Coast's Big Board - How is QB NOT the Bills Number One Need?

As we all know, the most important position in ALL sports is quarterback in the National Football League. If you don't have a good to great quarterback, your chances of consistent success in the NFL are slim to none. The Bills spent their 2013 first round draft pick on a quarterback, EJ Manuel. In the old days, when a franchise drafted a quarterback in the first round, they were married to that guy for years because of the financial burden. With the rookie wage scale, if the QB isn't good, you can kick him to the curb after a year without major financial implications. The only negative would be the perceived embarrassment from around the league.

Doug Whaley has publicly put all of his chips in the pot backing EJ Manuel. That, my friends, is embarrassing. EJ Manuel played 10 games, suffered 3 knee injuries (2 of which non-contact), had maybe 1 decent game and most embarrassing of all, a redshirt freshman took over his team and won the Heisman and the national title. EJ Manuel did not even come close to showing enough in his rookie season to warrant being given the reigns no questions asked this season. This is a win now league. The Bills arguably have enough talent on the roster to compete, but without a quarterback, the will be mediocre at best. The Bills ceiling with EJ Manuel is the Cincinnati Bengals...wild card one and done. If EJ Manuel was in this draft, where would be be ranked? 5th? 6th? The case can be made that he would be ranked behind Manziel, Bortles, Carr, Bridgewater, Garoppolo, Mettenberger, McCarron...that would make him 8th. Put him behind Savage and he would be 9th! There are quarterbacks available with more talent than EJ Manuel and that is NOT arguable. Isn't the point to get the most talented quarterback possible? I guess according to Whaley, that is not the point.

Anyways, here is my big board for the Bills first round pick. This ranking is who I would want the Bills to draft, in order, and why. I know some of these players are not going to be possible without a trade, but I am  hoping for a miracle.

1. Johnny Manziel: I know he is short, but I don't care. He is talented and charismatic and that can't be argued. People are concerned about his durability. Would be really be less durable than Manual?

2. Blake Bortles: I watched about 2 of his games this season and saw all I really needed to see. He is tough and a pure competitor. He reminds me of Big Ben. If Bortles is somehow there at 9, the Bills gotta take him. Are the Bills really going to pass on Bortles and watch him become a perennial pro bowler while they toil at 7-9?

3. Khalil Mack: Mack seems like the most sure thing defensive player in the draft. He could play all three downs on defense at a position of serious need. He was a man among boys against Ohio State in the biggest game of his college career (pick 6 and sack fumble (even though it didn't count).

4. Jadeveon Clowney: Everyone talks about this guy being a once in a decade talent. He might be, but I still have some concerns about his attitude.

5. Sammy Watkins: The Bills definitely need help at WR. Although I am sort of against drafting an offensive player that is not a QB because of the chance they will be wasted, Watkins has too much potential to pass up.

6. Mike Evans: The Bills haven't had a WR that could go up and get it and stretch the field since Moulds. Evans could be that guy. Was he good in college just because of Manziel though? Time will tell...

7. Eric Ebron: First round tight ends usually don't pan out. I can't even think of a top 10 tight end that ended up being a star off the top of my head. Anyways, the Bills haven't had a tight end since Riemersma so he would be worth a shot before drafting ANY offensive lineman.

8. CJ Mosley: The Bills need a LB so if they can't get Mack, Mosley is the next best.

9. HaHa Clinton Dix: Are we really comfortable with Duke Williams/DeNorris Searcy/Corey Graham? No.

10. Justin Gilbert: The Bills have what 2 mediocre corners? We are waiting for Gilmore to become that stud shut down guy. McKelvin is a guy. Roby is 3 feet tall. They could rationalize taking one.

There's my top 10. In general, I want the Bills to go QB. If they don't go QB, I want them to draft the best defensive player (non defensive tackle) available, other than the 3 past catching prospects. Offensive line in the first round would probably cause me to have a canniption.

Here's to hoping Doug Whaley smartens up and drafts a QB in the first round.

Players the Bills Shouldn't Draft

by Steve

The draft (FINALLY) is in three days.  Here is my draft big board, but I digress.  Let's move on to the players I don't think the Buffalo Bills should draft (specifically in the first round [and more specifically at number 9 overall]):

The second best offensive tackle available.
There are rumors of the Bills being interested in taking (gasp) Zack Martin from Notre Dame.  Martin, from what I gather, is about the fourth best tackle available (and may be the fourth tackle drafted).  This could quite possibly be the worst draft pick since the 80s.  Not only isn't it Taylor Lewan (arguably the best tackle sans off the field legal issues) or Greg Robinson (the actual top tackle) but the fourth fucking tackle off the board! Doing something so dumb and pointless as drafting the fourth tackle in the top 10 is worse than the CJ Spiller, Mike Williams and John McCargo draft selections.  Even the third OT off the board is a horrid proposition.

Sammy Watkins
(if Mike Evans is still on the board)  Watkins might be the better WR overall but Evans is the type of player the Bills need much more than a Sammy Watkins.  Evans is at least four inches taller than Watkins and a straight up beast. He may be slower and less explosive but his size is the prototype of what the Bills are sorely lacking. This section also includes any other WR available at 9 not named Evans because Im not interested.

Any defensive lineman
(not named Clowney)  The Bills don't need a defensive tackle or a defensive end this high unless it is the top player at the position like Clowney.  Dareus and the Williams boys will be around for at least two more seasons and likely a few more than that.  Address the position on Friday or Saturday.

Any other defensive player
(not named Mack or Clowney)  A safety would seem like a waste because they could have just over paid Byrd.  Another linebacker besides Khalil Mack isn't good value at 9 and wouldn't make a huge difference at least right away.  A cornerback would be very Bills thing of the Bills to do but again it isn't a major concern.  Besides, if Doug Whaley and co. like any other defensive player they could quite possibly move down several spots, get an extra pick, and find a very good defensive player (Clinton-Dix,  Mosley, Barr, Dennard or Roby).

Any Quarterback
I say this with hesitation because drafting a quarterback at nine would be awesome.  It would be the biggest surprise I could possibly imagine other than the Bills trading up into the top three. Are any of the quarterbacks in this draft elite? Are any of them legit franchise guys? Probably one or two but taking one at 9 basically ends Manuel's career in Buffalo after ten games and flies in the face of everything Whaley has said lately. Manziel might be tempting but do we really want an overhyped undersized asshole as the new face of the franchise (ummm maybe?)?

2014 NFL Draft Big Board

by Steve

The draft is in a week, good thing you found me now because I'll be filling you in on what you idiots need to know before next Thursday night.  Here is my 2014 Big Board:

2014 Buffalo Bills schedule

by Steve

Zero prime time games, start the season on the road all home games start at 1pm and the last two games are on the road?

This might be the worst schedule ever

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Compilation

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.

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.

"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.

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.