Comments for BuffaloSportsNow.com http://buffalosportsnow.com Buffalo Sports News, Analysis and Opinion 24/7 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:40:55 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Bulaga may be Bills Target by mikgaes http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/29/bulaga-may-be-bills-target/comment-page-1/#comment-57 mikgaes Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:40:55 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1284#comment-57 You make a very compelling argument for the Bulaga choice. If that indeed is the pick, hopefully it will put to rest the memories of the Mike Williams debacle. Especially salient to your argument is the fact that there are not a lot of free agent tackles out there, whereas the Bills could clearly upgrade their linebacker corps via that route. I hope you called this one right. You make a very compelling argument for the Bulaga choice. If that indeed is the pick, hopefully it will put to rest the memories of the Mike Williams debacle.

Especially salient to your argument is the fact that there are not a lot of free agent tackles out there, whereas the Bills could clearly upgrade their linebacker corps via that route. I hope you called this one right.

]]> Comment on Bulaga may be Bills Target by admarc http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/29/bulaga-may-be-bills-target/comment-page-1/#comment-56 admarc Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:32:01 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1284#comment-56 Great read as always. I agree OT is the logical choice if the 2 QB's are off the board and if it came down to Bulaga and Campbell, the choice would be Bulaga. However, just for the sake of discussion, let me lay out another possibility. If the Bills switch to a 3-4, I would not be surprised if the Bills addressed NT first. While Gailey is an offensive minded coach, his past success came as much from the defensive side of the ball as on offense. He is one of those coaches that believes he can turn ground chuck into sirloin on offense, so he may have confidence he can address those needs later and coach up the players on the roster already. The Bills ranked 30th in the league against the run last year. Gailey understands the importance of getting the defense off the field and while a d-coordinator has not been named yet, if they go with a 3-4 or stick with a 4-3, the top priority will be finding a bigger, run stuffing DT to stick in the middle. While this draft is extremely deep at DT, the real depth is at 4-3, single gap DT's headlined by Suh and McCoy who will both be off the board, but followed by Odrick, Price, Jones, Neal, Smith and more. However, the list of quality NT's is much shorter. Dan Williams, Terrence Cody, Cam Thomas and a guy I like Ekom Udofia. Maybe Torell Troup at 310 can play on the nose also. Several of the 3-4 teams like Denver, KC, Jets, NE, Miami, SF and Pittsburgh all will be looking to add a NT this off-season. Additionally, some of the 4-3 teams that prefer larger DT's could look at a guy like Williams or Thomas also. So the need for 2 gap DTs is greater than the supply this draft. There are some NT's that might be available in free agency this year, so some of these teams might address the need there. In fact, if the Bills were smart, they would be one of those teams to address NT in FA. However, I have little confidence the Bills will spend money on a starting caliber player. Assuming the Bills do not address QB in the 1st, I think it is almost a lock that they do so in the 2nd. They might even try to move up to do so. That means, which ever position, NT or OT doesn't get addressed at pick #9, probably will have to wait until the 3rd. It is possible all of the NT's with a chance to contribute right away will be gone by their pick in the 3rd. Dan Williams is the only NT with a grade worthy of the top 10. He is exactly the kind of player I think Gailey would look to plug in the middle. He is a senior and was a three year starter who saw his production steadily rise. I also think the first pick in the Gailey / Nix regime will be one they want to feel certain about, so I think an SEC or ACC player will be given a premium because of their familiarity in that region. While LT has to be right at the top of the list of priorities for Gailey, he may feel he can coach up guys like Meredith and Bell. On the other hand he knows he can not coach up the DTs on the roster to be bigger. I think if either Okung, Bradford or Clausen somehow drop, he would be the pick. I also think Campbell would be picked by Al Davis over Anthony Davis because we all know he values measurables over production, and I think Campbell will test well at the combine. If not, I think it will come down to Davis, Bulaga or Dan Williams. That is unless they fall in love with that QB from Florida and shock everyone and I also think McClain will be a consideration but if they go LB, they will have to wait until the 4th round to address either QB, OT or NT. Nix is on record saying he stays away from one year wonders and values production over a sustained period of time. Davis and Bulaga are both Juniors with a significant, but not as lengthy a body of work at a high level as Williams. Despite the obvious need at LT, I think there is a good chance they go DT instead. Great read as always.

