I bet FA will trump our draft in 2008

[jpdex12]

I know we have playoffs on our mind right now and god this weekend's game is going to be huge but I can't help but think ahead a bit to the future.

Most of us have convinced ourselves that OBD and Ralph don't give a hoot about making a splash in FA but I'm willing to bet that there is a reason for us having a good amount of cap space going into this off season. Biggest reason may be signing Lee long term but I guarentee that we will have a strong showing in some off season acquisitions to fill some major positions on both sides of the ball. We need to land a tall, good route running, sure handed receiver to take some heat off of Lee and provide a nice redzone target and we need to land a strong veteran back up behind Edwards. On defense a solid weakside linebacker that can steal Ellison's starting position or provide that fourth strong DT in our four man rotation. An ideal situation would be to find a better starting DT than Triplett, but it would be tough to keep Triplett if we did. He would have to take a pay cut and I don't see that happening.

FA
Offense-WR/QB (backup)
Defense-LB/DT

Draft
Offense-WR/TE/OL
Defense-DT/LB/CB

I'd like to see OBD go after the same position players in the draft as we would get in FA to create more depth and give the new players time to be groomed. As good as we should be next year, we NEED to get some immediate FA players in hear to make our team as good as they can be from week one. Relying on draft picks to compete in their first year isn't always likely.

Beat the Brownies!

[Lexwhat]

IMO, I don't think it's wise to go after a WR in FA and pay him big money. Maybe I might consider Bryant Johnson (Cardinals).

Off the top of my head -- only very few WRs in recent past have made big impacts when they switched teams (Moss, TO, Welker, Plaxico Burress come to mind)...

If you look at the top WRs in the league, they are all playing for the same team that drafted them.

Depending on who was available, I wouldnt mind using our 1st rounder on a Tight End or a WR.

[Carlton Bailey]

Lance Briggs will be a Bill in 2008. I've believed that since last year.

[The Jokeman]

I know we have playoffs on our mind right now and god this weekend's game is going to be huge but I can't help but think ahead a bit to the future.



FA
Offense-WR/QB (backup)
Defense-LB/DT

Draft
Offense-WR/TE/OL
Defense-DT/LB/CB



Going by your short list here's who I like doing a quick look at free agent lists.

WRS
1. Ernest Wilford
2. Jerry Porter
3. DJ Hackett
4. Bryant Johnson
5. Justin Gage

Not listed but think available
6. Ruvell Martin

QBs
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick -RFA
2. Marc Brunell

DTS
1. Brian Young
2. Damione Lewis
3. Randy Starks

LBS
1. Lance Briggs
2. Demorrio Williams

Lists available at
http://www.draftdaddy.com/nfldraft/freeagentoffense.cfm
http://www.draftdaddy.com/nfldraft/freeagentdefense.cfm

[DraftBoy]

BLASPHEMY!!!!

[jpdex12]

IMO, I don't think it's wise to go after a WR in FA and pay him big money. Maybe I might consider Bryant Johnson (Cardinals).

Off the top of my head -- only very few WRs in recent past have made big impacts when they switched teams (Moss, TO, Welker, Plaxico Burress come to mind)...

If you look at the top WRs in the league, they are all playing for the same team that drafted them.

Depending on who was available, I wouldnt mind using our 1st rounder on a Tight End or a WR.

i WOULDN'T BE OPPOSED TO GRABBING A wr IN THE FIRST EITHER like Doucet or Kelly but we have to know that if we do and we rely on that WR to start for us that we won't get as much production out of him as we would an established veteran. Look at Calvin Johnson...maybe the best WR prospect to hit the draft and he has had a mediocre at best year. We can't afford that next year. We need a good #2! Bryant Johnson would be great for us. He would cost some money but him or Wilford from the Jags would be ideal.

We need two more good veterans in FA this coming off season and a good draft like the past two years and we will be rolling!

I just don't see any TE worth taking in round one this year.

If we could land Haynesworth in the offseason along with Bryant Johnson, Josh McCown and Ben Utecht we could go after someone like Dan Connor or Ali Highsmith reasonably around the #17-20 draft position in round one and then someone like Robiskie in round two and have all of our need positions filled.

[jpdex12]

TheRedzone.com

The follwoing players worth looking at and will reasonably be there...

