SBNation.com User Blog: tomcs

Quick Off-season Idea/Mock Draft

tomcs — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:37:12 -0000

Just was thinking about the current QB situation of the Bills and the 2013 draft. Clearly no one is truly impressed with any of the QB prospects to feel very comfortable taking one in the top 10. There is great talent this year at the DE position, (along with OL but we are pretty set there), and I feel we need to take advantage of this.

Here's a quick plan for the off-season and draft:

Cut Fitzpatrick. This is no brainer, it will save us money next year and we desperately need to turn the page.

Acquire Alex Smith. This is more controversial. He definitely is not the true "answer" at QB. However, he is a proven player who can lead this team to the playoffs. This signing makes QB less of a need during the draft.

3 Round Mock:

Round 1: DE Ezekiel Ansah BYU (6'5" 274lbs) - Obviously this pick depends on who is taken earlier, but I feel this guy can truly be a great all around DE. He has great athletic ability which is a great attribute for a multiple D scheme that Pettine looks to run.

Round 2: QB EJ Manuel FSU (6'5" 240lbs) - Reach. This pick even more so depends on who is taken earlier. I would rather take Glennon (I think he will be gone), but I think Manuel's athletic ability is very intriguing. He has the physical tools, although his accuracy is inconsistent. That is why I would like Glennon more. But, EJ would be a great prospect to develop. Not a huge fan of Nassib, Wilson or Barkley but wouldn't be upset if we drafted them. Glennon I feel has the best arm of the group, has pretty good accuracy, but needs to work on consistency with his footwork, which I feel can be taught.

Round 3: LB (insert name here) - We need to draft someone to replace Barnett. I was thinking of picking up a FA, but that is just a short term fix. I am not real familiar with prospects so I won't pretend to be.

After these thoughts we still have a glaring need at WR. I think acquiring one in FA is the best option because I feel we are in a win now mode and generally rookie WRs struggle for their first couple years. I don't think we can get Bowe, but we need a big target on the outside.

Your thoughts?

Here's a quick plan for the off-season and draft:

Cut Fitzpatrick. This is no brainer, it will save us money next year and we desperately need to turn the page.

3 Round Mock:

Your thoughts?

Poll

Should the Bills draft a DE in the 1st?

Yes

43 votes

No

75 votes

118 votes | Poll has closed

QB and Head Coach Prospects Combinations

tomcs — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:12:40 -0000

So now that we have a better idea of the direction of the Bills, along the lines of QB and head coach, what combination of the two would you want and why?

I think it would be an interesting conversation to have on what Head Coach would be best to help develop a young QB, or if a coach we brought in wasn't an offensive coach then what coordinator should he bring along. I think the idea of HC Doug Marrone and QB Ryan Nassib could be interesting just like Miami with OC Mike Sherman and QB Ryan Tannehill. What do you think?

Also a quick poll on who do you think the Bills should pick as a HC.

So now that we have a better idea of the direction of the Bills, along the lines of QB and head coach, what combination of the two would you want and why?

Also a quick poll on who do you think the Bills should pick as a HC.

Poll

Who do you think should be the Buffalo Bills next head coach?

Lovie Smith

111 votes

Ken Whisenhunt

19 votes

Ray Horton

9 votes

Mike McCoy

18 votes

Chip Kelly

45 votes

Other (Andy Reid, Mike Holmgren, Jay/Jon Gruden)

29 votes

231 votes | Poll has closed

My 53 Man Roster Prediction

tomcs — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:58:05 -0000

Now that it is getting closer to cut down time (still a couple weeks but I'm getting anxious ha), I'm going to make my prediction on who will make the team. My ideas will definitely differ from what Brian has projected as well as jbbillfan's prediction. But this is what I feel would be the best team for now as well as the future.


