ctk232

I hope you're right - he's my on the record draft crush but still think his value in this pool falls in the 20-32/early 2nd range for the pick. He may likely go higher than that, but if we're left sitting at 9 it'd be difficult to argue his value there. Issue being if we attempt to trade back up into the first, we likely lose out on a top WR talent in the draft needing to give up our 2nd. Bradbury is a solid option here as well, and Lindstrom would be nice mid-round interior OL talent - but if there's one OL in this draft I'd like to see us get, it's Risner.

Despite what is most likely to happen, I'm going to go out on a pretty extended limb here and say we should go after Romo for QB coach/offensive assistant, have him contribute to developing Allen and simultaneously call every single one of Belly's plays before they even happen (or the rest of the NFL)...if nothing else just bring him in to scheme against these teams.

Couldn't agree more with the perspective. He's added value up front and honestly, I haven't seen many DTs off the ball as quickly and as consistently as Star is. While he may not be establishing stat columns, or making eye test plays, his role in being the first off the ball to take up double teams and direct rushes makes him a valuable asset we yet to have anyone remotely adequate enough to replace him with, or scheme differently for. And I agree, I don't think the contract was foresighted well in any regard, but my hope is that he'd be willing to restructure down the line after 2020 and 2021 if we are looking to sign our key young guys back to the roster. It'd be a shame to see the likes of Tre, Milano, or Dawkins be let go because we were handicapped by any contracts. My hope is while it may be a difficult contract to get out of in any regard, maybe Star would be open to restructuring to accommodate the team's needs (however unlikely that may be).

Agreed - I'm also not sure of the contract specifics, but re-structuring the contract to help the cap is also a possibility down the line dependent on his play and how willing he may be to accommodate.

He can think he's a 1 all he wants, he's put up WR 2/3 numbers, and his performance has been equivalent to that as well even given consideration to the offensive scheme he's played within. He's inconsistent and while he may be a helpful addition to the corps, he will not perform like the #1 WR we need or for the money would end up paying him. That being said, go for it for the right offer - but I'd still want to draft a WR or top TE to compensate in that regard.

Great points - and for sure, certainly appreciate the tracking Astro breaks down as it at least gives us an idea of where the FO is scouting. I'm more or less attempting to extrapolate on that to see where we might be placing emphasis and in what ways, but very valid point mentioning just because we went that many times doesn't mean we're necessarily up on any one guy, or down on another.

I know people aren't high on Oliver, but I wouldn't mind him becoming BPA for us at 9 and trying him out at 5 tech...both him and Hughes on the edges might just be the pass rush we've been needing.

Yup - this is how you generate more clicks and media swell...start a tank rumor when a new HC takes over. Reporting at it's finest.

I know it's not just OL that we scouted, but in reference to the players mentioned, I wonder how this has changed post-senior bowl and knowing the likes of Risner and Lindstrom are now higher considerations. Especially with the former stating he could fit within the culture. Can't imagine our FO to be that narrow-minded that their board is more or less set at this point in the process, but I just hope the more recent demonstrations and examples outweigh the in-season hype for certain guys. Not as surprised to see Pierschbacher on there, and glad to see we're considering late round OL projections. But I also hope that this doesn't mean we're that high on Jonah still either...

Hope they ask about that - the guy is generating PR, tackling Pat, interviewing with rival teams, he's generating PR for himself as a player and the Jets simultaneously (as if they needed it). Gotta say I can't hate the guy - and objectively speaking, he's doing it well in a "light humor" sort of way. Expect ESPN to be all over it soon enough, if not already...

It wasn't really random at all - as I recall, McD wanted him as part of the Andy Reid school and because he came highly lauded as an offensive coach. I'll be the first to admit I was ready to send Culley packing during Allen's first few games where he looked to be more confused than anything, but watching through the rest of the season, hearing what Allen had to say about him, in addition to reading more into his effect this year and as a coach in his career, I'll likely end up eating crow if/when he becomes an HC somewhere. It was clear from before he was brought in his trajectory was to go for HC and these subsequent moves prove it. I'm keen to see how his career progresses. But I just hope myself and this board aren't underestimating the impact his departure will have on Allen's development, and that Allen can continue to progress under new coaching and prep work. I doubt Palmer is that guy - for many reasons already stated on the board. This isn't the first time rumors have circulated that Palmer would be considered as a QB coach, and you can bet Jets fans are saying the same thing as us now, as well as every other fanbase. The reality is he likely doesn't give that up unless it's for something greater or something not presently available, which I couldn't say what that would be. Dorsey and Cooter both seem more likely prospects if they even choose to go that route. Agreed - I admit to not giving Culley his credit as a coach, as tends to happen from the armchair analysis. Basing most of my prior opinions on keyhole perspectives of Allen's performance week-to-week, I didn't fully consider Culley's coaching history and could very well see him as an HC in the league in the next couple of years. I know Harbaugh just re-signed his contract, but I'm curious to see what Culley does in Baltimore with LJ - doesn't seem to be much of a passing game there, but if he can turn that around you can damn well be sure he'll be considered for HC positions thereafter...

