Saturday, April 30, 2011

Miss StLB Chris White Buffalo Bills sixth round (169th overall)

6'2 245 senior

PROS: Has ideal size from the inside linebacker position. Runs well for his size and has good, natural instincts at the linebacker position. High hustler player that wraps up when he tackles and doesn’t miss many tackles. Has good quickness along the line of scrimmage and can shoot past offensive lineman when hitting his gaps.

CONS: Not a great athlete and appears stiff in coverage. Won’t really be successful dropping into a deep zone in some schemes and doesn’t look natural doing so. Gets cut far too often and will play too high. Despite six sacks in his final season doesn’t really have a large array of pass rushing moves

Johnny White RB Bills 5th round pick

5'10 210 from UNC. Broke his clavicle

2010: White returned to tailback this season after two years as a cornerback and wide receiver. He had his best season with 720 rushing yards on 130 attempts, and also had 288 yards receiving on 24 catches. He averaged 6.5 yards every time he touched the ball this year...2009: Versatile performer who played receiver and running back and was a key special teams performer ... Recorded 16 special teams tackles and averaged 20.5 yards per kickoff return on 18 chances ... Was a special teams co-captain ... Rushed for 143 yards and a score on 19 carries and caught seven passes for 66 yards and a TD on the season…2008: Played cornerback for the first seven games before returning to running back where he played in 2007 ... Became the team's top kick returner after the injury to Brandon Tate ... Led the team with 379 kickoff return yards and had a 25.3 average …2007: Started eight games at tailback and led the team with 399 rushing yards on 95 carries ... His 4.2 yard per carry average was second on the team among backs with more than 11 carries ... Also had 15 catches for 159 yards ... Third on the team with 558 all-purpose yards.

Chris Hairston Ot Clemson Buffalo Bills 4th rd pick

Right Offensive Tackle, 6'6 326, played LT for Clemson Bills scouts project him on the right side.

Here is ESPN's Steve Meunch summarizing Hairston:

Hairston played on the left side in college but his footwork is inconsistent and his lateral mobility is just average, so he is expected to move to the right side in the NFL. He needs to improve his technique and learn to mask his athletic deficiencies, but he has the wide frame, long arms and power to develop into a starting right tackle.

Hairston's best fit is in a power ground game that sets up play-action passes.

Da'Norris Searcy SS UNC Buffalo Bills 4th rd pick

Gotta love going defense defense defense. True he isn't an OT or TE but defense you can never go wrong. 6'0 200, big dude, will play strong safety per a Bills scout.

Started nine of 10 games this season • Missed the first three games of the year while Carolina worked with the NCAA to determine his eligibility • Led the team and ranked 15th in the country with four interceptions • Also had 37 tackles, including two for losses • Tops the team with eight passes defended (4 INTs, 4 PBUs) • Had one tackle vs. Tennessee in the Music City Bowl • Had four tackles and broke up two passes in a 24-10 win at Duke • Intercepted a pass and posted three tackles against NC State • Had two tackles vs. Virginia Tech • Registered four stops and broke up a pass in the 37-35 win at Florida State • Equaled his season high with six tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss in the win over William & Mary • Intercepted a pass, broke up a pass and posted three tackles in the loss at Miami • Had five tackles, including a 3-yard tackle for loss, and intercepted a pass in the win at Virginia • Posted a season-high six tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss in the win over Clemson • Returned to the team against East Carolina and returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Kelvin Sheppard OLB :Buffalo Bills 2011 3rd round pick

by Steve

Well, ESPN went to commercial yet again. Kelvin Sheppard OLB/LSU. 6'2 250 senior. Fills a position of need from a big school. The Bills needed an outside linebacker, defense is always my philosophy. Now all the Bills need to do is get a ILB TE and OT and i'm set. If Mallet is there in the 4th or worth trading up for that would be a bonus.

Gailey, who coached Sheppard on the South team, spoke very highly of Sheppard at a news conference..

"Shep is a pretty good force inside inside in there," Gailey said. "He has really taken charge of the defense. He’s making all the calls for us on the defensive side. He’s doing a really good job of finding the football. He can come take on the run and he’s fast enough and aware enough to go cover up some pass situations. I think his instincts may be as good as anybody’s on the football field. He has great instincts. He’s a big, strong guy. I’ve been very impressed."



Standout defensive player who started at linebacker for three years for the Tigers ... Undisputed team leader for the Tigers as a senior in 2010 ... Known for his fiery pre-game speeches to the team ... Played in 53 games at LSU, starting 30 times ... Finished career with 311 tackles, which ranks as the ninth-highest total in school history ... Had 100-plus tackles as both a junior and senior ... First team All-SEC selection as a senior in 2010 ... Added 26 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for career ... Graduated in December of 2010 with a degree in general studies ... Invited to participate in the Senior Bowl in January of 2011.

