Nix conference

[DesertFox24]

IS this being streamed anywhere

[Forward_Lateral]

When is it, and is it scheduled, or all of the sudden?

[clumping platelets]

It was announced yesterday

[SabreEleven]

WGR will have it and it's suppose to start at 11est.

[better days]

WGR will stream it live at 11 AM this morning at wgr550.com.

[Skooby]

Bye bye Nix.

[SabreEleven]

He isn't going anywhere. This is HIS season ending press conference..."State Of the Buffalo Bills" type press conference.

[madness]

Buddy presser today (http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2012/01/09/buddy-presser-on-monday/)

<small>Posted by Chris Brown on <abbr title="2012-01-09T07:00:54+0000"> January 9, 2012 – 7:00 am </abbr> </small>

Bills GM Buddy Nix will be holding his season wrap up press conference today (Monday) at 11 am. We’ll have full coverage here on Buffalobills.com.
Nix and Bills CEO Russ Brandon met with Mr. Wilson in Detroit late last week for their assessment of the 2011 season and plans for the 2012 offseason.

[madness]

Ten minutes to go. Podium is all set. <s class="hash">#</s>Bills (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23Bills) http://pic.twitter.com/2ACVIt9l (http://t.co/2ACVIt9l)

https://p.twimg.com/AiunuMgCEAIv4yZ.jpg (http://twitter.com/JoeB_WGR/status/156403024145813504/photo/1/large)

[mysticsoto]

http://player.streamtheworld.com/_players/entercom/player/?id=WGR

[X-Era]

Lots coming out.

Pass rusher is a top priority
We will draft a tackle if we can

[X-Era]

3 or 4 needs. If we resign Stevie:

Still need another big time receiver
Offensive tackle
Pass rushers, DE, maybe 2
CB, add two more
Need another LB'er

[SabreEleven]

Bye bye Nix.

Sounds like he is still going to be here.

[X-Era]

If we get our injured guys back and add some to this mix, we should take a big step to the playoffs next year

[mysticsoto]

Let's hope they go FA hard. He said they won't be shy if they find someone in FA that fits what they want.

Merriman had surgery and if he passes the physicals, they will look at him contributing again...

[X-Era]

Injuries hit us hard because we didn't have experienced depth and because of who got hurt.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Let's hope they go FA hard.
:rofl: How long have you been a Bills fan?

[Ed]

I hope we're aggressive in free agency. I don't want to see us head into the draft with any major holes, forcing us to draft specific positions.

Any talk or questions about what defense we'll run next year?

[X-Era]

:rofl: How long have you been a Bills fan?Well, he said they will spend to the cap (yes who knows what that means). He mentioned wanting another big time receiver (cough-V Jax-cough). And said he wants a serious pass rusher

[X-Era]

They will draft a QB if it's at the right spot.

[Mr. Miyagi]

3 or 4 needs. If we resign Stevie:

Still need another big time receiver
Offensive tackle
Pass rushers, DE, maybe 2
CB, add two more
Need another LB'er
My opinion of priority would be:

1. Pass rush - We've got none.
2. LB - Barnett was great, hopefully Sheppard improves
3. WR - Resign Stevie, Nelson/Jones is okay.
4. CB - We've plenty of good enough guys but a shut down guy would be great.
5. OT - Our OT has been good this year.

[mysticsoto]

:rofl: How long have you been a Bills fan?

Irrelevant. Nix wasn't in charge all those yrs.

[X-Era]

My opinion of priority would be:

1. Pass rush - We've got none.
2. LB - Barnett was great, hopefully Sheppard improves
3. WR - Resign Stevie, Nelson/Jones is okay.
4. CB - We've plenty of good enough guys but a shut down guy would be great.
5. OT - Our OT has been good this year.Those were Nix's comments...

[X-Era]

Nix is not retiring.

[Michael82]

Buddy Nix isn't going anywhere! He's "got no plans for that, guys."

:bf1:

[Michael82]

Buddy said that he's not limited, except by the cap. Nobody has ever told him, "You can't do this, you can't do that."

[X-Era]

Nix: Not limited except by the cap.

[X-Era]

Nix: Absolutely (will spend up to the cap), I want to win.

