Trash Heap

[Billingsley26]

You guys are over reacting. The price of the tickets in Toronto is outrageous, absolutely. But here are some points you should consider (I live in the Toronto area):

1) Toronto is not a one sport town. The Leafs are #1, but the Raptors have been selling out games for 2-3 years straight. Toronto is a HUGE NFL market. The CFL is totally different than the NFL. The Argos don't sellout because the CFL game is terribly boring, in my opinion. The Roger Centre is going to sellout every seat and Luxury Box when the Bills come to town.

2) You're right, the price didn't go up for Bills Season Tickets and you pay for one less game. WHO CARES. The reason the Bills are playing in Toronto for such high prices is so Buffalo can KEEP their team. If Ralph couldn't find revenue elsewhere, the team would be forced to move, perhaps permanently to Toronto or LA. The fact that you only lose ONE game, and not the whole Franchise shouldn't bother Buffalo locals.

3) Canadians just over the border from Buffalo (including myself) have been supporting the team in Buffalo for YEARS. This game is not a reward for that. Ralph knows where the money is, and he is making a smart decision to play up here.

4) The choose a game in December because those are when the Bills usually don't sellout every single game. Go back and check the numbers.

Get off your HIGH horses. This is to benefit the team staying in Buffalo. You lose one game to keep 7. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

As you can see, I live in Mississauga, and I will tell you that Toronto is a one sport town. OR a Bandwagon town if you will (aside form hockey). Find another team in Toronto that sold while the team was in the lower half of the league. You cant. The Raptors are selling because they are winning and were division champs. Were they selling before Colangelo came? Not like they are know.

The Rogers Centre will sell out for these 8 games or so. And it probably will sell out for the first few years. But once the team goes in the tank repeatedly, like it has the recent few years, then watch the SkyDome sell about 25,000 seats.

So basically your saying that the Bills arent selling out? Huh, interesting, because Im pretty sure that the Bills sold out ever game this year. Buffalo is fine to keep to the team. They are very well supported and that wont ever stop. The problem that they are going to encounter is who takes the team when Ralph dies. Support for the team is never gonna die. Its the fact of who will buy the team.

Yeah, because losing that one game helps WNY. News to me.

My family has had Bills seasons tickets since the mid 80's, and we have been going ever since. Yeah, your right Canadian have been supporting the team for years, but just because about 10,000 canadian fans go to watch the Bills, that means that it will sell in Toronto?

What high horses. Every person in Toronto is just getting on their high horses because we are getting an NFL game. Everyone thinks that Toronto is a great sports town, when it really isnt. And it isnt hard to see. You guys need to open your eyes and look at what Toronto really offers, and look at past situations and how it went.

[OTcoach]

As you can see, I live in Mississauga, and I will tell you that Toronto is a one sport town. OR a Bandwagon town if you will (aside form hockey). Find another team in Toronto that sold while the team was in the lower half of the league. You cant. The Raptors are selling because they are winning and were division champs. Were they selling before Colangelo came? Not like they are know.

The Rogers Centre will sell out for these 8 games or so. And it probably will sell out for the first few years. But once the team goes in the tank repeatedly, like it has the recent few years, then watch the SkyDome sell about 25,000 seats.

So basically your saying that the Bills arent selling out? Huh, interesting, because Im pretty sure that the Bills sold out ever game this year. Buffalo is fine to keep to the team. They are very well supported and that wont ever stop. The problem that they are going to encounter is who takes the team when Ralph dies. Support for the team is never gonna die. Its the fact of who will buy the team.

Yeah, because losing that one game helps WNY. News to me.

My family has had Bills seasons tickets since the mid 80's, and we have been going ever since. Yeah, your right Canadian have been supporting the team for years, but just because about 10,000 canadian fans go to watch the Bills, that means that it will sell in Toronto?

What high horses. Every person in Toronto is just getting on their high horses because we are getting an NFL game. Everyone thinks that Toronto is a great sports town, when it really isnt. And it isnt hard to see. You guys need to open your eyes and look at what Toronto really offers, and look at past situations and how it went.

Hey I realize you're from Mississauga and you think that Toronto is a bad sports town and I'll agree with you. I live in Peterborough (an hour and a half N. East of Toronto) and we go to at least 3 Bills games a year. With good time it's a minimum of 4 hours. We go because the NFL is the best league in the world and we love the Bills. Last year I purchased NFL ticket and the last 4 or 5 Bills home games were blacked out on NFL ticket as well as cable. We went down to the Miami game and yes it was busy and yes people were scrambling for tickets but WNY people were not the ones who were there. It was mainly Canadians. This year with NE at home on the Sunday nighter the stands were about 50% NE supporters. To drive through Buffalo is disgusting. There are entire neighbourhoods with the roofs literally rotting off the houses and people are living in them! It's an armpit. A dying town. In recent years the local Orchard Park police have charged Canadians who were over the border supporting the Bills and made them make repeated appearances at court with risk of jail for minor intotixication issues.

With a franchise in TO. Ontario could begin to play real football in the highschools and hopefully our University's could join the NCAA like UBC and Simon Fraser are propsing to do out west.

I love the Bills but Buffalo does not deserve to keep their team. Toronto would make them winners on the field and off. The NFL should be full-time in Toronto.

By the way.....the leafs suck!

[Billingsley26]

Hey I realize you're from Mississauga and you think that Toronto is a bad sports town and I'll agree with you. I live in Peterborough (an hour and a half N. East of Toronto) and we go to at least 3 Bills games a year. With good time it's a minimum of 4 hours. We go because the NFL is the best league in the world and we love the Bills. Last year I purchased NFL ticket and the last 4 or 5 Bills home games were blacked out on NFL ticket as well as cable. We went down to the Miami game and yes it was busy and yes people were scrambling for tickets but WNY people were not the ones who were there. It was mainly Canadians. This year with NE at home on the Sunday nighter the stands were about 50% NE supporters. To drive through Buffalo is disgusting. There are entire neighbourhoods with the roofs literally rotting off the houses and people are living in them! It's an armpit. A dying town. In recent years the local Orchard Park police have charged Canadians who were over the border supporting the Bills and made them make repeated appearances at court with risk of jail for minor intotixication issues.

With a franchise in TO. Ontario could begin to play real football in the highschools and hopefully our University's could join the NCAA like UBC and Simon Fraser are propsing to do out west.

I love the Bills but Buffalo does not deserve to keep their team. Toronto would make them winners on the field and off. The NFL should be full-time in Toronto.

By the way.....the leafs suck!

Do you honestly think it would be better in Toronto? That was two years ago when the Bills had nothing going for them. Every game in 2007 was sold out except for the Giants game before the season started. There were hopes for this team that were just killed early on, but they battled back.

I go to school in Buffalo, and man do the Bills get loved down here. Next year you will see much of the same, especially with the Pats expected to lose a lot, and the Bills can only gain weapons.

To me, the way the city of Orchard Park is, I think makes it. The Bills play a style and have a team that is very representative of the city. My dad and I used to joke about it all the time, but if you ask me, Bills games are one of the best times of my life. Tailgating is among the top in the league and the fans are just nuts for the Bills.

Still, to me it stands out that the Bills have had records of attedance, and the fact remains that they are in the top 3 places to see a game as well as tailgaiting. I would never want to see the Bills leave Buffalo.

[fischbowl]

Hey I realize you're from Mississauga and you think that Toronto is a bad sports town and I'll agree with you. I live in Peterborough (an hour and a half N. East of Toronto) and we go to at least 3 Bills games a year. With good time it's a minimum of 4 hours. We go because the NFL is the best league in the world and we love the Bills. Last year I purchased NFL ticket and the last 4 or 5 Bills home games were blacked out on NFL ticket as well as cable. We went down to the Miami game and yes it was busy and yes people were scrambling for tickets but WNY people were not the ones who were there. It was mainly Canadians. This year with NE at home on the Sunday nighter the stands were about 50% NE supporters. To drive through Buffalo is disgusting. There are entire neighbourhoods with the roofs literally rotting off the houses and people are living in them! It's an armpit. A dying town. In recent years the local Orchard Park police have charged Canadians who were over the border supporting the Bills and made them make repeated appearances at court with risk of jail for minor intotixication issues.

With a franchise in TO. Ontario could begin to play real football in the highschools and hopefully our University's could join the NCAA like UBC and Simon Fraser are propsing to do out west.

I love the Bills but Buffalo does not deserve to keep their team. Toronto would make them winners on the field and off. The NFL should be full-time in Toronto.

By the way.....the leafs suck!

Don't drive through the East Side then. find a different route. there is a lot to discover in the area, and people like yourself and other assholes who just use us as a stop off to Niagara and Toronto can go need to know that.

[rocco31fb]

Nobody is doubting that the people in WNY love the Bills. But there is no MONEY to support the team entirely in Buffalo. Toronto offers corporate sponsorship by the buttload, something Buffalo cannot do.

Just because you like in Mississauga, doesn't make you an expert. I live in Burlington and work in Toronto. Toronto is a huge sports town. Any team in any league that isn't winning is going to suffer lower ticket sales or at least longer sellout times.

Just read a few things about the economical side of this endeavor and you will find that this is the right thing to do. Do you think that Erie County won't be receiving money from the Bills taking this game outside of the area? Of course they will. Money is going to go right back into the Buffalo Area.

This is the best thing to have happened to the Bills in years. There should be no more talk of the financially unstable Bills for a while.

The main thing to worry about now is what happens when Ralph dies. I hope he gives me the team.

Also, the Bills if they ever moved to Toronto permanently, would have to build a new stadium. There is no way Goddell will allow a team to be in the Rogers Centre for a whole season for more than a year.

[Billingsley26]

Nobody is doubting that the people in WNY love the Bills. But there is no MONEY to support the team entirely in Buffalo. Toronto offers corporate sponsorship by the buttload, something Buffalo cannot do.

Just because you like in Mississauga, doesn't make you an expert. I live in Burlington and work in Toronto. Toronto is a huge sports town. Any team in any league that isn't winning is going to suffer lower ticket sales or at least longer sellout times.

Just read a few things about the economical side of this endeavor and you will find that this is the right thing to do. Do you think that Erie County won't be receiving money from the Bills taking this game outside of the area? Of course they will. Money is going to go right back into the Buffalo Area.

This is the best thing to have happened to the Bills in years. There should be no more talk of the financially unstable Bills for a while.

The main thing to worry about now is what happens when Ralph dies. I hope he gives me the team.

Also, the Bills if they ever moved to Toronto permanently, would have to build a new stadium. There is no way Goddell will allow a team to be in the Rogers Centre for a whole season for more than a year.

how are you going to sit there and tell me that the bills need support from areas around to support the team? do you have any idea how teams like the packers, jaguars, chiefs and teams in smaller markets sell? they draw fans from other areas. obviously you dont understand that the bills aren't the only team that needs support from other areas.

i can almost guarantee that you are a leafs fan. are you? every leaf fan thinks that toronto is a great sports town, yet no one has yet to prove me wrong when i brought up examples of other teams in toronto. baseball was a fad, the argos draw flies even when flutie ruined the league and won 2 grey cups back to back. the raptors didnt draw a lot when they were average at best. how is toronto a great sports town? a great sports town is like NY. regardless of the team they sell. Mets, Yankess, Rangers, Knicks and so on. The Bay Area is a good sports town, more specifically SF than OAK.

you know why toronto isnt a great sports town? because the people who will buy the thigh priced tickets are the suits. they have no idea whats going on, no clue as to who is playing and really dont care about the game. you think that real fans are going to come up with about $3000 dollars up front for tickets? are you nuts. bills games are rated in the top 3 for a reason. toronto fans are not even close to buffalo fans. even in hockey. the leafs arent even on the radar compared to the sabres.

[Bills2083]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=5862

[art vandelay]

This is actually quite old news. Glad it became official today, though. Good hire.

[DCBills]

I know we all like throwing names out there but I'm not quite ready to do it until we have a better sense of the junior talent, but I do know that this is what I'm thinking for the Bills this draft.

