Speculation....possibilities

[jpdex12]

Well, while it's fun to speculate, reality always reaches up and slaps you in the face along with the element of suprise.

Here's a few thoughts to throw out there on a possible lineup and draft layout in 2006 for the Bills.

FA- We aren't the most padded wallet in the NFL, but we will find a way to strengthen a few areas starting with:

Tom Ashworth LT (Patriots)
Darren Howard DE (Saints)...Most costly FA
Will Demps S (Ravens)
David Givens WR (Patriots)
Josh McKown QB (Cards)

Trades- The latest news on Moulds for Hollis Thomas may actually be convenient for both parties. A temporary fix for each team while they work on eventual replacements.

Draft- The future of our team under a new regime. Nice ring eh! Here we go:

1st- trade down with Rams who want V. Davis, we get their second.
Our 1st at #11 is Broderick Bunkley (FSU) DT

2nd @ #42 is Anthony Fasano (ND) TE

2nd @ #46 from Rams is Taitusi Latui (USC) Guard

3rd @ #71 from Titans is Andrew Whitworth (LSU) LT

3rd @ #74 is Daniel Bullocks (Neb) S

Resign- D-E-P-T-H

Ron Edwards- Somewhat injury prone but a solid back-up DT
Chris Kelsay- Decent back-up DE
Sam Aiken- Good ST
Josh Reed- Solid back-up at vet minimum
TRey Teague- Solid back-up at vet minimum
Jeff Posey- Back-up a little above vet minimum

Linups- Offense

QB- Losman/Holcomb
RB- Willis
FB- Shelton
WR#1-Evans
WR#2-Givens
WR#3-Parrish
TE- Fasano/Everett/Euhis
RT-Peters
RG-Villarial
C-Preston
LG- Spencer
LT-Ashworth

Lineups-Defense

LDE- Howard
LDT- Thomas
RDT- Bunkley
RDE- Schoebel
OLB- Spikes
ILB- Fletcher
OLB- Crowell
LCB- McGee
RCB- Clements
SS-Bullocks
FS- Vincent

So what do ya think?

[ublinkwescore]

Interesting, sounds fairly possible, but we'll need a lot of other teams to accomodate this for it to have a chance to happen.

[Jan Reimers]

Good post, but I don't see us using our second round pick on Fasano. He's not that good, and we have a very fast, athletic guy in Everett who's going to be a first rate TE.

[Don't Panic]

Who is Spencer? I would slide Gandy in at LG... I think he can be effective there. I'm a little wary of having 3 or 4 rookies start. I think any more than 1 on O and 1 on D is pushing it. That is, if we want to be competitive next year. Crowell and Spikes starting... who takes strong side and who takes weak? I love the Givens signing... he would make Moulds a lot more expendable. Givens/Evans/Reed/Parrish is a pretty strong set of receivers (assuming we have a QB who can throw to them). I see this Bunkley over Ngata talk heating up, but I don't buy it. Ngata is special... he should be wearing a Bills helmet on Sundays.

[patmoran2006]

Jpdex.. Excellent thought (and im sure time) put into these scenarios.. If you don't mind, let me play "second guesser" on a few of these calls...

FA
Will Demps: By all accounts is a lousy cover guy, and better suited for a 46 type of defense.
David Givens: WAY too expensive for Buffalo to sign. Someone is going to give him between $4-5 million for his services, no way we can afford that with our other needs.
Howard, I'd love to have, in fact I'd make a very concerted effort to get him.. Ashworth I don't like, he's not much better than Gandy actually.. And McKown would be a good pick up, though I'm a little leary of the potential for Musical QB's..

The draft. I'm with you.. Though I dont like the guard from USC.. I want someone who can move around out there. latsui is very much like a bennie anderson.. I"m not feeling that.

And Daniel Bullocks, I dont think.. is lasting that long into third.. Never know though.

As for our own FA's.. kelsay and Posey are not FA's.. In fact if we were to cut Posey we'd save more than a million and a half.

I'm thinking if they dont decide to invest heavy money into the WR position, that Reed may be brought back.. and as a starter..

Outside of Givens though, I think your lineup is realistic.. and I'll tell ya what.. It looks pretty damn good.... Darren Howard would be the key to that front four.

