***Official Buffalo Bills 2007 Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

AWESOME value getting Poz at this point.

Very happy with Lynch/Poz here. Bills appear to have filled their 2 biggest needs.

Now, they can look for a CB and add depth throughout with BPA picks.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I absolutely love this draft so far.

 

[peter griffin]

as a Bills fan, I'm practically giddy with this draft. Granted I wanted Willis in the first, but to get Lynch and Posluzny(who I never dreamed would fall to the Bills) is outstanding.

 

[Gottabesweet]

CB, or FB time.

Possibly LB

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

CB, or FB time. Possibly LB

gotta be a CB with their remaining 3rd rounder.from what I've heard, they don't plan to use a FB much in the offense this year.

 

[Gottabesweet]

CB, or FB time. Possibly LB

gotta be a CB with their remaining 3rd rounder.from what I've heard, they don't plan to use a FB much in the offense this year.

Would be amazing if they trade up for Chris Houston.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Hughes Cal?

Tim Shaw LB later on?

Both are needs.

Jared Zabransky 7th? Chris Leak? Troy Smith?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Running Draft Recap - Day One

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 4/28/2007 8:05 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills chose to address their hole at running back first on day one taking versatile Cal running back Marshawn Lynch with the 12th pick. Lynch averaged 6.6 yards a carry in his college career as he was only the fourth player in Cal history to rush for over 3,000 yards in a career ranking second on the school's all-time rushing list.

Second pick

Seeing an opportunity the Bills feverishly work the phones in an effort to trade back up into the bottom of round one or the top of round two. The Detroit Lions finally agree to trade parameters, with Buffalo giving Detroit their second round pick (#43) and their first third-round pick (#74) in exchange for the Lions' pick at the top of the second round (#34).

With the pick the Bills select highly touted Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny, a prospect that many had graded as a mid-first round pick.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT LYNCH:

Head coach **** Jauron on what he likes about Lynch as a player

"I think he is elusive. I think he makes people miss and on top of that he has the speed to go the distance. He's a sub-4.5 40-guy which is pretty fast. He's 215 pounds and it's packed on his frame so he has some power. I thought he was effective in short yardage situations, he drops his shoulder well and knows when to do it and he knows how to make you miss. And as we've talked about he can catch the ball."

Bills GM Marv Levy said Lynch was the top player they had targeted in a group of three.

"We zeroed in on three players we wanted in priority order. When our pick came up on the board all three of those players were still there and we picked the one who was rated the highest."

Levy on their investigation into his character background

"We knew there were some of those. Character is very important to us. We did look into the matter very closely. Allegations sometimes when you look into them you find there's not really much substance to it. He comes from a tough inner city background and he had friends there, but he's had no trouble with the law himself at all. We did some checking with his coaches and other people and they speak very highly of him. We did investigate things very closely and we satisfied ourselves on that count very much."

Bills Assistant GM Tom Modrak on Lynch's chances to be an every down back.

"He certainly physically has that ability. We took him high and he needs to get in and play, but he is still going to be a rookie. He's going to be in a whole new world of terminology and blitz pickups are not going to be easy. That always makes running back coaches worry a little bit. He has every ability to do that, but how fast that progress comes along will remain to be seen. He's 215 pounds and he's strapped together and he has no problem picking up the bigger people that come. He doesn't get run over."

WHAT LYNCH SAID:

On how playing in a pro style offense at Cal will help him at the NFL level

"Coach Tedford did a wonderful job with preparing all of the athletes with running a pro style offense. It'll be a little tough in the transition in terms of the play calling, but the main objectives of the offense will be pretty easy for me to pick up since I've played in it for three years. And with me being versatile will help out a lot. Being able to put me in the slot to run routes against the linebackers I think that will be a good thing for me."

On moving across country to Buffalo Bills

"I didn't really know too much about Buffalo. When I got there I found that Canada was like seven miles away and I heard they get a lot of snow. But other than that it's going to be a new experience for me that I'm ready to learn."