I agree OT is the logical choice if the 2 QB's are off the board and if it came down to Bulaga and Campbell, the choice would be Bulaga.

However, just for the sake of discussion, let me lay out another possibility. If the Bills switch to a 3-4, I would not be surprised if the Bills addressed NT first. While Gailey is an offensive minded coach, his past success came as much from the defensive side of the ball as on offense. He is one of those coaches that believes he can turn ground chuck into sirloin on offense, so he may have confidence he can address those needs later and coach up the players on the roster already.

The Bills ranked 30th in the league against the run last year. Gailey understands the importance of getting the defense off the field and while a d-coordinator has not been named yet, if they go with a 3-4 or stick with a 4-3, the top priority will be finding a bigger, run stuffing DT to stick in the middle.

While this draft is extremely deep at DT, the real depth is at 4-3, single gap DT's headlined by Suh and McCoy who will both be off the board, but followed by Odrick, Price, Jones, Neal, Smith and more. However, the list of quality NT's is much shorter. Dan Williams, Terrence Cody, Cam Thomas and a guy I like Ekom Udofia. Maybe Torell Troup at 310 can play on the nose also. Several of the 3-4 teams like Denver, KC, Jets, NE, Miami, SF and Pittsburgh all will be looking to add a NT this off-season. Additionally, some of the 4-3 teams that prefer larger DT's could look at a guy like Williams or Thomas also. So the need for 2 gap DTs is greater than the supply this draft. There are some NT's that might be available in free agency this year, so some of these teams might address the need there. In fact, if the Bills were smart, they would be one of those teams to address NT in FA. However, I have little confidence the Bills will spend money on a starting caliber player.

Assuming the Bills do not address QB in the 1st, I think it is almost a lock that they do so in the 2nd. They might even try to move up to do so. That means, which ever position, NT or OT doesn't get addressed at pick #9, probably will have to wait until the 3rd. It is possible all of the NT's with a chance to contribute right away will be gone by their pick in the 3rd.

Dan Williams is the only NT with a grade worthy of the top 10. He is exactly the kind of player I think Gailey would look to plug in the middle. He is a senior and was a three year starter who saw his production steadily rise. I also think the first pick in the Gailey / Nix regime will be one they want to feel certain about, so I think an SEC or ACC player will be given a premium because of their familiarity in that region.

While LT has to be right at the top of the list of priorities for Gailey, he may feel he can coach up guys like Meredith and Bell. On the other hand he knows he can not coach up the DTs on the roster to be bigger.

I think if either Okung, Bradford or Clausen somehow drop, he would be the pick. I also think Campbell would be picked by Al Davis over Anthony Davis because we all know he values measurables over production, and I think Campbell will test well at the combine. If not, I think it will come down to Davis, Bulaga or Dan Williams. That is unless they fall in love with that QB from Florida and shock everyone and I also think McClain will be a consideration but if they go LB, they will have to wait until the 4th round to address either QB, OT or NT. Nix is on record saying he stays away from one year wonders and values production over a sustained period of time. Davis and Bulaga are both Juniors with a significant, but not as lengthy a body of work at a high level as Williams. Despite the obvious need at LT, I think there is a good chance they go DT instead.

]]> Comment on Giff Smith hired as Bills OLB coach by Bills bring five assistants into fold | BuffaloSportsNow.com http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/26/bills-hire-giff-smith/comment-page-1/#comment-52 Bills bring five assistants into fold | BuffaloSportsNow.com Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:46:26 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1078#comment-52 [...] on the Bills’ new coaches Curtis Modkins served under Gailey at both Dallas and Georgia Tech. Giff Smith was also an assistant under Gailey at GT, and was a recruiting coordinator there most recently. Bob Bicknell was with Kansas City for three [...] [...] on the Bills’ new coaches Curtis Modkins served under Gailey at both Dallas and Georgia Tech. Giff Smith was also an assistant under Gailey at GT, and was a recruiting coordinator there most recently. Bob Bicknell was with Kansas City for three [...]

