Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

[jamze132]

There is no reason, as it is now, for us to spend #11 on WR or DB.

If we want to improve in our passing game, we need to improve our pass blocking, especially at C. Getting a TE who can actually catch the ball 4-6 times per game would also go a long way in moving the chains and scoring more points, which is kind of what you need in order to win. Turk could be more imaginitive with the playbook with better blocking from the line itself. If you have to rely on TEs and RBs to constently block 2-3 times per 4 down series, it severely handicaps your abilty to be creative and an NFL defense will eat you alive, just like they have to Buffalo for quite a few years now.

On the defensive side of the ball, we need to stay clear of any and all DBs in RD1. It's going to be amazing how much better our CBs and Ss look after we have some resemblance of a pass rush. If anyone is content with Schobel, Kelsay, and Denny in 09', you are in for a heartbreak. Improving the pass rush will take some pressure off of our DBs and allow for different looks that we seldom used last year due to our horendous lack of pass rush.

Of course it is hard to tell what will happen during the draft, especially considering FA hasn't even started yet. If we dramatically improve the DE, TE, and C positions in FA, then we could take a look at WR or DB in the 1st. But until our lines are solidified, we are never going to make the playoffs by grabbing WRs and DBs in the first. You need to work from the inside out in the NFL, not the other way around. Neither of our lines are playoff material. I think out our O-line is a bit closer but the D-line is sorely lacking. We need to generate more of a pass rush to make life easier for the other 7 guys.

Carry on...

[floridajoe]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

Our defense improved dramatically in 2008 even with the lack of a pass rush. So I really think the Center/Guard positions are the most critical to get to the playoffs. More pass rush is important, too, but second in my book to getting a smash mouth running attack going.

As of right now, we have no center on the roster and no back-up guards (and Dockery should not be starting). We only have one backup OT and an unhappy Peters. There is much more work to do on the O-Line than D-Line in my opinion.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

Simply no, we have no depth at WR and no #2 and we are depending on two 2nd year players to play big time minutes for us. That's a lot of risk to worry about at this moment. Both positions could use some work and if Jenkins, Crabtree, or Maclin is there at 11, we need to give them all a long look.

[The Spaz]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I'll take Maclin please.

[BlackMetalNinja]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

With the exception of Crabtree should he fall to us, I'm with you Jamze...

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I'll take Maclin please.

Agreed!

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

With the exception of Crabtree should he fall to us, I'm with you Jamze...

Which is now a slight possibility.

[floridajoe]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I'll take Maclin please.

I don't see how loading up with young wide receivers is going to help when we can't run the ball or protect the quarterback due to the OL problems/lack of bodies. The obsession with WRs is curious.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I don't see how loading up with young wide receivers is going to help when we can't run the ball or protect the quarterback due to the OL problems/lack of bodies. The obsession with WRs is curious.

We finished 14th in the league in rushing offense and were the 10th most sacked team in the league. Now while our pass protection needs work I think getting a new OC will do wonders and also adding some OL depth.

Also getting a WR like Maclin (and adding a TE like Nelson) would give Trent actual options to get rid fo the ball to quickly, instead of waiting for Evans to get open from the double team.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I tend to agree, but a lot depends on who we sign in free agency, and who might fall to us at 11.

I firmly believe, however, that the lack of any sort of pass rush is by far our most glaring weakness.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

I tend to agree, but a lot depends on who we sign in free agency, and who might fall to us at 11.

I firmly believe, however, that the lack of any sort of pass rush is by far our most glaring weakness.

No doubt about it, but we must make sure we maximize the value of our picks which has been the Bills FO biggest weakness in past drafts.

[floridajoe]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

We finished 14th in the league in rushing offense and were the 10th most sacked team in the league. Now while our pass protection needs work I think getting a new OC will do wonders and also adding some OL depth.

Also getting a WR like Maclin (and adding a TE like Nelson) would give Trent actual options to get rid fo the ball to quickly, instead of waiting for Evans to get open from the double team.

Knowing that first round WRs rarely make an impact the first year, how would going in this direction help with the development of Trent or Lee? We added two rookie receivers last year. You want even more rookie wideouts? I can't see it.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

Knowing that first round WRs rarely make an impact the first year, how would going in this direction help with the development of Trent or Lee? We added two rookie receivers last year. You want even more rookie wideouts? I can't see it.

We added two project WR's last year not even close to the development point that Maclin is at. Also Maclin is a return specialist and will allow us not to risk our top CB's to returns, and we could lose Parrish who brings nothing as WR. Maclin doesnt have to run the best routes or be the most polished guy right now. All he has to do is get open quick and with his ability, that shouldn't be an issue. He has incredible speed (former track athlete) and acceleration. His routes are near the top in the country coming out, and his hands are good. He may be the best WR in this class when all is said and done.

[jamze132]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

We finished 14th in the league in rushing offense and were the 10th most sacked team in the league. Now while our pass protection needs work I think getting a new OC will do wonders and also adding some OL depth.

Also getting a WR like Maclin (and adding a TE like Nelson) would give Trent actual options to get rid fo the ball to quickly, instead of waiting for Evans to get open from the double team.

You are trying to treat the symptoms and the not the illness. It all starts with the lines. You can bring in three #1 receivers all day and twice on Sunday and you will still be 7-9 until the root of the problem is cured, which is the O-line. I'm not blaming our OC like you are.

[floridajoe]

Re: Can we put the "draft WR or DB" talk to rest?

We added two project WR's last year not even close to the development point that Maclin is at. Also Maclin is a return specialist and will allow us not to risk our top CB's to returns, and we could lose Parrish who brings nothing as WR. Maclin doesnt have to run the best routes or be the most polished guy right now. All he has to do is get open quick and with his ability, that shouldn't be an issue. He has incredible speed (former track athlete) and acceleration. His routes are near the top in the country coming out, and his hands are good. He may be the best WR in this class when all is said and done.

I'm sure he will be the best WR in this class when all is said and done. Unfortunately, "when all is said and done" usu..ally means two or three years later