:clap:

[Michael82]

Will you spend up to the cap?

"Absolutely. I want to win! We will use all the resources and make the best decisions we can."

:bf1:

[mysticsoto]

Specifically said, Ralph has never told him he can't do this or that! So much for Op's assumption...

[Michael82]

I think I just heard Coach Sal asking a question. Very cool! :bf1:

[X-Era]

If we don't get Stevie back, we need two.

The 99% to the cap wouldn't matter because they plan to spend that way anyway.

Then says cash to the cap.

[Michael82]

No amortizing bonus on your own cap. It won't be spend to the cap, like some teams do. It will be spending all their cash to the cap.

:couch:

[Michael82]

On Scott Chandler.....

"We want him back, if we can get him at the right price. Obviously we want to keep him."

[X-Era]

No amortizing bonus on your own cap. It won't be spend to the cap, like some teams do. It will be spending all their cash to the cap.

:couch:Like I said, who knows what that means.

As an optimist, I like the sounds of resigning Stevie and adding another big time WR plus a serious pass rusher. I'm not counting out anyone until it happens.

[mysticsoto]

On Scott Chandler.....

"We want him back, if we can get him at the right price. Obviously we want to keep him."
This worried me. Sounds like Chandler wants to test the market and see what he can get given the good season he had...

[Michael82]

Do you want to keep Rian Lindell?

"Absolutely!"

[Michael82]

Agreed. That concerned me. It sounds like Chandler realized he had a good season and wants to get paid. Buddy won't pay him the big bucks to keep him.


:bigwave: Chandler

[X-Era]

This worried me. Sounds like Chandler wants to test the market and see what he can get given the good season he had...It didn't sound good. It's juts me reading into it but I think they have talked and Scott's side is asking for decent money.

[Michael82]

Man, that was a long press conference and very detailed. I love listening to Buddy. :bf1:
Check out his offseason priority list....

1. Pass Rushing DE, probably 2.

2. Big Wide Receiver (Calvin Johnson type), in addition to Stevie Johnson. If they lose Stevie, then they need 2 receivers.

3. Offensive tackle, good at RT. Need to re-sign Bell or add a LT.

4. Good Corners, maybe 2.

5. Need another Linebacker. Doesn't sound as much of a priority as DE.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Agreed. That concerned me. It sounds like Chandler realized he had a good season and wants to get paid. Buddy won't pay him the big bucks to keep him.


:bigwave: Chandler
Chandler would be wise to stay put. He's basically on the same level as Kevin Boss, and Kevin Boss has sucked without Eli Manning.

[The King]

I like everything he said. Buddy and I seem to agree about Fitz too. The guy needs more stability and consistency.

Finally a GM understands that you cant continuously create holes while you're rebuilding.

[Michael82]

It didn't sound good. It's juts me reading into it but I think they have talked and Scott's side is asking for decent money.
I was thinking the same thing. He hesitated on Chandler and changed the subject to someone else and basically said that before the season, he only had 1 catch before he joined Gailey's system. I think he was calling out his agent.

[TacklingDummy]

Irrelevant. Nix wasn't in charge all those yrs.

Maybe not but Ralph Wilsons money was and still is.

[Michael82]

Oh and the one main thing I got out of it....we are probably going to be more 4-3 than 3-4. He said they need pass rushers and immediately talked about pass rushing defensive ends. He later talked about adding a linebacker or two.

[Forward_Lateral]

I don't remember a Bills GM telling the media the team's exact needs in the past. Usually it's standard "we will look at everything to improve our roster." I like it. Let's hope he does what he says.

[OpIv37]

My opinion of priority would be:

1. Pass rush - We've got none.
2. LB - Barnett was great, hopefully Sheppard improves
3. WR - Resign Stevie, Nelson/Jones is okay.
4. CB - We've plenty of good enough guys but a shut down guy would be great.
5. OT - Our OT has been good this year.

Stevie with Nelson/Jones isn't good enough. We saw that this year. We need an upgrade.

[streetkings01]

Stevie with Nelson/Jones isn't good enough. We saw that this year. We need an upgrade.Nix pointed that out. I like Jones and Nelson as depth........they should not be counted on to play the #2 role.

