"He was stuck behind P. Williams and K. Williams. He has decent size and athleticism. He's a 3 tech guy who can go outside in a pinch. They call him "smart" and say his instincts and reactions to pad pressure and blocking schemes are a plus. He has improved his pass-rush and line techniques. He is quick in short areas and makes plays with relentless effort. He plays with good hand use and pad level. He can anchor with good technique and a strong initial punch, but he can be engulfed by good blockers when he fails to keep his pads down. They also call him durable and say he provides solid depth and contributes on special teams. They thought the Vikings would try to re-sign him because his blend of intelligence, high motor and durability are tough to come by."
Sounds like an athletic backup and possible replacement for Hargrove and Tim Anderson. Hopefully just a depth move but also a potential value signing.
Kawika Mitchel 6'1 253 28 years old. signed 5 years $17.5 million
Per espn.com
"He was a 16-game starter in the middle in 2006 and led the Chiefs with 104 tackle for the season. He is a two-year starter for the Chiefs at the MLB position. He is a good starter, but would not be described as much of a playmaker for the position. He is an every-down player in their defense. He is a smart player and adjusted well this season to the shift to the Cover 2 defense. He is a good overall athlete for the position. He plays hard and he competes on every single down. His athletic ability is better than his strength and he is better uncovered then covered up in their defense. He has improved as a leader in their defense and he does a good job of shifting and aligning players in the front four based on the offensive alignment pre-snap. He has improved his awareness and instincts for the position. Early in his career he would take some false steps in run support but this season he did a much better job of trusting his feel and playing with more of an attacking style. He is a player that shows good sideline to sideline speed and range. He is a player that can make plays out near the numbers based on his hustle and effort, rather than speed. He is not a physical take-on player in the run game. He has size, but he can get engulfed inline and is not a quick-shed player in run support. He is a willing take-on player and will not back down, but you would like to see him shed and make more tackles. Most of his tackles come as a freed up player that can get to the ball with little contact or avoid ability. He is a solid tackler inline and out in space. He is not very explosive, but he is dependable to get the man down to the ground. He shows good enough speed to run the middle of the field in their Cover 2 defense. He can flip his hips and he shows good speed to run with the tight end seam route. He shows good initial quickness to buzz from his zone drop. His instincts from his zone drops are just adequate. He does not break up a lot of passes and can be a step late when trying to make a play on the ball instead of the defender. He is a steady player, but he lacks play making ability. Last season he had two sacks and three pass-deflections despite being an every-down player. He has not forced one fumble in the past two seasons as a starter, which is not a real good stat for an every-down middle linebacker. He makes most of the plays he should, but he is not a guy that makes any plays that he shouldn't."
Steve's take -Sounds like he is a solid player, good against the run, which the Bills desperately needed, but wont make any jaw dropping plays. My guess is he'll be moved to weak side and Crowell will stay at strong side with Poz in the middle.
AND PEACE OUT Tripplett you never made enough plays and were invisible most of the time, sans the skins game.
On the eve of free agency and to bring an end to the 14 Days Till Free Agency, we'll do a nice round up and tie the ends together. No one is anticipating the Bills get buck nasty and spend all $39610000 of their cap space, but they do have to spend $26 mil minimum to get to the 86% of cap requirement.
Between Lee Evans and Crowell's contract extensions and $11mil ish for their draft picks there isn't a shit load of money that needs to be spent. However, to assume the Bills will in no way be players in free agency is silly. They threw mad jack around last season on o-linemen and I see them making a play on some dudes.
Lance Briggs will be really expensive but would fill a major need for this team. Jauron knows him and if he feels he is worth it or not I'll take his word for it, at least in this situation. The Bills also said they want a fullback, well, Lorenzo Neil was just cut, how about him?
Everyone in need of a tight end will be looking at Crumpler, who would be a significant upgrade on this team, but someone like Ben Utecht could be much cheaper and is flying under the radar.
Lets just hope that the signing of Tommy Kelly, $50.5 for 7 years is a not a precursor as to what is to come in free agency. I mean the dude might be good, but the highest paid DT in the league? He has played 7 games at the position before tearing his ACL. True, it is the Raiders and they are the worst run franchise in the NFL, but other players will see that contract and want more.
Lets pause to address a text received from fellow WNY Watercooler contributor T-wreck. "DJ Hackett, Bernard Berrian, Jerry Porter, Jabor Gaffney, Todd Collins, Billy Volek, Alge Crumpler, Kawika Mitchell, Lance Briggs, Rosey Colvin, how many of these dudes we getting" Evidently he really wants Volek, Gaffney, Hackett, and Michell.
Really, who knows what the Bills are going to do, we do know one thing though. They have a lot of holes, haven't made the playoffs in 8 seasons and desperately need to ball in free agency. 4 hours to go!!!!
