My dream free agency and 3 rounds of mock

[Cali512]

I am one of the few that say we will still resign Johnson. I think this talk bout him not getting signed is just because people are seeing the resignings of some players and Jackson talking to the FO. I believe Jackson will be resigned, but at the bye week of next season. Now heres exactly what i see

Cuts

Dwan Edwards DT- Clearly not a fit at a DT in the 4-3 defense and if were going to use 3-4 at all, it has to be dominating! Dwan Edwards is not a dominating player. Hes a player who can excell at HIS job on a great team, but isnt flashy

Tyler Thigpen QB- He was just awful last year. It was like he would come into the game and throw an int. I wouldnt put him in the game if we were up 63-0 with a minute left! We need a player, who honestly is just like him but not him! A vet who has had some success who knows Gailey.


Resign

Demetrius Bell OT- Im very suprised how good he became, but he needs to stay healthy! If he would just do that, we would have an amazing front line! But we still need a good vet LT just incase something happens

Stevie Johnson WR- Ik people dont think this will happen at all, but i do. Mainly because i believe he wants to be here as much as we want him here. He has amazing chemistry with Fitz, and i believe theres enough time for something to break

Bryan Scott OLB/S- Always has been a great part of our team, i want him here till he retires. Hes done everything weve asked, and hes made some key plays at crucial times (Brady INT). Keep him here!


Sign

Dwayne Bowe WR- This is exactly the type of WR we need right now. Hes at a good time in his career, actually his prime, and gailey was his OC during the first year he ever got 1000 yds. Hes coming from KC, so its not going to make a huge difference in area unless he hates KC so much hes going to wanna go to SD or something.

Stanford Rout CB- Im saying him, mainly because i could see Nix trying to prove to the fans that this will be the season by going out and getting a good player so quick. He already has an interview here and i believe we will probably get him soon.


Shaun Hill QB- If detroit does not resign him, i could defintly see buffalo taking him right away. Hes a very good backup and has came in for Det and for SF and done very well. Id love him as our backup and would feel very safe



Draft

1st- Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE- I looked at his videos, and i can count on one hand how many times he played with his hand off the ground. He defintly looks to be the real deal, and him next to Dareus will be amazing.

2nd- Lovante David OLB- I have to admit idk much about him. All ik is we definitley need a OLB for our 4-3 defense, and Zach Brown imo will be gone by the time we pick.

3rd- Orson Charles TE- Hes not a good blocker, but we need a recieving threat at TE. He is very fast for a TE and could provide mis matches and would work nice with Johnson Bowe and Nelson

[ddaryl]

sounds good to me...

[Luisito23]

I like everything except for your 2nd. and 3rd. draft picks.

[Skooby]

This would seem to solve a few problems.

[Cali512]

I like everything except for your 2nd. and 3rd. draft picks.




I dont know much of anything bout the 2nd and 3rd round

[ServoBillieves]

I have a dream of the offseason too, but also people in hell want ice water. I see Johnson and Bell (yes, Bell) walking and Scott should stay. The draft is completely up to Buddy and which ever failure position he wants to address first. Since we have drafted for the 3-4 and we are now again a 4-3, we have dug yet another hole.

This team, that I for some reason love, has no direction, no intelligent leader, and they probably just won't ever get it right. You build for the future, but when you shuffle coaches and coordinators like cards, it just can't happen. I guarantee that at the very minimum HALF of this board would just be happy to make the playoffs for once. I would like for the Bills to hoist that teophy.

[Cali512]

I just love the look of our O (playmakers) and our D

RB- Jackon, Spiller
WR- Johnson, Bowe, Nelson, Jones, Roosevelt, Smith
TE- idk, any suggestions for 3rd an ^

Defense

RE- Upshaw
DT- Dareus
DT- Williams
LE- Kelsay
OLB- Barnett
MLB- Sheppard
OLB- Anyone 2nd ^?
CB- Williams, Rout, Rodgers, McKelvin
FS- Byrd
SS- Wilson

[The Jokeman]

I don't see Dwan Edwards fitting the new 4-3 scheme either but to just cut him is foolish because he can play in the NFL which is more than we can say Kyle Moore, Lionel Dotson or Jarrun Gilbert. Keep him around for depth but of course look to draft his replacement sooner than later. The debate will likely come down to Melvin Ingram vs Courtney Upshaw unless for some magically reason Quinton Coples falls to us.

