thewildrabbit

Jeez, only 4 O line players drafted in the first two rounds over the last decade. is it any wonder as to why this team failed for so long? You talk about bust rate on OT's / O linemen....3 of 4 of those players are studs. Levitre, Wood, Glenn And Mike D Williams was taken over Bryant McKinnie. An OT who BTW is STILL in the league. Something that speaks volumes about the Bills scouting department with Tom Modrak as the chief scout. Imagine how much better this team would have fared over the last 14 years with a consistent solid player at OT. Probably would have kept Jason Peters at RT, and never would have had the need to bring in two bad players in free agency. BTW John Guy also sucked big time as the Bills free agent scout. Both Modrak, and Guy were replaced when Nix was hired. I really like the idea of a trade back in which the Bills land a TE, OG, OT in any order. Sadly, I just don't see this regime of fools doing that, they seem more intent on making that defense better. Matthews is a pipe dream for a lot of fans here as the man won't be there at #9.

I did Dibs, it was last year. If Whaley gets credit for Jerry Hughes, Kiko, Alan Branch. then he should get the blame for Doug Legursky, Colin Brown, David Snow. How did the Bills replace their best pass blocker in Andy levitre? With complete, and utter garbage players that were cut outright by week six. Nobody on this staff saw how bad those players were before the season? Who did the bills bring in to backup center Eric Wood last year. The very worst graded player from a bad Steeler O line. Who did the bills sign for the O line in free agency so far this year? Oh yea, the very worst graded player from the Rams. So far it looks like SSDY. Later in the draft, like how much later? Look at the draft history of this team, and tell me who is an actual decent starter that was drafted after round two? Kyle Williams 5th, Terrence McGee 4th, Stevie Johnson 7th. So, like 3 players out of 50 drafted after the 2nd round are decent. Now look at all the playmakers the Bills have drafted over the last decade, and how many helped them get to the playoffs...exactly! Spiller, James Hardy, Lynch, Roscoe Parrish, Lee Evans, Willis McGahee, Josh Reed, Travis Henry all first, and second round picks.

Stats don't always tell the entire story. That season the Bills also had fabled 28 year veteran O line coach Jim McNally, a man who was able to get that O line to overachieve that year. Sadly, that was McNally's last year in Buffalo, and then that line went to hell under a new rookie O line coach the next year. Jauron was keen on promoting from within his staff, and both his OC, and O line coaches were rookies who caused a lot of loses after that year IMO. I remember that season as Dick Jauron kept pulling Losman for Edwards. Losman went 2-5, and rookie QB Trent Edwards went 5-4. The Bills were 30th in points scored, and 30th in yards. Steve Fairchild was implementing a new offensive scheme that year. A scheme that never proved fruitful. Dockery, and Walker never lived up to what the Bills paid them in free agency, and also caused all pro LT Jason Peters to become disgruntled because of the Bills overpaying those two losers.

You keep beating this same drum over, and over thinking that because nobody disputed it, It is the correct way to think. Far from it! LT Jake Long should have been resigned by the Dolphins and their GM was more then likely fired because of that singular stupid move. Then after not getting Long resigned, moving Jonathan Martin from RT to LT, and he stunk it up the previous year at RT. So this move to not get Long resigned before his contract was up was about as lame as the Bills letting Andy Levitre / Jairus Byrd leave with nothing in return. The Dolphins did in fact offer long a contract, and as a free agent he was able to take the offer from the Rams who offered more money. Would it surprise you to find that Brandon Albert originally was graded, and drafted drafted as an OG? Albert played all 37 games of his three year career as an OG while at Virginia. Tackle was listed as his second position. Brandon Albert was moved to tackle by the Chiefs where he struggled greatly his first few years at tackle. The last few years Albert improved his play at tackle and the Chiefs franchised him last year. For 2013 Albert was a key component in helping the Chiefs get to the playoffs, and even though he played in only 12 games he was named to the pro bowl. He also helped Jamaal Charles reach 1980 all purpose yards. The Chiefs wanted Brandon Albert to remain a Chief but he wanted more money then they wanted to pay him...sound familiar? Again, Albert was a free agent and could go to the highest bidder, which happened to be the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs drafted OT Eric Fisher with the #1 overall pick last year with the expressed thought of replacing Albert simply because that would be more cost effective for them. To lazy at this point to look into those others you mentioned. Just get the facts right about why teams didn't resign their players. You made it sound like those teams no longer wanted those players, and nothing could be further from the truth. The Bills just lost two players in free agency that they wanted to keep, and simply refused to pay what other teams were willing to pay, same stuff. I can tell you right now that because the current Bills FO doesn't put much value on O line players, that it will be their undoing.

