Since we obviously have no more Playoff Rooting Interests, perhaps MRW needs to start posting about our NFL Draft Rooting Interests. Lose out! Let's lock up a Top 5 pick! I hope to see this post next week. MRW, make it happen! PLEASE :) Yes it's sad that I'm posting about the NFL Draft right now, but I have nothing else to look forward to in the NFL World until then....well, that and Free Agency in March. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

According to the Denver Post (Article Here)  Brandon Lloyd is on the trade block as the trade deadline approaches.  The Broncos are reportedly looking for a 3rd to 5th round pick.

With the recent injuries at WR and the apparent lack of "talented" depth, would you trade for this 30yr old WR who is a FA after this season and is only making $1.395 million this year?

I say cut Ruvell Martin and then make it happen!

Poll

Would you trade for Brandon Lloyd?

11%

No thanks!

61 votes

7%

Yes for a 3rd Rd pick

40 votes

39%

Yes for a 4th Rd pick

213 votes

42%

Yes for a 5th Rd pick

231 votes

545 votes | Poll has closed

With Donald Jones being out "awhile" the Bills are going to need to make a move at WR.  What started as a position of depth going into week 1, has now become a position of need.

We are going to need to find a legitimate #2 WR to fill in for Jones.  Nelson is a solid #3 slot guy.  Martin, Roosevelt, & Smith aren't exactly #2 type guys.  Aiken could always be promoted from the PS but I don't think that solves the issue.

I suggest the Bills take a look at TO, TJ Houshmanzadeh, or Chris Chambers.

What are your thoughts?

Poll

What should Buffalo do about the WR situation?

39%

Stay as is and promote Aiken from PS.

109 votes

25%

Sign TO

71 votes

16%

Sign TJ Houshmanzadeh

46 votes

10%

Sign Chris Chambers

30 votes

8%

Sign someone else. (comment on who you would sign)

23 votes

279 votes | Poll has closed

The last 48hrs have certainly been frustrating, but in the end, it's really not that bad.  The Bills are an improved team over last year.  No, this isn't the most talented team in the NFL, but the team definitely fits into the Top 5 for having unmeasurable characteristics such as heart, determination, & resilience; these are characteristics that can lead to wins, or at least entertaining close games like we saw last season.

Can the Bills win a Super Bowl in 2011-2012?  Sure, anything can happen.  That's why they play the game.

Obviously, the Bills are a long shot for the Super Bowl and there are clearly a few holes that MIGHT need to be filled.  I say MIGHT because nobody really knows what kind of impact the rookies, or players like Shawne Merriman will have this year.

With 2 roster spots left, and potentially more because we all know UDFA Camp Fodder can be cut at anytime...I'm calling on our Rumblings "Upper Management" to see what they are thinking.

Brian, Matt, K, Ron, Der Jaeger...I ask each of you...if you are the GM of the Buffalo Bills today who are you trying to sign this weekend?

*Honest answers gentlemen, no politically correct BS.

Thanks!

Report that Nate Clements will be released by San Fran tomorrow.  There are also reports saying that this isn't true.

With Drayton Florence re-signing CB isn't the biggest need for us and may not be considered a need at all, BUT, how comfortable are you with our secondary?

Personally, I'd rather see Florence & Clements with Williams in the Nickel than see Florence & McKelvin with Williams in the Nickel.

I think we can all agree that Nnamdi to Buffalo isn't happening.

Poll

If Nate Clements is released by San Fran tomorrow, would you bring him back to Buffalo?

33%

YES

93 votes

60%

No, I'm happy with what we got

169 votes

6%

No, I'm positive we will land Nnamdi

19 votes

281 votes | Poll has closed

If I'm correct, the Bills have something like $35million in cap space and possibly more if they cut any players on Thursday.

Although it is a very big long shot, is it possible that Buffalo can sign all of the following players?

CB - Nnamdi Asomugha

CB - Drayton Florence

ILB - Kevin Burnett

DE - Cullen Jenkins

TE - Zach Miller or Todd Heap

After all of the Free Agency rumors swirling from yesterday, I couldn't help to day dream about the "WHAT IF"

Losing Poz wasn't as big of a deal as most people make it seem, the guy was a GOOD player, but he isn't an All Pro.  I'm sure Buddy & Chan have a plan to replace him.

Let's all sit back, relax, and watch Buddy and Co. sign all 5 of my Free Agent studs :)

Poll

Who is with me?!?!?!

33%

YESSSSSS!!!!

45 votes

66%

Wow...what are you drinking this morning, can I have some?

89 votes

134 votes | Poll has closed

How exciting!  Football season is ALMOST back on schedule!

