We can't fix everything in 1 year...

[keithg]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

[Philo]

I've always been a fan of the old saying, "A good offense starts with a good defense." That being said, I don't know how much that necessarily effects football, but I do think that that was part of the problem last year. We couldn't get the defense off the field on third downs! However, using our first two picks to grab defensive players isn't a lock that the defense will be better, especially with the transition to 3-4, and then in turn improve the offense. It's still a thought, though, that I wouldn't be totally opposed to.

 

Personally, I think our defense isn't too far off from being a top unit, but like I said nothing is guaranteed with the transition. IMO, we are a few key pieces away from having a great defensive unit. We have talented players in Byrd and K. Williams and Poz, but that's not enough. We need a NT, pass rushing specialist OLB, big bad ILB and a lockdown CB. Now, I know these are key fixtures in a 3-4, but what I'm trying to say is that we aren't totally devoid of talent on defense. We do have some pretty talented, young players already.

 

Moreover, we all hope McKelvin can pan out into a great lock-down CB, but that is yet to be seen and after that we don't have any of the other three. Sure, I suppose there is an outside chance Maybin turns into some great pass rushing OLB, but we still definitely need a big nasty ILB and a NT to stop the run. I've always liked Poz and now the Davis signing, but I still think that ILB we need isn't on the roster yet.

 

Just my two cents on the defense.

[sven233]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

 

I agree with the idea.....just not the players. Derrick Morgan is strictly a 4-3 end in my opinion. I think he would struggle greatly with pass coverage and he doesn't have the size to play a 3-4 end. We basically already have a version of Morgan in Maybin. Unlike some, I don't think getting a pass rush out of Maybin will be the tough part. I think he will struggle with pass coverage as well. However, I do believe he is a really good athlete and may be able to pick it up. Point is, I think Maybin is a very similar player in a lot of ways....just a little smaller. We don't need 2 conversion guys out there in a brand new defense.

 

Where I agreee with you is Cody. I know he may battle weight issues, but Wilfork won't soon be confused with a body builder either. I think Cody can be a huge force in the middle of our 3-4 defense on the first couple downs. In obvious passing situations, Kyle Williams can man the nose in the 3-4 to try and generate some extra pass rush. I really like Cody and I hope he is the man in the 2nd. In fact, I wouldn't be opposed to trading up back into the late first to make sure we get him.

 

You're right....we can't fix everything in 1 year. That is why I have been constantly saying that we should not even look at a QB this year. The draft class is much better at QB next year. So, I am out to fill in as many holes as possible this year and then get my new QB in next year's draft. I want a lot of big people in this draft. I want O-Line and D-Line on a regular basis and hope we can get a star or 2 out of the draft. I will then worry about the skilled positions next year. Build my O-line and Front-7 and we'll be in a good place next year to add the skill guys.

[Cereal]

I've always been a fan of the old saying, "A good offense starts with a good defense." That being said, I don't know how much that necessarily effects football, but I do think that that was part of the problem last year. We couldn't get the defense off the field on third downs! However, using our first two picks to grab defensive players isn't a lock that the defense will be better, especially with the transition to 3-4, and then in turn improve the offense. It's still a thought, though, that I wouldn't be totally opposed to.

 

Personally, I think our defense isn't too far off from being a top unit, but like I said nothing is guaranteed with the transition. IMO, we are a few key pieces away from having a great defensive unit. We have talented players in Byrd and K. Williams and Poz, but that's not enough. We need a NT, pass rushing specialist OLB, big bad ILB and a lockdown CB. Now, I know these are key fixtures in a 3-4, but what I'm trying to say is that we aren't totally devoid of talent on defense. We do have some pretty talented, young players already.

 

Moreover, we all hope McKelvin can pan out into a great lock-down CB, but that is yet to be seen and after that we don't have any of the other three. Sure, I suppose there is an outside chance Maybin turns into some great pass rushing OLB, but we still definitely need a big nasty ILB and a NT to stop the run. I've always liked Poz and now the Davis signing, but I still think that ILB we need isn't on the roster yet.

 

Just my two cents on the defense.

 

Interesting thoughts, yet our offense couldn't stay ON the field, therefore the D would never get a break.

[Philo]

Interesting thoughts, yet our offense couldn't stay ON the field, therefore the D would never get a break.

 

You are correct, that's the other half of the problem, but I think that will be less of a problem now that we an offensive minded coach. I have faith that Gailey can find some way to squeeze more production out of the offense even if we have to stick with the same QB's.

[keithg]

That was my central question...I thought I'd hear a bunch of replies like, "We need a LT at 9 or else I will quit being a Bills fan!" But I am hearing that maybe filling as many holes on D then take care of LT and QB second is not as preposterous as first thought.