On NFL players whose game is similar to his own

"Well with splitting out at receiver and lining me up in the slot and letting me throw the ball a little bit, I would say L.T.. But I like Marshall Faulk too and he was one of the first that lined up in the slot. I would say those two running backs."

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT POSLUSZNY:

Bills head coach **** Jauron on whether he will play middle or outside linebacker with Buffalo

"I don't know. He played them both and he played them pretty well. He is athletic and a really smart guy so we'll let him compete and see kind of where it falls and make a move later. I don't think we'll slot him to start with."

Assistant GM Tom Modrak on Posluszny's strengths

"He's a terrific athlete who has really good instincts for the ball. I heard some of the things about his slow start to the year and that was true because he had to come back from a serious injury, but he kept getting better and better and that's his will to do better. He's very competitive, his drops in space are very good. We're very excited that he's got a whole lot of talent and a lot of the intangibles that we talk about."

GM Marv Levy on Posluszny standing out at the combine

"You go to Indianapolis at the combine and you watch one workout after another workout after another workout and this guy vertical jumped 36 and this guy vertical jumped 35 and a half and you say what's the difference, but his workout really caught my eye. It really did."

WHAT POSLUSZNY SAID:

On being selected by Buffalo

"I'm definitely very excited about it. I'm happy with the way things worked out and I know this is going to be a great situation."

On switching to inside linebacker last year as opposed to playing outside

"I definitely had fewer opportunities to blitz inside, the middle linebacker in our defense was more of coverage guy. That was my role especially in the passing game. In the run game blockers also came at me at a different angle. I had to take on a couple of more blockers here and there and I had different reads as opposed to when I was playing outside linebacker. So I had to get used to those things."

On whether he prefers the inside or outside

"Wherever I can get to the football most. I've played both and feel comfortable playing both and depending on the scheme, wherever I have the chance to make the most plays that's where I want to be at."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4729

 

[Pat Patriot]

Nice draft by Buffalo. I was hearing there was a late push for Levy to take Pozlusny at 12 so to get Poz and Lynch is a nice day.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Daymeion Hughes still available. Seems like good value at the end of round 3 and his lack of speed shouldn't hurt him too much in the Bills defense.

also, CB Fred Bennett of South Carolina might be an option.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills take Trent Edwards in the 3rd.

not sure I like it that much. Losman/Nall seem set as the top 2, which means Edwards is a developmental 3rd QB. guess it doesn't hurt to add depth at the position. Does seem like good value too since a lot of people had him going early 2nd.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Bills take Trent Edwards in the 3rd.not sure I like it that much. Losman/Nall seem set as the top 2, which means Edwards is a developmental 3rd QB. guess it doesn't hurt to add depth at the position. Does seem like good value too since a lot of people had him going early 2nd.

Agree, Hope JP does not take it the wrong way. I like where he is headed. Nall has to be pretty upset. What about Holcomb looks like he gets cut in Philly (McNabb, Kolb, Feely)

 

[Gottabesweet]

what to look for tomorrow?

WR - Special Teams type player

CB - same

LB

FB

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

Third and short he would be great to be brought back to use his body in those situations. If we dont take a WR day two, Moulds will be a Bill for dirt cheap.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

Third and short he would be great to be brought back to use his body in those situations. If we dont take a WR day two, Moulds will be a Bill for dirt cheap.

what makes you think he'd sign for dirt cheap?you think he'll show up and gladly take less than players like Peerless Price and Josh Reed? heck, most people agree the Bills overpaid for Price last year and he was out of the league for almost a year before they signed him.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

Third and short he would be great to be brought back to use his body in those situations. If we dont take a WR day two, Moulds will be a Bill for dirt cheap.

what makes you think he'd sign for dirt cheap?you think he'll show up and gladly take less than players like Peerless Price and Josh Reed? heck, most people agree the Bills overpaid for Price last year and he was out of the league for almost a year before they signed him.