DT
William Joseph
Randy Starks
Albert Haynesworth will be a FA but he will cost a penny to lure away from Tenn

WR
Patrick Crayton (any different from Aiken?)
Bernard Berrian(Should stay put)
Bryant Johnson
Jerry Porter (Lkely to resign)
Ernest Wilford

QB
Rex Grossman
Josh McCown
Ryan Fitzpatrick

LB
Lance Briggs (gonna cost a dime)
Karlos Dansby (likely Cards won't let him slip away)

TE
Utecht

Draft
Weak DT class. Dorsey and Ellis will be gone before we pick.

LB-Connor and Highsmith should be where we pick or within distance of us moving up a few spots to get one.

WR-KElly and Doucet will be near our pick in the first but I could see us waiting until round two or three for a WR.

[SpillerThrills]

I'd really like to see us pick up utecht but I doubt it.

[Lexwhat]

i WOULDN'T BE OPPOSED TO GRABBING A wr IN THE FIRST EITHER like Doucet or Kelly but we have to know that if we do and we rely on that WR to start for us that we won't get as much production out of him as we would an established veteran. Look at Calvin Johnson...maybe the best WR prospect to hit the draft and he has had a mediocre at best year. We can't afford that next year. We need a good #2! Bryant Johnson would be great for us. He would cost some money but him or Wilford from the Jags would be ideal.

We need two more good veterans in FA this coming off season and a good draft like the past two years and we will be rolling!

I just don't see any TE worth taking in round one this year.

If we could land Haynesworth in the offseason along with Bryant Johnson, Josh McCown and Ben Utecht we could go after someone like Dan Connor or Ali Highsmith reasonably around the #17-20 draft position in round one and then someone like Robiskie in round two and have all of our need positions filled.


Good post -- I don't necessarily disagree. We do need a 2nd WR -- somehow, someway.

I don't know much about College Football, so I'll just take your word for it that a Tight End might not be worth it in Round 1.


I am just having doubts as to how much a F.A. WR can contribute (based on recent history). Most teams will have salary cap space available this offseason, so what team would want to let a big possession receiver leave via free agency? They are hard to come by.

Wide Receivers who have been let go by their old teams don't usually produce on their new teams (except the names I mentioned in my 1st post).

Bryant Johnson may be good, and I think we should at least give him a look, but I'm guessing that some other team will really overpay for him. I don't know if I want to overpay for a #2 Wide Receiver. I would rather overpay for a proven Offensive-lineman or Defensive-lineman.


IMO, the only players worth throwing big money to would be Albert Haynesworth and Lance Briggs. I dont think the Titans would let Haynesworth leave though...

Good call on Josh McCown.

[Tatonka]

bryant johnson?.. the first round bust that has had a handfull of good games finally after all these years? that bryant johnson?

[historypete]

Patrick Crayton (any different from Aiken?)




Here is the difference between Patrick Crayton and Sam Aiken:

2007 stat line:

Catch, Yards, Avg, Long, TD, Fum, Fum lost
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>Patrick Crayton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5741)</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>570</TD><TD>14.6</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

There are no stats for Aiken, and that is sad considering the lack of recieving talent we have. Aiken is a great special teamer, but I think Crayton is coming into his own as a solid #2 reciever. It does help to have TO, Witten and Romo though.

[Lexwhat]

bryant johnson?.. the first round bust that has had a handfull of good games finally after all these years? that bryant johnson?


You don't think he would be a good #2 for some team?

[Slim]

bryant johnson?.. the first round bust that has had a handfull of good games finally after all these years? that bryant johnson?

That Bryant Johnson whose been buried behind Fitz and Boldin.

[Bmax]

TheRedzone.com

The follwoing players worth looking at and will reasonably be there...

DT
William Joseph
Randy Starks
Albert Haynesworth will be a FA but he will cost a penny to lure away from Tenn

WR
Patrick Crayton (any different from Aiken?)
Bernard Berrian(Should stay put)
Bryant Johnson
Jerry Porter (Lkely to resign)
Ernest Wilford

QB
Rex Grossman
Josh McCown
Ryan Fitzpatrick

LB
Lance Briggs (gonna cost a dime)
Karlos Dansby (likely Cards won't let him slip away)

TE
Utecht

Draft
Weak DT class. Dorsey and Ellis will be gone before we pick.

LB-Connor and Highsmith should be where we pick or within distance of us moving up a few spots to get one.