[mysticsoto]

I was so glad to hear them say pass rush was THE MOST important thing and that they might look at getting 2 DEs/OLBs (it'll be 2 DEs if they are in 4-3 which they mostly will be). Looking at Kelsay's contract though, they won't be getting rid of him anytime soon. :( But if they decide to do like the Giants where they have numerous pass rushes on the Dline and not just starters and backups (people actually good enough to rotate around with and keep fresh), I wouldn't mind that one bit!

Kelsay's numbers

Year, base salary, signing bonus, misc bonus, cap hit

<table class="salaryTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="salaryRow"><td class="salaryYear">2011</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 2,000,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 4,250,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2012</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,500,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,750,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2013</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,725,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,975,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2014</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,745,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,995,000</td></tr></tbody></table>

[OpIv37]

Nix pointed that out. I like Jones and Nelson as depth........they should not be counted on to play the #2 role.

Good- I hope he puts his money where his mouth is on this one, but I have a bad feeling that we are only getting one WR this off-season. Once they shell out for either Stevie or his replacement, Ralph will tighten the purse strings.

[DraftBoy]

So nothing too ground breaking or news worthy? Sounds good, let's get this draft season rolling!

[Michael82]

So nothing too ground breaking or news worthy? Sounds good, let's get this draft season rolling!
Sounds to me like he wants Blackmon. Do the Bills have a chance to get him at #10?

[Mr. Miyagi]

Stevie with Nelson/Jones isn't good enough. We saw that this year. We need an upgrade.
I don't disagree. When I said "okay" I meant nothing special, just okay. Obviously we need to be better than "okay" to compete in our division.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Sounds to me like he wants Blackmon. Do the Bills have a chance to get him at #10?
LOL no way in hell.

[psubills62]

Sounds to me like he wants Blackmon. Do the Bills have a chance to get him at #10?
Not unless they trade up. Kid isn't the tallest, but he is GOOD. And not just at receiving - puts in tremendous effort blocking. I'd love to have Blackmon, but I just don't see it happening.

As far as Chandler goes...I honestly don't see people's infatuation with him. He did well this year, but mostly just getting TD's, which are really hit or miss. I personally think we could find someone on the level of Chandler very easily. He'd be best as a backup, IMO.

[DraftBoy]

Sounds to me like he wants Blackmon. Do the Bills have a chance to get him at #10?

No and he doesn't fit the profile Nix described. Blackmon is only 6'1.

[don137]

Sounds like Parrish will be gone due his inability to stay healthy.

[chernobylwraiths]

I was so glad to hear them say pass rush was THE MOST important thing and that they might look at getting 2 DEs/OLBs (it'll be 2 DEs if they are in 4-3 which they mostly will be). Looking at Kelsay's contract though, they won't be getting rid of him anytime soon. :( But if they decide to do like the Giants where they have numerous pass rushes on the Dline and not just starters and backups (people actually good enough to rotate around with and keep fresh), I wouldn't mind that one bit!

Kelsay's numbers

Year, base salary, signing bonus, misc bonus, cap hit

<table class="salaryTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="salaryRow"><td class="salaryYear">2011</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 2,000,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 4,250,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2012</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,500,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,750,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2013</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,725,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,975,000 </td> </tr> <tr class="salaryRow"> <td class="salaryYear">2014</td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 3,745,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 400,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 1,850,000 </td> <td class="salaryAmt"> 5,995,000</td></tr></tbody></table>

spacebar broken?

[X-Era]

Sounds like Parrish will be gone due his inability to stay healthy.Good, replace him with Eddie Royal and I'd be happy.

[madness]

Nix is following the same blueprint as he did in SD.

[mysticsoto]

spacebar broken?

InAnEffortToContributeMoreToTheBillsAndGoToGames,I'veDecidedToForegoSpacesAsMySacrifice.

[X-Era]

Nix is following the same blueprint as he did in SD.I'll take it.

V-Jax could be the guy we go after... wouldn't surprise me at all.

[X-Era]

InAnEffortToContributeMoreToTheBillsAndGoToGames,I'veDecidedToForegoSpacesAsMySacrifice.Please forgo the "submit reply" button as well.