He's looking for a job. Nobody wants him. He said he wouldnt mind going back to Buffalo. The longer it takes the cheaper he will be.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

Third and short he would be great to be brought back to use his body in those situations. If we dont take a WR day two, Moulds will be a Bill for dirt cheap.

what makes you think he'd sign for dirt cheap?you think he'll show up and gladly take less than players like Peerless Price and Josh Reed? heck, most people agree the Bills overpaid for Price last year and he was out of the league for almost a year before they signed him.

He's looking for a job. Nobody wants him. He said he wouldnt mind going back to Buffalo. The longer it takes the cheaper he will be.

he's a proud guy. I doubt he'd be willing to sign for as little as you think he will. he'd probably consider a low contract offer to be an insult.also, if nobody wants him, that's generally a pretty good sign that he doesn't have much left to offer.I think I was one of the most outspoken Bills fans around who didn't want to see him leave, but he was a disappointment in Houston last season and I think the Bills have moved on. If he wants to retire a Bill, I'm sure they'd oblige. But, I don't think they can afford to give him a roster spot now, much less playing time.

 

[Hagger]

I'm very happy with this draft.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Bills take Trent Edwards in the 3rd.not sure I like it that much. Losman/Nall seem set as the top 2, which means Edwards is a developmental 3rd QB. guess it doesn't hurt to add depth at the position. Does seem like good value too since a lot of people had him going early 2nd.

That was definitely a head scratcher. My hope is that the CB they would have taken with that pick is someone they think will still be there with their 4th which wasn't too much later. They really need to address CB there, though, because it is their last pick for quite a while.Hopefully Edwards works out to be one of those backups that teams develop and can trade for descent value in the future, because I am totally confident in Losman.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Bills take Trent Edwards in the 3rd.not sure I like it that much. Losman/Nall seem set as the top 2, which means Edwards is a developmental 3rd QB. guess it doesn't hurt to add depth at the position. Does seem like good value too since a lot of people had him going early 2nd.

I'm fine with this pick. Edwards is a good value at this spot, and we don't really know if Nall is any good or not. And I like JP and think he showed strong progress last year, but let's be honest: it's not like we have Peyton Manning under center. This was a bit of a curveball, but it makes sense given where the value was at this point.

 

[Obie Wan]

Bills take Trent Edwards in the 3rd.not sure I like it that much. Losman/Nall seem set as the top 2, which means Edwards is a developmental 3rd QB. guess it doesn't hurt to add depth at the position. Does seem like good value too since a lot of people had him going early 2nd.

I'm fine with this pick. Edwards is a good value at this spot, and we don't really know if Nall is any good or not. And I like JP and think he showed strong progress last year, but let's be honest: it's not like we have Peyton Manning under center. This was a bit of a curveball, but it makes sense given where the value was at this point.

another way to look at it is that the coaches are comfortable with the talent on the team that they can afford to invest in a long term project and not feel compelled to fill holes with the pick.They obviously have a higher regard for the LBs and DBs on the team being able to step up than the media and fans.

 

[JAA]

Hey Aaron, id be intereted in reading a complete draft recap from you on the Bills draft, their needs, and how they addressed them in the draft. Im a bit of a closet Bills fan and havnt been keeping up with their needs.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills take another RB, Dwayne Wright of Fresno State, in round 4.Here's what Chris Brown from Buffalo Bills.com had to say about it:

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING: The future combination of Lynch and Dwayne Wright could be 'Thunder and Lightning.' Wright is a power runner with hands, but this guy can move the pile. Not to say that Lynch can't, but if you're in goal line formation you're giving the ball to Big Dwayne. Buffalo's backfield can now mash and run away from you. Very intriguing. Gotta get some help now in the defensive backfield or another linebacker.

