Whaleys Combine comments... not likely to move down?

[X-Era]

Whaley said that he sees it as very unlikely that they won't have a prospect at 9 that they want... Based on their current draft board.

To me that means that unless they get a good offer from below that they see as more valuable than who's sitting there at 9, they are staying put.

Personally, if it's a OT or a TE that you want the most i'd rather move down a bit.

But I'm a huge Ebron fan, and I think Mack, Barr, or Watkins could be there at 9, so I'm fine with staying put as well.

Trade Byrd after franchising him for a pick or picks if you want to capitalize on the deep draft.

[better days]

Whaley said that he sees it as very unlikely that they won't have a prospect at 9 that they want... Based on their current draft board.

To me that means that unless they get a good offer from below that they see as more valuable than who's sitting there at 9, they are staying put.

Personally, if it's a OT or a TE that you want the most i'd rather move down a bit.

But I'm a huge Ebron fan, and I think Mack, Barr, or Watkins could be there at 9, so I'm fine with staying put as well.

Trade Byrd after franchising him for a pick or picks if you want to capitalize on the deep draft.

Ebron is a LOW first rnd pick at best.

[Downinfloflo]

If the Bills take a TE with the 9th pick I'll fly to Buffalo and slap Whaley.

[X-Era]

Ebron is a LOW first rnd pick at best.Really disagree. Mid 1st I could see. Not late IMO. And he easily could go in the top 15. He's probably going to have a very good combine.

[SquishDaFish]

Ebron will be somewhere between 8-15

[DesertFox24]

I just do not think Ebron is what they are looking from at the TE position.

I think they believe Moeaki and Gragg are the seam stretchers and if they lose Chandler they want a big body who can run block and catch.

Personally I would take Watkins, but if Watkins is gone I would look at Cyrus or Lewan but I am not a lewan fan personally.

[X-Era]

I just do not think Ebron is what they are looking from at the TE position.

I think they believe Moeaki and Gragg are the seam stretchers and if they lose Chandler they want a big body who can run block and catch.

Personally I would take Watkins, but if Watkins is gone I would look at Cyrus or Lewan but I am not a lewan fan personally.At 9 I want the best playmaker we can get. Whether that is a OT or WR I don't care. If it ends up being a OT I would only wonder if we could have gotten a solid starting RT lower in the draft. This draft is deep at OT and the top 3 guys all seem to be LT prospects more than RT.

That's why I like the idea of a big time play-maker like Watkins, Barr, Mack, or even Ebron. If you watch the Heels the games you'll see how special this guy is. And with a QB who likes to check down a lot a receiving TE is ideal. Lee Smith is our blocker. Seferian-Jenkins may be decent at both but he isn't the vertical threat or athlete that Ebron is.

If, and it's a big if, Ebron ends up being like Vernon Davis I would take it at 9 absolutely.

The better question is whether you would skip Watkins, Barr, Mack, or even Ebron to draft a RT. That's a tougher sell for me.

The other piece to the RT issue is Pears and Hairston. Hairston looked decent before missing last year. Pears is due to make 3+ mill in cap space next year. I'd keep Pears even at 3+ mill to battle it out with the rookie. But cutting him may make sense too.

[YardRat]

Well, we got a LT in the second round, so an RT certainly isn't out of the question.

I don't take anything anybody says at this time of year at face value...feigning non-interest in moving down theoretically drives up the value of #9 to somebody who might want to move up to that spot.

[X-Era]

Another thought on Ebron...

Ebron is 6'4" and 250 now. What happens if he runs faster than Mike Evans at the Combine? We want a possession receiver... is that not what Ebron resprents? The Pats use Gronk a lot for a reason. Work the flat and slot with a receiving TE and you can add the receiving size you're looking for. Hell, if he runs as fast as some think he will we could even line him up outside sometimes.

[better days]

Another thought on Ebron...

Ebron is 6'4" and 250 now. What happens if he runs faster than Mike Evans at the Combine? We want a possession receiver... is that not what Ebron resprents? The Pats use Gronk a lot for a reason. Work the flat and slot with a receiving TE and you can add the receiving size you're looking for. Hell, if he runs as fast as some think he will we could even line him up outside sometimes.

What good is speed when he drops the ball?

