Agreed and agreed. Overall, fairly happy. They would have got nothing if they kept him around for next year. And, who knows if he'll be able to stay healthy, stable, etc...They got more than I expected for Stevie, but still not what he's worth.
Why would they have not gotten anything for him next year?Agreed and agreed. Overall, fairly happy. They would have got nothing if they kept him around for next year. And, who knows if he'll be able to stay healthy, stable, etc...They got more than I expected for Stevie, but still not what he's worth.
it's bugged me for a decade or so now.Not the Stevie was a world-beater or anything, and if there were locker room issues that we don't know about that changes things too. The fact that this team just bleeds away talent gets on my nerves though.
Saw several Buffalo media guys over the last couple of days say that Marrone and Stevie did not get along at allI heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
That's a good point. Williams is probably much more likely to contribute than a 6th rounder but he is much more expensive.Mike Williams is a pretty good player.
If you ignore the Watkins move and just look at the Stevie Johnson/Mike Williams moves, it looks a little better, no?
Mike Williams added for a 6th round pick.
Stevie Johnson traded for a 4th/potential 3rd.
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Obviously Mike has off-field concerns that make him a risky pickup. Might blow up in their face, but also might turn out they upgraded a bit.
Whitnerit's bugged me for a decade or so now.Not the Stevie was a world-beater or anything, and if there were locker room issues that we don't know about that changes things too. The fact that this team just bleeds away talent gets on my nerves though.
Antoine Winfield, Pat Williams, Nate Clements, Jason Peters, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, Paul Posluszny, Andy Levitre, Jairus Byrd, Steve Johnson, etc.
Lots of very good players have come through and were lost for little or nothing to show for it. Impossible to build a contender with that type of turnover. Even if you draft and develop players well, you don't get to reap the benefits when the players hit the prime of their careers.
Assuming similar production to last year, he'd be a year older, a couple million dollars more expensive, and down to one year on the contract, right? That would be much less valuable than where he is now.Why would they have not gotten anything for him next year?Agreed and agreed. Overall, fairly happy. They would have got nothing if they kept him around for next year. And, who knows if he'll be able to stay healthy, stable, etc...They got more than I expected for Stevie, but still not what he's worth.
Jim LeonhardWhitnerit's bugged me for a decade or so now.Not the Stevie was a world-beater or anything, and if there were locker room issues that we don't know about that changes things too. The fact that this team just bleeds away talent gets on my nerves though.
Antoine Winfield, Pat Williams, Nate Clements, Jason Peters, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, Paul Posluszny, Andy Levitre, Jairus Byrd, Steve Johnson, etc.
Lots of very good players have come through and were lost for little or nothing to show for it. Impossible to build a contender with that type of turnover. Even if you draft and develop players well, you don't get to reap the benefits when the players hit the prime of their careers.
Andy LevitreJim LeonhardWhitnerit's bugged me for a decade or so now.Not the Stevie was a world-beater or anything, and if there were locker room issues that we don't know about that changes things too. The fact that this team just bleeds away talent gets on my nerves though.
Antoine Winfield, Pat Williams, Nate Clements, Jason Peters, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, Paul Posluszny, Andy Levitre, Jairus Byrd, Steve Johnson, etc.
Lots of very good players have come through and were lost for little or nothing to show for it. Impossible to build a contender with that type of turnover. Even if you draft and develop players well, you don't get to reap the benefits when the players hit the prime of their careers.
(I like this game.)
This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
He had a few nice moments in the regular season before he got hurt in the Cleveland game. I was at the Carolina game when he drove the Bills down the field in the last seconds for the win. He was patient in that drive, poised, and took what the defense gave him until he launched the game-winning TD.I think the Bills were very smart trading up to get Watkins. Manuel needs talented skilled playmakers to show that he's either a true franchise QB or he's not. And I think people forget he actually had a few very nice moments in the preseason last year before he got hurt. And he really utilized the check down and screen pass, something that Watkins can turn into BIG plays.
Do you think Watkins/Woods with a new and maybe rejuvenated Mike Williams could do just as good if not better? Seems like Stevie has really dropped off the past couple of seasons... obviously for injuries, but he just didn't seem like the same guy even when healthy.This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
I think that's the plan. We'll see. Mike Williams has also dropped off recently.Do you think Watkins/Woods with a new and maybe rejuvenated Mike Williams could do just as good if not better? Seems like Stevie has really dropped off the past couple of seasons... obviously for injuries, but he just didn't seem like the same guy even when healthy.This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
Whose make-or-break year is it?This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
Is this a question about sentence structure or content?Whose make-or-break year is it?This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
I just didn't think you were talking about EJ. I thought maybe you were talking about Johnson. It's a little soon to call it a make or break season don't you think? Even Gabbert got 3.Is this a question about sentence structure or content?Whose make-or-break year is it?This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
Ok. I'll answer both.
1. EJ's
2. EJ's. If he looks like crap or gets injured a ton this year, the Bills will certainly be forced to look to free agency for a QB (again).
