disco

The Patriots I think this is a key aspect of any plan. If you're not familiar with Patriot Place here's a map: http://www.patriot-place.com/InteractiveMap.aspx Kelly has mentioned supporting a Niagara Falls location in the past, and I think it's the most viable based on it's ability to support mixed retail/restaurant on a full time basis. The investment required to build a new stadium makes a standalone venue used exclusively on a weekly basis nearly impossible. A creatively planned complex with commercial (residential?) built in would be a much more realistic investment opportunity. Of course I have no idea what kind of tourism dollars are generated in the Niagara area, but I can't imagine a more potentially lucrative spot in the region?

I hear Gregg Williams will be available.

The correct answer is "Fitzmagic? More like Fitztragic"

You apparently don't know what's happening in Seattle at the QB position.

My favorite part of the thread is the panic that now they won't be able to afford him after all the sacks he's going to rack up this year. Glad they're not putting the cart before the horse.

Here's some more perspective: http://www.cnnsi.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/breakdowns/by_position/WR.html The draft order of the receivers starts to get a bit more unpredictable as outside the first handful of picks. If you look at the grades on that chart, you're talking a tenth of a point between 10 guys. Which means nothing. I really thought they were targeting Brian Quick since it was odd for them to use one of their 30 pre-draft interviews on a guy that was projected as a 2nd to 3rd round pick AND was the only other WR aside from Blackmon they interviewed. The Rams took him much earlier than most people thought. According to this chart, there were 6 more Top 10 graded WRs available when they opted for Quick. Perhaps the Bills were targeting him and didn't want to let another guy they'd graded highly get away. Sure, it was unlikely - but what's a 7th rounder to make sure you're not redoing your 3rd day plan?

You think you're pissed, you should look at the Jags message board after that punter pick: http://goo.gl/24YUB

Seriously unless anyone else here has this on their Wikipedia page, I'm going to stick with giving Buddy the benefit of the doubt: Nix's job with the Chargers was to oversee both pro and college scouting and to be one of the main decision makers in each NFL Draft. Nix was a major reason the Chargers turned around from a losing football team to a rebuilt, winning team. In 2004, three players Nix drafted were selected to the 2005 Pro Bowl. In 2005, six players Nix drafted were selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl. In 2006, eleven players Nix drafted were selected to the 2007 Pro Bowl. In 2007, eight players Nix drafted were selected to the 2008 Pro Bowl.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/03/nflns-mike-mayock-on-missouri-qb-blaine-gabbert-hes-the-first-quarterback-off-the-board/1#.T5tOdo4mVW8

Here's a review from whoever this guy is: http://tommeltonscouting.wordpress.com/tag/nathan-enderle/ -T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State: 5’11”, 180 pounds, 4.36 40 yard dash -Graham definitely doesn’t look like he weighs 180 pounds to me so I will be very interested to see what he weighs in at. My estimation would be he’s actually about 5’10”, 170 pounds but that is just my opinion. Regardless of his official measurements there is no denying his speed and explosiveness. He put all of his ability on display in NC State’s bowl game against Louisville as he put on a show with 7 receptions for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns in that game. He finished the season with 46 receptions, 757 yards and 7 TD’s receiving this year which nearly exceeded all of his production as a receiver from his previous three seasons on the Wolfpack. In his first three years he totaled 52 career receptions, 673 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He was only 6 receptions short of doubling his career receptions, yards and touchdowns total as a receiver as a senior. On top of that, Graham also has 630 career punt return yards with one touchdown and 3,157 career kick return yards and two more touchdowns. He had well over 5,000 total yards as a member of the Wolfpack and I think that his value as a receiver and a kick returner will be on full display during the East-West Shrine Game. I definitely think Graham will be a riser during the week and I really like his NFL upside. He’s my #1 WR on the East going into the week, so it will be very fun to see him play in person.