Unfortunately for fans like us the Bills FO doesn't see things the way the we see things, as in addressing the O line seems to be an afterthought to them. Almost as if they could get away with having a line of complete nobody's that they can pay almost nothing... then that would be their dream scenario. My take on this FO hiring Doug Marrone is to groom young QB's, and make things work while not putting a lot of resources into the O line. Just kinda like the way this team hired Chan Gailey because he was supposedly able to win games without a top QB, and without a top line. The team wants Marrone to make the offense successful despite having a top line. Probably because Marrone's background is distinctly tied to the O line. Ex NFL O line player, ex NFL O line coach, ex NFL OC. Sows ear, silk purse type of thing. Now that the Seahawks won the superbowl because of having the #1 defense in the NFL. I get the distinct impression that the team will go linebacker, safety, DB, or anything but an OT with the #9 pick. Even if the team should trade back I wouldn't expect an O linemen, anything but an O lineman. Sadly, my take is this failure to build a top O line will be this regimes legacy of failure. Just like the failure of the last 14 years of failed head coaches, GM's. Russ Brandon will be forever known as a failed CEO for the Buffalo Bills.

"If only" If only the Bills would put as much effort into building a decent O line as they have the D line the last 15 years they might have had some success with a QB. Because this team refuses to build a complete line, and tries to get by with late round scrubs that almost never pan out. If only the Bills would draft as must talent for the offense as they have for the defense. Let's face some facts here, anyone drafted after the second round usually doesn't last long in a Bills uni. So, here is hoping the Bills use their first two picks on an OG / OT or this offense is in the toilet again this year. The Buffalo Bills graded #1 in rushing attempts, #2 in rushing yards...and yet ranked 29th in run blocking by PFF, and 16th by Football outsiders. Then considering their breakdown of exactly how the bills ran the ball is most disconcerting to me. 456 carries, Left end 6%- Left tackle 11%- mid guard 70%-Right tackle 10%- Right end 3%. So freaking predictable, and also tells me that should anything happen to center Eric Wood the Bills are completely screwed. Those stats also tell me that the Bills have a pair of elite RB's in Fred Jackson & CJ Spiller who made a lot of yards on their own without decent run blocking. For the life of me I can't understand why this team would replace its best pass blocker with utter garbage in Colin Brown, David Snow, and then Doug Legursky...all the while starting a corps of rookie QB's. Now this off season so far the Bills signed new free agent Chris Williams who graded as the worst player on that Rams O line last year. Just like Legursky graded as the worst player on the Steelers line. I just don't get how this team undervalues the importance of a top line.

The Bills O line was horrible last year, as Colin Brown graded as the very worst player in the NFL at any position, and was benched / cut after week six. This was the player who was to replace the Bills best pass blocker in Andy Levitre. The backup center was forced to action at LG, and played very poorly. To those who say the line wasn't abused apparently missed the drubbing by the 4-12 Buc's who dominated the line of scrimmage. They also missed the games against the Steelers, Saints. The Bills were one of the worst teams in controlling the line of scrimmage, and controlling the clock on offense all season. I dread the thought of what they would have looked like last year playing against the Seahawks or 49ers. The Bills need more then just an OT if they are to compete for the division this year.

Fixed! It also helps to have a QB that can run like Wilson can when needed, and make plays when the line breaks down. Thus taking away an extra defender on that opposing defense because they need to set a spy on the QB. It also helped to have a road grader at RB who can carry 3 defenders on him to make his yards. Despite the supposed poor play of that Seahawk offense they still managed to be #8 in points in the entire league, and go 13-3. Wilson threw for 3357 yards and 26 TD's. Lynch 1257 yards, 12 TD's. This super bowl winning Seahawk team didn't even have a 1000 yard receiver (Baldwin 50 catches for 778 yards & Tate 64 catches for 898 yards), or even a pass catching TE (Miller 33 for 387 yards) like the Bills Chandler.... yet now the Bills need a great TE (Ebron) or WR (Watkins-Evans) to win games. I say horsehockey!! If the Bills had a QB anywhere near as good as Russell Wilson they make the playoffs last year.

