It's pretty embarrassing, reading this board sometimes...

[Maddog69]

Yeah I feel the same way. But as you said the ILB is a much safer bet than Mallet, so the Bills made the smart choice in my opinion. Even if Mallet turns into the next Brady, which I have the sinking feeling he could, nothing says he would have turned out the same on a team like Buffalo.

It will be interesting to see if Mallett is content to work hard and sit behind Brady for several years. I could see that situation getting ugly.

[CodeMonkey]

It will be interesting to see if Mallett is content to work hard and sit behind Brady for several years. I could see that situation getting ugly.

We can only hope, right?

[jumbalaya]

It will be interesting to see if Mallett is content to work hard and sit behind Brady for several years. I could see that situation getting ugly.

Mallett will be a great teammate and will step in when called upon. Nobody will be calling for Brady's head until his arm is gone. Just like what we did with Kelly. Toward the end, it was apparent that Kelly's arm was only good with a week's off between starts. If/when that happens with Brady, they will call for Mallett. Until then no one has any reason to suspect that Mallet will be anything but prepared and ready to fill in when called. This will not be an ugly situation.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

All I know is that this draft really puts in perspective last years draft. This just might be the year that our defense starts pushing people backwards for a change. One thing that I have noticed over the years is that any line, O or D, that gets knocked off the ball most of the time will ultimately fall to injury. When huge strong men are being physically overmatched while being driven backwards, muscles, tendons, and cartilage really get torn up. But when you see a unit imposing their will, they generally stay healthier through the season. How many times have we watched one of our lineman go down because the overmatched guy next to him fell into his legs. Straight dominoes gentlemen.

 

Valid point, Reality. Yep, if you're getting outmuscled and shoved around while trying your hardest, expect injury.

[Maddog69]

Mallett will be a great teammate and will step in when called upon. Nobody will be calling for Brady's head until his arm is gone. Just like what we did with Kelly. Toward the end, it was apparent that Kelly's arm was only good with a week's off between starts. If/when that happens with Brady, they will call for Mallett. Until then no one has any reason to suspect that Mallet will be anything but prepared and ready to fill in when called. This will not be an ugly situation.

 

I respect your opinion, but you have no way of knowing this for sure.

Mallett is rumored to be extremely immature and selfish. Add in the reports of drugs use. It's possible that with money in his pocket and time on his hands, the drug use could become a problem. Even if it doesn't, it's possible that he will be unhappy sitting on the bench but still being expected to put in the work, especially if he gets a chance to play a little bit tastes a little success. I have no idea what will happen, but I am interested in following it.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

It will be interesting to see if Mallett is content to work hard and sit behind Brady for several years. I could see that situation getting ugly.

 

There's no "see if Mallet is content" about it. Mallet will do what he's told and like it, or he'll get hammered out of Foxboro PDQ.

Mallet isn't WonderBoy to NE, he's their 5th pick of the draft equivalent in impact/need to a 5th round pick for most teams.

 

I might loathe the man, but there's no denying Belicheat runs a taut ship.

Mallet couldn't have gone to a better place for him to keep his head on straight and develop.

 

Also agree with CodeMonkey: Mallet may succeed in NE, it does not follow he would have become the same player somewhere else.

[Zulu Cthulhu]

I would have liked Dalton or Kaepernick on Rd2 instead of a DB

 

Just curious and not attacking you as some have, but what about either of those two players makes you think they would end up being a better option at QB than Fitzpatrick?

 

You spend a lot of time highlighting Fitz's mediocrity as a reason the current Bills won't ever contend. I agree he's not an elite passer and almost definitely never will be. But Dalton and Kaepernick, despite coming from winning college programs, seem to have glaring weaknesses in their games.

 

Aaron Williams fills a more pressing need for the team, IMO. He will be able to contribute quicker than either of those two qbs. In my mind, the Bills made the right choice if they're trying to get better immediately, which should be their mentality.

