I Hope the Bills Do NOT get a free agent TE

[Bill from NYC]

This is a position that has been neglected for more than a decade. Looking at the available free agents, a couple are good. They are certainly better than anything we have, but do you people see any with a chance to be great?

 

Free agency has changed drastically in just a few years. The Bills were able to bring in TKO just a few years ago. As I recall, Colvin was also available, and coming off a good year. Before this, we signed Bryce Paup who had decent numbers, and was made for our 3/4 defense.

Today when i look at the UFA list, it is filled with OK players and a headcase or 2. Imo, we simply don't see many players in the class of TKO or Bryce. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

What I love about the draft is that a player one takes might be great. The only TEs I have really seen are Coffman and Pettigrew. I view Coffman as a can't miss type of player. He reminds me of the guy the jests were lucky enough to draft. I don't know the 40 times, but Coffman appears to be quicker.

As for Pettigrew, the only thing other than injuries that can keep Pettigrew from being a star is Pettigrew. I am troubled by his incident with the police, but do admit that it is possible for this type of behavior to end. He is a risk, but if he wants to play and walk straight he looks like a good bet to have a fine career.

Then, there are supposedly a lot of other prospects at this position.

 

My overall point is that I think we are better off addressing this position via the draft and locking up a kid with star potential to a long term deal instead of going after a ufa. I feel the same way about DT. LB too, although we should make a play for Vilma. I have watched him play and he covers a ton of space. Isn't this very important to our dumb style of defense?

 

In short, I want the Bills to draft Raji. I think that Coffman will be gone in the later part of round 1, so if Raji is already taken, I am fine with a trade down. In my perfect scenario we would draft Raji and Coffman, and sign Vilma as a ufa. Hopefully, Jauron can get his quota of defensive backs through free agency or late round picks because if he dedicates yet another draft to the secondary, we might seriously be a 3 or 4 win team imo.

 

Anyway, just my $.02 for what little it's worth. My friend R.Rich challenged me to do this, so there it is.

[bizell]

In short, I want the Bills to draft Raji. I think that Coffman will be gone in the later part of round 1, so if Raji is already taken, I am fine with a trade down. In my perfect scenario we would draft Raji and Coffman, and sign Vilma as a ufa.

 

That'd be a dream offseason for me.

[Solomon Grundy]

This is a position that has been neglected for more than a decade. Looking at the available free agents, a couple are good. They are certainly better than anything we have, but do you people see any with a chance to be great?

 

Free agency has changed drastically in just a few years. The Bills were able to bring in TKO just a few years ago. As I recall, Colvin was also available, and coming off a good year. Before this, we signed Bryce Paup who had decent numbers, and was made for our 3/4 defense.

Today when i look at the UFA list, it is filled with OK players and a headcase or 2. Imo, we simply don't see many players in the class of TKO or Bryce. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

What I love about the draft is that a player one takes might be great. The only TEs I have really seen are Coffman and Pettigrew. I view Coffman as a can't miss type of player. He reminds me of the guy the jests were lucky enough to draft. I don't know the 40 times, but Coffman appears to be quicker.

As for Pettigrew, the only thing other than injuries that can keep Pettigrew from being a star is Pettigrew. I am troubled by his incident with the police, but do admit that it is possible for this type of behavior to end. He is a risk, but if he wants to play and walk straight he looks like a good bet to have a fine career.

Then, there are supposedly a lot of other prospects at this position.

 

My overall point is that I think we are better off addressing this position via the draft and locking up a kid with star potential to a long term deal instead of going after a ufa. I feel the same way about DT. LB too, although we should make a play for Vilma. I have watched him play and he covers a ton of space. Isn't this very important to our dumb style of defense?

 

In short, I want the Bills to draft Raji. I think that Coffman will be gone in the later part of round 1, so if Raji is already taken, I am fine with a trade down. In my perfect scenario we would draft Raji and Coffman, and sign Vilma as a ufa. Hopefully, Jauron can get his quota of defensive backs through free agency or late round picks because if he dedicates yet another draft to the secondary, we might seriously be a 3 or 4 win team imo.

 

Anyway, just my $.02 for what little it's worth. My friend R.Rich challenged me to do this, so there it is.