Exactly....the Bills still haven't properly replaced Andy Levitre. I expect that to take at least 3 years, which is the Bills MO on replacing good players. Injuries are what derailed Dick Jauron every year as the team virtually had no depth at any position. Injuries are what killed Chan Gailey in 2011 when the team started the season 5-2, and then went down the toilet when C Eric Wood went on IR after the next game. The team had no adequate backup at center, and the result was complete chaos on that Bills O line as they scrambled to make do. Against Miami that year they couldn't even get a decent snap off the entire game. Last year Urbik was forced to play despite an injury because the only backups were directly off the waiver wire. They still have no quality depth. The playoffs were more doable last year with that easy schedule, and that 9-7 got the Chargers in the playoffs. This year will be more difficult as both the Jets and Dolphins will be improved, and Marrone has now shown he can't beat Belichick / Brady either. One OT isn't likely to save this team from another year of bad QB play, because the QB's simply won't have the time in the pocket to make many good plays. OG Chris Williams is more suited to be a backup, as is Legursky. Some teams get a pleasant surprise when a backup steps in for the starter and performs well. With this team some of the starters wouldn't even be backups on other teams, because that is where half of them are from, released backups. I see the line as still needing three of the five positions requiring upgrading, and the depth at many positions is still very poor. Can the current line compete with the bad teams, probably. Can they compete with the good to great teams, and possible playoff teams, no way. If only this team put as much effort into the O line as they do the D line, then the team might actually make the playoffs...and win! JMO

This type of thinking is what has kept the Bills at or near the bottom of the league for 14+ years IMO. Because its been that long since this franchise had an actual O line that could control the line of scrimmage. But you are right in thinking that one O linemen isn't going to make or break a team, because it is a team sport and that line only succeeds with strong continuity from all five players. Wanna know how many Buffalo Bills O linemen have made the pro bowl the last 20 years? Exactly two, and not at the same time, Ruben Brown an OG who played nine years for the Bills, and LT Jason Peters. That's it! Man, I hope you are right with this train of thought. Although, I'd really be very surprised the bills draft an OT with that #9, even if Matthews is still there.

can I just kick Freeman instead? the Bears are the first team to even give the guy a look in free agency, as they just had Freeman in for a look. The guy only played in one game last year and stunk it up.

Nothing worked because the team employed morons for defensive coordinators from 2010, 2011, 2012. Last season the D finally played up to their talent level somewhat. Last years DC was so intent on rushing the passer he let that defense forget about stopping the run. This year that defense should be a whole lot better with better coaching, and the free agents they added. A big reason as to why last years defense wasn't more spectacular was because they were on the field way to often. The Bills offense couldn't control the line of scrimmage or the clock on offense. They were #25 in 3 down and out percentage. 29th in 3rd down efficiency. 30th in 4th down efficiency. 31st in first down efficiency. I mean good lord was that offense bad news. Is it any wonder to anyone why the defense wasn't better? Those players had to be exhausted by the 4th quarter because the offense couldn't stay on the field.,

The Bills currently have 9 of 11 first or second round draft picks on that defense. So, they need another first round pick to rush the passer or stop the run? They have more then enough talent on that D already, and what they really needed is better coaching. They now have a DC in Schwartz who has coached elite defenses in the past. I'm a heckava lot more concerned about the Bills offense being able to compete with every team they play vs that Bills D that improved greatly with some better coaching under Pettine.

good news indeed.

Right tackle, left tackle...it doesn't matter as you need two good tackles to survive in today's NFL. Even the Bills website had an article stating that you need two top tackles because the best pass rusher can easily move to either side. Besides, you want to have decent enough talent on the right side so that should the starting LT go down with an injury there won't be that great a drop off in talent. http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/ON-THE-CLOCK-Rise-of-the-right-tackle/30cbf54d-12e1-46b7-9ae7-7115c5066dea The increasing importance of the right tackle position is an emerging trend in the NFL. Tony Hunter says hello!