For sure - Center is a tough specific position to fill this year and I've been denying the looming potential that Bodine will end up as our starter next year. Now where I think we could make an impact there is via the draft with either Risner or Bradbury - certainly much higher on the former, and why I would hope for a trade back scenario to present itself and land Risner later in the first. Depending on how we fair in FA, Risner could plug in most anywhere on the line, but would highlight him for Center first - versatile, physical, aggressive, and smart guy who seemingly is interested in the culture being built here. I liked his tangibles and demonstrated ability in the senior bowl and practices therein, but also no guarantee that either the value or the player himself are there for us when we pick. If we do miss out on Paradis and Morse - why not throw some money offers at Kalil and see what happens. It's likely we overpay to get either Paradis or Morse here anyway, but if Kalil could be enticed for just a bit more, I could see potential for at least attempting it. Otherwise we'll need to be digging for a guy which may result in money being better spent elsewhere.

Realistically I'm not sure Saffold doesn't follow suit and re-sign with LA - Spain or Foster may become available, but look for more teams to try and re-sign these guys. Beauty of FA - expectations and reality...but agreed, I was initially up on Glowinski, but can see how he might standout more in a bad way in our OL versus the Colts.

So I wondered this as well, but given our current DL, I'd entertain lining him up at the 5 tech first - he's got the speed and power to blow through outside tackles and push the edge and would be reminiscent of Bruce off the edge to me. I'm also not sure I buy into the myth of a one-dimensional DT based on weight and size, though I understand how that sounds. Rashan Gary kind of falls into the same boat as Oliver in that regard, and Simmons seems to be moving up boards as well. There might actually be a push for the more agile DT in our already established rotation - Shaq played some three tech this past season at 260 lb and held his own, so I'm not sure I'd completely agree with the size assessment for someone more suited (experience wise) for the position in someone like Oliver. To add further context to the weight and size of DTs - Aaron Donald is sitting at 284 so I'm not sure what the difference in four pounds will do with Oliver's kind of athleticism. I also like the idea of Ferrell in a 3/5tech role, but it really depends on which, if either is still even there at 9.

No doubt - weirdly enough, even though it's my dream scenario, say a trade back with Washington occurs - I still feel that may be too high for Risner, but only just. He's rising up some boards at the moment and in my non-expert opinion is right in the 20-32/early second round value range, but a lot of time b/t now and then. Definitely agree with you on Jonah, too. I need to look at Brady some more, admittedly haven't looked too far into Depending on FA and the first couple of rounds, RB could be had in the 3rd or 4th. To be honest, I'm not sure that there is an RB worth taking this year depending on who else may be available in those rounds at our picks, and we can likely prioritize this addition next year just as effectively. I'm of the opinion that Shady has enough left to give behind an improved OL for at least this next year.

Agreed within the context of the draft for this year - at 9 the value would more than likely fall defense/DL, which I'm totally okay with...for the right guy of course. Our DL could use another disruptive talent. But my current hopeful/dream situation would actually be us trading back, landing Risner and Butler with our first two picks for commensurate value, and hopefully having another 2nd from the trade to do more damage w/ BPA/TE/WR/OL in no particular order.

So I'd actually offer a different opinion and say it's the OL for the most part. If we're removing and ignoring the context of the offensive scheme in place for each team/OC, to me, the QB is mainly, if not only, responsible for the success of the passing game. While he can call out alignments and adjustments at the line on run plays based upon what he sees, his greatest impact on the offense comes in the passing game as he is directly responsible for delivering accurate, timely passes. With the perceived shift in offensive philosophy to incorporate college passing concepts, and the increased emphasis placed on the passing league, it's easy to see how the impact on offensive performance can be determined by the passing game. But even teams like the Chiefs and Rams needed the stout run game to establish any kind of offensive success - hell, the Pats beat the Chiefs because they ran the ball and the Chiefs couldn't. While I don't mean this to dispute the impact a franchise caliber QB can have on an offense's success, the ability of the run game is no commentary on the QB. What more greatly reflects on and determines the success of an offense is much more at the foundation with the OL. While the impact in the run game is obvious, they still need to establish effective protection and blocking adjustments to allow these franchise guys the time to read the field and deliver that accurate and timely pass. Even Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Rivers, or any other established QB would have struggled behind the OL and our skill position personnel this year, regardless of their franchise capacity, The irony being Allen's ability to scramble and extend drives with his feet, this is not the type of run game an offense should primarily rely on to complement the passing game (albeit effective as hell this past season). Last I checked offensive success was predicated on both the pass and the run and the QB can only really impact one of those two things, no matter how pass happy the league has gotten with it's spread/air-raid concepts. Both are needed, but if you want to identify what primarily reflects on an offense's success, it has to start up front before you can move anywhere else.

