by Steve
Eeeek the draft is in four weeks! And now that the Bills took a stab at the wide receiver market I don't see them going wide receiver at 9 (albeit both Mike Williams and Stevie Johnson are likely not on the roster next season). Thus the pick should be UNC tight end Eric Ebron. But let's see what all the so called experts are saying now:
Todd McShay - Eric Ebron TE, UNC
Finally someone with some insight! Mostly because he agrees with me. Can't get the friggen write up because you have to have insider. (who actually pays for that shit?)
Mel Kiper Taylor Lewan OT, Michigan
"Analysis: I’d like to find a good matchup threat in
the passing game for my young quarterback. But keeping him healthy is
the first concern, and getting Lewan — who easily could have been a
top-two pick last season in a thinner draft — at No. 9 is a good value
at a position of need. The draft is deep with pass-catchers, and I take
advantage of that in Round 2, taking Seferian-Jenkins even ahead of Jace
Amaro. Scott Chandler is a pretty good player, but “ASJ” is at another
level athletically, and his presence could also allow Buffalo to involve
some two-tight end looks. I’m taking a shot on a big target in Round 3.
At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Coleman provides great length and the ability
to make plays over defenders. I also see safety as a need, but building
around EJ Manuel wins out here based on how the board played out."
The Bills don't need a right tackle at # 9 in the first round of the draft. Yes Lewan might be a stud but what is a "stud" right tackle? The alleged most important position on the offensive line is left tackle so is a mediocre RT really going to effect things much? The only thing that saves this is taking the big TE Seferian-Jenkins from Washington in the second. He had a bad injury last year which has hurt his stock but if healthy could be a great pick up in the 2nd round. Moreover, Lewan has huge question marks with alleged rapes and assaults hovering over his head.
Walterfootball Jake Matthews OT, Texas A & M
"The Bills filled some of their holes in free agency, but there are three
glaring positions of need that still have to be addressed: wide
receiver, tight end and right tackle. Buffalo will likely choose the top
player available who can fix those needs. As it stands in this mock
draft, the order would likely be Jake Matthews, Mike Evans and Eric
Ebron.
Matthews is just too good to pass up. He'd start instantly and could
eventually be moved to the left side if the Bills think Cordy Glenn
would be better at right tackle."
I follow the logic but this assumes Evans is gone and Derrick Carr is drafted in the top ten? If Johnny Manziel is still on the board and a team doesn't want to trade up to get him I'll be surprised. At least Walt has been consistent is keeping this pick plus it seems Matthews may be a value pick at nine. (also Matthews was in town today at OBD getting interviewed)
Joe Buscacglia Mike Evans WR Texas A & M
"With both offensive tackles off the board, the
Buffalo Bills draft a player that will immediately help the progress of
EJ Manuel. The Bills' second-year player is in desperate need of a
safety blanket type of player, and the "I'll go anywhere and get the
ball" type of playing style in Evans' 6-foot-5 frame is a welcomed
addition. This is a dynamite pick for the Bills, and will add to one of
their core weaknesses from 2013... offensive explosiveness."
This was before the Mike Williams trade but I follow the train of thought. I would still be on board with an Evans selection here. Stevie Johnson and Mike Williams are seemingly on a year to year contract at this point. Unless either or both players have outstanding seasons and or agree to restructure their contracts after the season they'll likely be cut. Thus having Evans next season when he can really start to have an impact makes a lot of sense.
Daniel Jeremiah CJ Mosley ILB, Alabama
"Mosley and Kiko Alonso would form one of the top young linebacker duos in the league."
Some what surprising pick here but I can never disagree with a defensive pick here (outside of yet another CB). This is a huge need for the Bills and could go along way in solidifying a top ten defense. The only concern is alleged franchise QB Erik Manuel still has limited weapons on offense.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Bucky Gleason is a Moron
by Steve
I know no one reads newspapers any more but in a sports town with basically only two major media outlets (WGR550 and the Buffalo News) we don't have many options. A lot of people's minds are molded by what the writers at the News say and what the people on WGR say. Just have a conversation with any random person and they are usually repeating whatever someone at either of those outlets recently said.
That's why when dumbasses like Bucky Gleason write shit like this it pisses me off. I'm not saying everyone needs to be a homer and just say what we want to hear but at least say things with logical reasoning or have a freaking fact checker on staff.
A sixth round pick for anything is not a "steal" it is a sixth round pick. Dustin Hopkins, Mark Asper, Chris White, Bryce Drake anyone? Oh they were Bills sixth round picks the last four years.
