The Senator

I see him more as a high-middle 1st round pick (right where the Bills will pick after we win the next 4 games) that someone will ' reach ' for in the top 10 - although I don't think it's much of a reach, but that's JMO. Also think his stock will continue to rise after the Rose Bowl. Carimi's a LT - don't know why people say he'll be a RT, but they say that about almost every OT. Carimi has started 48 games for the Badgers, all at LT. He may begin his pro career at RT, like many or most OTs, but will play LT in the NFL... The Parade High School All-American stayed home to play for his hometown Badgers despite the daunting task of replacing Joe Thomas, an All-American left tackle and third overall pick of the 2007 NFL draft. Carimi hasn't made Wisconsin fans forget about Thomas altogether, but he has played well enough to earn praise from coaches and owns the physical traits scouts like. He redshirted his first season for the Badgers to add weight and experience, then earned Freshman All-American honors after taking over for Thomas on the blind side for all 13 games in 2007. He started 10 games as a sophomore, missing three mid-season games due to a knee injury suffered against Ohio State. Carimi then stepped up his game in 2009, earning second-team All-Big Ten notice from league coaches (voted first team by the media) after again starting all 13 contests. Carimi is a potential top-10 pick because of his prototypical size, excellent athleticism and the importance placed on the left tackle position. NFL offensive line coaches won't like the way he bends at the waist and the number of plays he ends up on the ground, but will ask their general managers to take on a chance on his talent because he could be a long-time NFL starter. (Link - CBS Sports - Player Profile) Carimi has anchored Wisconsin's record-setting offensive line all season. The Badgers are the only team in the country to have three different running backs with at least 800 yards and they rank 12th in the country in rushing offense (247.3 ypg.). The Badgers lead the Big Ten and are tied for fourth in the country in scoring offense, averaging 43.3 points per game. QB Scott Tolzien has only been sacked 11 times this season. Carimi, with 48 career starts, is one of just three Badgers on the offensive side of the ball to start every game this season. (Link - NFL Draft Scout Profile - Gabe Carimi) Pretty sharp guy off the field, too... GABE CARIMI APPLIES THE TEAM CONCEPT TO ENGINEERING SUCCESS Gabe's gonna look great in Bills blue! .

After winning our final four games, we'll be picking somewhere mid-round. Regarding late-round QBs, Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien would be a great pick - certainly would have no issues with Buffalo's weather... Tolzien led Wisconsin to its first Big Ten title and its first Rose Bowl appearance in 11 years. While Wisconsin's running backs and offensive linemen get most of the attention, Tolzien's pocket presence took the Badgers' offense to another level this fall. He led the nation in completion percentage (74.3) and ranked fourth nationally in quarterback rating (169.8). Tolzien holds team records for career completion percentage (68.5) and career pass efficiency (154.4). (Link - Badgers' Scott Tolzien wins Unitas Award) (Unless you want to stick with Levi Brown as our 'developmental' QB; also realize that Brohm is an RFA after this season, and Fitz is a FA in 2012.) .

This year's road-grader/run-blocker/blind-side protector is Gabe Carimi... The Badger running game amassed 2,968 yards this season, punched in 46 touchdowns on the ground and produced three running backs who were considered for All-Big Ten honors. Every single time a crucial 3rd or 4th-and-1 came up, UW running backs just followed the right butt cheek of Carimi to pick up the first down. With Carimi protecting Tolzien’s blind side, the Badgers gave up just 12 sacks on the season. Even more impressive, Carimi matched up against the conference best and came out wayyyy on top. Going up against Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward, Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kerrigan, Carimi limited the future NFL D-linemen to five tackles and one sack — combined. Carimi deserves Big Ten Offensive Player of Year Badgers run ball 29 straight times during second half The Bills should take him in round one.

Letting you have the last word, I guess.