That hurts to look at. :lol:

[Buddo]

Open, honest and realistic.

While not really what people are particularly interested in, I thought a late explanation about why he doesn't speak much to the media during the season, was good, and sensible.
Believes that you only need 'one voice' when football is being played, and that should be the HC.
Said that from now up until TC pretty much, that he is the 'one voice'. To me, that's both eminently sensible, as it avoids different interpretaions people have a nasty habit of making, and is also as it should be.
He did say that if anything 'major' occurred, then he would address it in the season.

[X-Era]

It's definitely the off-season. We can group all posts into three categories:

1) Everything is about to get better
2) Everything is staying the same
3) We are permanently screwed

Personally, I'm inclined to change my normal perspective from #2 to #1 based on Nix's comments.

[DBrown77]

This message board is Jekyll & Hyde. Peoples feelings about this team change daily.

[madness]

Start from the bottom...

Live from One Bills Drive: Buddy Nix's postseason news conference

January 8, 2012 - 3:53 PM | 3 comments
We're out at One Bills Drive, where Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix is scheduled to meet with the media at 11 a.m.
Stay here for quotes from Nix.

11:45: On tonight's BCS Championship: "I've coached at both places... There's a load of players." If there are any players that he likes: "Oh yeah. Alabama's secondary and LSU's secondary...those guys are as good as it gets."

11:43: On Scott Chandler: "We want Scott back, we do. If we can keep him at the right price, we will. You look at these guys, a lot of it is when they get their opportunity. When Chan came here, Stevie Johnson couldn't get on the field, Ryan Fitzpatrick was a second or third thought at quarterback, Scott Chandler going into this year had caught one ball in his career. One... My point is that those guys are probably more productive and more important to us than they may be to someone else. I don't know that. They may want to find out. A lot of time that grass looks a lot greener, but it might not be."

11:42: On Brad Smith: "I think it's exactly what we thought when we brought him in here. Brad can be a difference maker if you use him in the right way. I think his versatility is the biggest thing about him and what makes him the most important... If you look, when our third down efficiency dropped off is when we moved him to wideout. I'm glad we got him. Great guy to have."

11:39: On C.J. Spiller: "Everyone's been surprised, I guess, about C.J. [Spiller] except us. We always knew what we had. The opportunity is what he needed and he got it when Fred got hurt. I'm one of the few who thinks C.J. can run inside and be a workhorse kind of back. I think he can run inside the tackles. He's stronger than you think he is."

11:35: "I want to win. That's what I came here for."

11:33: "I'm disappointed that we didn't take more strides. I think there are reasons for that and I think a lof of it is personnel."

11:32: On his future with the Bills: "I hate to disappoint you guys but I'm not retiring. My committment is this. I've never quit anything. As long as my energy level stays where it is then I'm gonna do it til the job's done. If it gets to the point where I have to say 'I don't feel like doing it' then yeah, I'd let somebody else do it. But I've got no plans for that."

11:29: On drafting a quarterback: "Maybe so. If one's there, at the right time, yeah we'd take one."

11:27: On Marcus Easley: "Marcus has had the worst luck. I try and stay away from him I'm afraid it'll wear off. His problem has been completely solved. They said it won't recur again... We got to see what we got."

11:26: On McGee: "He's a realy good player when he's healthy. If he's healthy and gets back to form he'll be a player."

11:25: On team being playoff contenders: "We should take a big step next year."

11:24: On needs: "We would like to add two corners whether it's through free agency or it's through the draft. We also, at some point, need another linebacker."

11:22: "If we put good people around him we can get to the dance with Ryan."

11:22: On Ryan Fitzpatrick: "I've got no reservations about Ryan. He had some bad games. The thing we know for sure is we've seen him do it. We've seen him have the good games. When we started losing players, losing weapons for him, he compensated by trying to carry the load for them. Sounds like excuses, but they're reasons."

11:17: "I think we're at a point where we can spot three of four positions that if we can fill those with the right guys and get our injured guys back, we'll be competitive."

11:14: On Shawne Merriman: "We took a chance on Shawne Merriman...We took a risk going in... There was a decision made that without surgery it could be fixed and he could make it. Well he didn't...We missed him when he wasn't there. He's in a process of rehabbing and getting healthy. He will have a physical this spring and another one this summer. If he gets healthy and passes the physical he's still ours."

