mjt328

What if Terry Pegula is just a football fan, and is taking advantage of his status as owner to go along on a scouting trip? If I was the owner of the Bills, I would let the GM and Head Coach do their job without getting involved. But you better believe I would be in the draft room, watching practice, meeting players, etc., etc.

I don't think you can really compare the situation between Rex Ryan and Tyrod Taylor. Most people that support keeping Tyrod Taylor around still know he isn't the long-term answer. Most aren't expecting him to improve next year by leaps and bounds. Most know we aren't going to have a Top 10 passing attack with him under center. Most aren't against the Bills drafting his eventual replacement either this year or next. At the same time, Taylor brings enough other skills to the table (running ability, lack of turnovers) that switching to a guy like Mike Glennon, Jay Cutler or Josh McCown would have been a significant downgrade. With him under center, our offense has been good enough to win games with - meaning we could potentially break the streak by keeping him around instead of starting over. And many also feel that throwing a rookie into the fire immediately would be detrimental to the young player's development. None of this applies to Rex. He is a .500 level coach that was taking our team backwards.

The Bills need to do their homework on every QB prospect. If another franchise quarterback slides past them (like Derek Carr or Dak Prescott), I think Doug Whaley and the rest of the scouting staff should be replaced. With that said... If the Bills don't like any of the prospects, I definitely think they should do everything in their power to trade down.

The fact that anyone would advocate this (even if they know it was just a silly pipe dream) is downright frightening, and really says something about the mentality of some Americans. As someone pointed out, this would basically be communism. Besides, If the government used eminent domain to seize control of the land, that would only account for the stadium. Not everything inside the stadium, or everything that uses the stadium to perform. Otherwise, what would stop the city from laying claim to a musician that uses the stadium for a concert? Or the vehicles of someone that displayed his collection at a car show? (I honestly don't know what else that stadium is used for beyond football use, but you get the idea). The team and everything Oakland Raiders would still belong to Mark Davis. And he could still move them wherever he wanted.

I certainly wouldn't rule out an OT. One of our first targets in Free Agency was Ricky Wagner. We later brought in Andre Smith for a visit, before finally settling to bring back Jordan Mills. There was also a report that the Bills have done a pre-draft visit with Cam Robinson, who is considered the top tackle prospect and a 1st Round Pick. Besides that, I pretty much agree with your list. I believe our 1st Round Pick will be a WR, TE, OT, LB or CB. Which still doesn't narrow it down much.

Can't keep everyone. And all of those players were massively overpaid to go elsewhere. On one hand, you have Bills fans complaining that we are letting guys walk and that's why Doug Whaley sucks. Then you have other Bills fans who complain we are "mismanaging the cap" and paying certain guys too much money.

Bills pass less often than any of the other 31 teams in the NFL. When they do, Tyrod Taylor prefers to use check-downs, sideline passes and deep shots -- as opposed to the places where a TE usually runs his routes (down the seam or over the middle). In my estimation, that makes Charles Clay the #3 option (at best) behind Sammy Watkins and Lesean McCoy. On a team that doesn't pass much, the #3 option isn't going to make big stats. To some, Clay is probably the worst contract the Bills have given out. But in reality, his average salary ($7.6 million) isn't really much worse than where most of the guys at his level should be getting paid. Yes, he is getting paid like a Top #5 TE. But if you go down to the #15 TE by average salary, you find Vance McDonald at ($6.5 million). At #20, you find Antonio Gates ($5.5 million). If the guy is overpaid by #1-2 million per year, I think I can live with that.