Bills have 10 picks, I'd like to see them allocated in the following way:

1 DE - pass rushing - can rotate in for Schobel
1 DT
1 DE/DT - flex man type - replace Hargrove - Justin Tuck is the model
1 OLB - guy that can push to start
1 CB - depth and hopefully some size and physicality

1 WR - big
1 WR - all around type guy
1 TE - pass catching but hopefully not a hopeless blocker
1 OG/OC - replace Preston and push Merz as a reserve and hopefully Fowler

1 - either QB or FB - preferably FB

so basically the focus is an influx of defensive line and receiving talent.


of these i think in the first 4 rounds, where we have 5 picks, I'd take:
a DT, a DE, a TE, a WR, and an OLB in whatever order makes the most sense given the value at the time we pick.

at 11 we need to take the best front 7 defensive player on the board.

any thoughts?

[Bills2083]

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=55196

Nothing ever gets done in Buffalo, (ie: the 2nd peace bridge) so I'm not getting my hopes up.

What are your opinions on this?

[JoeSixPac]

I just applied for 2 season tickets today on the bills website. Will I get them this year or is there a couple year waiting list?

Is there a better way than ordering them from the website?

[Bills2083]

I'm pretty sure you'll get them this year.
BTW, your sig says "I like only two teams, the Steelers, and whoever beats the Patriots. "
I'm just wondering, but why didnt you get Pittsburgh seasons?

[JoeSixPac]

pittsburgh is far from Toronto. 6 hour drive every sunday is not good. 3.5 hour drive is do-able :). and the bills have cheap tickets. plus i am starting to like the bills a bit. they almost made the playoffs this year after trent edwards blew JP out of his starting spot. Marshawn lynch is gonna solid too. lee evans is a beast.

[Billingsley26]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7781076/Golisano-wants-to-keep-Bills-in-Buffalo

[fischbowl]

i love that man

[heavyduty]

how you gunna rock a new england sig billingsley? arent you a bills fan?

[Bills2083]

Hopefully he does buy them.
I cant imagine if the Bills ever left.

[Billingsley26]

how you gunna rock a new england sig billingsley? arent you a bills fan?

it was a tough one, but I am first, a Patriots fan. I am from the Toronto area, and I do have Bills seasns tickets. Still, I like the Bills, but the Patriots are my first team.

[Bills2083]

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=14


http://assets.buffalobills.com/images/billsblogh3.gif
DTs-Getting Ahead of Ourselves

Today
Posted By: John Murphy | Time: 2:50 PM ET | Link (http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?post_id=2987)

The defensive tackles won't be here in the media room until tomorrow, and they won't work out for the scouts until Monday. But the Bills chief scout gave us a couple of names to chew on today. Vice Preisdent of College Scouting Tom Modrak mentioned size at DT as a priority for the Bills, just as Dick Jauron did in our conversation yesterday. It's obvious the top two DTs are Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis, and the Bills have little chance of drafting them with their 11th overall pick. But Modrak says two DTs are on the Bills radar screen: Kentwan Balmer of North Carolina and Pat Sims of Auburn. Both are projected to be first or second rounders. Balmer is 6-5, 308lbs, about 13-15 pounds heavier than his playing weight for the Tar Heels last year. He pulled out of the Senior Bowl practices early after injuring his hamstring. Pat Sims is entering the draft after his junior year at Auburn. He's 6-4, 312lbs, and had 41/2 sacks in his 13 starts last year. ---

[ChosenOne]

Does this mean they would take Balmer with pick #11, or try and get Sims in the second round?

[heavyduty]

i think it depends on their work outs. If Balmer works out well he could be our pick at #11, if Keith Rivers is there i would hope we pick him over Balmer tho. If Sims works out well who knows he could end up being a late first round pick and we would miss out on him in the 2nd. If they both work out moderate to bad then we could possibly have our choice between both in the 2nd.

[619]

Interesting since they already got so much money locked up at the position already via high draft picks and FA signings.

[Billingsley26]

I thought Id never see the day the Bills wanted big DT's.

I think this is long overdue. I have a feeling that one of Mccargo, Tripplet or Williams will be cut. Im kinda leaning towards Larry Tripplet on this one.

[Bills2083]

^I dont think it will be McCargo, seeing as how he progressed last season.
I'm not sure we will cut a DT, because we only have 3 at the moment

[Wide Right]

I thought Id never see the day the Bills wanted big DT's.

I think this is long overdue. I have a feeling that one of Mccargo, Tripplet or Williams will be cut. Im kinda leaning towards Larry Tripplet on this one.

LOL. McCargo?

But I doubt we cut any of them just because we're still going to rotate guys in. If we could trade down and acquire more picks and still draft either Sims or Balmer in the 20's I'd be pretty satisfied.

[art vandelay]

Balmer is nice, but Sims I am not overly impressed with. Hope we look at Trevor Laws, kid's a stud.

[Bills2083]

Balmer is nice, but Sims I am not overly impressed with. Hope we look at Trevor Laws, kid's a stud.

The Bills' Front Office said that they wanted to get bigger at DT.
Laws is 297.

[art vandelay]

The Bills' Front Office said that they wanted to get bigger at DT.
Laws is 297.

I think that if we ever want to get the most of our Tampa-2 Defense, we HAVE to get pressure from our front 4. We have alot of money wrapped up in our two DE's, who were hardly impressive last year, especially Kelsay. If we can't get pressure from our DT's, we will get picked apart all day (see 2 Patriots games last season).

[Bills2083]

We need a run-stuffer too though.
We were 25th against the run last season, and we need a big-body in there to make us better.

[art vandelay]

We need a run-stuffer too though.
We were 25th against the run last season, and we need a big-body in there to make us better.

Sure, but I think that comes with the defense we have. Remember the Colts 2 years ago? They couldn't stop the run during the regular season but ended up winning the SB. Also, pass rushing DT's should be drafted much higher than run-stuffing DT's, IMO. If we are looking for a run-stuffer, we should wait until the latter rounds. Also, I think better LB's will definitely shore up the run as well. For one thing, getting Ellison out of the starting lineup and even Digi. Crowell, Poz and a rookie/FA will definitely help out our run problems.

[Osh Kosh Bosh]

:roll:

The Raptors were in the upper middle of the league in attendance when they were at the bottom of the league, right now they are top 10 in the league in attendance beating about teams like the L.A. Lakers, San Antonio, Boston and 12th in percentage. I'm sure you heard the fans chanting go Raptors at a Leafs pre season game? Toronto is a great sports town homie meanwhile buffalo is damn near the bottom of league in terms of percentage.


The CFL argument is ******** east coast people don't give a **** a about the CFL but they do want football. I know I do.

[Billingsley26]

:roll:

The Raptors were in the upper middle of the league in attendance when they were at the bottom of the league, right now they are top 10 in the league in attendance beating about teams like the L.A. Lakers, San Antonio, Boston and 12th in percentage. I'm sure you heard the fans chanting go Raptors at a Leafs pre season game? Toronto is a great sports town homie meanwhile buffalo is damn near the bottom of league in terms of percentage.


The CFL argument is ******** east coast people don't give a **** a about the CFL but they do want football. I know I do.

If your going to talk about Toronto being a great sports town, then dont call Buffalo a poor sports town based only on the Bills. Have you no idea of the Sabres? The Leafs arent even a blip on the radar screen to the Sabres. I believe ESPN ranked the Sabres organization as tops in professional sports two years ago. I can only imagine that it is pretty close to that now.

The Sabres continously sell out, and during playoff games they have another 10,000 outside the arena watching and partying. Tell me thats now a great sports town. Throw in the fact the Bills sell out, and have a top 3 experience for an NFL game. It is one of the best places to watch a game. Seeing as those are the only 2 Pro sports teams in Buffalo, and they are both tops in their respective leagues, tells me that it is one of the better sports towns.

[Osh Kosh Bosh]

If your going to talk about Toronto being a great sports town, then dont call Buffalo a poor sports town based only on the Bills. Have you no idea of the Sabres? The Leafs arent even a blip on the radar screen to the Sabres. I believe ESPN ranked the Sabres organization as tops in professional sports two years ago. I can only imagine that it is pretty close to that now.

The Sabres continuously sell out, and during playoff games they have another 10,000 outside the arena watching and partying. Tell me thats now a great sports town. Throw in the fact the Bills sell out, and have a top 3 experience for an NFL game. It is one of the best places to watch a game. Seeing as those are the only 2 Pro sports teams in Buffalo, and they are both tops in their respective leagues, tells me that it is one of the better sports towns.

Whoa slow down, I did not say buffalo was a bad sports town, I'm just saying that moving to Toronto would be a great business decision, more people + cooperate sponsorships.

You called Toronto a bad sports town based on erroneous figures, two horribly mis managed franchised, and a sport no one cares about this side of Manitoba .

[Billingsley26]

Whoa slow down, I did not say buffalo was a bad sports town, I'm just saying that moving to Toronto would be a great business decision, more people + cooperate sponsorships.

You called Toronto a bad sports town based on erroneous figures, two horribly mis managed franchised, and a sport no one cares about this side of Manitoba .

And will the co-owner of those two horribly mis-managed franchises have any part or say in the Bills? Yep.

You said that the Bills are in the lower percnetages? Im not so sure what you mean. The Sabres and Bills are both in the top end of their leagues. The Bills sold out every game this year, with over 70,000 fans nd the Sabres do the same. What are you getting at?

Im from Mississauga (just outside of Toronto) and I know the scene and what both areas are like. I go to school in Buffalo, so I get the best of both worlds.

[art vandelay]

Love:
1. CB Chevis Jackson - Been riding this guy's nuts for a while. He's being severly underrated on this board. He's really fluid in coverage and is extremely physical but doesn't have that elite catch-up speed. Best part is that he plants and rives really well which allows him to get a great break on the ball. He would be perfect for our defense.

2. WR Keenan Burton - Alot to like here. Great size, extremely physical, a jump ball champion, good-to-great speed and not afraid to go over the middle. Also a very willing blocker and can return kicks and punts.


Hate:
1. WR DeSean Jackson - Roscoe Pt. 2, not that that is a bad thing. It's just that we already have him.

2. CB Patrick Lee - I just don't see it. Really struggled from what I saw in Senior Bowl video and just not impressive. Didn't seem to have good footwork or be fluid in his backpedal, played pretty far off and let up alot of balls underneath.


I will post some more later.

[Osh Kosh Bosh]

NHL attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2008


NFL attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance?sort=home_perc&year=2007


NBA attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/attendance


MLB attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance?sort=home_avg&year=2007&seasonType=2

Percentage of the arena filled.

Mismanaged in terms of General Managers, the owners pony up the cash.

[glazeduck]

Love...

#1. James Hardy - whats not to absolutely love about the biggest [viable] wr in the draft, who also has the longest arms (by over an inch) and the 2nd largest hands of any wr in the draft? Also ran a very respectable 4.47 at 220 lbs and goes for the ball like a rebounder, because he plays bball too. I've heard the character issues bit, but from what i've heard they sound about as credible as Marshawn's last year. Obviously if they really are more serious then you pass, but otherwise he should be our answer opposite Lee.
-backup plan @ WR: Sweed, Kelly, Monk, Hubbard or Devin thomas.

#2. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie - even though this guy is still young he seriously showed up in the senior bowl and ran a 4.33 at 6'1 1/2. The guy will be a perfect cb for any system. Only real question in my mind is lack of experience against quality talent.
-backup plan @ CB: Talib, Cason, Bowman, Flowers, Terrell Thomas, Lowery, etc.

#3a. Martellus Bennett - by all accounts he's a terrific young man who dedicated his season to Everett. Beyond that he's a big, fast, athletic pass catching TE who has the talent to play quickly and develop even quicker, hopefully becoming both Trent's security blanket and a seam stretcher. Questions involve his blocking abilities and lack of experience.

#3b. Brad Cottam - enormous, fast, strong, athletic... only question mark is that he's an unknown quantity due to injuries.
-backups @ TE: Fred & Kellen Davis, Rucker.

#4. Tavares Gooden - TGood, big, fast, athletic LB who can play all three spots and with his natural god-given ability could start soon at WLB.
-backups @ LB: Rivers and Adibi.

#5. Peyton Hillis or Owen Schmidt - 2 very athletic hbacks who can both do more than just block (even thogh they're both great at that), and would probably start right away and for a very long time.

Hate

#1. Anyone but Kieth Rivers @ 11. As much as I like Hardy and DRC I see their value in the late teens or early 20s...ideally we can package 11 and later or future picks for Dallas' 2 1st rounders. Rivers is the only player talented enough (barring an unforseen fall) w/ our needs to take there.