Lovie Smith is respected? No he isn't, the guy is a bum. But the best part is the cap space. Bucky Gleason knows what Google is right? I mean he must because he certainly doesn't do any independent reporting. Here is a breakdown of Williams contract from ESPN:
In 2014, Williams’ base salary is a guaranteed $1.2 million and his cap figure is $1.8 million. In 2015, Williams’ base salary rises to a guaranteed $5.2 million and his cap figure will be $6.8 million.
In 2016, the base salary is $5.6 million with a $1 million roster bonus and a $600,000 workout bonus, and his cap figure will be $7.2 million.
$1.8 in cap space!!!! How shit the Buccaneers are geniuses!! They could sign their fourth round pick now! Furthermore, this "headache" could be cut by the Bills and all they would lose is a 6th round pick if this awful Michael Williams is such a drain on society.
Reckless because he likes to have friends over to party instead of going out on the town and getting into trouble? Eek don't have fun, don't do anything but concentrate on football 24/7. A major risk? A major risk is giving this guy a ton of guaranteed money (there is none in the contract he already signed). A minor risk is giving away a late round pick for a player that can actually make an impact on the field.
Did you just contradict yourself within the span of two paragraphs? You say the Bills knew what they were getting then assume they didn't talk to any local people about a guy that grew up in Buffalo? Anyone else feel like their head is going to explode?
"But, apparently, the Bills believe a wide receiver who already had a run-in with their coach, who has a lengthy arrest record, who is coming back from a season-ending injury and was stabbed by a sibling, is the answer."
Uh yeah, because you can't just get a guy that makes an impact for basically nothing unless there is risk involved (albeit very little ie a 6th round draft pick). This is professional sports not high school. You take the good with the bad. Do you want to win or do you want to be the small town small minded holier than thou lovable losers? The guy has ZERO, yes ZERO, violent offenses. Who doesn't run red lights or like to party when you are 26 and have a ton of money?
Oh wait, I saved the best for last:
Yes, Bucky Gleason actually wrote that and it was printed in the newspaper and is still online as we speak. Let's take a look at the timeline here:
December 1, 2008 Doug Marrone is hired as Syracuse head football coach. Mike Williams played for Syracuse football on Sept 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, October 3rd, 10th, 24th. He played in 7 games in Marrone's first season and he was kicked off the team with four games left in the season. So, yes in fact Williams DID play for Marrone at Syracuse.
I know no one reads newspapers any more but in a sports town with basically only two major media outlets (WGR550 and the Buffalo News) we don't have many options. A lot of people's minds are molded by what the writers at the News say and what the people on WGR say. Just have a conversation with any random person and they are usually repeating whatever someone at either of those outlets recently said.
That's why when dumbasses like Bucky Gleason write shit like this it pisses me off. I'm not saying everyone needs to be a homer and just say what we want to hear but at least say things with logical reasoning or have a freaking fact checker on staff.
"Williams was obtained for a sixth-round pick, which ever-optimistic Bills fans viewed as a bargain for a player of his caliber. The deal does look like a steal ... for the Bucs. They shopped him across the NFL and considered waiving him before dumping the remainder of his six-year, $40.25 million contract."
A sixth round pick for anything is not a "steal" it is a sixth round pick. Dustin Hopkins, Mark Asper, Chris White, Bryce Drake anyone? Oh they were Bills sixth round picks the last four years.
"New Bucs coach Lovie Smith, a respected NFL voice and class act, made it clear that Tampa Bay had no room for players such as Williams. They effectively ridded themselves of a headache and created some cap space in the process."
Lovie Smith is respected? No he isn't, the guy is a bum. But the best part is the cap space. Bucky Gleason knows what Google is right? I mean he must because he certainly doesn't do any independent reporting. Here is a breakdown of Williams contract from ESPN:
In 2014, Williams’ base salary is a guaranteed $1.2 million and his cap figure is $1.8 million. In 2015, Williams’ base salary rises to a guaranteed $5.2 million and his cap figure will be $6.8 million.
In 2016, the base salary is $5.6 million with a $1 million roster bonus and a $600,000 workout bonus, and his cap figure will be $7.2 million.
$1.8 in cap space!!!! How shit the Buccaneers are geniuses!! They could sign their fourth round pick now! Furthermore, this "headache" could be cut by the Bills and all they would lose is a 6th round pick if this awful Michael Williams is such a drain on society.