[DesertFox24]

At 9 I want the best playmaker we can get. Whether that is a OT or WR I don't care. If it ends up being a OT I would only wonder if we could have gotten a solid starting RT lower in the draft. This draft is deep at OT and the top 3 guys all seem to be LT prospects more than RT.

That's why I like the idea of a big time play-maker like Watkins, Barr, Mack, or even Ebron. If you watch the Heels the games you'll see how special this guy is. And with a QB who likes to check down a lot a receiving TE is ideal. Lee Smith is our blocker. Seferian-Jenkins may be decent at both but he isn't the vertical threat or athlete that Ebron is.

If, and it's a big if, Ebron ends up being like Vernon Davis I would take it at 9 absolutely.

The better question is whether you would skip Watkins, Barr, Mack, or even Ebron to draft a RT. That's a tougher sell for me.

The other piece to the RT issue is Pears and Hairston. Hairston looked decent before missing last year. Pears is due to make 3+ mill in cap space next year. I'd keep Pears even at 3+ mill to battle it out with the rookie. But cutting him may make sense too.

Oh I agree completely I am huge best player available guy.

My points where I am not sure Ebron is the type of guy they are looking for, but it could all be smoke screens like the Glenn not being a LT and not liking Manual.

[DesertFox24]

I am huge Ebron fan for what it is worth by the way and I would be very happy if he is our pick.

I really like Stevie and Robert woods and I think Goodwin and Graham are good 3 and 4 WRs, adding a guy like Ebron would not only answer the big tall threat but also be the big tall guy we need in the red zone.

Trust me I would love him and he is taller and bigger than davis

[OLDSRIP]

Well, we got a LT in the second round, so an RT certainly isn't out of the question.

I don't take anything anybody says at this time of year at face value...feigning non-interest in moving down theoretically drives up the value of #9 to somebody who might want to move up to that spot.

Really, no one tells the truth right now. It's misdirection at its finest this time of the year.
the GM's big poker game.

[jimmifli]

"We doubt there will be a player worth the 9th pick and we'd like to trade out of the spot, but it's unlikely anybody would be dumb enough to trade up for the guys that are still left on the board"
said no GM ever.

[YardRat]

"We doubt there will be a player worth the 9th pick and we'd like to trade out of the spot, but it's unlikely anybody would be dumb enough to trade up for the guys that are still left on the board"
said no GM ever.

Buddy might have if he stuck around for another year.

[TigerJ]

I really don't know what the Bills will be thinking at #9. Gragg certainly has some upside, but there was a reason he was a seventh round draft pick. Those reasons, whatever they are would suggest he's far less of a certain thing as Ebron would be. Moeaki is more of a known quantity, but what is known is that he's been an injury plagued player, who may or may not be able to overcome the injury bug. Also, he's not nearly the seam stretcher that Ebron would be and Gragg might be. Thus, I would not rule Ebron out. If Benjamin runs the 40 at the combine that some think he could, he might come into play in the early rounds. The fact that he has a connection with Manuel could influence the Bills. Of course, OT is a possibility, and the Bills would have to consider a playmaker like Make if he were to be available.

[better days]

I am huge Ebron fan for what it is worth by the way and I would be very happy if he is our pick.

I really like Stevie and Robert woods and I think Goodwin and Graham are good 3 and 4 WRs, adding a guy like Ebron would not only answer the big tall threat but also be the big tall guy we need in the red zone.

Trust me I would love him and he is taller and bigger than davis

So do you really think Ebron is in the same class as Gronk or Graham?

[sudzy]

Figuring if at least 3 QBs and Clowney go before 9. That leaves the 2 tackles, Mack, Barr and Watkins. Anyone outside of that group I'd be disappointed in.

[tampabay25690]

Ebron is a LOW first rnd pick at best.

Disagree with u big time!
Y not draft a weapon that a LB will have to cover and a over the top safety.
Opens the field for the WR'S as well..

So if u could have Vernon Davis at the #9 pick would u have drafted him??

[tampabay25690]

I just do not think Ebron is what they are looking from at the TE position.

I think they believe Moeaki and Gragg are the seam stretchers and if they lose Chandler they want a big body who can run block and catch.

Personally I would take Watkins, but if Watkins is gone I would look at Cyrus or Lewan but I am not a lewan fan personally.