[BADOLBILZ]

Honestly, I know it's an open forum, which means any half-wit with an internet connection and a keyboard can speak his mind, but the gnashing of teeth over late round draft picks is both comical and embarrassing. We have supposedly "knowledgeable" football fans who can't understand how many defensive backs a team needs to go to training camp. We have folks apparently unwilling to accept that the Bills' front office didn't believe a developmental prospect at QB was more important than finding players who can contribute immediately. We have people who think two RBs are enough for an entire season. This stuff amazes me - particularly the "Joe Schmoe was sitting there in the 6th round; how did these idiots not take him?" nonsense.

 

The Bills just got a lot more talented and addressed a number of significant needs. They couldn't fix everything with nine draft picks, but we are in a heluva lot better shape than we were on Thursday afternoon. Did everyone suddenly forget that except for about three games, the talent-poor 2010 Bills were in a position to win every game if they make a few plays in the 4th quarter or OT?

 

I'm tired of the decade of losing as much (if not more) as anyone. I've only enjoyed approximately 40% of my Sundays over the last 12 years. But only the most pessimistic of fans would not be encouraged by what we're seeing out of the organization.

 

If I'm too "optimistic" for your liking...well, then, kiss off.

 

In all honesty, I get that there are eternal optimists. That's fine and a great way to be. But then there are people like yourself who masquerade as optimists but actually are just displacing their frustration onto other fans. Is it really necessary to start a thread about negativity every day? Some think so. I guess it's easier than facing the reality of losing head on and perhaps a type of therapy for you in the way that sports talk radio is therapy for 40 year old toll booth workers that live in their mom's basement(funny movie).

 

But it's just the height of uncool behavior.

 

Fan on fan crime is perverse. There is no way most of you would walk up to fans debating the merits of moves made by the team in a tailgate party and go douche-a-rama like that. Sports are a past time that inspires debate, not a religion whose principles must be abided regardless of outcomes. Stop chasing fans around who don't share your optimism because there is not a single thing wrong with seeing 11 years of losing in a negative light.

[Maddog69]

Just curious and not attacking you as some have, but what about either of those two players makes you think they would end up being a better option at QB than Fitzpatrick?

 

You spend a lot of time highlighting Fitz's mediocrity as a reason the current Bills won't ever contend. I agree he's not an elite passer and almost definitely never will be. But Dalton and Kaepernick, despite coming from winning college programs, seem to have glaring weaknesses in their games.

 

Aaron Williams fills a more pressing need for the team, IMO. He will be able to contribute quicker than either of those two qbs. In my mind, the Bills made the right choice if they're trying to get better immediately, which should be their mentality.

 

Dalton seems very intelligent. He won a ton of games in college and the very next team in the draft thought he was worthy of being selected.

Kaepernick, I don't know much about other than what I saw at the combine. But many on this board and many of the 'experts' said he fit the type of QB that Gailey likes, so he seemed like a fit.

 

As far as Williams filling a bigger need, I would disagree. Starting QB is far more important than Nickel corner, IMO.

[eball]

In all honesty, I get that there are eternal optimists. That's fine and a great way to be. But then there are people like yourself who masquerade as optimists but actually are just displacing their frustration onto other fans. Is it really necessary to start a thread about negativity every day? Some think so. I guess it's easier than facing the reality of losing head on and perhaps a type of therapy for you in the way that sports talk radio is therapy for 40 year old toll booth workers that live in their mom's basement(funny movie).

 

But it's just the height of uncool behavior.

 

Fan on fan crime is perverse. There is no way most of you would walk up to fans debating the merits of moves made by the team in a tailgate party and go douche-a-rama like that. Sports are a past time that inspires debate, not a religion whose principles must be abided regardless of outcomes. Stop chasing fans around who don't share your optimism because there is not a single thing wrong with seeing 11 years of losing in a negative light.

You're apparently another one with reading comprehension issues. I'll stand by my original post. If you think I'm "uncool" I guess I'll have to summon the strength to deal with it.