#2. John Carlson - I get the whole production vs. workout thing, but a 4.9?!? Thats horrible. Awful. REALLY REALLY bad. We don't need a TE slower than our LT, unless our plan is to put 60 lbs on him and move him to backing up Peters. Put Bowman in this category too. Between a bad combine and a worse senior bowl he's plummeting.

#3. Any small wr- We need a big wr, not mario manningham or desean jackson, the last thing we need is diminutive wrs.

#4. Any DE taken before needs such as WR, TE, etc. - As much as i think a DE like Calais Campbell is needed, we already have too much $ sunk into our DEs as it is, and too many other holes to fill.

[Billingsley26]

Love

Dan Connor- Call me a homer, but I think its a lot closer between him and Rivers than people think.
Keith Rivers- Solid LB, what we need.
Aqib Talib, DRC, Brandon flowers- Flowers the most, I think he would be perfect in the cover 2 as do I with Talib. DRC is just very intruiging.
Martellus Bennett, Dusitn Keller and Fred Davis- We desperately need a pass catching and athletic TE.

Hate-
Malcolm Kelly- I dont want him at 11. No way.
Small WR- We dont need anymore. Period.
OL- I dont feel we need anything on the OL at this point. Bigger fish to fry.

[Billingsley26]

NHL attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2008


NFL attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance?sort=home_perc&year=2007


NBA attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/attendance


MLB attendance
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance?sort=home_avg&year=2007&seasonType=2

Percentage of the arena filled.

Mismanaged in terms of General Managers, the owners pony up the cash.

No, the owners dont pony up the cash, especially not in the Leafs case. The Raptors are a different story because things began to fall off.

Im not sure what your trying to point out with these links. Are you trying to show me that the Sabres are just about either #1 or 2 in every category or is it that the Bills are #9 when it came to overall attendance? I really dont care about the perentages, because the fact remains that the Bills are in the top 9 when it comes to overall attendance. Which speaks louder to me than percentage.

[heavyduty]

how would you guys feal if the bills were to move down in the first , and drafted OG Brendan Albert? this move would give us a great o-line to protect trent and open holes for marshawn. we would also acquire a 2nd or 3rd for moving down which we could use to fill other needs. If we stay at 11 i will only be happy with a CB, i do not see enough value in any of the other positions to be picked at 11. I really want mike jenkins i think he is the perfect fit to play CB in our system and would be the last piece of the puzzle to make our defence one of the best next season.

[art vandelay]

Definitely an interesting idea. I think the coaching staff thinks highly of Brad Butler, though. I mean he played pretty well last year in his 1st year as a starter. Can't see us going OG in round 1 (assuming we trade down) although I can't say that I'm TOTALLY opposed to it.

[Bills2083]

Sign...
Bryant Johnson - WR - Arizona Cardinals

1.) Brandon Albert
2.) Patrick Lee
2.) Lawrence Jackson
3.) Dustin Keller
4.) Adarius Bowman

[heavyduty]

i don't see why scott or many other sites do not have the bills takign a CB at #11? i was looking at our depth chart today and other than WR, CB is clearly our biggest need. I would say WR is a bigger need but i do not see a single WR this year worthy of being drafted in the top 15. There are numerous CBs worthy of the 11th pick and it is one of our biggest needs so why not take it? Drafting a CB in the first and then a WR in the second takes care of our 2 biggest needs and would get the best value out of both picks. Jenkins, DRC, McKelvin, Talib, or Flowers, any one of them i would be completly happy with at #11. And then grab Thomas or Hardy in the 2nd, trade up if we need to.

And if McFadden falls to us at #11 like Mayock is saying, i would say 100% we should trade down and still be able to grab one of the CBs.

[TheBuffaloBills]

I agree. If we get Bryant Johnson then it is a definite lock for a corner at 11. Besides DRC, Aqib, Jenkins IMO wont be available in the second for us. Yet like you said, one of the top 5 rated WR is likely to drop to us in the second.

[fischbowl]

DRC is my consensus pick right now for us.

[Iamcanadian]

The answer is simple. Cover 2 teams play zone for most of the game and a shutdown CB isn't a top priority in that defense. Only 1 Cover 2 team has ever drafted a CB in round 1 and that was with the last few picks in round 1 by Indy.
Cover 2 teams can play CB's who lack great speed but are excellent in a zone defense and these types of CB's are readily available in round 2 and that is exactly where most of the Cover 2 CB's in the NFL were drafted.
I will be totally shocked if we take a CB in round 1.

[bored of education]

I wouldnt be totally shocked, but I understand how you guys feel with the CB controversy and when to draft one. I feel as if in the 2nd round you could get a guy like Porter, Godfrey, Jackson that might suffice for the time being. Safety's are far more important in cover 2 than CBs. But with whats on the board at your pick I think the wisest choice would be best available player via need. If they is an LB (like Rivers), CB (DRC [who could play anywhere in cover 2, Talib]) then so be it. 2nd round you won't get much WR wise because Once that round starts teams like SF, KC, MIA, Baltimore, Bengals, Jets could all go after one. It will be interesting though. I'd rather take an immediate need that has proper value for a reach of a greater need. But thats me.

[SuperKevin]

The depth in this draft at CB is huge especially for a Cover 2 corner. We can easily wait until rounds 2 or 3 to get a guy who will immediately contribute for us. We've done so much for our defense so far this offseason, I'd like to see us use the draft to fix what was a horrible offense in 2007.

[Billingsley26]

The depth in this draft at CB is huge especially for a Cover 2 corner. We can easily wait until rounds 2 or 3 to get a guy who will immediately contribute for us. We've done so much for our defense so far this offseason, I'd like to see us use the draft to fix what was a horrible offense in 2007.

Kev, long time no talk. Hope all is well over there.

I really dont want a WR at 11 unless it is Limas Sweed. I dont care for Kelly or Jackson at all. CB would be nice, as I see Talib as a PERFECT cover 2 guy. LB is fine with us, as is DL, except that an edge rusher could be had. I wonder if there is going to be any talk over trying to either trade/release/do something with Ryan Denny. In any event TE and WR do need to be adressed, but I dont think with the 11th. Like I said, unless it is Limas Sweed, because he has had GREAT numbers this off season.

[Iamcanadian]

I wouldnt be totally shocked, but I understand how you guys feel with the CB controversy and when to draft one. I feel as if in the 2nd round you could get a guy like Porter, Godfrey, Jackson that might suffice for the time being. Safety's are far more important in cover 2 than CBs. But with whats on the board at your pick I think the wisest choice would be best available player via need. If they is an LB (like Rivers), CB (DRC [who could play anywhere in cover 2, Talib]) then so be it. 2nd round you won't get much WR wise because Once that round starts teams like SF, KC, MIA, Baltimore, Bengals, Jets could all go after one. It will be interesting though. I'd rather take an immediate need that has proper value for a reach of a greater need. But thats me.

I could also see us drafting a top OT to replace Walker. This year's OT crop is being talked about as the best in the last 20 years. With Peters and another great OT, we'd have a very potent offensive line.
We could also trade back to a position where value for a WR is reasonable and pick up extra picks.
If we do consider a CB it won't be Talib who just isn't very physical and his tackling ability is weak for a player his size. He's much more suited to man to man coverage.
Flowers is probably the best Cover 2 CB in this year's draft and we could trade back for him and pick up extra picks.
Rivers is also a strong possibility as is Harvey DE.
We appear to have a lot of options open to us and it will be very interesting to see how our new GM functions. Either way I see this draft significantly improving our team.

[SuperKevin]

I could also see us drafting a top OT to replace Walker. This year's OT crop is being talked about as the best in the last 20 years. With Peters and another great OT, we'd have a very potent offensive line.
We could also trade back to a position where value for a WR is reasonable and pick up extra picks.
If we do consider a CB it won't be Talib who just isn't very physical and his tackling ability is weak for a player his size. He's much more suited to man to man coverage.
Flowers is probably the best Cover 2 CB in this year's draft and we could trade back for him and pick up extra picks.
Rivers is also a strong possibility as is Harvey DE.
We appear to have a lot of options open to us and it will be very interesting to see how our new GM functions. Either way I see this draft significantly improving our team.

You're right it is a great OT crop.......and that's exactly why we should wait until round 3 or 4 to take an OT. You don't spend the 11th pick on a RT, especially when you can get one in the middle rounds this year that would normally be a 1st or 2nd rounder in other years.

I don't know if you guy's have noticed but the Jets have been making some big moves on defense with the addition of Kris Jenkins and Calvin Pace. In order to counter that, we need to do something on offense. Last year we had a patchwork defense with very few, if any, stars and it did a really good job. This year we added some serious talent to that defense but our struggling offense is still just as bad.

[marv levy's older brother]

I was opposed to a WR in round one. Never liked the idea of drafting your number two receiver with your 1st pick. I understand the need for a big target cuz the redzone offense sucked, an there was no one to who could go up after a soft pass in the end zone corner. I can remember only one easy TD pass and it was to Gaines. Maybe you can get the same results with a TE in the 2nd or 3rd round? The only reason to take a WR at 11 is if you think Evans will bolt or you will not be able to resign him next year. I would be happy with a CB or DE at 11. No problem with that choice.

[SuperMcgee]

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/7796/stamericantreasonum5.jpg

Stamerica is no more.

[fischbowl]

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/041012/041012_team_america_hmed.hlarge.jpg

STAMERICA! **** YEAH!

Needless to say, I will miss staring into those eyes of his.

[neko4]

ummm, what?

[fischbowl]

ummm, what?

http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/news/8E4266FE392E41BBB8DB1884B190D80E.jpg

Perhaps familiarize before criticize?

[SuperMcgee]

http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/news/8E4266FE392E41BBB8DB1884B190D80E.jpg

Perhaps familiarize before criticize?

You rule, fisch. As does the only existing picture of Josh Stamer.

[Billingsley26]

Who do we have now who will run up to the crowd before the opening kickoff. Truly a sad day. I feel your pain Mcgee.

[TheBuffaloBills]

Just got a text from the Bills, and we got a

4th and 7th round compensatory picks. I will take it.

[SuperMcgee]

I'm really liking that 4th. We need some strong depth and competition on both lines and at safety. Still good BPA territory, as well.

[fischbowl]

Best we've gotten in a while. I love compensatory picks. Like manna from heaven.

[TheBuffaloBills]

It think this would be a definite reach but I have been hearing the Bills really really like him

Her is just one of the links that talk about it. I also read him being taken by us at 11 on some forum.

http://www.newerascouting.com/home/278-inside-information-2/#more-278

[LonghornsLegend]

I've read the same reports about you guys being interested, which scares me because were another team with a 1st round grade and I really want him at 22...Dont buy that reach stuff, Cason is a stud and can play man or zone, he's really smart and has great instincts, along with that he has playmaking skills for a db which is rare to find...I dont think he would be a bad pick at 11, but im hoping you guys go Devin Thomas so he makes it to us.

[TAMBA is HUNGRY!!!!]

I like him the most of all the CBs. As a Bills fan myself, I would not mind this pick in the least.

[art vandelay]

Do you have any links saying that the Bills are interested in Cason?

[LonghornsLegend]

I saw this on scout.com awhile back and posted it in our team forum:

A league source has told Scout.com that Buffalo, Carolina, Arizona, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Dallas and Green Bay all have first-round grades on Cason.


Have to search for the link, doesnt go into specifics about who will draft who, but its just something to think about...I think he's about as safe as a pick as you can get, with plenty potential, which is why I dont think he would be a reach at all at 11...Scott among other people have him rated way too low, this guy will not be going mid to late 2nd round.

[art vandelay]

I saw this on scout.com awhile back and posted it in our team forum:




Have to search for the link, doesnt go into specifics about who will draft who, but its just something to think about...I think he's about as safe as a pick as you can get, with plenty potential, which is why I dont think he would be a reach at all at 11...Scott among other people have him rated way too low, this guy will not be going mid to late 2nd round.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[Billingsley26]

Would not have a problem with it at all.

[619]

Perfect fit for the Bills system but you might be able to get him in round two.

[Billingsley26]

Perfect fit for the Bills system but you might be able to get him in round two.

Highly doubt it. To me, everyone is underestimating Justin King and Antoine Cason right now. I think they will both be taken in the first.

[essential]

Cason is my fav CB prospect in the draft. I have had him in my mocks all along, going to us no later than the second, but he's been my first round pick the last month or so.

Right now I have us trading down with the Eagles and taking him at #19, but I would have no problem at all taking him at #11.

