thewildrabbit

with 13 of 22 starters drafted in the 1st or 2nd round? Seattle had the best defense in the NFL by far last year, and they had only 3 starters on defense that were drafted in the 1st or 2nd round. Then again they only need to find talent and develop it no matter what round they draft in...because they have the proper football acumen in their coaches that can positively evaluate talent and actually develop their players. In regards to Buddy Nix still being on the payroll. They could easily hire a 10$ an hour good ole boy to whisper in Whaley's ear to just draft out of the SEC.

I'll wait for Mike Mayock who watches all the game film. Its like the certain scouts that sit and watch highlights all day, and get their opinion that way. I've never heard of Daniel Kim, is he is the guy that said the Texans would hire David Shaw? Anyway, probably lost his job as an NFL scout and now writes for the NFL.

When you consider that 9 of 11 starters on defense are either 1st or 2nd round picks, and the 5th rounder is an all pro, Moats is a 6th and probably will be replaced as a starter this off season. Meanwhile everyone is clamoring for another #1 to be used again on defense this year. Offense: EJ a first, CJ a first, Wood a first, Glenn a 2nd, Urbik & TJ Graham both 3rds.

To back up that bolded part the Bills were 25th in three and out percentage, and even tho they were the #2 rushing team in the NFL they graded at 16th in run blocking. The Bills were 31st in converting 1st downs, and only Jacksonville was worse. They only had 10 drives that lasted 5 min or longer all season. While I agree with the premise of this post, I'm not 100% ready to believe that this off season the Bills will take the appropriate steps to build that O line properly. For whatever reason this ball club puts a very low priority on the skill level required to make the team if its an O line player. Case in point, The starting LG, and his backup were so bad that they were outright released by week 6 last year. The player brought in to back up the center position graded as the worst player on a bad 2012 Steelers O line where he graded a (-26.0)! So the Bills knew what they were getting when they signed him, and did it anyway. I'm with you, as I would love to see the Bills build a road grading O line from tackle to tackle with some elite players on that line. The problem is, everyone wants a top O line and yet they don't want to use top draft picks to obtain them. They have drafted 6 O linemen under Buddy Nix since (2010) Ed Wang in the 5th, Kyle Calloway in the 7th. (2011) Chris Hairston in the 4th. (2012)Cordy Glenn in the 2d, Zerbie Sanders in the 5th, Mark Asper in the 6th. The only player to make it as a starter, and solidify a position was Cordy Glenn. The Bills may get lucky again with a #2 or #3 pick for a top OG, OT. I would prefer them to go all out in building that line this year by drafting an OT in the first at #9 Robinson, Matthews, Lewan, and if all three are gone then trade back to pick up Zack Martin while getting an extra #2 to draft an OG & TE. JMO

Man, if only more Bills fans thought this way! I'm just glad there are others that think like I do. The Bills finally drafted a QB with the first #1 pick and then fail to protect him properly. The O line 28th against the pass rush, 108 hits, 48 sacks.

EJ went 12-2 his senior year at Florida, 3392 yards 23 TD's, 10 INTs. So I'd say he played last season nothing like he did in College at Florida. Besides, 4-6 is not so bad for a rookie season considering his surrounding cast, bad O line, injured receiving corps. Joe Montana went 2-5 his first year. Peyton Manning went 3-13 his first year. Troy Aikman went 0-11 his first year. The Bills knew EJ was raw, and needed development. That's why they signed Kevin Kolb. That piece of glass tripped over a mat and was injured in the off season, took one hit in pre season and was done for the year. If anything, we Bills fans should be extremely upset the Bills didn't do a better job of building a strong O line to protect EJ, and the other rookie QB's 108 hits, 48 sacks is not acceptable. Lets hope the new GM builds that line properly this off season to protect EJ, Lewis, Tuel or whomever is the starting Bills QB "You can mold him into something really special. He's raw, but he's that piece of clay where you take him and you can turn him to what you want." -- Mike Mayock

I've said enough over the last three years about Nix....still 6-10 with no baby says everything now. By now most of you should realize just how loyal this owner is to the people that have shown loyalty to him. It did take Buddy Nix to finally rid this franchise of the director of college scouting in Tom Modrak. I can only suppose that was the result of someone telling Nix that Cornell Green could play RT for 2 mill per back in 2010. Nix did bring along Doug Whaley to eventually replace him. Now I just wonder who told Whaley that LG Colin Brown could adequately replace Andy Levitre. Anyway, I'm just happy as heck Nix is back to only scouting players.