Offense
	Starter	Back up	3rd String
QB	Fitz	V. Young	B. Smith
HB	Freddy	Spiller	White
FB	Corey Mac
WR1	Stevie	Hagan	TJ Graham
WR2	D. Jones	D. Nelson (slot)
TE	Chandler	Dickerson
LT	Glenn	Hairston
LG	Levitre
C	Wood
RG	Urbik	Rinehart
RT	Pears	Young	Sanders

Defense

RDE	Mario	K. Moore	R. Eddins
DT	Kyle	S. Johnson
DT	Dareus	D. Edwards
DE	M. Anderson	Kelsay
SLB	Moats	N. Bradham	T. Carder
MLB	Sheppard	Morrison
WLB	Barnett	B. Scott
CB	Williams	McGee	J. Rogers
FS	Byrd	D. Howell
SS	Wilson	Searcy
CB	Gilmore	L. Mckelvin	R. Brooks

ST

K	Lindell	Potter
P	Moorman
LS	G. Sanborn

Didn't format exactly how I wanted it to but I think its clear. I probably put some of the back-ups behind the wrong person but these are the 53 players I think should make the team to be the best now and for the future. However I am still debating whether or not to cut Mckelvin for Prince Miller or not.. but for now I think Miller will go on the PS.

Mario Williams to the Bills

tomcs — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:21:07 -0000

Mario Williams to the Bills

James Walker thinks the Bills should go after Mario Williams, as do I. There has been a lot of discussion about him on this blog, and everyone seems to want him, but obviously it seems like a long shot for the Bills to pay the money and for him to want to come here. But interesting to see other people are thinking about it.

Colts drafting Luck #1

tomcs — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 03:35:15 -0000

Colts drafting Luck #1

Dancam1 wanted this to be posted so here it is. To me this is no surprise, but what are they going to do with Manning? Any thoughts?

Marcell Dareus Mic'd up Broncos Game

tomcs — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:34:29 -0000

Marcell Dareus Mic'd up Broncos Game

This is great. He looks dominant. Drayton Florence's conversation with him at the end is great.

been playing all season with a bad knee, torn groin, seperated shoulder, broken finger and torn...

tomcs — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:33:16 -0000

been playing all season with a bad knee, torn groin, seperated shoulder, broken finger and torn ligments in my hand...and some of you saying i dont put it all out there. SMH. I tried to go back in the game 4 times, begged coach to put me in even tho my groin was killin. Coach wouldnt put me back in the game. no matter how hard i begged it wasnt happening. I die for the Bills, every sunday. Would have died to go back in the game when i was tryin to. But coach said no. what Chan says goes.

-Stevie Johnson

http://www.facebook.com/StevieJohnson13

Should we take a QB?

tomcs — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:04:37 -0000

I have said NO to this since the Bills signed Fitz to the extension. Although now I am having second thoughts..

Depending how the Bills finish the season, will tell me if Fitzpatrick can lead this team next year to the playoffs. If we finish well, not that they have to go 3-1 but if they go 1-3 and are competitive in all of the games then I think we should draft an OLB 1st pick (Courtney Upshaw) or maybe a top WR or CB depending on who is available. But not a QB.

However if we go 5-11, and are not competitive in every game, my faith in Fitzpatrick will definitely waiver. While even now I am fully confident in Fitz's abilities, there are some GREAT QBs available, and I dont know if we can pass on them. While we are definitely out of Luck contention and should not even consider a trade for him, guys like Barkley and RG3 have really impressed me. Landry has not, he seems like the Blaine Gabbert of this draft to me.. could be wrong though.

Its unknown whether either RG3 or Barkley will come out but if they both do and we go 5-11 we could have a chance and either of them. Personally RG3 is the guy I like. He is unbelievable. An NCAA record holding Track Athlete and a very accurate QB with a great deep ball. He will probably win the Heisman. And if you watching the Heisman show now he is wearing superman socks - with a cape. He would be a great QB for the Bills to get and would be instantly inject life into this fan base that is running out of patience for a play off team.

So any thoughts?

I have said NO to this since the Bills signed Fitz to the extension. Although now I am having second thoughts..

So any thoughts?

Poll

Who should the Bills take in the 1st Round of the 2012 NFL Draft?

