obie_wan

You are correct that Spikes was not flying to the ball. However, all the LBs in the cover-2 need to fly to the ball. Failure to do so last year is a big reason why the run defense was so poor. Spikes either couldn't or wouldn't- so they felt they couldn't get any worse production for the $4.5 mil due to Spikes from a rookie or low level vet who is better suited to play the cover-2.

Crowell is undersized as an outside LB, let alone an inside backer. Crowell in the middle is a stop gap at best and is no improvement in run defense because he doesn't attack the line and shed blocks well. If anything he is Fletcher all over again, but without the experience of playing MLB. Crowell has ZERO experience as a MLB in the cover-2 in real games. Willis is the real deal. He is tall, has long arms, is fast, has good instincts and has played MLB his enitre college career. Posters may not like it, but the Bills are elinminating their dire holes at all positions except MLB. Just like last year, they will have tunnel vision is targeting him as their pick. Unfortunately, SF is creating enough of an interest that the Bills will be forced to trade up with Houston to get Willis.

Poz will be there when the Bills pick in round 2. I can see the Bills fearing the same situation and proactively trading up to #10 to insure they get Willis.

Calvin is going to the Raiders at #1.

Your analysis is incorrect. RB and LB needs are not equal. The bills do not have an impact MLB on the team and they can not get one in FA. There is only one impact MLB that the Bills wold have reasoanble expectation could start and make an impact in 2007 - Patrick Willis. Puz will be there in the 2nd round, but doesn't have the range and athleticsm to dominate and Timmons is an OLB. They can get by with Anthony Thomas, a 1st day draft pick and Chris Brown as their RB committee. They do not NEED an elite RB to generate the prodution they need from the RB slot. They do, however, need an impact playmaker at MLB to make the Cover-2 successful. Willis will be the 1st round pick and it will probably be at #10.

Puz will be there in the 2nd. Bills may have to trade up for Willis though

Players play- especially superstar level ones. They play coaches now a days a lot of money to actually coach.

you bet. Willis is the pick and they will be moving up to get him. Tunnel Vision as its finest

the you add Lorenzo Booker as a 3rd down back or Brandon Jackson as a guy with some upside

He's a major question mark now. But he costs $4.5 million to produce at the level of a journeyman vet. Let Crowell take his spot permanently and get a bonafide MLB to play the middle.

nice try. The entire $4.5 becomes guaranteed if Spikes is on the opening day roster. You can't take him for a trial run for "a few games"

say what? they guy is producing at a fraction of his former level, but still getting paid $4.5 million per year. He should voluntarily give back money from the last 2 years to avoid jail time for theft.

WRs may be the most value on the board if an injured Lynch is available but Okoye, Willis and the other likely candidates are gone.

NO - the comparison is whether he can play zone coverage and replace McGee.

or Hall is the best player on the Bills board when Okoye, Willis and Branch all go in top 11 and nobody wants to trade up.

I still don't understand why they have an inactive list of 6 players for each game. They are on the roster getting paid, why not let them dress?

but since over 50% of them bust, why take the risk on a position with an average life of under 4 years if they are good.

Calvin will be drafted by the Raiders as they are set to cut ties with RAndy Moss. They will bring in either David Carr or Drew Bledsoe to throw the rock. Al Davis is almost as old as Ralph and has no patience to develop a rookie QB.

We need to improve LB play at all 3 positions. Why you think Crowell will be an improvement over Fletcher (and better than Willis) when he has never played MLB in the cover-2 in a real game is simply wishful thinking. Bills are moving closer to signing Chris Brown to elimiante another gaping hole to be filled in the draft. By drat time, there will be one unfilled hole - MLB. Unfortuantely there is really only 1 player in the draft who they would be comfortable with attemptin gto start in 2007. Just like the tunnell vision from last year in locking onto Whitner because they needed a starter, it seems they will draft Willis even if they have to move up to get him. Especially if the draft plays out like the latest PFT mock, which leaves nothing of value for teh Bills at #12.

Bills willdraft Willis

Willis will be gone by #11 to SF

With Houston giving up picks and moving down to #10, the Bills just found their trade partner. Houston can afford to move down and still take Levi Brown. Marv will leapfrog SF and deal with Houston to secure Willis. The bad back Lynch is too big a risk to be a consolation prize.

Houston paid the big bonus last year. I believe Carr only costs $8 mil over the next 3 years. Culpepper is a head case- Miami needs a QB unless Cam thinks he can work miracles with Cleo Lemon.

too bad he plays the middle like Fletcher - retreating instead on attacking the line of scrimmage. there is a reason he was considered an OLB prospect when he came out even though he played MLB in college.