Ok Ive been working on this for about a week now, and we are going to fast forward to end of this year and being knocked out of the playoffs in the Wildcard game and we are picking 21st in the draft. Here is what I would do over the next three offseason to go from fringe playoff team to Super Bowl contenders. I will also be attaching an excel file with the Depth Charts so that all the moves can be tracked including who I think would get cut.
2009 Offseason:
Bills FA:
QB Gibril Hamdan-1yr Deal
Solid 3rd QB for next season but nothing to depend on
QB JP Losman-X
No way he would resign
RB Fred Jackson-X
I think he will get a big offer from a team like Arizona who is a 1000 yd back away and can afford to lose the pick. Note: Im not assuming those picks when it comes to the 09 draft projection.
WR Justin Jenkins-Qualify
ST'er and good 6th WR
WR Roscoe Parrish-Resign Long Term
No doubt we need Roscoe for at least his return skills and he is becoming a dangerous slot option
OT Kirk Chambers-X
Bum!
OC Melvin Fowler-X
Bum!
OG Duke Preston-X
I think another team may offer him more money for his versatility
DE Copeland Bryan-X
Don't see a need for him on the roster any longer
LB John DiGorgia-Resign Long term
Valuable depth LB
CB Jabari Greer-X
We have McKelvin and Corner and we picked them for a reason
FS George Wilson-X
Another team will offer him a starting job
NFL FA's:
QB Rex Grossman-2yr deal
We need a veteran and Grossman can come in here sign a short term deal look good in the pre-season and maybe get another shot somewhere else after his time here.
DL Dwan Edwards-2 yr deal
Can start opposite Schobel and is versatile enough to play outside on 1st and 2nd Down and could move inside on 3rd down.
LB Bart Scott-5 yd deal
Our big FA signing! Scott will easily replace and outshine where Crowell comes from and should make our defense scary good for a front 7.
OG Mike Goff-2 yr deal
Need some veteran OG help in case of injuries and to replace Preston.
RB Correll Buckhalter-2 yr deal
Injury history but looks fully recovered and could be a good #2 back to replace Jackson.
2009 NFL Draft:
1. DE Brian Orkapo-Texas
One word....Freak! This guy is physical freak, he is 6-4, 260 and runs a 4.73. He is the complete DE that teams covet but is a little raw but has produced more than his other counter part DE Michael Johnson which is why he slides some.
2. OLB Sean Weatherspoon-Missouri
Ellison is an ok backup but Weatherspoon could be a playmaker. Also will replace Mitchell in a few seasons and dominate opposite Scott. Plays sideline to sideline and can play the run or drop back in coverage.
3. FS Otis Wiley-Michigan State
Could use another returner if McKelvin is going to be a full time CB next season. Wiley is a big time playmaking FS who plays the CF position well. He could really push Ko for some time early on.
4. OC Antonie Caldwell-Alabama
With no OC's on the roster I think this pick is kind of our duh pick of the draft. I like his run blocking a lot and I think he could be an immediate starter for us.
5. TE Jared Cook-South Carolina
Receiving TE who can split out wide to show some variation in our offensive play calling. Receiving threat we have all been calling for.
6. OC Jon Cooper-Oklahoma
Another OC?? Yes we need to have some insurance in case Caldwell goes down and Cooper is a leader and can play some OG too if needed.
7. OT Lydon Murtha-Nebraska
Kirk Chambers replacement, big OT with some athletic ability.
2010:
Bills FA's:
WR Lee Evans-Resign
No real decision here, we need him on this team
WR Josh Reed-X
Sorry to see him go but Hardy needs time and his production can be replaced
CB Terrance McGee-X
Do you want Youboty or McGee...I went with Youboty
CB Ashton Youboty-Resign
Really has emerged this year as a viable CB who could start
FS Ko Simpson-Resign
Will fight with Wiley for starting position
NFL FA's:
CB Will Allen-3 yr deal
Cheap depth CB
WR Kassim Osgood-1 yr deal
Good size at WR could be a red zone threat.
OLB Akeem Jordan-1 yr deal
Quick LB worth a shot as he fits the Cover 2 scheme
2010 Draft:
1. DT Ricky-Jean Francois-LSU
Dynamic Defensive Tackle who could fill in immediately next to Stroud and learn from him. Can press the pocket or shoot the gap.
2. WR Carl Moore-Florida
Big tall WR with good speed, former JUCO standout who is 6'4 and out of the slot is extremely dangerous.
3. TE Dennis Pitta-BYU
Another Receiving TE who has a nose from the end zone. Good size and hands.