[....lybob]

When you get your franchise QB next year you'd like an Offensive line that can keep him from getting the hell beaten out of him- I still think Bell has potential but I wouldn't have all my eggs in one basket like Jauron did- this year I'd get 2 OL and a NT in the first 3 rounds. one advantage of the 3-4 is that good pass rushing OLBs are a little easier to find than quality 4-3 DEs.

[DanInUticaTampa]

sticking with the same QBs is one thing. But that Oline needs some more insurance than a 3rd round pick. That oline needs a lot more depth, and a starter for LT. Forget our passing game, our run game won't do crap either. And then injuries is another worry.

 

The QBs.... I wouldn't mind sticking with them. 1) I am not sure I would want clausen and 2) there aren't any FA that really strike my fancy. Edwards would probably be improved with gailey, but i doubt he throws down the field. Brohm has some upside, and he was a well respected project. And unlike edwards, he hasn't really had a chance yet. But he is still unproven. And I like Fitz as a backup, and I won't get pissed that much if he has to come in and play.

 

But Gailey's offense has ALWAYS been heavy on the run. Our RBs can't do crap if if the oline is that much of a mess. They are def going to make a big effort to improve the oline. I think most of us believe they are taking a tackle with the 1st or 2nd picks.

[Rob's House]

That was my central question...I thought I'd hear a bunch of replies like, "We need a LT at 9 or else I will quit being a Bills fan!" But I am hearing that maybe filling as many holes on D then take care of LT and QB second is not as preposterous as first thought.

 

It's still as preposterous. Unless the board on draft day is skewed such that there is MUCH higher value in taking a defensive player first, to do so would be foolish.

 

We've got a lot of talent on defense (regardless of what the whiners say) but we have arguably the worst O-line in the NFL.

[clearwater cadet]

I still think the two most important positions on the field are QB and LT. I think with the first pick you take the best LT or QB out there. In the second round I would look for the NT and/ or possibly see if something worked out with the browns for Shaun Roger, I've heard some mention that they may like to unload him. I wouldn't trade him for a low pick, but maybe a higher pick and a player. I could see him playing there for the 5 years. I think Maybin has to have a chance to be the pass rushing specialist. However I would like to see a stay at home LB, like D. Talley from back in the day, but I wouldn't draft him until the 3rd round. I really don't think the bills are going to do much this year, I think they will have a top 5 pick next year, With a new CBA there should be a cap, I think they will be way below it, plus all those restricted free agents who have been given 1 year tenders will be unrestricted next year in addition to the other who are scheduled to be FA in 2011. I think they should evaluate the talent they have in there new system, and try to make both lines soild for the next year.

[Deep2Moulds46]

It's still as preposterous. Unless the board on draft day is skewed such that there is MUCH higher value in taking a defensive player first, to do so would be foolish.

 

We've got a lot of talent on defense (regardless of what the whiners say) but we have arguably the worst O-line in the NFL.

 

A lot of talent on defense?

 

We don't have one superstar on that side of the ball.

 

Our secondar is set, in my opinion, but Poz is our only above average inside linebacker ( Mitchell and Davis will rotate at the other inside LB spot, and neither are anything more than a role player). Maybin, Schobel, Kelsay and Ellis are currently our outside LBs? REALLY? Some fans seem to be excited about the idea of putting Mitchell outside, with Davis and Poz inside, but I still fail to see what is so exciting about the prospect of having 2 of your 4 starting LB's being completely average.

[John from Riverside]

I dont if I can live with the offense being as bad as it was last year again.......

[Thoner7]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

 

Not bad in theory, but reaching for a need in the third round is a mistake IMO - Ts are not around that late. We need a tackle sure, but its the third round. Chances are we arent getting a starter, so just take the best guy.

 

I would prefer following your strategy but for the OL. Draft two guys in the first three rounds and we have a real OL for the first time in years. If Bulaga or Okung is at 9 its a done deal. Maybe the Bills brass are really fond of T WIllaims or even Iupati at 9. Then I really think the value will be there in round 2 with a T like Charles Browns or A. Davis or a G/C prospect in Pouncy. Good interior guys are always around in the third as well and we should have the pick of the liter. Drafting a LT and an interior guy gives us 4 young studs with Green being the vet at RT. That is a great core to build an entire team around moving forward.

 

We could use the same approach on D, but I think with the depth of the draft we are in a better situation to address the OL.

 

PS We should get George Selvie in the 4th because I think he will be there.

[The Wiz]

Interesting thoughts, yet our offense couldn't stay ON the field, therefore the D would never get a break.