[jpdex12]

Good post, but I don't see us using our second round pick on Fasano. He's not that good, and we have a very fast, athletic guy in Everett who's going to be a first rate TE.

Check these stats out. Not bad and he was a great blocker. I think that he has a lot of potential and we need another TE with losing Campbell. We can always use Everett and someone like Fasano with Euhus. Jeb Putzier is on the market now too.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>9/3</TD><TD align=left>@Pittsburgh (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=221)</TD><TD align=left>W 42-21 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252460221) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>10.5</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>9/10</TD><TD align=left>@Michigan (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=130)</TD><TD align=left>W 17-10 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252530130) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>4.5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>9/17</TD><TD align=left>Michigan State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=127)</TD><TD align=left>L 44-41 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252600087) </TD><TD>7</TD><TD>93</TD><TD>13.3</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>9/24</TD><TD align=left>@Washington (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=264)</TD><TD align=left>W 36-17 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252670264) </TD><TD>6</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>11.0</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>10/1</TD><TD align=left>@Purdue (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2509)</TD><TD align=left>W 49-28 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252742509) </TD><TD>2</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>15.0</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>10/15</TD><TD align=left>USC (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=30)</TD><TD align=left>L 34-31 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252880087) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>86</TD><TD>21.5</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>10/22</TD><TD align=left>BYU (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=252)</TD><TD align=left>W 49-23 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=252950087) </TD><TD>5</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>11.0</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>11/5</TD><TD align=left>Tennessee (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2633)</TD><TD align=left>W 41-21 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=253090087) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>78</TD><TD>19.5</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>11/12</TD><TD align=left>Navy (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2426)</TD><TD align=left>W 42-21 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=253160087) </TD><TD>4</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>17.5</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>11/19</TD><TD align=left>Syracuse (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=183)</TD><TD align=left>W 34-10 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=253230087) </TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>3.5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>11/26</TD><TD align=left>@Stanford (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=24)</TD><TD align=left>W 38-31 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=253300024) </TD><TD>3</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>6.3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>Tostitos Fiesta Bowl</TD><TD align=left>@Ohio State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194)</TD><TD align=left>L 34-20 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=260020194) </TD><!--Questions--><TD>2</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>6.0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[jpdex12]

Who is Spencer? I would slide Gandy in at LG... I think he can be effective there. I'm a little wary of having 3 or 4 rookies start. I think any more than 1 on O and 1 on D is pushing it. That is, if we want to be competitive next year. Crowell and Spikes starting... who takes strong side and who takes weak? I love the Givens signing... he would make Moulds a lot more expendable. Givens/Evans/Reed/Parrish is a pretty strong set of receivers (assuming we have a QB who can throw to them). I see this Bunkley over Ngata talk heating up, but I don't buy it. Ngata is special... he should be wearing a Bills helmet on Sundays.

Spencer is the great Guard out of Pitt that everyone is raving about. My thoughts were that Villarial isn't getting any younger and we have Preston this year who may slide into the center spot. Bennie Anderson was a big let down so we will need a guard to groom for the next year or two.

Bunkley was already projected for the later of the 1st round and is wowing everyone with his upside. He will creep up the board more. If we can trade down a few spots and pick up another draft pick we will be solidifying our future even quicker.

[jpdex12]

Jpdex.. Excellent thought (and im sure time) put into these scenarios.. If you don't mind, let me play "second guesser" on a few of these calls...

FA
Will Demps: By all accounts is a lousy cover guy, and better suited for a 46 type of defense.
David Givens: WAY too expensive for Buffalo to sign. Someone is going to give him between $4-5 million for his services, no way we can afford that with our other needs.
Howard, I'd love to have, in fact I'd make a very concerted effort to get him.. Ashworth I don't like, he's not much better than Gandy actually.. And McKown would be a good pick up, though I'm a little leary of the potential for Musical QB's..

The draft. I'm with you.. Though I dont like the guard from USC.. I want someone who can move around out there. latsui is very much like a bennie anderson.. I"m not feeling that.

And Daniel Bullocks, I dont think.. is lasting that long into third.. Never know though.

As for our own FA's.. kelsay and Posey are not FA's.. In fact if we were to cut Posey we'd save more than a million and a half.

I'm thinking if they dont decide to invest heavy money into the WR position, that Reed may be brought back.. and as a starter..