Aaron Williams :Buffalo Bills 2011 second rd pick

by Steve

Why does ESPN go to commercial every time the Bills pick is in? Oh well the thinking went that it had to be either a OLB ILB or maybe doubtfully Ryan Mallet, turns out the Bills liked a god damn useless safety/ cornerback? WOW

6'0 205 Junior out of Texas. Kiper had him last year as a last first, more of a late second this year. Of course the Bills don't care and do what they're going to do. Did Dick Jauron take over the drafting again? Defensivebacks are a dime a dozen, this was a below average pick at best. Now let me go read my 13 text messages

Thursday, April 28, 2011

2011 NFL draft live blogging

Tennessee needs to find some video tape of 2010. Blaine Gabbert needs a hug. Huge balls to take Jake Locker @ 8.

The Bills are too conservative to think about trading up to get Gabbert. -steve

Gabbert to Washington?

Dallas pick has to be Prince right?
Guess not, OT from USC. First offensive tackle off the board damn.

Jack Del Rio busting moves trading up from Washington.
Whoa David Garrard looking over his shoulder, Blaine Gabbert is in JAX. He is that much better than Tim Tebow. All four JAX fans are pissed.

WOOOOWWWWWWW Christian Ponder @ 12 overall?? holy smokes

"Mallet is going to be the best quarterback in this draft" Danny Smy

"Where is Vince Young when you need him" _ T wreck, "Probably trying to commit suicide again" -Steve

Nick Fairley is pissed, either because he has to go to Detroit or because he fell 12 too many spots

"Ryan Mallet will be available at 34 and the Bills won't take him fml" - Steve

Buffalo Bills first round pick: Marcell Dareus

By Steve

The Buffalo Bills did not fuck up for the first time in ages. Marcell Darius DT/DE Alabama, 6'3 319, I can not complain. I like it. We didn't reach for Blaine Gabbert and didn't have to decide between Von Miller and Dareus. Patrick Peterson would have been a gigantic disaster.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Buffalo Bills options @ #3 overall

by Steve

Less than 24 hours before the draft and seemingly anything is possible at this point. The Buffalo Bills have the #3 pick in this the 2011 NFL draft, here are their realistic options:

Cam Newton QB Auburn
Has a player garnered more attention and debate than this guy ever? Yes he had a great statistical year and the team won the National Championship but since when does that mean you'll be good in the National Football League? You would have to go back to Vince Young if anyone would consider him even a mild success to find a Natty champ NFL QB.

Newton is all questionmarks and no answers. Was he only a one year wonder? Probably not in college because he is just a freak athlete but probably as far as pro prospects. Do his skills translate to the pros? Can he contribute right away? Do the Bills have the right coach to "coach 'em up" AND build a comletely new system around his skill set? How about the character questions and how a person like him (his father opening selling him to the highest bidder) would respond to all that jack and adulation thrown at him?

Conclusion, no way the Bills should draft this dude at #3. He would bring hype excitement and the slightest bit of hope that he is the franchise guy for the next 10 years but I just don't see the risk out weighing the reward.


Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Gabs flew under the radar big time seemingly all season. Probably because he hid in the shadows of Andrew Luck and Newton all season. His some what meteoric rise the last few months is a big red flag. Furthermore he is only a junior and came out of a spread offense. eek

The guy doesn't stand out to me to be a top pick ready to step in right away and start week 1. That doesn't necessarily mean I wouldn't draft him just because he won't start week one but it doesn't help. He lost his two biggest games of the year @ Nebraska and the team's bowl game v Iowa. He has prototypical size 6'4 234 and faster than you think. However, statistically he failed to improve from his sophomore year to junior year.

Teams are just so desperate to get a QB high in the draft and anoint him the franchise guy, Gabbert just seems like a guy in the right place at the right time. There is no #1 guy with Luck staying at Stanford and his competitors all have major flaws. I wouldn't hate the pick but him being a stud is 50/50 at best.


Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
This guy is my pick. He fills a gigantic need, he is the top player at his position and a near unanimous top 5 pick. The reason not to pick this guy at this point is because the Broncos will beat us to it. Oh and Aaron Curry.


Vonn Miller OLB Texas a&m
Ugh, the most likely pick at this juncture. Miller impressed me big time at the senior bowl. For some reason I watched the whole thing and this guy was a menace all over the field. He fills a need and should be able to contribute right away. Then again that is basically what we thought about Aaron Maybin.