11:13: "You need to get players that are playmakers and put them in a position where they play. I know that sounds simple but that is the key to it."

11:10: On the defense: "Everything would look better if we had some pressure on the passer."

11:10: "We're trying to build it with young guys that are good players that are the right kind of people."

11:07: On Fred Jackson: "We want to extend Fred. I'd like for Fred to finish his career as a Bill. We're gonna try and get something done. Does it matter if we do it now or next week or a month from now? As long as we get it done before the season starts it's all the same to me... We do want Fred back and we do intend to work out a deal with him. I told Fred that."

11:07: "Guys that have been here like Steve has, you know I think he would like to stay here. He says that. Hopefully if he wanted to hit the market he'd say that. I take him at his word. He says he wants to be here...I think we'll get a deal done."

11:04: More on Stevie: "Here's not a criminal. He made a mistake. He cost us and he paid the price."

11:03: On Stevie Johnson: "We do want him back." On Johnson's penalties: "We're not happy about that. The things he does at practice. You know, he practices hurt. I think he's a team guy. Yeah we want him back."

11:02 a.m.: Here we go.

[X-Era]

This message board is Jekyll & Hyde. Peoples feelings about this team change daily.More like a roller coaster. It changes with the up's and down's as we go along.

Don't worry. My opinion will shift again when we make no effort to get V-Jax, Colston or anyone else of note.

But, right now I'll take him for his word.

[psubills62]

I hope they get a good look at Easley during the offseason. Not saying I expect anything out of him, but they need to know what they have. I hope he can provide some depth next year because we sure need it.

[X-Era]

I hope they get a good look at Easley during the offseason. Not saying I expect anything out of him, but they need to know what they have. I hope he can provide some depth next year because we sure need it.I think I'm about to say the same thing in a different way:

I hope they don't bank on Easley at all and get insurance for him through the draft or FA. But, he's under contract so it will be interesting to see if he can come back.

[chernobylwraiths]

InAnEffortToContributeMoreToTheBillsAndGoToGames,I'veDecidedToForegoSpacesAsMySacrifice.

Very inefficient post, considering you had to continually hit the shift button.

[mysticsoto]

I think they'll let Parrish go, so atleast 2 WRs will be needed in the offseason - A Tall one to compliment Stevie and likely a speedy slot receiver (Eddie Royal would be great).

[DraftBoy]

I think they'll let Parrish go, so atleast 2 WRs will be needed in the offseason - A Tall one to compliment Stevie and likely a speedy slot receiver (Eddie Royal would be great).

I would not expect the Bills to go after the big WR in free agency, I think defense will be the focus.

[X-Era]

Very inefficient post, considering you had to continually hit the shift button.:lol:

And acronym's should be short:

IAETCMTTBAGTGIDTFSAMS is not short.

[mysticsoto]

Very inefficient post, considering you had to continually hit the shift button.
Well, it would actually b more efficient 2 write as u do when texting, but that doesn't mean every1 does it.

[PTI]

Ugh, Fitzpatrick is terrible, how can they can no just cut him now.

[psubills62]

I think I'm about to say the same thing in a different way:

I hope they don't bank on Easley at all and get insurance for him through the draft or FA. But, he's under contract so it will be interesting to see if he can come back.
As DB said, I'm not sure I see them going after a FA WR. Draft is a strong possibility. I'd actually be surprised if they didn't add a WR through the draft. It's really one of our weakest groups on the field, IMO.

[Michael82]

No and he doesn't fit the profile Nix described. Blackmon is only 6'1.
Okay, then is there a Calvin Johnson type WR coming out of college? Thats what we need! :up:

[DraftBoy]

Okay, then is there a Calvin Johnson type WR coming out of college? Thats what we need! :up:

There is no Calvin Johnson type, that kind of an athlete doesn't come around every year. If you're looking for big down the field guys here are the following:
Michael Floyd-Notre Dame 6'3, 225-4.55
Alshon Jeffrey-South Carolina 6'4, 230-4.55
Dwight Jones-UNC 6'4, 212-4.45
Brian Quick-App State-6'4, 216-4.6
Rueben Randle-6'3, 208-4.5

The 40 times are my own estimates.