Outside of Givens though, I think your lineup is realistic.. and I'll tell ya what.. It looks pretty damn good.... Darren Howard would be the key to that front four.

Thanks for the comments. I brain farted on the Kelsay and Posey deal. I know that we can cut Posey and save some money and possibly pick him back up for less. He hasn't dazzled us any with his play. That's why I think that Crowell can fill in nicely on the weak side and Takeo can bulk up a little as it sounds like he has to play the strong side.

Givens doesn't have eye popping stats but we all know how good he is and what a game changer he can be as we faced him twice a year. He is a great WR and great blocker. He also brings the element of the Patriots secrets to us. He is capable of grabbing more catches and maybe a 2.5-3 mill for three years would lure him in. What a trio with Evans/Givens/Parrish though!

As far as Demps, he was a nothing when he came into the league and he has grown into a decent SAfety. He needs some refining, but I figured the flexibility would be there to get him. He seems better in coverage than Milloy was. Maybe Chavous would be another option, but he is getting a few year sunder his belt and a little long in the tooth.

[Bmax]

after running a 4.38 bullocks looks like a early to mid 2nd rd pick...


Bmax

[feelthepain]

So what do ya think?

Trading down will be the best thing for the Bills as this draft is deep, at most positions. They can really add some serious talent and depth. Plus, if the CBA isn't ironed out the Bill's will have an advantage over several teams with more cap space to offer more money to big name FA. All in all if the Bills are smart they could retool their team and look like a serious contender for the Divison. I'd say at this point, the Bills are in better shape going into FA and the draft then any team in the division. Wouldn't it be somthin if the Bills actually end up winning the division next year and return to the playoffs. Now it will depend on coaching and QB play ofcourse.

[ParanoidAndroid]

One nitpicky thing....you drafted Deuce Lutui and have Spencer in the lineup. I would rather have Spencer as well.

I really think Marv and Co. should take a serious look at Jimmy Williams. He's fast , a hard hitter, has room for about 10 more pounds easy, has a ton of upside and with his cover abilities, would be an asset in the cover 2 whether at FS or SS and he might be there at #11 where he is well worth it. My thinking is that Bunkley is a good fit, but may be a reach at #11. There is good talent at DT available later. I also think we could do better than Fasano with our #42 pick.
My original pick might have been Orien Harris, but now I'm torn because I also like Mahelona from Tennessee. His numbers don't lie and many say the same thing about him that everyone likes...he is a hard worker on and off the field and doesn't take plays off or stop until the whistle blows. He started receiving double teams and his production dipped, but still had admirable numbers. He actually might be around in the 3rd, but I doubt it.
Anyway, with that set of picks I would go:
1. Jimmy Williams S (not as a CB)
2a. Daryn Colledge OT
2b. Davin Joseph OG
3a. Orien Harris DT
3b. Hank Baskett WR
4. DonTrell Moore RB
5. Chris Hannon WR
6. Ingle Martin QB
7. Justin London LB

[jpdex12]

One nitpicky thing....you drafted Deuce Lutui and have Spencer in the lineup. I would rather have Spencer as well.

I really think Marv and Co. should take a serious look at Jimmy Williams. He's fast , a hard hitter, has room for about 10 more pounds easy, has a ton of upside and with his cover abilities, would be an asset in the cover 2 whether at FS or SS and he might be there at #11 where he is well worth it. My thinking is that Bunkley is a good fit, but may be a reach at #11. There is good talent at DT available later. I also think we could do better than Fasano with our #42 pick.
My original pick might have been Orien Harris, but now I'm torn because I also like Mahelona from Tennessee. His numbers don't lie and many say the same thing about him that everyone likes...he is a hard worker on and off the field and doesn't take plays off or stop until the whistle blows. He started receiving double teams and his production dipped, but still had admirable numbers. He actually might be around in the 3rd, but I doubt it.
Anyway, with that set of picks I would go:
1. Jimmy Williams S (not as a CB)
2a. Daryn Colledge OT
2b. Davin Joseph OG
3a. Orien Harris DT
3b. Hank Baskett WR
4. DonTrell Moore RB
5. Chris Hannon WR
6. Ingle Martin QB
7. Justin London LB

Only three defensive players selected out of nine? We need more help on the defensive side of the ball.