The State of the Bills

[BillsWin]

In another tumultuous offseason in upstate New York, Buffalo Bills fans have once again seen a changing of the guard. A new general manager and head coach means a lot of change in Buffalo, or does it? Terrell Owens is gone, Aaron Schobel is potentially retired, Brad Butler retired at 26, Eric Wood is recovering from a catastrophic lower leg break, Marshawn Lynch’s career is one strike away from being on a 1-year hiatus, and the team seemingly has no starting QB heading into the draft. Oh, and an open letter to Aaron Maybin reads, “Dear Sir, please be a better OLB than you were a defensive end last year.”

And yet; as always, there is cautious optimism in the air this year for Bills fans. Perhaps blind optimism, but it is present, no less. Here’s a breakdown of where the team is, and where I see it heading for the draft.

MORE... (http://www.sidelinescouting.net/columns/bills.shtml)

[BillsWin]

Not an awful read. I agree with 90% of what this guy wrote. He seems to know the roster well enough. He definitely likes how Buddy Nix has approached free agency thus far. I tend to agree with him to an extent that Nix has made it so we can take the BPA at nine. Whether that be Clausen, a left tackle, Bryant or another prospect. I am just happy we signed Dwan Edwards. I think that was the sleeper signing of this free agency period in the AFC East. Some of you may disagree, but I just really like the guy and think it not only helps us bridge the learning gap that will come with a scheme change, but I believe he will become a leader of that defense. Plus, I really like Baltimore's defense and have for a while now. I was a big "Sign Suggs" and "Sign (Bart) Scott" man last season. Though that did not happen, I am happy with Edwards this year. I can't wait to see who we get to play NT and how the completed 3-4 looks on the field.

[YardRat]

I'm looking forward to the draft, and the next couple of weeks leading up to it.

[BillsWin]

Bump.

[BILLSROCK1212]

LOVE THE READ!! The Bills are not in a horrible position if we can improve the O-line, LBers, and WR...I'd be fine with one more year of Trent Edwards because I believe Gailey can do something with him although I'd prefer Jason Campbell or Jimmy Clausen.

[ZAZusmc03]

Great read. I really don't feel like we are in a horrible position, but not in a great position. I think we have a good base to start off with going into the draft and am extremely excited for the draft to get here.

[OpIv37]

Front 7 that is already adequate? We have no true NT, no true pass rushing specialist (you could argue Schobel but he may retire and has never played in the 3-4) and mediocre linebackers. Our front 7 sucks.

[justasportsfan]

Wide Receiver is probably the biggest concern on the team right now as I see it.

Whats he talking about. We just brought in Chad Jackson.

Championship!!!!

[EDS]

Great read. I really don't feel like we are in a horrible position, but not in a great position. I think we have a good base to start off with going into the draft and am extremely excited for the draft to get here.

With big questions marks in important starting positions such as QB, WR, LT, NT, and OLB, coupled with a new coaching staff and system, it is hard to be overly optimistic until we see what fruit the draft bears.

It is possible the Bills could turn things around quickly bit realistically I have to believe we are looking at a 2-3 year building process.