It's not that simple. You can't just identify "positions to pay" and "positions not to pay" without considering many other factors. For instance, what kind of system is the team running? Seeing as how the Bills employ a ground/pound system that runs more than anyone in the league, it's silly to imply that paying Lesean McCoy is a waste. Or suggesting that we should just settle for scraps at Fullback. Unlike a team that passes 75% of the time, these guys are key pieces to our offensive attack. The same can be said for defense. While Rex Ryan forced his corners to play heavy man-coverage on the outside, Sean McDermott goes with a mostly zone scheme. That means the cover skills of our corners is less important than on other teams. Which I believe is a major factor in why we let Stephon Gilmore walk instead of at least franchising him. And why our entire secondary is being revamped. Speaking of Gilmore, the actual skill level of players should also be heavily considered. Almost every player has a max value. And Gilmore was looking for Top 5-10 money, as a guy who has never consistently played at that kind of level. You also have to realize that you can't pay a QB or WR top money when you don't have a franchise quarterback, or when your wide receiver is still on his rookie contract. So that money goes somewhere else. In the case of Charles Clay, the contract was specifically structured and loaded in a way to keep the Dolphins from being able to match and keep him. I give the Bills front office credit for identifying a player they thought could help, and then ensuring they got him. The reason he is not living up to the contract is because Taylor just isn't looking his way enough. Not because the guy isn't good enough to make plays. In my opinion, the Bills have actually done a pretty good job with the salary cap. They have known when to let people walk (Byrd, Levitre, Bradham). They have known when to re-sign guys (Hughes, Glenn, Incognito, Dareus). They have found bargains in free agency (Incognito, Alexander, Brown). They have done a good job at restructuring when necessary (Taylor). The biggest problem with the roster continues to be poor drafting. Because even though I believe letting Gilmore, Robert Woods and Zach Brown go was the right move... now we have giant holes on the roster and nobody ready to step up and fill that role. We also still have a hole at Right Tackle that needs to be filled, and questions at Safety.

I also want franchise QB to be our #1 priority. But that doesn't mean you just throw draft picks at guys you don't believe in. Although I agree that Quarterback is (by far) the toughest position to scout, it's ridiculous to suggest it's nothing but luck. Otherwise there is no point even paying a GM and scouting staff. You might as well just take a poll from the fans or pick from a magazine. Teams like the Browns, Jets, Rams and Jaguars are constantly picking QBs high. Usually in the first 40 picks. And they keep missing over and over. But you will notice those same teams keep missing on their other draft selections as well. The problem isn't luck. The problem is scouting. Meanwhile, teams like the Steelers, Packers or Ravens take 1-2 shots at a 1st Round quarterback. And bam, they have the right guy. Because those teams are constantly good at scouting, constantly good at drafting, and have a better idea which guys are worth taking a chance with. No, it's not an exact science and everyone is going to bust on picks. But it's not surprising that the same GMs who are missing their picks on Offensive Tackles and Cornerbacks can't pick the right Quarterback either.

You are right on this year's draft. I think most years the "elite" talent is around 3-5 guys. This year is more like 6-7. Unfortunately, I don't see teams reaching for QBs early this year. And if any of the elite prospects drop, it's more than likely to be one of the Running Backs (which we don't need). The guys we need to drop (Jamal Adams, Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore)... I believe will be long gone. At #10, I think the Bills are likely to have a choice between guys like Mike Williams, Corey Davis, OJ Howard, Reuben Foster, Cam Robinson. Yes, they are all good prospects at positions of need. But in those cases, I don't see a huge drop off in talent by going down 5-10 spots. And there is a good chance someone on that list is still available.

In my opinion, the signs are pointing against Buffalo going QB at #10. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if they take one later in the draft. 1. Re-Signing Taylor (after months of back and forth debate) tells me they didn't see Free Agency or the Draft offering immediate upgrades at the position. 2. They haven't pursued a veteran backup. That tells me they are probably leaving a roster spot open alongside Taylor and Jones for a draft pick. 3. I have heard about draft visits for Mahomes and Watson. But nothing on Trubisky, who is generally considered the top QB prospect. There is a good chance Trubisky is still available at #10, but probably not much longer. The other guys may drop to late first or even second round. This tells me they are more interested in mid/late round prospects at QB.

As fans, we should be rooting for the Bills front office to make consistently wise decisions. In the draft. In free agency. In hiring and firing. I don't want our GM just spinning the lottery wheel, desperately hoping to land a quarterback. If that is all Doug Whaley and our scouting staff is good for, then it's time for them to hit the road. They are no better than ESPN's talking heads or a guy sitting on his couch. Football is a team sport. It takes a team of 52 guys to win. Even though QB is clearly the most important piece, it's not enough all by itself. Maybe the Bills could draft 2 quarterbacks every year, and finally land their franchise guy. But then the team around them would be crap and his talent would go to waste. I'm still holding out hope that Whaley and the scouting staff are the answer, and they can properly identify us a solid franchise QB (if not in this draft, then next year). But so far, the results aren't promising. Obviously the EJ Manuel pick was a bust. Then the following year, we missed out on Derek Carr (not to mention Teddy Bridgewater and Jimmy Garoppolo). Last year, we waited until the 4th Round and missed on Dak Prescott. Another busted draft pick or another missed opportunity, and I will no longer hold hope that the Bills front office knows how to scout college quarterbacks.