I don't see how replacing Tyle Thigpen for Shaun Hill significantly helps the team. Yes Hill has proven to be a better NFL player than Thigpen but as a backup QB I want a guy that can play well for 2 or 3 games if my starter goes down to injury. I think Thigpen could do that. That said I'm looking for the Bills to draft a QB in the first 4 Rounds of the draft to develop as a potential replacement for Fitzpatrick/Thigpen in 2013 or 2014.

I can't see any scenario where we have both Stevie and Bowe. Both are going to look for top WR money and I can't see us dishing that out to both of them. So I'd rather bring in a top flight TE. I've been calling for Jermichael Finley since the season ended and stick buy him. He's an improvement over Scott Chandler, who I think proved he can play in the NFL this year but feel he's a better #2 and/or Red Zone specialist TE than a true #1. So give me Stevie and Finley and a WR in Round 2 or 3 of the draft.

Bryan Scott is a solid role player for this team. He'd be great to keep but at the same time he's not great so it wouldn't be a significant loss to lose him and we need a significant upgrade for the guys in front of hum so I can't see breaking the back on him.

Bell is a tough guy to work with. To me he was our best option at LT but with the GM mentioning injuries etc. I think we might lose him which will hurt us big time. If so I might change that 1st Round pick to be a guy like Reiff or Martin and look to shore up pass rusning through UFA which won't be an easy task either.

That said he's my offseason:

1. Sign CB Stanford Rout. As not only will it give us a player but show to this team and other players that we can bring in guys that we like. Nix has already gone on file to say he feels we need two CBs. Get the first one off the board right away and then the need for a second won't be as high a priority so maybe can afford to take a CB in Round 3 of the draft.

2. Sign TE Jermichael Finley. Big bodied TE/WR that would significantly improve this offense but he could be franchised making this all a pipe dream.

3. Sign LB Philip Wheeler. Someone posted his name in another thread. He makes sense as he's started at SLB for the Colts the last few years out of a base 4-3 front. Has ties to Gailey and fills a hole.

4. Sign C/G Will Montgomery. He's arguably the best backup C/G that will be available in UFA. If not him possibly Trai Essex who could be deemed a backup C/T.

5. Sign DE Kroy Biermann. Is he going to remind anyone of Bruce Smith? Nope but he does have experience at DE in a 4-3 front and at least some proven depth and allow us to let go of Dwan Edwards as needed.

1. Re-sign Stevie Johnson. Lock up your talent and compliment it with more talent has been my mantra this offseason.

2. Re-sign Demetrius Bell. The alternatives in UFA might cost more and/or don't offer the same upside Bell does. As why make a hole when you don't have to?

3. Re-sign Chad Rinehart. He's a solid #3 G who can fill in as a starter as needed.

Round 1: DE Melvin Igram South Carolina, we need help at DE and pass rush to me Ingram represents that with Coples off the board. Upshaw gets more press but Ingram might be the better prospect. Tough call.

Round 2: WR Mohamed Sanu Rutgers. Big WR that can play on the outside. I have little faith in every WR on our current roster outside of Stevie and David Nelson.

Round 3 CB Ryan Steed Furman. Solid all around prospect that should be able to handle nickel CB duties as a rookie but could replace Drayton Florence in 2013.

EDIT: Used wrong CB name in original write up.

[Mr Bills]

I don't see Dwan Edwards fitting the new 4-3 scheme either but to just cut him is foolish because he can play in the NFL which is more than we can say Kyle Moore, Lionel Dotson or Jarrun Gilbert. Keep him around for depth but of course look to draft his replacement sooner than later. The debate will likely come down to Melvin Ingram vs Courtney Upshaw unless for some magically reason Quinton Coples falls to us.

I don't see how replacing Tyle Thigpen for Shaun Hill significantly helps the team. Yes Hill has proven to be a better NFL player than Thigpen but as a backup QB I want a guy that can play well for 2 or 3 games if my starter goes down to injury. I think Thigpen could do that. That said I'm looking for the Bills to draft a QB in the first 4 Rounds of the draft to develop as a potential replacement for Fitzpatrick/Thigpen in 2013 or 2014.

I can't see any scenario where we have both Stevie and Bowe. Both are going to look for top WR money and I can't see us dishing that out to both of them. So I'd rather bring in a top flight TE. I've been calling for Jermichael Finley since the season ended and stick buy him. He's an improvement over Scott Chandler, who I think proved he can play in the NFL this year but feel he's a better #2 and/or Red Zone specialist TE than a true #1. So give me Stevie and Finley and a WR in Round 2 or 3 of the draft.

Bryan Scott is a solid role player for this team. He'd be great to keep but at the same time he's not great so it wouldn't be a significant loss to lose him and we need a significant upgrade for the guys in front of hum so I can't see breaking the back on him.

