Turbosrrgood

Sure anything is possible....but considering Kaepernick was only rated 81 after what he did last year, I'm doubtful to say the least. I'd be happy if he could put up anything close to Fitz like numbers as a rookie (very doubtful he could do that either), and that's if he even plays.

Moorman was right on...8-8 sounds amazing to me...

Hey, we must of done well...He has EJ Manuel being drafted twice in the 1st 14 picks...Drafting him once with the 16th pick must be a steal. All in all this wasn't very entertaining though.

I've agreed with you on my things QB/WR related, but not this. While I think Fitz is vastly over hated along the lines of Chris Kelsay, he is nearly incapable of delivering an accurate strike deep down field...Even if EJ ends up being a complete bust, I have no doubt he can surpass Fitz in this particular category. Actually I don't doubt EJ's ability to throw at all, he has it...The problem is can he do all the other things that are actually more important IMO, such as reading defenses, making good decisions, and being aware in the pocket. I give him the benefit of the doubt for now. I think it's fortunate for him to come into a new system, with a new coach who has already proved himself capable of grooming a QB.

This ^. I'm thinking less a traditional 4 WR set, but still plenty of spread formations with use of Gragg, Goodwin, ect... The idea is there will be plenty of speed on the field with CJ in the backfield. Certainly on paper it looks like we could make for some serious mismatches. My one concern is O-line. We really don't have any good blocking TE's (While Gragg might be capable of blocking, the consensus is that is a secondary skill for him at best), no longer have a FB, no longer have Levitre, and have what I consider to be a big hole at RT as well (Hopefully Zebrie Sanders fits in somewhere). That's IF those guys stay healthy (none of our starters have been able to make it through a full year it seems). Whoever our QB is will have to be quick with their reads and releases in this offense.

Sounds like pretty much nothing to me... However regardless of the charges, I think the chances of Mac being back were slim to none. He had a nice run here, and was a pretty good ST guy but he barely was used on offense, and doesn't seem to really fit a spread west coast scheme.

Who's better, Jim Kelly or Kelly Holcomb?

Not only is the wording a huge difference. They are simply two different questions... I absolutely want EJ to start, and I think he should start. We've seen what Kolb/Jackson look like in the NFL and it hasn't been pretty. We spent a 1st rounder on this kid and young QB's have proven they can succeed early over the last decade. Throw him in the water and see if he sinks or swims...I also think he should get the bulk of the starting work in training camp to give him the best chance. I actually think Tjax should start over Kolb as well, he has more experience and has a more similar skill set to Manuel. If Marrone wants to design an offense that incorporates QB mobility, Kolb is not that guy. However I believe that unfortunately the odds are in Kolbs favor that he will start the season.

My thoughts exactly, if he starts and looks good...Great! If he crashes and burns, well then maybe we'll have a chance to add a truly elite QB prospect form a better class next year to compete. The Bills gain absolutely nothing by starting Kolb, besides he'll probably fracture his pelvis trying to put his cup on for training camp.

Agree 100% Also people should know that the OP/title of this thread is misleading/wrong (based on the article, which was misleading/wrong), that poll was about who fans THOUGHT would start, not who they wanted to start. Completely different question.

I read that too, and found it very interesting....These stories are all well and good, but let's not forget one major detail...This could be meaningless come Sundays. I just hope to see Manuel turn his great attitude and personality into success on the field...Of course I'd always love to watch the Jets struggle with another bad QB situation, but when it comes down to it they will be judged by what they do on Sundays.

For some reason, I doubt that Buddy planned his draft strategy around protecting his 3rd string QB's delicate sensibilities.