Moorman just needs to work on his hang time on punts.

[Adam]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

Just take the best guys available that fit what you do, and eventually you will be pretty good. Keep reaching and continue to be on the bad side of mediocre

[SuperKillerRobots]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

 

I agree with your reasoning and believe that it is entirely possible that you're right. It seemed like in the first year of the DJ-led regime, the draft was filled with safe but unspectacular picks and lots of those players turned out to just so - Whitner, Ellison, Butler, Youboty to an extent, etc. That seemed to work well when we needed to fill a lot of gaping holes on the team, but looking back on it now, that wasn't the best way to go. I think Nix will place a premium on players who will not only be here in four years, but also big contributing starters. Even if that means not every hole is filled in the order of its actual importance to the team. This is why I could see them taking a pass rush guy over a marginal LT just to fill the position. The BPA at a position of need goes beyond the top two most needy positions.

[dgrid]

I believe the best approach is the OT at #9. If Okung, Bulaga, T Williams are all gone, OK, then maybe go for the pass rusher or NT. #9 is high for Davis & Campbell, but if trading down is possible, still pick em up in 1st rnd.

 

Im ok w/ philosophy of skipping QB and building out the team first, but I think the O-line does need to be near completion this yr.

 

and NT for 2nd pick!

[Steely Dan]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

At 9 we take Derrick Morgan DE/OLB to give us a premiere pass rusher off the edge.

 

At 41 we take the best big NT left (Cody, Odrick, Cam Thomas) and with the free agent signings we seem to (on paper) have a formidable defense to kick some arse.

 

Then in round 3 we take an OT like Saffold, Capers, Veldheer) to compete with D Bell at LT.

 

Just a twist to say having a really strong D that stops the run and gets off the field on 3rd downs would do a world of good for our offense and maybe we see improvement from D Bell and Trent with Gailey's expertise with O game planning.

 

Thoughts??

 

A premiere pass rusher isn't a necessity right now. They have one on the team as good as any draft pick. Maybin needs to be given a year before the Bills use picks for that position. NT and OT are far more important this year. If Maybin busts this year in his new role then they could consider grabbing one next year.

 

I agree with the idea.....just not the players. Derrick Morgan is strictly a 4-3 end in my opinion. I think he would struggle greatly with pass coverage and he doesn't have the size to play a 3-4 end. We basically already have a version of Morgan in Maybin. Unlike some, I don't think getting a pass rush out of Maybin will be the tough part. I think he will struggle with pass coverage as well. However, I do believe he is a really good athlete and may be able to pick it up. Point is, I think Maybin is a very similar player in a lot of ways....just a little smaller. We don't need 2 conversion guys out there in a brand new defense.

 

Where I agreee with you is Cody. I know he may battle weight issues, but Wilfork won't soon be confused with a body builder either. I think Cody can be a huge force in the middle of our 3-4 defense on the first couple downs. In obvious passing situations, Kyle Williams can man the nose in the 3-4 to try and generate some extra pass rush. I really like Cody and I hope he is the man in the 2nd. In fact, I wouldn't be opposed to trading up back into the late first to make sure we get him.

 

You're right....we can't fix everything in 1 year. That is why I have been constantly saying that we should not even look at a QB this year. The draft class is much better at QB next year. So, I am out to fill in as many holes as possible this year and then get my new QB in next year's draft. I want a lot of big people in this draft. I want O-Line and D-Line on a regular basis and hope we can get a star or 2 out of the draft. I will then worry about the skilled positions next year. Build my O-line and Front-7 and we'll be in a good place next year to add the skill guys.

 

That's probably a very good idea. People, like myself, want to see a QB taken this year because it seems so necessary, but it's probably better to build a team that is a little more solid for one to come to. You made a good point about next years draft being deeper with QB's as well. The Bills will probably have a top 15 pick next year and they should be able to get somebody very good there. JMO

[bkc]

I don't disagree with the idea but without a decent left tackle are offense will be useless

[nonprophet]

I know most want the Bills to draft a LT at 9 but what if the coaches/Nix decide to really strengthen the front 7 first and fill in the offense next.

 

Thoughts??

Frankly, the Bills prior defensive unit wasn't that bad; if the Bills offense wasn't cover-your-eyes awful, they would have looked a lot better. The Bills offense is so bad that no defensive unit could compensate for it; even the Super-Bowl-winning Ravens defense wouldn't be as good if they had to play as many snaps as the Bills' defense did per game.

I think the Bills could get away with their new 3-4 defense playing a step or two below their old 4-3 defense if their offense was dramatically improved.