BillsVet

It's a subjective argument, therefore it elicits a differing opinions. When you look at guys like Adrian Wilson, they're impact players without having all the supporting elements. I will admit players like Polamalu and Bob Sanders are better, both in reality and statistically, because they've got the supporting cast. But when you draft a player eighth overall, you're looking for someone who doesn't need everything around them to be successful. A fine player makes players around them better. And that's more difficult to do from the secondary than it is from the defensive line. Whitner is not spectacular. He's not a liability either, but falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. And when you're the eighth overall pick, being pushed over to FS after your third season doesn't qualify as being a standout.

Dean, you know where I stand on the 06 draft. While much better than 05, there are serious questions about rebuilding a football team starting with the secondary. I find it ironic many fans are talking about drafting OL and DL, yet the Bills had the chance in three drafts to do that and haven't. When they do take a high DT, the guy is a flop. I'd grade this draft a C. No playmakers, and much of the secondary depth they have is from guys like Corner and McKelvin. Youboty will be in the mix, but his durability is almost nil. Butler and Williams are value picks and decent, but neither is especially strong. I don't think Simpson will be back, as his cap hit is minimal and the Bills can't be thrilled with his off-field transgressions. His recognition is poor and if he was more of the star like he thinks he is, perhaps he'd return. Safety depth isn't hard to acquire. When McCargo's position coach called him out and he couldn't start by his second full season in the league, he became a bust. This draft produced a grand total of 3 starters: Whitner, Butler, and Williams. Butler and Williams are serviceable, but not good starters. If you're counting Ellison as a starter, I'm going to The reality is this draft did not set a foundation it was intended to set.

Ralph Wilson has demonstrated a penchant for not paying coaches or general managers over the past half century. There is no obligation for him to pay them good money, and Shanahan isn't going to go anywhere for less than 4M per. Having said that, Jauron will fail in 2009 and we'll be looking for a new coach in 2010. Unfortunately, RW's insistence on not having a football GM along with his meddling will almost always produce the same result: inept front office leadership and poor coaching.

Buffalo's run blocking dramatically improved when opposing defenses started dropping 6 or 7 into coverage. Running for 186 versus Cleveland looks nice on paper, but the truth is the Browns knew beating the Bills meant saturating the secondary. They did run well against a good Jets defense, but in the one moment they should have run, their HC made a brain dead call to negate all their hard work. Dockery and Walker are very slow. Butler is not very athletic. The center position is a black hole. Peters is their best OL, but didn't play up to his level this year. Greg Easterbrook pointed out that Buffalo ran 30 out of 31 times (non-scrambles) between the tackles against NE. With that kind of offensive innovation, it may not matter how well the OL blocks. The coaching staff was so predictable that it's hard to run the ball.

I'll play fact checker for you. Runyan turned 35 in November and Thomas is 34 as of the same month. Philly isn't going to hand over top picks because Peters is available. Secondly, Carolina has Jordan Gross hitting UFA, with Travelle Wharton and Jeff Otah their other under contract tackles. Otah is more suited for RT, but Wharton is more of a LT. I don't think Carolina has much to offer, considering they traded their first last year to move up and select Otah. I doubt they'd use that many resources on tackles when they have other needs. Detroit is in rebuilding mode (as always) and will not hand over multiple picks for a franchise LT. I'm thinking they'd use one pick on one LT and hope that player performs like a Sam Baker or Ryan Clady.