Best CB available

13 votes

Best WR available

13 votes

Best OLB available

105 votes

Robert Griffin III

179 votes

Matt Barkley

27 votes

337 votes | Poll has closed

4-3 versus 3-4

tomcs — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:51:02 -0000

There has been a lot of discussion as we are now talking about next year on whether or not we should run a base 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. I am a heavy supporter for keeping the 3-4. I think if you have good LBs you will have a good defense, which we don't have yet. We need to get more talent, especially at OLB this offseason.

Many people, including me, believe the strength of our defense is our DL. This is a major reason why many people feel we should switch to a 4-3. We would have Williams and Dareus at DT and that would be great to have them both shooting gaps. But heres the problem with us running a 4-3 IMO, we will still have 2 major holes in our front 7, DE and OLB. Our good DEs Carrington and Edwards would be DTs in a 4-3. We would have Spencer Johnson and Kelsay starting at DE. That will not generate a pass rush. We might need 2 4-3 ends. Also at LB we would have Barnett and Sheppard, but then we would still need another OLB, maybe 2 because idk if Barnett or Sheppard can play 4-3 OLB. So what good would a 4-3 be besides having 2 good DTs and then plenty of other holes.

In the 3-4 we still have holes but the players on our team our the right size to play their positions. In this defense we have 0 needs on the DL. Carrington, williams, Dareus is a great line. With Troup, edwards, johnson, heard rotating in this is a good group. We have 2 good ILBs, Barnett is a proven vet (who we may need to replace soon), and Sheppard is developing in his role. Kelsay is an okay OLB, but we need a pass rusher to rotate in with him (maybe a 3rd or 4th rd pick). And we have an obvious hole at the other OLB position which i believe needs to be replaced with a first round pick (Courtney Upshaw). But the problems in this defense can be addressed in one draft. Switching back to the 4-3 would take longer.

Also if you look at some of the top defenses that come to mind when you think of good defenses what system do they play. Good defenses such as the Ravens, Steelers, Jets, Texans all run the 3-4. While there are exceptions the Bengals have a great D, the Lions D is pretty good. But i would take the Steelers, Ravens, or Texans Defenses over any defense in the league. Now they also have great 3-4 coordinators which this team may need. But I think Buddy Nix is making the right decision on a 3-4. I know there are plenty of people who disagree so thoughts?

Poll

What base defense should the Bills run?

3-4

83 votes

4-3

22 votes

105 votes | Poll has closed

My Thoughts Part II Defense

tomcs — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:36:08 -0000

Yesterday I did a quick offensive analysis. Helped me clear my thoughts. I'll follow it up with a defensive analysis as I said I would.

The 3-4 needs to STAY. A lot of people saying they should go back to 4-3, which i totally disagree with, we would have the same issues. Also the TOP defense are generally 3-4. I think we need to get a new defensive coordinator. Someone who can scheme up effective blitzes and different packages to confuse an offense. I dont know if wannestedt is the guy though. He is a 4-3 guy, but idk maybe he can. So here it goes:

RDE: Carrington will be the guy. Edwards as the back up, is a good rotation.

NT: Dareus should be the long term guy here. Hes much heavier than Williams and can be a force in the middle for years to come. Troup will be a good guy to rotate in.

LDE: WIlliams should be the guy here. He is lighter than Dareus, but shorter, which is a concern. But i think he would be more effective as an end. I think he is more athletic than Dareus which is a strength at DE. Spencer Johnson is a good rotational guy here.

LOLB: Kelsay is okay here. Batten can rotate in. Moats is undersized, but hes not good at coverage so maybe ILB depth or a pass rushing specialist on 3rd down.

ILB: Barnett. Good addition, better than Poz. Morrison is good depth. White got hurt.

ILB: Sheppard was a great pick, but we need to add more talent here, late round picks, just to get depth. Davis should be gone after this year.

ROLB: Merriman was a good pick up talent wise. He was good against run and helped create a little push to stop run. He clearly cant stay on the field, maybe he can just be a pass rushing specialist next year or something. But this position is the #1 team need. We should draft 2 OLBs this year. 2 in the first 4 rounds this year.

SS: Wilson Searcy and Scott are all good here.