The way Cyrus looks right now I wouldn't touch him till late 2nd round.
Looks awful at combine so far..... No preparation at all leading to today!!!

[better days]

Disagree with u big time!
Y not draft a weapon that a LB will have to cover and a over the top safety.
Opens the field for the WR'S as well..

So if u could have Vernon Davis at the #9 pick would u have drafted him??

I asked if Ebron is in the same class as Gronk or Graham. You can throw Davis into the mix as well.

Do you think Ebron is as good as those 3?

I admit I don't know much about him, but I have heard he drops the ball.

[GingerP]

I admit I don't know much about him, but I have heard he drops the ball.

I think he has good hands. I've seen him high-point the ball and make difficult catches, but then he drops an easy one. His drops are more concentration drops, from what I've read.

I don't see him worth a top-10. He is very athletic and can catch the ball, so he is a middle 1st value guy. One thing that concerns me is his lack of TDs. He was very productive in college, but he only had 3 TDs last season and only 8 TDs in his career. You would think he would have been more dangerous in the Red Zone.

[The Jokeman]

Disagree with u big time!
Y not draft a weapon that a LB will have to cover and a over the top safety.
Opens the field for the WR'S as well..

So if u could have Vernon Davis at the #9 pick would u have drafted him??

If those that are in the Ebron thought process of drafting are you looking at the Vernon Davis of today or his rookie year? As sure A veteran Davis would help this team immensely but let's look back Davis as a rookie caught 20 balls for 265 yards and 3 TDs in 10 games. To me stats like that aren't going to help the Bills improve in 2014. I'll admit I'm not a fan of drafting Ebron as to me he won't make the impact we need as a rookie. Down the road though it be nice to have him if he indeed is another Davis. Yet if we're looking at impact guys for 2014 to me that's where you look at LBs and OTs. If I was drafting today my picks would be Mack, Moseley, Matthews or Richardson but there's a small chance all of them will be gone. Then after that it gets tricky. I'm not sure what to think of Lewan as have read that Kiper feels he's better than any of the top OT taken last year and he's been compared to former Michigan star Jake Long, if true then I'd take him in a heart beat to man RT and maybe shift to LT if we can't keep Glenn when his contracts up. I'm not sure how Anthony Barr would fit in a 4-3 plus think we need a complete LB three down LB and to me Barr is a pass rush specialist and we already have that in Jerry Hughes. I don't want to beat a dead horse but not sure any WRs would make a significant impact as a rookie much like TE. Yet I've always said a draft about getting the best collection of players and to me as we saw last year that LBs can be found in Round 2 of the draft. So if I were to mock things right now my draft look like Round 1: Taylor Lewan Round 2: Kyle Van Noy

[SpikedLemonade]

Lewan would be an excellent pick assuming Matthews and Robinson are gone.

Start him at RT and see how it plays out in a year or two.

[cookie G]

Ebron ran a 4.5. Mayock calls him not quite as fast as Vernon Davis, but a better TE coming out of college.

[better days]

I think he has good hands. I've seen him high-point the ball and make difficult catches, but then he drops an easy one. His drops are more concentration drops, from what I've read.

I don't see him worth a top-10. He is very athletic and can catch the ball, so he is a middle 1st value guy. One thing that concerns me is his lack of TDs. He was very productive in college, but he only had 3 TDs last season and only 8 TDs in his career. You would think he would have been more dangerous in the Red Zone.

In 2013, Two games he had over 6 catches. Two games he had 6 catches even.

8 games with less than 6. So far I am unimpressed.

[coastal]

How well does Ebron block?

considerimg the strength of our team is at RB, I'd rather sign Brandon Petrigrew as a free agent, and add Matthews or Lewan to be our new starting RT.

then draft G. Jackson in round 2.

Then run the ****ing ball.

If that doesn't help EJ develop... then flush the bowl.

[feldspar]

I'm targeting Matthews.

[The Jokeman]

How well does Ebron block?

considerimg the strength of our team is at RB, I'd rather sign Brandon Petrigrew as a free agent, and add Matthews or Lewan to be our new starting RT.

then draft G. Jackson in round 2.

Then run the ****ing ball.

If that doesn't help EJ develop... then flush the bowl.