Maybin (6'4 246) ran a 4.89 and a 38 vertical, Miller (6'3 243) 4.53 and 37 vertical. The top 5 OLBs in the NFL right now are arguably Cameron Wake 6'3 250 LaMarr Woodley 6'2 265, Clay Matthews 6'3 255, DeMarcus Ware 6'4 262 and James Harrison 6'0 242 so size doesn't appear to be any type of concern.

Miller put up big numbers in college. He played all four years and put up 28 sacks his last two season and nine in his last six games. It is a safe pick that should help in 2011 it just isn't flashy and may not be the biggest impact we could get.

Patrick Peterson CB LSU
Easily the worst idea of anyone in the top 10 and beyond. A corner back with the third pick would be a complete 100% total disaster. DB yet again may drive me to abandon the Buffalo Bills. The guy may be a stud but who the hell cares. Cornerbacks are a dime a dozen and it isn't like there are top flight beast wide receivers in the AFC East. Not to mention the Bills draft either a cornerback or a running back every single fucking year.

There is not a single pick that would make me more upset save for another a running back. This pick would actually be even worse than drafting CJ Spiller last year (read all about that one here). And do not even mention to me BPA (best player available) I'll puke.


AJ Green WR Georgia
This guy is a potential freak (6'4 211) along the lines of Calvin Johnson or Andre Johnson he just isn't someone the Bills should draft. Wide receiver is literally the only position the Bills do not have a need. I wouldn't be shocked if Marcus Easley put up comparable numbers to this dude in 2011.


Other options not worth #3
Robert Quinn DE UNC. He sat out all of last year and still appears to be a top 10 pick. The guy must have talent but he can't be worth a top ten pick not playing football in over a year.

Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson. DAQ has had a tough go of it as of late and is falling faster than Brady Quinn. He'll still go first round but not too long ago he was a top 5-10 pick.

Nick Fairley DT Auburn. He was a menace during the National Championship and that is still the image I have of this dude. Everyone else appears to forget that game. He allegedly has weight issues, is only a Junior, a 'one year wonder' and is falling outside the top 8 apparently.

JJ Watt DE/DT Wisconsin reminds me too much of Aaron Schobel and Kennelsay, call me racist.

The final option of course is to trade out of this spot and get an extra 2nd or something. This would be the preferred choice because the Bills clearly have a lot of holes everywhere. I would even deviate from the "value chart" just to get out of #3 if a team really targeted some of the aforementioned. Is AJ Green or Peterson too much for someone to pass up and start getting desperate? The only problem here is reality. This front office is too conservative, old school and just plain old. They aren't moving out of the third spot to appear indecisive, impotent and incompetent. Stop dreaming.

Some rumors per walterfootball
"Mike Lombardi: The best pick for the Bills is to go with Patrick Peterson."

Ari Wolfe: I don't think a quarterback is likely at No. 3. Ryan Fitzpatrick won the Bills over with his toughness, and Fitzpatrick is their guy. If Marcell Dareus is there, it's automatic; he's their guy. If not, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson are close.


Charley Casserly: If Marcell Dareus isn't there, I believe the Bills will take Von Miller.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Flyers 5 Sabres 2 game 7 Final

by Steve

While it wasn't necessarily the $6.25 million man's fault the Sabres lost tonight, game seven in Philadelphia, in which the Sabres got thoroughly embarrassed, proves goaltending is vastly overrated in the 2011 NHL. 5-2 and the game wasn't even that close. Holy smokes could a team come out any worse in do or die time?

If you'll recall, I predicted Flyers in seven, and said that the better coach, Pete Laviolette would prevail. Ugh wish I was wrong. The season and series weren't a complete total disaster and a waste because really all I was looking for was a solid competitive series but these seven games leaves a soar taste in my mouth.

There are glaring holes in the Buffalo Sabres line up with very little likely to change in the offseason. Wow Connolly is gone, but who is a number 1 center or even a top three line center on this team? Derek Roy is not striking fear in anyone's heart come playoff time. Drew Stafford is going to get grossly over paid and clearly is not worth it. The defense is extremely young but what kind of ceiling do players like Chris Butler, Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera have? Myers will continue to improve but that is only one player.

Furthermore, the coach and GM will remain in perpetuity and are mediocrities at best. What was the last playoff series, let alone BIG series Lindy Ruff won? What was the last great move Darc Regier made outside of drafting? Brad Boyes didn't get a point in the playoffs for the first 6 games 50 minutes, thanks.

This team is not in terrible shape but they need some major changes if the fan boy owner ever realizes his dream of winning a cup. That means at the very least buying out Pomminville and Hecht, maybe trading Derek Roy plus signing a big free agent.

Call me a pessimist but this team is still a long way from winning a Stanley Cup.