The 2006 draft has caused as much controversy as any one subject I've seen. I thought it was finally time to apply grades to the players Buffalo took on Draft Day 06. Player grading criteria included the following: 1. The quality of play that player has demonstrated. 2. Place where the player was drafted. It's absurd to apply the same expectations to a 1st rounder as you would a 7th rounder. I did not take into consideration which players were available after a given player was selected. However, there can be no question that better options were available nearly each time Buffalo was on the clock. 1A. Donte Whitner. S Ohio State (8th overall) Whitner has played in 43 games while starting 42 in three seasons. Whitner has played both SS and FS, and appears destined to play FS for the forseeable future. Has recorded 2 INT's, 2 FF, 0 FR and 1 sack in that time. Per PFR, has 185 solo tackles and 70 assists. Whitner's 08 prediction that Buffalo would make the playoffs did not come to fruition. Whitner transitioned to the FS role with Bryan Scott taking his spot when Ko Simpson faltered. He has not shown ball-hawking skills commensurate with a safety, though some argue it is how he is used in Buffalo's defense. Cannot be considered a bust, although he is not the playmaker Buffalo anticipated he would be at this point in his career. One of the few vocal leaders on the team. Grade: C+ 1B. John McCargo. DT North Caroline State (26th overall) McCargo injured his foot after a handful of games in 2006 and was IR'd. Returned in 07, though did not start any games, and went on to collect 2.5 sacks and make a few good plays. Began 2008 as a backup DT and had little impact. IR'd late in the season. Bills traded a 2nd and 3rd to Chicago for the chance to move up and get him. Those picks were sorely needed as the Bills rebuilt after TD's era. Early in 2008, DL Coach Bill Kollar questioned his work ethic, and McCargo was again relegated to backup status. Bills attempted to trade the underachieving DT, but McCargo did not pass a physical. Thereafter, he was IR'd again in 2008. He will not return in 2009, and should be considered a bust. Grade: F 3. Ashton Youboty. CB Ohio State (70th overall) Youboty missed much of 2006 after the death of his mother. Played sparingly on special teams late in the season. Began 2007 buried on the depth chart, but started 3 games before being injured. Has 1 INT, and 1 FF in three seasons. Played nickel CB during 2008, but was IR'd late in the season. Youboty has not been able to remain healthy in 3 seasons. As a result, he's only been able to start 4 games and play in 19 at CB. Jabari Greer took over as starting CB when Youboty went down in 07 and never relinquished the job. Youboty showed improvement in 08, and won the nickel CB job. May return in 2009, the final year of his contract. Must stay healthy if he has any future in the NFL. Grade: C 4. Ko Simpson. S South Carolina (105th overall) Simpson took over for an injured Troy Vincent early in 2006 and played in all 16 games, starting 15. 2 INT's and 1 FF in his rookie season. His 2007 season ended with a broken foot during the first game of the year. Simpson returned in 2008, but lost his job when Whitner moved to FS and Bryan Scott took over at SS. Simpson's ball skills are underwhelming. He has not replicated his play from 2006 and is often very late arriving in coverage. Arrested recently and his future is in serious doubt. Reportedly, "worth millions." Grade: C- 5A Kyle Williams. DT LSU (134th overall) Williams has started at DT for Buffalo since his rookie season. Has four sacks and one forced fumble. Outplayed McCargo in training camp to win the job. Signed to a contract extension in July 2008. Williams has short arms with less athleticism than McCargo. Makes a few plays, but isn't a playmaker. Seems to get lost in the phone booth. Probably best served in a depth role, but with Buffalo's lack of depth on DL he must start. Williams is a hard worker but lacks the physical capabilities to be a good player in the NFL. Grade: B- 5B Brad Butler OL Virginia (143rd overall) Butler sat on the bench in 2006, but received the starting job in 07 after missing most of the preseason. Began 2008 as the starting RG. Injured for a few games in 08 and line played somewhat better with him in the lineup. Butler got the starting job over Jason Whittle and Duke Preston before 07 season began. Butler can be engulfed by larger DT's. An average NFL guard, Butler inked a contract extension recently as well. Grade: B 6 Keith Ellison LB Oregon State (178th overall) Ellison was touted as a smart player when drafted in 06. Began season behind Takeo Spikes, but became starter when injuries mounted. Started in 2007 and 08 at times when more injuries occurred. Ellison is an undersized LB who is better in pass coverage than against the run. He consistently is overwhelmed by tight ends and takes poor angles. Best suited for a backup role, and doesn't have the frame to get bigger. Received playing time because Buffalo's depth at LB was so poor in all three seasons. Grade: C 7A. Terrance Pennington OT New Mexico (216th overall) Pennington was forced into play midway through the 2006 season when Buffalo made moves to their OL. Struggled in run blocking. Cut after 2006 and went to Atlanta. Now out of the league. Pennington was a late attempt to improve the OL. His play was substandard and physically was not able to match up in the NFL. 7B. Aaron Merz OL California (248th overall) Merz was a former walk on at Cal who did not translate into the pro game at guard. Missed entire 2007 season and was cut before 2008. Currently out of the league. Overall, Buffalo used their top 5 picks on defenders, although 3 of their first four were DB's. The 2006 draft was panned by experts, but after the first season looked very good. After three years, these players have not formed the base that Marv Levy and Dick Jauron expected them to be. It also must be questioned why the Bills allocated so many picks to the secondary when huge holes existed on the OL and DL. Overall, this draft is probably no better than average with much of that depending on if Whitner, Butler, and Williams can improve in year 4.

Brown's title is "Lead Journalist." It should be "Lead Propagandist." I realize he has to write those puff pieces about continuity and how the players love DJ therefore he should remain, but even he must scratch his head with some of the games this season.

The only thing stopping RW now is the minimum amount which must be spent as per the CBA. If it weren't for that, we'd be in Florida Marlins territory circa 1998.

I talked to the tooth fairy and Santa last night about DJ. Neither are really impressed. The Easter Bunny likes him, but not as a HC. Seriously, did you see Brett Favre's reaction to the play call a few weeks ago? He was doing everything he could not to laugh. No NFL person can take Dick Jauron seriously after this season. 62 coaches have survived to coach 130 games in NFL history. Only four have a worse winning percentage than he does.