Bell is a tough guy to work with. To me he was our best option at LT but with the GM mentioning injuries etc. I think we might lose him which will hurt us big time. If so I might change that 1st Round pick to be a guy like Reiff or Martin and look to shore up pass rusning through UFA which won't be an easy task either.

That said he's my offseason:

1. Sign CB Stanford Rout. As not only will it give us a player but show to this team and other players that we can bring in guys that we like. Nix has already gone on file to say he feels we need two CBs. Get the first one off the board right away and then the need for a second won't be as high a priority so maybe can afford to take a CB in Round 3 of the draft.

2. Sign TE Jermichael Finley. Big bodied TE/WR that would significantly improve this offense but he could be franchised making this all a pipe dream.

3. Sign LB Philip Wheeler. Someone posted his name in another thread. He makes sense as he's started at SLB for the Colts the last few years out of a base 4-3 front. Has ties to Gailey and fills a hole.

4. Sign C/G Will Montgomery. He's arguably the best backup C/G that will be available in UFA. If not him possibly Trai Essex who could be deemed a backup C/T.

5. Sign DE Kroy Biermann. Is he going to remind anyone of Bruce Smith? Nope but he does have experience at DE in a 4-3 front and at least some proven depth and allow us to let go of Dwan Edwards as needed.

1. Re-sign Stevie Johnson. Lock up your talent and compliment it with more talent has been my mantra this offseason.

2. Re-sign Demetrius Bell. The alternatives in UFA might cost more and/or don't offer the same upside Bell does. As why make a hole when you don't have to?

3. Re-sign Chad Rinehart. He's a solid #3 G who can fill in as a starter as needed.

Round 1: DE Melvin Igram South Carolina, we need help at DE and pass rush to me Ingram represents that with Coples off the board. Upshaw gets more press but Ingram might be the better prospect. Tough call.

Round 2: WR Mohamed Sanu Rutgers. Big WR that can play on the outside. I have little faith in every WR on our current roster outside of Stevie and David Nelson.

Round 3 CB Brandon Boykin Furman. Solid all around prospect that should be able to handle nickel CB duties as a rookie but could replace Drayton Florence in 2013.

Why do you want to pay someone who sucks 20 million to sit on the bench? The Bills can used the money saved by cutting Edwards on other players and not to mention I rather have a guy with potential on the depth chart rather than someone who doesn't fit your scheme, has no potential, cost 20 million and is basically useless even when he does play.

[dannyek71]

No to Upshaw. No more tweeners. Do not resign Bell unless he comes in on the cheap. He is always hurt. Jonas Jennings v2 (but not as good)

Draft a franchise LT

[The Jokeman]

Why do you want to pay someone who sucks 20 million to sit on the bench? The Bills can used the money saved by cutting Edwards on other players and not to mention I rather have a guy with potential on the depth chart rather than someone who doesn't fit your scheme, has no potential, cost 20 million and is basically useless even when he does play.
Until we have a suitable veteran replacement for Edwards I say keep him. If we do sign Biermann as suggested than I'm more comfortable letting go of Dwan. Yet this team has yet to show me they can do such things so again keep the talent we do have and compliment it with more. Then cut the dead weight as needed.

[PTI]

I don't get the hate on Thigpen, he had one stint of extended play with KC and over that time he was as good as Fitz ever looked at any point in time. Both are backups.

[YardRat]

Edwards may lose his spot on the roster, and hopefully we find a better alternative for back-up QB than Thigpen.

Would love to re-sign Stevie, but IMO it doesn't look good at all. If Bell is still here, it's because we failed to address OT in FA or the draft, which would be very disappointing. Scott is likeable and versatile, but his time may come sooner rather than later if we pick up a young safety.

Bowe would be a nice signing. So would Routt as long as he's not looking for #1 money, because he isn't #1 material. Guys like Hill are a dime-a-dozen.

Upshaw? I'd take him, but (rightfully so) Coples and Ingram might be better fits, and Coples is absolutely their #1 target. If we're taking a OLB in the second, I like Irvin out of WV. Charles has interesting upside.

[CleveSteve]

Seems like you guys talk a lot about Ingram and Upshaw but have some trepidation about tweeners due to Maybin. I never liked Maybin as a prospect but that's neither here nor there. Are you guys not bringing up Coples because you think he won't be there at 10 or because he is a bust waiting to happen?

Personally, for me the top pure 4-3 DE in this draft is Mercilus. He led the nation in sacks and forces fumbles while playing in the conference which consistently has the best OLines. He did this while playing on a bad team, which is even more impressive. I would try to squeeze some more value out of the number 10 by moving down, but if 4-3 DE is your number one target, it would make sense to try and get him IMO. I wouldn't go lower than 21 if they were to do that though.

