Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

[WagonCircler]

• Trading next year’s No. 1 draft pick for Sammy Watkins was a reckless move by Bills general manager Doug Whaley, a desperate attempt to prop up a shaky franchise quarterback and win games in a hurry to impress the next owner.

It was a bad idea on a number of levels. Whaley said the pick would be low in the first round, essentially guaranteeing his team would make the playoffs. Now the Bills are fading fast. If they don’t snap out of it, the first-round pick that Whaley gave the Browns might be in the top 10.

Do you know what makes Whaley’s Folly even worse? The NFL’s current crop of first-year wideouts is one of the best in history. This rookie class continues to validate the judgment of scouts who said last year’s draft would produce a bounty of gifted receivers.

In a draft filled with top wideouts, the Bills felt Watkins was a cut above the rest, a generational talent they simply had to have. So what if a bunch of other guys had rare ability and upside? They traded up for Watkins at No. 4 overall, forfeiting a chance to take a quarterback high in 2015.

This isn’t about Watkins’ talent. He’s a special player. For the most part, he has justified expectations. He might prove to be the best receiver in the 2014 draft. The issue is whether Watkins was so clearly superior to the rest of a great receiving class that it warranted the cost. When you see how the other rookies are doing, you have to wonder.

More...

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/trading-up-for-watkins-was-folly-20141117

[Cali512]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Worst part is there is a good 3-5 rookies who have done as much or more than Sammy without the attitude. With QBs like Derek Anderson, Henne/Bortles

[jamze132]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Yeah it sucks being a Bills fan. I don't get to have much fun in the office since I NEVER have ground to stand on in any conversation. GO BILLS!

[Meathead]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

i love sammy and hes the best wr of that class but im starting to think he was a mistake. if one of the two current qbs ends up starting long term then its fine but if we are back in qb purgatory then not having that pick is going to be monumentally expensive in terms of years wasted and/or what they will have to give up to get somebody good behind center

[Novacane]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Worst part is there is a good 3-5 rookies who have done as much or more than Sammy without the attitude. With QBs like Derek Anderson, Henne/Bortles

Sammy has a bad attitude?

[coastal]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Ralph is cheap

[DesertFox24]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

There are no QBs in this draft either. We do not have a shot at MAriotta or Winston, and to be honest I am not sure either of them is better than what we have. In other words I don't think they will be any good either.

[X-Era]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

• Trading next year’s No. 1 draft pick for Sammy Watkins was a reckless move by Bills general manager Doug Whaley, a desperate attempt to prop up a shaky franchise quarterback and win games in a hurry to impress the next owner.

It was a bad idea on a number of levels. Whaley said the pick would be low in the first round, essentially guaranteeing his team would make the playoffs. Now the Bills are fading fast. If they don’t snap out of it, the first-round pick that Whaley gave the Browns might be in the top 10.

Do you know what makes Whaley’s Folly even worse? The NFL’s current crop of first-year wideouts is one of the best in history. This rookie class continues to validate the judgment of scouts who said last year’s draft would produce a bounty of gifted receivers.

In a draft filled with top wideouts, the Bills felt Watkins was a cut above the rest, a generational talent they simply had to have. So what if a bunch of other guys had rare ability and upside? They traded up for Watkins at No. 4 overall, forfeiting a chance to take a quarterback high in 2015.

This isn’t about Watkins’ talent. He’s a special player. For the most part, he has justified expectations. He might prove to be the best receiver in the 2014 draft. The issue is whether Watkins was so clearly superior to the rest of a great receiving class that it warranted the cost. When you see how the other rookies are doing, you have to wonder.

More...

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/tr...folly-20141117

Paying attention to a single word Jerry Sullivan spews is folly

[X-Era]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

i love sammy and hes the best wr of that class but im starting to think he was a mistake. if one of the two current qbs ends up starting long term then its fine but if we are back in qb purgatory then not having that pick is going to be monumentally expensive in terms of years wasted and/or what they will have to give up to get somebody good behind center

That decision isn't made now it was made when EJ had a total of 8 starts under his belt.

I have no issue with the Watkins move.

[trapezeus]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

everyone knew that the trade was a bad choice. but watkins isn't an attitude problem like someone alluded to and the point is that in 3 years he will look dramatically different.

it is on the FO thinking that a WR would aid manuel.

Whaley tried to take credit for Manuel when they picked him, he now says the plan was to sit him all along, and now he says buddy was the guy responsible for Manuel.

the front office is broken. Last year probably would have been best to move back if anything and find a way to get more DB's and a TE, but they went up for a WR.

based on how poorly the bills have drafted, watkins is the least of their worries. the lost pick adn the fact they may have the same baffoons picking again is the issue.

[Cali512]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Sammy has thrown EJ under the bus a bunch and has the same body language the Woods or TO have. Hes not this nice perfect guy everyone acts like. I dont hate him but hes going down as a whitner so far

[YardRat]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Sully's happy again, the team is on a losing streak and the rest of the season looks bleak. When there is something to imply any hint of optimism going on, he kind of stays below the radar, but he loves when the **** hits the fan and he can pounce. I think he posts here, the fingerprints are remarkably similar.

[kingJofNYC]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Everyone keeps talking about the other WRs, but what if they took Ebron?

Bottom line, the front office can't build a winner. You don't have to sit here and scrutinize every move, proof is there for everyone to see. They haven't made the right moves for over a decade.

[Thurmal]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

When he's healthy and the QB isn't playing terribly, he is a HUGE asset. What's done is done. Whaley made the trade and also built some great depth on defense. I would hope his job is safe. When looking at the state of this team, the obvious problems lie in the offensive line (sketchy as hell) and the play-calling (an abomination).

[DraftBoy]

Re: Trading Up for Watkins Was Folly -- Jerry Sullivan

Sammy has thrown EJ under the bus a bunch and has the same body language the Woods or TO have. Hes not this nice perfect guy everyone acts like. I dont hate him but hes going down as a whitner so far

What are you talking about?