You're saying would we give up #42 for Kalil? Well, it's actually pretty interesting when you look at the players we've selected with roughly that draft spot in the last 10 years: 2011: Aaron Williams (34) 2010: Torell Troup (41) 2009: Jairus Byrd (42) 2008: James Hardy (41) 2007: Paul Posluszny (34) 2006-2004: No picks in that range 2003: Chris Kelsay (48) 2002: Josh Reed (36) 2001: Aaron Schobel (46) It's actually a decent list to me given how horrible many of the drafts over that time have been. All but Hardy and Troup played significant start minutes for us - and even those two have/did not due to injury. Still, the idea of having that position filled is awfully tempting. Can't say I'd be disappointed to hear we made that trade.

as I was saying..... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bills-want-mario-williams-badly-making-huge-offer/

He guys...expect the Bills to sign Mario. I'm hearing the Bills have told the agent they will break the bank to sign him and will make him the highest paid DE in league history.

October 14, 1996. Bills vs Dolphins. Buffalo down 14-7. 1 minute and change on the clock and the Bills work their way to the Dolphins' 2 yard line. One first down, Kelly can't find anyone open and under pressure throws a bullet through the back of the end zone. He's called for intentional grounding. Three plays later, they'd go for it on 4th down only to have it intercepted and returned for a TD. Bills lose 21-7. That intentional grounding was perhaps even more startling because being at the 2 there were clearly Bills WRs in the vicinity. That being said, it was clear he was throwing the ball away. I'll never forget the play because prior to it I didn't realize that COULD be intentional grounding. I just assumed it only accounted for throwing the ball in the dirt - as that's generally the only time you see it called. When I saw Brady do it, I immediately yelled intentional grounding but am still surprised they made the call. No doubt it was the correct one. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/14/sports/dolphins-intercept-bills-final-chance.html

I don't think this was mentioned already in the thread...and I certainly have no interest in defending the Patriots. However, the Patriots release their guys on Saturday because you can't sign guys released on Saturday until Monday. Hence the reason he's not on the Giants roster. I don't think they were trying to release him at the last second to be cold, it was just strategic based on the NFL signing rules.

haha, nah that was well deserved. I missed the draft year by seven years. yuck.

Well, I certainly don't claim to know everything...was just putting stats together. But yeah, that's an obviously mistake. I mean, the timeline isn't even close. ug. thanks. Looking it up it appears the distinction of should have been a first round by was a second due to NE's loss of pick is owned by Dolphins DE Phillip Merling.

Well I'm going to look at it the other way. - This year, every NFC playoff team had a 1st RD QB (or if you want to split hairs over Brees call it a QB drafted in the top 32 picks.) - In 2011, the championship games were played by 3 1st round Qbs and Tom Brady. - In 2010, the championship games were played by 4 1st round QBs (Cutler ended up not playing due to injury) - In 2009, the championship games were played by 3 1st round QBs and Brett Favre. - In 2008, the championship games were played by 3 1st round QBs and Kurt Warner. - In 2007, the championship games were played by 3 1st round QBs and Tom Brady. - In 2006, the championship games were played by 3 1st round QBs and Tom Brady. This means of the last 7 years you either had a first round QB or you had a legend HOF QB in Favre/Warner/Brady. At least 3 of 4 for seven straight years. My guess is it's easier to find a first round QB than it is to find Brady/Favre/Warner. Those guys are one in a million. In history, 47% of QBs drafted in the first round have started a playoff game. 24% of QBs not drafted in the first round have started a playoff game. Really the question needs to be whether a 50% chance of making the playoffs with a first round QB is worth it over a 25% chance with a non-first round QB. With the new CBA and minimized financial commitment, it seems to make an even stronger argument to do whatever it takes to give you the best chance at a QB. Obviously you can use the numbers to argue the other side. But another thing to consider - the failure rate of almost every other position in the first round is higher than that of the QB. I've posted the article in the past but now am having trouble finding the source. So don't forget, you may be avoiding that first round QB only to select other studs like Mike Williams, Erik Flowers, Willis McGahee, Donte Whitner, John McCargo, and Aaron Maybin.