HOPEFULLY, a chaotic Free Agent Frenzy will begin in approx 10 days or so.

With that being said...what are your top 5 moves?

 

I'll start us off with 2 moves that I feel are a must:

1 - Re-sign Florence
2 - Re-sign Poz

*Clearly an equally important MUST is signing all drafted rookies ASAP. especially that guy drafted at #3 overall!

 

What are your moves?

I thought it was pretty clear going into the off-season that Buffalo had more than a few needs that were to be addressed.

Now that the 2011 NFL Draft is all but over, I think all needs have been somewhat addressed except for TE & QB.

I thought for sure we would see a TE and/or QB selected in the 7th Round, but unless one of those is picked at 245, it will be all Un-drafted Rookie Signings, Free Agency, or Trades.

I was disappointed to see Greg McElroy passed on, but I do trust whatever decisions Buddy Nix & Chan Gailey make.  The draft has been more than satisfactory to this point, now it will be up to these players to live up to and exceed the expectations we set upon them.

This would lead me to believe that Buffalo had targeted a few TE's & QB's that they will make a heavy push for in Free Agency.

Based on the draft, I wouldn't expect to see any big name CB's or LB's in Buffalo either.

According to KFFL, here are a few of the Free Agent QB's & TE's we may see roll into Buffalo:

QB's:
Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Leinart
John Beck
Brady Quinn
Chad Pennington
Billy Volek
Troy Smith

TE's:
Zach Miller
Kevin Boss
Daniel Graham
Donald Lee
Bo Scaife
Dante Rosario
Kellen Winslow

Who do you want to see Buffalo bring in as the #2 QB and potential starting TE?

Ed. Note: Bumped from the FanPost section. -BG

Over the past ten days or so, I've seen Shawne Merriman talk about bringing free agents to Buffalo, whether it was him answering the question in a radio interview, or responding to a tweet on Twitter:

RT @HabsFan94: @shawnemerriman Hey Shawn please bring some free agents to Buffalo...they are coming

This got me to thinking: who could he be talking about?

Poll

Which San Diego Chargers free agent would you like to see sign with Buffalo this offseason?

31%

Kevin Burnett - ILB

430 votes

30%

Stephen Cooper - ILB

413 votes

10%

Jacques Cesaire - DE

144 votes

16%

Eric Weddle - FS

226 votes

11%

None of the Above

158 votes

1371 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

Carson Palmer must have really wanted to get a higher draft pick than Buffalo in the 2011 NFL Draft.  On the final 2 drives of the CIN-BAL game, the Bengals were driving and Palmer cost them the game.

Down 13-7, Palmer scrambled for the 1st down but then got scared of Ray Lewis and simply dropped the ball which was then recovered by BAL.  After the CIN Defense stopped BAL's offense leaving 55 sec left, CIN drove down to the 3 yd line and on 4th and 2 from the BAL 3, he overthrew an open RB to end the game....

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Since I saw some posts about early mock drafts, I logged into the Sporting News War Room to see what my buddy Russ Lande has down for the Bills right now.  I know a few weeks ago he had Buffalo taking Jake Locker with a Top 5 pick, now he has Buffalo picking at #6:

 

6 (6)	Bills	Nick Fairley*	DT	Auburn
The Bills started 2010 in a 3-4 and then switched back to the 4-3. Fairley is an explosive, powerful lineman who has the tools to be elite in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

 

I hope everyone has a Safe and Merry Christmas!

Until Fitzpatrick proves he can lead them to a win, I will lobby for them to start Brohm.

I'd rather start Brohm and see if they can develop him instead of watching Fitzpatrick choke at the end of the game over and over again.  He did it last year and he has done it again this year.

In today's game, the INT at the end of regulation was a joke, wear a glove or perhaps cut your baby hands off, who are you, Daunte Culpepper?  Earlier this year I remember several passes fumbling out of his hand as he dropped to throw, pathetic.

In OT, man up and make the throw to Spiller who was open down the sideline.

This guy is not a pro bowler, and he is certainly not the future.

How many dropped INTs did KC have today, I know D. Johnson had at least 2 himself.

I know our OT's don't protect him, but please stop smoking the Fitzy is our Future crack and move on.  Start Brohm or someone that can potentially help this team next year.

There is no question that Fitz is a smart & tough QB, but this season is over, time to start preparing for next year.

That is all.

Poll

Who should Buffalo be starting at QB?

67%

Fitzpatrick

99 votes

20%

Brohm

30 votes

11%

Roscoe!

