When we finally have free agency, what do we still need?

[X-Era]

Here's my take:

OLB- The depth is pretty bad behind Moats and Merriman. Maybin hasn't done anything and Torbor is just a journeyman. Batten hasn't played an NFL down. Add a second tier vet and an undrafted.

QB- We know we need another 2 guys. My guess is that we get a backup to Fitz who could start in a pinch. Tyler Thigpen is someone like that. Probably will also add an undrafted here as well.

TE- This could be a spot that we bolster from free agency. I wouldn't be shocked to see a significant addition here. Owen Daniels, maybe Kevin Boss. I'd love Zach Miller, but that's not happening.

Others? Thoughts?

[tampabay25690]

I think you are pretty much on target....

[Dr. Lecter]

Here's my take:

OLB- The depth is pretty bad behind Moats and Merriman. Maybin hasn't done anything and Torbor is just a journeyman. Batten hasn't played an NFL down. Add a second tier vet and an undrafted.

QB- We know we need another 2 guys. My guess is that we get a backup to Fitz who could start in a pinch. Tyler Thigpen is someone like that. Probably will also add an undrafted here as well.

TE- This could be a spot that we bolster from free agency. I wouldn't be shocked to see a significant addition here. Owen Daniels, maybe Kevin Boss. I'd love Zach Miller, but that's not happening.

Others? Thoughts?

I am not sure they have a legit starting OLB. Their best OLB might be Kelsay as scary as that is.

They need a RT as well.

[DraftBoy]

OT, OC, WR, QB, TE, NT, OLB

The only reason I dont say CB or FS/SS is because we took so many picks there you have to at least see what you got first.

[mayotm]

OT, OC, WR, QB, TE, NT, OLB

The only reason I dont say CB or FS/SS is because we took so many picks there you have to at least see what you got first.OC, WR and NT are not huge needs.

[cookie G]

A right side of the OL if Wood moves to center, which he probably will.

Guard, tackle,

...and another 18 defensive backs. But then, we can always draft them in the top half of the draft.

[Stewie]

We need OLB, TE, QB, and OT

[Mahdi]

OT, OC, WR, QB, TE, NT, OLB

The only reason I dont say CB or FS/SS is because we took so many picks there you have to at least see what you got first.
We have 3 potential NTs (KW, Dareus, Troup), we have 2 C (Wood and Hang) we have a stacked WR position (Evans, Johnson, Parrish, Nelson, Jones, Easley)

I doubt we go after anyone in those areas.

ILB we need more experience at and Poz is still unsigned. So that might be our top need along with backup QB.

OLB can use another body with experience. OT also.

[Prov401]

Wth is an OC? Do you mean Center? I thought you meant we needed an offensive coordinator lol.

[Mahdi]

A right side of the OL if Wood moves to center, which he probably will.

Guard, tackle,

...and another 18 defensive backs. But then, we can always draft them in the top half of the draft.
Every team drafts DBs high every year because this is a passing league that now likes to use 3 and 4 WR sets. If you have only 2 good CBs then you will have mismatches every time they spread you out. DBs are a MUST every year.

Look at the Pats --> McCourty, Chung, Dowling, Merriweather, Butler all those guys drafted in the first 2 rounds the last 3 years.

[mysticsoto]

Here's my take:

OLB- The depth is pretty bad behind Moats and Merriman. Maybin hasn't done anything and Torbor is just a journeyman. Batten hasn't played an NFL down. Add a second tier vet and an undrafted.

QB- We know we need another 2 guys. My guess is that we get a backup to Fitz who could start in a pinch. Tyler Thigpen is someone like that. Probably will also add an undrafted here as well.

TE- This could be a spot that we bolster from free agency. I wouldn't be shocked to see a significant addition here. Owen Daniels, maybe Kevin Boss. I'd love Zach Miller, but that's not happening.

Others? Thoughts?

This is probably a good list. Clearly the FO is putting all their eggs in one basket with hoping Merriman pans out - but I wouldn't mind getting good depth...

Per Rotoworld:



GM Buddy Nix insists that Shawne Merriman is the answer to the Bills' pass-rushing woes this year.

"I know he's the answer," said Nix. "If his Achilles is well, and he's ahead of where he should be. Listen, we can't go draft one or find one like him ... We've got an outside backer if he can get back to where he was." We don't share Nix's optimism on a player with just four sacks and 18-of-48 games played over the past three years.

[psubills62]

What do we need? The same things we've needed for the last 10+ years.