I would think that should the Bills finally smarten up this off season, and build that O line properly. Instead of trying to band-aid it like they have the last decade. "IF" they draft or bring in a top FA Right Offensive Tackle, Left Offensive Guard, and possibly a better TE. Then that entire offense would look so much different this season. Last year the Bills wanted to run their version of the read option- west coast style offense, and that went out the window with EJ's injury in pre season. Then they tried to run Hackett / Marrone's version of the no huddle-hurry up with a 3 WR spread offense. In which they also wanted to QB's the run a quick strike / short passing scheme to keep the pressure of those rookie QB's, hence all the check downs. With an improved O line with some top O line players the Bills would then be able to utilize 90% of the playbook by taking 3-5 step drop backs and thus allowing deep passing plays to Marquise Goodwin (4.27- 40) and TJ Graham (4.29-40). Robert Woods would be that solid #2 WR, and Stevie would regain his 2010 form by being the 11th ranked WR, 82 rec for 1073 yards. SJ would become a #1 WR again and earn his $$. Scott Chandler & Tony Moeaki should combine to terrorize in the end zone. If you can give a QB the 3-5 seconds of time in the pocket they need for pass plays to develop...almost anyone behind center would look good.

He doesn't lack the hype in my view! Jake Matthews is the son of ex NFL Houston Oiler linemen Bruce Matthews, a 14x pro bowl selection who played in the NFL for 18 years, and is in the HoF. Bruce's father was Clay Mathews Sr who played in the NFL in the 50's, and his brother **Clay Mathews Jr played in the NFL for the Cleveland & Atlanta for 19 seasons. Bruce is also the uncle of GB Packers LBer Clay Matthews 3rd, and Eagles LBer Casey Matthews, and Kyle Matthews who plays at USC. His son Kevin played center at Texas A&M and is now playing to the Washington Redskins. Bruce was the O line coach for the Titans last year. Talk* about bloodlines...this kid is a top 5 pick and almost a lock to play in the NFL for ten years. I highly doubt either Matthews or Robinson fall to the Bills at #9. **It was LBer Clay Matthews who stepped in front of a Kelly pass intended for Thurman Thomas in the Cleveland end zone, and thus ending the 1989 Bills playoff game in Cleveland that year.

Robinson, no question!

np In regards to Brandt, who was the VP of player personnel for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1988, and now works for the NFL as a senior analyst. He knows a thing or two about players. A lot of draft sites currently have both Evans & Ebron as mid first round picks. The guy I'm waiting to hear from is Mike Mayock, and his take on the top 32. So yea, nothing is set in stone yet.

Pears missed 9 games in 2012, and clearly wasn't as good last year as he was before the injury in 2012. The Bills had Hairston penciled in at RT last off season before he suffered a leg injury and then an undisclosed injury that put him on IR. While Chandler was the BiIls leading receiver last year, ... Chandler can't block. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000329873/article/ohara-lewan-matthews-robinson-stack-up-with-2013s-top-ots?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cb From what I'm recently reading all three of those OT's could be gone by #9. IF the Bills are seriously intent on tacking an OT early in the draft they could trade back and land OT Zack Martin at #16, and till get one of the top OG's & TE's in the second round. Gil Brandt has Lewan ahead of Robinson, he also has Evans graded at #20, and Eric Ebron at #16. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000312939/article/johnny-manziel-ranks-no-1-on-top-50-nfl-prospects-list But yea, my ultimate scenario would be finally upgrading the offense OT-OG-TE. With either the first three picks in the draft in any order, in free agency, or both. That offense would be so much more effective in controlling the LoS & clock with some better talent on that line.

I know I don't agree with it either. Taylor Lewan 6'7''309 lbs Erik Pears 6'8'' 316 lbs Lewan ran a 4.87 in the combine. He can play on either side, and I would think the bills would start him at RT. In case of an injury to Glenn, Lewan could step into the LT position without a big drop off. He won't get past the NY Giants at 12, and could go as high as the Falcons at 7. For whatever reason the QB's are dropping and O linemen are moving up in the draft. I imagine things will keep changing as we get closer to the draft. From WalterFootball.com , " It wouldn't be surprising if there is talk of Lewan moving to right tackle in the NFL during the lead up to the 2014 NFL Draft. That could be his best fit and make him more dominant. Most offensive linemen of his stature are right tackles." http://walterfootbal...t2014tlewan.php

If Mike Mayock grades the guy as his #1 overall I think its more likely Watkins will be there then Mack, and either way that's a no lose scenario for Buffalo. If the Bills have their hearts set on an OT and all the top three are gone, and they think about trading back for an OT. Zack Martin is also moving up the draft boards, and is listed at 16. He could move up even more by the time the draft rolls around, as teams are recently so hungry for OT's Whats screwy is that the QB's are dropping for now, and that may change after their pro days. I know a lot of people don't like Taylor Lewan, but I really like my O linemen to have a bit of a nasty streak in them like Lewan does.

I like your prediction , and a OG, TE with 2 & 3

and what if Matthews, Robinson are also both there? It really depends on the grade the Buffalo Bills, Doug Whaley puts on all those players, and if he is going to draft for biggest need or BPA. I've seen grades on Evans & Ebron as late as the middle of the first round, and so i doubt they would get the nod over others. Its anyone's guess on Watkins, Mack, Matthews, Robinson in my view.