Not a bad plan of attack assuming we add a veteran a LB in UFA or maybe draft Smallwood from UConn in Round 3.

[X-Era]

How well does Ebron block?

considerimg the strength of our team is at RB, I'd rather sign Brandon Petrigrew as a free agent, and add Matthews or Lewan to be our new starting RT.

then draft G. Jackson in round 2.

Then run the ****ing ball.

If that doesn't help EJ develop... then flush the bowl.He's actually a decent blocker. I like how he blocks down field. It's rare to be both a great receiving TE and a great blocking TE. I'd have to say he's a receiving TE. But he isn't a slouch as a blocker.

[better days]

He's actually a decent blocker. I like how he blocks down field. It's rare to be both a great receiving TE and a great blocking TE. I'd have to say he's a receiving TE. But he isn't a slouch as a blocker.

Whaley said Ebron is both able to catch the ball & block.

Still, I will be surprised if the Bills draft him at #9.

If he is still sitting there in the 2nd rnd, maybe.

[coastal]

Not a bad plan of attack assuming we add a veteran a LB in UFA or maybe draft Smallwood from UConn in Round 3.
Count me in the B Spikes fan club.

and then Aaron Murray in the 3rd.

Resign Byrd and Chandler.

That is better than last year. It's just a question of how much.

at that point... it's comes down to injuries and EJ.

[The Jokeman]

Count me in the B Spikes fan club.

and then Aaron Murray in the 3rd.

Resign Byrd and Chandler.

That is better than last year. It's just a question of how much.

at that point... it's comes down to injuries and EJ.
Keep Byrd at all costs, I'm not a big Chandler fan. Spikes to me is going to get too much money for us to chase after him. Instead see us landing a Jonathan Vilma. I don't mind Pettigrew and another veteran WR to help the cause. A 3rd on Murray is too high, I see him as a 5th Rounder at best.

[The Popcorn]

Figuring if at least 3 QBs and Clowney go before 9. That leaves the 2 tackles, Mack, Barr and Watkins. Anyone outside of that group I'd be disappointed in.

Mosley would be a great pick. 3 down LBers are hard to find. I would take Watkins over him though.

[swiper]

He's actually a decent blocker. I like how he blocks down field. It's rare to be both a great receiving TE and a great blocking TE. I'd have to say he's a receiving TE. But he isn't a slouch as a blocker.

You absolutely do not draft a TE at # 9 unless:

A) the rest of your team is pretty well set (ie has been a recent play-off presence)

B) the player you are targeting is as good as a Vernon Davis.


The Bills don't qualify for A, and there is no TE available in the Gronk, Graham, Davis class in this draft.

So the idea is dumb. Whaley won't take a TE there. I'll bet any one of you. And you can throw in guard to the bet if you want.

[swiper]

How well does Ebron block?

considerimg the strength of our team is at RB, I'd rather sign Brandon Petrigrew as a free agent, and add Matthews or Lewan to be our new starting RT.

then draft G. Jackson in round 2.

Then run the ****ing ball.

If that doesn't help EJ develop... then flush the bowl.

That's a pretty good plan.

[X-Era]

You absolutely do not draft a TE at # 9 unless:

A) the rest of your team is pretty well set (ie has been a recent play-off presence)

B) the player you are targeting is as good as a Vernon Davis.


The Bills don't qualify for A, and there is no TE available in the Gronk, Graham, Davis class in this draft.

So the idea is dumb. Whaley won't take a TE there. I'll bet any one of you. And you can throw in guard to the bet if you want.
B may be true which makes the possibility of taking a TE at 9 reasonable.

[better days]

B may be true which makes the possibility of taking a TE at 9 reasonable.

It won't happen.

[X-Era]

It won't happen.So emphatic. I consider it possible personally.

[better days]

So emphatic. I consider it possible personally.

There is bound to be a GOOD OT or WR available at 9.

The Bills will not waste that pick on Ebron.

[X-Era]

There is bound to be a GOOD OT or WR available at 9.

The Bills will not waste that pick on Ebron.And if the top 3 OT's are all LT prospects and Watkins is gone by 9?

You're proposing to take a LT prospect when Glenn was probably our best OL last year? Or Lee or Evans when Ebron may be as good as Vernon Davis?

I'll take Moncrief in the 2nd.