Monday, April 25, 2011

EA leaks Bills new uniforms

Per Tim Graham and the EA sports website they leaked the new Bills jerseys which are apparently a rendition of the early 80's Bills, here is a picture

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Flyers 5 Sabres 4 F game 6

by Steve

Ryan Millsie Miller the $6.25 million man, thanks. Was there any doubt the Sabres would blow their 3-1 lead in the first period? The Buffalo Sabres may have played the worst defensive game in the history of the franchise. Christ Butler sucks, two penalties some how albeit an even player (Weber was -3) the god damn puck was in our crease seemingly the entire time WTF. Someone take a body and clear the area in front of our over paid goalie please.

The Philadelphia Flyers have started three different goalies and pulled three different goalies in this series yet Millsie seems like he is untouchable. Lets pay him more money. The game winner via Leino was a garbage piece of shit goal but they still won and the Sabres choked away a multiple goal lead at home in a do or die game. Typical Buffalo sports. After the game, life time contract head coach, Lindy Ruff was bitching about the reffing as was Miller and we call the Flyers the complainers/whiners? Pssht please.

This was a brutal loss and the franchise has to do something it hasn't done ever, win game 7 on the road. Oh uh Brad Boyes, thanks, great trade deadline acquisition Darc. This team just isn't talented enough at center, Matt Ellis you god damn blow, and the defense is too young. Maybe next year.

Side note Larry Quinn is a piece of shit. Thanks for canal side it looks beautiful down there. Also you were right this team is ready to win now, ha. Jeez, take your $10 mil and die ass hole.

Second side note I called the Flyers in 7, I hope I'm wrong.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Sabres 1 Flyers 0 F game 4

by Steve

The Buffalo Sabres, while not mathematically needing to win, needed to win tonight and they did. It wasn't a pretty game, it wasn't a terribly exciting game but again a win is a win is a win even if it is another 1-0 final.

Ryan Millsie Miller bounced back after some mediocre performances to win game four tonight in Buffalo. He had 2-3 spectacular saves and let in zero but wasn't exactly challenged thoroughly the entire night. Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Boucher, for his part, played about as good and kept his team alive for 59 minutes.

The Sabres played decent, just enough to beat the Flyers. The powerplay was a complete 100% disaster. Why the ffffffk was Thomas Vanek on a line with Paul Gaustad and Pat Kaleta by the way? And why would anyone have a plan to just charge head first as fast as you can into the net on a 2 on 1? That Kaleta swan dive into the net when Vanek basically had a 2 on 0 late in the third period could have been a death knell. Oh well, maybe Richards will get suspended for the elbow he tried to forcibly install into Kaleta's skull.

A few more notes, Tyler Myers played like a mad man possessed by a demon. The young d corps didn't have a great day but when you give up zero goals it couldn't have been awful. There was a Tyler Ennis sighting for a change even if he still couldn't finish. Also how about a one game suspension for cheap shotter old man Kimmo Timonen for spearing Gerbe in the nut sack with 00:00 on the clock?

Everyone get ready for at least two more games in this closely contested wildly unpredictable series. Also hit up your religious weirdo family members for their tickets on Easter Sunday because game 6 starts at 3:00pm, prime family party time.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Bills 2011 Schedule

-Coast

The National Football League has released it's 2011 NFL Schedule, pending, of course, that they actually play football this season. I have returned from my long leave of absence from the blog for my annual schedule release breakdown. Without further ado, here it is:

Preseason

Saturday August 13, 2011 @ CHI
Saturday August 20, 2011 @ DEN
Saturday August 27, 2011 vs. JAX
Thursday September 1, 2011 vs. DET

Who really cares? But seriously, why do we play the Lions in the 4th preseason game EVERY year? It is bad enough to have to pay full price to go to a preseason game, but it is worse when you are paying full price to watch the Lions backups play in the 4th preseason game every single season.

Regular Season

Sunday September 11 1 PM @ KC
Sunday September 18 1 PM vs. OAK
Sunday September 25 1 PM vs. NE

Sunday October 2 1 PM @ CIN
Sunday October 9 1 PM vs. PHI
Sunday October 16 1 PM @ NYG
Sunday October 23 BYE
Sunday October 30 4:05 PM vs. WASH (Toronto)

Sunday November 6 1 PM vs. NYJ
Sunday November 13 1 PM @ DAL
Sunday November 20 1 PM @ MIA
Sunday November 27 1 PM @ NYJ

Sunday December 4 1 PM vs. TEN
Sunday December 11 4:15 PM @ SD
Sunday December 18 1 PM vs. MIA
Saturday December 24 1 PM vs. DEN

Sunday January 1 1 PM @ NE

Since the year 2000, the Bills have played season openers on the road only twice, both at new England, and both partly responsible for my life expectancy being less than normal people my age. The Bills will play their third road game to open the season in the past 12 seasons and it will come at Arrowhead against the former division winning Chefs, who were much overrated last season. The Bills' home opener will be in week 2 vs. the Raidas. That is when their schedule turns downright brutal.

