BillsVet

I believe when a new GM enters the fray, the fastest way to rebuilding a team is to build the OL and DL. It's cliche, but it works. I'm not clear why it wasn't done in 06 when the Bills were faced with very little talent on either line. Parcells did it in MIA, Dimitroff in ATL, and edit: Ozzie Newsome in BAL way back when. I like that they've used early picks on OL and DL. But had there been more picks in 06 and 07 in this area, we might not need to have done it this season. There's so many variables to consider, as in who was available in 06 and 07, but those were the years to be starting with the OL and DL in draft. You can't buy an OL and DL and back then that was the prevailing thought of Levy and the front office.

BB is one of the top talent evaluators in the draft. They have a front office that correctly anticipates issues before they happen, and in this case are doing so with their DB's. They also replace talent so adeptly it's scary because they know who to let go and when to do so. Players like Deion Branch, Banta-Cain, D. Graham, D. Woody, amid others are replaced at a lesser cost so the team remains healthy cap wise. For Belichick and Floyd Reese, that's what this draft has been about: getting cap healthy and finding low cost alternatives should people like Wilfork be too expensive to keep.

Miami used their 5 picks in the first year of the Parcells era on lineman: OT Jake Long, DE Philip Merling, DE Kendall Langford, OG Shawn Murphy, and OG Donald Thomas. They'd previously signed OG Justin Smiley, and this season inked Jake Grove while re-signing RT Vernon Carey. He builds from the lines out. As does Andy Reid. Any team without a DL and OL in a rebuild project that doesn't take big guys first is handling it all wrong.

DJ at it again.

I placed my signature there for a reason. I'm not a fan of building hype without action in the offseason. At this point, they've got to prove themselves. We'll see in a few months.

Hey internet hero, Your tone ain't appreciated. I'm saying they've spent a ton of resources on secondary type players, not merely CB's. You haven't been around awfully long, and had Buffalo earmarked as much on the OL for previous seasons as they did this weekend, they'd most likely be better. This is a message board for fans of the Bills, not somewhere to browbeat people who don't agree with you.

Buffalo's drafted (not including Harris) 8 DB's in 4 drafts. They've signed Bowen, K. Thomas, Webster, and Florence. Scott is a street FA. By my count, that's 13 DB's signed in four seasons. Buffalo inherited Clements, Greer, and McGee. Guess I'm miffed on the Byrd pick, aside from one thing: most of their DB's have contracts expiring soon. If Byrd can be a long term starter (not a Simpson who plays because he had to in 06 and 07) I'm OK with it.

Let's wait at least a few games before grading this draft. EDIT: The names are nice. Let's see if they match you with the anticipated talent we've assigned them in the pro game. Not one of these guys has taken a snap in the NFL, although I'll admit I'm optimistic.

We don't have any under 240 pound LB's who can play ST beside Ellison, DiGiorgio, Buggs, Bowen, and Corto. Should fit right in with the scheme. Perhaps Mitchell to SAM.

In the wake of Buffalo's off-field issues, I'm not sure they're keen on adding a player with issues, despite the talent to play SLB.

Perhaps, but getting toughness out of DB's and WR's is a lot different than where it matters most-in the trenches. It's cliche, but the idea that they've finally decided to go OL can't be underestimated after not having the horses on OL. Or maybe clydesdales I'm not keen on starting 2 rookie OG's, but I like that both players are smart and study film. They've got plenty of time played in college, (Wood has 49 starts) and Levitre has played all over. What does this say about Butler? Not sure if he's a RT candidate, but it's early.

Check out Bill Walsh's draft with the 49ers in 86. He made a whole bunch of trades, and ended up getting a lot of guys like Tim McKyer, Tom Rathman, Charles Haley, John Taylor, OT Steve Wallace, Don Griffin. I think this draft will be more remembered for the 2nd through 4th rounders than the top picks. JMO, but this draft seems reminiscent of the 86 draft.

I don't care what anyone says, Bill Cosby is a great man. His stuff about feeding his kids cake for breakfast is one funny bit.