People get so swept up in the media hype train, that they accept it as absolute truth. I can give you many reasons why we shouldn't have taken Nassib. 1) We drafted EJ in the 1st round. Obviously the Bills FO thought he was "the guy", not Nassib. It wouldn't be fair or productive to bring in Marrone's previous protege, and have a Tebow like media circuis praying for EJ to struggle. Not even close to being worth the distraction. 2) NEED. We signed two former 2nd round, former starters to be backups for us. We don't need another mediocre at best QB. How can you question the pick of Duke WIlliams in the 4th round? The Bills have a big hole at safety, and the Bills were lucky to have a shot to draft Williams there. He was one of the better rated Safeties. Plus Byrd is far from a lock to be here next year. 3) Most importantly (although purely opinion), Nassib isn't very good (Underthrowing machine, ala Fitz). He has ridden an unbelievable hype train into the draft, mainly because Marrone became an NFL coach. I thought Nassib deserved to be drafted in the 4th, but it's not like he was a steal there. 4) Next year. If EJ looks terrible (the only reason we would care about a 2nd QB in the draft), we could be staring at an early pick in a much better draft class next year. If we want to take another young QB, take one then (Like when SD took Manning/Rivers, despite having brees). *disclaimer - Yes, I know you shouldn't judge a QB in 1 year, this is just a hypothetical. 5) This was considered one of the worst QB drafts in a long time (ever?)...So this is the draft where we should load up on QB's?

A 6-3 240 lbs safety? I'd love me one of those...This kid is almost exactly Von Millers's size coming out college, and he's strong, don't let the "strong safety" look fool you. Plus these guys tend to add a few pounds once they hit an NFL conditioning program. I'd go as far to say his size is ideal.

The dude got so bombed that he broke into someones house just so he could take a nap. He's not winning any genius of the year awards...Who cares though. I watched this kid play in college, and he was everywhere...More importantly he is a perfect fit for what we believe Pettine is trying to do with this defense. He is a skilled blitzing MLB, I am not aware of a better LB at that role in this draft than Kiko. Not only is he a good Blitzer, but he attacks the run up the middle instead of waiting for the RB to come to him (Poz). Plus he is decent in coverage. The only reason this guy went where he did is because he has been a moron off the field, we just have to hope an opportunity to start in the NFL is enough to keep him on task (Same for Darick Rogers, I still don't understand how he went undrafted despite his issues).

I do agree with this, and have said as much myself in other places. There are certain areas where Manuel seems to have a clear edge over Losman, there are also those few but important areas where there are similarities. EJ does appear to be smart, and have a good attitude. That alone is a good start. Like I said, for me this is all on Marrone. Manuel isn't plug and play, Marrone needs to coach him well, and design the offense around his strengths. I think that's what most of us are hoping for. I LOVE the fact that Bills loaded up on weapons offensively, to compliment the ones we already have. EJ will not have to do it all himself.

I have no problem with where EJ was picked...If the Bills identified him as their guy, that was the proper place IMO. They got the extra pick, and they didn't want to risk someone trading into the first (Jets, Eagles, Jags, Raiders, ect..) and taking him. I don't think Pettine had even the slightest bit of intel on who the Jets wanted though.

I didn't at all question his throwing skills, that is certainly his strength. I like that when he throws it, he usually completes it...He's particularly accurate on the run as you note (these traits were also what got JP drafted). I hope you are not making your opinions off of highlight reels, which obviously only show the good plays. I watched many FSU games live, and despite his physical skills he often looked less than impressive, mainly for the reasons I stated above. I dispute that he is adept at choosing the proper time to run or pass. His running stats speak strongly to that. However as I also stated above, I think if properly coached and placed in the right system, he could be successful. I have no doubt Jim Harbaugh could turn him into a stud, the big question is can Marrone do it. My point here is that this isn't just a plug and play QB, he needs to carefully placed into a situation that is ideal for his skill set. To this day I still believe JP Losman could have been a successful NFL QB had he been coached and used properly. EJ has more upside IMO, but I believe the concerns between the two are similar. I'll give EJ this advantage, JP just seemed stupid whether talking or making plays on the field, I DON'T get that impression from EJ. I do believe he is a smart kid. It's his instincts I question.