Throw these thoughts into it:

1) If Kiko moves to OLB we need an ILB not a OLB and may sign someone in FA. Regardless, Barr and Mack seem worthy of the 9 pick but both are OLB's.
2) OT is very deep this year and the top 3 guys who may be worthy of the 9 pick are all considered LT prospects which IMO is something we don't need. Lewan is the guy that may fit better at RT.

Based on those points I'd be OK with going Ebron in the 1st and Moncrief in the 2nd and then take our RT in round 3 or beyond... We probably could get a starter and upgrade to Pears in round 3 or even later.

[better days]

And if the top 3 OT's are all LT prospects and Watkins is gone by 9?

You're proposing to take a LT prospect when Glenn was probably our best OL last year? Or Lee or Evans when Ebron may be as good as Vernon Davis?

I'll take Moncrief in the 2nd.

Throw these thoughts into it:

1) If Kiko moves to OLB we need an ILB not a OLB and may sign someone in FA. Regardless, Barr and Mack seem worthy of the 9 pick but both are OLB's.
2) OT is very deep this year and the top 3 guys who may be worthy of the 9 pick are all considered LT prospects which IMO is something we don't need. Lewan is the guy that may fit better at RT.

Based on those points I'd be OK with going Ebron in the 1st and Moncrief in the 2nd and then take our RT in round 3 or beyond... We probably could get a starter and upgrade to Pears in round 3 or even later.

An OT drafted at #9 could play on the Right, but God forbid Glenn suffered an injury, you have a guy who could slide over to the left until Glenn is healthy.

Ebron: 3 rec for 32 yds at S Carolina

4 rec for 60 yds Vs Middle Tenn.

4 rec for 63 yds Vs East Carolina

4 rec for 67 yds Vs Boston College

2 rec for 21 Yds Vs Virgina

3 rec for 73 yds at Pitt.

1 rec for 11 yds Vs Old Dominion.

I just don't get the love for those kind of numbers.

[X-Era]

An OT drafted at #9 could play on the Right, but God forbid Glenn suffered an injury, you have a guy who could slide over to the left until Glenn is healthy.

Ebron: 3 rec for 32 yds at S Carolina

4 rec for 60 yds Vs Middle Tenn.

4 rec for 63 yds Vs East Carolina

4 rec for 67 yds Vs Boston College

2 rec for 21 Yds Vs Virgina

3 rec for 73 yds at Pitt.

1 rec for 11 yds Vs Old Dominion.

I just don't get the love for those kind of numbers.So you want to take a LT prospect at 9 and move him to RT.

Sorry but this seems a lot like wanting a OT and taking one first just to do it. Even if they don't fit best at RT, even if RT isn't the biggest need, even if there is better prospects at other positions sitting there.

I'm fine with criticism of Ebron. I see him as a Vernon Davis type. If you don't that's fine.

What I'm not a fan of is being hell bent on an OT at 9 regardless of who falls at other positions.

Tell me what 5 players you would take at 9.

[better days]

So you want to take a LT prospect at 9 and move him to RT.

Sorry but this seems a lot like wanting a OT and taking one first just to do it. Even if they don't fit best at RT, even if RT isn't the biggest need, even if there is better prospects at other positions sitting there.

I'm fine with criticism of Ebron. I see him as a Vernon Davis type. If you don't that's fine.

What I'm not a fan of is being hell bent on an OT at 9 regardless of who falls at other positions.

Tell me what 5 players you would take at 9.

I would be happy with a LB, WR, CB as well as OT at 9.

I would like to see Spikes signed as well.

[X-Era]

I would be happy with a LB, WR, CB as well as OT at 9.

I would like to see Spikes signed as well.
Give me your top 5 players to take at 9. As of now.

Here's mine:

1) Sammy Watkins
2) Khalil Mack
3) Anthony Barr
4) Eric Ebron
5) Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews, or Taylor Lewan... Not sure who yet.

[better days]

Give me your top 5 players to take at 9. As of now.

Here's mine:

1) Sammy Watkins
2) Khalil Mack
3) Anthony Barr
4) Eric Ebron
5) Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews, or Taylor Lewan... Not sure who yet.

I would be happy with everyone on that list.

But Ebron, not so much at #9.