FS: Byrd is great, I think Corto is the back up which is fine cause wilson can play FS, if byrd goes down.

LCB: Aaron Williams should be the starter here next year. with Rogers backing him up. Maybe Leodis stays and is the back up here.

RCB: McGee if he stays should start, but he has been hurt so often idk about him. We signed drayton for two more years. He should start here, for now. I think we should bring in a good CB from FA and a draft 1 in the first 4 rounds next year.

I think next year the defense if they make some good picks and pick up a couple good guys from FA can be substantially improved from how they are playing now. They were okay in the beginning of the season but injuries killed them this year, along with severe lack of talent at OLB and CB. Next year these things should be addressed. and this unit will start in developing into a great group. NIx did a GREAT job in building this defense from the inside out and now needs to continue that progression.

Yesterday I did a quick offensive analysis. Helped me clear my thoughts. I'll follow it up with a defensive analysis as I said I would.

RDE: Carrington will be the guy. Edwards as the back up, is a good rotation.

NT: Dareus should be the long term guy here. Hes much heavier than Williams and can be a force in the middle for years to come. Troup will be a good guy to rotate in.

LOLB: Kelsay is okay here. Batten can rotate in. Moats is undersized, but hes not good at coverage so maybe ILB depth or a pass rushing specialist on 3rd down.

ILB: Barnett. Good addition, better than Poz. Morrison is good depth. White got hurt.

ILB: Sheppard was a great pick, but we need to add more talent here, late round picks, just to get depth. Davis should be gone after this year.

SS: Wilson Searcy and Scott are all good here.

FS: Byrd is great, I think Corto is the back up which is fine cause wilson can play FS, if byrd goes down.

LCB: Aaron Williams should be the starter here next year. with Rogers backing him up. Maybe Leodis stays and is the back up here.

My thoughts

tomcs — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:51:42 -0000

Well after thinking and discussing today's and past sunday's events, I feel this team is still headed in the right direction. They need more talent. Especially at WR, OL, LB, CB. But I think so far this team has been built right and will continue to be built right.

Although I think we need a better 3-4 defensive coordinator. Someone who can scheme up different packages and blitz effectively. We have had the same problems all year and little has been done to attempt to fix them.

On offense I think we are fine. The spread scheme will work, but we need receivers who can catch and get open over 10 yards. But I would like to see some new wrinkles. I think they should run more 2 TE sets and run the ball, and get Spiller more involved. Although we have been forced to be one dimensional because our defense doesn't make a stop on third down.

So I feel like doing a position by position analysis. More for my mental health than anything, but you can read it if you want.

Offense:

LT: Hairston is the future I think he will develop into a great LT. He has the size and has played pretty well thus far.

LG: Levitre. Re sign him soon.

C: Wood. He is great i just hope he can be healthy next year. Need to decide who is his backup. Hang was not good. Maybe sign another veteran to back him up.

RG: Urbik/Rinehart. I think Urbik can be the guy here. maybe draft a late round guard to develop.

RT Pears. Has played well so far. Maybe Sam Young develops into future starter or possible late round pick.

RB: Jackson is the man for the next couple years. Need to give Spiller more touches i think he can be a great NFL back.

FB: C-MAC!

WR: Stevie is good. We need a real #2. maybe draft a guy in the first or second (floyd or toon?). Nelson is a good slot, naaman is a good 5th option. Need a #4, speedster.

QB: I think Fitz is ok. He needs a team around him. A defense that can make stops. and a talented WR core. I believe he can lead us to the playoffs. But We should consider drafting a QB either this year or next to develop, because I'm not overly confident.

I'll do the defense analysis tomorrow if any reads this one... Goodnight. GO BILLS!

So I feel like doing a position by position analysis. More for my mental health than anything, but you can read it if you want.

Offense:

LT: Hairston is the future I think he will develop into a great LT. He has the size and has played pretty well thus far.

LG: Levitre. Re sign him soon.

C: Wood. He is great i just hope he can be healthy next year. Need to decide who is his backup. Hang was not good. Maybe sign another veteran to back him up.

