MarlinTheMagician

Kind of like this, except I don't think the tackles will be there in the first and I don't think Clarke lasts until 4. But I wouldn't hate this at all.

The Ralph Wilson article linked on page 2 of the thread is amazing. Makes explicit, from Ralph himself, that Ralph regarded giving pro football to Buffalo and keeping it here as among the great accomplishments of his lief. That he saw it as a matter of public service. This more than any gossip about a new local owner (which I also love) really makes me think they won't move. That would be direct violence to Ralph's memory and life's work. It also makes me appreciate Ralph even more. Personally I never knew if he committed to keep the Bills here "in his lifetime" because of fondness for the area or because he just didn't want the hassle of moving the team and being hated for it in his senior years. Now I know, and send a big shoutout to Ralph upstairs. Thanks old-timer!

Marlin The Magician is Marlin Briscoe as you probably know. One of the most entertaining Bills in my childhood during some pretty dismal years. Kind of a piece of history too, for racial reasons beyond this post. Magic Marlin, I have no idea, but good old Marlin Briscoe knows talent. Here is an alternative, if Lewan or Matthews are there when we pick at 9 (unfortunately I don't believe they will be): 1. Lewan/Matthews 2. Montcrief 3. Niklas 4. Gabe Jackson 5. Max Bullough (like this guy a lot) 7. Storm Johnson

1. E. Ebron - TE 2. JaWuan James - T 3. Will Clarke - DE 4. Gabe Jackson - G 5. Max Bullough - ILB 7. Storm Johnson -- RB

Man, I was bummed to read this. Love the Bills, love the great city of Buffalo and its people, but despise the tone of this thread. I can't believe some of the comments I read which are so clearly racist. There has been such a backlash against the ridiculous "PC" movement that in some circles when you object to something as sounding inappropriate, it is a great comeback to say "I don't buy that PC baloney", as if that gives a person license to make whatever racist comments they feel like. The tone of the early parts of this thread were clearly racist and way out of touch with where most of our society is today and should be in the future. There are way more valid ways to criticize a young man than than attacking where he is from. And we all know that references to a person as "inner-city", "ghetto" and from the "hood" are not used to refer to white people. Well, loving this draft, and loving our new cannon-armed QB with all the new weapons. I also hope Geno proves us wrong (I don't think he will have a good career either) and has a fine career that makes the Jets the second best in the division behind our Bills (and just short of the playoffs). Let's focus our hate where it belongs Belicheat and the Fish. Flame away -- I don't care, I know what is right.

Marlin's Six Round Mock 1.0 -- what do you think? Assumes: (i) Bell resigns, OR (ii) Buddy believes Hairston is servicable LT for this year. 1. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College -- tackling machine, can cover TE's and play all 3 LB slots; 2. Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers -- tough wideout, model citizen, plenty fast for Fitz's arm; 3. Luke Moselely, LT, Auburn -- quickly moving up the boards, prototypical LT size with Buddy's SEC roots; 4. Trumaine Johnson, CB,Montana -- Bills happy to see this fluid 6'2" corner there in the fourth; lacks blazing speed, but big upside; 4a Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M -- 4.48 speed compliments Johnson's size; 5. Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State -- has the tools, but must be developed; 5a. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State -- risky due to shoulder injury, can get healthy while providing depth this year, better than Zeb Sanders; 6. Tank Carder, LB, TCU -- Instinctive, better athlete than credited; good value here. Wouldn't mind picking up Moore with a 7th too.

I don't purport to be an expert, but watched Hairston as closesly as I could in game vs. Jags. Can backup and replay plays on NFL.com and I did so. Hairston sure looked real good to me. Maybe only first off the bench this year, but for what it is worth I predict a long and productive NFL career for the big guy.

Reggie Corner (undersized, often toasted) or Hang

And don't forget David Nelson. But back to Easely, kind of reminds me of Stevie at the start last year. Had a couple bad drops in the first game, as I recall, then got his confidence and caught fire. Admittedly I am an optimist, but I can see the same happening for Marcus. I think Jacksonville may have been a turning point for him, and with some good plays in the book he could really emerge. Loving Stevie and Easely on the outside, a variety of options running from inside (Roscoe, Nelson, Jones) in 3, 4 and 5 wide sets.

I like Hang, but he is not strong at the point of attack. Urbik has the size and strength to be a significant upgrade. I also believe Urbik played center in at least one game last year (am I wrong?) The question is not cut Hang or Urbik, because Urbik is not going anywhere (and should not, in my opinion, a good pick-up with potential). The question is Hang vs. other back-up guards. Too close for me to have an opinion on who should be cut or retained. One last point: I think the OL will be the most pleasant surprise on the team this year. They are big and have talent, but are raw and have not yet jelled. I think Chan is keeping the heat on players like Levitre and Bell by starting/playing others in their place. Sure, Bell looked real bad against Denver, but he was facing a player with speed and body lean on the rush that is somewhat unique. He did a good job overall last year at three-quarter strength. He should get better. I think Wood and Levitre are emerging as respected players. I think Urbik will be okay at guard as he refines his game and to me, Pears looked at least servicable in the preseason. I also watched Hairston's every snap the other night, replayed them even on NFL.com. I don't know when he starts, but prediction here is he is a high-quality NFL tackle for many years. They have this line moving in the right direction, and loss of Hang would not be significant, IMHO.