[methos4ever]

Sounds like TE may not be one of their critical need areas...

http://wgr550.com/Bills--Nix-Dishes-On-Positional-Plans/9808361


One position in particular has long been neglected, without a star player since the days of Pete Metzelaars. But the general manager quickly dismissed the notion that they should have drafted a tight end.

"I'll put this is as simple as I know how. There wasn't one there that we wanted."

Nix did admit that they liked Lance Kendricks, the tight end from Wisconsin, but not enough to select him as high as he went in the draft. He also pointed out that head coach Chan Gailey utilizes tight ends less than most in the league.

Given that article I'd think 2 QBs, at least one C/G that can rotate for the qbs in camp and compete as a floater, swing OT and an OLB like a Matt Roth or Travis LaBoy to be the strongside comp/backup for Kelsay.

[DraftBoy]

OC, WR and NT are not huge needs.

I never said they were, but they are areas Id quickly look to improve on if the talent is there at the right price. We are defficient at all those positions, just because we aren't as deifcient as we are at others does not make them no longer areas that need improvement. I refuse to accept mediocrity.

[DraftBoy]

We have 3 potential NTs (KW, Dareus, Troup), we have 2 C (Wood and Hang) we have a stacked WR position (Evans, Johnson, Parrish, Nelson, Jones, Easley)

I doubt we go after anyone in those areas.

ILB we need more experience at and Poz is still unsigned. So that might be our top need along with backup QB.

OLB can use another body with experience. OT also.

Dareus is going to see little to no time at the NT in the 34, so Im not sure I buy we have 3 and even still we have 1 proven guy and 1 guy we pray can get better in Troup. No depth, could use a Vet to sure it up.

Wood and Hang both struggled last season more than there fair share, both are combo OG/OC's who really havent shown the ability to be dominant at either. Again adding a veteran C for stability could be a big help if yet again both struggle to handle the 34 NT's they'll see week after week.

The WR corp is unproven, inconsistent and has no #2. Its a much bigger need that people want to talk about, because they will cling to the idea that either Stevie Johnson hands will get better, or that Marcus Easley is the second coming despite never having played an NFL down, having only one good year of college ball, and coming off a major knee injury. Again if we can get a big target Vet, then we should jump on it.

Nothing wrong with competition folks.

[mayotm]

I never said they were, but they are areas Id quickly look to improve on if the talent is there at the right price. We are defficient at all those positions, just because we aren't as deifcient as we are at others does not make them no longer areas that need improvement. I refuse to accept mediocrity.I disagree that the Bills are mediocre at those positions.

[Bangarang]

nvm

[Mahdi]

Dareus is going to see little to no time at the NT in the 34, so Im not sure I buy we have 3 and even still we have 1 proven guy and 1 guy we pray can get better in Troup. No depth, could use a Vet to sure it up.

Wood and Hang both struggled last season more than there fair share, both are combo OG/OC's who really havent shown the ability to be dominant at either. Again adding a veteran C for stability could be a big help if yet again both struggle to handle the 34 NT's they'll see week after week.

The WR corp is unproven, inconsistent and has no #2. Its a much bigger need that people want to talk about, because they will cling to the idea that either Stevie Johnson hands will get better, or that Marcus Easley is the second coming despite never having played an NFL down, having only one good year of college ball, and coming off a major knee injury. Again if we can get a big target Vet, then we should jump on it.

Nothing wrong with competition folks.
No Dareus probably won't get time at NT but when you are talking about depth, we have it. Dareus can start there if KW can't and Troup was drafted to play the NT spot.

Wood finished the year very well at C and Hang was solid before he went down, not PBer but I doubt we are getting an all star C.

Stevie Johnson had a breakout year and although he obviously had a couple of blunders I don't think you can question his hands. He has great hands, a couple of lapses in concentration doesn't change that.

Evans is still either a #1 or #2 and Nelson for me is a guy waiting to be counted on as a #2 receiver.

Parrish was exceptional before his injury and fits perfectly in the offense and Donald Jones looks like a smart and tough receiver.

Easley looked good in camp and I think he will push the rest.

[cookie G]

Every team drafts DBs high every year because this is a passing league that now likes to use 3 and 4 WR sets. If you have only 2 good CBs then you will have mismatches every time they78 spread you out. DBs are a MUST every year.



Look at the Pats --> McCourty, Chung, Dowling, Merriweather, Butler all those guys drafted in the first 2 rounds the last 3 years.

Pats = every team?

Yeah, yeah, I'm looking at them. They lived off their offense and D7 for years.

0 trips to the dance since they decided to go DB crazy.

[DraftBoy]

I disagree that the Bills are mediocre at those positions.

Our record, numbers, and play disagree with that.

[Mahdi]

Pats = every team?