"Are your hands cold and clammy? Does your face turn red for no reason?" So much for seeing that commercial, and soooo long Brian Soupy Mcsweat Veins Veins Veins spin-o-rama Camp-bell Campbell. I'll always remember the Umburger hit, yelling "he's dead he's dead" into some Philly fan/canadian at that amazing double OT thriller. I'll remember that silly spin-o-rama that the kiddies and women would always wooo for at HSBC arena. And I'll remember your game utterly collapsing and you whining and crying because you were being traded down the stretch.
If you loved Buffalo so much, 6 years $30 was plenty. And this.. "Don't boo me when I come back," the defenseman said this afternoon shortly after being traded to the San Jose Sharks. HAHA I can't wait to boo you just like I boo'd Drury and Briere when they were here. True I don't dislike you as much because at least we got something for you(Steve Bernier and a 2008 first-round pick) instead of allowing you to leave July 1, but you still will be playing for the opposite team.
Ok, Camp-Bell is the past, Steve "Big Bear" Bernier is the present and future, well along with that first round pick, somewhere around 22 over all. People, manly me, are comparing him to Mario Lemieux while others compare him to Vanek with less talent and more grit. At 6'2 225 he has size to ball and be a beast in front of the net. Here is an article of Joe Thornton fawning all over him.
He is only 22 and in three short seasons, 162 games, has amassed 42 goals 81 points and is a career plus player. He knows how to hit and isn't afraid to get nasty in front of the net. He plays the power play, already has playoff experience, and can probably only go get better from here.
What is the roof on this kid? Probably 30 goals in the best of circumstances, but from what little I really know about him, it sounds like he brings grit and strength, a scoring version of Pat Kaleta perhaps? Here is a video highlight:
Now on to bashing Darc Regier and Larry Quinny. Yup we are unofficially the Montreal Expos/ Florida Marlins of the Nation Hockey League. No foresight no foreskin, these two have taken one of the most exciting, successful, replicated teams in Buffalo sports history and disassembled them almost over night. The list since the 05/06 season is almost too long to list even on the internet!
Embarrassing probably isn't a strong enough word. But a more important problem than coming up with an adjective to describe the clowns that are the front office is, who is next? Who is the next 'big ticket potential free agent' to walk away from the organization without a new contract? Miller? Pominville? Andrew Peters? (Ok I'm joking with Petey but you get it)
How about even "Big Bear"? He is a RFA after the season? I mean, its not like "3rd line forward RFAs are ever taken away by some desperate team" err Dustin Penner? And its not like the Sabres have had to over pay a RFA in past years just to stave off cock smokes like Kevin Lowe. Here in lies the problem. What does Darc really have to base on in regards to giving Big Bear Bernier a contract extension? And what is fair really?
He has played less than 3 full seasons, he is only 22. Does he want more than 3 years, do the Sabres want to give someone more than 3 years? Is six years an option? I can only hope the Sabres get him in the offseason with just a tender offer, and then perhaps middle of next season see his true potential and throw out a long term deal. But with the CBA the way it is, nothing is out of the question at this point and who knows how years we'll have to fully grade this trade?
Day 11 of 14 Days till Free Agency finds WNY Watercooler breaking down available defensive ends eligible to sign Friday February 29th. With the Bills giving very lucrative contracts to both Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel, to the tune of $75 million, it is nearly impossible to picture the Bills going after an upper tier DE in either the draft or FA despite a clamoring by some fans.
Between to two d-ends, the whitest d-ends ever, they had 9 sacks total last year. Yes, nine! Ok, ok Schobel had 5 forced fumbles and was on the pro bowl team for the AFC, but who gives a shit. They run 10 yards pass any quarterback, they are a liability against the run, and quite frankly I believe they are over paid over rated and if it wasn't for their cap implications would be on the potential cut list. Here is the list of FA DEs: (via walterfootball.com)
Chris Canty RFA, Greg White, Justin Smith, Antwan Odom, Bobby McCray, Chris Clemons, Marques Douglas, Mike Wright, Jevon Kearse, Travis, Laboy, Darrion Scott, Chris Page, Chauncey Davis (RFA), Josh Thomas.
I've thought of Javon Kearse, who was paid about $30 mil for 22 sacks while with the Eagles. True he has been completely obliterated by injuries throughout his tenure there, is he healthy, was he a 2+ year wonder? Who knows, if he took a small contract I'd bring him in to rotate on the left side. I mean christ, we already know Fewell loves the rotation and with the loss of druggy/cop beater Anthony Hargove for the season, the Bills need someone for depth.
Maybe take a gander at a RFA like Chauncey Davis who is still young and has potential? True he has only 4 career sacks but does anyone really want to see more of Jason Jefferson or Copeland Bryan? Maybe look early on day two for the answer to this depth problem. And bye the bye, where is CJ Ah You? I just really hope Al Wallace is not the answer to this question and for that matter Ryan Dennelsay either.