WRIGHT AND LYNCH RELATIONSHIP: Wright and Lynch have crossed paths a few times. I just talked to him on the phone and here's what Wright said about Lynch."I met Marshawn a couple of times during the combine and on other occasions and he's a great guy. I love being around him, he's fun to be around. He kept me motivated during the combine and it's going to be great."

With the Bills first pick on day two (111th) they chose to further bolster their offensive backfield with power running back Dwayne Wright from Fresno State. WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT WRIGHTBills running backs coach Eric Studesville "Dwayne was impressive at the combine. He's a big, physical body, a thick guy. I think he gives you a complete back. He's a guy that's physical enough to run inside the tackles and he does some good things on the edge. He catches the ball and picks up pass protection. I loved his work ethic at the combine."Bills National scout Marc Ross"Obviously any time someone has been injured early in their career you want to see them come back from that. He had a strong season this year. He was running hard throughout the season until the last game."WHAT WRIGHT SAIDOn fitting in with Buffalo"I believe I fit in well. I think it's going to be a great situation for me to come in and learn from a veteran. I love competition. This will be just another test to succeed. I'm sure I'll get along with everybody."

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills land versatile back in Lynch

Was rated second in draft behind Peterson

By Allen Wilson NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 04/29/07 6:33 AM

California running back Marshawn Lynch has such a tight relationship with his mother, Delisa, he came up with a special Mother’s Day present to express his affections.

Emblazoned across his both of his shoulder blades are the tattooed words, “Mamma’s boy.”

Some might consider the term an insult, but Lynch considers it a badge of honor because of how hard his mother worked to raise him and his three siblings.

Apparently, Delisa Lynch’s work ethic rubbed off. At California, Lynch emerged as one of the best running backs in college football. His talent and potential was too much for the Buffalo Bills to pass up with their first-round draft pick (12th overall).

“For me even to be in the draft is a blessing,” Lynch said during a conference call with the Western New York media. “I’m looking forward to moving on and starting my career in Buffalo. It just seems like a perfect fit.”

Lynch was rated second only to Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson, according to most draft analysts. While Peterson is considered the better pure runner, Lynch is believed to be more versatile.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior thrived in California’s prostyle, two-back offense under head coach Jeff Tedford. Lynch was the Pacific 10 Conference’s offensive player of the year in 2006 after rushing for 1,356 yards. He finished his threeyear career with 3,230 yards (6.6 per carry) and 29 touchdowns. He also caught 68 passes for 600 yards and six scores.

Lynch is strong enough to run inside, has the speed to bounce outside and the strength and balance to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact.

“Coach Tedford did a wonderful job preparing all the athletes at Cal in running the prostyle offense,” Lynch said. “It will be a little tough transition [to the NFL] as far as the play calling, but just the main objective and goal of the offense it will be pretty easy for me to pick up. I’ve played in it for three years.”

Bills coach **** Jauron said Lynch’s experience in a prostyle offense helps, but it wasn’t the only reason Lynch was successful at Cal.

“I think his talents would have shown no matter where he played,” Jauron said. “The guy is really an effective runner. I think he makes people miss and then on top of that he’s got speed enough to go the distance. He’s a sub-4.5 40 guy, which is pretty fast. He has some power. He’s effective in short-yardage situations. He also can catch the ball and he can block. It helps to see him do all the things that you’re going to ask him to do.”

Lynch had some concerns about an off-the-field incident affecting his draft stock. At the beginning of the year, a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic and sexual assault. But charges weren’t filed because of a lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

“It was something I had to go through,” Lynch said. “I’m glad I went through it. It’s done with and it’s a learning experience that’s going to lead me on the right track when it comes to one of those kind of situations again.”

Lynch grew up in the tough inner city of Oakland, and learned first-hand how danger can lurk around any corner.

While waiting to attend his sister and godbrother’s high school graduation, a gunman fired five shots at his car, but the bullets missed him. About 20 minutes later, his mother got a phone call from someone who apologized for the shooting and said the bullets weren’t meant for her son.

