biggerdaddynj

Joe Adcock can play "long ball".

Sanu = Hakeem Nicks. Not a speed guy but ran a 4.41 and 4.46 at his pro day. Not too shabby for a 6'2" 211 lbs. I take him in 2 if we go CB in 1. He's only going to get better.

Hairston is our LT for now. In regard to the draft, my guess is that we'll be drafting an OT same Bat-time, same Bat-channel as lastyear when we (coincidentally) drafted Hairston ... Round 4 (wouldn't that be ironic, don't ya think?). Going OT with one of our 4s would enable us to hit some solid BPAs at positions of need without reaching, e.g., we could go WR, CB, OLB and then OT (and maybe a TE with our other 4 to give Fitzpatrick another weapon) or CB, WR, OLB I think there are two interesting, developmental OT picks who might be capable of playing LT one day--Potter frtom Boise St. (who a bunch of you have already posted some good info about) and McCants from UAB (he's also garnered some attention but not as much as Potter). Here's one so-called expert's detailec opinion regarding McCants: Matt McCants: Alabama-Birmingham (6-7, 295) A tall, long-armed, athletically built offensive tackle with some natural width to his lower half, but has yet to really fill out, McCants possesses the frame to get bigger but is going to need some time to mature physically. He lacks ideal anchor strength at this stage because of it. He does a nice job extending his long arms into contact and is very coordinated with his punch when asked to slide and punch. However, in order to anchor vs. bigger defenders, he will widen his footwork in order to overcompensate and loses his balance/footing in the process. He exhibits the range off the edge to routinely reach speed off the corner and he's a natural bender who can sit into his stance, keep his pad level down and look very fluid sliding his feet laterally when asked to mirror both in space and through contact. He's balanced into contact with his punch and does a nice job keeping his weight evenly distributed A tall, long-armed, athletically built offensive tackle with some natural width to his lower half, but has yet to really fill out, McCants possesses the frame to get bigger but is going to need some time to mature physically. He lacks ideal anchor strength at this stage because of it. He does a nice job extending his long arms into contact and is very coordinated with his punch when asked to slide and punch. However, in order to anchor vs. bigger defenders, he will widen his footwork in order to overcompensate and loses his balance/footing in the process. He exhibits the range off the edge to routinely reach speed off the corner and he's a natural bender who can sit into his stance, keep his pad level down and look very fluid sliding his feet laterally when asked to mirror both in space and through contact. He's balanced into contact with his punch and does a nice job keeping his weight evenly distributed in the pass game. He also exhibits the range and mirror ability to hold his own on the left side at the next level. McCants exhibits elite range when asked to pull and get out to the second level. He is very coordinated in space, moves effortlessly and has the flexibility to cleanly drop his pad level and cut down defenders on contact. He coils up into his stance well and exhibits a good initial snap through the hips into contact, extending his arms well off the ball and initially gaining leverage. He moves his feet in order to mirror and maintain his angle. However, he will begin to pop upright through contact, limiting his natural power and taking away from his push and ability to stay engaged through contact. Impression: McCants possesses a great looking frame that has the ability to get bigger and mature physically. Athletically, all the tools are there for this kid to play left tackle in the NFL, he just needs some time to make the jump in competition and mature physically. in the pass game. He also exhibits the range and mirror ability to hold his own on the left side at the next level. McCants exhibits elite range when asked to pull and get out to the second level. He is very coordinated in space, moves effortlessly and has the flexibility to cleanly drop his pad level and cut down defenders on contact. He coils up into his stance well and exhibits a good initial snap through the hips into contact, extending his arms well off the ball and initially gaining leverage. He moves his feet in order to mirror and maintain his angle. However, he will begin to pop upright through contact, limiting his natural power and taking away from his push and ability to stay engaged through contact. Impression: McCants possesses a great looking frame that has the ability to get bigger and mature physically. Athletically, all the tools are there for this kid to play left tackle in the NFL, he just needs some time to make the jump in competition and mature physically. I'm intrigued...

Recently realized that Buddy has confidence in Hairston and in Buddy I trust! With our resignings and free agent signings, I am excited about our upcoming BPA draft and, most importantly, the upcoming season!

I like Quick. However, I was hoping he'd there at 3 if we pass on Floyd at 1. I'm now of the opinion that Hairston is our LT this year. Accordingly, here's how I'd like to go: 1) Floyd (WR); 2) Bobby Wagner or Lavonte David (OLB); and 3) Josh Robinson or Dwight Bentley (CB). If we're going WR in 2 (which means we took Gilmore at 10) I'd take Sanu over Quick. He's money in the bank = Hakeem Nicks.

