X-Era
09-28-2010, 06:32 AM
Look, we all know we arent going to the playoffs. Or for those who want to be more optimistic, we are a very long shot. We know we have two QB's on trial right now; we are starting Fitzpatrick but Chan has already stated that they are wanting to start working more with Brohm. We know that none of these guys are Chan's guys. And we know Chan places a high degree of importance on quarterbacking. Nix even commented that this is a quarteback driven league.
Given all of that, and Trent's poor performance, it really should be no surprise that he was cut. Furthermore, it should be even less surprise that upgrading the quarterback position is very high on this teams list of priorities. Now, there is a chance that Fitz plays well enough to limp us into the playoffs... actually no, there isn't. And when the season ends, and Chan would have went through at least two quarterbacks, maybe even three with the same results, the next move ought to be fairly obvious. The search for a franchise QB will begin in earnest.
As far as a proven vet goes, theres a chance that Big Ben is let go or traded. The Steelers are done with his off the field transgressions and they are undefeated without him. There is a chance that Kevin Kolb may be traded since Vick is playing so well. But, we would be making a move for someone that their current team didn't want. In the past decade, how m any times has a team made a move like this only to see that player go to a new team and light it up? Drew Brees is the only guy I can think of, and he's a very good one, so the approach may have some merit. Still, the above transactions have many phases before we can even make a play. And that assumes that we will. So, what we are inevitably left with is the draft.
And so, a team looking for a franchise QB, with a very high draft pick and several possible first round caliber quarterbacks, is likely to be looking in that direction. At this early stage, Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallett, and Jake Locker all appear to be in play for a first round spot. We can argue about the worthiness of each, but in all cases there is first round talent. Don't be surprised to see someone like Blaine Gabbert sneak into late round one if he continues to progress and gets a big win or two. He's an exciting prospect and the NFL covets the position. Yes, many for these guys are juniors, but because we have no CBA and the new CBA will almost certainly have a rookie wage cap, waiting a year to try to earn more money will have limited value in the new system. We cant accurately predict where these players will be drafted yet. But as I already stated, on talent alone many are worthy of first round grades. And with the importance of the position, you can do the math. The rest of the season and post season events will dictate where they end up. So what could that mean for the Bills?
On the surface, spending a high first round draft pick on a quarterback is risky. But, its risky for every position and none are sure things. Recent history suggests you can have early success with a young franchise type QB. Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and dare I say it even Sam Bradford make that case. The uncertainty is there though and no one will forget the likes of Ryan Leaf, Jamarcus Russell, and Tim Couch. But, if your the Bills and your hell bent on getting a new face of the franchise, you have the fire power in a high draft pick to get one, and there may be a few to choose from, odds are in favor of the Bills making that pick. Its a boom or bust proposition that could affect the next decade of Bills football.
The Buffalo Bills are at a cross roads. They have no franchise quarterback and haven't since Jim Kelly; the last time they made any dent in the playoffs. They look to have a high draft pick for only the second time in a decade. For the first time in many years, the salary for a high pick or the top pick will be more reasonable which aids a small market team. The writing is on the wall in this situation. The question for the Bills wont be whether to draft a quarterback, it will be where, and whom. Who knows, maybe the Bills will end up with Luck on their side.
Given all of that, and Trent's poor performance, it really should be no surprise that he was cut. Furthermore, it should be even less surprise that upgrading the quarterback position is very high on this teams list of priorities. Now, there is a chance that Fitz plays well enough to limp us into the playoffs... actually no, there isn't. And when the season ends, and Chan would have went through at least two quarterbacks, maybe even three with the same results, the next move ought to be fairly obvious. The search for a franchise QB will begin in earnest.
As far as a proven vet goes, theres a chance that Big Ben is let go or traded. The Steelers are done with his off the field transgressions and they are undefeated without him. There is a chance that Kevin Kolb may be traded since Vick is playing so well. But, we would be making a move for someone that their current team didn't want. In the past decade, how m any times has a team made a move like this only to see that player go to a new team and light it up? Drew Brees is the only guy I can think of, and he's a very good one, so the approach may have some merit. Still, the above transactions have many phases before we can even make a play. And that assumes that we will. So, what we are inevitably left with is the draft.
And so, a team looking for a franchise QB, with a very high draft pick and several possible first round caliber quarterbacks, is likely to be looking in that direction. At this early stage, Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallett, and Jake Locker all appear to be in play for a first round spot. We can argue about the worthiness of each, but in all cases there is first round talent. Don't be surprised to see someone like Blaine Gabbert sneak into late round one if he continues to progress and gets a big win or two. He's an exciting prospect and the NFL covets the position. Yes, many for these guys are juniors, but because we have no CBA and the new CBA will almost certainly have a rookie wage cap, waiting a year to try to earn more money will have limited value in the new system. We cant accurately predict where these players will be drafted yet. But as I already stated, on talent alone many are worthy of first round grades. And with the importance of the position, you can do the math. The rest of the season and post season events will dictate where they end up. So what could that mean for the Bills?
On the surface, spending a high first round draft pick on a quarterback is risky. But, its risky for every position and none are sure things. Recent history suggests you can have early success with a young franchise type QB. Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, and dare I say it even Sam Bradford make that case. The uncertainty is there though and no one will forget the likes of Ryan Leaf, Jamarcus Russell, and Tim Couch. But, if your the Bills and your hell bent on getting a new face of the franchise, you have the fire power in a high draft pick to get one, and there may be a few to choose from, odds are in favor of the Bills making that pick. Its a boom or bust proposition that could affect the next decade of Bills football.
The Buffalo Bills are at a cross roads. They have no franchise quarterback and haven't since Jim Kelly; the last time they made any dent in the playoffs. They look to have a high draft pick for only the second time in a decade. For the first time in many years, the salary for a high pick or the top pick will be more reasonable which aids a small market team. The writing is on the wall in this situation. The question for the Bills wont be whether to draft a quarterback, it will be where, and whom. Who knows, maybe the Bills will end up with Luck on their side.