The Answer
04-09-2007, 04:29 PM
April Fools or Christmas in April?
by The Answer
With the 2007 NFL Draft looming right around the corner, you have to figure a lot of important decisions are being pondered by the collective braintrust at One Bills Drive as we speak. Draft boards are being finalized and the scouting department is working overtime as this team has many holes yet to fill after purging the roster of most of previous regime's leftovers. You can also argue that this years draft is critical in terms of gauging Marv's Levy's success (or lack thereof) as a general manager, especially after a 'questionable' rookie draft. The Answer feels that it's absolutely imperative that we land at least 3 bonafide starters from this years draft, whether 1st or 7th round talent.
Last year Marv Levy drew heavy criticism from draft gurus and NFL pundits across the country during his first NFL draft for 'reaching' at #8 and drafting safety Donte Whitner, who's rookie season was received by mixed results. But then lighting striked twice, when he dealt two valuable day one picks to Chicago to move up and grab John McCargo in the first round. The Whitner pick was one thing but this move baffled many as McCargo was graded as no better than a late 2nd round pick (The Answer had him graded as a 4th rounder), add to the fact he spent a majority of his rookie campaign on the shelf due to injury and the criticism became even more intense. On the flipside, Levy did land Ellison, Williams and Youboty in later rounds - all 3 showed flashes last year when called upon and and all 3 will either be starting or seeing extended playing time in 2007 due to roster turnover.
Fast forward to 2007, Levy made a brilliant coup by unloading overrated RB Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens for an additional 2007 3rd round pick. Planned Parenthood clinics in the greater Baltimore metro area were put on notice, and it remains to be seen whether the Ravens get an inspired player relishing the change of scenery, or the same old cancer Bills fans became accustomed to. Regardless the additioanl pick received will either be a factor in a trade, or land another body that can hopefully contribute from day one - but it did leave a gaping whole at RB. Levy also made some aggressive moves in FA addressing the offensive and defensive lines with Darrick Dockery and Darwin Walker among the 'premier' additions. Now common sense would tell The Answer that RB is a priority and offensive line isn't come draft day, but expect the unexpected with this front office.
As we know this is a win now league, and the draft has become nothing more than a harvesting vehicle for young talent as the salary cap makes it virtually impossible to keep young talent once they hit their prime anyway. (See Nate Clements). That is why the draft has become more scrutized as teams look to find young players that can make an immediate impact on opening day. Make no mistake about it though, no matter what happens this years draft is absolutely critical in terms of this franchise's direction. But in the end we probably can't rate the entire draft until at least 2010, same with last years.
Now If we stay at #12 and draft a bust, the damage will likely have serious repurcussions that carry over into the next regime. (See Mike Williams) But if Levy does land a stud, whether a Peterson/Lynch/Willis type, that pans out than he will be heralded as a god among GM's and a deity among the blue collar western new york faithful. Buffalo fans are among the most devoted, hardcore fans in the league. But they are getting ravenous, and expecations are still greater than ever despite the fact this team hasn't won a division title or been to the playoffs this millenium.
Bottom Line - Levy all eyes are on you in a few weeks so please step up and bring Buffalo fans an early Christmas gift. The Answer has had mixed feelings regarding your tenure thus far and you have the power to either rescue this once great franchise, or send it spiraling further into the abyss.
In Marv We Trust....remains to be seen.
~The Answer
by The Answer
With the 2007 NFL Draft looming right around the corner, you have to figure a lot of important decisions are being pondered by the collective braintrust at One Bills Drive as we speak. Draft boards are being finalized and the scouting department is working overtime as this team has many holes yet to fill after purging the roster of most of previous regime's leftovers. You can also argue that this years draft is critical in terms of gauging Marv's Levy's success (or lack thereof) as a general manager, especially after a 'questionable' rookie draft. The Answer feels that it's absolutely imperative that we land at least 3 bonafide starters from this years draft, whether 1st or 7th round talent.
Last year Marv Levy drew heavy criticism from draft gurus and NFL pundits across the country during his first NFL draft for 'reaching' at #8 and drafting safety Donte Whitner, who's rookie season was received by mixed results. But then lighting striked twice, when he dealt two valuable day one picks to Chicago to move up and grab John McCargo in the first round. The Whitner pick was one thing but this move baffled many as McCargo was graded as no better than a late 2nd round pick (The Answer had him graded as a 4th rounder), add to the fact he spent a majority of his rookie campaign on the shelf due to injury and the criticism became even more intense. On the flipside, Levy did land Ellison, Williams and Youboty in later rounds - all 3 showed flashes last year when called upon and and all 3 will either be starting or seeing extended playing time in 2007 due to roster turnover.
Fast forward to 2007, Levy made a brilliant coup by unloading overrated RB Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens for an additional 2007 3rd round pick. Planned Parenthood clinics in the greater Baltimore metro area were put on notice, and it remains to be seen whether the Ravens get an inspired player relishing the change of scenery, or the same old cancer Bills fans became accustomed to. Regardless the additioanl pick received will either be a factor in a trade, or land another body that can hopefully contribute from day one - but it did leave a gaping whole at RB. Levy also made some aggressive moves in FA addressing the offensive and defensive lines with Darrick Dockery and Darwin Walker among the 'premier' additions. Now common sense would tell The Answer that RB is a priority and offensive line isn't come draft day, but expect the unexpected with this front office.
As we know this is a win now league, and the draft has become nothing more than a harvesting vehicle for young talent as the salary cap makes it virtually impossible to keep young talent once they hit their prime anyway. (See Nate Clements). That is why the draft has become more scrutized as teams look to find young players that can make an immediate impact on opening day. Make no mistake about it though, no matter what happens this years draft is absolutely critical in terms of this franchise's direction. But in the end we probably can't rate the entire draft until at least 2010, same with last years.
Now If we stay at #12 and draft a bust, the damage will likely have serious repurcussions that carry over into the next regime. (See Mike Williams) But if Levy does land a stud, whether a Peterson/Lynch/Willis type, that pans out than he will be heralded as a god among GM's and a deity among the blue collar western new york faithful. Buffalo fans are among the most devoted, hardcore fans in the league. But they are getting ravenous, and expecations are still greater than ever despite the fact this team hasn't won a division title or been to the playoffs this millenium.
Bottom Line - Levy all eyes are on you in a few weeks so please step up and bring Buffalo fans an early Christmas gift. The Answer has had mixed feelings regarding your tenure thus far and you have the power to either rescue this once great franchise, or send it spiraling further into the abyss.
In Marv We Trust....remains to be seen.
~The Answer