I've always assumed that Buddy was not of the opinion that Hairston was our LT and consequently thought we'd go OT at 10 because there is a far greater drop off in OTs than there is at WR and CB. However, I decided to go back and re-read some of the articles in which Hairston was discussed. I've now had an epiphany and think Hairston is our LT (for now). Check out some of the evidence: "Hairston performed admirably early, but when he was pressed back into starting duty after missing three games he was eventually replaced by Bell once he was healthy again. In the eyes of Nix, Hairston just hasn’t arrived as an NFL player yet...'Chris Hairston I think can be a really good left tackle,' Nix said. 'He’s a rookie. It’s going to take him a little bit. He got some good experience this year.'" This article seals the deal for me, making a compelling point for Hairston and pointing out Buddy's apparent tendencies for putting together OLs (can't believe I missed this article!): http://mobile.buffalorumblings.com/2012/3/23/2896842/buffalo-bills-riley-reiff-jonathan-martin-2012-nfl-draft Welcome to Buffalo Michael Floyd (or if he's drafted before we pick, Stephon Gilmore). Now I won't have to defend a pick that didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy!!!

Ingram is going to be a big time player. I'll echo what others have already said, with his talent wherever you put him on the field, he'll produce. Would not be unhappy if he's the pick at 10.

Bunch of big WRs who should be available later in the draft (in no particular order)--Quick, Criner, Childs, Fuller, Streeter, McNutt, etc...

I second that. He's going to be a solid, physical receiver like Hakeem Nicks. Decent chance he'll be there at 41. Nope. However, in another thread I posted 5-6 weeks ago I apparently indicated that former back-up QB Levi Brown did not change his name and transformed into a 6'5" 320 lbs LT.

That's what this former player (who ironically had a brief stint with the Bills) turned draft blogger, Matt Bowen, claims an NFL scout told him. Check it out: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Is-Alshon-Jeffery-a-1st-round-talent.html

Chris Greenwood CB Albion. Division III player. 6'1" 200 lbs. Check this out "Greenwood, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association defensive player of the year for Albion, has enjoyed an outstanding month, starting with Michigan's pro day March 15, when he ran a 4.34 40, had a vertical jump of 43 inches and a broad jump of 11-foot-2." http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120330/SPORTS0203/203300337/Albion-cornerback-has-NFL-s-attention?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

I agree that neither guy is a Kalil, both have deficiencies and neither is truly worth a top 10 pick. However, I think you're really overstating things in regard to Martin. I've been reading and watching as much as possible and I've never heard anyone question whether or not Martin will be a good OT. That's just plain silly. Everyone agrees he's a first round talent it's just that he, like most rookies, needs some work. Here's how poorly Mayock sees Martin: "Jonathan Martin, to me, is the prototypical left tackle," Mayock said last month. "Gifted athletically, needs to get a little bit stronger. A lot of things I said about Kalil, you could say about him. Needs to get a little bit stronger but will protect the quarterback." McShay (who many here dislike) "merely" indicates that Martin is "not elite" but is rather "good in every area". His main complaint appears to be Martin's lack of strength (one area that can be improved). As for Reiff at LT, here's Mayock again “I still like Riley Reiff a lot,” Mayock said. “I still think he’s a starting left tackle in the NFL. I just don’t think his upside is as high as Matt Kalil, who’s also an underclassman." Reiff and Martin are really seen as plus or minus twenty guys (Casserly and Lombardi included) it's just that they'll go higher based on market forces (supply and demand). In the end, I trust Buddy and will be happy with Martin/Reiff, Floyd, Ingram or Gilmore/Kirkpatrick thanks to our resignings and FA moves. It just blows to be at 10 this year. Gaughan's article today hit the nail on the head.

Here's all I've got for you Simple--while we do need to add a CB our position of greatest need is LT. While Martin and Reiff both need to develop they can start from day one and will do at least as well as Hairston. However, the experts all agree that they will develop into starting quality LTs which is not the case with Hairston or the other LTs available later. In contrast, there's more depth at CB and WR (for those so inclined) so we can grab them later and still get quality (e.g., as someone mentiond Sanu at WR in the 2nd (he's like Hakeem Nicks perfect complement for Stevie) and at CB a Dwight Bentley, Josh Robinson--if Minnifield is medically cleared he could be a bargain much later). In the end, to not shore up LT with the best quality player (even if he is a slight reach but one that can be justified based on the supply/demand) would be inconsistent with the resignings and FA signings which are win sooner not win later moves. Can we really be as competitive as possible NOW with Zebrie Sanders or Brandon Mosley or Nate Potter protecting the blindside over Martin or Reiff? Hairston's not our LT according to what's been said in the offseason. And did I mention that Martin is such a fine young man from a fine family (pulling out all the stops!). Did I talk you out of it Simple? Gave it my best shot (though my heart's not in it as much as it was a few weeks ago!).

