Rockinon

Hence the need for a RT that can pass block too. Did I really say hence? I think I'm getting old.

Nobody really knows except Byrd, his agent and the Bills FO. That is why I said "Believed to be". And I am not eve certain it was that much. Point is, NO mad an offer he can't refuse.

I wouldn't mind watching Buffalo's defense making him look just as bad as Geno. They should be looking for offensive line help instead of this.

Mathews and then a good looking safety in Jammie Ward. I wouldn't mind that at all. The D is going to be sick this year.

Have you guys read this? ON THE CLOCK Very interesting read about how teams are rating RT compared to prior years. And also some tidbits about what defenses are bringing now-a-days.

Looking back, I remember how the Bills acquired Glenn. Most teams looked at him as a guard in the draft and simply passed him by. The Bills were one of the few teams that actually looked at his performance as a LT and graded him pretty high. IMO they got an absolutely steal when selecting Glenn. It was surprising to us when we picked him up in the second round and even more surprising that he has performed as well as he has. Even after he was selected, many thought he was going to play guard. Boy were they wrong. The point is this: We have no clue who will be selected. The Bills have their own way of doing things and they don't always follow a formula that makes sense to us. There will be players who the Bills FO identify as a good fit. Meanwhile we always love trying to determine who is the best option for ourselves only to be shocked when things don't go the way that we expect. Anyway, it's all in fun. But I'd like to be right for once, dammit. Just give me someone who will help EJ in the pass protection department and someone who can open holes for our running backs. Do that and I'll be happy. I'll also take a WR and TE. Maybe even another LB or S. Perhaps even some depth on the DL. I tend to lean toward dominant offensive and defensive linemen as a building block and then build from there.

Buffalo offered Byrd, a 3 yr contract believed to be in the neighborhood of 9-10 million a year. That's a total of 27-30million. NO offered a 6 yr contract averaging approximately 9 million per yer. That's a total of 54 million. That is a lot of money to leave on the table. Not only that, Byrd got a very healthy amount in guaranteed money as well. The 2 contracts were not even close to the same. If I was planning for my future, that NO contract is no brainer. I would have left too.

Ya know? I think another year of experience will make a huge difference. Marone also recognized a weakness in the coaching and brought in additional help bolster the offense. I wonder how much of an impact that will be? There are so many different variables that effect a game. Coaching, experience, a player natural talent, a players determination to get better. Looking back on last season and seeing a number of improvements from the previous year and then realizing how young this team is, I can't help thinking big things are about to happen. I'm guessing EJ is all about improving his game. Whoever the Bills bring in on the line, I'm guessing EJ will be working on making quicker decisions. That's surely going to help. He'll also have the help of a full time QB coach.

The Bills have tried that too.

Building through free agency works if you aren't out there trying to hit a home run every time. Picking up players like they have this year......areas of weakness.....modest contract, nothing wrong with that. We still have the draft. What are we supposed to do? Ignore free agency all together?

I actually can't watch them. Something about it just seems to make me feel like someone living in the past. I'd rather watch them win live!

The team had weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Focusing on only one side is a mistake. Agreed. The OP put some thought into this and there's nothing wrong with that.

Gilmore's facebook handle is Bumpnrun Gilmore.

The Bills weren't too shabby in pass coverage throughout the season, even with the loss of Gilmore. Not only that, they were near the top of the league in interceptions. All I can say, is it sure is nice to have a disruptive defensive line for a change. I really don't see the Bills changing their philosophy very much. The DBs all ready do a lot of bumping near the line of scrimmage and I think guys like McKelvin were successful because the coaches actually allowed him to play his own style rather than try and conform him to a defensive philosophy. In fact, I think the philosophy was to allow players to play according to their strengths. Gilmore on the other hand, is a back that likes to get into shoving matches while following his man. Robey is another back with a completely different style. He is small, but very good at closing in quick and snatching an interception or braking up a pass. The addition of Corey Graham, is a big DB with a more physical presence than Robey. It appears the Bills are kind of mixing it up with different kinds of backs. Perhaps so the defense can be more versatile? Bottom line, I don't see our coaches trying to make all of the backs play the same way as the Seahawks. I see a Bills backfield with a lot of talent and a style all their own. We may very well find franchises across the league trying to emulate our style. What really bothered me was the last game against, NE. Brady, one of the best in the business, nearly abandoned the pass game because of the pressure he was getting. Unfortunately for the Bills, NE successfully ran the ball right down our throats. Our pass defense is far from being the problem. I'd actually call it one of our best strengths.

Why do we have to make this so complicated? Here, let me clear up some confusion. We need a right tackle. There see how easy that was?

He's a rookie. He will play according at his rookie pay scale regardless of where he plays.

I think the Bills will go with best player available, but there is one other thing that I am certain they will plan for. They will do what ever they have to, to buy more time for EJ and to find ways opening holes for our running backs. If a highly graded OLman falls to them, they will jump at the chance. Of course, the way things are looking, the top 2 OLman are going to be gone. That is where things start to go a little fuzzy in the prediction department. They could go WR, TE, LB, DL or even QB. My thinking is that whoever it is, it will be someone that Whaley or Marone thinks will have the biggest impact improving the team.

I wouldn't say right now just yet. Things are looking up, but we still need some offensive firepower. Maybe a healthy Hairston will help but while he did an admirable job at LT, he is pretty much unproven at RT. We need to upgrade there yet. Also, I am pretty much sure that EJ is the guy the coaches are planning to ride through this season. He is going to need all the weapons he can get. TE, WR and maulers on the OL. I like our 330lb LG pickup, but he has struggled throughout his career. RT is shaky too. You are right about one thing though. Our needs don't appear to be black hole sized problems like they have been in the past. Whaley looks like he is really doing his homework. I like it. Buffalo was at the top of the league in interceptions before Byrd started playing last year. I think they will be all right. I like the addition of Spikes, but I am concerned about teams exploiting him in passing situations. He will need some coverage help, but I think if there is a team that can handle it, it's Buffalo.......wow, did I really say that.

Of course....the nickname Bickering Bills in the 90's actually came from here. That's still a possibility. I just don't see them doing that without a backup plan. Kiko did a pretty fine job in the middle last year. Man, that must have been a nasty hit.

Remind me again where he lines up on this team. He most definitely will not be replacing Kiko in the middle. He's an OLB. Plain and simple. Just because you can line somebody up anywhere doesn't make it right. Use your head, man. BTW, in case you haven't noticed, this is the Bills, not the Giants.

No. He is an OLB.

OLB

There goes another team in need of a safety Chris Brown ‏@cbreezy2411 15m RB market is getting flooded, Bills can pick up veteran back if desired. Or draft young prospect.

I picked Fred, but I am very surprised there is no love for Kyle Williams.

Whaley also believes it's a possibility. LINKY