If Watkins somehow fell to 9 I would love that.

[X-Era]

I would be happy with everyone on that list.

But Ebron, not so much at #9.

If Watkins somehow fell to 9 I would love that.I'm asking for your list because the discussion we should be having is who is better for us than Ebron... I gave you my 3, I'd like to see who you have ahead of him as potential Bills.

[better days]

I'm asking for your list because the discussion we should be having is who is better for us than Ebron... I gave you my 3, I'd like to see who you have ahead of him as potential Bills.

Everyone else you named is higher on my list.

You named all the people I would like.

[X-Era]

Everyone else you named is higher on my list.

You named all the people I would like.? I'm lost then. I put all the OT's below Ebron. Are you saying you would like any of the top 3 OT's over Ebron?

[better days]

? I'm lost then. I put all the OT's below Ebron. Are you saying you would like any of the top 3 OT's over Ebron?

Yes. Whaley said Robinson had a higher upside than Matthews, but Matthews is more NFL ready now & he comes from good blood lines.

Lewan is my least favorite OL, but I would draft him over Ebron if that was my only choice.

I would draft Watkins or Mack if available over everyone else.

[swiper]

And if the top 3 OT's are all LT prospects and Watkins is gone by 9?

Then you take the best LT. That was easy. You DON'T take a TE.

TE is just not as important as you make it out to be. Are there teams like NE and NE using TEs a lot? Yes. But the Bills are not built that way and don't have 1/2 the QB that those teams have. Get a real QB or take the LT. You're far better off with 2 LTs. You put the better one at LT then slide the 2nd guy over to RT.

[mysticsoto]

Give me your top 5 players to take at 9. As of now.

Here's mine:

1) Sammy Watkins
2) Khalil Mack
3) Anthony Barr
4) Eric Ebron
5) Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews, or Taylor Lewan... Not sure who yet.

I pretty much agree with this although I might swap Mack & Barr. After his #'s at the combine, I can't possibly believe Watkins will drop to us. Having been advocating Mike Evans as our possible pick, I've changed my mind b'cse it's true that OT and WRs are deep in this draft and outside a special guy like Watkins, both positions can wait.

[X-Era]

Then you take the best LT. That was easy. You DON'T take a TE.

TE is just not as important as you make it out to be. Are there teams like NE and NE using TEs a lot? Yes. But the Bills are not built that way and don't have 1/2 the QB that those teams have. Get a real QB or take the LT. You're far better off with 2 LTs. You put the better one at LT then slide the 2nd guy over to RT.What does it take to have a QB that utilizes a TE? A guy who prefers to throw short? If that's the case please re-watch EJ from last year.

It doesn't take a special QB to make a TE productive. If anything it's the opposite, a great TE makes a QB's job easier... they have a short option that can gain them a lot of yards.

[X-Era]

I pretty much agree with this although I might swap Mack & Barr. After his #'s at the combine, I can't possibly believe Watkins will drop to us. Having been advocating Mike Evans as our possible pick, I've changed my mind b'cse it's true that OT and WRs are deep in this draft and outside a special guy like Watkins, both positions can wait.
Don't sleep on Marqise Lee. He's flying a bit under the radar but is a very good WR prospect. Add in the Woods connection and that he's got very good intangibles and he needs to be on the radar.

I wasn't a huge Mike Evans fan coming into the combine and nothing has really pushed me to change my mind. If anything, it only makes me want to look more at other possession types... And Moncrief is at the top of my list right now.

[X-Era]

Yes. Whaley said Robinson had a higher upside than Matthews, but Matthews is more NFL ready now & he comes from good blood lines.

Lewan is my least favorite OL, but I would draft him over Ebron if that was my only choice.

I would draft Watkins or Mack if available over everyone else.
If I understand you correctly you put Watkins, Mack, Barr, Robinson, Matthews, and Lewan above Ebron.

No, I don't agree with that at this point.

[tomz]

So you want to take a LT prospect at 9 and move him to RT.

Sorry but this seems a lot like wanting a OT and taking one first just to do it. Even if they don't fit best at RT, even if RT isn't the biggest need, even if there is better prospects at other positions sitting there.

I'm fine with criticism of Ebron. I see him as a Vernon Davis type. If you don't that's fine.