[DollarBill3181]

Preseason
DAY DATE OPPONENT TV TIME
Thu. 8/7 @ Washington Redskins WKBW 7:00 PM
Thu. 8/14 PITTSBURGH STEELERS WKBW 7:30 PM
Sun. 8/24 @ Indianapolis Colts NFL Network 8:00 PM
Thu. 8/28 DETROIT LIONS WKBW 6:30 PM

Regular Season
DAY DATE OPPONENT TV TIME
Sun. 9/7 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS FOX 1:00 PM
Sun. 9/14 @ Jacksonville Jaguars CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 9/21 OAKLAND RAIDERS CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 9/28 @ St. Louis Rams CBS 4:05 PM
Sun. 10/5 @ Arizona Cardinals CBS 4:15 PM
BYE 10/12 BYE
Sun. 10/19 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 10/26 @ Miami Dolphins CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 11/2 NEW YORK JETS CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 11/9 @ New England Patriots CBS 1:00 PM
Mon. 11/17 CLEVELAND BROWNS ESPN 8:30 PM
Sun. 11/23 @ Kansas City Chiefs CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 11/30 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 12/7 MIAMI DOLPHINS CBS 4:05 PM
Sun. 12/14 @ New York Jets CBS 1:00 PM
Sun. 12/21 @ Denver Broncos CBS 4:05 PM
Sun. 12/28 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CBS 1:00 PM
*All games and times subject to change

Thoughts?

[SuperMcgee]

I don't like at all that the Miami game is in Toronto

San Diego at home after the bye, you never know.

We need to keep our composure (assuming the team is running at least decently) after we get beat in New England. Cleveland on Monday Night is a huge game and is followed by many winnable games in a row leading up to the season finale. I don't see any particularly very rough stretch in the schedule. Early wins would be a nice change this year, and they're definitely possible. Oakland and St. Louis for sure are doable, Seattle and Arizona are toss-ups at best that we can't have a very clear picture of just yet. Obviously if we want a good season we have to do our part to keep the Jets and Dolphins beneath us.

[Iamcanadian]

looks like about 5 to 7 wins. Realistically, Edwards probably won't have a breakout season until the following year and that will limit us to pretty well being below average until he is ready.

[ABWA757]

looks like about 5 to 7 wins. Realistically, Edwards probably won't have a breakout season until the following year and that will limit us to pretty well being below average until he is ready.
Ive never seen such a pessimistic bills fan.

[SuperMcgee]

Ive never seen such a pessimistic bills fan.

You should visit Buffalo sometime.
I find it tough to expect a whole lot this year with Edwards, as well. You never know with the defense, even if everyone is healthy. The seemingly decent schedule, hopefully a good starting O-line, and homerism by the barrel-full can keep me optimistic for now, but I have serious reservations because I have no idea what to expect from Edwards.

[Bills2083]

I wouldnt be upset with taking him at 11.
He and Jordy Nelson are growing on me...

[Bills2083]

Bills Brass Weighs In On Receiver Class
by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 4/16/2008 4:17 PM ET

With wide receiver a glaring need for the Bills COO Russ Brandon and Vice President of College Scouting Tom Modrak was asked several questions about this year's class of wideouts in the draft. And though the Bills are viewed as a team that needs reinforcements at the position, Buffalo's brass was not about to play their hand with a little over a week before the draft.

"I think it's part of the overall process," said Brandon when asked if receiver still a need the team is pursuing. "We're always looking to better this team. That was something that we obviously did look at during the free agency period. We felt we addressed some situations in free agency that made this ball club better and we'll continue to look at that. We're always going to look at ways to improve, be it wide receiver or any other position where we feel we have a need."

Still, Brandon and Modrak did offer some professional opinions on the class as a whole.

"It's good," said Modrak. "I think they come in all shapes and sizes, and that's part of it. Some guys play big, some guys play slot. There is good depth and there is quality depth, but there are people that fit certain roles better."

After Bills head coach Dick Jauronhttp://buffalobills.com/images/relatedicon.gif (http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=5996#) stated on a couple of occasions that he'd like to have a big wide receiver for his offense, the names of prospects like Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, James Hardy and Jordy Nelson surged to the forefront among the media when it came to possible fits for Buffalo.

"Devin Thomas, he's an excellent vertical and an excellent runner after the catch," said Modrak. "They used him a lot on bubble screens, those kind of things. He runs very well. He's strong and he's tough. He ran great on the clock, 4.4's, that kind of thing."

As for Hardy, Modrak believes he will be a quality red zone target in the league.

"He gives you opportunities that a quarterback doesn't always have because of the height," Modrak said. "And he really is a good athlete. He bends better than what you would anticipate from a 6-5 guy, which is unusual for a receiver that's a 6-4 plus guy. But he gives you that mismatch possibility."

Kansas State's Jordy Nelson is not expected to go as high as Thomas, Kelly and Hardy, but he has the size many believe Buffalo's offense needs.

"Excellent catcher who played in the slot primarily," said Modrak. "Probably going to have to make the conversion to an outside receiver. Somebody could use him in the slot, but I'm thinking he's going to make the conversion. That will mean a little bit of an adjustment for him. But he's a tough, competitive guy who's deceptively fast. He's not in that Thomas class as far as speed on the clock, however, he manages to get by people. He's a big guy whose game is excellent catcher routes, underneath, mid distance, run after the catch kind of thing."

Meanwhile Kelly had a rough week last week after his disappointing 40-times at his pro day, but Modrak insists that his pro day workout is only a small portion of Kelly's complete body of work, which over the past three years at Oklahoma has been pretty impressive.

"Him running that 40 time didn't alter where we put him on the board," said Modrak. "We thought he was going to run on the clock much differently - a little bit better than that. We figured he was a 4.5, 4.6 guy. Those guys can play. We don't think everybody needs to be 4.3, 4.4. Michael Irvin didn't run 4.4s, and he's a 6-foot-4 guy who's 230, that does make a difference obviously. Just that alone did not change it for us. It's a part of it, it's a piece of it and we'll mix it in."

As for Kelly's comments after his workout in which he partially blamed the University of Oklahoma for his subpar performance, Modrak admits it was unfortunate.

"That's something you have to digest really, because that was unexpected," Modrak said. "Does one thing alone make the difference? Typically not. We try to build a body of work, and we've talked about this before, it's a long process. You can't knee-jerk in and out of things. A fast 40 time shouldn't knee-jerk you into something. It's certainly part of the process, it was unexpected. I think he's tried to come back and recover from that a bit. It was a bit unusual for what we knew about him, but it did happen. You put yourself in his place. He was expecting to do something he didn't do. He was startled for lack of a better word about it. But probably the conversations after it, he probably would want to take it back."

Still Kelly's body of work is considered strong and that figures to carry the day for NFL teams when they determine where to slot him on their respective boards.

Thomas on the other hand doesn't have the same body of work as Kelly and has been called a "one year wonder" by some after 2,590 all-purpose yards last season and little to that prior. Modrak, however, sees it differently.

"There was a change of staff there," said Modrak of Michigan State.
"There was a different system put into place. That was his first year on campus, on the job there. How much does that impact it? Sometimes you come away saying that's a big reason, and sometimes you come away saying that was not a good enough reason. But, yeah, you try to weigh what happened."

Despite the bounty of tall wideouts in the draft there seems to be a general consensus outside of NFL draft rooms that there is not a single receiver worthy of a pick as high as that of the Bills at 11, prompting many observers to think that cornerback will be a better value pick for Buffalo. History also says that first-round cornerbacks tend to pan out more than first-round receivers. But Modrak believes a team's draft strategy is the ultimate factor in such arguments.

"We've done our studies and history has said that over time," said Modrak. "All of us have broken ranks on those things. Part of it is picking 11th, a point where there's enough guys coming off the board that it's not slam dunk wherever you're going. There is consideration what you can pick up next time around and not be isolated, and ask, 'What's better for us now and what's better for us in a little while?'"

And though the Bills draft board at this point isn't complete, they will have a definitive course of action with just a few candidates pegged for number 11.

"In reality, our pick is pretty well established in that we have the tight shot circle of the people we're looking at," said Modrak. "If they all came off the board then you're into a little bit more of discussion."
Whether a big receiver is part of the discussion at 11 is the big question.

http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=5996

__________________________________________________ ___________

I bolded what I found interesting

[Bills2083]

New rule forces Bills to be quick on the draw

Less time to choose draft picks means team must be prepared

Leo Roth • Staff writer • April 17, 2008
ORCHARD PARK — The Buffalo Bills are on the clock. And hurry it up!

Next week's 73rd NFL Player Selection Meeting (a.k.a. draft) will be a speedier and more streamlined affair, the league hopes, after owners voted last fall to reduce the time teams have to ponder their picks in the first and second rounds.

Last year's first round took a record 6 hours, 8 minutes to complete, testing the loyalty of even the most rabid draftniks to stick around and watch on television. It wasn't much fun in NFL draft rooms, either.
This year, instead of 15 minutes between picks in the first round, teams will have 10; instead of 10 minutes in the second round, they each will have seven.

The change will allow for the first two rounds to be completed in about eight hours starting at 3 p.m. on April 26. Rounds 3 through 7 will be the next day with the time between those selections remaining at five minutes.

While less procrastination apparently will make for better television and less coffee consumption in team war rooms, what's it mean for the men making the decisions?

Bills vice president of college scouting Tom Modrak doesn't anticipate problems having five fewer minutes to work with. But he did say it could affect the ability to swing trades and move up and down the draft order, something Buffalo has done in three of the last four drafts.

"I think people will try to get more things set and ready to go early, that would be my guess," Modrak said Wednesday during a draft briefing session with reporters at the stadium. "I'm anxious about it because it is a different tempo. But my sense is, and I think we'll go down this road too, to try and talk to people a lot faster, a lot sooner and people that get serious, I think would have it all laid out and ready to pull the trigger if their guy's not there quicker than they did in the past."

The Bills have 10 selections and are in position to deal up in the first three rounds.

They have a glaring need for a big wide receiver to help spark their 30th-ranked scoring offense in the red zone and assist in the development of second-year quarterback Trent Edwards.

But the draft is deep at receiver, and rather than spend the 11th overall pick, a prudent game plan could see them using that pick on a harder-to-find cornerback (such as Troy's Leodis McKelvin or Tennessee State's Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie) for their rebuilding defense.

They then could package some picks to move up from the 10th pick in the second round (41st overall) to nab one of the remaining top wide receivers.

One of those could be Oklahoma's 6-4, 220-pound Malcolm Kelly, who is slipping on many team's boards after slow 40-yard times at his pro day, but who may not be around if Buffalo stays put at 41.

Of course, the Bills could be content to pick their targeted man at No. 11 and leave it at that, and having 10 minutes to make up their mind is plenty if he's there, Modrak said.

"In reality, your/our pick is pretty well established in that we have the tight-shot circle of the people we're looking at (at No. 11)," he said.

"It could be, if they all came off the board, then you're into a little bit more of a discussion. I think it (the change) may not hurt it but it will may make the trade thing a little bit more accelerated."

And what if some team calls right when the Bills are on the clock? Is there enough time to think straight and make the right move?

"You can do it," Modrak said. "You know how many times they've run down to the wire, running the card up there with the 15 minutes. So yeah, it will be a little bit tighter. You get faster guys (card runners) in New York, I guess."

The Bills' card runner in New York City, where the draft occurs, is equipment manager Dave Hojnowski, who may want to start working out on the treadmill.

[fischbowl]

Dave Hojnowski beats me out again!

[vcstriker16]

<link removed>

I definately wouldn't mind picking him up.

[fischbowl]

<link removed>

I definately wouldn't mind picking him up.

the signing of Kawika Mitchell eliminates the need for a first day LB.

[Wide Right]

Not one mention of Limas Sweed? Hmmmmmmmm.

[DollarBill3181]

You should visit Buffalo sometime.
I find it tough to expect a whole lot this year with Edwards, as well. You never know with the defense, even if everyone is healthy. The seemingly decent schedule, hopefully a good starting O-line, and homerism by the barrel-full can keep me optimistic for now, but I have serious reservations because I have no idea what to expect from Edwards.