"Williams is young, single and absurdly wealthy after signing his extension with the Bucs. I'm guessing he's incredibly immature. His behavior could be filed under Young and Dumb, but it also means accepting the idea that Williams is selfish and reckless and a major risk for the Bills."
Reckless because he likes to have friends over to party instead of going out on the town and getting into trouble? Eek don't have fun, don't do anything but concentrate on football 24/7. A major risk? A major risk is giving this guy a ton of guaranteed money (there is none in the contract he already signed). A minor risk is giving away a late round pick for a player that can actually make an impact on the field.
"Dude, seriously?"Dude, seriously? Are you a paid (presumably) sports writer or a high school sports blogger?
"The Bills knew what they were getting into with Williams long before making the trade. Williams' past was hardly a secret. Most recently, his brother stabbed him in the leg and is facing criminal charges. Overall, his career has been littered with problems going back to his days at Syracuse.
The Bills should have picked up the telephone and asked a few people around Western New York about Williams before trading for him. You don't need to be an expert in 40-yard dash times and the intricacies of route running to offer advice. You need to have eyes and ears in the community."
Did you just contradict yourself within the span of two paragraphs? You say the Bills knew what they were getting then assume they didn't talk to any local people about a guy that grew up in Buffalo? Anyone else feel like their head is going to explode?
"But, apparently, the Bills believe a wide receiver who already had a run-in with their coach, who has a lengthy arrest record, who is coming back from a season-ending injury and was stabbed by a sibling, is the answer."
Uh yeah, because you can't just get a guy that makes an impact for basically nothing unless there is risk involved (albeit very little ie a 6th round draft pick). This is professional sports not high school. You take the good with the bad. Do you want to win or do you want to be the small town small minded holier than thou lovable losers? The guy has ZERO, yes ZERO, violent offenses. Who doesn't run red lights or like to party when you are 26 and have a ton of money?
Oh wait, I saved the best for last:
"Bills coach Doug Marrone knows Williams, so maybe he can fix him. Then again, how well does Marrone really know Williams? He never coached him at Syracuse. Marrone took over in 2009. Williams already was suspended once and was facing another when he left the team before Syracuse played a game under Marrone."
Yes, Bucky Gleason actually wrote that and it was printed in the newspaper and is still online as we speak. Let's take a look at the timeline here:
December 1, 2008 Doug Marrone is hired as Syracuse head football coach. Mike Williams played for Syracuse football on Sept 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, October 3rd, 10th, 24th. He played in 7 games in Marrone's first season and he was kicked off the team with four games left in the season. So, yes in fact Williams DID play for Marrone at Syracuse.
Maybe I could be your fact checker, then again I'm not getting paid to do this. But it worked out great when Marshawn Lynch was ran out of town.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Bills trade a 6th for WR Mike Williams
by Steve
Per internet reports the Bills have (pending a physical) traded a 6th round pick for Buffalo native wide receiver Mike Williams
As we know Williams was in a bit of an off field kerfuffle a few weeks back after getting "stabbed" by his brother. Who knows exactly what happened there but presumably the Bills did some due diligence in regards to the incident. Furthermore, Williams ran into trouble in December of 2013 when he caused some damage to his ex-girlfriend's crib although the charges were later reduced to a probation esque treatment program.
Williams (26 years old 6'2 216) isn't gigantic but he is a big enough target that the Bills may not go WR at 9 in the draft now. I like the trade. A sixth round pick is literally nothing and now the options in the draft are endless. Tight end Eric Ebron any one???!
In July of 2013 the Buccaneers gave Williams a six year $40.25 million contract albeit there was no signing bonus. Why give a guy that huge contract then trade him one season later? This seems to be a classic "the new coach wasn't in love with him (Lovie Smith)" AND a "wellllll maybe he just needs a change of scenery" type thing.
Williams last full season was 2012 where he posted 62 catches 996 yards and 9 TDs. In 2013 Williams tore his hamstring after five games. So, off the field issues + an injury + a a big contract = given away for nothing.
And as an aside, lets not forget about the history Mike Williams and Doug Marrone have at Syracuse. After the 2008 season when Williams was having issues at SU he left in less than amicable terms. It was presumed that Marrone and Williams never saw eye to eye and Marrone never really reached out to him after taking over as head coach. How these two will be able to co-exist will be worth watching.
We'll see.
Per internet reports the Bills have (pending a physical) traded a 6th round pick for Buffalo native wide receiver Mike Williams
As we know Williams was in a bit of an off field kerfuffle a few weeks back after getting "stabbed" by his brother. Who knows exactly what happened there but presumably the Bills did some due diligence in regards to the incident. Furthermore, Williams ran into trouble in December of 2013 when he caused some damage to his ex-girlfriend's crib although the charges were later reduced to a probation esque treatment program.
