dubs

I agree with that. I mean, it's certainly not the IDEAL scenario and there will be some risk. We wouldn't be putting the 'Electric Company' out on the field. But, given the current alternatives, I think this might be the best one.

Per NFL.com player profile, he's started 89 out of 94 games since he came into the league in 2002. He's only 29. His salary is currently only about $4m per year. I'd much rather sign Jones to a contract and have a natural LT play LT than try to fit someone else at LT like Walker. Walker is a MUCH better RT. Not only would it upgrade the LT position, but it would upgrade the whole line by allowing Walker to move back to RT. Chamber to be a back-up and let us plug the new C/G additions into the best possible spot. DO. IT. At this point in the offseason, the Bills are not going to find anything much better that Jones.

True. Either way, they point is that the Bills potentially created a situation where they have some quality depth and versatility on the line, regardless of the actually interior combination. I like the fact that is seems they were able to adapt to a fluid situation on draft day and didn't panic by taking Oher at 11 or someone else they didn't like as much at 28.

I think those were great picks based on a few things, one of which was the potential that tackle might be there for the Bills in a cheap trade or as a FA, namely Levi Jones. If the report about the Bengals cutting Levi Jones or trading him for a later round pick is accurate, and the Bills can actually acquire him, I really think what they've done in the last 3 weeks is smart, shrewd and great for the organization. Here's why: The Bills knew that paying Peters what he was demanding would be a no-win proposition. They'd be going back on a precendent they already set with other players on the team. That if you are committed to the team, show up to practice and work hard, and contribute on the field, they will reward you with an extention (ie, Evans...). They would also have a ton of money tied up in someone who showed that all he cares about is the money and played well-below the standards of the higest paid LT in the league. Going into the draft, I am sure they had a couple tackles targeted. If either Smith or Monroe fell to them at 11, I have a feeling they would pull the trigger. However, when they saw that the Bengals scooped up A. Smith, they knew the Bengals would likely have to part ways with Jones. That set the stage for taking a pass rusher at 11, and 2 versitle O-linemen later on day 1, Wood and Levitre, instead of reaching for someone they didn't have as high on their board, Oher. Now, assuming that the Bills can somehow acquire Jones, they are set up with a line that looks like this: Jones - LT (experience, quality LT, significantly less-expensive than Peters) Wood - G Hangartner - C Levitre - G Walker - RT (his natural position) Depth: Butler Bell It's a very young line, for sure, but it's extremely versitle and smart. Two qualities that are very underrated, considering that teams only dress 7 OL on game day. So, while there is no guarantee that the Bills get Jones, or it works out even if they do, I have to give them credit for appearing that they have a well thought-out plan and are executing on it. Nothing is a guarantee in this league, but making smart decisions is the best way to have positive outcomes more often than not. So far, I like what I am seeing in the last few weeks.

Bills either take Orakpo, or if Crabtree is there, trade back. Mark it down!

I think the Bills are in a fairly easy position in this draft. They have a lot of holes, there are some highly rated prospects that will be there when they pick at 11. Rate the board 1 - 11 and take your top rated player that's left. Stafford J. Smith Curry E. Monroe Sanchez Crabtree Raji Those guys will all likely be gone. Then take the next tier and take the best available player. Oher Orakpo Ayers A. Smith Maybin Jackson That elimiates a need to focus on at 28 and in Rd. 2. Let's go Modrak and Brandon. Get your skit together.

Just saw that there were already like 4 other threads with Andre Smith in the title after I posted it. Thanks for putting it on this one. You never really know how a draft pick will turn out, but this one would scare me a lot. Personally, I don't put a lot of stock in it. If he's there at 11, I could see them pulling the trigger on him. I can't see them moving up to get him though. 11 is a good spot. There will be a quality player there that fills a need of ours. No need for the team to panic and do something stupid. Let's get Polian back to call the shots.

Not sure if this has been posted yet. If not, here's another rumor regarding the Bills: Adam Caplan of Scout.com is reporting that the Bills are contemplating a move up from 11 to draft....Andre Smith! I think I would have a meltdown if this happend. I wouldn't want him at 11, let alone wasting another draft pick on him. The Bills have too many need to waste picks on trading up this year. I think they really need to either try to trade down at 11, or stand pat and draft either Orakpo, Raji, Ayers, or Oher. Then use 28 for another need postion that wasn't addressed at 11. Maybe Britton if available. Glad to be part of the board. Watched for a long time and finally jumped in the pool. -------------------------- In the wake of trading Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Buffalo Bills are contemplating moving up from the No. 11 spot to try to acquire Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith, according to Adam Caplan of Scout.com. To do so, the Bills would likely need to work a deal to leapfrog the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are reportedly very interested in the Outland Trophy award winner, too. --------------------------