Beginning with a trip to the Meadowlands on October 16, the Bills will play in Orchard Park only one time until December 4. I cannot remember the Bills ever having 3 consecutive road games, which they have in November, against the Cowboys, Dolphins and Jets. Counting the Redskins Toronto 'home' game, the Bills will play 5 of 6 games on the road.

The Bills have three December home games. If the Bills are out of it by December, the stadium will be half full...again. Why does the NFL have to stick us with 3 home games in December and make us play on the road every week in October and November when the weather is nice. I personally love the snow games, but the casual Bills fan doesn't want to go sit in the stadium on December 24 when it is 33 degrees and raining and when the bills are 2-12. We can only hope that the Bills are in contention so the stadium is filled.

As it stands right now, I can only guarantee 3 sell outs. The opener will obviously sell out. The Patriots game will sell out because it is in September and the Eagles game will sell out because there will probably be 15,000 Eagles fans at the game. The Jets game also should sell out which leaves 4 games which realistically could be blacked out. Pathetic.

The Bills play zero games at night. They do have one Saturday game and two 4:15 games but it seems as if the NFL is trying to hide all Bills games so that nobody is forced to watch them. Can you blame them?

Road Trip Possibilities: Meadowlands twice, South Florida?????

Prediction for the 2011 Season: 1-2 in September, 2-2 in October, 1-3 in November, 2-2 in December and 0-1 in January for a combined record of 6-10. Also, the steak will hit 17 in a row for New England over the Bills.



Monday, April 18, 2011

Flyers 4 Sabres 2 F

by Steve

The better team won this game and the better team is going to win this series. The Sabres are too small to skillless if that's a word and just got pwned by the Flyers tonight. Tyler Ennis people, really? The guy is a complete scrub. Thomas Vanek sightings were few and far between and Niedermayer and Connolly v Richards and Carter is the most obvious mismatch, perhaps, in NHL history.

Ryan Millsie Millers gets basically zero blame, Danny Briere owns us and the entire Buffalo defensive corps played like shit. The code man Cody McCormick is an AHLer for a reason, he clearly cost us a goal. What the hell was Chris Butler doing on the Briere goal, and don't tell me wet ice, christ.

I predicted the Flyers in seven but I'd be shocked if this series wasn't over by game six at the absolute latest. The fans in Buffalo were pathetic, I went to game two in Philly, that is a crowd, Buffalo is a bunch of women and children looking to get on the jumbotron. Pathetic.

Anyone notice Tyler Myers making a difference tonight? I didn't either. Nathan Gerbe showed he is a decent 3rd line forward but few other players showed their worth tonight. This was a must win game for the Sabres and everyone on the team basically no showed. What the hell was that 5 on 3?

It was a nice ride while it lasted but this team clearly needs some legit NHL centers and something other than a bunch of rookie defeseman. Oh and a 75% Jordan Leopold isn't the answer. Nice goal in game one Kaleta but your early penalty tonight and typical injury didn't help the team in the slightest tonight. Mancari anyone?

2011 Mock Draft 4/18/2011

by Andy
2011 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 for April 18th 2011

Carolina Panthers- DL- Marcell Dareus – Alabama: If you watched QB Camp with Gruden and Cam Newton, you know why Carolina isn’t going with Newton. The guy has all the talent in the world but is dumb and too cocky. He won’t be able to learn the NFL language or how to read pre snap defenses. Dareus is the best DL prospect and will be the corner stone of the Panthers D for a long time.

Denver Broncos- CB - Patrick Peterson - LSU: John Fox is running the show and will probably be content with Orton or Tebow this year. The D needs help and picking Peterson will not only help the secondary, it will also help the return game of the Broncos.

Buffalo Bills- LB – Von Miller – Texas A&M: Reading a lot about the draft and seeing the Nix is saying he feels they can win a championship with Fitz. If that is true and Ralph keeps outta the war room, Miller is the pick.

Cincinnati Bengals- QB – Blaine Gabbert – Missouri: Bengals have to be worried about Palmer and his threats, and even if they are empty promises, Palmer is getting older and Gabbert would benefit by sitting behind him for a year to learn, just like Carson did with Kitna.

Arizona Cardinals- QB – Cam Newton - Auburn: Even though they took 2 QB’s last year, I think the Cards would like to upgrade. Larry Fitz would love it too, since he is in a contract year.