The jury's out on Edwards. I don't want it to be where everyone jumps on the wagon and anoints him the next savior, but i also dont want him going in with every pessimistic thought in the world against him.
It'll be interesting to see how he does with an offseason and training camp under him. Moreover...
We all could name the MANY MANY quarterbacks who were hidden by their good teams around them, and with Lynch/Jackson, Evans/DraftPick, a solid O-line, and maybe a decent TE (via draft), hopefully some work can get done. Not to mention a defense that can get us the ball once in awhile, id like to think we've made some solid improvements, but the draft will define ALOT.
It so imperative for us to get Dominique Rodger-Cromartie at 11 and NOT trade down for Devin "One hit wonder" Thomas or Sweed (who i DO like). Take the best available guy (who will be more than solid with this draft class) in round 2. Then TE round three, again another solid guy with TE's falling (id like to think Carlson, Bennett, or Davis will be avail when we pick in round 3, i cant see 4 TE's - with Keller going 1st - off the board by our 3rd rd pick).

[Bills2083]

BILLS SAY WR HARDY NOT A CHARACTER RISK: The Bills have done their due diligence on upwards of 500 players for the past 10 months and that includes Indiana WR James Hardy, who has a domestic incident and two-game team suspension in his college career. Said Hardy at the combine about his transgressions.

"As a young man I never had anyone to actually sit me down and tell me things I've done wrong, so I've learned from my mistakes," said Hardy. "I can honestly tell you as a man right here that I've made mistakes in the past and I've learned from them and they won't happen again in any other area I'm at. That's all I can do and just show them the actual person that I am. That's what coach Hep (Terry Hoeppner) talked about a lot. He told me to just show the world the type of man you are. That's all I can do."
The Bills don't believe Hardy to be a character risk.

“I think he had a rough upbringing," said Bills scout Tom Roth. "I don’t think he’s a bad kid at all. He just had a rough upbringing and that’s the way I see it. You can’t knock him for that. You have to give him some credit just for what he’s been through. I wouldn’t say he’s a character risk.”

For more check out Bills Roundup in the multimedia section.

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

[fischbowl]

This is great news for me

[Bills2083]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PlWZDZboQw

[Iamcanadian]

I'm not worried about his character as much as I worry about his inability to catch the ball over the middle of the field. He seems to shy away from contact even if it means he won't catch the ball. That's why he's not going to be a high 1st rounder IMO.

[BallerT1215]

^And at 6'5 - You CAN NOT be afraid of contact when the team expects you to go up and get the tough balls.

[Bills2083]

http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6022

[SuperMcgee]

...is a skinny Terry Tate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JQdajFXlD4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcePIUOL5LQ&feature=related

Few good parts, but I'm all about compliance

[fischbowl]

See Poll for overall grade:

Post Individual Grades Below

1) Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
2) James Hardy, WR, Indiana
3) Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
4a) Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
4b) Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
5) Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
6) Xavier Omon, RB, NW Missouri State
7a) Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State
7b) Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
7c) Kennard Cox, CB, Pitt

[fischbowl]

haha i love it.

[fischbowl]

See Poll for overall grade:

Post Individual Grades Below

1) Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
2) James Hardy, WR, Indiana
3) Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
4a) Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
4b) Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
5) Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
6) Xavier Omon, RB, NW Missouri State
7a) Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State
7b) Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
7c) Kennard Cox, CB, Pitt

Overall Grade= B-

Leodis McKelvin: C+

Not a big fan of McKelvin, but that's just me. Would of preferred DRC

James Hardy: A+

Equates to everything we could of needed and imagined. Will most definitely be an immediate weapon in the red zone. A true dream come true

Chris Ellis: C+

C+ with Cliff Avril on the board. Always saw him as more of a fit in the 3-4 as an OLB. Some character flags

Reggie Corner: A+

Nice sleeper corner. Great cover-2 fit. Great MAC talent

Derek Fine: B

Best TE available. Can't blame the Bills here.

Alvin Bowen: B

A little undersized, but a great tackler, could be Coy Wire Parte Deux, seeing time at OLB and SS

Xavier Omon: C

Great Player, but why a RB, when we are like 5 deep already?

Demetrius Bell: A+

Bastard son of Karl Malone a project at OT, should be a great backup and eventual starter

Steve Johnson: B

Good WR depth

Kennard Cox: B-

Don't know too much of him so he gets an average grade

[fischbowl]

Draft Daddy Grades:

1.11 CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy: The Bills never replaced Nate Clements. Troy is good bet. Grade: B-.
2.41 WR James Hardy, Indiana: Real star power, Hardy made a ton of plays at Indiana. Grade: A-.
3.72 DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech: Only average at Senior Bowl, Ellis a pass rushing project. Grade: C.
4.114 CB Reggie Corner, Akron: A great Pro Day display elavated Corner's stock. Grade: B.
4.132 TE Derek Fine, Kansas: Should immediately help the Bills in short-yardage packages.
5.147 LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa State: Small fast LB will have to impact on ST. Grade: C.
6.179 RB Xavier Omon, NW Missouri: D-2 superstar has decent speed and excellent balance. Grade C+.
7.219 OT Demetrius Bell, Northwestern: Son of Karl Malone, former DE that needs work. Grade: C-.
7.224 WR Steve Johnson, Kentucky: Big JC-transfer but not real fast. Grade: D.
7.251 CB Kennard Cox, Pittsburgh: Possible nickel back who is a big project. Grade: D+.

[fischbowl]

Replace Ryan Neill at LS!

http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/news/C7C910A49F3140EAA82B21C731EFE06E.jpg

Face it, Neill is a terrible long snapper! I'd be fine with him back on the DL where he initially impressed. Cutting Pro Bowl Long Snapper Mike Schneck last year will go down as one of the worst personnel decisions in recent Bills History! Thoughts of Neill bring me back to the Trey Junkin and Jon Dorenbos days! Help me rid myself of these nightmares!

This is the time of the season for competition. Two, young fabulous college long snappers in Indiana's Tim Bugg and Florida State's Garrison Sanborn are still out there! Proven professional LS's such as Andrew Economos and Boone Stutz are currently unrestricted free agents! Yes, UNRESTRICTED! We can sign them!

Once I get 10 signatures the order will come into motion and be sent to Bills Front Offices in letter form!

[fischbowl]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/Buffalo_Bills_helmet_rightface.png/135px-Buffalo_Bills_helmet_rightface.png

Leodis McKelvin: #28
James Hardy: #81
Chris Ellis: #93
Reggie Corner: #27
Derek Fine: #86
Alvin Bowen: #50
Xavier Omon: #25
Demetrius Bell: #77
Steve Johnson: #13
Kennard Cox: #38

It's Official

[Iamcanadian]

I'll only rate the 1st 3 since everything after 3 is pretty much a C with minimal chance to ever be a starter.

McKelvin was a B for me. Yes, he's a solid shutdowen CB but we play a zone defense which rarely asks a CB to play one on one. He'll need a lot of time to learn how to play in a zone.

James Hardy is also a B for me. Has good upside but I'm really worried about how he becomes non existant on crossing patterns over the middle when he has to take a big hit to make the catch. Does he have sand in his pants or will he be a 1 dimensional player as a red zone threat on the outside.
He was a 2nd rounder because film showed him scared to go over the middle of the field. He has everything else.

Cliff Ellis is also a solid B for me, perfect build for a Cover 2 defensive end and could start out as a situational pass rusher with starter potential in a couple of years.

[Tha Wootster]

Wootizzle - Canada

[SuperMcgee]

Ha, Boone Stutz

Anyway:

SuperMcgee - Buffalo

But fisch, I don't want to see anymore hatred towards the magician with the psycho dad.

[Caddy]

Hey guess what... Andrew Economos is not unrestriced and is contracted this year to the Buccaneers :) That will be two years in a row of competent long snapping from Economos.

Suck it Fisch!!!!!

[Bills2083]

I'm signing your petition.
We need a new longsnapper!

[art vandelay]

And the Bills ST dynasty continues...

[art vandelay]

art vandelay - Syracuse.

Who knows though, maybe he will improve this year. Everyone wanted Lindell's head after the '03 season and now he's arguably a Top 5-10 kicker in the NFL.

[art vandelay]

Well McKelvin couldn't take 34 so 28 is nice. Gonna look great shutting down #81.

[Bosanac01]

Boone Stutz is real good and still young, falcon fans are still bummed why petrino cut him. Boone was a fan favorite.

[fischbowl]

Boone Stutz is real good and still young, falcon fans are still bummed why petrino cut him. Boone was a fan favorite.

He was cut to make room for Mike ******* Schneck, the best LS in the game, who the Bills cut, who was a fan favorite!

[Bills2083]

He was cut to make room for Mike ******* Schneck, the best LS in the game, who the Bills cut, who was a fan favorite!

Who also went to the pro bowl http://boards.buffalobills.com/images/icons/Lecture.gif

[fischbowl]

Who also went to the pro bowl http://boards.buffalobills.com/images/icons/Lecture.gif

The Pro Bowl!

[BallerT1215]

Gotta love Johnson and the # 13.

[Iamcanadian]

This could change the whoe personna of Buffalo football. That money will be used to keep our own FA's and maybe sign a few more. We have moved from one of the poorest franchises into the middle of the pack and if Torontonians start buying Buffallo merchandise, with 16 million potential buyers(about 12 millian live in Toronto and its surrounding areas, the rest which could possibly total even more than 4 million and would come from Canadian TV viewers who would get Buffalo as their home games), we could head up into the upper eschelons of team revenue.
Is money asnd revenue important for the Bills, your damn right it is. That revenue and future revenues will insure that the Bills never leave Buffalo and now have a real shot at being a very successful franchise without money problems.
One of the most important areas where team revenue plays a huge part is in having the money to hire a top coaching staff along with a top scouting staff and use the whole salary cap to sign and retain players(Buffalo has never come close in the past to actually using all its cap dollars).

[bsaza2358]

It is a good idea to spread your fanbase north instead of south. No way Giants/Jets fans will adopt the Bills, so go to Canada. I think it is brilliant from a merch standpoint.

[619]

Don't assume close to all football fans in the Greater Toronto Area are Bills supporters. Sure, probably the majority due to geographic implications. Most of us here just wanna see some quality football.

[bsaza2358]

If they can grab even 2% of the Argonauts people away, it will be a coup.

[Iamcanadian]

I guarantee you Toronto will sell out the games and Buffalo merchandise sales will take a huge jump. Given a few years the revenue growth could be significant.

[SuperMcgee]

http://network.staging.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/1211crosby475.jpg

OR

http://media.buffalonews.com/smedia/2008/04/13/06/982-bn-20080413-D001-gerbeleadsbctot-169527-MI0001.standalone.prod_affiliate.50.jpg

Or just talk about how awesome Gerbe is. Can he be more "most outstanding" than Vanek? Will he take the Calder, Conn Smythe, and Stanley in the same year? Will we see a tiny-scrapper fight between him and Roy over the #9? My answer to all is an obvious yes.

[fischbowl]

Is it even a question McGee? Gerbe for sure

[Jay]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3387460

Didn't know anything about the kid but the story was worth the read. Thought you guys might want to take a peak.

[art vandelay]

Should be great RB competition this year and I could see us keeping 4 guys. If we try to release Omon to get him on the PS, he will be signed by some other team, so if we are keeping 3, it's going to come down to him or Dwyane Wright. Wright seemed to be in the dog house last year after that fumble against the Patriots, so I guess we'll see. As fisch mentioned, maybe Omon is being looked at as a FB? Who knows. Either way, I hope he sticks around.

I know paranoidmoonduck loved this guy pre-draft and I think it's hard not to. The only thing he seems to lack is great straight-line speed and I love his running style. He looks very quick in his cuts and runs decisive, low and hard. We seem to lack a true burner at RB, but I like how all of our RB's can bruise and wear a defense down over the course of a game.

[art vandelay]

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/NATHAN%20GERBE.JPG

What a stud.

[The_Dude]

OK Bils fans, I need your help on this one.

I'm just about to start a FF Dynasty Draft. I pick at 1.09 and since it is an IDP league, there is a good chance that Hardy will be sitting there for me at my pick.

What is the local scoop on this kid... Has he really gotten past his issues (i read the articles posted on this forum), will he step into the starting role from day one? What's the contract situation with Lee Evans? Will that effect Hardy's role with this team?

Any other info that you are willing to give would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

~The_Dude

[rocco31fb]

Hardy has a very good chance to start from Day 1. But I can see it being a few weeks into the season before he actually does. I think his off the field issues are overblown. I think that he will be a very big impact on the team this season, and the ONLY Red Zone Target the Bills will have.