Randle has not yet declared for this draft.

[Michael82]

There is no Calvin Johnson type, that kind of an athlete doesn't come around every year. If you're looking for big down the field guys here are the following:
Michael Floyd-Notre Dame 6'3, 225-4.55
Alshon Jeffrey-South Carolina 6'4, 230-4.55
Dwight Jones-UNC 6'4, 212-4.45
Brian Quick-App State-6'4, 216-4.6
Rueben Randle-6'3, 208-4.5

The 40 times are my own estimates.

Randle has not yet declared for this draft.
Doesn't Gailey love guys from the South? I could see Alshon Jeffrey as a target then. He is a perfect size and looks like he's pretty fast.

[Buddo]

Nix also talked about the injuries they have been getting, in relation to the training staff, and basically gave them a pass.

In relation to injuries though, I think Nix is going 'old school' in respect of who he gives contracts to, up to a point. 'Old school' in the quote from an old NFL coach when asked who his most valuable players were, who replied 'the guys who play every Sunday', meaning guys who could be relied upon to show up game day.
Parrish could well be on his way out, unless he's prepared to do some sort of performance related deal, where he gets paid more, the more games he's available for.
In talking about injuries, Nix also made the point that the big problem for us last season, was the amount of season ending injuries. He pointed out that although all teams have injuries, a lot of the time, you get players back, a notable example being the Giants. Didn't happen that way for us.

[DraftBoy]

Doesn't Gailey love guys from the South? I could see Alshon Jeffrey as a target then. He is a perfect size and looks like he's pretty fast.

Jeffrey has issues that I think may DQ him from our board.

He showed up over weight, runs lazy routes, and doesn't really care for blocking all that much. He had a great bowl game till he was involved in a fist fight (though he threw no punches) and got tossed.

There is a WR on that list though that they have seen 4 times this year in person.

[EDS]

Nix is following the same blueprint as he did in SD.

You mean someone else is making the decisions for him?

[Michael82]

Jeffrey has issues that I think may DQ him from our board.

He showed up over weight, runs lazy routes, and doesn't really care for blocking all that much. He had a great bowl game till he was involved in a fist fight (though he threw no punches) and got tossed.

There is a WR on that list though that they have seen 4 times this year in person.
Yeah you are right....he doesn't sound like a Buffalo guy. 4 times? Wow! Who is it? Dwight Jones? Michael Floyd?

[DraftBoy]

Yeah you are right....he doesn't sound like a Buffalo guy. 4 times? Wow! Who is it? Dwight Jones? Michael Floyd?

Buffalo has gone under a regime change so they may change their tune but I havent seen any indication in their trends.

Dwight Jones, but his stock right now is not so high as to make him a top 10 pick, if we were 5-10 spots lower it would make more sense.

[Ed]

I think we're more likely to go for a top WR in free agency then draft one early. Everyone in the front office seems to be making it pretty clear that Fitz needs more weapons at WR. It would be a lot easier to help Fitz out with an established vet than a rookie that may need a couple years to develop.

[justasportsfan]

There is no Calvin Johnson type, that kind of an athlete doesn't come around every year. If you're looking for big down the field guys here are the following:
Michael Floyd-Notre Dame 6'3, 225-4.55
Alshon Jeffrey-South Carolina 6'4, 230-4.55
Dwight Jones-UNC 6'4, 212-4.45
Brian Quick-App State-6'4, 216-4.6
Rueben Randle-6'3, 208-4.5

The 40 times are my own estimates.

Randle has not yet declared for this draft.



I'll take Coby Fleener to replace Chandler. He's 6'6 and can stretch the field beter than Chandler can.

[BLeonard]

After 12 years, I'll believe all of this when I see it.

A lot of this was said at the end of the 2010 season as well, yet little to nothing was actually done.

Talking about doing something is one thing, actually doing it is completely different.

Show me the baby.

-Bill

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I think we're more likely to go for a top WR in free agency then draft one early. Everyone in the front office seems to be making it pretty clear that Fitz needs more weapons at WR. It would be a lot easier to help Fitz out with an established vet than a rookie that may need a couple years to develop.