Ditto, Astro - I've been talking-up Moch since mid-Oct... Senator - 10/16/2010 I think his stock has risen, and we'd probably have to grab him in round 2. (Then grab Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks in round 3.) Everyone knows I want Carimi in round one, despite the whole ' reach ' thing. Now that I'm thinking about the later rounds, hell, why not load up on Wisconsin guys and take QB Scott Tolzien in round 6, and (this will go over like a fart in church) Nebraska placekicker Alex Henery in round 5? (We KNOW these guys can play in cold weather!) .

Actually, what's ' unseemly ' is your purely speculative statement that he calls reporters, and your characterization of Leach taking a columnists call and having any sort of dialog as ' leg-humping '.

And so, when a reporter/columnist calls him and asks if he's interested in a particular opening, he should say what? I don't see Leach's name as the by-line on any of the links I or anyone else cite. Are you saying there's some way for him to stop writers with space to fill and deadlines to meet from speculating about him whenever a new HC opening occurs?

Thought you were gonna say... Dontay Moch ...which would be a great round 2 pick.

Yes, they do - and job-seekers have also been known, on occasion, to express their availability and desire to be hired too.

Or, he just wants a job... Mike Leach interested in Florida job Leach and his family now live in Key West, Fla., where he's waiting for someone to give him a chance to prove that he can turn around their program just like he did the program at Texas Tech. "Really, I'm interested in all of them,'' Leach said, when asked if he had any interest in succeeding Meyer. See also... Leach at UT? Brown could do lots worse Mike Leach Would Give Pitt Football the Quick Fix It Needs Don't mean to start your hair on fire, nor foment a Leach feud on TSW, but I wouldn't say that twice about your fellow Floridian... Mike Leach is sitting down in the keys anxious to get back in the game. He’s been a winner, and that mess at Texas Tech is pretty interesting. Leach has a pretty strong argument that Tech overreacted, and has sued to back that up. Having that offense at FAU would be quite a treat. And it would work. I think the Canes are nuts not to consider him. With that talent and that offense, it would be Oregon of the Southeast. Would Leach come to FAU? Well, look at Mike Jarvis. He wanted back in, and year after year went by and nobody offered him a job. Until FAU. And who made out on that deal? (Same thing with Matt Doherty, though turns out North Carolina might have been right.) And here’s something you might not know: Leach at FAU AD Craig Angelos are buds. Both were students at BYU at the same time. Both went on and got law degrees, a lot of parallels in their lives, and they have stayed in touch. And Leach is in Key West, so he must love the weather, and he already wears clothes that fit in with the Between the Palms theme, and all that pirate stuff...perfect fit... South Florida Sun Sentinel - Time for FAU to get a coach in waiting? Mike Leach? Unless former Clintonite and current Miami president Donna Shalala comes to her senses soon, Leach may not be available after everyone other quality coach turns her down.

Not so fast, Promo - we got 'til 1 PM today to sell out! BTW - you looked great the other night on WNED's Don't Touch That Dial: Great Moments in Local Brodacasting ...

Actually, UM did not say that at all - you just think they did. Leach will have multiple positions to chose from, and will take the Miami job. (Unless - of course - he takes the Texas job, should Mack Brown step down. ) .

I think we're good at center with Wood... After redshirting his initial year at Louisville, Wood started all 12 games at center for the Cardinals in 2005...Wood remained Louisville's starting center in his sophomore and junior seasons, starting all 13 and 12 games, respectively. Led by quarterback Brian Brohm, the 2007 Cardinals offense ranked sixth nationally with an average of 488.0 yards per game. Wood earned All-Big East honors in both years, and again in his senior season. He finished his career with 49 consecutive starts at center, the second-longest streak in school history behind Travis Leffew (51, 2002-05). Alongside Alex Mack, Wood was considered one of the best centers available in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has been compared to Brad Meester by The Sporting News, but his instincts and "nastiness" on the field had scouts comparing him to the NFL's old time centers like Mike Webster of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tim Grunhard of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Wiki) I'd go... 1) Gabe Carimi, LT, Wisconsin 2) Dontay Moch, DE/OLB, Nevada 3) Lance Kendricks, TE, Wicsonsin 4a) Owen Marecic, FB/ILB/ST, Stanford 4b) Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt (He may fall much further after the ACL tear - might even go undrafted - but was a solid 1st/2nd round prospect til he got hurt)