In '07, I was devastated when the Niners drafted Willis before we could. Every time I see him play, I think about what might have been.

As you can see from our picks in the previous rounds, we're all BPA'ers. How else could we end up witn 3 OTs? PS Hanna won't last 'til the 7th. However, Barbera might!

Not a big fan of Rang's work on Sportsline but I thought this was interesting (and we do have a lot of time go kill until the draft): http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/rob-rang/18042151/sleeper-wrs-create-buzz-with-unbelievable-pro-day-efforts Is there anyone out there with any firsthand knowledge about either of them?

Took me 30 seconds to cut and paste. Modern technology is amazing! As for poor drafting, Millen is in a class of his own.

Next time you're feeling down about our past drafts or whether or not we'll go with Floyd or Martin at 10, please take a moment to remember about the suffering of the poor Lions' fans at the hands of Matt Millen. The fact that he was somehow able to keep his job for so long while destroying the Lions year after year still leaves many conspiracy theorists wondering what it was that he exactly had to blackmail the Ford family with. His eight-year tenure as head of the franchise led to the worst eight-year record in the history of the modern NFL (31-97). Sit back and enjoy the show: 2001 Round One 18th overall Jeff Bachus OT Michigan Round Two 50th overall Dominick Raiola C Nebraska Round Two 61st overall Shaun Rogers NT Texas Round Five 148th overall Scotty Anderson WR Grambling State Round Five 149th overall Mike McMahon QB Rutgers Round Six 173rd overall Jason Glenn LB Texas A&M 2002 Round One 3rd overall Joey Harrington QB Oregon Round Two 35th overall Kalimba Edwards DE South Carolina Round Three 68th overall Andre Goodman DB South Carolina Round Four 134th overall John Taylor DE Montana State Round Five 138th overall John Owens TE Notre Dame Round Six 175th overall Chris Cash CB USC Round Seven 214th overall Luke Staley RB BYU Round Seven 252nd overall Matt Murphy TE Maryland Round Seven 259th overall Victor Rogers OG Colorado 2003 Round One 2nd overall Charles Rogers WR MSU Round Two 34th overall Boss Bailey OLB Georgia Round Three 66th overall Cory Redding DE Texas Round Four 99th overall Artose Pinner RB Kentucky Round Five 137th overall Torrance Holt DB North Carolina State Round Five 144th overall James Davis LB West Virginia Round Six 175th overall David Kirkus WR Grand Valley State Round Seven 216th overall Ben Johnson T Wisconsin Round Seven 220th overall Blue Adams CB Cincinnati Round Seven 236th overall Brandon Drumm RB Colorado Round Seven 265th overall Travis Anglin WR Memphis 2004 Round One 7th overall Roy Williams WR Texas Round One 30th overall Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech Round Two 37th overall Teddy Lehman OLB Oklahoma Round Three 73rd overall Keith Smith CB McNeese State Round Five 140th overall Alex Lewis LB Wisconsin Round Six 172nd Kelly Butler T Purdue 2005 Round One 10th overall Mike Williams WR USC Round Two 37th overall Shawn Cody DE USC Round Three 72nd overall Stanley Wilson DB Stanford Round Five 145th overall Dan Orlovsky QB UCONN Round Six 184th overall Bill Swancutt DE Oregon State Round Six 206th Jonathan Goddard LB Marshall 2006 Round One 9th overall Ernie Simms OLB FSU Round Two 40th overall Daniel Bullocks SS Nebraska Round Three 74th overall Brian Calhoun RB Wisconsin Round Five 141st overall Jonathan Scott T Texas Round Six 179th overall Dee McCann CB West Virginia Round Seven 217th overall Fred Matua G USC Round Seven 247th overall Anthony Cannon CB Tulane 2007 Round One 2nd overall Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech Round Two 43rd overall Drew Stanton QB MSU Round Two 58th overall Ikaika Alama-Francis DE Hawaii Round Two 61st overall Gerald Alexander FS Boise State Round Four 105thoverall AJ Davis CB North Carolina State Round Four 117th overall Manny Ramirez G Texas Tech Round Five 158th overall Johnny Baldwin LB Alabama A&M Round Seven 235th Ramzee Robinson CB Alabama 2008 Round One 17th overall Gosder Cherilus T Boston College Round Two 45th overall Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado Round Three 64th Kevin Smith RB Central Florida Round Three 87th Andre Fluellen DT FSU Round Three 92nd overall Cliff Avril DE Purdue Round Five 136th overall Kenny Moore WR Wake Forrest Round Five 146th overall Jerome Felton FB Furman Round Seven 216th overall Landon Cohen DE Ohio Round Seven 218th Caleb Campbell DB Army Comes up way short even if we are going to annoint Calvin Johnson as a HOF'er ("even a broken clock is right twice a day").