There are a few good quality FA WR out there this year. So I think this is route they are taking.

Proven pass rusher in 4-3? That's always very hard to come by. I tend to think that's where they target 1st round in draft, someone like JJ Watts who can have an impact in rookie season.

[ddaryl]

it's the offseason. I've erased my negative feelings of the 2011 Bills and I am now back to full optimist mode as always

[X-Era]

I'd add Jeff Fuller who is listed at 6' 4" and 220. He's a rugged possession type who can be had out the 1st round.

And later in the draft guys like Greg Childs, and Derek Moye may fit.

[DraftBoy]

I'd add Jeff Fuller who is listed at 6' 4" and 220. He's a rugged possession type who can be had out the 1st round.

And later in the draft guys like Greg Childs, and Derek Moye may fit.

Not high on Fuller, he disappears too much. Childs hasn't been healthy all year and Moye is basically David Nelson with maybe an extra half step.

[Ed]

What about Tommy Streeter?

[Cleve]

Irrelevant. Nix wasn't in charge all those yrs.

The question is.... is he now? Dumbdon was on WGR550 last week - he said Buddy has "complete autonomy" on football operations - except that he calls Old Wilson daily to apparently clear everything with him. I interpreted Dumbdon's statement to mean that Wilson meddles in just about everything.

And the team (surprise surprise) sort of looks like a team run by a man in his mid 90s - bizarre things like Kelsay being thrown a juicy contract, same with Fitzpatrick, when there was no compelling need to sign either of them. Those are just a 'coincidences' I'm sure. Because after all, Nix has complete "autonomy". LOL

My assessment is that Nix and Gailey are big time yes men - that's why Wilson hired them in the first place.

[DraftBoy]

What about Tommy Streeter?

Mid Round guy, it depends on how he runs. Ive been told he runs in the 4.4's and if true he's a 2nd-3rd Round guy if not he's a 4th-5th Rounder.

[better days]

I'll take Coby Fleener to replace Chandler. He's 6'6 and can stretch the field beter than Chandler can.

Well, I would add John Carlson of Seattle to the list of GOOD available TEs the Bills can get if Chandler gets STUPID with his asking price. Carlson is 6'5" 251 lbs & can run & catch the ball.

[Mr Bills]

Please don't draft Dwight Jones Nix. He reminds me so much of James Hardy and Dwayne Jarrat

[EDS]

Well, I would add John Carlson of Seattle to the list of GOOD available TEs the Bills can get if Chandler gets STUPID with his asking price. Carlson is 6'5" 251 lbs & can run & catch the ball.

Carlson will cost more than Chandler!!!!

[better days]

Carlson will cost more than Chandler!!!!

Probably so, but if the Bills are going to PAY for a TE, I would give the money to Carlson instead of Chandler. I doubt he is going to ask for a lot more than Chandler does.

[mysticsoto]

The question is.... is he now? Dumbdon was on WGR550 last week - he said Buddy has "complete autonomy" on football operations - except that he calls Old Wilson daily to apparently clear everything with him. I interpreted Dumbdon's statement to mean that Wilson meddles in just about everything.

And the team (surprise surprise) sort of looks like a team run by a man in his mid 90s - bizarre things like Kelsay being thrown a juicy contract, same with Fitzpatrick, when there was no compelling need to sign either of them. Those are just a 'coincidences' I'm sure. Because after all, Nix has complete "autonomy". LOL

My assessment is that Nix and Gailey are big time yes men - that's why Wilson hired them in the first place.

Possibly. But let's add a little realism to this. The amount of decision making that goes into a football operation is extensive. I just don't think Ralph has that kind of capacity anymore. I think many are just frustrated and taking it out on him. Yes, I guess we do have the right to be frustrated after so long having a sub-mediocre team. But that doesn't necessarily make it any truer that Ralph is making all the decisions...

[BLeonard]

http://twitter.com/#!/JaySkurski/status/156575287373611008



Believe what you will: #Bills say they've talked extension with 13; The News @gggaughan reports Johnson's agent says there's been no contact


So, who do you believe... Stevie's agent... Or Buddy Nix...?