Williams (26 years old 6'2 216) isn't gigantic but he is a big enough target that the Bills may not go WR at 9 in the draft now. I like the trade. A sixth round pick is literally nothing and now the options in the draft are endless. Tight end Eric Ebron any one???!
In July of 2013 the Buccaneers gave Williams a six year $40.25 million contract albeit there was no signing bonus. Why give a guy that huge contract then trade him one season later? This seems to be a classic "the new coach wasn't in love with him (Lovie Smith)" AND a "wellllll maybe he just needs a change of scenery" type thing.
Williams last full season was 2012 where he posted 62 catches 996 yards and 9 TDs. In 2013 Williams tore his hamstring after five games. So, off the field issues + an injury + a a big contract = given away for nothing.
And as an aside, lets not forget about the history Mike Williams and Doug Marrone have at Syracuse. After the 2008 season when Williams was having issues at SU he left in less than amicable terms. It was presumed that Marrone and Williams never saw eye to eye and Marrone never really reached out to him after taking over as head coach. How these two will be able to co-exist will be worth watching.
We'll see.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
2014 MLB Total Wins: AL
by Steve
Time to break down the total wins for the American League. Here was a look at the National League total wins:
American League East
NY Yankees 86.5 under
Never count out the Yankees, oh wait.. nevermind they're dead.
Boston Red Sox 88.5 under
Last year was lightning in a bottle
Baltimore Orioles 81.5 under
Tough division .500 at best.
Tampa Rays 89.5 under
Just barely under.
Toronto Blue Jays 79.5 over
I was wrong about this team last year so doubling down seems to be in order.
Central
Cleveland Indians 82 over
Tito knows how to manage so I'm on board with the Tribe unfortunately.
Chicago White Sox 75.5 under
This team is bad.
Minnesota Twins 70.5 under
How did they give their manager an extension?
Detroit Tigers 90 over
Why not?
Kansas City Royals 82 push
over .500 is commendable.
West
Houston Astros 63 over
Time to start winning, at least a little.
LA Angels 86.5 over
Last year was an aberration.
Texas Rangers 87 under
This division will be the most competitive in baseball.
Seattle Mariners 81 under
I have a hard time believing this team will finish about .500
Oakland A's 88 under
Too many wins, bang the under,
Time to break down the total wins for the American League. Here was a look at the National League total wins:
American League East
NY Yankees 86.5 under
Never count out the Yankees, oh wait.. nevermind they're dead.
Boston Red Sox 88.5 under
Last year was lightning in a bottle
Baltimore Orioles 81.5 under
Tough division .500 at best.
Tampa Rays 89.5 under
Just barely under.
Toronto Blue Jays 79.5 over
I was wrong about this team last year so doubling down seems to be in order.
Central
Cleveland Indians 82 over
Tito knows how to manage so I'm on board with the Tribe unfortunately.
Chicago White Sox 75.5 under
This team is bad.
Minnesota Twins 70.5 under
How did they give their manager an extension?
Detroit Tigers 90 over
Why not?
Kansas City Royals 82 push
over .500 is commendable.
West
Houston Astros 63 over
Time to start winning, at least a little.
LA Angels 86.5 over
Last year was an aberration.
Texas Rangers 87 under
This division will be the most competitive in baseball.
Seattle Mariners 81 under
I have a hard time believing this team will finish about .500
Oakland A's 88 under
Too many wins, bang the under,
2014 MLB Total Wins: NL
by Steve
Let's take a look at the over under total wins for each team in the National League. Oh and my predictions of course: (AL over /under's)
NL East
Atlanta Braves 88 over
What is going on down there in Atlanta? Elbow ligaments are poppin off more than the choppas. This division stinks which leads me to believe they can still win 89+
Washington Nationals 89.5 over
Might be the lock of the year albeit I probably thought that last year too.
NY Mets 74.5 under
Still a year away from almost contending.
Philadelphia Phillies 75.5 under
This team is toast. New manager, old ass players and limited talent.
Miami Marlins 69.5 under
That is a lot of losses then again this team is pathetic.
Central
Chicago Cubs 69.5 over
This franchise is pathetic.
Pittsburgh Pirates 84 over
Last year was no fluke.
Milwaukee Brewers 80 under
Rebuilds typically take more than one year.