WR-KElly and Doucet will be near our pick in the first but I could see us waiting until round two or three for a WR.


QB Rex Grossman---LOL

Are u kidding me ....That will never happen.. Why would the bills bring in another erratic young QB.....

It will be a seasoned Vet who who will help the team and Trent... A guy who has started some games..

Think Doug Johnson who is not in the NFL this season or Jamie Martin who backs up Drew Brees....Back up qb is not a major need...We will find some one to back up Edwards...

LB in Rd 1- LOL Connor or Highsmith- No way.....The Bills need depth at OLB but they won't try to get it in RD 1 ....With Poz returning the Bills could use Digorio at WLB instead of Ellison......But i doubt it....

I can't understand why people accept our DE's the Bills desperatly need to upgrade their Pass Rush .. This year is a decent one at DE ...Gholston should leave early as will Harvey from Florida ,Jackson from LSU and Campbell from Miami....With the way we rotate our DE's we need four quality DE's ....

Hargrove is a FA he is not a lock to return. Plus another body will not hurt ...The best bet maybe for us to resign Hargrove and draft a sleeper type in rd 3 or 4....The bears found Anderson from alabama in rd 5 ....

Jason Jones Eastern Mich .. Jeremy Thompson Wake Forest .. Langford from Hampton are guys to watch as the all star games and combine approaches...

Dt's are not as weak as you think ..Ok no guy in rd one unless Ketwan Balmer from UNC drops ....Right now some scouts have in the top 15.. A big bruiser 6-5 -300... RD 2 offers Okam NT type-Texas...Bryant the big guy from Teaxas A&M. Moore from Maryland and Laws from Notre Dame.. guys to look out for in rd 2 and 3..

WR-If we wait till rd 2 or 3 we may just miss out ...Bowman from Okst ...is a No ...Busted for Pot at UNC....The only way i wait to RD 2 is if Sweed drops ....


Guys i like at WR in Rd one Kelly from Oklahoma.....Bennett from Vanderbilt....6-1-205....Hardy from Indiana could be a mid to late 1st a lot depends on his 40.. 6-6-220 17 tds.. 36 in career....Red zone night mare.... Mich st's Thomas in rd 2 is also a guy who is coming on big time....The problem --- all these guys are Juniors.....

At least two will come out... Bennett looks likely with his coach looking at the Duke job. He has dominated SEC defenses.. You can't ignore that fact....not tall as some but good size and will make the tough catch..... eric moulds type...

Don't even get me started on CB or TE'S ....I WILL SAVE THAT FOR LATER....

I'll take in this order


RD1-WR

RD-2-DT-NEED FOUR QUALITYDT'S FOR PROPER ROTATION..COULD BE FA IF IT IS TAKE CB IN (RD 2)
RD-3-CB
RD-3-DE
RD-4-TE-Young guy to replace Everett
RD 5-OLB

BMAX

[Lexwhat]

RD1-WR

RD-2-DT-NEED FOUR QUALITYDT'S FOR PROPER ROTATION..COULD BE FA IF IT IS TAKE CB IN (RD 2)
RD-3-CB
RD-3-DE
RD-4-TE-Young guy to replace Everett
RD 5-OLB

BMAX


What about O-line? Our depth there is terrible (Duke Preston and Kirk Chambers). We are really lucky that our main starters have avoided injuries...

[Night Train]

I'll throw something at the TV, if we use a 1st Round pick for a WR.

[LifetimeBillsFan]

I'll throw something at the TV, if we use a 1st Round pick for a WR.

I hope it isn't a plasma or DLP...

because I could very easily see the Bills going for a WR or CB in Round 1, with DE also a possibility (although with the money tied up in Kelsay and Schobel, I'm not sure they would want to spend 1st Round money there) as is DT (I think a pick here would depend on Tripplett's contract and how the coaches view him).

I doubt that the Bills will go with a LB in Rounds 1-3 with Poz, Crow, Ellison, DiGiorgio and, likely, Wire coming back to give them a solid, if unspectacular, LB rotation. Briggs likely will want more money than the Bills would be willing to pay in FA, but, if Briggs gives the Bills a discount to play for Jauron, maybe they would consider him simply because I believe that they will want to add another playmaker or two to their defense.