Athletic Penn State linebacker Dan Connor has so far been the hit of interviews. Several teams have said it was the best interview they have seen a linebacker have in the last few years. His film diagnosis and knowledge of the game are precisely why he is a tackling machine. Many have added him to their lists' of must interviews after hearing stellar reports from his first three interviews. The N.E. Patriots and Tampa Bay added him to their lists after the rumors ran in the convention center.
Damn, PSU is a linebacker sausage factory. Not sure where he'll go in the draft but if he is around where the Bills pick which he will be they need to think about it strongly. Then again if he truly is a special ILB and moving Posluszney isn't an option then forget it.
The word at the convention center that comes from DeAngelo Hall directly is that Rod Coleman and Alge Crumpler and himself are being cleared out because of their support of Michael Vick and the fact that the teams' new G.M. is from the Patriots and wants to scrub the lockeroom clean. Teams interested in Hall that our source has confirmed are: Dallas, New York Giants, Tennessee, Miami, Buffalo, New Orleans and Kansas City.
As I've stated, CB is not a pressing need, and the potential cost of a DeAngelo Hall is too steep.
Veteran defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is trade bait and many 4-3 teams are lining up. Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Buffalo, and the New York Jets are all interested. Best offer so far is a 4th rounder.
Swap 1st round picks? A fourth for this dude would be an absolute steal.
Also rotoworld.com is saying: " The Panthers are reportedly no longer pursuing free agent Alge Crumpler. Crump is seeking a deal averaging $4 million per year, and with Jeff King around, the Panthers weren't going to meet his demands. The Bucs, Bills, Lions, and Titans have better chances of getting the 30-year-old Crumpler."
Nothing longer than 3 or 4 years plus he could be cut at the end of the contract any way, he is definitely worth $4 mil per.
also from buffalobills.com "The times are in for the 40-yard dash run this morning by the wide receivers. And there are a couple of standouts, including Indiana product James Hardy, who's already talked to the BillsIndiana's James Hardy ran a 4.47 in the 40. That's extremely impressive for a 6-6, 220lb wideout who was described as having marginal speed before the combine. Hardy told us Friday that the Bills have expressed some interest, his 40-time may make them even more interested. He does have some character question marks that teams will want to learn more about."
Huff on the outs Looks like the Raiders are trying to move Michael Huff, the safety taken before Whitner two drafts ago.
Two league sources tell the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald that it's "no secret" Raiders S Michael Huff is on the trade block.
Huff is going to be hard to trade with that $43 million rookie deal he signed in 2006. It's very surprising that the Raiders would be looking to unload Huff with no viable alternative behind him. Oakland needs a hitter at strong safety so Huff can move to center field and capitalize on his strengths.
Now I know many a Bills fan believe cornerback is a pressing need for the Buffalo Bills this offseason, but I disagree. Here is day 8 and 9 of 14 days till free agency, Cornerback and Safey. The Bills defensive scheme takes away lot of the importance of a shut down corner. Although, anyone could use a SDCB they just aren't worth the money they are getting in this new age of a rising salary cap w/ huge television revenues. Furthermore, with the return of Ko Simpson for 2008, safety isn't much of a concern either.
Rumor around the rumor mill is Asante Samuel, the top free agent corner and perhaps the top free agent in the NFL, is looking for a $100 million contract. Nearly $40 mil more than what Clements got. That is flat out ridiculous. Is he good? Yes. Is he worth $30 mil guaranteed and the richest non QB in the league? HELL NO. I'll stick with Terrance McGee and Jabari Greer, they're fine.
Here is the list any way: Wait who the hell is Nnamdi Asomugha?I don't even know how to say his name let alone wanna pay him Clements esque money. Maybe I don't watch enough Raider football. Either way he was franchised along with Trufant. Eric Green RFA, Randall Gay, Reynaldo Hill, Joselio Hanson RFA, Stanley Wilson RFA, Brian Kelly, Travis Fisher BJ Sams and there are rumors going around that DeAngelo Hall is available, but I would assume that would take a first round pick to pull off.
Safety FA's: Gibril Wilson, Hamza Abdullah, Yeremiah Bell, Chris Crocker, C.C. Brown, Will Demps, Eugene Wilson, Madieu Williams, OJ Atogwe, Keith Davis, Matt Giordano, J.R. Reed, Sammy Night, you get the point there are a shit load of them available. I wouldn't mind the Bills keeping Bryan Scott and or brining in another safety as a back up plan to Whitner and Ko, because I hate George Wilson.
tech guy who can go outside in a pinch. They call him "smart" and say his instincts and reactions to pad pressure and blocking schemes are a plus. He has improved his pass-rush and line techniques. He is quick in short areas and makes plays with relentless effort. He plays with good hand use and pad level. He can anchor with good technique and a strong initial punch, but he can be engulfed by good blockers when he fails to keep his pads down. They also call him durable and say he provides solid depth and contributes on special teams. They thought the Vikings would try to re-sign him because his blend of intelligence, high motor and durability are tough to come by."
