If Cutler goes Top 7...

[Might]

Someone exceptional will fall to us at 8.

Assume Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, Jay Cutler, and Vince Young are all top 7 picks. After that... there are 5/6 absolute STUDS, with at least one of them guaranteed to fall to Buffalo.

After the 4 I mentioned above, one of these guys will drop to us at 8:

Mario Williams
D'Brickashaw Ferguson
AJ Hawk
Vernon Davis
Haloti Ngata
Michael Huff

I'm guessing Ferguson and Williams will be gone, leaving us with the following:

AJ Hawk
Vernon Davis
Haloti Ngata
Michael Huff

Only one of those guys will be gone, and I'm willing to bet it's either Hawk or Davis. In which case, I'd like for them to select whoever isn't.

So if our options are Davis, Ngata, and Huff... I'd opt for Davis.

I know TE is not THE #1 priority, but think about it like this: You take the Best Player Available, unless you are a serious contender the following year and have a hole to fill.

Huff will be good... but the whole "don't take a Long Horn with a top 10 pick" scares me a little. Plus, there are good safeties later in the draft, and the gap between Huff and some of them isn't as wide as it is between Davis and the other TEs.

A player like Davis doesn't come up every year... when someone that special does, and you are a rebuilding team, I think you take that guy.

Waiting for Sco's appauled response.

[Griffs77]

You take the Best Player Available

Not saying that I disagree with you, but man oh man- TD shoved that line down our throats for five years! It's like PTSD- you freak out everytime you hear it and recoil against it for no rational reason. I see TD & GW & MM using that phrase in my nightmares!

[pigskin]

What are you talking about, the phrase "best player available" has been around a lot longer than TD.

[Griffs77]

What are you talking about, the phrase "best player available" has been around a lot longer than TD.
I know that. Please remember that I am the King of Sarcasm and it is alittle too heavy sometimes.

[coastal]

Why isn't Bunkley part of that list?

[Smapdi]

I absolutely agree that you must take Davis if he is there. This guy is an absolute stud and has #1 TE in the league written all over him in 2-3 years.

4.38 40 yard dash - same as Lee Evans
33 Reps of 225 - more than most o and d linemen
42 inch vertical - thats insane... 3 and half feet
6'2", 258 lbs - he's an absolute monster

With Moulds leaving Losman or whoever is starting is going to need somebody other than Evans to go to. He would help out Evans and Parrish greatly. Open up the middle of the field and be a monster in the redzone. The only players I would take over him would be Reggie Bush, D'brickshaw Ferguson, or Mario Willams.

I realise everyone is bitching about him being a TE and we have Everett and such but a man like Davis does not come around that often. With Campbell being cut, you just cant sign an athlete like Davis in FA. He is faster then Antonio Gates and I would love to see him a Bills uni.

[bozman949]

I would also like to see us take Davis - who knows? I just feel a little odd taking another fatbody in the top 10.

[Buffalo1]

Don't you remember how painful it was watching everyone run all over us with that feeling of helplessness. I do not want to go through that again.
Although it would be nice to see Davis and Everett at TE it would not outweigh the pain of watching every RB rushing for 200yds against us every week.

[The U]

Im pretty sure San Fran will take him to help the process of Alex Smith, He and Lloyd should have a very productive year, I say take Huff or Kiwanuka (The position we don't fill in FA.)

[Might]

Im pretty sure San Fran will take him to help the process of Alex Smith, He and Lloyd should have a very productive year, I say take Huff or Kiwanuka (The position we don't fill in FA.)

If San Fran takes Davis (and I think there's a good chance), then we have to take AJ Hawk I think. He's a level above Huff, Ngata, Bunkley, etc. The guy reminds me of Ray Lewis... so intense.

[Might]

If San Fran takes Davis (and I think there's a good chance), then we have to take AJ Hawk I think. He's a level above Huff, Ngata, Bunkley, etc. The guy reminds me of Ray Lewis... so intense.

Plus Fletcher will be gone soon.

[bcw]

My Buffslo top 5 right now are:
1) Williams
2) Brick (proboubly should be #1 but I like big play ability over solid, shut down lineman---does Marv?)
3) Hawk
4) Davis
5) Huff

I'd be happy with any of the above, or trading down to pick Bunkley or Justice. I would understand picking Ngata. That just about covers everyone, so I'm sure I'll be happy in the end!!!

[notacon]

Why is it so hard to understand that it ALL starts on the lines…both offensive and defensive.

I don’t care if Davis is the best TE to come out in two decades it won’t matter one iota unless we fix the lines first.

The best lineman on the board…offensive or defensive…is who we pick at #8. Period!

[Hsker4Life]

We need a defensive linemen. 31st in the league against the run!!! 31st!