Cleveland Browns- DE/OLB - Robert Quinn - North Carolina: Terrible pass rush last year leads to me to this pick. They took Harden last year, so why not take Quinn to force QB’s to make terrible throws right into Harden’s hands.

San Francisco 49ers- CB - Prince Amukamara – Nebraska: Clements is getting old and their defense is a few players short of being very good in the NFL.

Tennessee Titans- DL – Nick Fairley – Auburn: The Titans need someone like Haynesworth and Fairly can play the same role. Big guy, will demand double teams, but also has some speed off the ball, to disrupt handoffs and flush the QB.

Dallas Cowboys- OT – Tyron Smith – USC: Top OT prospect this year, and the Cowboys need help keeping Romo healthy.

Washington Redskins- WR – A.J. Green – Georgia: Don’t know who is throwing the ball, but whoever it is will need someone better than what the Redskins have. Green is big, fast, strong, and great hands.

Houston Texans- OLB/DE – Aldon Smith – Missouri: The more pressure they can put on Peyton Manning the better. They would love for Prince to fall here, but if not, they must go pass rush and Smith is a great fit.

Minnesota Vikings- QB – Jake Locker – Washington: They need a QB, Plain and Simple.

Detroit Lions- OLB - Akeem Ayers - UCLA: The Lions are another team with the need for help on the outside. Ayers possesses the skills of not only a strong pass rusher, but is versatile enough to drop back into coverage.

St. Louis Rams- WR - Julio Jones - Alabama: They almost made the playoffs this year, I’m as surprised as you are. Bradford has a decent year numbers wise, but needs better targets than Robinson and Gibson. Jones, who could go top 10, would be a nice pick for the Rams, and sure would make BOOOOOMER (Bradford) happy.

Miami Dolphins- OL - Mike Pouncey – Florida: RB is a glaring need for the Phins, but so is OL, and with no real stud RB in this year’s draft, they can address it in later rounds and take the top interior lineman prospect.

Jacksonville Jaguars- DE - Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue: 12.5 sacks in the Big Ten is a stat that could have this guy up in the early teens. Kerrigan is a force on the outside and with Jacksonville being always hurt/weak on the outside, Kerrigan fits perfectly here.

New England Patriots- RB - Mark Ingram - Alabama: Doesn’t matter who they take here, they will be good in the Patriots system. They need help getting younger on D, but Ingram is a player they can plug in right away and succeed.

San Diego Chargers- DE - Cameron Jordan - California: This guy is a beast and a five tool athlete that can play inside and outside on the front line. Could go a lot higher, as high as 9 to Dallas.

New York Giants- OT - Anthony Costanzo - Boston College: Giants need a tackle for the future and Costanzo can be that guy. Great size and strength, this guy will be a perfect fit after Diehl retires.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE - Adrian Clayborn - Iowa: A lot of questions around his character, but the Bucs are in desperate need for help at DE. McCoy and Clayborn would complement each other perfectly and be a solid force for many years in Tampa.

Kansas City Chiefs- DE - Justin Houston - Georgia: Some experts say OT here, but the line did a pretty good job for Charles last year and with Tamba Hall being a FA, they need a DE.

Indianapolis Colts- DT - Stephen Paea - Oregon State: As always, the Colts D was bad. Paea will help clog the middle and allow more time for Dwight and Mathis to get around the ends. OT is also a big need, but can be addressed in the later rounds.

Philadelphia Eagels- CB - Brandon Harris - Miami: Has the talent to start as a rookie and make a hard impact on the defense. The O Line is beat up so OT may be a choice here.

New Orleans Saints- RB - Mikel Leshoure - Illinois: The Saints are good when they are running the ball successfully and getting safety’s inside the box to prevent the run. That allows Brees to air it out down the field. Without that run threat, they are not a Super Bowl team. Leshoure would be a nice compliment to Bush, if the resign him.

Seattle Seahawks- DT - Corey Liuget - Illinois: This pick ultimately will be determined by Matt Hasselback. If he leaves, QB becomes their number 1 need. If he stays, which I think he will, Liuget gets his number called. Todd McShay recently said this guy is comparable to Farley, so if true, this is a steal for the Seahawks.

Baltimore Ravens- WR - Titus Young - Boise State: TJ can’t catch (watch the last play against the Steelers in the playoffs this year) and Mason is getting old. Young is the speedy deep threat that can play opposite Boldin. Reminds a lot of scouts like Mike Wallace.

Atlanta Falcons- WR - Torrey Smith - Maryland: They have a franchise QB and a great WR in White. Smith would be a nice compliment to him. Tony Gonzo is getting older by the day, so another target for Ryan is choice for the Falcs. They do need help at CB, so a corner wouldn’t be a big surprise here.