]]> Comment on Modkins To Become Bills OC by Bills bring five assistants into fold | BuffaloSportsNow.com http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/23/modkins-bills-oc/comment-page-1/#comment-51 Bills bring five assistants into fold | BuffaloSportsNow.com Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:45:27 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1003#comment-51 [...] book on the Bills’ new coaches Curtis Modkins served under Gailey at both Dallas and Georgia Tech. Giff Smith was also an assistant under Gailey [...] [...] book on the Bills’ new coaches Curtis Modkins served under Gailey at both Dallas and Georgia Tech. Giff Smith was also an assistant under Gailey [...]

]]> Comment on Whitner: Bills should sign Ravens’ Smith by Steve R http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/26/donte-on-twitter-bills-should-get-troy-smith-to-be-their-qb/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Steve R Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:12:03 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1067#comment-50 I understand Whitner making a case for an old friend that he has confidence in. What I don't understand is how he can claim that Joe Flacco would be an 'unknown' if it weren't for Smith falling ill. Let's not forget that Baltimore made moves in the first round just to select Flacco. Ozzie Newsome may have just a little bit more ability to see potential in a player than Whitner does. I will say one more thing about Newsome though. I'm sure he was ecstatic when Buffalo selected Whitner that year, allowing the Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata to fall right into Baltimore's lap even though the Bills desperately needed to address the D-line. Either way, I wouldn't take personnel advice from players in most cases. Troy Smith was a Heisman winner. That rarely translates to NFL success in any position outside of running back. Just remember that when you're screaming in anger if the Bills pass on Tim Tebow in April. I understand Whitner making a case for an old friend that he has confidence in. What I don't understand is how he can claim that Joe Flacco would be an 'unknown' if it weren't for Smith falling ill. Let's not forget that Baltimore made moves in the first round just to select Flacco. Ozzie Newsome may have just a little bit more ability to see potential in a player than Whitner does. I will say one more thing about Newsome though. I'm sure he was ecstatic when Buffalo selected Whitner that year, allowing the Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata to fall right into Baltimore's lap even though the Bills desperately needed to address the D-line. Either way, I wouldn't take personnel advice from players in most cases. Troy Smith was a Heisman winner. That rarely translates to NFL success in any position outside of running back. Just remember that when you're screaming in anger if the Bills pass on Tim Tebow in April.

]]> Comment on Whitner: Bills should sign Ravens’ Smith by David Nelson http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/26/donte-on-twitter-bills-should-get-troy-smith-to-be-their-qb/comment-page-1/#comment-48 David Nelson Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:24:29 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1067#comment-48 I fully agree mikgaes..Concentrate on being good at your own position and let the team desisions be made by those paid to do it. Buffalo will draft a quarterback if not 2 of them and Gailey, whose track record working with young players will take care of itself. I still say Tebow will be drafted by the Bills and he will be a good QB despite the work he needs. I personaly am glad He got off to a bad start (according to the news I read) due to inexperience taking snaps from center. That will make it easier for Da Bills to get him in a later round and draft a couple studs for the OL. As I have seen it said and agree....if Jesus Christ was at QB without a good OL he'd get sacked alot! Common sense....Whitner, be carefull as if you start telling Gailey what he should do you won't be a Bill very long. I fully agree mikgaes..Concentrate on being good at your own position and let the team desisions be made by those paid to do it. Buffalo will draft a quarterback if not 2 of them and Gailey, whose track record working with young players will take care of itself. I still say Tebow will be drafted by the Bills and he will be a good QB despite the work he needs. I personaly am glad He got off to a bad start (according to the news I read)
due to inexperience taking snaps from center. That will make it easier for Da Bills to get him in a later round and draft a couple studs for the OL. As I have seen it said and agree....if Jesus Christ was at QB without a good OL he'd get sacked alot! Common sense....Whitner, be carefull as if you start telling Gailey what he should do you won't be a Bill very long.

]]> Comment on Whitner: Bills should sign Ravens’ Smith by mikgaes http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/26/donte-on-twitter-bills-should-get-troy-smith-to-be-their-qb/comment-page-1/#comment-45 mikgaes Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:06:52 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=1067#comment-45 Somebody should tell Whitner to shut up about who the Bills should 'get' and worry about playing his position. Which he doesn't do very well. Somebody should tell Whitner to shut up about who the Bills should 'get' and worry about playing his position. Which he doesn't do very well.