17 votes

146 votes | Poll has closed

For anyone who lives in the Lehigh Valley Area of PA:

I am running a bus trip to the Week 1 Bills/Dolphins Game.  This trip is a fundraiser that will benefit Fire, Police, & EMS who are battling cancer.

The bus will leave Allentown, PA in the AM on September 11th and return immediately following the game on Sunday September 12th.  We will be staying over night in Niagara Falls, NY.

The cost is $200/person which includes:

 - Bus Costs (Bus is equipped with DirecTV so we will be able to watch NFL on the way home)  - Food/Drink on the Bus for the trip up on Saturday  - Drink on the way home Sunday  - Game Ticket (Section 222 - Club Level - Tunnel End Zone)  - Event T-Shirt   *I am trying to get a #58 Aaron Maybin and a #58 Karlos Danby jersey donated by each team to be auctioned off on the bus on Saturday.

We have a block of rooms at the Howard Johnson in Niagara Falls (US Side) near the Seneca Niagara Casino, you will be responsible for booking your own room at a rate of approx $95.

Seats are limited, if anyone is interested please email me at justin@foundation58.org

...but until then, my predictions:

Trade Lynch for a 3rd, possibly San Diego's #91.  Move down in the draft, possibly to #15 NYG (they may want to move up for McClain).  Pick up the NYG #76 in the move down.

I would like to think BUF could trade Whitner to PHI, but I don't know how the Whitner/Jauron relationship is so I don't see it happening....Whitner hasn't really proved anything in his short career so Jauron would have to lobby for him.

Now Buffalo has 11picks: 15, 41, 72, 76, 91, 107, 140, 178, 192, 209, 216

#15 Jerry Hughes - OLB - TCU
#41 Charles Brown - LT - USC
#72 Colt McCoy - QB - Texas
#76 Best NT available
#91 Best RB/WR available
#107 Best RB/WR available (whichever position wasn't picked at 91)
#140, 178, 192, 209, 216 (I'd like to see NT, OG, TE, DE, RB in no particular order)

Thoughts?

I think the 2 trades are reasonable and could happen.  BUF may have to package some picks to trade up for McCoy, we shall see.

I wish it was Thursday...

Who are the potential suitors for Marshawn Lynch?  Would Denver be a possibility?  I know they have Moreno, but I wonder if they would trade for Lynch, perhaps Studesville would want to be re-united with Lynch..then again, perhaps he wouldn't.

Could this work?

BUF trades back in Rd 1, pick up an extra 3rd.

Trade Lynch, 3rd Rd Pick, & a conditional pick in 2011 for Brandon Marshall.

I'm probably placing too much value on Lynch here, but who knows.

Thoughts?

Russ Lande is a former college & NFL scout who now works for the Sporting News and he publishes the draft guide GM Jr every year:  http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

If Clausen is available, do you think Buffalo will draft him at #9?
They may be tempted, but if I were them I would go LT in the 1st round, the only QB I would touch early is Bradford and then maybe pick-up a QB later in the draft.  I wasn't a big fan of Trent Edwards coming out, but now I think he has the ability and the intelligence, but the guy is a major head case right now.  I loved Brian Brohm coming out of college, but so far I've whiffed on that since he already failed with his first team.  Buffalo should draft a QB in a late round and then see what Edwards & Brohm do in camp.

What tackles will be available in the 2nd round? What are your thoughts on Saffold?
Saffold looks like a 3rd or 4th round tackle on film, he just doesn't play up to his skills set.  If you watch him at the East-West game or at practices he has a great skill set, he his thick, he slides his feet well, he has good handwork but it just doesn't translate on the field for him.

I see Charles Brown from USC available in the 2nd round, but I also possibly see Davis from Rutgers sliding to the 2nd Round and I really think Davis is a SLAM DUNK, he will be this year's Michael Oher.  Charles Brown will also be a good tackle in the NFL, but he needs some work.  (There were 2 other guys at this chat that recently graded Brown and they both loved him)

Who do you like more Dan Williams or Jared Odrick?
I'm not a big Dan Williams guy so I would go Odrick.  Both will probably go in the first round, Odrick is more of a 3-4 DE while Williams is the NT.  I have concerns about Williams moving in traffic and Odrick looked like a better athlete than he is at the combine, he worked out really well.

How does Gresham compare to Pettigrew?
Pettigrew is much better, he is a dominant blocker and decent pass catcher where Gresham is an average blocker and good pass catcher who will probably go in the 2nd or 3rd round.  Gronkowski is the best TE in this year's draft but there are big concerns about his back holding up.