4. RB Emmanuel Moody-Florida
Buried at Florida this season but a dangerous RB with good size and speed.
5. CB Jarius Byrd-Oregon
Good zone coverage CB with great size and speed. Can also return kicks and punts.
6. OG Lyle Hitt-LSU
A little undersized but a true gamer who never gives up on a block.
7. QB Jonathan Crompton-Tennesee
Good arm, size, and athleticism but needs some serious coaching after Fulmer screwing him all up.
2011:
Bills FA:
QB Trent Edwards-Long Term Deal
Leader of this team and is growing quickly into that role. Lock him up.
TE Robert Royal-X
Pitta and Cook mean that he can go bye bye
OT Jason Peters-Should be done this year, but if its not then long term
Will be done before the season is out
DE Chris Kelsay-X
Overpayed and now gone in favor of better options
DT John McCargo-X
Bad pick who never panned out
DT Marcus Stroud-2 yr deal
May be a risk signing but you gotta reward the guy for his contributions and he may have something still in the tank
LB Paul Posluzny-Long Term Deal
Fire lighter on Defense, controls the middle and finishes tackles
NFL FA's:
TE Scott Chandler-3 yr deal
Good blocking TE who can catch the ball when needed
OG Kasey Studdard-3 yr deal
Need some youth infusion behind Dockery and with Whittle being gone
QB Seneca Wallace-3 yr deal
Nice option who has proven he can manage a team and provides a nice wrinkle
2011 NFL Draft:
1. OT Anthony Davis-Rutgers
Absolutely killer OT who is probably best suited at LT but could play RT too. If Bell is not ready to take over for Walker, and Im not sure he would be Davis can step in day 1.
2. SS Chad Jones-LSU
Big time playmaker, big time hitter. Was an athlete at LSU and could be a playmaker we lack at SS. Will immediately push Whitner for time.
3. OLB Brian Smith-Notre Dame
Fast OLB who excels at chasing down plays. Will eventually replace Scott.
4. QB Adam Weber-Minnesota
A true developmental prospect at QB who could be a starter one day in this league.
5. FB Charles Clay-Tulsa
Dual threat FB who can carry the rock or block.
6. WR Demaryius Thomas-Georgia Tech
A true playmaker who lacks top end speed but can jump out of the building. He will fall because of Tech's new option offense.
7. DE Jave Howard-Florida
Little lower on the list of UF defensive playmakers but could be a bit of a sleeper.
2009 Offseason:
Bills FA:
QB Gibril Hamdan-1yr Deal
Solid 3rd QB for next season but nothing to depend on
QB JP Losman-X
No way he would resign
RB Fred Jackson-X
I think he will get a big offer from a team like Arizona who is a 1000 yd back away and can afford to lose the pick. Note: Im not assuming those picks when it comes to the 09 draft projection.
WR Justin Jenkins-Qualify
ST'er and good 6th WR
WR Roscoe Parrish-Resign Long Term
No doubt we need Roscoe for at least his return skills and he is becoming a dangerous slot option
OT Kirk Chambers-X
Bum!
OC Melvin Fowler-X
Bum!
OG Duke Preston-X
I think another team may offer him more money for his versatility
DE Copeland Bryan-X
Don't see a need for him on the roster any longer
LB John DiGorgia-Resign Long term
Valuable depth LB
CB Jabari Greer-X
We have McKelvin and Corner and we picked them for a reason
FS George Wilson-X
Another team will offer him a starting job
NFL FA's:
QB Rex Grossman-2yr deal
We need a veteran and Grossman can come in here sign a short term deal look good in the pre-season and maybe get another shot somewhere else after his time here.
DL Dwan Edwards-2 yr deal
Can start opposite Schobel and is versatile enough to play outside on 1st and 2nd Down and could move inside on 3rd down.
LB Bart Scott-5 yd deal
Our big FA signing! Scott will easily replace and outshine where Crowell comes from and should make our defense scary good for a front 7.
OG Mike Goff-2 yr deal
Need some veteran OG help in case of injuries and to replace Preston.
RB Correll Buckhalter-2 yr deal
Injury history but looks fully recovered and could be a good #2 back to replace Jackson.
2009 NFL Draft:
1. DE Brian Orkapo-Texas
One word....Freak! This guy is physical freak, he is 6-4, 260 and runs a 4.73. He is the complete DE that teams covet but is a little raw but has produced more than his other counter part DE Michael Johnson which is why he slides some.
