Bills Fan of St Augustine

We're set at TE and Evans is big enough to play the role as a short yardage target, so in your poll I vote WR. I'd rather we get one of the top two OTs or even the third. I bet they all go early on day one.

I'd be ok with Evans in round 1 but then we have to draft linemen in round 2 and another one later (4/5). The game is still won and lost in the trenches even though the NFL continues to showcase skill position stars to make the game more exciting for the casual fan. RT is becoming more and more important as edge rushers become specialists and come from both sides. I'd have no problem at all with a premier OT at 9.

Sounds like a stand up guy! I am more optimistic now about Williams. Thanks!

I suppose because he can reportedly run block. Pass stats are similar, but our C and LT are better than the Rams and will help him a lot.

Simply meant another high draft pick WR under achiever and a major disappointment if drafted. No, they aren't the same person. I'm a little concerned that Evans is at about the 40th percentile in speed and quickness. He is big, so maybe that's to be expected. Just not sure about him. If we pick him, I hope he can play at the next level against premier DBs. "While Evans can get open with ease and out jump his defenders, he has just okay hands. He is very aggressive which can lead to push-off calls, but he is more physical than cheap. He is not a very good route runner due to tight hips that showed up in his mediocre 3 cone drill (7.08). Evans also tends to get extremely emotional often. There were several games where he had to be talked to on the sideline and his mannerisms and attitude seemed similar to that of Dez Bryant. He has some maturity issues but is also very young still and is coachable."

Not sure on Evans, another Graham? We must address the OL. Last year was painful to watch where the line could get no push, often allowed DL penetration quickly into the backfield, and heavy pressure on the QB. RT and LG were the worst, however there was little push across the board when trying to move bigger aggressive DL off the ball.

I think a lot depends on Hairston's status. If we draft an OT with the potential to start (rounds 1-3) and Hairston is healthy, then we have a great battle in camp to figure out who the best five are for the line. If Hairston is done and we don't select an NFL ready OT, we have a problem. Young QB, great RB tandem both deserve a top end OL. D is about set, we didn't look that bad while Byrd was faking even with JL in there. The game is won and lost in the trenches. A top WR would be nice, but unless Watkins is there I don't think anyone else is worth the chance to sacrifice a premier OT. We've got a lot of good #2 and #3 WRs but are missing a true #1. I won't be upset with Evans at 9 but I think it is a risky pick. On the TE rant, Chandler signed so that should be a clue on Ebron. I used to live in KC and Moeaki is a solid TE but only seems to play the even number years. He's north of 250lbs, can block and still runs a decent 40. I think we're set at TE. IMHO.

I don't think the signings change a thing. Rather the FO decided to sign LBs and a LG, resign K and TE as they planned. Nothing changes. They draft OT or WR depending on who is available at #9. I prefer one of the big three OTs but would be happy with either of the two name WRs. Second round draft they other position. What they planned all along and nothing changes. Hairston's status is a big unknown to us, but likely well understood by the team.

You are joking right? Running the football has never resulted in a win? You have to be reall young and ignorant of the game to make such a statement. In flag football you might be right. Although the NFL has "evolved" into a pass happy game featuring the skill player to enhance talking head highlight reels, the game is still won and lost in the trenches. How many OL went early in the draft last year? Which position "cashed-in" big this year inn FA? Yep, you win a cookie. That's right OL. Your right in that they could get a servicable lineman on day 2 who may even start from day 1, but not a dominant OT like those available in round 1. Yeah, draft Ebron after resigning Chandler? I'd be fine with Evans at 9, but the vitriol around not "wasting" #9 on a stud OT is ludicrous. Finding OL based on hope and prayer is not a strategy for success.

I really like the job the Bills FO has done with FA on the D side of the ball. This unit should improve greatly from last year. I am a bit concerned about early down passes over the middle but we can plan for that. Teams won't be able to run against this group. 3rd down will bring on a nickle/dime package and we are better prepared to throw a fourth cover guy out there than we were last year. Loss of Byrd will be felt, but not to the extent most people think. We have not completely addressed the O-line yet and will likely do so via the draft. Williams doesn't seem the answer at LG, although he fits in as a versatile depth player and insurance in case no one steps up in camp and takes the job away from him. My guess is that two of our top five picks will be OL including an OT at #9.

Bigger, faster, meaner. I liked what we've done on D in FA a lot! Let loose the hounds!

Amen brother! Except you should say Watkins or an OT.

So very sad, so very true...

No doubt in my mind.

Agreed and well said!

You guys watch the games last year? Our line can't block. They tried FA when they signed PEars, Legursgy, etc. It doesn't work. They need big, strong athletic OL and especially at Tackle. Smart money is a T at 9. Hopefully one of the top two slide, but I suspect our pick will come out of Michigan.