 

I would have liked Dalton or Kaepernick on Rd2 instead of a DB

My view concerning Dalton is that he's essentially a Fitz 2.0 -- no big arm, but smart as heck and a good leader. Why draft that guy when you've got a 27-year-old Fitz already here? The Bills are looking for the "10-12 year" guy.

 

Kaepernick is a project by almost everyone's evaluation. Again, does he have "future of the franchise" written all over him? You have a more than serviceable guy at the position now, and more pressing needs to address.

 

I'm interested in understanding your take on Fitz, since you clearly have no faith in him whatsoever.

[BADOLBILZ]

You're apparently another one with reading comprehension issues. I'll stand by my original post. If you think I'm "uncool" I guess I'll have to summon the strength to deal with it.

 

Uncool was the optimistic way to characterize you.

[Rico]

Uncool was the optimistic way to characterize you.

[JAMIEBUF12]

Honestly, I know it's an open forum, which means any half-wit with an internet connection and a keyboard can speak his mind, but the gnashing of teeth over late round draft picks is both comical and embarrassing. We have supposedly "knowledgeable" football fans who can't understand how many defensive backs a team needs to go to training camp. We have folks apparently unwilling to accept that the Bills' front office didn't believe a developmental prospect at QB was more important than finding players who can contribute immediately. We have people who think two RBs are enough for an entire season. This stuff amazes me - particularly the "Joe Schmoe was sitting there in the 6th round; how did these idiots not take him?" nonsense.

 

The Bills just got a lot more talented and addressed a number of significant needs. They couldn't fix everything with nine draft picks, but we are in a heluva lot better shape than we were on Thursday afternoon. Did everyone suddenly forget that except for about three games, the talent-poor 2010 Bills were in a position to win every game if they make a few plays in the 4th quarter or OT?

 

I'm tired of the decade of losing as much (if not more) as anyone. I've only enjoyed approximately 40% of my Sundays over the last 12 years. But only the most pessimistic of fans would not be encouraged by what we're seeing out of the organization.

 

If I'm too "optimistic" for your liking...well, then, kiss off.

perfectly said eball.............go bills!!!

[Maddog69]

You're apparently another one with reading comprehension issues. I'll stand by my original post. If you think I'm "uncool" I guess I'll have to summon the strength to deal with it.

 

 

My view concerning Dalton is that he's essentially a Fitz 2.0 -- no big arm, but smart as heck and a good leader. Why draft that guy when you've got a 27-year-old Fitz already here? The Bills are looking for the "10-12 year" guy.

 

Kaepernick is a project by almost everyone's evaluation. Again, does he have "future of the franchise" written all over him? You have a more than serviceable guy at the position now, and more pressing needs to address.

 

I'm interested in understanding your take on Fitz, since you clearly have no faith in him whatsoever.

 

The comparison of Dalton and Fitz makes sense. Fitz's problems are accuracy and turning the ball over late in games. Dalton has better accuracy and performed extremely well late in games. I too see Dalton as Fitz 2.0. He is a younger, more accurate version of Fitz with more upside.

[Zulu Cthulhu]

Dalton seems very intelligent. He won a ton of games in college and the very next team in the draft thought he was worthy of being selected.

Kaepernick, I don't know much about other than what I saw at the combine. But many on this board and many of the 'experts' said he fit the type of QB that Gailey likes, so he seemed like a fit.

 

As far as Williams filling a bigger need, I would disagree. Starting QB is far more important than Nickel corner, IMO.

 

Fitzpatrick is probably even more intelligent, with a better arm. I already stated I was aware both came from winning programs, which was a plus. Dalton didn't win those games on his own however. Just because Cincinnati picked him after us does not help your argument. It hurts it, actually. The Bengals (Mike Brown) aren't known for being very shrewd drafters (remember Andre Smith?), and their quarterback situation is in much more dire straits.