Why do you have Buffalo taking Sergio Kindle at #9 at the War Room?
I've spoken with scouts and other personnel inside the bills organization and they told me their top priority is front 7 and more specifically, pass rushers.  They need pass rushers and don't be surprised when they draft a dominant pass rusher in the first round.  Buffalo's future is certainly bright in the scouting department with Nix and Modrak together plus Doug Whaley, this organization has a bright future as long as they figure out their QB situation, they need to find a QB.

What do you think about the DE form GT, Morgan?
He is by far the best DE in the draft, way above the rest.  He can play DE in the 4-3 or the 3-4 or he can play rush OLB in the 3-4, great player, by far above the other DE's in the draft.

What are your thoughts on Everson Griffen DE from USC?
I don't like the guy at all and would not draft him period.  I would stay away from him all together.

What other TE's do you like?
I like McCoy from USC, Clay Harbor from Missouri State, and the TE from Iowa.  There are a number of good TE's this year.  Dickerson blew up the combine, probably the best TE combine in many years.  Many great TE's this year, I have a super sleeper that I recently graded but I promised the scout that pointed him out to me that I wouldn't mention his name until early April.

*That's all I got folks, I was a few minutes late plus too many questions for me to keep up with typing....I got a bunch of BUF related questions in, I know some of you are down on Russ, but he has his legit contacts around the league and he is respected by many former & current coaches and GMs. (example Dick Vermeil)  If what Russ said is true, we can probably expect Kindle, Graham, or Morgan in the 1st round followed by a NT or LT in the 2nd round.  Obviously BUF has shown in FA how important upgrading the front 7 is to them so we shall see.

It has been a very busy few weeks for myself since Russ returned to hosting his Wednesday Night chats after the Senior Bowl ended, but I am going to try to sit in on this week's discussion which takes place Wednesday Night at 9pm EST.

What Draft Prospects and/or current NFL Players do you want me to ask about?

*Russ Lande is currently a Sporting News.com NFL Draft Expert and President and Founder of GMJR.com. For the Sporting News, Lande is responsible for writing NFL insider content, providing detailed scouting reports on college players and posting an ongoing mock draft in the “War Room” leading up to the NFL Draft. Before working for Sporting News, Lande served as a college scout for the Cleveland Browns for three years covering the mid-west region while evaluating all eligible prospects for the NFL Draft. He covers all-star games, the NFL Combine and pro days. Lande continues to appear on radio stations across the country.

Lande is also the author of the annual "GM Jr Draft Guide" which has been called the most comprehensive, unique and thorough NFL Draft Guide ever written and made available to the fans and scouts of the NFL.

**Currently the War Room has Buffalo taking:

9 (9)	Bills	Sergio Kindle	OLB	Texas
Switching to a 3-4 scheme means the Bills must find edge pass rushers, and Kindle would be a perfect fit. After his strong Combine workout, nobody doubts his ability to be productive as a rush linebacker in a 3-4.   9 (41) Bills Charles Brown T USC After trading LT Jason Peters to Philadelphia last spring, the Bills struggled mightily to protect the QB. New G.M. Buddy Nix would be wise to pick the underrated Brown, who has the smooth athleticism to be a solid NFL left tackle.     8 (72) Bills Tony Pike QB Cin.

Not as interesting as last week, but here are the topics from tonight's discussion with John Wooten, my commentary in italics:

3-4 Defense:
NT is 340/350lb, suck-up the O-Line, run-stopper, def not a pass-rusher
(Buffalo doesn't have a NT at this point)

DE's are "active DT's" from the 4-3, these guys need to get push on the Guards.
(In Buffalo's case, I think Williams & Stroud would fit as 3-4 DE's)

OLB's are under-sized DE's or quick LB's who are primarily responsible for rushing off the edge or dropping into coverage
(In Buffalo's case I think Mitchell & Maybin, if taught, can fit this role)

MLB's are intended to drop into coverage or fill the gaps against the run, your DE's and NT should be sucking up the O-Line which would allow the MLB's to make plays
(In Buffalo's case Poz can fit the role of one MLB, but they will most likely need to draft another, maybe McClain?)

Do you think players from Texas are overrated & soft?
To sum up his response NO.  They might not be highly productive right away, but they will be very consistent.
Being from Texas, John really defending Texas on this one

What direction will the Philadelphia Eagles go in after another disappointing season?
McNabb hasn't played his last game, that's for sure.  Something is going on in that ball club that I can't explain.  The intensity wasn't there at the end of the year when they could have won the division, got the bye week, and had home field in the playoffs.  McNabb & Vick didn't go after fumbles like they should have, they didn't fight like they should have.  The Eagles just didn't play with that intensity.