Lee Evans' contract runs out after this year. They will resign him, but if not, Hardy would be the #1.

[The_Dude]

Cool. Thanks

Keep the opinions coming!

[drmoyer421]

Here is an article today about Hardy's situation.. http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6085

Sounds like it was a nosey neighbor that blew things out of proportion.

Word out of OTA is he had some of the most spectacular catches in camp today. (not that it means anything)

I think he will start from the beg. of season. If not, he will be used quite a lot and will be a redzone threat.

If you watched any of the Bills game, it wasnt moving the ball that was the problem with Buffalo's offense. Trent Edwards got them down there. The problem with Buffalo is that they came away with 3pts instead of 7pts. Hardy will def. help a ton! Its hard to defend those Plaxico type lob plays in the endzone because your WR is 7 inches taller than the defender.

[SuperMcgee]

Here is an article today about Hardy's situation.. http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6085

Sounds like it was a nosey neighbor that blew things out of proportion.

Word out of OTA is he had some of the most spectacular catches in camp today. (not that it means anything)

I think he will start from the beg. of season. If not, he will be used quite a lot and will be a redzone threat.

If you watched any of the Bills game, it wasnt moving the ball that was the problem with Buffalo's offense. Trent Edwards got them down there. The problem with Buffalo is that they came away with 3pts instead of 7pts. Hardy will def. help a ton! Its hard to defend those Plaxico type lob plays in the endzone because your WR is 7 inches taller than the defender.

Eh, our red zone offense was brutal, yeah, but there definitely was a problem moving the ball down there. Our whole passing game was bad, all over.

[JeffSamardzijaIRISH]

Who's your #2 RB behind Marshawn? I can see Omon becoming a 3rd down back or on some goal line plays his rookie year.

[SuperMcgee]

Who's your #2 RB behind Marshawn? I can see Omon becoming a 3rd down back or on some goal line plays his rookie year.

Fred Jackson, and he's very good.

[fischbowl]

Fast Freddy followed by Boy Dwayne.

Honestly I think Omon bulks up and takes over at FB

Nice sig McGee

[Byrd430]

Buffalo Bills

Offense:
Trent Edwards beat out J.P. Losman for the starting job as a rookie, but that still doesn't mean that he's the answer at quarterback. He showed flashes of being a capable starter, but still struggled at times, and through ten games still threw more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (7). Last year's offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild was predictable, running the ball on first downs sixty percent of the time. Even so, Marshawn Lynch still eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark as a rookie and seemed to get better as the season went along. He returns, looking to build on his numbers under new coordinator Turk Schonert's more wide open attack. Fred Jackson looked good when replacing Lynch for three games last season and will be the number two back once again. Fullback Darian Barnes wasn't utilized much in the Jets schemes last year but still helped pave the way for two of Thomas Jones' three 100-yard games. The veteran will be counted on to do the same for Lynch and Jackson.

Wide receiver Lee Evans enjoyed a breakout year in 2006, but his numbers slipped a bit in 2007. He should bounce back in 2008 because of the new schemes employed by Schonert. The Bills will probably keep rotating the number two receiver, and it starts with Josh Reed. Reed started ten games last season and had 51 catches for 578 yards. Because Evans had only five touchdowns and Reed had none, the team drafted 6'6 James Hardy out of Indiana. Hardy should become a red zone target, but will have to work on his route running to be entrenched in the number two role. The Bills can also look at Roscoe Parrish as another guy in the rotation as he set career highs in catches and yards last season. He's a bit undersized at 5'9 but has tons of speed. The tight end spot will also be utilized more and the starter will come down to Robert Royal and newcomer Courtney Anderson. Royal has some talent and should start but is battling a knee injury that required offseason surgery. Anderson was brought in to challenge Royal, but he was ineffective last season and didn't get a lot of playing time.

The Buffalo offensive line started to gel last season, in large part because of the continued emergence of left tackle Jason Peters who should contend for a Pro Bowl this season. The Bills added left guard Derrick Dockery and right tackle Langston Walker last offseason. Center Melvin Fowler and right guard Brad Butler complete a line that allowed Lynch to surpass 1,000 yards and protected Edwards well, allowing just 12 sacks.

Defense:
Defensive ends Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel only combined for nine sacks last season. This was just one of the reasons the team allowed the most passing yards in the teams history. Schobel posted double-digit sacks two years in a row before last season. He should return to form. However, don't expect Kelsay to follow, although he did make a few highlight plays last season, grabbing an interception for a touchdown and scoring on a safety. Ryan Denney hurt his foot late last season, but appeared in seven games last season and made a few plays. The team also drafted Chris Ellis from Virginia Tech. The team failed to stop the run for the third straight season, and undersized Larry Tripplett was let go. In his place will be Marcus Stroud, a former Pro Bowler who has suffered ankle injuries the past two seasons as well as a four-game suspension last season for steroid use. If Stroud can shake the injuries and issues, however, he should be the force inside that Buffalo desperately needs. The other tackle, Kyle Williams, has showed some nice upside and will need to improve in 2008. Defensive tackle Spencer Johnson, an incoming free agent, will challenge for time, particularly because John McCargo has been disappointing.

Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny showed some good ability in three games before a broken leg ended his rookie season. If he has bounced back, the Bills should have a gem inside. Outside linebacker Kawika Mitchell started all sixteen games for the Super Bowl Champion Giants last season. He provided some highlights last season, scoring touchdowns on a fumble recovery in the playoffs and an interception against Buffalo. Angelo Crowell led the Bills (and all AFC outside linebackers) last season with 126 tackles and should continue to thrive in 2008. OLBs Mario Haggan and Keith Ellison and MLB John DiGiorgio had quality playing time last season.

The secondary gave up 238.4 yards a game last season. A lack of a pass rush and run-stoppers added to that. Still, Jabari Greer and Terrence McGee will have to step things up in 2008. McGee led the team with four interceptions and provided 78 tackles. Greer will have to battle newcomer William James, who was buried behind Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard in Philadelphia. Greer, who started last season, and James, who came to Buffalo in hopes of becoming the starter, may both have to take a backseat to rookie Leodis McKelvin, the top corner in the draft. Donte Whitner was a surprise draft pick for Buffalo a couple of years ago but hasn't disappointed, coming up with 193 tackles over his first two seasons. Free safety Ko Simpson had surgery to repair a broken ankle which happened in the very first game last season. The team hopes that he can come back healthy. His backup, George Wilson, also suffered broken ribs late last season. Bryan Scott had quality playing time and is an option if anybody gets hurt.

Special teams:
The special teams is a bright spot for Buffalo. Brian Moorman is a Pro Bowl punter, and Rian Lindell is a solid, if not underrated, kicker. Starting corner Terrence McGee excels on kick returns. Roscoe Parrish led the NFL as a punt returner last year. Rookie Leodis McKelvin may also get some chances after returning eight kicks for touchdowns, tying an NCAA record. Special teams coach Bobby April must find some new players for his coverage units, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

Coaching:
Dick Jauron is popular in the locker room. He should also be commended for his job on the field. Although the Bills suffered an NFL-high seventeen players placed on injured reserve, they still remained competitive, losing by just one point to Denver and Dallas and eight points in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert is expected to bring along Edwards by opening up the field a little bit. If he is successful, the offense will benefit from top to bottom and keep from being too predictable. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has some bigger players and should be able to get better, although it would be difficult to get worse.

Schedule:
The Bills have a manageable schedule but will probably have to take their lumps. They open up against Seattle and at Jacksonville before getting Oakland and a two-game road trip at St. Louis and Arizona. They get a bye week only to face San Diego. Then, they get three divisional games before taking on Cleveland. Going to Kansas City and back home for San Francisco should be welcome before ending the season with three division rematches in the last four weeks. The other game will feature a rematch against Denver in Colorado after losing by just one point last season. If the Bills are in line for a playoff berth, they need to do so before their finale against New England.

[SuperMcgee]

I don't think disappointing is the word for McCargo. He hasn't been a starter or great player, but he's looked pretty good and most people are excited for him this season with Trips out of the way.
It could go more in depth with the differing outlooks on Schobel and Kelsay, besides the obvious talent gap.
It is what it is, not really anything that would garner a complaint. It's a safe, factual preview that doesn't go out on a limb but seems to know what it's talking about.

[evans555]

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bi...ry/367424.html




Late pick making an impression
By Allen Wilson NEWS SPORTS REPORTER
Updated: 06/11/08 6:37 AM


SAVE EMAIL PRINT POPULAR Digg it del.icio.us + Larger Font Google Yahoo - Smaller Font
James P. McCoy/Buffalo News
Receiver Steve Johnson has impressed with his ability to run after the catch.
He seems to make a play in every practice, earning the praise of his coaches and teammates alike. When the work is over and the players leave the field, he remains to catch extra passes from the Jugs machine.

When you are a seventh-round draft pick you better make an impression early and often. If it was Steve Johnson’s intention to get the Buffalo Bills’ attention, he is succeeding.

“He’s doing a good job,” Bills wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said . “He’s like all the other rookies, the head’s spinning a little bit. But he’s a playmaking guy. We were very fortunate to get him where we drafted him because we had a higher grade than where we got him.”

Like the Bills, Johnson was stunned he had to wait so long to get a telephone call from an NFL team during the draft. But the former University of Kentucky star has gotten over the disappointment.

“I’m here now so I don’t really have to worry about what happened in the past,” he said. “All I’ve got to do is go forward and everything will be all good.”

Johnson has been pretty good for most of the Bills’ voluntary practice sessions. He has impressive size at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, which was a big reason the Bills drafted him and 6-6 James Hardy.

What stands out about Johnson is his good hands and ability to run after the catch. His route running needs polishing, but he doesn’t seem to have a problem getting open.

“You can see that he has good ability,” Tolbert said. “He still has a lot to learn, but he’s off to a good start.”

If Johnson is raw it’s because he hasn’t been playing football long. The San Francisco native didn’t take up the sport until his high school started a program before his junior year.

He started at running back as a junior and quarterback as a senior, while also playing safety, linebacker and defensive end. It wasn’t until Johnson reached Chabot College in Hayward, Calif., that he moved to wide receiver. He embraced the position switch and earned All-America honors his second year by catching 73 passes for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns.

After transferring to Kentucky in 2006, Johnson needed a year to adjust to the NCAA Division I-A level. But he busted out in a big way last season with 60 catches, 1,041 yards, 13 touchdowns and was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by College Football News. Two of his touchdowns were game-winners: a 57-yarder with 28 seconds left against Louisville and a 7-yarder in triple overtime against then No. 1 LSU.

It was Johnson’s performance in that LSU game that really made Tolbert stand up and take notice. Including his game-winner, Johnson had a career-high seven catches for 134 yards during a 43-37 upset of the eventual national champions.

“If a receiver played LSU I’d watch that game because LSU had two senior cornerbacks that did a good job all year long,” Tolbert said. “But Steve pretty much ripped LSU’s senior corners apart, so that stood out more than anything. That showed me everything he could do as a playmaker.”

Producing in what is widely recognized as the best conference in college football didn’t hurt either.

“Some people say the SEC is like an NFL JV, so to speak,” Johnson said. “But going against LSU, Florida and Tennessee is like going against the best, so you’re pretty much practicing for the next level. Coaches always told us that at Kentucky. It has helped make the transition [to the NFL] a lot easier.”

Johnson’s experience against SEC defenses may help him in shorts this spring, but the NFL is a much different and faster game when the pads go on in the summer and fall.
Tolbert likes what he’s seen but wants to see more from Johnson when training camp arrives.

“I have no problem with his playmaking ability,” Tolbert said. “I don’t have a problem with his toughness from what I saw on film. But getting him in a situation where he can be successful and be consistent, that’s the key.”

Johnson knows he has a lot to prove, but that’s nothing different than what he’s faced since he first touched a football.

“Out of high school to junior college it was always the same way,” he said. “I just started playing the position, so every time I stepped on the field I had to prove myself. I think if you step on the field with that attitude and mentality you can’t really lose. Don’t be comfortable at all. Just continue to work and good things will happen.”







Still cant believe he lasted until the 7th round....Funny enough I had him going in the 5th round to the Bills

[Vikes99ej]

Wow, this would go great in the Buffalo Bills Team Forum.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

nobody cares.

[JeffSamardzijaIRISH]

next marques colston

[evans555]

Wow, this would go great in the Buffalo Bills Team Forum.