 

Bill, I'm with you on this one. I don't want to overpay for a FA tight end when there are so many in the draft with the potential to be great. Edwards to Coffman has a nice ring to it. My pick at 11 is still Everette Brown, if he is not there then Raji would be fine. I'm kind of iffy on Vilma. Why can't he stay with one team? As a stop gap I'll take him as long as he doesn't cost too much. Let's build this team through the draft.

[stuckincincy]

This is a position that has been neglected for more than a decade. Looking at the available free agents, a couple are good. They are certainly better than anything we have, but do you people see any with a chance to be great?

 

I'm not averse to a FA TE. As long as it's a player that can actually catch the ball, and not just a "name" we've heard of.

 

Last season, CIN signed Ben Utecht. Nice man, decent blocker, came cheap. The B'gals made a big deal out of the signing.

 

He was injured much of the season - legit injuries. When he was healthy, he showed why IND didn't keep him...hands of stone. Caught 16 and probably dropped more than that. They should cut him, but he is inexpensive, and that is what counts to an organization that wouldn't tag a TJ Housh, a surprise contributor like RB Cedric Benson - instead choosing to tag a kicker at the outrageous price of...2.5 million.

 

[Lofton80]

The teams lacks toughness. To burn two picks on a TE is absurd. Last season we were only offering a #2 for Tony Gonzales, now we will give two picks and a huge salary for a lesser player.

 

Trent Edwards barely looks downfield as he has guys in his face and makes decisions under panic. Fixing the line should be priority one not finding another "weapon" at that price. Coffman, Pettigrew, Nelson or Casey would all look good out there.

 

Raji, Mack or Cushing with a TE in the second would help the team as much as Daniels.

[Bill from NYC]

The teams lacks toughness. To burn two picks on a TE is absurd. Last season we were only offering a #2 for Tony Gonzales, now we will give two picks and a huge salary for a lesser player.

 

Trent Edwards barely looks downfield as he has guys in his face and makes decisions under panic. Fixing the line should be priority one not finding another "weapon" at that price. Coffman, Pettigrew, Nelson or Casey would all look good out there.

 

Raji, Mack or Cushing with a TE in the second would help the team as much as Daniels.

 

I don't think that I indicated that I wanted to use 2 early picks on a TE. Did I? If so, my mistake.

Btw, I couldn't agree more wrt a Center. I would certainly address this position early, along with a backup OG.

[nucci]

The teams lacks toughness. To burn two picks on a TE is absurd. Last season we were only offering a #2 for Tony Gonzales, now we will give two picks and a huge salary for a lesser player.

 

Trent Edwards barely looks downfield as he has guys in his face and makes decisions under panic. Fixing the line should be priority one not finding another "weapon" at that price. Coffman, Pettigrew, Nelson or Casey would all look good out there.

 

Raji, Mack or Cushing with a TE in the second would help the team as much as Daniels.

The Bills have given no indication they will offer Daniels a contract. They are just internet rumors. No need to get so worked up. How do you know they offered a 2nd round pick to KC? I did not know that.

[Lofton80]

My understanding is Owen Daniels is a restricted Free Agent and to sign him we would give up two picks. Maybe I am wrong.

If he is an unrestricted FE, then I would not be concerned.

 

The team needs to be built for the weather conditions. Good lines are important.

 

 

I don't think that I indicated that I wanted to use 2 early picks on a TE. Did I? If so, my mistake.

Btw, I couldn't agree more wrt a Center. I would certainly address this position early, along with a backup OG.

[Bill from NYC]

I'm kind of iffy on Vilma. Why can't he stay with one team? As a stop gap I'll take him as long as he doesn't cost too much. Let's build this team through the draft.

 

When Vilma got to the jests he looked like a star. He covered a ton of space and hit very hard for his size. Then, he was injured and the team changed defensive formations. From what I understand, he had a good year this season, and is suited for a 4-3 defense.

 

I will try to get more info from LI Phil, who is to the jests what we are to the Bills.

[Ramius]

This is a position that has been neglected for more than a decade. Looking at the available free agents, a couple are good. They are certainly better than anything we have, but do you people see any with a chance to be great?