And everyone knew he was garbage by the second year.I just didn't think you were talking about EJ. I thought maybe you were talking about Johnson. It's a little soon to call it a make or break season don't you think? Even Gabbert got 3.Is this a question about sentence structure or content?Whose make-or-break year is it?This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
Ok. I'll answer both.
1. EJ's
2. EJ's. If he looks like crap or gets injured a ton this year, the Bills will certainly be forced to look to free agency for a QB (again).
Gabbert got at least one too manyI just didn't think you were talking about EJ. I thought maybe you were talking about Johnson. It's a little soon to call it a make or break season don't you think? Even Gabbert got 3.Is this a question about sentence structure or content?Whose make-or-break year is it?This. Even though all parties seemed to be very professional about it.I heard some rumors that Stevie and EJ didn't get along very well. Not sure how things were with him and the coaches either. I liked him and hope he does well in San Francisco, but maybe there were some issues behind the scenes that will be improved with him gone now. Who knows.
This also clears a lot of cap space as Stevie's contract ballooned next season.
I just wish we could have had one season of Watkins/Johnson/Woods for EJ in his make-or-break year.
Ok. I'll answer both.
1. EJ's
2. EJ's. If he looks like crap or gets injured a ton this year, the Bills will certainly be forced to look to free agency for a QB (again).
too late dammitI like him a lot. He's a huge mauler. Knees were an issue for some teams but Whaley said their team docs don't see them as a career limiter. He needs to be motivated for entire games, but can be a dominant player. Will definitely be a day 1 starter at RT.I like Kouandjio. He doesn't look every happy though.
Huge upgrade from Pears, that's for sure. Liking the draft so far.I like him a lot. He's a huge mauler. Knees were an issue for some teams but Whaley said their team docs don't see them as a career limiter. He needs to be motivated for entire games, but can be a dominant player. Will definitely be a day 1 starter at RT.I like Kouandjio. He doesn't look every happy though.
Anyone know about this? Cnnsi says they traded picks with the Rams, moving down. What they get?Bills make a trade with the Rams?
Rams 5th this year.Anyone know about this? Cnnsi says they traded picks with the Rams, moving down. What they get?Bills make a trade with the Rams?
Solid move, and they still got their OT.Rams 5th this year.Anyone know about this? Cnnsi says they traded picks with the Rams, moving down. What they get?Bills make a trade with the Rams?
Yup. Nice slide move by the Bills.Solid move, and they still got their OT.Rams 5th this year.Anyone know about this? Cnnsi says they traded picks with the Rams, moving down. What they get?Bills make a trade with the Rams?
Sounds like Brandon is projected to be one and done in Western NY and the season hasn't even started yet.Bills take ILB Preston Brown in round 3. Sounds a lot like Brandon Spikes from his scouting report. 2-down run thumper.
I think it's a smart move given the injury isses EJ had last year. Thad Lewis is nice and all, but it wouldn't hurt to have a 3rd option who might develop into a potential starter or very good backup down the road.Anyone have any thoughts on taking a QB with one of the next couple picks? AJ McCarron really intrigues me. Mettenberger has some upside. I've heard some positive things about Savage, though I've never really studied him.
Taking a QB doesn't make any sense to me. This team is all-in with EJ right now and shouldn't veer from that path after one season. Furthermore, Lewis looked very competent throughout the season when called upon. Heck, Tuel even played well with a full week of preparation.I think it's a smart move given the injury isses EJ had last year. Thad Lewis is nice and all, but it wouldn't hurt to have a 3rd option who might develop into a potential starter or very good backup down the road.Anyone have any thoughts on taking a QB with one of the next couple picks? AJ McCarron really intrigues me. Mettenberger has some upside. I've heard some positive things about Savage, though I've never really studied him.
I agree. I doubt it happens, but I'd like to see McCarron in the 4th today. That's a cheap enough price that you can have him compete but pretend that he's nothing more than a backup. I like that he had a 68% completion percentage for a good program in a tough division. I also think he can read a defense. Those are two qualities I'll take over the big arm. But I do think his arm is at least adequate.You can find those positions on the street. The importance of QB makes it different IMO. Throw numbers at the position and you'll probably find a diamond sooner than if you keep following the current strategy.
Adding competition for Manuel is not a bad move, especially for a late round pick. If he can't handle it, he's probably not the guy anyway.
That's my thought, too. I think AJ has a bit of an "it" factor. So why not take a shot and let him be the #3 for a year with the hopes he might just turn into a gem.I agree. I doubt it happens, but I'd like to see McCarron in the 4th today. That's a cheap enough price that you can have him compete but pretend that he's nothing more than a backup. I like that he had a 68% completion percentage for a good program in a tough division. I also think he can read a defense. Those are two qualities I'll take over the big arm. But I do think his arm is at least adequate.You can find those positions on the street. The importance of QB makes it different IMO. Throw numbers at the position and you'll probably find a diamond sooner than if you keep following the current strategy.
Adding competition for Manuel is not a bad move, especially for a late round pick. If he can't handle it, he's probably not the guy anyway.
You can find those positions on the street. The importance of QB makes it different IMO. Throw numbers at the position and you'll probably find a diamond sooner than if you keep following the current strategy.