Perhaps the call shows how much respect Lynch has in his hometown, or as he suspects, it shows how much street credibility his mother has.

“She’s a beast out there, man,” he said, laughing. “Everybody respects my mom. She comes up to the high school and everybody has a nickname for her. It’s either auntie Lisa, Momma Lisa, Mamma Delisa. She’s real active with the school.”

In drafting Lynch, the Bills are getting a package deal because his mother is moving to Buffalo with him.

“She doesn’t know too much about Buffalo,” he said. “My mom works at the telephone company so I asked [the Bills] if they had a telephone company where she could work and I asked if they’ve got a Bingo hall down there. They told me they had a Bingo hall and a telephone company down there, so my momma is going to be solid.”

http://www.buffalonews.com/213/story/64431.html

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Posluszny brings back memories of Conlan

By Allen Wilson NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 04/29/07 6:33 AM

Penn State has produced a lot of great linebackers. But Paul Posluszny is the best. At least that’s what Jack Ham says.

That’s the same Jack Ham who was an All-American linebacker at Penn State, who went to eight Pro Bowls, won four Super Bowls and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It was definitely a bold statement on his part,” Posluszny said of Ham. “I was very excited that he thought of me in that way. I’ll definitely do my part to work as hard as I can to fulfill his expectations.”

If Ham is right, the Buffalo Bills got quite a steal. Posluszny (pronounced Pos-luz-nee) was expected to be selected in the first round, but lasted until the second round (34th overall) of the draft. That isn’t too bad because Ham was also a second-rounder and the 34th selection in the 1971 draft.

The Bills were glad Posluszny was still on the board. They quickly worked out a trade with Detroit to get him.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno compared Posluszny’s intense, instinctive playing style to Shane Conlan, who went to the Bills with the eighth overall pick in 1987.

Posluszny changed his jersey number to 31 in reverence to Conlan after his freshman year and will move on to the team where Conlan was the NFL rookie of the year and played in three of the Bills’ four Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.

“It’s definitely ironic, especially after all the comparisons at Penn State,” said Posluszny, who works out with Conlan at the same YMCA. “And now I go to the team that he played for. It’s funny that it worked out that way, but I like it that way. I’m definitely happy about it. I’m happy with the way things worked out and I know it’s going to be a great situation.”

Drafting Posluszny brought back memories for Bills General Manager Marv Levy, who was Buffalo’s head coach when Conlan was drafted.

“Tom [Assistant General Manager Modrak] and I were talking about it a little bit and he said, ‘Hey, that’s setting the bar pretty high isn’t it?’ ” Levy said. “But there are tremendous correlations and similarities. Guys from the same Linebacker U, and high character. In my second year we drafted Shane, and that was the beginning of our sharp upswing. We hope this helps contribute to it, too.”

It’s debatable whether Posluszny is the best linebacker out of Penn State, but he was the most productive. The twotime winner of the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player led the Nittany Lions in tackles the last three seasons and set a school career record with 372 tackles. He was the first junior team captain since 1968.

He played this season at middle linebacker after spending most of his career on the strong side.

“I have been able to play both and I am comfortable at both,” said Posluszny, who is from Aliquippa, Pa., which is also the hometown of guys named Joe Montana, Mike Ditka and Tony Dorsett. “Depending on the scheme and wherever you get a chance to make the most plays, that’s where I want to be at.”

• • •

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was available, but the Bills were never tempted to take him with the 12th overall pick. Not with starter J.P. Losman and backup Craig Nall on the roster.

“Not that we don’t have a high regard for him. We do,” Levy said of Quinn. “But we feel good about J.P. We didn’t feel like we needed some firstround guy to shake up the Pepsi- Cola bottle.”

• • •

In honor of the Virginia Tech tragedy, former Bills and Hokies great Bruce Smith announced the team’s first-round selection. But not before some instructions from Levy.