]]> Comment on 7 Round 2010 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft by Anthony Macari http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/21/7-round-2010-buffalo-bills-mock-draft/comment-page-1/#comment-42 Anthony Macari Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:07:33 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=912#comment-42 David, Thanks for your comments. Check out our fan forums to continue the draft discussion. http://buffalorange.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106 We will put together a list of some of the best small school prospects in the coming weeks too keep an eye on and I am sure the Tebow debates will be ongoing. I really am curious to see how he does at the Senior Bowl practices this week.. David,

Thanks for your comments. Check out our fan forums to continue the draft discussion. http://buffalorange.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106

We will put together a list of some of the best small school prospects in the coming weeks too keep an eye on and I am sure the Tebow debates will be ongoing. I really am curious to see how he does at the Senior Bowl practices this week..

]]> Comment on 7 Round 2010 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft by David Nelson http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/21/7-round-2010-buffalo-bills-mock-draft/comment-page-1/#comment-40 David Nelson Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:04:15 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=912#comment-40 I will admit I am new to this site although a LONG time Bills fan. So, I may have made comments which have already been touched on but I just want to put my 2 cents in regarding Gailys hiring. Having just watched some of his interviews I must say he is quite different than I thought. I expected a guy who'd lifelessly stand on the sideslines and watch the Bills go down hill once again or rather further than they already are. The man knows football, no doubt, he has fire in his blood, he has had success where ever he has been and knows how to tutor young talent as well as disipline the vets who feel they know everything. Bottom line with that is if you have a desire to win you will with this guy...if not, you'll be playing somewhere else. IF the brass at OBD give him the power to do what he has stated without meddling with him i.e. Al Davis we will see a damn good Bills team albiet not overnight but at least for once in the last ten years I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. So, for all the coaches that turned down Buffalo, at least we have one that wants to be here and is excited about the prospects....to those that turned us down, well, sorry, you could have coached in one of the best places to be. I will admit I am new to this site although a LONG time Bills fan. So, I may have made comments which have already been touched on but I just want to put my 2 cents in regarding Gailys hiring. Having just watched some of his interviews I must say he is quite different than I thought. I expected a guy who'd lifelessly stand on the sideslines and watch the Bills go down hill once again or rather further than they already are. The man knows football, no doubt, he has fire in his blood, he has had success where ever he has been and knows how to tutor young talent as well as disipline the vets who feel they know everything.
Bottom line with that is if you have a desire to win you will with this guy...if not, you'll be playing somewhere else. IF the brass at OBD give him the power to do what he has stated without meddling with him i.e. Al Davis we will see a damn good Bills team albiet not overnight but at least for once in the last ten years I
see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. So, for all the coaches that turned down Buffalo, at least we have one that wants to be here and is excited about the prospects....to those that turned us down, well, sorry, you could have coached in one of the best places to be.

]]> Comment on 7 Round 2010 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft by Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 1/25 | Buffalo Bills Blog http://buffalosportsnow.com/2010/01/21/7-round-2010-buffalo-bills-mock-draft/comment-page-1/#comment-39 Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 1/25 | Buffalo Bills Blog Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:02:45 +0000 http://buffalosportsnow.com/?p=912#comment-39 [...] 7 Round 2010 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft | BuffaloSportsNow.comBuffalo Sports Now hopes Rolando McClain and Tim Tebow fall to the Bills in the first and second rounds. Here’s their seven round mock. It’s als opretty clear they think the Bills will move to a 3-4. Round 1 (9) Rolando McClain LB Alabama Height: 6030 Weight: 255 The Bills will likely be aggressive to try to move up for a QB. Clausen may be out of reach, but there is a chance Bradford slips to within target range. Finding a QB in this draft is critical for the Bills. A franchise without an [...] [...] [...] 7 Round 2010 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft | BuffaloSportsNow.comBuffalo Sports Now hopes Rolando McClain and Tim Tebow fall to the Bills in the first and second rounds. Here’s their seven round mock. It’s als opretty clear they think the Bills will move to a 3-4. Round 1 (9) Rolando McClain LB Alabama Height: 6030 Weight: 255 The Bills will likely be aggressive to try to move up for a QB. Clausen may be out of reach, but there is a chance Bradford slips to within target range. Finding a QB in this draft is critical for the Bills. A franchise without an [...] [...]

]]>