Adding competition for Manuel is not a bad move, especially for a late round pick. If he can't handle it, he's probably not the guy anyway.
If this news had broken a day sooner, Sammy Watkins would be a Brown.Random thought... Too bad this Josh Gordon news didn't break a day sooner. Throwing Stevie into the 1.4 trade might have been able to save next year's #1.
sure, DBs is a position you typically need to invest in and the Bills have done that. Do you think they need more DBs over a QB?You can find those positions on the street. The importance of QB makes it different IMO. Throw numbers at the position and you'll probably find a diamond sooner than if you keep following the current strategy.
Adding competition for Manuel is not a bad move, especially for a late round pick. If he can't handle it, he's probably not the guy anyway.![]()
We've spent the last 15 years trying to find guards, DBs, etc off the street and have yield awful results.
Browns said they knew for a couple weeks though.If this news had broken a day sooner, Sammy Watkins would be a Brown.Random thought... Too bad this Josh Gordon news didn't break a day sooner. Throwing Stevie into the 1.4 trade might have been able to save next year's #1.
I've seen conflicting stuff on this. Allegedly the top brass knew but are theoretically prohibited from telling the coaches. Not sure how this process works. If the people making the picks didn't know about the Gordon suspension until yesterday, then I feel a little bad for Cleveland. If they knew and just blew it off, that's kind of funny.Browns said they knew for a couple weeks though.If this news had broken a day sooner, Sammy Watkins would be a Brown.Random thought... Too bad this Josh Gordon news didn't break a day sooner. Throwing Stevie into the 1.4 trade might have been able to save next year's #1.
Yeah, the whole thing seems crazy- I'm not sure why there would be a rule where only certain people in the organization could "know" the information in the first place, and I really don't see how they could "prove" that they told the coaches- it's not like Watkins would have been an unthinkable pick for Cleveland even if nothing came out about Gordon. I have to think they knew and decided to pass on him anyhow (maybe they know more than we think and he's facing less than a season suspension)- they passed on WR in the 2nd and 3rd after it was public as well.I've seen conflicting stuff on this. Allegedly the top brass knew but are theoretically prohibited from telling the coaches. Not sure how this process works. If the people making the picks didn't know about the Gordon suspension until yesterday, then I feel a little bad for Cleveland. If they knew and just blew it off, that's kind of funny.Browns said they knew for a couple weeks though.If this news had broken a day sooner, Sammy Watkins would be a Brown.Random thought... Too bad this Josh Gordon news didn't break a day sooner. Throwing Stevie into the 1.4 trade might have been able to save next year's #1.
Either way, we should all be happy that for once the stars happened to align and we were able to take advantage of a team that's even more cursed and/or incompetent than we are.
Fair enough -- we gave a lot to move up. But realistically it's weird that we were able to land the player our FO apparently really wanted. If Cleveland wasn't snakebitten, there's no way Watkins is wearing a Bills uniform today.Yeah, the whole thing seems crazy- I'm not sure why there would be a rule where only certain people in the organization could "know" the information in the first place, and I really don't see how they could "prove" that they told the coaches- it's not like Watkins would have been an unthinkable pick for Cleveland even if nothing came out about Gordon. I have to think they knew and decided to pass on him anyhow (maybe they know more than we think and he's facing less than a season suspension)- they passed on WR in the 2nd and 3rd after it was public as well.I've seen conflicting stuff on this. Allegedly the top brass knew but are theoretically prohibited from telling the coaches. Not sure how this process works. If the people making the picks didn't know about the Gordon suspension until yesterday, then I feel a little bad for Cleveland. If they knew and just blew it off, that's kind of funny.Browns said they knew for a couple weeks though.If this news had broken a day sooner, Sammy Watkins would be a Brown.Random thought... Too bad this Josh Gordon news didn't break a day sooner. Throwing Stevie into the 1.4 trade might have been able to save next year's #1.
Either way, we should all be happy that for once the stars happened to align and we were able to take advantage of a team that's even more cursed and/or incompetent than we are.
Disagree with your last sentence- still seems like the Bills are the one who got taken advantage of.
I said this during last years draft as well, but QB is THE most important position on the field. The Bills have accumulated a decent amount of talent, but EJ is still a huge question mark at this point. Using a 4th round pick on someone who can either push him to be better, or who may end up being better himself, makes perfect sense (assuming there's a guy there who fits the bill).Taking a QB doesn't make any sense to me. This team is all-in with EJ right now and shouldn't veer from that path after one season. Furthermore, Lewis looked very competent throughout the season when called upon. Heck, Tuel even played well with a full week of preparation.I think it's a smart move given the injury isses EJ had last year. Thad Lewis is nice and all, but it wouldn't hurt to have a 3rd option who might develop into a potential starter or very good backup down the road.Anyone have any thoughts on taking a QB with one of the next couple picks? AJ McCarron really intrigues me. Mettenberger has some upside. I've heard some positive things about Savage, though I've never really studied him.
And we still need to address rebuilding depth in the secondary and also maybe getting a guard that can actually get in the field and contribute next year.