The difference between picking Top 10 and picking 11-25 is not a good reason to pass up a prospect. With that said, I can't imagine a scenario in this draft where trading down 5-10 spots wouldn't be the Bills best scenario. This team has at least five glaring positional needs (Wide Receiver, Right Tackle, Linebacker, Cornerback, Safety) and a few spots that we need to seriously consider (Quarterback, Tight End). The talent level between Picks #5-25 is not large. And even if we miss out on someone like Mike Williams, OJ Howard or Reuben Foster at #10, we could still get someone like Corey Davis, Cam Thomas or Zach Cunningham later in the round. Plus pickup another early draft selection. For everyone complaining that Doug Whaley isn't fired yet... this draft (more than any class he has assembled so far) is going to really show where he stands as a GM. The Bills absolutely must kill this draft class. Not just in getting immediate contributions from its rookie class, but also in getting good value moving around the draft board. Pulling out 1-2 decent starters is not going to cut it.

Many have been saying this since the day McDermott was hired. This defense is about being strong in the Front 7 and not in the secondary. On the last defense McDermott coached, the team had no problem letting their Pro Bowl cornerback (Josh Norman) walk in Free Agency. And even after Stephon Gilmore signed elsewhere, there have been very few reports about Buffalo going after cornerbacks on the market. We have heard about them talking to tight ends, offensive tackles and linebackers (in addition to the positions we already signed). But almost no corners. The only cornerback prospect that I've heard visiting is Nate Hairston from Temple, who is considered a late-round pick. In contrast, the entire Carolina defense was built around linebackers. Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are the heart and strength of that team. It's hard to see McDermott moving away from the system that found him his best NFL success. And regardless of how big a Bills homer you are, it's hard to imagine that he's satisfied with Reggie Ragland (coming off IR), Preston Brown and Lorenzo Alexander as our guys to man those roles. I have a hard time believing the Bills aren't looking hard at one of the top LBs in this draft.

At the time, rumors were circling that Pegula gave both Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan an "ultimatum" to make the playoffs or they would get fired. Pegula said this never happened. And here we are. Ryan got fired. But Whaley did not. So obviously the story was not true. Where is your evidence that Doug Whaley is "not allowed" to talk anymore? The Pegulas (both Terry and Kim) gave an interview months ago, before they even HIRED Sean McDermott, that they wanted the head coach to be the voice of the organization. That very article was posted on the first page of this thread, just in case you needed a refresher. And even if the Pegulas have put a gag order on Whaley (which is total speculation), that doesn't mean they are getting ready to replace him. Maybe they just think he isn't the best public speaker. Whaley's primary job is assembling the roster, and when half of the City of Buffalo was calling for his head, the Pegulas stuck by him.

LaCanfora had no sources. He didn't even go as far as claiming it was from unnamed front office personnel at One Bills Drive. He instead used the term "rumblings" -- which is clue #1 that his story was pure BS and speculation. There is a public perception that Doug Whaley doesn't like Tyrod Taylor as his quarterback. So when the Bills brought him back, many took that as an indication that Whaley lost a power battle over whether to re-sign the QB. There is a public perception that Doug Whaley loves EJ Manuel and refuses to accept him as a bust. So when the Bills made no effort to bring him back to the roster, many took that as another indication that Whaley is not really calling the shots. Then when it was announced that McDermott was running the press conference instead of Whaley, there was an immediate assumption that something was going wrong behind the scenes. (Despite the fact that Terry and Kim Pegula made it clear months ago that the coach would now be the organization's single voice). These are the reasons that LaCanfora wrote the story. It had nothing to do with him getting top secret inside information. It was a lazy reporter trying to connect the dots, then using the "anonymous sources" claim in order to cover his *** in the event things didn't really pan out. If the Pegulas were going to can Whaley, they had every single opportunity back in December/January. They were starting over at head coach. They had the media and much of the fanbase on their side. But for some reason, they felt that Whaley was worth keeping around.

You have to admit. Our 2013 draft was not very good. I don't understand how anyone can think otherwise. Kiko Alonso was a good pick. Robert Woods was a solid pick. Nickel Robey was a decent UDFA, if you want to toss in those guys. Nobody else has amounted to anything worthwhile in the NFL. The next best player is Marquise Goodwin, and he is nothing more than a #4 speed guy. EJ Manuel just got a rock-bottom contract to compete for Oakland's backup job. Duke Williams was a massive liability every time he stepped on the field. Jonathan Meeks has never started a game in the NFL. Chris Gragg has always been that guy with potential that never really did anything. Dustin Hopkins didn't even make the team, and isn't currently in the league. A GM has 22 starting spots to fill, and over 50 roster spots to fill. How can you consider it a success to get 2-3 contributors per year?