YES! I watch a ton of FSU (simply because they are always on TV), and I agree with the above analysis 100%. I think EJ DOES have some potential...But unfortunately I see things that are very troubling to me. People in this thread have reacted as if they have been personally violated when EJ is compared to JP Losman, but the comparison is fair. JP Losman was physicall gifted, but was slow to read and react to defenses. If the first target wasn't open his instinct was to panic and run, often resulting in sacks or runs for no gain/loss. This defined JP IMO. I see those same traits in EJ, when the defense is giving him openings he looks great...but when the defense plays tight he panics and reverts to running, often resulting in bad plays. He doesn't make reads, if the first guy or 2 isn't open he takes off. I DO think EJ can succeed if he is in a properly coached system, that is really what he needs. He needs to be told what to do, and have bad habits broken. I think this is why he is often described as raw/needs polish. Personally I think JP could have succeeded if he was properly coached (he was not).

Absolutely yes. Why waste time on Kolb? Forget about who looks better in training camp, the Bills drafted this guy in the 1st round. I hope they wouldn't have done that if they didn't think he could start in the NFL. Put him in and let him learn. If we go 1-15 fine but I don't want to see a worse version of Fitz out there (Kolb) just so we can eek out 6-7 wins. Worst case scenario is he bombs out and we are in a position to pick a top QB out of a much better class next year. On a side note, don't be so sure our offensive line is any good. Glenn played pretty well as a rookie, especially in the run game. He was ok at best in the pass game (obviously pretty good for a rookie though), he's solid...No Levitre, or replacement at this time. Wood and Urbik can't stay healthy. Pears and Hairston were a disaster last year IMO, bailed out by the quick short throws of Fitz. It's a solid run blocking group, but they could use some improvement at pass protection. A FA guard, and a miracle good camp showing by Zebrie Sanders would make me feel better.

Didn't stop Anquan Boldin or Jerry RIce (4.7), nor did it stop Allen from getting drafted. SJ also ran ~4.6. So as a UDFA it's all about whether he can help the team, not track numbers. Having said that I give him about a .3% chance of making the team, given we have SJ/Graham/Smith (Could be cut), drafted Woods/Goodwin, and signed Rogers (who should have been drafted). Any WR's other than them who make the roster needs to be a ST ace. If he shows well in camp maybe he can make the psquad.

Very interesting, thanks. Yes, I was too lazy to look it up myself. Drew Smith has caught headlines here locally, and since he was a dominant offensive player he probably had a little more visibility. Obviously I don't follow the Danes that closely.

For one, Graham can't catch, so I see this as somewhat of an indictment of Graham. I believe they think Goodwin is a significant upgrade over Graham for the slot position. He is ridiculously fast (4.27 40), has better hands than Graham, and is a better route runner. Plus he actually produced in college, unlike Graham. Secondly, I think the Bills for whatever reason still envision Graham as a wide out instead of a slot WR. So in that regard they may see them as two completely different types of players. Kiper didn't like Goodwin, but I'm personally very happy with the pick. This guy belonged in the 3rd round, unlike Graham. Between Woods (not a burner, but plenty fast), Goodwin, and Gragg the Bills added a ton of speed to the offense, and we already have CJ. Now we just have to pray EJ can actually get it to them.

Tuel is a nice pick up, he was expected by some to be drafted in the later rounds...But I absolutely love the Rogers pick up, I can't believe he wasn't drafted. I also love the fact that the Bills ditched the "character guys" only motto...Since that worked out so well... Rogers is a stud, big, fast, powerful...Obviously he fell for a reason (most "exerts" projected 2-4th rnd), he's a bit of a Dez Bryant type (he actually said he wants to be like Dez Bryant in an interview, in which he appeared to be high). Rogers was a stud in Tennessee 2 years ago, before Patterson. Most importantly though, in all of these UDFA's....The Bills have Drew Smith from UAlbany (my alma mater), as far as I know that's the first player signed to the NFL from that school.

He has the speed, that's not the problem...He needs to learn how to deal with contact with defenders, which was one of his biggest problems IMO last year, only eclipsed by his obviously terrible hands. I just believe those are things that come naturally to a player, and can't simply be taught. He also ran poor routes, but I believe that is something that CAN be learned. The inability to deal with physical contact and his poor hands will concern me to say the least until I see proof that he can actually improve in those areas though. Absolutely agree with this ^ But guess what...The same guy that wasted Larry Fitzgerald last year, is projected to be the guy throwing the ball to TJ this year... Yikes