St Louis Cardinals 92 under
90 or 91 wins sounds about right
Cincinnati Reds 84 over
No more Dusty, I love it!
West
LA Dodgers 93.5 under
They're really good but exceptionally good? Nah.
San Diego Padres 79 under
This team is all no names and nobodies. I don't see it
Arizona Diamondbacks
No clue, I'll say push.
SF Giants 85.5 over
This team is loaded with arms and still no bats. Last year was a fluke
Colorado Rockies 76.5 under
The division is decent but the Rockies aren't.
Let's take a look at the over under total wins for each team in the National League. Oh and my predictions of course: (AL over /under's)
NL East
Atlanta Braves 88 over
What is going on down there in Atlanta? Elbow ligaments are poppin off more than the choppas. This division stinks which leads me to believe they can still win 89+
Washington Nationals 89.5 over
Might be the lock of the year albeit I probably thought that last year too.
NY Mets 74.5 under
Still a year away from almost contending.
Philadelphia Phillies 75.5 under
This team is toast. New manager, old ass players and limited talent.
Miami Marlins 69.5 under
That is a lot of losses then again this team is pathetic.
Central
Chicago Cubs 69.5 over
This franchise is pathetic.
Pittsburgh Pirates 84 over
Last year was no fluke.
Milwaukee Brewers 80 under
Rebuilds typically take more than one year.
St Louis Cardinals 92 under
90 or 91 wins sounds about right
Cincinnati Reds 84 over
No more Dusty, I love it!
West
LA Dodgers 93.5 under
They're really good but exceptionally good? Nah.
San Diego Padres 79 under
This team is all no names and nobodies. I don't see it
Arizona Diamondbacks
No clue, I'll say push.
SF Giants 85.5 over
This team is loaded with arms and still no bats. Last year was a fluke
Colorado Rockies 76.5 under
The division is decent but the Rockies aren't.
Monday, March 17, 2014
NCAA Tournament Buffalo Bracket
by Steve
Finally the bracket is official, here are the match ups:
6. Ohio St vs. 11 Dayton 12:15PM
3. Syracuse v 14. Western Michigan 2:45PM
7. UConn v 10 St Joe's 6:55PM
2. Villanova v 15. UW Milwaukee 9:30PM
Ohio St v Dayton is the first game of the tournament pitting two teams separated by about 60 miles. OSU is -6 o/u 130.5. Big Ten v Atlantic Ten is an intriguing match up. Ohio St has been up and down all season and is lucky to be a six seed really. Dayton was one of the last teams into the field. Expect a lot of Ohio residents in town.
Syracuse v W Michigan also an early game match up is pretty much a snoozer. Anyone that watched the MAC at all this season knows it was a down year (UB beat WM by 21 points earlier this season in Amherst). and Syracuse is over hyped and over rated because the media loves them and probably graduated from there. Cuse is -12 o/u 128. The only joy I will take out of this game is the idea the Orange could get bounced on day one in Buffalo and all their fat orange fans will be crying back down the 90.
Syracuse v Ohio St sounds like a very good Saturday match up though. So let's go chalk here.
Uconn v St Joe's is the best game of the day. The Huskies are -4.5 o/u 130. The A10 has six teams in the field compared to the AAC only getting four teams in. Uconn's conference was obviously top heavy but from top to bottowm the A10 has the better conference. I still expect the best back court in the country to prevail even if a lot of prognosticators like the underdog Hawks. Joe's was a bubble team until they got hot and won the A10 tournament but will their momentum carry over to Thursday? Doubt it.
Villanova v Milwaukee should be another sleeper. The Wildcats are -16.5 o/u 140. I don't even know what conference Mil is in, Horizon maybe? Nova seemed to me to be over hyped all season and fell flat in the Big East tournament. Are they a true two seed? Before the tournament they only lost to two teams (Syracuse and twice to Creighton) and have a nice win over Kansas.
UCONN v Villanova may be the game of the tournament pitting two former Big East rivals against each other. Get your popcorn ready.
Finally the bracket is official, here are the match ups:
6. Ohio St vs. 11 Dayton 12:15PM
3. Syracuse v 14. Western Michigan 2:45PM
7. UConn v 10 St Joe's 6:55PM
2. Villanova v 15. UW Milwaukee 9:30PM
Ohio St v Dayton is the first game of the tournament pitting two teams separated by about 60 miles. OSU is -6 o/u 130.5. Big Ten v Atlantic Ten is an intriguing match up. Ohio St has been up and down all season and is lucky to be a six seed really. Dayton was one of the last teams into the field. Expect a lot of Ohio residents in town.