Yeah, yeah, I'm looking at them. They lived off their offense and D7 for years.

0 trips to the dance since they decided to go DB crazy.
Except Merriweather and McCourty made the PB and they always have one of the best points against per game defense.

[DraftBoy]

No Dareus probably won't get time at NT but when you are talking about depth, we have it. Dareus can start there if KW can't and Troup was drafted to play the NT spot.

Wood finished the year very well at C and Hang was solid before he went down, not PBer but I doubt we are getting an all star C.

Stevie Johnson had a breakout year and although he obviously had a couple of blunders I don't think you can question his hands. He has great hands, a couple of lapses in concentration doesn't change that.Evans is still either a #1 or #2 and Nelson for me is a guy waiting to be counted on as a #2 receiver.

Parrish was exceptional before his injury and fits perfectly in the offense and Donald Jones looks like a smart and tough receiver.

Easley looked good in camp and I think he will push the rest.

You're out of your mind if you think that it was only "a couple of blunders" or that his hands are unquestionable. Btw Stevie had 8 drops last season 6th most in the AFC, and 7th most in the entire NFL. So no Im not buying the idea that he only made "a couple of blunders".

[Mahdi]

You're out of your mind if you think that it was only "a couple of blunders" or that his hands are unquestionable. Btw Stevie had 8 drops last season 6th most in the AFC, and 7th most in the entire NFL. So no Im not buying the idea that he only made "a couple of blunders".
Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Miles Austin and Brandon Marshall all had more drops than Stevie.

Stevie had one really bad half where he dropped 4 passes and then he had the Pittsburgh drop.

Too much is being made of what was essentially just a few plays throughout the season.

He had a great year and it was his first as a starter.

[trapezeus]

team needs a kick return/punt return specialist.

[DraftBoy]

Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Miles Austin and Brandon Marshall all had more drops than Stevie.

Stevie had one really bad half where he dropped 4 passes and then he had the Pittsburgh drop.

Too much is being made of what was essentially just a few plays throughout the season.

He had a great year and it was his first as a starter.

All more proven that Johnson. Please don't attempt to draw those comparisons.

Also do you see where who his biggest games were against? Of his top four performances (JAX, CHI, BAL, CIN) only one was against a team that even finished top 15 in Pass Defense (JAX) the others all finished 20th or lower. Forgive me for not being impressed by a guy who never put up back to back 100 yd receiving games, only had 2 multi TD games last season, had 8 drops, cost us a game with one of his drops, and followed up each one of his 100 yard games (all two of them) with 37 yard performances.

Im so glad we have the definition of consistency as our #2 WR. Now feel free to blame our QB situation, because that's the next line.

[Mahdi]

team needs a kick return/punt return specialist.
We need to reload on white DEs....

[DraftBoy]

We need to reload on white DEs....

Now THAT I agree with!

[Mahdi]

All more proven that Johnson. Please don't attempt to draw those comparisons.

Also do you see where who his biggest games were against? Of his top four performances (JAX, CHI, BAL, CIN) only one was against a team that even finished top 15 in Pass Defense (JAX) the others all finished 20th or lower. Forgive me for not being impressed by a guy who never put up back to back 100 yd receiving games, only had 2 multi TD games last season, had 8 drops, cost us a game with one of his drops, and followed up each one of his 100 yard games (all two of them) with 37 yard performances.

Im so glad we have the definition of consistency as our #2 WR. Now feel free to blame our QB situation, because that's the next line.
Who cares who his best games were against. I watch how the player moves and how he catches the football. He's a playmaker.

I remember being down this road with you before Stevie broke out and you were proven wrong. Now yer criticizing the fact that his big games were against teams with bad pass defenses.

How bout you watch the guy play football and determine his skill level through that and not through circumstantial data.

[DraftBoy]

Who cares who his best games were against. I watch how the player moves and how he catches the football. He's a playmaker.

I remember being down this road with you before Stevie broke out and you were proven wrong. Now yer criticizing the fact that his big games were against teams with bad pass defenses.

How bout you watch the guy play football and determine his skill level through that and not through circumstantial data.

Really? The not watching the game accusation? I thought we were beyond this. I gave Johnson credit where credit was due last year. However if asking for more consistency, far less mental lapses, and better route running is too much for you, then I dont know what games you are watching, because we certainly aren't watching the same player play.

[Jan Reimers]

We need a backup QB, an OLB and a RT the most, at least if the guys we have, including draft picks, aren't enough.

[Mahdi]

Really? The not watching the game accusation? I thought we were beyond this. I gave Johnson credit where credit was due last year. However if asking for more consistency, far less mental lapses, and better route running is too much for you, then I dont know what games you are watching, because we certainly aren't watching the same player play.
Better route running? How much better can a first year starter run routes than what Stevie did last year?

