VirginiaMike Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 In looking at the team the Bills will put on the field for 2012, I've tried to look at what they currently have and who amongst them should be in the starting line-up for 2012 and where they need to find someone who can fill that role. I've identified a few folks who, in my opinion, should be resigned in (). I've assumed a 4-3 defense and that our base offense is starting 3 wideouts. It would be different if we stick with a 3-4. what's your opinion. Those in () are folks I think need to be resigned and would start. A ? represents a hole. Offense WR (3) – (S Johnson); D. Nelson; ? – Nelson as a #3 TE – (S. Chandler) RB – F. Jackson or Spiller – both fit the task QB – R Fitzpatrick LT – (D. Bell) – question if he can stay healthy LG – A. Levitre C – E. Wood RG – K Urbik RT – E Pears Defense DE (2) – C Kelsay; ? – Most folks will not agree with Kelsay, but I think he is solid, but not spectacular DT (2) – K Williams; M. Dareus MLB - ? OLB (2) – N Barnett; ? CB (2) - ?; ? – Not sure that McGee can stay healthy and if Florence is really a solid starter SS – G. Wilson FS – J Byrd
CBD Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) CB (2) - ?; ? Not sure that McGee can stay healthy and if Florence is really a solid starter Aaron Williams is likely one of your starters, I'm guessing Florence will be the other. I'm also guessing McGee is cut and they draft another CB in the bottom half of the draft. I don't want D Bell back, he's always hurt and is going to cost quite a bit as probably the best free agent OT this offseason. Edited January 26, 2012 by Carey Bender
VirginiaMike Posted January 26, 2012 Author Posted January 26, 2012 Aaron Williams is likely one of your starters, I'm guessing Florence will be the other. I'm also guessing McGee is cut and they draft another CB in the bottom half of the draft. I don't want D Bell back, he's always hurt and is going to cost quite a bit as probably the best free agent OT this offseason. Thanks -- forgot about Aaron Williams -- yes, he is one of the starters.
KD in CA Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 I'm guessing Bell and McGee are gone and Sheppard will fill one of the LB spots, and that the 1st round pick will be expected to start at either LB, LT, or WR depending on the pick.
metzelaars_lives Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 Sheppard and A Will are 100% slam dunk starters going into next season. BTW, ya know what would be awesome? If they went to a 4-3, somehow Troup miraculously becomes good and they move Williams to DE and lined up with Dareus and Troup in the middle. That would be an intimidating front four. Or even lined up with those three in a 3-man front.
CBD Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 Sheppard and A Will are 100% slam dunk starters going into next season. BTW, ya know what would be awesome? If they went to a 4-3, somehow Troup miraculously becomes good and they move Williams to DE and lined up with Dareus and Troup in the middle. That would be an intimidating front four. Or even lined up with those three in a 3-man front. If they stay in a 3 man front I honestly don't hate their chances of finding at least a serviceable starter amongst Troup, Carrington, Edwards, Heard and Spencer Johnson.
HuSeYiN1978 Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 In looking at the team the Bills will put on the field for 2012, I've tried to look at what they currently have and who amongst them should be in the starting line-up for 2012 and where they need to find someone who can fill that role. I've identified a few folks who, in my opinion, should be resigned in (). I've assumed a 4-3 defense and that our base offense is starting 3 wideouts. It would be different if we stick with a 3-4. what's your opinion. Those in () are folks I think need to be resigned and would start. A ? represents a hole. Offense WR (3) – (S Johnson); D. Nelson; ? – Nelson as a #3 TE – (S. Chandler) RB – F. Jackson or Spiller – both fit the task QB – R Fitzpatrick LT – (D. Bell) – question if he can stay healthy LG – A. Levitre C – E. Wood RG – K Urbik RT – E Pears Defense DE (2) – C Kelsay; ? – Most folks will not agree with Kelsay, but I think he is solid, but not spectacular DT (2) – K Williams; M. Dareus MLB - ? OLB (2) – N Barnett; ? CB (2) - ?; ? – Not sure that McGee can stay healthy and if Florence is really a solid starter SS – G. Wilson FS – J Byrd Florence sucks... Shepperd starts at middle
Paup 1995MVP Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 Sheppard and A Will are 100% slam dunk starters going into next season. BTW, ya know what would be awesome? If they went to a 4-3, somehow Troup miraculously becomes good and they move Williams to DE and lined up with Dareus and Troup in the middle. That would be an intimidating front four. Or even lined up with those three in a 3-man front. I disagree that Sheppard is a slam dunk starter next season. Where is all the love coming from for him? I thought he did next to nothing last year. He was either out of position, or was being swallowed up and being put on his back by an O lineman on many plays. I would want to see a whole lot more out of him before I annoint him as a starter. Our defense was terrible last year. We have three solid NFL starters in the front seven in Barnett, K Williams and Dareus. Kelsay is decent enuf to be a solid rotational guy at DE. But we need some major upgrades at LB and DE, Whether from the draft or free agency. I just did not see much from Sheppard that shows me he has upside to be a constant difference maker at the NFL level. I agree that Aaron Williams looks like he has starter potential at CB. But we need to get rid of Florence. He is terrible. We can keep McKelvin as depth. And McGee can still make plays if healthy. But that is probably too much of a question mark at this stage of his career judging by the past two seasons. My god, I sure hope we are active in free agency because we have LOTS of HOLES to fill, kind of like we do EVERY SINGLE year.
