found 5 QB"S To take their teams to the playoffs. The list of failures over the last 3 season surpasses the few players Nix has brought in to start, and make an impact! It scares me as a Bills fan to think that this idiot is going to be involved in the process of finding the next supposed franchise QB.

CB Aaron Williams wouldn't even make a good safety... Nix did draft a guard and moved him to LT. Glenn is an average LT, he would be an above average RT, and an all pro guard. This year there are 3 LOT's that should go in the top 10, and if any are there at the 8 spot Nix should draft one, and make that line suitable for a new QB. Joeckel, Fisher, Johnson Anything but another DB with that #8, a LB, a WR, a QB

My head would explode! 30 DB's drafted over the last 20 years and where has it gotten this team? Vs 4 QB's drafted in that time, and only one #1 draft pick used on a QB. This philosophy needs to reverse big time, 30 QB's drafted in the next 20 years until they find that elusive franchise guy! Safety may be a minor need, but this team has more pressing needs then to keep drafting DB's year in and year out because they refuse to step up and retain the players they drafted in the first place.

This could very well end up like another Buffalo Bills Peyton Manning miss, in which they never gave manning a thought to acquire in free agency. Jeez, a QB that took a team to the NFC championship game vs one that has never won more then 6 games in a season. Smith is still a young player, unlike Manning. Kudos to Reid for a #2. If Arizona really wants Matt Cassell it speaks volumes on how that team will fair the next few years under a new HC. Gailey managed to marry Fitz to the Bills, and hopefully the Bills new HC seeks a divorce very soon.

Good, lets hope they take Geno Smith

.... .... Good lord, almost glad the Bills have Fitz

The guy basically owns all the Falcons franchise passing records in just 5 years. Started 3 years in college at BC,went 25-7 in 32 starts along with 3 bowl wins. He was drafted in 2008 his first year 11-5, second 9-7, third 13-3, fourth 10-6, 5th 13-3 Not very many QB's come out of the gate winning in the NFL like this kid, and he is getting better.. He did sprain the AC joint in his non throwing shoulder during that Niners game. The Falcons did beat the hottest team in the Seahawks but fell short against the 49ers. Except for the Ravens this year the last 4 SB winners were the Saints, Packers, Giants. The Falcons gave up more yards on defense then the Bills did last season. The Buffalo Bills wish they had "Matty Ice" at QB

He was still a dick... then after a few years on the Bills he changed. NFN the "bickering Bills" incident in 1989 Kelly slamming his O line after he injured his shoulder( Howard Ballard). Then Thurman Thomas ripped Kelly for ripping Ballard. WR Chris Burkett whining about losing his starting job after a fight with Kelly on the sidelines, then the Bills cut him. Ram player and former Bills RB Greg Bell calling the Bills rednecks and saying Marv Levy was a con artist. From 12-4 in 88 to 9-7 in 89. http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2011/6/20/2228738/bickering-bills THEN, during the 4th QTR of a 30-7 whooping by the Dolphins in week 2 of the 1990 season . Marv pulled (when the game was out of hand) several defensive starters and all hell broke lose. Bruce Smith kicked over the Gatorade table, Nate Odems throwing chairs. So Marv fined several players and set a stern warning that this type of prima donna behavior was not going to be tolerated. MR Wilson then publicly backed Marv Levy by stating any player that doesn't listen to the head coach will be traded or released. They all fell into line after that, and the Super Bowls are the result. IMO Marv really garnered ALL the players respect after this, and the attitudes of the players changed greatly. http://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/20/sports/bills-are-bickering-in-mid-season-form.html

Found this about Dan Marino... "Marino's stock keeps dropping. Some scouts don't like his attitude. One says: He has no throwing motion, he is very immature. I don't think he is a top prospect. Is very raw but has a lot of physical tools." I wonder how those morons feel about him now! Modesto Bee look at Daryl Tally ranked as the top OLBer Palm Beach Post Dan Marino was the last QB taken in the first round because there were rumors about alleged drug use, bad attitude, too cocky rumored drug use It’s not uncommon in the weeks leading up to NFL drafts that we read and hear rumors — factual, fictional or somewhere in between — that affect a player’s draft stock. A prime example of this came back in 1983, when rumors of recreational drug use led to Dan Marino not getting drafted until the 27th pick (and the sixth quarterback taken). Even then Steelers coach Chuck Noll admitted years later the team was scared off by the rumors. We’ll never know to what extent the Marino rumors were true, but he went on to become an NFL Hall of Famer.

While Brooks says in the OP article that Bray could be the steal of the draft and he would be a good fit for the buffalo Bills. Brooks mock draft on NFL.com site has the Bills selecting Mike Glennon at #8 "The Bills could elect to take a wide receiver or inside linebacker, but nabbing a franchise-caliber quarterback is GM Buddy Nix's priority in this draft. Although Glennon is a limited athlete prone to making mistakes under duress, he is an A-plus arm talent with tremendous potential." http://www.nfl.com/d...y-brooks/165102 Glennon has a more refined throwing motion then Bray, but both are sorta statues that will require a lot of protection. The way I see it is the Bills @ #8 could use another solid O tackle, a LBer, a WR, a QB. Please lord, no more DB's, 30 DB's drafted the last 20 years and where has that gotten them? Only 4 QB's taken in that time, and only one QB taken in the first round