Exactly. I believe a team needs to average 3 solid picks per draft (strong starters) in order to build and maintain a strong team. Otherwise, you are forced to use Free Agency to fill in needs, and eventually the Salary Cap starts becoming an issue. Since Whaley took over as GM, the Bills have averaged about 2. That isn't enough.

If a quarterback is "franchise material" - then I believe his play will show it, regardless of the talent around him. However, there are lots of franchise quarterbacks who consistently watch the playoffs from home, because the teams around them are not good enough. I already mentioned Andrew Luck, who is surrounded by a horrible Colts team and hasn't made the playoffs in 2 years. Same with Phillip Rivers. Drew Brees is a Hall of Fame QB. But since their Super Bowl victory, the team around him has degraded and the Saints annually finish 7-9. Matthew Stafford has watched the Lions go up and down throughout his entire career in Detroit. Quarterback may be the most important piece. But it is still only a piece.

Quarterback is the hardest position to evaluate. If a team is bad at drafting every other position, odds are pretty high they will fail at picking the correct QB as well. If a team is consistently good at drafting other positions, they will probably be better at evaluating the quarterback spot too. It's hard to say the Bills have "demonstrated" the ability to hit on every other position, because we have had 4 different GMs over the span of the last decade. For instance, Buddy Nix did a great job landing Cordy Glenn in the 2nd Round as a solid Left Tackle. But Doug Whaley has struggled to find good offensive linemen in the draft. And neither Whaley or Nix have proven capable of finding late-round talent. I've been willing to give Whaley a pass because of the constant fluctuation with our ownership and coaching staff. But the time for excuses are now over. It's time for the guy to start hitting on his draft picks. Otherwise, it's time for him to go.

I agree completely. Many Bills fans keep waiting on a "QB Savior" to rescue this franchise. They believe that if we tank for a season or two, then keep throwing darts, eventually we will get our Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson or Ben Roethlisberger. And then a Super Bowl is just around the corner. But it's going to take more than just a quarterback to completely turn things around. Quarterback is certainly the most important piece. But even if you get lucky and land an Andrew Luck, you still need a strong team around him to be a legitimate contender. The Colts are finding that out the hard way right now. They draft like crap, so there is only so much Luck can accomplish. Good teams are simply good teams. It's more than just luck. They consistently draft well. They make smart moves in free agency. They hire good coaches and good scouts. If a team is hoping to just hit the lottery jackpot with a quarterback, it won't be enough.

What is interesting about that list, is that there is no correlation between "Number of QBs Drafted" and overall team success. The Jets have drafted the most QBs in the NFL over the last decade (7), but are in worse shape than almost anybody at the position. The Broncos are second on the list with 6 QBs, but their only success came with the free agent pickup of Peyton Manning. The Browns and Rams have drafted 5 QBs, and both are still looking for answers. The Patriots have also drafted 5, but all have been backups to Tom Brady. Teams at the bottom of the list (all with 2 QBs drafted) include Atlanta, Seattle and Pittsburgh, who have all been in the Super Bowl.

Pathetic article. Once again, Sullivan's whole rant is based on assumptions/speculations about the Bills front office, instead of known facts. He states in the second paragraph that Whaley is "not allowed to speak for the organization anymore" and that he is being excluded from the draft luncheon. The entire article is based on this ASSUMPTION by Sullivan, along with the baseless story by LaCanfora earlier this week about McDermott and Whaley not getting along (which was backed by no facts and no real sources). The Pegulas made it VERY CLEAR that they only want ONE PERSON speaking for the organization going forward. They said this before even hiring McDermott. And after McDermott was hired, he confirmed that he would be THE PUBLIC VOICE of the organization going forward. What the Bills did with previous regimes is completely irrelevant. Change does not necessarily indicate a problem. As I've stated before. My opinion is in the "middle" on Doug Whaley. I'm neither impressed or calling for the guy to get fired. But articles like this are just pathetic.

We have enough needs (QB, WR, TE, OT, LB, CB, S) that I think trading down still would be the best scenario, regardless of who is still on the board at #10. Trading down from #10 to the #15-20 range could easily net us another 2nd Round pick. And we still may get one of the guys we wanted at #10.

Maybe Doug Whaley has just gotten tired of getting relentlessly grilled by the Buffalo media.