 

Free agency has changed drastically in just a few years. The Bills were able to bring in TKO just a few years ago. As I recall, Colvin was also available, and coming off a good year. Before this, we signed Bryce Paup who had decent numbers, and was made for our 3/4 defense.

Today when i look at the UFA list, it is filled with OK players and a headcase or 2. Imo, we simply don't see many players in the class of TKO or Bryce. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

What I love about the draft is that a player one takes might be great. The only TEs I have really seen are Coffman and Pettigrew. I view Coffman as a can't miss type of player. He reminds me of the guy the jests were lucky enough to draft. I don't know the 40 times, but Coffman appears to be quicker.

As for Pettigrew, the only thing other than injuries that can keep Pettigrew from being a star is Pettigrew. I am troubled by his incident with the police, but do admit that it is possible for this type of behavior to end. He is a risk, but if he wants to play and walk straight he looks like a good bet to have a fine career.

Then, there are supposedly a lot of other prospects at this position.

 

My overall point is that I think we are better off addressing this position via the draft and locking up a kid with star potential to a long term deal instead of going after a ufa. I feel the same way about DT. LB too, although we should make a play for Vilma. I have watched him play and he covers a ton of space. Isn't this very important to our dumb style of defense?

 

In short, I want the Bills to draft Raji. I think that Coffman will be gone in the later part of round 1, so if Raji is already taken, I am fine with a trade down. In my perfect scenario we would draft Raji and Coffman, and sign Vilma as a ufa. Hopefully, Jauron can get his quota of defensive backs through free agency or late round picks because if he dedicates yet another draft to the secondary, we might seriously be a 3 or 4 win team imo.

 

Anyway, just my $.02 for what little it's worth. My friend R.Rich challenged me to do this, so there it is.

 

Good post Bill. I don't think Raji will be available at #11, in which case i'm hoping we take Brown/Orakpo. Though it may be a bit high, i wouldn't really mind Pettigrew at 11, because he's a complete tight end who can bring the blocking and receiving. If Raji is available at #11 i've got no qualms with taking him and loading up at DE/C/TE in round 2. Obviously trading down is always nice, but you cannot count on that.

 

If we were to trade down, i think the targets would be pettigrew or perhaps Maybin. I see no reason why we couldn't use someone like Maybin at both OLB and DE. Let him play OLB on 1st and 2nd downs and then he can move to DE on obvious passing downs.

 

As for Vilma, he'd be nice, but i am guessing he re-signs with the Saints. The only reason they didn't re-sign him is because they would have owed the Jets a higher draft pick (their 1st rounder). But from what i have heard, Vilma wants to be in NO and NO wants him back.

[Bill from NYC]

Good post Bill. I don't think Raji will be available at #11, in which case i'm hoping we take Brown/Orakpo. Though it may be a bit high, i wouldn't really mind Pettigrew at 11, because he's a complete tight end who can bring the blocking and receiving. If Raji is available at #11 i've got no qualms with taking him and loading up at DE/C/TE in round 2. Obviously trading down is always nice, but you cannot count on that.

 

If we were to trade down, i think the targets would be pettigrew or perhaps Maybin. I see no reason why we couldn't use someone like Maybin at both OLB and DE. Let him play OLB on 1st and 2nd downs and then he can move to DE on obvious passing downs.

 

As for Vilma, he'd be nice, but i am guessing he re-signs with the Saints. The only reason they didn't re-sign him is because they would have owed the Jets a higher draft pick (their 1st rounder). But from what i have heard, Vilma wants to be in NO and NO wants him back.

 

That makes sense, but small defensive ends scare me (and with good reason, no?). I am, and have always been (at least since Wade) a fan of the 3/4, where you can put a guy like DeMarcus Ware in and let him maul quarterbacks.

Other than bringing in someone like Bertrand Berry (old yes, but better than Kelsay), I don't know of any DEs that fit into this idiotic cover-2 we employ. Really, I am at a loss wrt this issue.

[Ramius]

That makes sense, but small defensive ends scare me (and with good reason, no?). I am, and have always been (at least since Wade) a fan of the 3/4, where you can put a guy like DeMarcus Ware in and let him maul quarterbacks.