Say we draft Davis, sure, he'll likely be a great one, but we're still going to be pitiful against the run, especially with Adams being cut! Davis won't even get his chance to shine if our defense can't get the other team's offense off of the field.

Having a terribly weak rushing defense is as bad as it gets. We need to do everything possible to improve that.

Draft Ngata at the 8 spot, or trade down and draft Bunkley!

[Buffalo1]

exactly, somebody agrees finally

[Might]

Why is it so hard to understand that it ALL starts on the lines…both offensive and defensive.

I don’t care if Davis is the best TE to come out in two decades it won’t matter one iota unless we fix the lines first.

The best lineman on the board…offensive or defensive…is who we pick at #8. Period!

No, I understand. If D'Brickashaw or Williams are there you have to take them. Only lineman worth taking at #8 would be Ngata (and we'd have to pass up Hawk and Vernon Davis to take him).

My point was it's not gonna get done in 1 year. We can get someone good on either line with our 2nd round pick. Plus there's still free agency to consider.

Yes... line is THE need. But if you're not a contender the following year, you have to take the best player available. Would you be happy taking Winston Justice with the 8th pick, leaving AJ Hawk and Vernon Davis on the board? I wouldn't. Also, Ngata's stock seems to be dipping some because of his weight.

I'll take a STUD TE/LB this year, and get the lineman elsewhere (FA, round 2 and 3, or even the following draft).

[Merk]

Why is it so hard to understand that it ALL starts on the lines…both offensive and defensive.





Everybody here understands that


What I dont understand is the logic behind the thought that if we dont use our first pick on an O or D linemen, we are than being accused of ignoring that posistion when we have 3 1st day draft picks after our 1st rounder and 7 more all together plus FA'cy


IMO you pick the best player on the board in the 1st round w/ little reguard for what is most needed. In rounds 2 through 6 you pick players based on need while still keeping an eye on your big board, and in the 7th you pick the biggest athletic freak you can find and try to mold him into somthing(a project of sorts) This way the player you pick in the 1st is less likely to be a bust and w/ the money involved in a first round pick the last thing you want to do is have him bust(example: M.Williams) plus the team is still addressing its needs

[bcw]

"Also, Ngata's stock seems to be dipping some because of his weight."

Not at all---that was before the combine. He came in at 6-4, 338 and really impressed. His stock is as high as ever.

[Bills23]

Personally, at this point I think the logical pick is to go with the athletic freak TE. If you remember, Dick Jauron identified his teams in Chicago as 4th quarter warriors, and really stressed conditioning. So taking into account that and the fact that there is no way the o-line and d-line can be fixed entirely by next year (sorry on ring in 06) Davis is our man (that goes to say the Williams and D’brick will be gone by 8). A lot of people are saying it doesn’t make since to pick him, but really think about it, if he is as good as it looks like wouldn’t you want to have him on the team in 2-3 years when our o-line is fixed. I say definitely.

As far as picking Ngata at 8 I don’t have a problem with him or his size. People have question if he will fattin up and not reach his full potential, but I think he will. Remember one of the main reasons he entered the draft early was to get money for his mothers medical bills (who sadly died in January). Ngata’s father pasted away a few years ago and now he said he wants to play for his 4 brothers/sisters. The kid is motivated to succeed and will, I have no doubt, but I don’t think he would fit into our cover 2 D, like others in the FA’cy market will. I think we will have the most success if we address the o-line and d-line in FA’cy and at least 2 first day picks.

I just think Davis would be a more successful pick and would help our underachieving offence in more ways then one especially in years to come. If we did get Ngata or Huff I would not be heart broken though.

[seanpva]

Everybody here understands that


What I dont understand is the logic behind the thought that if we dont use our first pick on an O or D linemen, we are than being accused of ignoring that posistion when we have 3 1st day draft picks after our 1st rounder and 7 more all together plus FA'cy


IMO you pick the best player on the board in the 1st round w/ little reguard for what is most needed. In rounds 2 through 6 you pick players based on need while still keeping an eye on your big board, and in the 7th you pick the biggest athletic freak you can find and try to mold him into somthing(a project of sorts) This way the player you pick in the 1st is less likely to be a bust and w/ the money involved in a first round pick the last thing you want to do is have him bust(example: M.Williams) plus the team is still addressing its needs


very well said

[Mouldsie]

You have to get a stud with this #8 pick.

[gunnar_zero]

Last week I wanted nothing besides a DL or OL.

Then the combine.

Usually I hate the players that Shoot up and down for the combine, Because I feel that what players do in college should count for more than 1 workout.

But Davis, Oh my gosh, He is so tempting.