New England Patriots- CB - Aaron Williams - Texas: A good corner in college with nice ball skills, a pretty good pick after Prince, Peterson and Harris.

Chicago Bears- OT - Derek Sherrod - Mississippi State: Cutler was sacked way too many times last year and still had a successful 2010. If he didn’t get hurt in the NFC Championship game, who knows what the outcome would have been. Sherrod is a very strong OT with good footwork. The right pick for the Bears.

New York Jets- WR - Jonathon Baldwin - Pittsburgh: With Holmes and Edwards FA’s the Jets may need help at WR. Baldwin is a big target and has all the talent in the world. Just has to be coached on how to use it.

Pittsburgh Steelers- CB – Jimmy Smith – Colorado: The Steelers weak link always seem to be CB, so any CB is a good call at this spot. Smith is climbing fast, so if he is not here, look for Harris or Williams.

Green Bay Packers- DE - Cameron Heyward – Ohio State: Jenkins is a FA and always in trouble with the law. Heyward brings intensity and hustle every play, and would fit right into Dom Capers D scheme.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sabres shark game 1 in Philadelphia

by Steve

The game was boring, there was only one goal, nearly zero scoring chances but a win is a win is a win. The lone goal, not an own goal, was scored but the forgotten local son, Patrick Kaleta. Some wanted him benched for Mancari or even (puke) Matt Ellis, but it was Patty K with a cheapy. He scored on a rebound after a nice effort to get to the netfollowing a long point shot about eight minutes into the 3rd period.

The Sabres seemingly had two 4th lines out there tonight but the defense was excellent and Ryan Millsie Miller even with all the guff he gets from this blog was stellar in net. Bobo for Philly only let in one goal but didn't seem to be tested as much as Miller tonight. Both goalies swallowed up rebounds with their xxxxxl size jerseys and prevented many extra chance opportunities.

The big guns for the Flyers, Carter, Briere and Richards were at least as invisible as Vanek Connolly and Stafford if not more so. Gerbe and Gaustad played shockingly well while Montador was the run away goat of the night.

It was great to hear the Philly faithful turn on their team 3/4ths of the way through the 3rd period after yet another fruitless powerplay attempt, of which they had many more than the Sabres. Over all both teams played cautious and scared. There were very few odd man rushes and both teams stayed back defensively for the most part.

I'll be at game 2 in Philly so no quick post game but I can not wait to taste the fear and anxiousness in the Wells Fargo Centre Sat at 5. While it is only one game it still gives the Sabres home ice for the time being but this was a solid win in a gritty series with less scoring than I anticipated. Can the refs start calling interference though?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sabres v Flyers 2011 NHL playoff preview

by Steve

The #7 seed Buffalo Sabres get to face the #2 seed Philadelphia Flyers starting Thursday night. Playoff hockey baby, CAN'T WAIT! The schedule isn't out yet but game two probably will be Sunday. This series could go either way but with the forward depth of the Flyers it is tough to picture the Sabres winning.

Thursday, April 14 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 at Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 18 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.
*Friday, April 22 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
*Sunday, April 24 at Buffalo, 3:00 p.m.
*Tuesday, April 26 at Philadelphia, TBD

In their last 24 games the Sabres are 16-4-4 while the Flyers have basically skated through the last two months of the season. Does that mean the hot Sabres will continue to own as a new season starts; or will we see the Sabres of last year who were not ready for a completely different style of play, playoff hockey?

The Flyers have seven players with at least 20 goals the Sabres have four. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter or Tim Connolly and Brad Boyes? Drew Stafford is hotter than a pistol and Vanek is about as elite as anyone in an orange uniform so this game may come down to goaltending and defense.

Ryan Millsie Miller appears to be 100% or so after his "upper body injury" however he has yet to play a full game since the injury. Is anyone scared of Sergie Bobrovsky? He has nearly identical statistics as compared to Miller both 2.59 GAA .001 difference in save percentage. However the 22 year old rookie, Bobo, hasn't won a game since March 29th and got pulled in their last outting. Then again Miller has been completely pedestrian all season and hasn't won a playoff series since 2007. So then it will come down to Pronger v Myers? A showdown between the old guard and the new golden boy in town, the two titans of defense big dog and bigger dog, etc etc.

Chris Pronger has been out a month with a busted hand and has no time table to return. Who knows, maybe they are being coy with him and he'll be ready for the playoffs but if Pronger isn't playing I think Myers will out play him in this series. Etch that into a piece of wood. But will Myers be enough to tip the scales towards Buffalo?