What I'm not a fan of is being hell bent on an OT at 9 regardless of who falls at other positions.

Tell me what 5 players you would take at 9.

Not to quibble, but Matthews played right tackle until this year and reputedly can play all 5 line positions.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Mosley would be a great pick. 3 down LBers are hard to find. I would take Watkins over him though.

If I have to put money down, Mosley is it. Here in Pittsburgh, they are talking about him as a possible pick at 15 if not go WR route. And you know who Whaley came from the same scouting school and was responsible for DLINE and LB scouting before joining Bills.

[X-Era]

Not to quibble, but Matthews played right tackle until this year and reputedly can play all 5 line positions.And is considered a LT prospect which is why he's in the conversation at 9.

[better days]

And is considered a LT prospect which is why he's in the conversation at 9.

In todays pass happy NFL, RT is just about as important as LT.

[X-Era]

In todays pass happy NFL, RT is just about as important as LT.
I don't disagree at all. It's just easier to find a RT than a LT.

[mysticsoto]

Don't sleep on Marqise Lee. He's flying a bit under the radar but is a very good WR prospect. Add in the Woods connection and that he's got very good intangibles and he needs to be on the radar.

I wasn't a huge Mike Evans fan coming into the combine and nothing has really pushed me to change my mind. If anything, it only makes me want to look more at other possession types... And Moncrief is at the top of my list right now.

I like Lee and even Moncrief also, but they don't impact who I'd choose for the 1st rd.

[DesertFox24]

I don't disagree at all. It's just easier to find a RT than a LT.

How is it easier to find a RT when they need to be just as good as a LT.

RT and C are neck and neck for the second most important positions on the OL.

If we could get a stud Tackle prospect and have Glenn, Wood, and Rook then our OL could be amazing. Urbik is serviceable at the RG position, and we do need a LG.

In addition Better days pointed out an very good thought, if Glenn got hurt for a few games or the season we could slid the rook over and then have our swing tackle play LT. Pears or hairston are not the best options at LT, but could be pretty good backups. Hairston could also potentially move inside to LG as well.

[Ed]

It makes sense that Whaley doesn't expect to move down. He probably knows or expects that at least 3 qb's will go in the top 8, and he probably has at least 6 players with very high grades that would provide good value at #9. I'm guessing those 6 players would be Clowney, Barr, Watkins, and the 3 OT's. Maybe Mack or Ebron are in that group too, but either way I'm assuming Whaley is feeling pretty confident that a player they really like should be there at 9.

I always like trading down for extra picks, but I'm not expecting that to happen this year.

[X-Era]

How is it easier to find a RT when they need to be just as good as a LT.

RT and C are neck and neck for the second most important positions on the OL.

If we could get a stud Tackle prospect and have Glenn, Wood, and Rook then our OL could be amazing. Urbik is serviceable at the RG position, and we do need a LG.

In addition Better days pointed out an very good thought, if Glenn got hurt for a few games or the season we could slid the rook over and then have our swing tackle play LT. Pears or hairston are not the best options at LT, but could be pretty good backups. Hairston could also potentially move inside to LG as well.Because LT's are typically more athletic than RT's and it's very hard to find a big man with the necessary athleticism to play LT. That's why they usually go so high and usually go before RT's.

No one is saying we shouldn't draft a RT. I'm simply saying we may be wiser to draft a RT outside of round 1 considering the top 3 guys are LT prospects. Why take LT prospects and move them to RT? Why waste their ability to play LT? Wait and take a solid RT prospect.

To say it another way, the top RT prospect may be available in Round 2 for example. Take what the draft gives you as it falls to you. We don't need a LT and no RT is worthy of the 9 pick right now.

[Ed]

Because LT's are typically more athletic than RT's and it's very hard to find a big man with the necessary athleticism to play LT. That's why they usually go so high and usually go before RT's.

No one is saying we shouldn't draft a RT. I'm simply saying we may be wiser to draft a RT outside of round 1 considering the top 3 guys are LT prospects. Why take LT prospects and move them to RT? Why waste their ability to play LT? Wait and take a solid RT prospect.