Not spending money on a LT is a sure way to kill your QB

What are you talking about? What facts did I distort? EDIT: I don't just get info from PFF, and I don't always entirely agree with the stats they post, or what they say. Plus, I don't just arbitrarily make crap up to suit ''my agenda". "Left tackle Cordy Glenn was a second-round pick in 2012, and his starting job should be safe, but he must play better. Buffalo had such little success when rushing outside last season that a league high 71% of runs came up the middle or guard. " http://www.footballo...-downs-afc-east http://www.footballo...rs.com/stats/ol From SB Nation on football outsiders: "Football Outsiders is considered an industry leader in using statistical data to analyze NFL teams, and has been for years. " http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/2/13/5408898/buffalo-bills-draft-needs-2014-ot-erik-pears-cordy-glenn Oh, and if the current O line players can't play better against the teams biggest rival in the NE Patriots, then WTF good are they? Like I said, do us both a favor, and keep your vow!

Do us both a favor and stop following me willya, as you clearly don't bother to actually read my posts anyway. Please don't tell me what to post and what not to post. Like I previously mentioned two or three times already, he isn't a stud if he is a lousy run blocker at LT. Read my two previous posts, and then keep your vow

I like it! Andre Reed is inducted after a long wait, and the Bills play in the HoFame game

I gave you reasons as to why Glenn is not a perfect fit at LT, and players need to excel at both pass blocking and run blocking. While a very good pass blocker last season, he wasn't very effective as a run blocker. Glenn could also easily fall on his face when the team upgrades the RT- LG positions like I mentioned. Reason being is he will become the focal point of the opponents pass rush because there will no longer be other weak areas for them to exploit. I could be all wrong, and Glenn's run blocking improves, and he holds his own against the smallest, speediest DE's. But like I also mentioned, wouldn't it be a nice change of pace to have two top O line players who could both play LT? Clearly Glenn would stay at LT, and the new player at RT. Then you have injuries to consider, so if one goes out with an injury either would be able to do the job with no drop off in play.

<- Zack Martin Oooo, a pointed question directed to a diehard build the O line fan.....I like it! I suppose what the Bills do in this upcoming draft depends on what they do in free agency, before the draft which is May 8th. March 11, free agency opens BTW. Let me preface by saying that the Bills currently have a defense already loaded with talent, as 9 of 11 starters are #1's or #2's draft picks. The Bills needs are, a (LG dire need)-a (RT dire need) - LBer-a #1 WR- a dominate #1 TE. To me, there is no question that the O line needs a priority upgrade with some elite talent to protect that fleet of young second year QB's in EJ, Tuel, Lewis. The only way I would not take OT Matthews-Robinson-Lewan is, if none are there at the #9 spot, and that is looking more and more likely. If all three are gone I'd consider trading back to the 14th or later spot for Ebron, Evans, OT / OG Zach Martin. Currently TE Eric Ebron is graded at #17th by DRAFTTEK http://www.drafttek.com/Top-100-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2014.asp & 14th by NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings So, the only way I would currently take Ebron is if there is no player on the board I like @9, I would trade back to get him. Currently WR Mike Evans is graded at #14 & #13. So another trade back would be in order. I could see the Bills trading back, and getting an extra 2nd pick like last year. Then picking up an OT, an OG, and a top TE Austin-Seferian Jenkins, or TE Troy Niklas Now a monkey wrench could be thrown into this situation by either LBer Khalil Mack or WR Sammy Watkins still there on the board when the Bills pick at #9. Food for thought ...http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/2/25/5446668/2014-nfl-combine-recap-buffalo-bills-targets Now, a lot of players grades are going to change between now and May 8th, and I can't wait to see how Mike Mayock grades the top 32 players. There are NFL teams that put great value into Mayocks grades, as several have tried to hire him away from the NFL.

Moeaki could be a real steal "IF" he can stay healthy! Or this could be another "lights out" experiment gone wrong. Perhaps his known injury status is one reason why Marrone / Whaley are trying to hire new trainers, I dunno. Ebron had been graded anywhere from the top 10 to top 20. Lots of teams past the top 10 are drooling over this kid. He could be the next Jimmy Graham / Vernon Davis

Wouldn't it be nice to have a dilemma similar to that situation in which the Bills have two quality players worthy of playing LT? Like I said, although Glenn was very good at pass blocking last season. He also left much to be desired with his run blocking. The Bills did have slightly better success running to the left side over the right side. But that's not saying much. Left end 6%-Left tackle 11%- mid guard 71%-Right tackle 10%-right end 3% Teams generally build a dominate left side to protect the QB's blindside. Glenn is massive at 6'6''345, and was a dominate run blocker in college. Glenn would be his most dominant if he played guard or right tackle in the NFL. To the tune of "all pro" dominate, IMHO. The Bills were 28th in pass blocking, 16th in run blocking last season. They need some serious talent on that line.

Not that great from what I saw, but then he was restricted with some pretty bad players like Melvin Fowler at center, RT Langston Walker, LG Derrick Dockery. He brought in a zone blocking scheme to Buffalo. After he retired from the Bills he turned his coat...http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/19099/jim-mcnally-a-secret-weapon-for-jets-o-line