Dont be such a drama queen....The forum says 2008 NFL draft...last time I checked he was a part of that

[drmoyer421]

ya actually the opposite with John McCargo. He hasnt been a dissapointment... though it was disapointing to have him miss his first year with an injury. But last year (his first full season) he showed flashes of dominance. And if he continues to grow.. will be a FORCE to reckon, especially with Stroud working beside him.

[SuperKevin]

Hopefully he sticks around and is able to bump Josh Reed off the team. That guy is useless

[SuperKevin]

Fast Freddy followed by Boy Dwayne.

Honestly I think Omon bulks up and takes over at FB

Nice sig McGee

We signed Darian Barnes to be our FB though

[fischbowl]

We signed Darian Barnes to be our FB though

Barnes did not have one rushing yard in 2006 and was inactive for all of 2007. The least we can say is Omon is strong competition for Barnes

[Bills2083]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3438951

[heavyduty]

wondering if anybody has heard anything because im tripping that he isnt in camp, he is a key part in us having a big season and we need him there.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

This belongs in a team forum.

[PackerLegend]

This belongs in a team forum.

Just about what I was going to say. Besides alot of players dont go to OTA's because there not mandatory. If he is missing a camp thats mandatory for more then a day or two thats bad news.

[Bills2083]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6164

[Bills2083]

MCGEE AND GREER BETTER THAN SOME THINK: Though Jabari Greer had to wait his turn last year to enter the starting lineup, he and Terrence McGee formed a pretty good tandem last season. Even though some fans are quick to assume that Leodis McKelvin will step in for Greer this season, that may be a rush to judgment. Not only did Greer have another outstanding spring, but according to KC Joyner (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/columns/story?columnist=joyner_kc&id=3425488), ESPN's resident "Football Scientist" as a tandem McGee and Greer ranked fourth in the league in yards per attempt allowed at an impressive 5.8 yards. Granted it's only one statistic, but Nate Clements and Walt Harris ranked 15th. Champ Bailey and Dre Bly ranked last. I was a bit surprised by some of the figures, and no it's not the end all, be all for judging cornerback play, but it is a legitimate stat. As I said in my minicamp notes last week, McKelvin is going to need to have a monster camp to crack the starting lineup in the secondary to start the season.

--per Chris Brown

[SuperMcgee]

Yeah, they're good, but it's KC Joyner. The guy who thought McGee was better than Clements when he was actually just as inconsistent with a lower ceiling for when he was on his game.

[BufFan71]

like stated, this belongs in a team forum

and......no he did not report to the mandatory camps

[Addict]

like stated, this belongs in a team forum

and......no he did not report to the mandatory camps

stinks for the Bills, on the other hand I understands he wants a fatter paycheck.

[BlindSite]

Is this the same Jason Peters who went from #7 overall to being put at guard to being benched to almost being released to getting a starting job?

I remember Buffalo having a useless offensive line, signing castoffs and then all of a sudden Peters is in the discussion with guys like Orlando pace as the top starters in the league?

Correct me if I'm wrong?

[Addict]

Is this the same Jason Peters who went from #7 overall to being put at guard to being benched to almost being released to getting a starting job?

I remember Buffalo having a useless offensive line, signing castoffs and then all of a sudden Peters is in the discussion with guys like Orlando pace as the top starters in the league?

Correct me if I'm wrong?

This Jason Peters was a UDFA from Arkensas, who was signed by the bills, moved to the practise squad, became a tight end, then won the right tackle job, then moved to LT and was selected to the pro bowl last year.

[Pacific]

Is this the same Jason Peters who went from #7 overall to being put at guard to being benched to almost being released to getting a starting job?


I think you're thinking of Mike Williams.

[LonghornsLegend]

I think you're thinking of Mike Williams.

Yep, what a bust.

[Bills2083]

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/billsnfl/story/375809.html

[vidae]

Great article. I love reading things like that.

It's great because a lot of rookies find themselves with a lot of money fast and that can really screw them up for the long term. It's good that Whitner had a guy like Vincent and it's good that McKelvin has a guy like Whitner to bring him back down to reality.

[Rob S]

nice article....I love Whitner. +rep for u sir

[Bills2083]

Bills signed DT Kyle Williams to a three-year, $14.5 million extension through 2012, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

$5.7 million is guaranteed. Williams has played strictly nose tackle in coordinator Perry Fewell's Tampa 2 since being drafted in '05, but worked as a three technique during OTAs. We doubt he'll win that job over John McCargo and Spencer Johnson, but should remain a key rotational piece.

[fischbowl]

100% deservant of this extension

[Solomon]

The Bills are really deep at DT, they're gonna have to start investing in some ends though.

[TheBuffaloBills]

I am probably going this year. Has any of you guys gone to the camps before? I highly suggest it.... Moorman was stretching 3 feet infront of me. And I got my hat autographed by Lynch, Poz, Edwards last year.... pretty sweet hat.

[heavyduty]

we HAVE TO pay him the money he deserves and lock him up for 5-6 years. He is a Top 5 OT in the league, still young, and ridiculously athlectic/great in pass protection. We sign him and Evans in the offseason and we are good.

[SuperMcgee]

We need to sign Evans before the offseason. Deal with Evans first and hope Peters' monetary desires don't keep him off the field, he'll get his raise.

[fischbowl]

I worked at camp in 2004. I'd watch the practices during lunch and had a few hearty convos with my fav, Brian Moorman

[Bills2083]

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=6252

[johnstonolb]

Do you guys think Whitner is proving out his selection in the draft?

Curious to get fans read. I loved his play but profess not to be objective.

Thoughts?

[ThePudge]

AFC East

2.Buffalo Bills

2.1 Draft Outlook

1. (11) Leodis McKelvin – CB – Troy
2. (41) James Hardy – WR – Indiana
3. (72) Chris Ellis – DE – Virginia Tech
4. (114) Reggie Corner – CB – Akron
4. (132) Derek Fine – TE – Kansas
5. (147) Alvin Bowen – OLB – Iowa State
6. (179) Xavier Omon – RB – Northwest Missouri State
7. (219) Demetrius Bell – OT – Northwestern State
7. (224) Steve Johnson – WR – Kentucky
7. (251) Kennard Cox – DB – Pittsburgh

Analysis: The Bills did a pretty nice job in taking care of perhaps their three most pressing needs in the first three rounds by selecting a legitimate starting cornerback, a tall red-zone threat wide receiver, and a pass-rushing DE in Chris Ellis. McKelvin is a solid CB with lockdown potential, though some would argue that he’d be more in his element in man coverage rather than in a Cover 2 defense. Hardy is a perfect fit and should find his way on to the field immediately, that is, if he can keep himself together off it. Ellis also has minor character issues but is an athletic DE with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He should be a welcome addition for a team that produced only 26 sacks a year ago. The team’s fourth round picks (Corner and Fine) were both players that may have been available a round or two later. Corner has more upside of the two, but Fine also has a chance to stick as a pass-catching tight end, though he is a bit undersized. Alvin Bowen, the team’s fifth round pick should battle for the backup weakside or strongside linebacker spot. Bowen is small, but is athletic and active enough to contribute on special teams right away. Xavier Omon, an extremely productive back in Division II, has upside and should push for a backup role along with Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright. Demetrius Bell has size, athleticism, and plenty of upside, his downfall is his lack of experienece against top competition and well, experience period. I am a fan of Steve Johnson, a big receiver with solid hands and slightly above average speed, I think he could stick on this Bills team and perhaps develop into a solid #3 or 4 receiver in time. Kennard Cox is a versatile defensive back who will likely be tried at free safety and cornerback where he’ll battle for a spot. GRADE: B

2.2 Free Agency Overview

Additions
+ WLB Kawika Mitchell
+ DT Spencer Johnson
+ DT Marcus Stroud
+ TE Courtney Anderson
+ CB Will James

Subtractions
- WR Peerless Price
- DB E.J. Underwood
- LB Kevin Henderson
- RB Anthony Thomas
- DB Kiwaukee Thomas
- LB Coy Wire
- DB Jerametrius Butler
- TE Michael Gaines (Detroit)
- LB Leon Joe (Tampa Bay)
- FS Jim Leonhard (Baltimore)
- RB Shaud Williams
- CB Jason Webster (New England)
- DE Al Williams
- WR Sam Aiken (New England)
- LB Josh Stamer (Tennessee)
- TE Ryan Neufield
- DT Larry Triplett (Seattle)
- LB Mario Haggan

- The number of players lost via free agency far exceeds the number of those acquired; however, it was a very positive offseason as the team did not lose any significant performers, while they gained a few. DT Marcus Stroud is the prize of the team’s offseason as they finally have a big body to clog the middle. Stroud has Pro Bowl potential and should command some double teams and allow more room for top pass rusher DE Aaron Schobel to work. His presence could also allow third year player John McCargo to finally break out and allow the linebackers to roam more freely. Speaking of linebackers, Kawika Mitchell will come in and take the starting Weakside Linebacker job. Mitchell has great size and has big game experience, he brings a solid starter to their core. CB Will James is in the running for the nickel job and should contribute right away. TE Courtney Anderson has potential and could get snaps this season as a pass-catcher at TE, his competition for the job behind Robert Royal is Derek Schouman, Tim Massaquoi and rookie Derek Fine. DT Spencer Johnson will be a part of the rotation playing behind Stroud. The only losses that are unfortunate were DT Larry Triplett, who would likely not have started this year anyway and S Jim Leonhard, a good special teams performer. Overall, the team has added some key playmakers who will continue Buffalo’s rise and increase their shot at making a wild card push.

2.3 Team Depth Chart/Position Battles

--Depth Chart taken from team website
*Indicates Rookie
Indicates Potential Pro Bowl player
Indicates Breakout Player

QB – Trent Edwards – J.P Losman – Gibran Hamdan – Matt Baker*
RB – Marshawn Lynch – Fred Jackson – Dwayne Wright – Xavier Omon* – Bruce Hall*
FB- Darian Barnes – Jonathan Evans
WR – Lee Evans – Roscoe Parrish – Felton Huggins – Steve Johnson*
WR – Josh Reed - James Hardy* – Justin Jenkins – Scott Mayle – Jason Jones
TE – Robert Royal – Derek Schouman – Courtney Anderson – Tim Massaquoi – Derek Fine*
LT – Jason Peters – Kirk Chambers – Matt Murphy – Demetrius Bell*
LG – Derrick Dockery – Jason Whittle – Nevin McCaskill
C – Melvin Fowler – Duke Preston – Christian Gaddis
RG – Brad Butler – Duke Preston – Robert Felton*
RT – Langston Walker – Kirk Chambers – Patrick Estes

LE – Chris Kelsay – Ryan Denney – Shaun Nua
LDT – Marcus Stroud – Spencer Johnson – Jason Jefferson – Teraz McCray*
RDT – Kyle Williams – John McCargo – Corey Mace
RE – Aaron Schobel – Copeland Bryan - Chris Ellis*
SLB – Angelo Crowell – Alvin Bowen* – Blake Costanzo
MLB – Paul Posluszny – John DiGiorgio – Jon Banks*
SLB – Kawika Mitchell – Keith Ellison – Marcus Buggs*
LCB – Terrence McGee – Leodis McKelvin* – Ashton Youboty – Dustin Fox
FS – Ko Simpson – George Wilson – Jon Corto – Kennard Cox*
SS - Donte Whitner – Bryan Scott – John Wendling
RCB – Jabari Greer – Will James – Reggie Corner* – Kennard Cox*


2.4 Focus on Fantasy Football

QB – Trent Edwards – Probably not a draft worthy QB in most leagues between 10 and 12 teams, though could be a late round steal. Edwards was solid last year, flashing the ability to be a good starting QB at the NFL level at times. With James Hardy in the fold, along with the explosive Lee Evans, there is potential there. If only the team had a weapon at Tight End. A backup prospect at this point who you may want to keep an eye on.

RB – Marshawn Lynch – Now that it has been confirmed that he will not be punished for his little discrepancy off-the-field, involving a hit and run, Lynch should once again rise up boards. An early second round prospect in most leagues as he should be rather productive this year. With Buffalo’s improving offensive line and passing game that is gradually becoming respectable, Lynch may be poised for a 1,300 yard year in only his second season. Still a bit risky, but Lynch will get the vast majority of his team’s carries and should improve. Look for him, as I said, in the late-first, early-second round mix.