To say it another way, the top RT prospect may be available in Round 2 for example. Take what the draft gives you as it falls to you. We don't need a LT and no RT is worthy of the 9 pick right now.
Well if we were to draft an elite LT and they prove to be better than Cordy Glenn, then keep them at LT and move Glenn to RT. Some have doubted Glenn's ability to handle the LT position, but there's always been a pretty general consensus that he'd be a great RT. So if you can improve both OT positions with one pick I would never consider that a waste.

[X-Era]

Well if we were to draft an elite LT and they prove to be better than Cordy Glenn, then keep them at LT and move Glenn to RT. Some have doubted Glenn's ability to handle the LT position, but there's always been a pretty general consensus that he'd be a great RT. So if you can improve both OT positions with one pick I would never consider that a waste.
We could do that.

But why draft a replacement for the strength on our line when guys may be there at 9 that fit real needs? Draft the need player at 9 and draft a LT to move to RT later... or simply draft a RT later.

[mysticsoto]

We could do that.

But why draft a replacement for the strength on our line when guys may be there at 9 that fit real needs? Draft the need player at 9 and draft a LT to move to RT later... or simply draft a RT later.

Agreed. We have enough holes on our team to fill without trying to fill something that is NOT a hole. Leave LT alone. Our biggest holes are at LB, LG and then RT. Maybe a Safety depending on what they do w/Byrd.

[better days]

Agreed. We have enough holes on our team to fill without trying to fill something that is NOT a hole. Leave LT alone. Our biggest holes are at LB, LG and then RT. Maybe a Safety depending on what they do w/Byrd.

Well I am for drafting the best player available.

If that player is an OT, so be it. He could play LT or RT.

With Glenn playing so well at LT, the rookie would most likely be a RT at least for a year or two.

[DesertFox24]

I would rather take best player available.

Lets be honest the holes that you HAVE to fill in the first round have young players that are pretty good at this point.

Pass Rusher - Mario Check
LT - Glenn Check
CB - Gilmore Check yes I know he has not proved to be shut down but once he was fully healthy he was good and I think he could become a star this year
QB - EJ we drafted him and have no idea if he is a check or not

Other positions that usually garner first round attention
DT - Kyle Williams and Dareus we are ok there
LB - Kiko we could use another one but I am not sure we should draft one in the first
Secondary Pass Rusher - We have Hughes but no one behind him this could be a surprise maybe a Kony ealy

That being said based on what I said yes some of these guys are question marks but question marks this staff brought in, as a result I would expect them to draft BPA in almost every round and improve the depth of this team.

Additionally we have not even had FA yet so maybe a position like TE becomes a glaring need or not a need, and the same could be said about OL, or boundary corner depth (big need for me). That being said we cannot draft a CB in the first round especially if he is not going to start. I say we draft one in rounds 4 o later and look to develop them.

[Ed]

We could do that.

But why draft a replacement for the strength on our line when guys may be there at 9 that fit real needs? Draft the need player at 9 and draft a LT to move to RT later... or simply draft a RT later.
The intention isn't to draft Glenn's replacement, but to improve the OL by adding the most talented O-lineman. I just don't see how anyone can think that OL isn't a real need for this team right now.

[The Jokeman]

The intention isn't to draft Glenn's replacement, but to improve the OL by adding the most talented O-lineman. I just don't see how anyone can think that OL isn't a real need for this team right now.

X-Era is just looking at the value of taking a RT at pick 9. I'd agree with him in most cases yet in looking over teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, Chargers, Bengals and 49ers. RTs taken in the top 15 isn't as far fetched as one would think.

[X-Era]

X-Era is just looking at the value of taking a RT at pick 9. I'd agree with him in most cases yet in looking over teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, Chargers, Bengals and 49ers. RTs taken in the top 15 isn't as far fetched as one would think.
It's not far fetched at all. RT's can go early for sure. Usually it's LT's that go higher and that's due to the athleticism needed to play LT.

Put it this way, if the BPA that fits a need is an OT I'm fine taking one. But I think it's likely that the BPA will be at another position of need.

[BuffaloRedleg]

A WR could totally change this offense around if he is beast. A LB could take the D to the next level and make the defense absolutely devastating, thereby helping the offense with field position. Same with a special DE.

I've never heard of a RT being the tipping point on any team. I'm all for building O-line, but RT should be bottom 15 of the first round at the highest. At 8 you need guys who can be the catalyst for change, and I just don't think RT is ever that.