Syracuse v W Michigan also an early game match up is pretty much a snoozer. Anyone that watched the MAC at all this season knows it was a down year (UB beat WM by 21 points earlier this season in Amherst). and Syracuse is over hyped and over rated because the media loves them and probably graduated from there. Cuse is -12 o/u 128. The only joy I will take out of this game is the idea the Orange could get bounced on day one in Buffalo and all their fat orange fans will be crying back down the 90.
Syracuse v Ohio St sounds like a very good Saturday match up though. So let's go chalk here.
Uconn v St Joe's is the best game of the day. The Huskies are -4.5 o/u 130. The A10 has six teams in the field compared to the AAC only getting four teams in. Uconn's conference was obviously top heavy but from top to bottowm the A10 has the better conference. I still expect the best back court in the country to prevail even if a lot of prognosticators like the underdog Hawks. Joe's was a bubble team until they got hot and won the A10 tournament but will their momentum carry over to Thursday? Doubt it.
Villanova v Milwaukee should be another sleeper. The Wildcats are -16.5 o/u 140. I don't even know what conference Mil is in, Horizon maybe? Nova seemed to me to be over hyped all season and fell flat in the Big East tournament. Are they a true two seed? Before the tournament they only lost to two teams (Syracuse and twice to Creighton) and have a nice win over Kansas.
UCONN v Villanova may be the game of the tournament pitting two former Big East rivals against each other. Get your popcorn ready.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Buffalo Bills Sign OLB Keith Rivers
by Steve
Again Tim Graham reporting the Bills signed former Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers to a two year $5 mil contract of which half is guaranteed.
Damn the Bills love former Bengals linebackers. He was the 9th overall pick in 2008. Two years ago the Bengals traded Rivers to the Giants for a 5th round pick according to Wikipedia. Rivers played in all 16 games for New York last year putting up few notable stats on a horrible defense.
Walterfootball had River, 28, ranked as the 14th best OLB available when free agency started and as the 8th best LB still available at the time of the signing (with all of the top 5 still unsigned).
Walterfootball gave the signing a grade of D
"Maybe Buffalo is like the Twilight Zone. Perhaps it's lucrative to overpay for the worst free agents up there. I don't know; I've never been.
All kidding aside, this signing means one of two things: Either Jim Schwartz is planning to move to the 4-3, or he's completely oblivious to the fact that Buffalo ran a 3-4 last year. I'm not a fan of unnecessary scheme changes, and I'm also not in favor of giving seven figures to injury-prone backup fodder like Keith Rivers."
Ouch. Pretty harsh for a depth signing but hey 1.8% of the salary is indeed 1.8% of the salary cap.
ProfootballFocus had Rivers ranked the 14th linebacker in their rankings (he played 429 snaps last season) albeit on that same list Arthur Moats was ranked 6th so take that FWIW. Although also according to PFF Reith Rivers was ranked the 11th OLB against the run in 4-3 defenses which is exactly what the Bills were horrendous at.
Again Tim Graham reporting the Bills signed former Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers to a two year $5 mil contract of which half is guaranteed.
Damn the Bills love former Bengals linebackers. He was the 9th overall pick in 2008. Two years ago the Bengals traded Rivers to the Giants for a 5th round pick according to Wikipedia. Rivers played in all 16 games for New York last year putting up few notable stats on a horrible defense.
Walterfootball had River, 28, ranked as the 14th best OLB available when free agency started and as the 8th best LB still available at the time of the signing (with all of the top 5 still unsigned).
Walterfootball gave the signing a grade of D
"Maybe Buffalo is like the Twilight Zone. Perhaps it's lucrative to overpay for the worst free agents up there. I don't know; I've never been.
All kidding aside, this signing means one of two things: Either Jim Schwartz is planning to move to the 4-3, or he's completely oblivious to the fact that Buffalo ran a 3-4 last year. I'm not a fan of unnecessary scheme changes, and I'm also not in favor of giving seven figures to injury-prone backup fodder like Keith Rivers."
Ouch. Pretty harsh for a depth signing but hey 1.8% of the salary is indeed 1.8% of the salary cap.
ProfootballFocus had Rivers ranked the 14th linebacker in their rankings (he played 429 snaps last season) albeit on that same list Arthur Moats was ranked 6th so take that FWIW. Although also according to PFF Reith Rivers was ranked the 11th OLB against the run in 4-3 defenses which is exactly what the Bills were horrendous at.
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