 

As far as the need argument, I suppose I should have used "pressing need" not "bigger need." Of course quarterback is the biggest need for any team as it's the most important position on the field. Buffalo simply didn't view either Dalton or Kaepernick as a significant upgrade over Fitzpatrick(and they know more than you). With that opinion, choosing either of those two wouldn't really be addressing that "need" now, would it?

 

So they passed on those QBs, and instead took a player that addressed a more pressing need in Williams. With so many DBs leaving or reaching the end of the line, the Bills had to find replacements for their secondary. No team is going to go far with street free agent cornerbacks. Defensive backs have high salaries relative to other positions for that reason - it's a important position and good talent is harder to find there.

[eball]

The comparison of Dalton and Fitz makes sense. Fitz's problems are accuracy and turning the ball over late in games. Dalton has better accuracy and performed extremely well late in games. I too see Dalton as Fitz 2.0. He is a younger, more accurate version of Fitz with more upside.

Fair enough. I guess we have to assume Chan and Buddy think they can get what they need out of Fitz while they wait for the guy who really brings something special to the table.

 

Personally, I think Fitz will be even better this year than last. He's the unquestioned leader from day one, for the first time in his NFL career, and unlike several of our previously anointed QBs he actually seems ready to grab it by the horns and do something with it.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

I agree with this completely. The picks we made are to replace current FA's not to add to the roster. This defense did not get better, just younger and cheaper.

 

I'm not sure I agree with this. Hear me out, if you please.

 

Of the Bills 5 CB, McGee and Florence are quality but over thirty (in a position that ages young).

Corner and Youboty are adequate, and could use upgrades. McKelvin shows promise but struggles with injuries.

I would like to see them resign Florence AND it will still be time to start grooming some young guns as replacements.

 

Of the Bills 5 safeties, Wilson and Scott are over thirty (in another position that ages young). Byrd showed promise a year ago but backslid this year.

Corto - I think could use at least competition. I'd like to see us re-sign Whitner, but I'm concerned that he won't be content with "good" money and is going for top-5 safety $$ his play for our team does not justify.

The way he back tackles and doesn't wrap drives me nuts and he can't seem to cover a TE with a blanket. It's not his fault - at 5'10" and 208 he was drafted to fit Jauron's "small nimble" mode and to play Tampa 2. He doesn't fit well with where Chix want to take us. I still would like to see us keep him, but not for top-5 $$ unless it's highly incentivized.

 

Even if we do resign Whitner, with two guys over 30 it legitimately is time to draft and start grooming a replacement.

 

Otherwise the Bills D will be like stuffing foam into a box, just when we get the run game stuffed the passing game jumps out to bite us.

 

And to the OP, I find you message to be pretty arrogant. Anybody who doesn't agree with your blind optimism and has the audacity to question the great and powerful Front Office is a "half wit with a keyboard". We get it, you'll find a way to love every move the Bills make and will scream at anyone who doesn't. Since the point of this board is to debate differing opinions, maybe it is you who should "piss off" if you don't like it.

 

Well, that's not how I read it. eball doesn't strike me as blindly optimistic or loving of every move the Bills make. It is nice to see points debated on reason and not just "oh no we drafted 3 DB the sky is falling gloom doom!"

Your mileage apparently varies, it's all good.

[Maddog69]

I'm not sure I agree with this. Hear me out, if you please.

 

Of the Bills 5 CB, McGee and Florence are quality but over thirty (in a position that ages young).

Corner and Youboty are adequate, and could use upgrades. McKelvin shows promise but struggles with injuries.

I would like to see them resign Florence AND it will still be time to start grooming some young guns as replacements.

 

Of the Bills 5 safeties, Wilson and Scott are over thirty (in another position that ages young). Byrd showed promise a year ago but backslid this year.

Corto - I think could use at least competition. I'd like to see us re-sign Whitner, but I'm concerned that he won't be content with "good" money and is going for top-5 safety $$ his play for our team does not justify.