He runs very crisp routes and runs them with a lot of explosiveness. Route running is probably his best asset.

[paladin warrior]

WR. QB T.E OT.

Evans Lee is 30 yrs old. He is getting old.

[cookie G]

Except Merriweather and McCourty made the PB and they always have one of the best points against per game defense.

And they finished 30th against the pass last year.

[EDS]

We need a backup QB, an OLB and a RT the most, at least if the guys we have, including draft picks, aren't enough.

Agreed, though I think TE is also a position devoid of talent.

[Mahdi]

And they finished 30th against the pass last year.
More to do with having no true pass rusher...

[DraftBoy]

Better route running? How much better can a first year starter run routes than what Stevie did last year?

He runs very crisp routes and runs them with a lot of explosiveness. Route running is probably his best asset.

Why do you think him being a first year starter suddenly means something? This was Stevie's third year in the league, these routes aren't new. He's been running NFL caliber routes for three years now, its not asking too much to clean them up. His cuts are sloppy, he's not crisp in his release, and his hands trying to get off the jam need to most work if he hopes to stay outside. He has to really work on his hitch route, because he decelerates too early, and doesnt sell the fly enough. He wastes footwork on many of his breaks and takes false steps. Are they poor? No but they aren't nearly as good as they could be.

Again asking for more and for him to get better at it are not things that should be out of the question. God forbid we ask our players to develop more.

[cookie G]

More to do with having no true pass rusher...

And they didn't draft one. Thank you.

I'll be more impressed with their recent drafting strategy when they get back to the dance.

[Mahdi]

Why do you think him being a first year starter suddenly means something? This was Stevie's third year in the league, these routes aren't new. He's been running NFL caliber routes for three years now, its not asking too much to clean them up. His cuts are sloppy, he's not crisp in his release, and his hands trying to get off the jam need to most work if he hopes to stay outside. He has to really work on his hitch route, because he decelerates too early, and doesnt sell the fly enough. He wastes footwork on many of his breaks and takes false steps. Are they poor? No but they aren't nearly as good as they could be.

Again asking for more and for him to get better at it are not things that should be out of the question. God forbid we ask our players to develop more.
I don't understand your assessment, and it was the same assessment you had of him before he broke out.

I see a guy who runs very clean routes and is tough to jam at the line. Were talking about a guy that is not that fast and not huge like Marshall, that only leaves route running as his asset. Not sure how a guy with not much speed, not too big and has sloppy routes is getting 77 catches and 11 TDs.

[Mahdi]

And they didn't draft one. Thank you.

I'll be more impressed with their recent drafting strategy when they get back to the dance.
So going to the SB is the only measure of good drafting? That's a little much. I think winning 12 or more games on an annual basis is a pretty good measure in itself.

[DraftBoy]

I don't understand your assessment, and it was the same assessment you had of him before he broke out.

I see a guy who runs very clean routes and is tough to jam at the line. Were talking about a guy that is not that fast and not huge like Marshall, that only leaves route running as his asset. Not sure how a guy with not much speed, not too big and has sloppy routes is getting 77 catches and 11 TDs.

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about now. He ran a 4.55 and was timed sub 4.5 pre-draft has shown the speed to get seperation deep as well. But according to you he's not fast? I think that'd be news to Stevie. Also what Stevie is that he has exceptional quickness, he's able to get into and out of cuts quickly which masks alot of his technical deficiencies that would cause other players greater pains. If he can continue to improve on that and get them cleaner (because despite your disagreement, I dont think anybody is going to argue Steve Johnson is a great route runner at this point) he has the chance to be even more than a likely inside WR who has #2 potential. But he's not there yet.

[cookie G]

So going to the SB is the only measure of good drafting? That's a little much. I think winning 12 or more games on an annual basis is a pretty good measure in itself.

If you're NE it is.

[jpdex12]

Drayton Florence, Poz and a backup QB...Billy Volek!

[Mr. Pink]

More to do with having no true pass rusher...


Honestly it's more to do with having an offense that could put up a bunch of points.


When teams are forced to play from behind almost all the time, they're gonna pass the football and then pass the football some more.

It's not surprise the Pats pass D was 30th.

When you outscore your opponents on average by 13 points a game the opposition has no choice but to give up on running the football.