You've missed the point entirely. The W/L column for DJ career is 57-77. 0-1 in the playoffs. That's not good. It's bad. (I'm typing slowly for you) DJ teams rarely overachieve and usually play below their talent level. The 2001 team received several breaks to win games. Read the game reports to see how they won. I'll give you a hint: Mike Brown and fumble recovery will be mentioned. W/L record for DJ has been bad. DJ is bad. DJ's teams are bad. DJ is mediocre. DJ cannot manage gameday clock, hence Chris Brown recommends a gameday manager. DJ hires bad assistants. DJ was a bad assistant. DJ is sticking around because minor league teams like Buffalo need a cheap coach. DJ revels in not answering questions about his suckitude on gameday. DJ hasn't met a FG in the RZ he doesn't like. DJ's teams lose in the most humiliating way. DJ's career record is among the worst in NFL history.

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He should have been arrested for his play this season.

On point 3: DJ is considered a joke in NFL coaching circles. I'm sure you're aware that among active coaches, only Herman Edwards has a lower winning percentage. And I'm also certain that after losing the Jets game in true Joe Piscarcik fashion, that DJ is laughed at privately. Piscarcik's coach never again had a job in the NFL after that game. DJ got an extension. On point 5: It is expected that coaches will coach their players, especially the QB. Yet Edwards was not prepared for certain things and never seemed to deal with teams that dropped 7+ into coverage. The coaching staff did him no favors when things got rough. They failed to get creative. Case in point was against NE, when 30 of 31 non-scrambles went between the tackles according to Greg Easterbrook. On point 7: Depth has been a problem with this team the last few years. Because the team has drafted poorly and will not spend within 22M of the salary cap, you'll see bargain basement signings like Teddy Lehman, Blake Costanzo, and Jerametrius Butler when injuries happen. Contrast this with Baltimore who dealt with 17 guys going on IR, yet found the right players to win. One of them was old favorite Jim Leonhard. Ralph thinks, but it's about his pocketbook. I have no problem with an owner making money, after all that's what they're in it for. But to give approval to a man who cannot beat good teams (6-23 versus teams with .500 or winning records in three seasons) and exhibits poor gameday management is completely asinine.

It's hard to be optimistic when confronted with three issues: 1. An 90 year old owner who insists on making decisions. RW has proven he can't be trusted to make good choices. 2. The lack of a GM. I think it's fair to demand a person who runs the personnel side of the organization. 3. A HC with a combined record of 32-48 in his last five seasons. Those three items will not change for the forseeable future. Add in what looks like a brutal schedule next season, and I'm not sure there will ever be enough talent to overcome the people managing this organization.

Essentially you're marginalizing the Dolphins success because they haven't played more seasons. That has to be the lamest put down for a team going to the playoffs. Go ahead and downplay them all you want. They're still winners and Buffalo is still losers. For the second time, it doesn't matter what next year holds. Miami is in prime shape to be successful for the long term. They set a foundation this year, which ultimately was their goal. It just so happened they made the playoffs. Wayne Huizenga was looking for an 8-8 season, and that was realistic considering the money he spent. But think about that for a moment. 8-8 was his expectation with one year of Parcells. 8-8 is something DJ couldn't do in his last five seasons as a HC. You're not concerned with long term success as you are trying to bring down other franchises for their success. That river in Egypt is where you are right now.

Do I get a scooby snack for saying no flipping way does DJ get canned in-season by Ralphie? There's no way DJ is fired in-season, because that'd be an admission of how bush league this franchise has become. Only strong franchises like San Francisco, Oakland, and St. Louis fire their HC during the season. We're so far above them. Well, maybe not with a 90 year old owner who thinks he knows football. I say give DJ a lifetime contract, as long as RW remains owner. That way, they can drive season ticket sales down to nothing and have another excuse to move the team.

That's a fair list of what this organization needs, and prioritizes the needs. Not having DE's to put pressure on opposing QB's was glaring. In a C2/T2 defense you must generate pressure with the front four or you'll see DB's hung out to dry. A reliable TE with the hands to make catches down the seam would exponentially help Trent. We haven't seen that type of player in Buffalo for a long time. Gresham seems to be that guy, but we're a ways off. Having a center to control large NT's like Jenkins and Wilfork would give Trent more time to throw and a chance to run PA. Fowler and Preston have to be replaced. Unless Crowell is retained, Buffalo needs a better option than Ellison. Still, guys like Costanzo, Bowen, Buggs, DiGiorgio, Corto, et al are all small options to play SLB. They need a LB with some size, and none of the aforementioned are guys who can take on blockers in the phone booth. The backup QB was never more obvious than after JP started. They'll need to address that in UFA. Luxury picks, IMO, would be a G, OT, DT, and SS. But as with any Buffalo off-season there are too many holes and not enough resources to fill them.

