How bad would this be:

  * 1st
    DE Harvey/CB Cason/WR Thomas,Kelley,Sweed

  * 2nd
    CB Cason/TE Rucker, Carlson, Cottam

  * 3rd
    TE Rucker/Carlson/Cottam or a CB

  * 4th
    FB Schmidt/C Justice/ ??????????

Buffalo needs depth, I didn't realize and was not on the DE bandwagon until recently.  Regardless of Kelsay and Schobel's "deals" it is irrelevant, they are both getting old, and replacements are needed, not immediately, but certainly soon.  I believe that this team has the fundamentals to suceed.

is the answer.  Buffalo needs a WR, but not Kelly, he is the wrong Kelly.  Need somebody more durable like Sweed or Hardy.  Both probably second rounders, which is where Buffalo wants to be when drafting a WR.  Get a TE in the third Rucker/Carlson et al.  Get a DB either CB of FS/SS in the first, preferably CB.  I like FB Schmidt out of WVU in the fourth, many boards have this.  From the fifth on go for depth at DE, DT, OL etc.  I also contend that we might be able to add another pick by trading picks up, down and/or moving positions depending on where we want to be in a given round.  There is still a lot of room.  I don't like the idea of drafting a WR early, but all four of our first four picks started last year.  I still believe WR to be a crap shoot, but the guys at OBD have a ton more information than we do.  We might not like it, but we have to have faith.  

Buffalo played their hand at FA by releasing Price.  They all but ensured that they will seek a WR in FA.  I don't care.  As the off season goes on I believe that they will acquire a FA WR and draft one in the 3rd or 4th round.  I believe that they will also pick up a FA DT.  Thus, there draft (not necessarily in order, but close) should be:

    FA)   WR - Johnson, Hackett, etc.
    FA)   DT - Williams
    1)    LB - Rivers
    2)    WR - Hardy
    3a)   TE - Ruckers
    3b)   CB - Thomas
    4)    FB - Schmidt
    5-7)  Build depth everywhere

I feel that this shores up all the holes and puts Buffalo in a good position, if, which it shouldn't, gives them depth and the opportunity to win.  Although they sucked in 2007, I feel that was partly on play calling, injuries and testing unknowns.  I think that shoring up the weaknesses, everyone will be better.  

Lee

implementing a rotational 4-3 and 3-4 Defense?  I understand it would be difficult, especially with young players, but didn't Dallas do it in the mid 90's with success?  Also, if Buffalo keeps Trent and JP, why can't they try some sort of rotation at QB.  I understand that leaves the O relatively leaderless or at the very least in question.  It worked for Florida which I realize is college ball and not pro.  I think that anything that is different or unusual can work.  Isn't that what Marv did with the K-gun on the Super Bowl teams?

I know I have not been active on the site, however, I have found a little time.  My suggestion for the draft is:

Round
1  Defense - The best value of who is left at #11
       Keith Rivers
       Sedrick Ellis
       Vernon Gholston
2  Offense - WR or TE, this will depend on the    
   ups and downs on the boards, but I like
       Martin Rucker
       James Hardy
    In addition, I think either could fall to the
    third round.  This also assumes that a free
    agent WR like Roy Williams or similar is
    aquired.  I think that Rucker would make an  
    immediate impact at TE and we already have
    veteran depth.  Furthermore, we have a "good"
    recieving corps that can be enhanced with an
    aquisition in free agency.  
3a Offense - Either of the aforementioned could  
   fall to the third round and the draft is
   fairly strong on big TE/WR's to this point.
3b Defense - CB - I can't really pin this to
   anyone at this point, but there should be
   some quality and/or value here.  
4  Defense - Need to get a defensive lineman for
   depth at end or an impact at tackle.  

This is assuming that we aquire a big, quality WR in free agency.  I don't know what the FA market  
will bring for defensive linemen or backs.  

Looking forward to critiques
Lee
       

I, unfortunately, do have to agree with Brian regarding the alleged QB controversy.  He was quite clear and adamant, several months ago, that JP was our QB.  Granted, Edwards had a good showing on Sunday, however, JP could have done the same thing.  One of the answers will be Monday night.  

I will interject this into discussion.  All the Bills drafts that play do very well.  Why not get Wendling into the game?  Especially since they are light on DB's.  Secondly, I realize that Gaines and Royal are the best TE's in years, but why not get Schouman involved, draft picks have proven themselves.  

I think that the Offense is starting to play like a team, which they should have done weeks ago.  Nonetheless, the O and the D are actually looking good for the price and considering the D is as about as American as they come, a bunch of ragtop a-holes that got kicked out of every good team, proving that they can do it.  They are doing well.  

Lee

What if the Bills utilized a defense scheme which incorporated a little more 3-4, for rotational purposes and to be a little more confusing, or should I say, a little less obvious.  I realize that they are not exactly heavy on LB's, but it would allow more flexibility on the line.  I have always been a fan of the 4-3, but I think a rotation involving a 4-3 and 3-4 could help the defense stay fresh, control the run, the pass and provide some form of pass rush.  I think that the Bills should reduce efforts on the pass rush, especially against the Patriots, concentrate on the secondary and the rush.  

Also, I hope that JP and Fairchild have worked out an offensive plan that can put some points on the board.  I don't really believe that they can win this Sunday, but it would be nice, and don't forget on any given Sunday anybody can win.  

Thanks
Lee

I will agree with Brian and MARVelous that JP is the starting QB and should remain.  I will also concur with rexob that Fairchild should be doing much better at play calling, perhaps the plays are just too complicated and they need to keep things simpler for the time being.  A learning curve, most of started crawling before walking and certainly running.  I am not suggesting that the Bills play high school level, but just to mix it up (a lot) with some of the less complicated plays which don't backfire and pepper with some complicated stuff.  The Patriots will be formidable and we need to get the defense off the field for some breaks.  How are they going to shut down the Patriots passing attack.  I hate the Patriots, but let's be realistic, they are good.  

Look forward to feedback.
Lee

The defense looked outstanding today, considering it is one of the youngest and most inexperienced.  However, one of two things must happen, either change the play calling on offense or bench JP and and let Edwards have the offense.  It appears that the Bills drafts are doing there share and contributing.  JP looked indecisive and that is a problem.  The Bills only fixes, ultimatley are, either QB or coaching calls that do not do him justice.  The fix is needed immediately.  

Hi,

I just joined BufflaoRumblings and look forward to being involved in spirited discussion. I am from WNY, however currently reside in the Capital District.  I have been a lifelong Bills fan and am currently raising a 6yr old to do the same.  I try to make it West at least once a year for a game, but it can be difficult.