I know Meyer had serious health issues - chest pain, possible heart attack, rumored brain cyst, etc. - but I would definitely not rule out the possibility of him, after some rest, ending up in New England* either replacing or working for his old buddy Bill* Belicheat*... Convenient that two pretty certified jerks are good friends inside the football coaching circle. Think about it: Bill* Belichick* and Urban Meyer have a lot in common; Belichick* used to run up the score last year, Meyer’s doing it this year. Naturally, after seeing Florida blow out South Carolina Saturday, Belichick* had some words of advice for Meyer on handling his players: (Link - Bill* Belichick* Offers Advice to Urban Meyer on Blowing Teams Out) See also... Bill* Belichick* and Urban Meyer Are Run Up the Score BFFs Urban Meyer’s old buddy Bill* Belichick* drafts Spikes, Cunningham in second round 3.) Mike Leach will be on every blog, column, sports-talk show, etc., making known to the world his availability for this and the recently available Pitt HC job (Wannstedt got fired today) .

My own ' inside sources ' ( ) have confirmed this move... Wall Street Journal - Bills forced to juggle O-line Bills vs. Browns: Bills Will Platoon RG, Wood To Center Buffalo News - Wood ready at C This, BTW, is GREAT news for the future of the Bills O-line, as Wood is (IMHO) a future All-Pro center... After redshirting his initial year at Louisville, Wood started all 12 games at center for the Cardinals in 2005. He earned Freshman All-American honors by Rivals.com, Sporting News and College Football News. Also an excellent student, earned Academic All-Big East accolades as well. Wood remained Louisville's starting center in his sophomore and junior seasons, starting all 13 and 12 games, respectively. Led by quarterback Brian Brohm, the 2007 Cardinals offense ranked sixth nationally with an average of 488.0 yards per game. Wood earned All-Big East honors in both years, and again in his senior season. He finished his career with 49 consecutive starts at center, the second-longest streak in school history behind Travis Leffew (51, 2002-05). Alongside Alex Mack, Wood was considered one of the best centers available in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has been compared to Brad Meester by The Sporting News, but his instincts and "nastiness" on the field had scouts comparing him to the NFL's old time centers like Mike Webster of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tim Grunhard of the Kansas City Chiefs. (from Wiki)

IF the season ended today, we'd draft 4th. I think we'll ultimately end up around the #6 - #8 spot - if Carimi's in the top 15, I have no problem 'reaching' for him. That's just me, of course - I don't work in the Bills' front office, and it's hard to argue with their record of success on draft day! And the answer will likely be, ' Because the Patriots* took him in round one with the Oakland pick they* got in the Seymour trade! '