Who do you think is a worse coach in the NFL? And feel free to include those who've been fired this season. Thanks. BTW, Mitchell's acquisition was not a huge contract, at 17.5M over 5 yrs with a 3.5M SB, it's a moderate deal by NFL standards. Equally perplexing is why Buffalo would sign an OLB who excelled at blitzing, given their penchant for not doing that with their predominantly C2 defense.

Can Mays play play OLB, C, and TE? Al Davis may as well be drafting if that's the case. Because if they take another DB, TSW may explode.

Don't forget calling elected leaders to ask for subsidies to add more luxury boxes and build a state of the art scoreboard.\ That and calling Schumer to ask for help in getting Goodell to manufacture a schedule which allows him to have more home games in warmer weather.

Miami is in the playoffs no matter what anyone says on this board. It doesn't matter how they did it, Parcells and crew outcoached, outplayed, and outsmarted their opponents, which remarkably was similar to Buffalo's schedule. You and VOR can make any excuse you want for why the Dolphins made it in. Miami won 4 more games than Buffalo did, and managed to go to NE and beat them. The Miami Dolphins are superior to the Buffalo Bills in every way. From owner, to GM, to HC, to assistants, to players' will to win. Buffalo does nothing better, and it's no coincidence that Miami is in the playoffs.

He's an injury waiting to happen. His numbers were down greatly this season. Philly franchised him after last season, but he's not durable enough to warrant a big contract. The Bills have eschewed a all-around good TE for too long now. Jermaine Gresham seems to be the type who can combine blocking and being a down field threat. 11th may be too early, but in order to maximize Edwards' talents, they need someone who can make defenses honest down the seam.

Yes he is. Here are some examples you may not recall: 1. Firing Bill Polian. Taking the side of bean counter extraordinaire Littman and his daughter was the wrong move. 2. Telling Wade Phillips to start Rob Johnson for the Tennessee playoff game. We know this move came from RW. 3. Running Lou Saban off twice in the span of 15 years. Under Saban, RW had all the success he would have from 1960-1979. 4. Running Chuck Knox out of town on account of bad personnel moves. Knox was responsible for the team's only two playoff appearances from 1975 through 1987. 5. Hiring Marv Levy as GM. There is no doubt now that Marv had no clue what he was doing. 6. Promoting Russ Brandon, a marketing guy, to quasi-GM and having no plan for the GM job after Marv retired again. 7. Selling 8 games to Toronto. No prospective HC would want to give up home field advantage once per season. 8. Running John Butler and AJ Smith out of town after the 2000 season. I sense a trend here. I will admit RW was right to not sign the recent CBA finalized in March 2006. But that's far outweighed by his blunders. I'm sure I missed a few, but if you've been around enough, other posters can add to this list. I know RW doesn't have his insurance business anymore, but I wish he offered insurance for Bills fans. He obviously wouldn't because they'd be there to collect each season he owned Buffalo.

The run blocking was an anomaly against NE. Running the ball against CLE when they dropped 8 into coverage is not something to brag about. KC was a terrible defense as well. For some reason the OL got a hair up their rear end playing the NYJ, who embarrassed them 6 weeks prior. But they couldn't run against MIA in TOR, and Denver's run defense was one of the worst in the NFL. No matter how you slice it, they were too inconsistent this season. Lynch was stuffed for no gain 26 times this season, most in the NFL. The run blocking stinks because their lineman are fat immobile types who can't move. I've watched Dockery run, and he's slow as molasses. Walker needs to lose a lot of weight, and I wouldn't be surprised if both were over their listed weights. Bigger isn't better on the OL. When I watch the Giants, Diehl, Seubert, O'Hara, Snee and McKenzie all can move. If Jim McNally couldn't coach this OL into respectability, no one will. The lack of talent was evident all too often, and with a tougher schedule, will be even more obvious next year. They need a center who can move in run blocking and hold their own in pass blocking. They need to sign Peters to a long term contract. They'll eventually need a better RT, tell Dockery to drop some weight because he's unable to be released, and probably add another guard.

Dockery and Walker inhibit more than help their QB and OC. Dockery and Walker are too of the most immobile OL I've seen on this team. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for their salaries. Walker is so slow, especially on the toss plays, that they can't call them. Preston and Fowler were barely NFL caliber, and it showed. Running up the middle with a power back like Lynch was a guaranteed loser. I read somewhere that Lynch was stopped for no gain 26 times this season, tops in the NFL. Yet after an infusion of 100M, this OL isn't much better than the one JPL lined up behind in 2006. Thanks again Marv, Dick, Russ, and of course Ralphie.