RG: Urbik/Rinehart. I think Urbik can be the guy here. maybe draft a late round guard to develop.

RT Pears. Has played well so far. Maybe Sam Young develops into future starter or possible late round pick.

RB: Jackson is the man for the next couple years. Need to give Spiller more touches i think he can be a great NFL back.

FB: C-MAC!

WR: Stevie is good. We need a real #2. maybe draft a guy in the first or second (floyd or toon?). Nelson is a good slot, naaman is a good 5th option. Need a #4, speedster.

I'll do the defense analysis tomorrow if any reads this one... Goodnight. GO BILLS!

A Question About 2012 Draft.

tomcs — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:23:12 -0000

Seeing all the mock drafts coming out now as teams are generally where they will be (standings wise) at the end of the year got me thinking. I have a question:

If we had the chance to draft Michael Floyd (i think he is the most likely WR to be available around pick 32..) would you take him over an OLB (like a Courtney Upshaw)?

Personally I would. This offense needs another great outside receiver, and would instantly improve our passing game. Although if we were to get a great OLB that would drastically improve our defense and then we could take a WR in the 2nd, like a Nick Toon (similar size and speed). However I think Michael Floyd is a great receiver that would be an immediate impact player. But I could go either way because we desperately need a good OLB. Your thoughts?

Seeing all the mock drafts coming out now as teams are generally where they will be (standings wise) at the end of the year got me thinking. I have a question:

If we had the chance to draft Michael Floyd (i think he is the most likely WR to be available around pick 32..) would you take him over an OLB (like a Courtney Upshaw)?

A reason to believe in Spiller.

tomcs — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:17:13 -0000

I've talked to a lot of people about CJ Spiller. Personally, I still think he can be a great NFL back, even though many people have told me no. And today I read something that really intrigued me.

I was not around when OJ Simpson played or much of any of the Bills history for that matter, but I read that it took 3 years for OJ Simpson to develop into a great NFL back (in an article about if OJ's name should stay on the wall, written by Larry Felser in 2006). I remember going to the first home preseason game of Spiller's rookie year, my uncle told me that he looks like OJ and that he will be the starter this year over Jackson, (a lot has changed with Jackson now though, so i don't think this should be the case and still didn't at the time). Of course its a different Era of the NFL, but i think a good running back is a good running back no matter what period. So after reading about this I am more hopeful than I was previous.

Any thoughts on this comparison, and is this a reason to be more patient with Spiller?

I've talked to a lot of people about CJ Spiller. Personally, I still think he can be a great NFL back, even though many people have told me no. And today I read something that really intrigued me.

Any thoughts on this comparison, and is this a reason to be more patient with Spiller?

John Clayton's QB Rankings

tomcs — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:16:25 -0000

John Clayton's QB Rankings

Fitz as the #27 QB in the league. Unbelievable, ESPN. I think he is at least Top 20. thoughts?

Why so upset?

tomcs — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:09:25 -0000

Everyone is so upset over the trade i don't understand why.

Lee Evans had 37 receptions last year. not a #1 receiver.

Although at first i wanted them to keep him, i totally agree with the move.this allows are younger receivers to have consistent playing time.

We are running a spread offense, now we can have stevie and easley on the outside with nelson and parrish on the inside, with depth of roosevelt and jones maybe davis. This could also allow for Brad Smith to play some WR maybe.

Looking at last year's WR trades a 4th round pick for lee evans is a good deal, look at the Santonio Homes deal, and he is a true #1 receiver.

So I am still optimistic about this upcoming season and do NOT see how this trade negatively effects the bills, except maybe in locker room presence and a veteran at WR. But we have guys that can fill in.

GO BILLS!

Everyone is so upset over the trade i don't understand why.

Lee Evans had 37 receptions last year. not a #1 receiver.

Although at first i wanted them to keep him, i totally agree with the move.this allows are younger receivers to have consistent playing time.

Looking at last year's WR trades a 4th round pick for lee evans is a good deal, look at the Santonio Homes deal, and he is a true #1 receiver.

GO BILLS!