The guys physically is the most dominant TE to come out in years. And he is skilled enought to have been a legit top 10 player before the combine, so he isn't all one workout.

I hated the bills for passing on Roy Williams and Jeremy Shockey to draft a needed OL player.

And just like that, I cannot sit by and watch the bills skip on Davis or Hawk for that matter.

If they choose not to draft him, they better TRADE down and fill out their roster.

Because when Davis puts up 1000 recieving someday, I will cry

[gunnar_zero]

Not to mention imagine our team with Davis, and possibly 3 starting Lineman (2nd, 3rd rounders)

That improves our team greatly. It would make JP and Evans much better.

Look how important Burress and Shockey were to Manning's development. Gates paved way for Brees' breakout season.

Great TEs can make a QBs career.

[emo]

i agree with merk, and mouldsie in that when you have the 8th pick in the draft , you have to get the best possible player regardless of need.

huff doesn't impress me as much as he seems to have impressed everyone else, hawk rana 4.58 40 at the combine, but was insane in every other drill, and he would be an amazing defensive pick

I'd still love to have williams over all these guys

if they draft vince young I quit, seriously I'll quit

[twosheds]

Plus Fletcher will be gone soon.

I like D'Quell Jackson (also a Terp) in the 2nd as a potential Fletcher replacement. He'd fit well and I think he's a very good player.

You don't set rookies as starters, btw, not on draft day, after minicamps, at best. If there's a hole at DT it has to be adressed via free agency. If the rookie can beat out the free agent, fine. But you can't draft e.g. Ngata as a DT-Starter no matter what.

[gunnar_zero]

I like D'Quell Jackson (also a Terp) in the 2nd as a potential Fletcher replacement. He'd fit well and I think he's a very good player.

You don't set rookies as starters, btw, not on draft day, after minicamps, at best. If there's a hole at DT it has to be adressed via free agency. If the rookie can beat out the free agent, fine. But you can't draft e.g. Ngata as a DT-Starter no matter what.


good point

I also think that Jackson would be a great pickup, but if we do go Best player in the 1st we need to address the lines in round 2, meaning MLB wouldnt be a wise choice.

[kdhammond]

This team has an abundance of holes. On the positive side that means most likely the best player available fits some need. On the down-side, it means that the Bills are some distance off from a playoff team.

[LifeSucker]

This team has an abundance of holes. On the positive side that means most likely the best player available fits some need. On the down-side, it means that the Bills are some distance off from a playoff team.

Well said - Rebuilding process.....Next year's draft is big too :(

[brewman74]

The Bills will probably take Ngata. It really depends on what they do in free agency. If they can get a solid run stuffer and OT then we might see V. Davis in Buffalo blue. With Moulds probably gone you have to replace him with someone. Is it possible we could trade for another top ten this year? Moulds/1 of our 3rds/ and next years #1? Sounds Crazy. Just trying to think outside the lines a bit.

[twosheds]

good point

I also think that Jackson would be a great pickup, but if we do go Best player in the 1st we need to address the lines in round 2, meaning MLB wouldnt be a wise choice.

I think we primarily need guards. We could bring in some Free Agents and throw some 3rd round O-Liners in the mix. The draft is said to be deep with good second round talent, so we might still get a good guard at the beginning of round 3. If there's a great guard available in round 2, of course, I say take him.

I think MLB is definately a need, though. Unless Haggan is doing well there. As far as the draft is concerned, I like to think of needs as holes that open up in a year or two. Look at what the Eagles did at the cornerback position.

[notacon]

No, I understand. If D'Brickashaw or Williams are there you have to take them. Only lineman worth taking at #8 would be Ngata (and we'd have to pass up Hawk and Vernon Davis to take him).

My point was it's not gonna get done in 1 year. We can get someone good on either line with our 2nd round pick. Plus there's still free agency to consider.

Yes... line is THE need. But if you're not a contender the following year, you have to take the best player available. Would you be happy taking Winston Justice with the 8th pick, leaving AJ Hawk and Vernon Davis on the board? I wouldn't. Also, Ngata's stock seems to be dipping some because of his weight.

I'll take a STUD TE/LB this year, and get the lineman elsewhere (FA, round 2 and 3, or even the following draft).

No you don’t.

Even mentioning taking a TE in the first round illustrates the lack of focus that has been borne the fruits during the TD years.

ALL talk about drafting a TE…or QB…or RB…or WR this year shows the same.

If a defensive or offensive lineman worthy of the 8th pick is not available then you trade the pick and move down to get even more lineman.

If Hawk is available…you trade the pick (to just about any number of suitors) and fill the biggest need.

I do not think that 2006 is a give away year.

Two O-linemen and two D-lineman by either the draft or FA and the Bills are immediate playoff contenders.