Other visitors include Tank Carder, Dre Kirkpatrick and Jonathan Martin: http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2012/03/bills-add-two-more-prospect-visits/ and http://www.buffalobillsdraft.com/2012/03/lb-tank-carder-to-visit-bills/

I second that emotion!!! As much as I like to play fantasy GM, Buddy has done us good (via FA and the draft). I expect another solid draft regardless of the order---OT, WR, OLB, CB, TE, etc...

I hear an awful lot of "experts" saying none of the TEs are first rounders. Though I doubt it will play out that way for us, I'd love to see Fleener there at 41 because he would be a nice weapon to add to our arsenal and a good value considering the number of quality WRs available in this draft.

Listening to the NFL Network's so-called experts' recent discussions about Reiff and Martin has been discouraging to say the least! However, let's not get too carried away. Though one needs to work on his pass protection and the other his run blocking, I've heard the "experts" say that they think both can develop into legit LTs (in apparently short time) and they also agree they're both 1st round talents who are the two best OTs after Kalil. You'd be hard-pressed to say that LT isn't our position of greatest need followed by WR and OLB. IMHO, there is no OLB who is worthy of the 10th pick. So, the question for me is whether or not I'd be happier over the long term with one of the OTs who will be there at 41 (or later) as my starting LT or with one of the WRs available at 41 as my #2 WR (I think we can safely find our LB in the 3rd). Based on everything I've read and heard (which includes the recent pro day performances), it seems to me that I'll be happier a year from now with Martin or Reiff as my LT and Hill/Wright/Sanu/Jeffery as my #2 WR than I would with Floyd andZebrie Sanders. In fact, if we don't take an OT at 10, then there's a good chance we'll have to wait until the 3rd or even 4th rounds to draft our LT of the future and that player will either be as inadequate as Hairston was at LT (I like him at RT) or will take too long to develop into the LT of the future at which time he will leave us. I think Reiff and Martin are close enough right now and can both start from day one without being at least as capable as Hairston (perhaps more so) and definitely more capable than the alternative picks. Most importantly, I think both are better long term at LT and will provide quality protection for years to come. As for the WRs available at 41, with Stevie in the line-up they'll be solid (had we not resigned Stevie, Floyd would be my pick). In fact, I'm tempted to take Fleener if he's there at 41, grab our LB at 72 and then grab WR/CB BPAs with our two picks in the 4th.

Here are some interesting links regarding the WRs in the draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Ranking-the-WR-class-by-Tiers.html (this is a quick cheat sheet of sorts); sure a bunch of you have seen this one http://walterfootball.com/draft2012WR.php; http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombinedetail.php?draftyear=2012&GenPos=WR&sortorder=LastName&order=ASC (scroll down there's a list with links to the WRs); and one more for good measure: http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/receiverbreakdown.html. Not saying any of these are the gospel but they're fun reading. Hope some of you enjoy them..

I'm also in favor of trading down but don't see a partner because I believe the two trade up targets, Tannehill and Richardson will be gone. Though I personally favor an OT (I personally love what I've read about Martin as a player and person, e.g., http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article746147.ece) I would be happy with Floyd or Ingram (even if we have to scheme him into the game because he's not a perfect fit in a 43 he's going to be a beast). I'm nervous about Coples after hearing Casserly saying he's not a top 10 pick and then providing plenty of justifications to back it up. However, I'm a gambling man by nature so maybe Wannstedt and Super Mario will be able to motivate Coples into living up to his potential. At the end of the day, I think we'd all be OK with Martin, Floyd, Ingram or Coples. After all, we need an OT, WR and DE--it's just a matter of when we address it. Of course, that said, let's keep debating because we need something to do until the draft!

I'd be happy resigning Bell (I'm also concerned about Adams--not so much with Martin though). It would open things up in the draft.