2. OLB Sean Weatherspoon-Missouri
Ellison is an ok backup but Weatherspoon could be a playmaker. Also will replace Mitchell in a few seasons and dominate opposite Scott. Plays sideline to sideline and can play the run or drop back in coverage.
3. FS Otis Wiley-Michigan State
Could use another returner if McKelvin is going to be a full time CB next season. Wiley is a big time playmaking FS who plays the CF position well. He could really push Ko for some time early on.
4. OC Antonie Caldwell-Alabama
With no OC's on the roster I think this pick is kind of our duh pick of the draft. I like his run blocking a lot and I think he could be an immediate starter for us.
5. TE Jared Cook-South Carolina
Receiving TE who can split out wide to show some variation in our offensive play calling. Receiving threat we have all been calling for.
6. OC Jon Cooper-Oklahoma
Another OC?? Yes we need to have some insurance in case Caldwell goes down and Cooper is a leader and can play some OG too if needed.
7. OT Lydon Murtha-Nebraska
Kirk Chambers replacement, big OT with some athletic ability.
2010:
Bills FA's:
WR Lee Evans-Resign
No real decision here, we need him on this team
WR Josh Reed-X
Sorry to see him go but Hardy needs time and his production can be replaced
CB Terrance McGee-X
Do you want Youboty or McGee...I went with Youboty
CB Ashton Youboty-Resign
Really has emerged this year as a viable CB who could start
FS Ko Simpson-Resign
Will fight with Wiley for starting position
NFL FA's:
CB Will Allen-3 yr deal
Cheap depth CB
WR Kassim Osgood-1 yr deal
Good size at WR could be a red zone threat.
OLB Akeem Jordan-1 yr deal
Quick LB worth a shot as he fits the Cover 2 scheme
2010 Draft:
1. DT Ricky-Jean Francois-LSU
Dynamic Defensive Tackle who could fill in immediately next to Stroud and learn from him. Can press the pocket or shoot the gap.
2. WR Carl Moore-Florida
Big tall WR with good speed, former JUCO standout who is 6'4 and out of the slot is extremely dangerous.
3. TE Dennis Pitta-BYU
Another Receiving TE who has a nose from the end zone. Good size and hands.
4. RB Emmanuel Moody-Florida
Buried at Florida this season but a dangerous RB with good size and speed.
5. CB Jarius Byrd-Oregon
Good zone coverage CB with great size and speed. Can also return kicks and punts.
6. OG Lyle Hitt-LSU
A little undersized but a true gamer who never gives up on a block.
7. QB Jonathan Crompton-Tennesee
Good arm, size, and athleticism but needs some serious coaching after Fulmer screwing him all up.
2011:
Bills FA:
QB Trent Edwards-Long Term Deal
Leader of this team and is growing quickly into that role. Lock him up.
TE Robert Royal-X
Pitta and Cook mean that he can go bye bye
OT Jason Peters-Should be done this year, but if its not then long term
Will be done before the season is out
DE Chris Kelsay-X
Overpayed and now gone in favor of better options
DT John McCargo-X
Bad pick who never panned out
DT Marcus Stroud-2 yr deal
May be a risk signing but you gotta reward the guy for his contributions and he may have something still in the tank
LB Paul Posluzny-Long Term Deal
Fire lighter on Defense, controls the middle and finishes tackles
NFL FA's:
TE Scott Chandler-3 yr deal
Good blocking TE who can catch the ball when needed
OG Kasey Studdard-3 yr deal
Need some youth infusion behind Dockery and with Whittle being gone
QB Seneca Wallace-3 yr deal
Nice option who has proven he can manage a team and provides a nice wrinkle
2011 NFL Draft:
1. OT Anthony Davis-Rutgers
Absolutely killer OT who is probably best suited at LT but could play RT too. If Bell is not ready to take over for Walker, and Im not sure he would be Davis can step in day 1.
2. SS Chad Jones-LSU
Big time playmaker, big time hitter. Was an athlete at LSU and could be a playmaker we lack at SS. Will immediately push Whitner for time.
3. OLB Brian Smith-Notre Dame
Fast OLB who excels at chasing down plays. Will eventually replace Scott.
4. QB Adam Weber-Minnesota
A true developmental prospect at QB who could be a starter one day in this league.
5. FB Charles Clay-Tulsa
Dual threat FB who can carry the rock or block.
6. WR Demaryius Thomas-Georgia Tech
A true playmaker who lacks top end speed but can jump out of the building. He will fall because of Tech's new option offense.
7. DE Jave Howard-Florida
Little lower on the list of UF defensive playmakers but could be a bit of a sleeper.
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