[X-Era]

We need a backup QB, an OLB and a RT the most, at least if the guys we have, including draft picks, aren't enough.QB- Yes. And to be honest, I wouldn't mind giving Gailey a shot a revamping the career of a highly touted prospect. I'm talking about guys like Brady Quinn, Alex Smith, or Troy Smith. I'm not adding Vince Young because I assume he has potential to be a locker room problem and I don't want that. If Vince is ready to be a top quality leader, he might be one of the top guys on my list. My logic is this:

1) It's a backup position
2) Gailey may be able to turn around a career
3) Why the hell not? I mean all of the guys I listed have experience starting
4) Going with youth gives you something that may still be pliable enough to mold
5) Why go with a guy who has no upside at this point in his career?

I think someone like Thigpen is more likely, but what's wrong with what I proposed?

OLB- Again yes. Again backup. I want to give Merriman a real shot and I also don't want to bench Moats. However, with our penchant for injuries and no solid starter, we should be looking for a solid player. On Torbor, I don't mind keeping him if no one else beats him out. I want to have a tangible veteran presence as backups at least. I don't want to see us stuck starting guys like John Corto or Digi again. That said, we may need to get a more solid veteran backup than Torbor. Someone who can play in waves.

RT- Yes and No. Yes, I want to add a vet. No, I don't want a guy that's a starter day one. I think we really did due diligence last year testing out prospects. I like the experience they got and the evaluations that we got to get from them. If we think Pears, Howard, or Wrotto is solid enough to be a backup at least I want to keep them. But then were in a numbers game. Hairston is a very good prospect IMO and should easily earn the right to be on the 53 man and a chance to develop. I'm OK with adding a vet backup type and releasing one or two of the guys we tested out last year. But, I'd like to see the best of Pears, Wrotto, or Howard stay... plus Hairston, and then a vet. One of those guys should be a swing tackle who could play either LT or RT... Hairston may be able to do that in a pinch. Or maybe the backup vet is that guy. So, I'd like to add a vet but I'd most like it to be a solid backup rather than a guy who is an instant starter and doesn't allow Hairston a real shot.

[Johnny Bugmenot]

I wouldn't mind giving Gailey a shot a revamping the career of a highly touted prospect. We went there with Brohm... I'm not too keen on going down that road again.

[X-Era]

We went there with Brohm... I'm not too keen on going down that road again.Why? I mean Gailey will be coaching the #2 guy regardless, why not have it be someone with upside?

[YardRat]

Any of our positions can use upgrading...if a guy is there and you can snag him, you have to at least try regardless of who he is replacing and where he plays. There are no untouchables yet on this team. That being said...

OLB - Merriman's a gamble, Kelsay blows, Maybin's still a bust...Yeah, we need somebody here.

ILB - The only thing that's known about this group is that the POS is over rated by some. We could use a beast in the middle.

QB - As X alluded to, we need a couple.

OT - No top-tier talent here. Average is OK I guess, but I'd prefer better.

TE - Dismissing the importance of a sixth o-lineman, or a receiving threat, because 'we don't use them that much' is unacceptable.

[bigbub2352]

I think a couple of DB's and defently ILB and OLB...as well as TE and Tackle

throw in QB as well

[Mahdi]

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about now. He ran a 4.55 and was timed sub 4.5 pre-draft has shown the speed to get seperation deep as well. But according to you he's not fast? I think that'd be news to Stevie. Also what Stevie is that he has exceptional quickness, he's able to get into and out of cuts quickly which masks alot of his technical deficiencies that would cause other players greater pains. If he can continue to improve on that and get them cleaner (because despite your disagreement, I dont think anybody is going to argue Steve Johnson is a great route runner at this point) he has the chance to be even more than a likely inside WR who has #2 potential. But he's not there yet.
Interesting that when they had Stevie on NFL network he described himself as a "not fast" receiver but he still gets open because of his route running.........

[DraftBoy]

Interesting that when they had Stevie on NFL network he described himself as a "not fast" receiver but he still gets open because of his route running.........

Are you really going to argue with me over the relative term of "fast". If that's the only point of contention left, then this has gotten into the realm of pointless.

[Mahdi]

Are you really going to argue with me over the relative term of "fast". If that's the only point of contention left, then this has gotten into the realm of pointless.
I don't see how its pointless when the Man himself described himself as a not fast WR that uses his route running to get open.

Yer right, its pointless to continue arguing cuz Johnson himself ends the argument.

[Mahdi]

Are you really going to argue with me over the relative term of "fast". If that's the only point of contention left, then this has gotten into the realm of pointless.
And please tell me how running a 4.59 at the combine makes you a fast receiver... That is considered slow and by today's standards its considered very slow for a WR.

http://www.mattrauch.com/2008-nfl-combine-results.php

http://40-yard-dash-times.com/buffalo-bills-wr.html