The way he back tackles and doesn't wrap drives me nuts and he can't seem to cover a TE with a blanket. It's not his fault - at 5'10" and 208 he was drafted to fit Jauron's "small nimble" mode and to play Tampa 2. He doesn't fit well with where Chix want to take us. I still would like to see us keep him, but not for top-5 $$ unless it's highly incentivized.

 

Even if we do resign Whitner, with two guys over 30 it legitimately is time to draft and start grooming a replacement.

 

Otherwise the Bills D will be like stuffing foam into a box, just when we get the run game stuffed the passing game jumps out to bite us.

 

 

 

Well, that's not how I read it. eball doesn't strike me as blindly optimistic or loving of every move the Bills make. It is nice to see points debated on reason and not just "oh no we drafted 3 DB the sky is falling gloom doom!"

Your mileage apparently varies, it's all good.

 

Great points in the first part of your respone. That does make a lot of sense. I don't get the point you were making in the second response.

[DrDawkinstein]

Great points in the first part of your respone. That does make a lot of sense. I don't get the point you were making in the second response.

 

Even more on our DBs, I just put together what I could see our Defensive roster looking like. Even if we do re-sign Whitner and Florence (which we should), we're still coming in with just enough DBs. Due to this draft, we also get to cut Kelsay, Maybin, and McCargo. Immediate improvements.

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/129839-how-you-like-our-d-now/page__view__findpost__p__2155643

 

Let me know what you think...

Edited May 1, 2011 by DrDareustein

[ColdBlueNorth]

True that.

 

You cannot win championships without a great defense, good defenses put the ball in the hands of your offense more. If we didn't rank dead last at the end of last season, we were close to that in the time of possession battle. Teams could either slash our 32nd rank run defense, or if we did get them in 3rd and long we couldn't generate any pressure on opposing QBs to prevent completions. Shoring up the defense was priority one, and adding Dave Wannstedt gives a much needed infusion of experience, leadership, and knowledge that was lacking in our defensive schemes and execution.

 

How can you not get excited about a defensive line that has a rotation with Dareus, Kyle, Troup, and a potential monster in Jasper, with Carrington on the edge. Throw in a Moats blitz now and then and god forbid if (big IF I know) Merriman recovers some of his old form. The Bills have had some good fortune in the past with linebackers that were supposedly in the twilight of their careers: Spielman, Paup, and Spikes to name a few.

 

Studies have shown that reaching for a QB in the 1st round can set an organization back several years because the money that is tied up in the investment and the unwillingness of a franchise to give up on a failed prospect after so much investment. If the talent evaluators and the Bills staff did not see a QB worthy of the third pick, (we will not know for sure if they were sold on Newton till Gailey and Nix write some kind of autobiography - and does it really matter), then you grab the best player there. From what I have read, most folks that make their living ranking these prospects believe that Darius was the consensus #1 in this draft.

 

They will grab a FA tightend, and some UFAs that didn't get taken. As far as the O-line, LT Bell made strides while coming back from knee surgery, and I like Levitre where he was at home at LG (he is athletic enough to pull and get out there in space). I like Woods at Center, and that moves Hangartner to the right guard spots or as a serviceable backup to all three interior spots. I liked Urbik before the injury at right guard, we have some intriguing prospects and Wang learning the LT ropes year 2 sans hand injury. With their draft of Chris Hairston they have a really good chance to shore up that right tackle spot with a road grader who played with Spiller and can open holes.

 

Some pundits have Fitz running for his life this year, but if that line can stay in one piece for most of this year we have a good chance to run the ball. If the Bills can run the ball, Ryan will stay off the turf and will have a lot more options on 3rd and short. I like our young core of receivers and we have the potential receiving steal of the draft last year healthy and ready to compete for a spot.

 

Glass half full for me - I like what Buddy and Chan are doing. It makes good football sense to me, and if folks want to gripe and moan and blast this post about how real football men build a team, they could always go back to Marketing folks running the franchise.

 

Edited May 1, 2011 by ColdBlueNorth