Other than bringing in someone like Bertrand Berry (old yes, but better than Kelsay), I don't know of any DEs that fit into this idiotic cover-2 we employ. Really, I am at a loss wrt this issue.

 

All 3 of the DE prospects go between 250-260. Its not like they are going to get blown off the line. Take a look at the DE sack leaders from last season. A good number of them go 270 or less. Unless you are running a 3-4, chances are your team won't have a pair of 280+ lb DEs. Athleticism and tehnique can easily trump size when it comes to the 1-on-1 battles on the perimeter of the line.

[Orton's Arm]

This is a position that has been neglected for more than a decade. Looking at the available free agents, a couple are good. They are certainly better than anything we have, but do you people see any with a chance to be great?

 

Free agency has changed drastically in just a few years. The Bills were able to bring in TKO just a few years ago. As I recall, Colvin was also available, and coming off a good year. Before this, we signed Bryce Paup who had decent numbers, and was made for our 3/4 defense.

Today when i look at the UFA list, it is filled with OK players and a headcase or 2. Imo, we simply don't see many players in the class of TKO or Bryce. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

What I love about the draft is that a player one takes might be great. The only TEs I have really seen are Coffman and Pettigrew. I view Coffman as a can't miss type of player. He reminds me of the guy the jests were lucky enough to draft. I don't know the 40 times, but Coffman appears to be quicker.

As for Pettigrew, the only thing other than injuries that can keep Pettigrew from being a star is Pettigrew. I am troubled by his incident with the police, but do admit that it is possible for this type of behavior to end. He is a risk, but if he wants to play and walk straight he looks like a good bet to have a fine career.

Then, there are supposedly a lot of other prospects at this position.

 

My overall point is that I think we are better off addressing this position via the draft and locking up a kid with star potential to a long term deal instead of going after a ufa. I feel the same way about DT. LB too, although we should make a play for Vilma. I have watched him play and he covers a ton of space. Isn't this very important to our dumb style of defense?

 

In short, I want the Bills to draft Raji. I think that Coffman will be gone in the later part of round 1, so if Raji is already taken, I am fine with a trade down. In my perfect scenario we would draft Raji and Coffman, and sign Vilma as a ufa. Hopefully, Jauron can get his quota of defensive backs through free agency or late round picks because if he dedicates yet another draft to the secondary, we might seriously be a 3 or 4 win team imo.

 

Anyway, just my $.02 for what little it's worth. My friend R.Rich challenged me to do this, so there it is.

This is an excellent post. As you wrote, TE is a need that should be filled in the draft rather than free agency.

 

But in my dream draft, the Bills' picks would be used on other positions. I'd like the team to take Raji, if he's still there at #11. If not, I could envision the Bills drafting some undersized DE/pass rush specialist, in hopes that he'll become the next Simeon Rice or Dwight Freeney. If Raji is gone, and none of the available DEs are deemed worthy of the 11th overall pick, then you start thinking about trading down.

 

I think the Bills should trade away their second and third overall picks to move back into the first for Mack. If the Bills came away from the 2009 draft with nothing except Raji and Mack, it would be a very strong draft. But the Raji/Mack scenario doesn't leave much room for using a lower first round pick on Coffman.

 

If Raji is gone, and if you're not enamored with any of the DEs, do you trade down for Coffman . . . or for Mack? Or do you try to get both players? Assuming willing trade partners, you could get one pick in the lower first round by trading down from #11, and another another first round pick by trading away your #2 and #3. If we got both Coffman and Mack, Trent Edwards would feel like he'd died and gone to Heaven.

[Tortured Soul]

If we were to trade down, i think the targets would be pettigrew or perhaps Maybin. I see no reason why we couldn't use someone like Maybin at both OLB and DE. Let him play OLB on 1st and 2nd downs and then he can move to DE on obvious passing downs.

I've been wondering about this. I think it may just be too much to ask of a player to do in his first year, but is possible down the road. I've put out questions to Chris Brown and Tim Graham. I'll let you know if they get back to me.

 

Bill in NYC, what would you think of a mid-round pick for Kellen Winslow?

[billieve420]

I would agree that getting a TE through free agency does not sound appealing. I think this TE and C class is pretty deep with solid prospects. I don't think Coffman is going to go in the 1st round and may still be available in Round 3 since he wasn't able to participate fully in the Combine.