[Night Train]

This makes sense and is well thought out...but the Bills are adverse to proper planning. :up:

[Jeff1220]

I don't see Bell getting re-signed. Nix and Gailey seem to really like Hairston and, being on his rookie deal, will come a whole lot cheaper.

Edwards is as good as gone. He's a 3-4 end scheduled to make too much money for a mediocre situational player. That $ could go towards another signing.

I'd love to see them re-sign Stevie and sign a 1B (or 1A) type WR. Not likely, but I'd love it. A better receiving TE is also an option there. Chandler seems like he wants to test the market.

[JCBills]

Edwards may lose his spot on the roster, and hopefully we find a better alternative for back-up QB than Thigpen.

Would love to re-sign Stevie, but IMO it doesn't look good at all. If Bell is still here, it's because we failed to address OT in FA or the draft, which would be very disappointing. Scott is likeable and versatile, but his time may come sooner rather than later if we pick up a young safety.

Bowe would be a nice signing. So would Routt as long as he's not looking for #1 money, because he isn't #1 material. Guys like Hill are a dime-a-dozen.

Upshaw? I'd take him, but (rightfully so) Coples and Ingram might be better fits, and Coples is absolutely their #1 target. If we're taking a OLB in the second, I like Irvin out of WV. Charles has interesting upside.

Irvin is more of a rush LB, coming out of WVU's defense.

If they go OLB that early there should be much better fits and options at that point.

[JCBills]

Seems like you guys talk a lot about Ingram and Upshaw but have some trepidation about tweeners due to Maybin. I never liked Maybin as a prospect but that's neither here nor there. Are you guys not bringing up Coples because you think he won't be there at 10 or because he is a bust waiting to happen?

Personally, for me the top pure 4-3 DE in this draft is Mercilus. He led the nation in sacks and forces fumbles while playing in the conference which consistently has the best OLines. He did this while playing on a bad team, which is even more impressive. I would try to squeeze some more value out of the number 10 by moving down, but if 4-3 DE is your number one target, it would make sense to try and get him IMO. I wouldn't go lower than 21 if they were to do that though.

He isn't getting much chatter here because Nix and Gailey rarely take players with 1 year of production in college. So far only Marcus Easley has been the exception.

[mightysimi]

I'm not so sure on Routt. Yes his percentage allowed was low but he had like 15 pass interference penalties. Add that to florence and we would be giving up huge chunks or yardage for free. Pass rush wouldn't even matter at this point.

[Cali512]

People needa stop being so afraid of Upshaw based on maybin. First off isnt Upshaw like 50 lbs heavier? Not only that, there was NO tape on Maybin last year. No video highlights or anything. I think I saw one sack by Maybin the entire offseason leading up to the draft. Upshaw is known and proven. If the Bills didnt take Maybin, I probably still wouldnt recognize the name.

[Cali512]

I'm not so sure on Routt. Yes his percentage allowed was low but he had like 15 pass interference penalties. Add that to florence and we would be giving up huge chunks or yardage for free. Pass rush wouldn't even matter at this point.




Alot of it was the man to man Oakland ran. Rout excells at getting his hand on the WR (in the 5 yard mark) then dropping into zone.

[JCBills]

People needa stop being so afraid of Upshaw based on maybin. First off isnt Upshaw like 50 lbs heavier? Not only that, there was NO tape on Maybin last year. No video highlights or anything. I think I saw one sack by Maybin the entire offseason leading up to the draft. Upshaw is known and proven. If the Bills didnt take Maybin, I probably still wouldnt recognize the name.

I don't think it has anything to do with Maybin. It has to do with Upshaw. He's not an ideal 4-3 DE, he doesn't have the length. I don't see how a Maybin comparison could be made.

Now that isn't saying he couldn't or doesn't have the ability to be a quality NFL DE.

For some reason me pointing out measurables has been taken personally by some on here that become emotionally invested into draft prospects.

Also, basing things off of highlights is never good.

[mightysimi]

Alot of it was the man to man Oakland ran. Rout excells at getting his hand on the WR (in the 5 yard mark) then dropping into zone.

Sure you can say it was the system. But if he was constantly hitting guys when he wasn't supposed to, how would that matter in the system? I think an O lineman that is prone to holding would hold regardless of the system.

The 8 TD's I can blame on the system but that is a lot of penalties. Not saying he can't have an off year, Florence is an example but I am just not sold on him. JMO.