The Eagles GM position is open, the Rooney Rule comes into effect, they had discussed elevating one of their Front Office Personnel to GM, but the league stepped in and told them they need to comply with the rule.

Will McNabb goto Buffalo?  Will they keep Vick?
I don't pay attention to anything until it happens.
Didn't really pay much attention to the question here..and no it wasn't my question.

Do you like this year's Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl format?
I like it more because I see the Super Bowl as the end of a great football season, so I don't think it is necessary to travel to Hawaii the week after the Super Bowl to watch a bunch of guys who don't play hard and don't want to get hurt play football.

What do you think about Schneider being hired as the Seahawks GM?
I think it's a good fit.  Schneider was with the Seahawks a few years back, he did a great job with the interview process, our guy Marc Ross who interviewed just didn't have the Pro Experience to get the job.  Schneider has been the Senior Director of Football Operations for 7-8yrs and was previously the VP of Pro Personnel so he definitely has the experience.

Do you think Brett Favre will be back if they don't win the SB?  Do you think Favre made the Vikings who they are?
No question he made the Vikings who they are this year, this is the best I have ever seen Favre play.  I don't know if he will come back.  Right now he has done everything they have asked him to do....so I don't know...it should be one hell of a game.

When evaluating a QB, what are some of the key attributes? 
Ability to throw the ball with accuracy and/or arm strength.  Accuracy is the most important attribute, along with a quick release and pocket awareness.  You have to be able to move and move in the pocket, and he has to be able to read Defenses.  "If you are a stonewall QB then you are going to get stoned."  The QB has to show leadership and has to be a tough guy, he has to stand in there and take the shot, he can't flinch in fear of the hit.

Do you think Tim Tebow will get a chance to play, and will he have to change his throwing motion to play QB?
Tebow will play QB, he won't be a first round or Top 20 guy, I think he will be more of a shotgun or Wildcat QB, or maybe even at the TE spot because of his size & toughness.  I don't think he will be a Pro Bowler or even a Starter, but I do think he will be a player in the league because of his athletic ability and toughness, but I don't see him as an NFL QB.

 

Russ Lande discussion is tomorrow.  I have plenty of questions from last week so I will get those answers tomorrow and post them.

For those of you who said Gailey is a replica of Dick Jauron, from what I've seen thus far, you are mistaken.

Head on over to Buffalobills.com and watch the Press Conference & 1-on-1 with Chan Gailey.

Both Gailey & Nix are a nice change of pace around OBD.

I've been saying since last night, when the news first broke, that I am in favor of this hire, and now after watching the Press Conference and his interview, I am even more in favor of this hire.

A whole new attitude has been brought to the Bills organization this year.

Last year, TO said he would stay in Buffalo to finish his career because of  how Jauron ran his practices, he said it would make it possible for someone nearing the end of his career to extend his career a few years longer.

I don't see this happening with Gailey, the players better be ready to work.

Once again I will have access to John Wooten at 9pm EST.

I will be asking him about Chan Gailey as well as his thoughts on Leslie Frazier being passed up once again.

What else do you want to know?

*I will edit this post after tonight's meeting with answers to all questions so check back in around 10pm EST.

Tomorrow night I will be speaking with Russ Lande who was not able to attend last week's meeting.

Here are the topics covered at tonight's discussion with John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance. Ed. Note: Bumped from the FanPost section, because this is sort of super cool. End Note

Rooney Rule (Seattle)
John says that before the news of Pete Carroll to Seattle broke, Seattle contacted the league office and the Fritz Pollard Alliance about who is available and setting up interviews with minority candidates; because they did this early on, the Fritz Pollard Alliance is satisfied with how things turned out.

In regard to changes to the rule, it doesn't seem like anything will happen. John also discussed his stamp of approval on the Washington coaching search as well.  When new coaches are hired, he contacts them and tells them if they need help filling a staff to let them know and they will provide them a list of candidates for different coaching positions. He did this yesterday with Carroll.

He also says since Super Bowl XL, five of the six teams involved in subsequent championship games were under the guidance of a minority coach or GM thanks to the Rooney Rule.

Leslie Frazier
John says he has known Leslie since he was a player in college. He compared Leslie Frazier to a combination of Tom Landry and Tony Dungy. He has extreme knowledge of the game and he also has high values. He won't be cursing and swearing on the sidelines, but he will bring high intensity, motivation, and problem management skills to an organization.

John said when he spoke to Bills GM Buddy Nix afterwards, Buddy told him that he was completely blown away by the interview; it was as if Leslie was reading Buddy's notes to answer the questions he was asked. It was an "outstanding" interview.

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