The teams split the season series 2-2, the Flyers have home ice and the Sabres have the momentum. Could this series be harder to prognosticate? Philly coach, Pete Laviolette seemingly owns us and Ruff always falters in the post season so I'll have to say Flyers in 7. See you at HSBC arena Tuesday.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Uconn 53 Butler 41 F

by Steve

Who said the Big East was overrated? Does Charles Barkley and the lame stream media [sic] haha prefer their crow via soup or as a sandwhich? Deep fried on a Friday? Let's face it, the Big East was underrated. The nine seed winning not only the Big East Tournament but the NCAA Tournament? C'monnnnn

True, it was an ugly game (shit I had the over 129) but Butler proved as I suspected that they were lucky and not really that good. The Huskeys were too long, too athletic, and too good for a mid major. My only questions are what happen to Duke last year in the finals only winning by 2 and how did Butler even get here? Ohh yeah they got lucky v Pitt and played VSU (who?) in the final four.

Brad Stevens has a great system and loves for his players to chuck threes incessantly but he will never win a National Championship at Butler. How the hell would he ever recruit a player like Jeremy Lamb to Butler? The kid is a frosh and would instantly be the best player to ever don a Bulldogs uniform. He was held scoreless in the first half and came out gunning like he didn't even play the first twenty minutes.

Holla atcha boy, Big East on top, Uconn three championships in 13 years? Step yo game up. ououuuuuu ooouuuuu. Jim Calhoun and his NCAA violations can't hold the Huskeys back. Kemba Walker #1 pick over all. boom

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sabres 2 Hurricanes 1 F OT

by Steve

Crucial victory for the Buffalo Sabres tonight in Carolina as they defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in OT. The game felt like a playoff game for the onset. Heading into the game the Sabres held a measly two point lead over the Canes with four games to play. This was a must win game or at the very least a must overtime game. They surprisingly didn't let us down.

Sans Ryan Miller, Enroth was forced into his first back to back starts in the NHL in his career. Let alone on the road against a desperate team and Jhonas E showed up big time saving 35 of 36 shots. He was a beast out there when at times playing either without a helmet or seemingly by himself while the defense stood around and watched. Then again shouldn't we expect this great play from him by now? The kid is now 7-2-2 and only 22 years old. Millsie who? He has the same save percentage and a lower GAA than the $6.25 million man. To bad the fan base and the organization as a whole are in love with Millsie Miller or serious trade talk would occur this offseason.

Other thoughts on the game include what the hell happen to Thomas Vanek? He played a total of 15:41 and held scoreless. This guy is our highest paid player allegedly our best player and is the heir apparent to be the next captain? Eric Staal scored a goal and played 24:42. There was a 7 to 3 discrepancy in power plays which hurts playing time but still. Vanek needs to be on the ice more and he needs to show up every big game.

Holy smokes how much money is Drew Stafford going to get this offseason? Two more assists tonight? What the hell, is Gaustad contractually obligated to get awful penalties every single game? Are his faceoff skills really that great that it over shadows his numerous flaws?

So the Sabres sit in 7th place one up on the Rangers three up on Carolina and one back of Montreal. All three teams have three games left. Sabres play Tue at home v Tampa who has already clinched. TB could still get the 4 seed but are basically locked into the 4-5 match up. Buffalo then plays at home v PHI Fri and @ C-bus Sat. Philly wants the top seed but CBJ has nothing to play for. Carolina mean while plays v DET at ATL and home v TB Sat. NYG plays v BOS ATL and NJ all at home. MON plays v CHI @ OTT @TO.

Basically nothing is set in stone but with this win tonight not making the post season at this point would a 100% choke job collapse of epic proportions. I would want a bunch of players traded and insist on Lindy getting the ax. I don't forecast a collapse at this juncture however. We'll be the 7 seed. Every game is seemingly one goal games, anything can happen in the playoffs, especially in the East.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Ryan Miller doesn't travel with team

Per WGR:

After practice on Friday, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters that Ryan Miller would be making the road trip with the team to Washington, and would be re-evaluated over the weekend.

As it turns out, half of that is false at this point in time. WGR's Mike Schopp has learned that Miller did not travel with the team on Friday.

Miller is still considered to be day-to-day with an upper body injury. Ruff revealed today that it is not a long-term injury.


Does any of this make any sense? Did he get a concussion AND THEN play against the leafs? Does he even have a concussion? If it wasn't a concussion then why wouldn't he at least travel with the team? Why did Ruff lie and say after practice today that he would fly with the team to Washington when he wasn't? How is a concussion considered day to day? Is Millsie done with the season and the Sabres hopes riding on the back of Jhonas Enroth? I wouldn't necessarily hate hit but is Enroth ready for such responsibility?

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OVER AT OSKP