Matthews is about a sure a thing as you can get in the NFL IMO. From NFL.com, "BOTTOM LINE Smart, tough, versatile franchise left tackle capable of playing all five positions on the line. Can plug into a starting lineup immediately and will play a long time at a consistently high level. One of the safest picks in the draft, Matthews' best position might even be center" http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jake-matthews?id=2543758 Anyway, the current Bills regime hasn't shown that they are interested in building a top O line thru free agency or the draft. Its almost like they expect Marrone to make some silk purses.

I also long for the days of NGU giving us inside info. I scratch my head over the trying to acquire Chris Johnson move tho. Does that mean the Bills are thinking about trading CJ at draft time? Does bringing in another top WR mean Stevie's days in Buffalo are numbered? Does this signing WR Mike Williams move cancel the thoughts that the had bills trading up with the Texans. Perhaps for the #1 to draft Sammy Watkins? So many questions...guess we will need to wait until May 8-10.

Man, I would love this scenario, as the Bills could steal Zack Martin away from the Dolphins, and still get a decent TE like Troy Niklas in the second, and then an OG Cyril Richardson - OG Gabe Jackson- in the second round. That would be an awesome first two rounds in my view. Should the team make these moves in the draft I can see them giving the Patriots a run for the division this year.

Hi Astrobot I have some news for ya. Zack Martin is one of my fav OT / OG in this draft, and he won't be there past the Dolphins at #19, and could be gone as early as #12 to the Giants. Then Martin's teammate, TE Troy Niklas won't make it out of the second round IMO. While I really like some of the choices you made for the team to draft, I don't see a realistic way to draft the first few of them.

While I agree with your premise to a point, I disagree with some points. Marv Levy was the exact same Marv as he was back in the day, as one of the first things he did as GM was to jettison a known "me first", "mo money" type guy in S Lawyer Milloy. Even now, fans must realize he was at the mercy of one of the very worst scouting departments, free agent scouts in Modrak & Guy. Levy didn't bring in any bad character types afaik. My take on why the Bills are making some of the moves they are making is because they see a very small window to "win now", a window that could be closing very quickly with the sale of the team to new owners. This team needs to win, and win now. Also, this FO has made it clear that they will give players a "second chance" to prove themselves. The Bills have several clear positions they need to fill, with a limited amount of early draft picks to fill those positions. So why not fill them with proven players that need another chance? Lets not forget that any new ownership might just sweep the entire org clean to rid it of this losing culture. This coaching staff, GM, and front office must realize they could be on borrowed time if they can't field a winning team this fall. The Bills knew they needed another proven top WR to pair with Stevie Johnson or even to replace him. The Bills have had talks with the Houston Texans about trading up for that #1 overall pick. Now, those talks could have been for Sammy Watkins. This move basically fills a known need for a good WR at a very low price. If it works out, it will indeed help the Bills offense a great deal.

Hi, welcome to the board. I would think that since most draft analysts are saying that this is a very deep draft loaded with talent, and IMO the smart thing to do is trade outta #9 while picking up some extra picks. While the Bills FO is trending towards Buffalo natives I would think that trading up for Khalil Mack is a possibility. Although, I can't see any team with a brain trading up to #1 and not drafting Clowney. All this talk of trades, I gotta wonder if the FO is looking to dump CJ or Stevie for more picks.

Hey, ya never know with this team. This could easily backfire on the team should Williams find more trouble. The Bills seemed determined to bring in trouble with wanting DeSean Jackson, Kenny Britt, and don't forget they brought in Da Rick Rodgers last year. OTOH, Every good team has at least two top WR's so opponents can't double or triple one of them. This move should help make the offense become much more explosive...provided they all stay healthy. Plus give EJ more options to throw to. While I like the move, a lot depends on how everything else works out for the rest of the off season, the draft ect.

They trade back for an extra second round pick. They could get an OG-OT-TE with a late first, and two seconds, and all quality players who become instant starters

For the uninformed, Williams wasn't kicked off the Syracuse football team by Marrone, as he quit the school for other reasons. "Marrone was actually asked about Williams during the AFC coaches breakfast at the 2014 NFL owners meetings and said he has "a lot of respect for Mike." Williams ended up quitting the Syracuse football team after being suspended for academic reasons." http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24513330/report-bucs-trade-wr-mike-williams-to-bills-for-sixth-round-pick

Now that the Titans cut him the Bills can simply pick him up... although the guy was paid 8 mill last season...doubt he will play for peanuts