But, if I am correct about what I see their approach to building this team to be, I think that they see the first three rounds of the draft as where a team adds its core playmakers. They have 4 picks in those three rounds. Their defense has performed pretty well in 9 of their 13 games so far and will be getting Poz and Simpson, both potential playmakers, back. Their offense, on the other hand, has suffered not just from inconsistency at QB, but also from not having a full-time playmaker who pull some of opposing defenses' coverage away from Evans in the passing game and keep teams from stacking the box against Lynch/Jackson. Rookie WRs often struggle at first, but Crayton--the only FA WR who could help Evans--probably will cost too much and drafting a potential marquee WR would serve as both an incentive for Evans to sign an extension and a hedge against the possibility that he may not. I see the Bills going for either a WR or CB in the first round unless a DE or DT that they really love falls in their lap, with TE being the other position that they will look to use 3 of their first 4 picks on. (A backup QB can be added through free agency or in the later rounds of the draft along with depth on the O-line and at LB.)

[Devin]

I hope to god we bring in a FA WR rather then spending a first round pick that desperatley should fill ANY defensive position.

Wilford blows ass and couldnt catch a cold, Gage/B. Johnson would be a nice addition.

Haynesworth......rofl........rigghhhhttt. He shouldnt even be a thought the Titans will mint him something good and for good reason. Lewis I would be TERRIFIED to give a big deal to. That porker was teetering on the verge of bust as it is.

Starks I could live with I guess.

And anyone who is happy with our LB corps needs thier freakin head examined. Poz ill give you, Crowell is easily the best LB in the league when you take out all the times hes out of position, taken out of a play or just plain gets blown by.

And yes I like Digi, he is easily one of the best backups in the NFL thats had to start most the season.

Drafting Connor or Rivers round 1 certainly isnt going to hurt the Bills.

[Night Train]

A #2 WR and a backup QB should be sought in FA. Experience is needed.

Our D is still full of holes in the Front 7. A big DT (or 2), another LB who can stuff the run or a DE/LB pass rushing specialist is far more important.Other positions of interest on Draft day would be a big Center and a pass catching TE, if no one can be found in FA.

While Lee Evans is a great talent, the amount of 1st round busts at the WR position is staggering.

[Night Train]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=kluck/wrapup/070425&sportCat=nfl

Notice how the QB,RB & WR positions have the biggest bust rate. With our issues on D, we shouldn't be looking Offense early.

[Mahdi]

Lance Briggs will be a Bill in 2008. I've believed that since last year.
Its possible of course but I just dont see us paying a LB 8 mil a year. Not for this defensive scheme and especially not under cash to cap. But the Patriots factor might trump all that. The Bills FO may feel the need to catch up to the Patriots talent wise. I dont think Briggs is necessary though considering what he will cost.

[jpdex12]

bryant johnson?.. the first round bust that has had a handfull of good games finally after all these years? that bryant johnson?

I agree that his career has been quiet but he is buried on the depth chart by Fitzy and Boldin. The questions are...is there anyone better out there and is he better then Peerless?

[jpdex12]

QB Rex Grossman---LOL

Are u kidding me ....That will never happen.. Why would the bills bring in another erratic young QB.....

It will be a seasoned Vet who who will help the team and Trent... A guy who has started some games..

Think Doug Johnson who is not in the NFL this season or Jamie Martin who backs up Drew Brees....Back up qb is not a major need...We will find some one to back up Edwards...

LB in Rd 1- LOL Connor or Highsmith- No way.....The Bills need depth at OLB but they won't try to get it in RD 1 ....With Poz returning the Bills could use Digorio at WLB instead of Ellison......But i doubt it....

I can't understand why people accept our DE's the Bills desperatly need to upgrade their Pass Rush .. This year is a decent one at DE ...Gholston should leave early as will Harvey from Florida ,Jackson from LSU and Campbell from Miami....With the way we rotate our DE's we need four quality DE's ....

Hargrove is a FA he is not a lock to return. Plus another body will not hurt ...The best bet maybe for us to resign Hargrove and draft a sleeper type in rd 3 or 4....The bears found Anderson from alabama in rd 5 ....

Jason Jones Eastern Mich .. Jeremy Thompson Wake Forest .. Langford from Hampton are guys to watch as the all star games and combine approaches...