“I talked to Bruce [Friday] and I told him, ‘Do not say “With the first pick, the Buffalo Bills take Bruce Smith,” ’ ” Levy cracked.

http://www.buffalonews.com/213/story/64427.html

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills grab needed replacements

By Mark Gaughan

NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 04/29/07 7:14 AM

Goodbye Willis McGahee and London Fletcher. Hello Marshawn Lynch and Paul Posluszny.

The Buffalo Bills added pizzazz to their offense Saturday by taking a home-run hitting running back in the first round of the NFL Draft. Then they traded up to the top of the second round to select a player they hope is the second coming of Shane Conlan.

By drafting Lynch, a big, fast running back from the University of California, the Bills got a player who they think is a bit more complete than McGahee, who they traded away to Baltimore last month.

The selection of Posluszny, the All-America linebacker from Penn State, was a surprise because he was expected to go in the second half of the first round. The Bills moved up nine spots, from 43rd to 34th, in a swap with Detroit to make the pick. The Bills also gave Detroit the first of their thirdround picks, No. 74 overall.

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking waiting to see if he was going to be there for us,” said Bills General Manager Marv Levy. “We were working the phones for quite some time with even higher choices [before the 34th pick] to try to get him.”

The Bills hope Posluszny eventually will be an upgrade at middle linebacker over Fletcher because he is bigger and faster. In their dream scenario he’s as good as the Penn State linebacker they drafted 20 years ago — Conlan, who went eighth overall in 1987. Posluszny wore the same number as Conlan at Penn State — 31 — in honor of the former Bills Pro Bowler.

In the third round, the Bills drafted Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards, a 6-4, 225-pounder.

The No. 1-rated linebacker in the draft, Mississippi’s Patrick Willis, went one pick before the Bills’ first choice, to San Francisco at No. 11. But Levy said the Bills would not have picked Willis. He said they had two other players in their sights with the 12th pick besides Lynch, and Posluszny was one of them.

Lynch was the No. 2-rated back in the draft behind Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson. Lynch became the earliest running back selection in the first round by the Bills since they took Terry Miller fifth overall in 1978.

“We feel he has superb power and durability,” said Bills General Manager Marv Levy. “He’s a superb receiver, excellent in the passing game as well. He’s the complete running back.”

At 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, Lynch is a tough runner with speed. He gained a lot of yards in college after initial contact. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper called him “arguably the toughest runner in college football and a real brute to get to the ground.”

“He’s very tough,” said Bills scout Marc Ross. “He never gives up on a run. He tries to punish tacklers. He’s a physical runner.”

Lynch, however, also ran a 40-yard dash time of 4.46. That’s not as fast as New Orleans’ Reggie Bush (4.39) or the Colts’ Joseph Addai (4.40). But it’s faster than recent first-round picks Lawrence Maroney (New England) and Cedric Benson (Chicago), and it’s the same as St. Louis’ Steven Jackson.

“I think he is elusive,” said coach **** Jauron. “I think he makes people miss. On top of that, he has speed enough to go the distance.”

“He’s a guy who can run inside and outside, and he has the speed to break the long one,” said Cal head coach Jeff Tedford. “He has unbelievable balance, and he gets to full speed very quickly. He can run very fast with a wide base, which accounts a lot for his balance. He has tremendous acceleration. He has great moves. He can run at full speed and make moves.”

Lynch, who left college a year early, rushed for 1,356 yards and a 6.1-yard average as a junior. He scored 11 rushing TDs.

He also has superb hands. He caught 34 passes for 348 yards with four more TDs. Cal used him occasionally as a receiver in the slot.

The Bills never utilized McGahee much in the passing game. He caught 18 balls last season and 28 in 2005.

Posluszny, at 6-1 and 238, was a three-year starter for Penn State.

He played outside linebacker in his junior year and dominated all over the field, making 116 tackles. He suffered torn ligaments in his right knee in the Orange Bowl game at the end of that season but was able to recover in time to start his senior season in September. Penn State moved Posluszny to inside linebacker, and he was noticeably slower the first half of his senior year. Nevertheless, he again finished with 116 tackles. Posluszny is a little faster than Conlan, who was strictly an inside backer.