The bold above is my hope as well - but always need the FA caveat. While unlikely, we could end up losing out on bidding wars for every OL guy, for what it's worth. But Risner is the type of OL pick that could immediately impact our OL regardless of how FA pans out for us. I agree, I like him best at Center as well, but he would be able to contribute Day 1 at RT as well. I've always thought of Dawkins as a Guard, and while he showed great skill at LT the first year, he admitted to taking off this past year and didn't like that he did. The guy plays with an edge, and is very mobile, lending himself well to the pulling guard role in the run game. I'd like to give Teller his day, but wouldn't mind us adding Guard depth either in FA or in the draft - but Dawkins/Teller bookending Risner or another Center would be just fine. The only piece to this puzzle is who would we get to fill in at LT, but if we were to land a stout LT guy, even Trent Williams if the rumors prove true, this should easily become the consideration. It's also likely that Risner doesn't get graded at a value commensurate with #9, so my hope would also imply a trade back making the value match more possible. Risner likely won't make it to the 3rd if I were a betting man. If we stay at 9, Beane would likely go BPA per his board value and that might end up being DL/defense.

As of now, would still think 9 would be a reach for Risner - but if he's there in the second, or we trade back in the first, it would be hard to pass on that. Could change as it looks like Jonah is equally falling in some boards.

That poor Kansas DB...lawd

No expert, but just from my own observation and articles/boards, he's moving up into the late first after this week so far - but could still easily drop into the second depending on FA outcomes and weeks leading up to draft. Right now I feel he'd go in the 20s. He's my draft crush too, and would love to see this guy in Buffalo - he seemingly wants to be here, plays a physically aggressive but smart game, and would be the ideal value and need pick for our OL in a year where we have 2-3 holes. A pick like him would allow us to be okay with however FA ends up going for us. Only get a Center? No worries, Risner has experience on the edge and long arms for reach with solid quickness. No Center in FA? No worries, Risner's stock has grown as he's shown he can handle the physical and potentially cerebral components of the position. A skillful yet versatile OL guy would be ideal for our current OL situation.

Feel as though he's a growing draft crush for many beyond just us, too. I agree with zayday that his value is mid to late first when considering the pool context. It likely goes one of two ways: one, there are too many teams looking to protect young QB investments that in a year like this he could go as high as 12-15; almost an extension of the "QB Reach" due to sheer position value, teams that capitalized on last year's QB class or others with a failing OL will likely fall into a similar thread for need of OL talent (obviously dependent on FA outcomes). Or two, as I don't believe he would warrant a trade up by any team, he would more likely become a late round target for a team that traded down or is currently sitting in the 20-32 range. The latter being more likely to me. But weirder things have happened, he could drop into the second or later for all we know.

Was visiting family friends in Pensacola and drove over yesterday to watch - honestly, I knew next to nothing about Risner prior to a couple of days ago, except for name recognition in some draft board discussions. But after hearing about his interest in the Bills I watched a couple of his highlights and games where I could online from this past year, and made a point to look yesterday. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I definitely liked what I saw from a skill and technical standpoint. The thing that had me so high on this guy, aside from his potentially genuine interest to play in Buffalo and demonstrated skillset, was his versatility. In a year where we have multiple holes along the OL, and no certainty or guarantees in FA - this is the kind of OL talent that could immediately impact our needs as well as address a value simultaneously. Kid plays physically aggressive, but smart - I'm curious how that may translate to the NFL, but my hopes are that Bobby was also keen on him and paying attention. Tricky part is he's gaining traction and rising in graded value over the past week or so apparently, so I wonder where he might fall come draft day.

Would love Risner - guy looked to be able to handle Center well, seemingly including the cerebral level of adjustments. Hard to say for certain only in practice environments, but still liked what I saw. He's the kind of draft pick that can perfectly complement any kind of FA results; if we end up with two tackles or interior and tackle, he could contend for Center but if we pick up a Center and maybe another guy, he could still hold the edge. We lost way too many battles up front to not have his attitude and aggressiveness help us in the run game with Dawkins and potentially Teller.

It's the two tackle part that gets me - I think the move inside becomes more likely if we get a tackle in FA and draft a guy like Risner who could play RT. But for edge consideration, it might make more sense to have the experience on the edges at first, unless a young guy like Risner or whoever that might be, can anchor the edge well out the gate. If we can land a Center and Tackle (hopeful) in FA, I wouldn't mind seeing something like FA/Dawkins/Bodine or FA/Teller/Risner or Draft Pick. I really just want to see one play where we pull both Teller and Dawkins and just tell them to go pancaking...just see what happens to those LBs at the next level.