-Bill

[BertSquirtgum]

Nix pointed that out. I like Jones and Nelson as depth........they should not be counted on to play the #2 role.

Hagan is better than Jones. Donald Jones sucks.

[BertSquirtgum]

it's the offseason. I've erased my negative feelings of the 2011 Bills and I am now back to full optimist mode as always

my motor is stuck in idle until buddy gets a contract worked out with steve johnson. not getting him signed for 6-7.5 million would be an absolute moronic mistake.

[BertSquirtgum]

http://twitter.com/#!/JaySkurski/status/156575287373611008



So, who do you believe... Stevie's agent... Or Buddy Nix...?

-Bill

NFL agents are mostly pond scum.

[TigerJ]

I agree with a lot of what Nix said, but I think drafting a young QB is a higher priority for me than for Nix. I'm not promoting the notion of trading up to draft RG3 (or Luck) but I would probably draft one no later than the third round, if I could get close to reasonable value. Almost sounds like Nix needs to see a real bargain to draft a QB.

[Cleve]

Possibly. But let's add a little realism to this. The amount of decision making that goes into a football operation is extensive. I just don't think Ralph has that kind of capacity anymore. I think many are just frustrated and taking it out on him. Yes, I guess we do have the right to be frustrated after so long having a sub-mediocre team. But that doesn't necessarily make it any truer that Ralph is making all the decisions...


Ralph isn't involved in little decisions like what time practice is, etc. But I'll bet Ralph has the final call regarding important decisions like re-signing Kelsay and Fitzpatrick. In fact, the bizarre "WTF?" decisions in the last few years (and I'll include signing Spiller when the team had FAR greater needs than a 3rd RB) I would wager ARE Wilson's ideas in the first place. And I'm convinced it's the biggest reason why this team fails year after year after year - Wilson's football decisions, Wilson's meddling, Wilson's controlling personality.

That Wilson guy's a football great in his own mind - how many owners have named the stadium after themselves? That's why if the taxpayers fund more millions of money into that stadium that Wilson thinks is his own, the taxpayers deserve an oversight committee to keep an eye on how a man in his mid-90s is spending that money - his thought processes are not clear any more - but it's not like he was ever possessed a strategic football mind. Team has been below average since the mid 70s except when Polian was there.

[mysticsoto]

Ralph isn't involved in little decisions like what time practice is, etc. But I'll bet Ralph has the final call regarding important decisions like re-signing Kelsay and Fitzpatrick. In fact, the bizarre "WTF?" decisions in the last few years (and I'll include signing Spiller when the team had FAR greater needs than a 3rd RB) I would wager ARE Wilson's ideas in the first place. And I'm convinced it's the biggest reason why this team fails year after year after year - Wilson's football decisions, Wilson's meddling, Wilson's controlling personality.

That Wilson guy's a football great in his own mind - how many owners have named the stadium after themselves? That's why if the taxpayers fund more millions of money into that stadium that Wilson thinks is his own, the taxpayers deserve an oversight committee to keep an eye on how a man in his mid-90s is spending that money - his thought processes are not clear any more - but it's not like he was ever possessed a strategic football mind. Team has been below average since the mid 70s except when Polian was there.

Ralph can be blamed for bringing in bad GMs. Polian was great. Donahoe was great at certain things - but who to draft should not have been under his belt. Drafting McGahee and a few others he did were all poor choices. However, in wheeling & dealing, he was great. I still can't believe he got Sam Adams here paying him so low. But Sam and Pat were a fantastic tandem. On the other side however, there were some big blunders - Mike Williams, Rob Johnson...even JP Losman. All positions were needs and we took a bad candidate.

I strongly believe that it's the GMs that we've had that are more to blame - but yes, ultimately, you can blame Ralph for hiring poor GMs...

[psubills62]

Carlson will cost more than Chandler!!!!
Because he's better than Chandler.

[better days]

I agree with a lot of what Nix said, but I think drafting a young QB is a higher priority for me than for Nix. I'm not promoting the notion of trading up to draft RG3 (or Luck) but I would probably draft one no later than the third round, if I could get close to reasonable value. Almost sounds like Nix needs to see a real bargain to draft a QB.

Well, maybe Nix is not tipping his hand about drafting a QB.