“He had to come back from a serious knee injury but in each game he kept getting better and better,” said Tom Modrak, Bills assistant general manager.

While Jauron would not commit to a position for Posluszny, he is expected to play the middle in Buffalo, because incumbent Angelo Crowell is better suited to the strong side in the Bills’ defense.

The Bills were expected to draft a quarterback in this draft, although not necessarily on the first day. Stanford’s Edwards had been rated by some as a second-round pick.

“The reasoning was very simple,” Jauron said. “At the time our pick came, there was a pretty big discrepancy between the grade we had on him and the grades we had on other people. We like competition at the quarterback position, particularly for the second spot. J.P. [Losman] is our guy. . . . We need some competition for Craig [Nall]. We couldn’t pass this guy up.”

http://www.buffalonews.com/213/story/64393.html

 

[Gottabesweet]

Another RB in round 4

Very interesting.

So Lynch, A-train and Wright

Looks like Jackson and Shaud Williams are gone?

Wasnt Shaud just re-signed?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Looks like Jackson and Shaud Williams are gone?Wasnt Shaud just re-signed?

I don't recall the details, but I'm guessing he got a contract for the minimum with no signing bonus so releasing him won't cost the team anything.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills take:

#184 John Wendling, S, Wyoming

I really like this pick. He's got great size (6'1", 222) with a 40" vertical and ran a 4.49 40 time. Led his team in tackles. Great character. Should be a solid backup to Whitner at SS and a help on special teams.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills take:

#222 Derek Schouman, TE, Boise State

He's an H-back type of player, which the Bills plan to use more of this year. Scouting report isn't too impressive. Probably headed for the practice squad.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm not really enthused about either 7th rounder, but I loved this draft otherwise. With the exception of #12, it seemed like we got very good value at each pick, and it's not like our first rounder was a reach or anything.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills last pick:

#239 CJ Ah You, DE, Oklahoma

seems like a guy with character issues who bounced around at a few different schools before winding up at Oklahoma. He'll be 25 years old. I doubt this guy makes the team with the Bills DL depth so his best bet is practice squad.

interesting that the Bills didn't take any CBs in the draft. I guess they're set with their top 4 as McGee, Thomas, Youboty, and Greer. Probably add a couple as undrafted free agents.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Bills take:

#184 John Wendling, S, Wyoming

I really like this pick. He's got great size (6'1", 222) with a 40" vertical and ran a 4.49 40 time. Led his team in tackles. Great character. Should be a solid backup to Whitner at SS and a help on special teams.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Bills last pick:

#239 CJ Ah You, DE, Oklahoma

seems like a guy with character issues who bounced around at a few different schools before winding up at Oklahoma. He'll be 25 years old. I doubt this guy makes the team with the Bills DL depth so his best bet is practice squad.

interesting that the Bills didn't take any CBs in the draft. I guess they're set with their top 4 as McGee, Thomas, Youboty, and Greer. Probably add a couple as undrafted free agents.

maybe even some camp cuts.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I think Moulds winds up back in Buffalo.

I don't.with Fletcher and Spikes moving on, it's clear this team values youth and speed. I think Moulds would be a distraction at this point and doesn't have much left to contribute anyway.

Third and short he would be great to be brought back to use his body in those situations. If we dont take a WR day two, Moulds will be a Bill for dirt cheap.

what makes you think he'd sign for dirt cheap?you think he'll show up and gladly take less than players like Peerless Price and Josh Reed? heck, most people agree the Bills overpaid for Price last year and he was out of the league for almost a year before they signed him.

He's looking for a job. Nobody wants him. He said he wouldnt mind going back to Buffalo. The longer it takes the cheaper he will be.