Russ Brandon claimed they went with the best player and didn't alter their draft strategy. I fail to see the logic in his statement, although I completely understand he won't tell the whole truth. They must have known there was a serious lack of toughness on the interior OL. It's been a long darn time since Buffalo walked on the field and intimidated other teams. At guard, the draft was weak at the top, and Buffalo needed immediate starters. Those two guys need to be immediate starters to justify their draft position.

DJ doesn't make the picks. And I'm sure he got his bone is getting a DB on day 1. But the reality is, what DJ does on the field will always be his most important contribution to this team. And after 8 seasons as a HC, he's made his share of blunders. MNF 07 and 08. DEN WK 1 07. Failure to find quality coordinators. The list goes on and on and his rear end should be on the line this year.

I love it. Finally a receiving TE who can block. Pancaked Maualuga at the Senior Bowl workouts.

DJ teams take guys who block first and may or may not be able to catch. I think they'll feature more 3 WR sets, and feature Fine underneath. But yeah, I can't see them taking a receiving TE like Nelson. I'd be happy if they did though.

Knowing how DJ absolutely refuses to play rookies, it'll be interesting to see where Maybin fits in. I'd like to see him featured on passing downs as well. I can't help but think DJ has to change things he'll prefer not to, i.e. playing rookies over experienced vets who aren't as talented. I like Maybin's explosiveness off the edge, his 10 yard split was impressive. I really don't care who's getting to QB, as long as the Bills DL can do it. Whether DJ is willing to take a risk and play rookies is another matter.

The SAM is supposed to shed blocks and take on the TE or lead blocker. Ellison will never be a sizable LB, and hasn't put on much weight since his rookie season. Strength alone isn't sufficient. I think they switch Mitchell from WILL to SAM, and Bowen or Ellison compete for the WILL. DiGiorgio is their depth at MLB. The other LB's all weigh in the 225 to 235 range, which will get you eaten up on the strong side.

I would still like to know, after playing for CAR for two seasons, why the Panthers felt the need to spend a 2nd on Ryan Kalil. And Hangartner didn't sign a massive contract, reportedly only 4 yrs and roughly 10M. That doesn't mean he's a guaranteed starter. That's Tutan Reyes 06 money.

We love you Bill. I get the feeling the Bills felt the need to throw DJ a bone, with him probably locked out of room for the first round. Going DL and OL in the first is a step in the right direction, albeit something they shoulda done a long time ago. Byrd ran a 4.69 at the combine and represents the 8th DB selected out of 31 picks by DJ's Bills. They've also signed numerous UFA's, yet we needed another DB. Funny how the secondary never gets enough attention.

At this point I've got to think they'll move K. Mitchell to SAM and move Ellison/Bowen/Keiaho/other 225 pound LB into the WILL. The idea that Ellison will be a starter, or perhaps the super rookie Bowen is downright scary, espeically at SAM where shedding blocks is essential. Those two guys are undersized. At TE, they're basically saying they need a blocker and not a receiver. NE does this, with 3 WR sets but I'd still like to see a TE who can stretch the seam.

Derek Fine is your starting TE. Before getting cute in the secondary, address a position which has been a wasteland for 15 years. And BTW, Buffalo has signed 4 UFA's and drafted 8 DB's since 2006 out of 30 picks. What if we'd done that on the OL and DL combined?

Really like the three line picks. Not high on Byrd, but it's nit-picking and I'd like a TE who can run the seam and make opposing LB's keep up with them.

Totally agree. I don't think Buffalo takes anyone who is even somewhat developmental. They need instant starters with their top 2, maybe 3 picks, because the entire organization should be riding on this draft. They're going to take a guy with less upside but the ability to start as opposed to selecting someone with lots of potential who might not be ready to go from Day 1. That's not the way to build a team, but if you're desperate like Buffalo, you've got to win now. What irks me is they had chances in UFA to sign players and didn't for money reasons. Now they've put so much pressure on drafting immediate starters who of course will make less.