If you get the studs in FA before the draft then you stock up on backup lineman.

The future of this teams rests with what Levy does with the lines.

Any talk of drafting any less that 4 lineman is stupid.

[jefe91]

Moulds isn't going anywhere he has the leverage Levy knows we still need him, they fill OL, DL in fre agency and lower draft picks then you pick up Vernon Davis at 8, Juaron has shown that ability to win with out blue chip caliber talent at QB. If the Bills make these moves they will be able to improve upon last year

[Smapdi]

Did some of you forget there is a little thing called free agency that can bolster our lines? Theres a couple Hall of Famers in Shields and Hutchinson available. Im not advocating taking skill players all day in the draft; I was all for drafting the best linemen available at 8 untill I saw Vernon Davis combine numbers. I caught a couple of Terps games on TV and this dude is a monster. You HAVE to take him if he is there at number 8. The only players I would take over him would be Bush, Ferguson, or Willams.

We still have the 8th pick in the 2nd round, 3rd and 8th picks in the 3rd, and possibly a compensatory pick (Does anyone know when they announce those by the way?). This draft is very deep at o-linemen.

Vernon Davis is just too phsycially gifted to let pass by. He's faster than Antonio Gates and look what Gates has done for the once lowly Chargers.

When is the last time Buffalo had a go to tightend? ...... exactly, the Bills must take Davis if he is there.

[Smapdi]

If you're against Davis and you think he is just another TE go check out the highlight videos in his draft profile. Those will explain alot to you non-believers.

[emo]

Did some of you forget there is a little thing called free agency that can bolster our lines? Theres a couple Hall of Famers in Shields and Hutchinson available. Im not advocating taking skill players all day in the draft; I was all for drafting the best linemen available at 8 untill I saw Vernon Davis combine numbers. I caught a couple of Terps games on TV and this dude is a monster. You HAVE to take him if he is there at number 8. The only players I would take over him would be Bush, Ferguson, or Willams.

We still have the 8th pick in the 2nd round, 3rd and 8th picks in the 3rd, and possibly a compensatory pick (Does anyone know when they announce those by the way?). This draft is very deep at o-linemen.

Vernon Davis is just too phsycially gifted to let pass by. He's faster than Antonio Gates and look what Gates has done for the once lowly Chargers.

When is the last time Buffalo had a go to tightend? ...... exactly, the Bills must take Davis if he is there.

i agree with this and if you factor in the fact that the biulls will lose 80 catches and 4 td's from moulds there is a definite need for somoen to pick up that slack

[Might]

No you don’t.

Even mentioning taking a TE in the first round illustrates the lack of focus that has been borne the fruits during the TD years.

ALL talk about drafting a TE…or QB…or RB…or WR this year shows the same.

If a defensive or offensive lineman worthy of the 8th pick is not available then you trade the pick and move down to get even more lineman.

If Hawk is available…you trade the pick (to just about any number of suitors) and fill the biggest need.

I do not think that 2006 is a give away year.

Two O-linemen and two D-lineman by either the draft or FA and the Bills are immediate playoff contenders.

If you get the studs in FA before the draft then you stock up on backup lineman.

The future of this teams rests with what Levy does with the lines.

Any talk of drafting any less that 4 lineman is stupid.

You just don't get it. There are other ways to address the lines. I pity your ignorance.

[brewman74]

No you don’t.

Even mentioning taking a TE in the first round illustrates the lack of focus that has been borne the fruits during the TD years.

ALL talk about drafting a TE…or QB…or RB…or WR this year shows the same.

If a defensive or offensive lineman worthy of the 8th pick is not available then you trade the pick and move down to get even more lineman.

If Hawk is available…you trade the pick (to just about any number of suitors) and fill the biggest need.

I do not think that 2006 is a give away year.

Two O-linemen and two D-lineman by either the draft or FA and the Bills are immediate playoff contenders.

If you get the studs in FA before the draft then you stock up on backup lineman.

The future of this teams rests with what Levy does with the lines.

Any talk of drafting any less that 4 lineman is stupid.When was the last time you saw a team draft that way? I do think that we need to bolster both the O + D lines, but if we can get some studs in FA then that would open a number of different senarios. One being the V. Davis deal. I agree that the most important thing is the line. Thats where it all starts. But remember, there is alot of depth in this class. We'll be ok.

[FknGvna]

Some San Fran insight.

49ers | Looking for help at linebacker
Mon, 6 Mar 2006 11:58:28 -0800

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers will focus on upgrading their linebacker position through the free-agent market. Head coach Mike Nolan said the team will take a hard look at the position through free agency. He also added he understands the NFL Draft has a deep class of linebackers this year.

I say Hawk.