Dt's are not as weak as you think ..Ok no guy in rd one unless Ketwan Balmer from UNC drops ....Right now some scouts have in the top 15.. A big bruiser 6-5 -300... RD 2 offers Okam NT type-Texas...Bryant the big guy from Teaxas A&M. Moore from Maryland and Laws from Notre Dame.. guys to look out for in rd 2 and 3..

WR-If we wait till rd 2 or 3 we may just miss out ...Bowman from Okst ...is a No ...Busted for Pot at UNC....The only way i wait to RD 2 is if Sweed drops ....


Guys i like at WR in Rd one Kelly from Oklahoma.....Bennett from Vanderbilt....6-1-205....Hardy from Indiana could be a mid to late 1st a lot depends on his 40.. 6-6-220 17 tds.. 36 in career....Red zone night mare.... Mich st's Thomas in rd 2 is also a guy who is coming on big time....The problem --- all these guys are Juniors.....

At least two will come out... Bennett looks likely with his coach looking at the Duke job. He has dominated SEC defenses.. You can't ignore that fact....not tall as some but good size and will make the tough catch..... eric moulds type...

Don't even get me started on CB or TE'S ....I WILL SAVE THAT FOR LATER....

I'll take in this order


RD1-WR

RD-2-DT-NEED FOUR QUALITYDT'S FOR PROPER ROTATION..COULD BE FA IF IT IS TAKE CB IN (RD 2)
RD-3-CB
RD-3-DE
RD-4-TE-Young guy to replace Everett
RD 5-OLB

BMAX

I'm not crazy about Grossman either but there is not much out there for back up QB's. I'd rather have McCown. I don't know who had the idea of drafting a back up QB. You don't get a back up QB in the draft. Edwards is an exception.

How can you say back up QB is not a need? How good will NE be without a back up to Brady? You wanna rely on Hamden to carry the load? Nope!

Our two biggest needs are #2 WR and OLB. We do not have a #2 WR. We currently have a solid back up starting at OLB. We need a player capable of putting up good numbers as a starter. We can't afford to rely on or get lucky picking a rookie OLB to step in and play like a pro bowler at OLB so we will fill that with a veteran from FA. There aren't any true studs in FA at OLB except Dansby and Briggs and they will be tough to get. We will need to draft a #2 WR and OLB in the first few rounds to solidify our immediate future.

How can you think that we will target a DE in the early part of the draft? We are paying a ton for what we have now, you think that OBD will want to pay top $$ for a rookie DE? IF Chris Long is available for our pick then you'll see a green light but it has to be a blue chipper like him and I don't see that happening.

We will go after a WR or OLB in round one unless Dorsey or Long fall to us...

We need to resign Hargrove!

[jamze132]

Drafting Connor or Rivers round 1 certainly isnt going to hurt the Bills.
Neither will be offering Briggs more money than anyone else...

I would love to see Briggs, Poz, and Crowell. We can then dump Stamer and Haggan while keeping Dig and Ellison for depth.

[raphael120]

One position we are overlooking...center.

Melvin Fowler is a bum, and he is the worst of our O-line. He accounts for most of our negative run plays. Do we draft a center next year?

[Akhippo]

I say draft a WR, but in the third round. We cant turn the offense to full throttle waiting for a high priced rookie to learn the ropes.

OLB is a need considering our current depth situation. Crazy thought: draft a DE and move Schobel to OLB. We have the lowest sack total in the league and the only way to hang with the pats is to bring pressure.

Round one: DE
Round two: Corner
Round three: WR
Round three: TE
Rest: Center/LB/Guard

FA: WR (Johnson)/OLB(Briggs)
These free agents shouldnt break the offseason bank and that will also give us a chance to extend some players.

Wildcard: JP Losman, can Marv milk a draft pick?

Positions of seeming strength
QB
RB
#1/3/4 WR
LT
MLB
OLB
SS

[Slim]

Its possible of course but I just dont see us paying a LB 8 mil a year. Not for this defensive scheme

The Bears run a Cover 2.

[Mahdi]

The Bears run a Cover 2.
I know that the Bears run a Cover 2.... but thats my point exactly. You can get away with letting a player like Briggs go because replacing him with someone at the WLB position in the cover 2 and getting similar production is not hard. You just have to get a LB who is a good athlete and tackles well. Thats why they were all for trading Briggs for a first and Rocky McIntosh. Another example is Indi, they had Cato June and let him go only to replace him with Freddie Keiaho. The cover 2 allows flexibility when it comes to OLBs and CBs.