1- I'll get the most obvious stuff out of the way first. I really hope the off-field garbage is over with. The Hardy gun incident (allegedly) which though no chargeres were filed still brough unwanted attention. The Lynch garbage and of course, the Peters contract looming. I really hope that before camp they work something out, this is something that we DO..... NOT.. NEED.. lingering on going into camp. Peters is as important to this offense as anybody. I dont care what they got to do, and what side wins the negotiation battle; just get it resolved and have him in camp from day one.
2- I'm totally sold on James Hardy. I think he was a perfect pick in round two. I feel he's learned his life-lessons, and that he's going to be extremely productive on the field. I think given our needs, he was as good as it gets for us. I expect him to make our offense much better inside the 30 yard line.
3- I have nothing against Leodis McKelvin. IN fact, I like him and I was somewhat surprised he was still on the board at #12. He may evolve into a great corner for this team. Having said that, I still am not a fan of the pick. I thought and still think Brandon Albert would've been the better pick. Albert would not only step into a starting spot at guard from day one and improve the offensive line in a big way (over Butler). But I'll go one further; I think Albert was the best OL in this class, and that includes Jake Long. I hope McKelvin is the man, becuase I think we passed up on a future (sooner than later) perennial Pro Bowler in Albert.
4- There's been Kevin Jones talk lately.. I hope he signs elsewhere soon so it gets squashed. I think Freddie Jackson is more than capable as a #2, he proved it to me at Washington last year. He can't carry the load for 16 games, that is true. But how many #2 backs can. I'm extremely confident when he's on the field.
5- Despite reports to the contrary, I'm hearing that Josh Reed has not only looked good so far in OTA and mini-camp, but he's looked like our most reliable receiver. I think the rumors of him being cut this coming camp are far exaggerated. I expect him to start on openin day, as Hardy gets eased into that role; and even after that he'll still see the field a lot.
6- I"m baffled we never dealt Losman. There's only one scenario where keeping him is advantageous to the Bills this year. That would be if Edwards went down for the year early. Other than that, I see little benefit. Although it's been no issue yet, at least not reported. I think he's benching is going to fester as camp goes on and the regular season starts. If Edwards struggles at ALL early on, there's going to be division at least among some players, and pretty much all fans. The biggest thing is that even is Losman started, had a magical season (sorry but it ain't happening) he STILL would leave Buffalo after this year. AFter the way he's been jacked around in this organization the past few years, he can't get out of Buffalo fast enough.. For that, I can't blame him.. I dont think he's ever been giving a total fair shake; though to be honest I also don't think it would've ever mattered.
7: I dont think Jauron will be fired if the bills fail to make the playoffs; but I think he will be on the hot seat. There is a lot of good young talent on this team, but they are still largely inexperienced and growing. If the Bills miss the playoffs, I think it will need to be evaluated why they did. Was it because the lacked the personnel or poor coaching? Personally, I've said and stuck to that Im not a fan of Jauron's, but he gets a pass last year with the injuries and youth. I don't think he's a good game-day coach, and I fear that will hurt us a few times this year, especially on the road.
8- He's as under the radar as it gets, but I expect Ko Simpson to come back and have a huge 2008. I'll go on a limb and say he develops into our best playermaker in the secondary this year.
9- Why was center never even attempted to be addressed this offseason? I find it hard to fathom the organization is satisfied with Melvin Fowler starting. Was the center market really that thin?
10- My sleeper player going into this year (if you can call a Pro Bowler a sleeper) is Aaron Schobel. I think if Marcus Stroud stays healthy, Mitchell and Spencer JOhnson play well and McCargo continues to improve, that Schobel will be a MONSTER with the pass rush.. I'm talking 13-15 sacks.
2- I'm totally sold on James Hardy. I think he was a perfect pick in round two. I feel he's learned his life-lessons, and that he's going to be extremely productive on the field. I think given our needs, he was as good as it gets for us. I expect him to make our offense much better inside the 30 yard line.
3- I have nothing against Leodis McKelvin. IN fact, I like him and I was somewhat surprised he was still on the board at #12. He may evolve into a great corner for this team. Having said that, I still am not a fan of the pick. I thought and still think Brandon Albert would've been the better pick. Albert would not only step into a starting spot at guard from day one and improve the offensive line in a big way (over Butler). But I'll go one further; I think Albert was the best OL in this class, and that includes Jake Long. I hope McKelvin is the man, becuase I think we passed up on a future (sooner than later) perennial Pro Bowler in Albert.
4- There's been Kevin Jones talk lately.. I hope he signs elsewhere soon so it gets squashed. I think Freddie Jackson is more than capable as a #2, he proved it to me at Washington last year. He can't carry the load for 16 games, that is true. But how many #2 backs can. I'm extremely confident when he's on the field.
5- Despite reports to the contrary, I'm hearing that Josh Reed has not only looked good so far in OTA and mini-camp, but he's looked like our most reliable receiver. I think the rumors of him being cut this coming camp are far exaggerated. I expect him to start on openin day, as Hardy gets eased into that role; and even after that he'll still see the field a lot.
6- I"m baffled we never dealt Losman. There's only one scenario where keeping him is advantageous to the Bills this year. That would be if Edwards went down for the year early. Other than that, I see little benefit. Although it's been no issue yet, at least not reported. I think he's benching is going to fester as camp goes on and the regular season starts. If Edwards struggles at ALL early on, there's going to be division at least among some players, and pretty much all fans. The biggest thing is that even is Losman started, had a magical season (sorry but it ain't happening) he STILL would leave Buffalo after this year. AFter the way he's been jacked around in this organization the past few years, he can't get out of Buffalo fast enough.. For that, I can't blame him.. I dont think he's ever been giving a total fair shake; though to be honest I also don't think it would've ever mattered.
7: I dont think Jauron will be fired if the bills fail to make the playoffs; but I think he will be on the hot seat. There is a lot of good young talent on this team, but they are still largely inexperienced and growing. If the Bills miss the playoffs, I think it will need to be evaluated why they did. Was it because the lacked the personnel or poor coaching? Personally, I've said and stuck to that Im not a fan of Jauron's, but he gets a pass last year with the injuries and youth. I don't think he's a good game-day coach, and I fear that will hurt us a few times this year, especially on the road.
8- He's as under the radar as it gets, but I expect Ko Simpson to come back and have a huge 2008. I'll go on a limb and say he develops into our best playermaker in the secondary this year.
9- Why was center never even attempted to be addressed this offseason? I find it hard to fathom the organization is satisfied with Melvin Fowler starting. Was the center market really that thin?
10- My sleeper player going into this year (if you can call a Pro Bowler a sleeper) is Aaron Schobel. I think if Marcus Stroud stays healthy, Mitchell and Spencer JOhnson play well and McCargo continues to improve, that Schobel will be a MONSTER with the pass rush.. I'm talking 13-15 sacks.
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