WR- Lee Evans – Evans is one player who’s talent surpasses his production due to chronic QB issues in Buffalo. Evans is a smaller receiver which means smaller TD numbers, though he is one of the NFL’s top deep threats. He Should eclipse the 1,000 yard mark this year with Edwards at the helm. A mid round prospect worthy of a starting spot in just about any league.

James Hardy – A player that some will take a late round flier on. Hardy is somewhat comparable to Chris Henry in the sense that he’s a tall, athletic receiver among shorter receivers. This means he could get a good number of red-zone looks. It is doubtful that he eclipses 50 receptions, though it’s not unthinkable for him to have 7 or 8 Td’s. A late round sleeper that is worth a look.

TE – Robert Royal – Unless you are playing in a league with 15 or 16 teams, you probably don’t want Royal on your roster. Like Hardy, he may get some red-zone looks, though unlike Hardy, his Td total is unlikely to be any greater than four and it’s not a guarantee he’ll finish with even 25 receptions. A good blocking TE, it’s a shame that doesn’t count for anything in Fantasy Football.

DEF – The Bills defense could surprise this year as they have their starting MLB back in Paul Posluszny, who showed flashes of brilliance before he went down in his rookie year. They also have a new starter at WLB in Kawika Mitchell, who is much sturdier against the run than Keith Ellison. DT Marcus Stroud makes for all kinds of possibilities. The team also dedicated their first round pick to the CB position with college standout Leodis McKelvin. Probably not a starting unit in Fantasy Football yet, but the Bills D is looking far better tan the team that was ranked 31st in yards allowed last season. A backup unit that may be available in Free Agency.

K- Rian Lindell – Since the Bills offense is not yet explosive, Lindell has somewhat limited value. However, the team has improved on that side of the ball and Lindell is one of the league’s better kickers. He’s accurate and has the leg to nail from 50 yards+. Could be available in Free Agency though.

2.5 Looking at the Schedule

9/7 vs. Seattle 1:00
9/14 @ Jacksonville 1:00
9/21 vs. Oakland 1:00
9/28 @ St. Louis 4:05
10/5 @ Arizona 4:05
-----WEEK SIX BYE-----
10/19 vs. San Diego 1:00
10/26 @ Miami 1:00
11/2 vs. New York Jets 1:00
11/9 @ New England 1:00
11/17 vs. Cleveland 8:30
11/23 @ Kansas City 1:00
11/30 vs. San Francisco 1:00
12/7 vs. Miami 4:05 (in Toronto)
12/14 @ New York Jets 1:00
12/21 @ Denver 4:05
12/28 vs. New England 1:00

* Monday Night Appearences (1) Week Eleven 11/17 vs. Cleveland
- A big game for Buffalo that could have potential wild card implications. A home game against the improved Cleveland Browns is still a very winnable game. The Browns were 27th last season against the rush, though they improved up front with Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. The top matchup has to be the Bills improved O-Line against the Browns improved front seven. That matchup will likely determine the outcome of the game. If the Bills are able to wear down the Browns front with RB Marshawn Lynch, they’ll win. The Bills passing game must catch on quickly this season for Buffalo to take this one, seeing as the Browns inexperience at Cornerback may be their Achilles heel. A good matchup that should make for an interesting game in mid-November.

*Toughest Divisional Game – Week Fifteen 12/14 @ New York Jets- This is the game that may determine 2nd Place in the AFC East and potentially put one of these teams in prime position for a Wild Card playoff berth. Both teams have improved on both sides of the ball, especially defensively as the Bills have added starters at several key positions and New York has restructured their 3-4. This game should make for a classic matchup in mid-December in what’s likely to be bitter cold. Both teams boast a much better run game than passing game so expect a low scoring, hard-nosed football game here.

* Toughest Non-Divisional Game – Week Sixteen 12/21 @ Denver
- I’ll stick with the same theme here, which is, as you should know by now, “Will the Buffalo Bills earn a Wild Card berth?” Denver may well be battling for a berth of their own, so don’t expect anyone to roll over and die here. Denver holds the home field, but Buffalo claims the favorable matchup in the cold, where there is sure to be some heavy work for the running backs. Denver’s D is a big question mark this year and there’s no guarantee Selvin Young turns into the next Mike Anderson or Clinton Portis this year for Shanahan’s team. Should be an entertaining one to watch, especially if it holds playoff implications for both teams.

2.6

2008 Buffalo Bills Record: 9-7, 2nd AFC East

[Iamcanadian]

2.1 Draft Outlook

1. (11) Leodis McKelvin – CB – Troy
2. (41) James Hardy – WR – Indiana
3. (72) Chris Ellis – DE – Virginia Tech
4. (114) Reggie Corner – CB – Akron
4. (132) Derek Fine – TE – Kansas
5. (147) Alvin Bowen – OLB – Iowa State
6. (179) Xavier Omon – RB – Northwest Missouri State
7. (219) Demetrius Bell – OT – Northwestern State
7. (224) Steve Johnson – WR – Kentucky
7. (251) Kennard Cox – DB – Pittsburgh

Analysis: The Bills did a pretty nice job in taking care of perhaps their three most pressing needs in the first three rounds by selecting a legitimate starting cornerback, a tall red-zone threat wide receiver, and a pass-rushing DE in Chris Ellis. McKelvin is a solid CB with lockdown potential, though some would argue that he’d be more in his element in man coverage rather than in a Cover 2 defense. Hardy is a perfect fit and should find his way on to the field immediately, that is, if he can keep himself together off it. Ellis also has minor character issues but is an athletic DE with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He should be a welcome addition for a team that produced only 26 sacks a year ago. The team’s fourth round picks (Corner and Fine) were both players that may have been available a round or two later. Corner has more upside of the two, but Fine also has a chance to stick as a pass-catching tight end, though he is a bit undersized. Alvin Bowen, the team’s fifth round pick should battle for the backup weakside or strongside linebacker spot. Bowen is small, but is athletic and active enough to contribute on special teams right away. Xavier Omon, an extremely productive back in Division II, has upside and should push for a backup role along with Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright. Demetrius Bell has size, athleticism, and plenty of upside, his downfall is his lack of experienece against top competition and well, experience period. I am a fan of Steve Johnson, a big receiver with solid hands and slightly above average speed, I think he could stick on this Bills team and perhaps develop into a solid #3 or 4 receiver in time. Kennard Cox is a versatile defensive back who will likely be tried at free safety and cornerback where he’ll battle for a spot. GRADE: B

Our draft was solid but with lots of question marks.
1) McKelvin CB--might not contribute much right away as he will need a lot of time to adjust to playing in a zone defense. Will play mostly special teams until at least mid season but if he's thrown to the wolves earlier you can expect him to struggle.
2) Hardy WR-- will have to prove he has the guts to go over the middle and pay the price. Until he proves he has the balls to catch a ball over the middle, teams will consistantly force him inside and deny him the outside red zone pass.
3) Ellis DE--has some potential as a pass rusher and may get on the field in some passing situations later in the year.
4) Reggie Corner CB--may actually see some playing time before McKelvin if McKelvin struggles in zone coverage.

[Iamcanadian]

Talk about Buffalo as a wildcard team is just so much hype with little reality. Edwards is in his 2nd season and just isn't ready yet to be good enough to carry this team to the playoffs. We are at least a year away if Edwards continues to improve. A lot of the pieces are in place but inexperience at QB will cost us numerous games and make a playoff run unlikely.

[Rob S]

absolutely.......he has been an absolute rock back there for us.

[Iamcanadian]

Do you guys think Whitner is proving out his selection in the draft?

Curious to get fans read. I loved his play but profess not to be objective.

Thoughts?

He was a solid selection but in the end winning is the measuring stick and until we are winning consistantly and contending for the playoffs every year, every pick can be questioned if we aren't reaching our goals.

[Bills2083]

John McCargo, Coy Wire, Jon Corto, and Tank Tylers' workout video.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3510630&categoryId=3025809&n8pe6c=1

[SuperMcgee]

I knew McCargo was doing this with Coy, but nothing really about it.
Damn shame about Coy, the guy is a warrior. Is he even on a team right now? I can't see the article.

[SuperMcgee]

WE'RE DOOMED!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-bills-bowenhurt&prov=ap&type=lgns

****

[TheBuffaloBills]

I knew McCargo was doing this with Coy, but nothing really about it.
Damn shame about Coy, the guy is a warrior. Is he even on a team right now? I can't see the article.

I think it said that he is Atlanta's Linebacker in the video

[Bills2083]

I think it said that he is Atlanta's Linebacker in the video

You are correct. He signed with Atlanta last week.

[ALD]

I've been vacation for the past week, has Peters shown up to camp yet?

[TheBuffaloBills]

I've been vacation for the past week, has Peters shown up to camp yet?

Nope still away..... He still has not spoken to any coach or bills..... However he did have limited texts with Dockery

[fischbowl]

You are correct. He signed with Atlanta last week.

Still a shame to see him on the Coke Machine in front of the Valu on Kenmore Ave

[Bills2083]

^I know what you're talking about Fisch. I think it's time for a new one.

[TheBuffaloBills]

Haha yeah.... They are all over Buffalo...... IDK why he isnt wearing a Bills jersey in the picture..... Its like some white and red jersey....

[TheBuffaloBills]

I worked at camp in 2004. I'd watch the practices during lunch and had a few hearty convos with my fav, Brian Moorman

How do you work there? I would pay money to be on the field like carrying bags or being the waterboy...... I'm sure the jobs arent fun, but you would be right next to the players.....

[TheBuffaloBills]

BTW I only saw:

2 McKelvin Jerseys
1 Mitchell Jersey
a bunch of Hardy's
and no Stroud Jerseys...

I picked up at McKelvin jersey once he returned that pick off of JP at camp.

[fischbowl]

How do you work there? I would pay money to be on the field like carrying bags or being the waterboy...... I'm sure the jobs arent fun, but you would be right next to the players.....

I worked at the Bills Experience in the front.

[TheBuffaloBills]

Nothing still..... I hope with Steven Jackson ending his hold-out, its a sign of things to come for Peters

[Rob S]

Okay, so I organized the site pretty well. Now the next step is to decide what baloon threads u guys want. Please respond here with some ideas. Keep it under 8 I would say. The threads I left are some ideas.

[Bills2083]

EDIT: I looked right past Rob S's sticky.
I guess I'll post this in the discussion thread.......

[Rob S]

All old, useless threads are going to get piled into here so we eliminate the clutter.

[SuperMcgee]

Can't think of much else, unless there are others besides me interested in Buffalo Bulls conversations.
I like the merging of the useless threads, I didn't care for those loads of dead threads sitting there. Discussion doesn't move too fast around here, we can keep it all in what we've got.
Nicely done, Rob, thanks for spearheading this whole clean-up campaign.

[skinzzfan25]

Nice job tidying up the place.

Even though I don't come around these parts too often :P

[TheBuffaloBills]

Rob S great job!!!!


Maybe a thread for possible future draft picks. So we can look back on the day of the 2009 draft and say "Wow I cant believe I got into an argument on why the bills should have taken (player) in the 1st round when he really went undrafted"

That would be a cool thread. But other than that, its a pretty good job on your part.

[SuperKevin]

Rob S great job!!!!


Maybe a thread for possible future draft picks. So we can look back on the day of the 2009 draft and say "Wow I cant believe I got into an argument on why the bills should have taken (player) in the 1st round when he really went undrafted"

That would be a cool thread. But other than that, its a pretty good job on your part.

There's usally a mock draft thread that gets started around midseason.

[Rob S]

I think a mock draft section is there as well as a draft discussion thread :). I let those stay.

[eaglesalltheway]

For those of you that haven't seen, there is another league starting up where you can make your own players, anything you want about them you can do! You can sign up and make a player in the thread in my sig.

There are a few coaching positions open as well, so if you are interested in making up a coach, you may do that as well. The league is located in the Fantasy section if you want to check it all out. PM me, scottyboy, or BeerBaron if you have any questions...

[Rob S]

I feel like this has been up as its own thread long enough. Anybody who has not seen it yet probably doesnt come around much. I will leave it up until tomorrow tho, and after that I will move it, probably to the trash heap.

[eaglesalltheway]

I feel like this has been up as its own thread long enough. Anybody who has not seen it yet probably doesnt come around much. I will leave it up until tomorrow tho, and after that I will move it, probably to the trash heap.

Thanks, just trying to get word out...