http://bit.ly/tSlcAX

I don't think Fitz is the main problem on this team. Far from it. That being said, it's not unthinkable that Fitz isn't the starter next year. Mostly that's due to contract. As others have pointed out, if Fitz is cut before Week 1 of next season, they don't pay him any more than the $10m bonus he got this year plus his ~3m contract. In other words, the extension the Bills gave him this year would simply amount to an acceleration of his current yearly salary to that of the extension. His reward was being paid $13m for this year's nice 5-2 start, nothing more. If the Bills have him on the roster for Week 1, they owe him a $5m roster bonus plus his ~$8m yearly salary. If the Bills lose out with Fitz continuing to play poorly...nothing is certain. That would put us in position to get a top QB prospect, and it's possible Nix/Gailey fall in love with one and draft him. If that's the case, it's possible the Bills cut Fitz to avoid the salary payment. Or to avoid the friction of the QB controversy. Now, with the new CBA and what's actually a reasonable yearly salary for a QB, they could keep them both. It just shouldn't be unthinkable if they don't. A lot will probably depend on the rest of the regular season, our draft selection, and the Nix draft board. A few months ago it was such a nice thought to think Fitz was our answer. Not that he was a top 5 QB, but a top 10 guy that let's us focus on other problems. Hopefully we see some of that form to finish out the year. If not, there should be no shock if the QB changes. I mean look at the Redskins. They traded a second round pick for McNabb and gave him a nice big contract. He didn't even finish a single SEASON as the starter. Obviously was gone before the second season. Look at Cutler being shipped out of Denver despite being a 'franchise' QB. How about DelHomme's huge contract with the Browns - again, cut the very next year. Same with Brady Quinn. Kolb on the Eagles - oops, Vick is available, you're out after a year as well. Jimmy Clausen? Yep, you're our guy for Panthers...sorry, didn't realize Newton would be available; see ya. Hey Trent Edwards you're our starter week 1...hey Fitz, guess what you're the starter now! There just isn't a more unstable job in the what have you done for me lately league.

Why should the offensive team that fumbled it out of the end zone be rewarded?

Well you can't hang the history of the Bills on Nix, you can only look at the current regime. Nix has two drafts under his belt: 2010- 1(09) - CJ Spiller - Questionable, but not necessarily a reach on anybody's board at #9. Also, is more in the best player available argument 2(41) - Torell Troup 3(72) - Alex Carrington - He's been OK 4(107) - Marcus Easley - Not sure if you can blame health issues on Nix or not 5(140) - Ed Wang - Bust 6(178) - Arthur Moats - Promising, esp for 6th rounder 6(192) - Danny Batten - Promising, esp in preseason not that it means much 7(209) - Levi Brown - Project 7(216) - Kyle Calloway - Didn't make it 2011- 1(3) - Marcell Dareus - I think the consensus correct pick in this spot, plus filled the need. 2(34) - Aaron Williams - Fills need, not sure of quality yet 3(68) - Kelvin Sheppard - Looked good last week actually 4(100) - Da'Norris Searcy - I've only seen him play last week, where he looked ok 4(122) - Chris Hairston - Looked good filling in for Bell. Really missed him when he went down. 5(133) - Johnny White - Haven't seen much, pretty buried behind Fred/Spiller 6(169) - Chris White - Can't recall seeing much of him 7(206) - Justin Rogers - Can't recall seeing much of him 7(245) - Michael Jasper - Seemed like a good project pick These drafts seem fair to me, even with some hindsight in mind. Do you have specific issues with them? The biggest complaint I recall is him not drafting a QB, including from me. But until the last few weeks it looked like that was incorrect given Fitz's play. Maybe it's not. Not to mention he was ready to take Newton if he was available. Not really arguing with your point here, just wondering if there's something specific you'd point to. I mostly like the focus on defense I think.

I think Gailey's mostly been good this year. My biggest complaint has been not giving Freddy more carries in a few of the games. But the biggest question - what in the world is Dave Wannstedt doing? I honestly don't know. Is he just tearing his hair out because we don't have the talent on D or is he not the defensive specialist I was hoping he'd be?

I assume you're mostly referring to their tendency to take first round RBs? You think that was the case with this year's draft?

No, I'm not 100% wrong. You know how I know I'm right? Because he's in Philly right now. If he wanted to be in Buffalo, he would be in Buffalo. You don't agree to a new 5 year deal in 2006 and decided after 2007 you want yet another new contract to make you the top paid LT in football. And by the way, no, they shouldn't have made him the top paid LT in football.