I'm fine with Thad as a back up. Behind a decent OL he would be a servicable #2 in case our #1 goes down. Now whether we have a true #1 is the big question and can only be answered with more time and behind a competent OL, which right now we don't have.

I don't see any reason to trade up. Cost draft picks and to get who? Let's see what happens in FA and then we'll have a better idea of direction, but trading up is very unlikely.

Draft an OT and play him on the right side. See who is better, Glenn or the rook. You have years to decide with the rookie cap. Pay RT LT money? I think this gap is closing and I have no problem investing significant money at both ends of the OL. We'll see what the future brings, but teams recognize they need to block speed rushers off both sides of the line as Ds get more complex and DEs become pass rush specialists in the pass happy NFL. Last year OL talent went quick with six of the first eleven guys drafted being OL. We need premier talent on the OL and not servicable guys. IMO Glen is not premier talent, but could develop further. Pears is not servicable. None of our OL are currently premier talent. I like Wood, but he needs to step it up. I'd like to see OT, WR, OG in the first three rounds and address LB through FA. Resign Chandler at TE who is servicable and I like Moeaki provided he is healthy. He seems able to play every other year so 2014 should be a go. Borrowed from another thread. eartheLosing, on 14 February 2014 - 12:27 PM, said: Three of the top four players in last years draft were all OT's, and all three played RT Chiefs, OT Eric Fisher played RT- playoffs Jags, OT Luke Joeckel played RT Dolphins, OLB Eagles, OTLane Johnson played RT-playoffs Lions, DE Browns, OLB Cardinals, OG Jonathan Cooper- finished 10-6 St Louis, WR Jets, CB Titans, OG Chance Warmack Chargers, OT DJ Fluker, played RT- playoffs So, out of the first 11players taken in last years draft four were OT's, two were OG's. You figure it out!

I think your living in the past. RT is becoming as important as LT as defenses become more complex and speed pass rushers come off either side of the D line. OT needs to be addressed in a big way. If we can't get it done in FA then I draft the best Tackle on the board at nine assuming any of the big three are still there. IMHO

Draft an OT! There are three who could be available at 9. If any of the three are there, we have to address our most glaring problem. Pick up another WR in later rounds. This isn't fantasy football!

There is no way that Graham plays as fast as Goodwin regardless of their best times in shorts and on a track. Goodwin blows by CBs while TJ looks pedestrian. Not sure where these times came from but it looks like Graham has lost a step, or three....

Draftek - the last sentences says it all and I couldn't say it any better. "This week, Football Outsiders pegged Offensive Line as the Bills' greatest need. While only 58% of the Bills' 48 yielded sacks came with EJ under center, EJ's three knee surgeries signal which position needs shoring up the most. Robinson has been shooting up mock drafts, and the Combine might make selecting Robinson here impossible, but the demand for QBs will help. The Bills ran well between the guards last year but ran poorly outside, where they netted less than 4 ypc. Either Robinson or Jake Matthews can fix that; I think both are better than the three tackles that went in the first four picks last year. Get Pears out of the RT slot, give up on Hairston, and secure the line's next Pro Bowler. Freddy and CJ will thank you."

Me, me, pick me! Bills Sabres fan from 60s and 70s. Realize that we all have an opinion and an a-hole too, so you don't have to be one. You don't have to be right all the time just contribute to the discussion, just cogent and concise. New to the Wall, but here for the duration and just want to contribute. Either way, go Bills!

I like OT at nine. Lots of people are saying you don't pick a RT in the top 10. When is it ok? 11? 15? Not until the second round? There are two premier tackles in this draft and if either falls to #9 my opinion is grab them and run. Pun intended. Start them at RT and later let the best player play LT. Whoever feels Pears is servicable at RT is just not watching the game. Our LT was servicable in run blocking and very good against the rush. LG was a huge problem. Center was at times less than stellar (too many penalties) but a couple notches above servicable. RG was servicable. O-line is a big part of the O-problem. They are frequently overmatched by bigger stronger DLs and get mauled (must be ugly in practice). They do ok against average mid-sized D lines. Attacking Ds give them fits. Spiller/Jackson hit in the backfield (again). At least Jackson turns the loss into a minimal gain. QB has little time to throw and receivers have little time to get open. I guess a big factor is understanding our strategy around free agency. If we pick up a couple good OL in FA then I pick LB and then WR. But they need to be very good FAs and not lazy soft slow slobs. The best OL are athletes. Quick strong and huge. Understand leverage, can get low and deliver the blow (hit). O-lines win championships along with tough Ds. They go together and become an attitude. IMHO.