Maddog69 Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 If we play a 4-3, Barnett will definitely start at MLB Hopefully we sign Avril and draft an OLB Avril, Dareus, Williams and Kelsay upfront Sheppard, Barnett and Rookie (Upshaw?) at LB
Pete Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Question for those who want Bell gone- who will be our LT next season?
CBD Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Question for those who want Bell gone- who will be our LT next season? Either Hairston, who started for Bell while he was out, or a high draft choice (could be Reiff or Martin in the 1st).
Pete Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Either Hairston, who started for Bell while he was out, or a high draft choice (could be Reiff or Martin in the 1st). meh...Hairston is a nice backup and good be solid at RT. I am not sold on Reiff or Martin and neither is worthy of the #10 selection. Besides, they would both be rookies starting at LT. And we need pass rushers first and foremost. Watch the Giants. That is how they win and that is how you beat the Patsies
CBD Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 (edited) meh...Hairston is a nice backup and good be solid at RT. I am not sold on Reiff or Martin and neither is worthy of the #10 selection. Besides, they would both be rookies starting at LT. And we need pass rushers first and foremost. Watch the Giants. That is how they win and that is how you beat the Patsies With Bell's inability to stay healthy what difference would it make? Percentages say Hairston will be starting the majority of the games anyway. Also, I've yet to see Reiff or Martin ranked where they wouldn't be worthy of the #10 pick. I don't like the idea of picking for need, so taking a pass rusher just because he's a pass rusher can come back to bite you. A big part of the the Giants game is pass rush, but the Bills beat the Patriots this past season, so apparently there's more than one way to skin a cat. Besides, said pass rusher that you're drafting would be a rookie also. Edited January 27, 2012 by Carey Bender
mikef272002 Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Defense LE - Carrington / Johnson DT - Marcel / Troup DT - Kyle Williams / Heard RE - 1st round Drafted / Kelsey LB - Merrimen / Moats ML - Barnett RL - Sheppard CB - Aaron Williams / McKelvin / 4th round Drafted CB - Florence / Rogers SS - Wilson / Scott FS - Byrd / Sergcy ( However you spell it ) Offense LT - 2nd round drafted LG - Levitre C- Wood RG - Urbik RT - Pears TE - Chandler QB - Fitz RB - Spiller WR - Johnson WR - Free agent WR - Jones / Nelson / Easley / 3rd round drafted
JM57 Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 If we play a 4-3, Barnett will definitely start at MLB Hopefully we sign Avril and draft an OLB Avril, Dareus, Williams and Kelsay upfront Sheppard, Barnett and Rookie (Upshaw?) at LB I think in a 4-3 Sheppard is a better fit inside and Barnett outside. Think back to the Posey-Fletcher-Spikes days. Your SLB (Posey/????) is a slightly bigger guy who can take on the TE/FB/RT. Your MLB (Fletcher/Sheppard) needs to be able to thump downhill, but also drop into coverage--Sheppard's coverage could use some work, but his run stopping is his strength. Your WLB (Spikes/Barnett) needs to have the athleticism to excel in all three phases. Pass rush, coverage and run game.
Rob's House Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 If all goes well: QB- Kirkpatrick RB - FJ/Spiller WR - SJ WR - Manningham/Meacham ** WR - D. Nelson WR - Easley WR - Jones TE - Chandler/ Shianco ** LT- Bell/Haiston - Bell's worth the injury risk & Haiston is insurance LG- Levitre C- Wood RG - Urbick RT - Pears LE - Kelsay/Carrington DT - K. Williams DT - Dareus RE - M. Williams/Mathis ** ROLB - Barnett MLB - Shepherd LOLB - Zach Brown * CB - A. Williams CB - Stephon Gilmore * FS - Byrd SS - Wilson/Searcy * Denotes hopeful draft picks * * Denotes hopeful FA acquisitions.
RyanC883 Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 meh...Hairston is a nice backup and good be solid at RT. I am not sold on Reiff or Martin and neither is worthy of the #10 selection. Besides, they would both be rookies starting at LT. And we need pass rushers first and foremost. Watch the Giants. That is how they win and that is how you beat the Patsies Agreed.
sir andrew Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Can Merrimen function as a 4-3 OLB or a defensive end
Dopey Posted January 27, 2012 Posted January 27, 2012 Florence sucks... Shepperd starts at middle IMO Florence would look alot better with a pass rush. Anyone would look bad when the reciever has 7-10 seconds to run around.
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