 

Ideal scenario would be to trade down a couple of spots and pick up an extra 2nd rounder. Hopefully there is a team willing to jump up to grab the LT Andre Smith or QB Mark Sanchez if they fall. Draft the DE from Tennesee Ayers and then with our two 2nd round picks get a quality C and TE.

[colin]

if maybin is the most gifted pure edge rusher then he would be a great pick at 11. some would say it was a reach, but they said that about dwight freeney at around the same spot.

 

an edge rusher is the difference between our d and a top 5 or 10 d

[BillsVet]

The problem at TE is what the Bills want. In recent years, they wanted guys who were good in-line blockers they hoped could catch. Finding a guy who can do both real well is difficult, but this TE class is deep. Besides, doesn't it make sense to have the QB have another option who can make defenses honest in the middle?

 

A guy to watch is Shawn Nelson out of Southern Mississippi, alma mater of Brett Favruh. He's got excellent speed along with good hands and put Ray Maualuga on his keester in blocking drills at the Senior Bowl. He could go at the tail end of the first after running a 4.56 at the combine. Another is Florida's Cornelius Ingram who has put on 15 pounds but is coming off an ACL tear. Ingram ran well at the combine and reportedly has some of the best hands in the class.

 

The C and TE classes are deep. DE not so much, but if they've got a chance to grab Everette Brown I'm fine with that in the first. If not, it's time to trade down. Philly really looks good, but nothing's set in stone.

[spartacus]

The problem at TE is what the Bills want. In recent years, they wanted guys who were good in-line blockers they hoped could catch. Finding a guy who can do both real well is difficult, but this TE class is deep. Besides, doesn't it make sense to have the QB have another option who can make defenses honest in the middle?

 

A guy to watch is Shawn Nelson out of Southern Mississippi, alma mater of Brett Favruh. He's got excellent speed along with good hands and put Ray Maualuga on his keester in blocking drills at the Senior Bowl. He could go at the tail end of the first after running a 4.56 at the combine. Another is Florida's Cornelius Ingram who has put on 15 pounds but is coming off an ACL tear. Ingram ran well at the combine and reportedly has some of the best hands in the class.

 

The C and TE classes are deep. DE not so much, but if they've got a chance to grab Everette Brown I'm fine with that in the first. If not, it's time to trade down. Philly really looks good, but nothing's set in stone.

 

Ingram is the best athlete of the TEs and is a bona fide down the field target.

 

He will be the best value since he will be available in 2nd/3rd round due to his missing 2008 due to injury.

 

Just say no to Maybin - he put numbers against inferior Big 10 competition and is severely undersized.

[Trader]

The problem at TE is what the Bills want. In recent years, they wanted guys who were good in-line blockers they hoped could catch. Finding a guy who can do both real well is difficult, but this TE class is deep. Besides, doesn't it make sense to have the QB have another option who can make defenses honest in the middle?

 

A guy to watch is Shawn Nelson out of Southern Mississippi, alma mater of Brett Favruh. He's got excellent speed along with good hands and put Ray Maualuga on his keester in blocking drills at the Senior Bowl. He could go at the tail end of the first after running a 4.56 at the combine. Another is Florida's Cornelius Ingram who has put on 15 pounds but is coming off an ACL tear. Ingram ran well at the combine and reportedly has some of the best hands in the class.

 

The C and TE classes are deep. DE not so much, but if they've got a chance to grab Everette Brown I'm fine with that in the first. If not, it's time to trade down. Philly really looks good, but nothing's set in stone.

 

I agree that the TE class is deep no need to take one at round 1 or even round 2. There are several good C's but there are several teams that also are looking at C as a high need. Relative to demand C is in short supply. I do agree that this is a weak DE class if we don't pick one in the first round then we will likely have to trade back up to get someone who we value in the late first or second round. In my mind if there is not an option to trade down and assuming that Free agent help will be limited to a RB, WR, S, LB, G the draft sequence that makes the most sense is:

 

1. DE or Raj. Or a lB who can Rush the passer

 

2. Center

 

3. LB or TE

 

4. TE or LB (the reverse of 3)