By some accounts, John, he's already there... NFL Draft Scout Top NFL Draft Prospects for 2011 Admittedly, those reports are dated, things have changed, some players have dropped off while others (incl. Carimi) have gone up. Again, I expect he'lll continue to rise after the Rose Bowl, right up to the draft. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Appreciate your concern for my pate, John, but Carimi in the 2nd is a pipe dream. After the Rose Bowl, I expect his stock to shoot way up - he'll go in the top 10 of round one... Matt Hinton aka Dr. Saturday has a post up regarding senior left tackle Gabe Carimi's case for the Heisman. Hinton was especially impressed by Carimi's performance against stud defensive ends Adrian Clayborn, Cameron Heyward, and Ryan Kerrigan. Obviously, an offensive lineman has no true shot at winning the Heisman in this day and age, but it's nice to see Carimi garner some respect for the terrific senior season he put together this year. Link - Badger Bits: Gabe Carimi for Heisman Carimi, a 6-7, 327-pound senior from Cottage Grove, Wis., has started 48 games in his career, including the past 32 games in a row. All of his starts have come at left tackle as he replaced Joe Thomas, the only Outland Trophy winner in school history. An Outland Trophy finalist himself, Carimi has been the anchor of an offensive line that has produced the 12th-ranked rushing offense in the country (247.3 yards per game) and given up just 12 sacks in 12 games. Behind Carimi, the Badgers became the first team in 11 years to score more than 30 points against Ohio State and Iowa in the same season, rushing for a combined 326 yards against those teams. In the past three weeks against Indiana, Michigan and Northwestern, Wisconsin has rushed for 1,024 yards and 17 touchdowns. With a bowl game still to be played, the Wisconsin offense has already broken school records for rushing touchdowns in a season (46) and points in a season (520). In addition, the team is on pace to break the mark for average yards per carry, total offense, points per game and passing completion percentage. Link - Kendricks, Carimi named AFCA All-Americans The Badger running game amassed 2,968 yards this season, punched in 46 touchdowns on the ground and produced three running backs who were considered for All-Big Ten honors. Every single time a crucial 3rd or 4th-and-1 came up, UW running backs just followed the right butt cheek of Carimi to pick up the first down. With Carimi protecting Tolzien’s blind side, the Badgers gave up just 12 sacks on the season. Even more impressive, Carimi matched up against the conference best and came out wayyyy on top. Going up against Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward, Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kerrigan, Carimi limited the future NFL D-linemen to five tackles and one sack — combined. Link - Carimi deserves Big Ten Offensive Player of Year .

I was ripping my hair out and screaming out loud when we passed on Oher... The Senator, April 2009 I was ripping my hair out and screaming out loud when we passed on Bulaga... The Senator, April 2010 If you see a screaming bald guy walking down the street this April with 2 fistfuls of hair, it'll mean we didn't draft Gabe Carimi.

Made a minor correction, B2, 'cause not everyone thinks Andy's gonna be all that great. (What if he turns out to be Jamarcus Russell, Tim Couch, or Jeff George? Or worse?) If it's about a having a player like Brady, well Fitz hasn't been a starter for even a year - so I'd be inclined to give him time to develop (and have the team develop around him) just like Brady had, or draft a Brady-esque QB in round 6, or 7 (or even sign a UFA the likes of Kurt Warner or Warren Moon). .

I guess I'm still a little unclear on the flow of logic, which seems to go... Brady is better than Fitz; Now do you understand why so many want Luck? I'd expect Brady - a 6th round pick drafted in 2000, to be better than Fitz - a 7th rounder drafted in 2005. I think anyone would. Is the point that it's some metaphysical certitude that Fitz will never get even better as he and the team around him develop and mature, or that people want to draft a PAC 10 red-shirt sophomore because Tom Brady is good?

It would be SOOOO great if NJ would slump so SD, Indy, or OakTown could catch up to them, then see the Bills knock the Jersey Jets out of the playoffs on Jan. 2nd! 6 and 10, baby!!! GO BILLSSS!!!! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!!!!! .

Exactly. NOW do you understand why many fans want Luck so badly?

Oh. Sorry. I thought your original point was " Maybe now people will try and understand why many fans want Luck so badly...... " My bad.

Um, because - just like Luck - Brady was also a ' can't-miss-prospect ' that everyone coveted and drooled all over themselves for (and not a 6th-round, 199th-overall draft pick and 4th-string backup to Drew Bledsoe) ??? Using Brady to justify the screaming-teenage-girl hysteria for Andy Boy is a non-starter. Brady lingered until the 6th round of the draft, and evenetually emeraged a star QB. Luck could be drafted #1 overall (when he comes out in 2012) and could end up a total bust. Your premise is invalid. That's my point.