Funny I thought the same thing about Peerless Priceless last year yet look at the big bucks that they gave to him? Moulds isn't needed here. He's too slow now and would only slow down the growth of other current Bills' receivers on the roster.

 

[Obie Wan]

Bills take:#184 John Wendling, S, WyomingI really like this pick. He's got great size (6'1", 222) with a 40" vertical and ran a 4.49 40 time. Led his team in tackles. Great character. Should be a solid backup to Whitner at SS and a help on special teams.

my guess is they groom him to replace McGee.By design, they will have him press the WRs and provide great run support with his size and speed.Deep coverage on Wrs go to the safeties.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills take:

#184 John Wendling, S, Wyoming

I really like this pick. He's got great size (6'1", 222) with a 40" vertical and ran a 4.49 40 time. Led his team in tackles. Great character. Should be a solid backup to Whitner at SS and a help on special teams.

my guess is they groom him to replace McGee.By design, they will have him press the WRs and provide great run support with his size and speed.

Deep coverage on Wrs go to the safeties.

why do you think McGee needs to be replaced?Are there any 222 pound CBs in the league?

this is from Chris Brown:

JUST TALKED TO WENDLING: Wendling is definitely excited about playing in Buffalo's defensive scheme. The scouts think he could play either strong or free safety. He played strong safety his last year at Wyoming. But the kid ran a 4.48 40-time at the combine and can play half-field safety in the scheme. He's considered a pretty good tackler.

He's a very good special teams player too. Bobby April was happy about the pick naturally.

more info on Bills Day 2 picks:

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT WENDLING:

Bills scout Brad Forsyth

"He's an excellent physical specimen. You don't see as much production from him on defense as you want to, but when you talk to the staff and understand what they were trying to do with him it makes more sense. They were changing things up on this guy each and every week. They were throwing so many things at him and laying it on his shoulders that they admit they were probably too hard on him. Where you can see some of the physical traits that he has is on special teams. He's an excellent special teams player. I think he can be a good safety, it's just a matter of settling down and giving him something to do week after week after week. He's got a lot of upside."

WHAT WENDLING SAID:

On his play his senior year

"I think I changed my game up a little bit last year. I was trying to understand the game a little more and maybe anticipate the offense a little bit more and it slowed me down a little bit. But when it came down to the game it's a game I love, so I love that I have the opportunity to bring my talents to the NFL."

On playing in a cover-two defensive scheme

"I'm totally comfortable with that. Safety is a position I've loved and played at Wyoming for four years. I've played both free and strong. I played strong this last season. It's something I'm very comfortable with so I'm looking forward to it."

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT SCHOUMAN:

Bills scout Brad Forsyth

"He's more of an H-back type, but he is a guy that can play on the line of scrimmage as well. What he does for an undersized tight end is he can really play with leverage. He plays bigger than his size because he plays strong with his leverage and can really bend and get into guys. He's one tough competitive guy. He really gets after people. He goes hard. He also fits what we're looking for because you can move him back into the fullback spot."

Tight ends coach Charlie Coiner

"We're excited about Derek and what he brings to the table concerning what we plan to do with our offense. We had a big advantage with him because our assistant offensive line coach Sean Kugler coached there. I can go down the hall and find out a lot of things that are hard for scouts and me to find out. I know about his intelligence, his character, his toughness."

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT AH YOU:

Bills GM Marv Levy on Ah You's character

"We've examined things extremely carefully with six or eight different people regarding his character and we found nothing that would lead us in that direction. What we got from Oklahoma was all very positive."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4749

 

[Obie Wan]

Bills take:

#184 John Wendling, S, Wyoming

I really like this pick. He's got great size (6'1", 222) with a 40" vertical and ran a 4.49 40 time. Led his team in tackles. Great character. Should be a solid backup to Whitner at SS and a help on special teams.

my guess is they groom him to replace McGee.By design, they will have him press the WRs and provide great run support with his size and speed.

Deep coverage on Wrs go to the safeties.

why do you think McGee needs to be replaced?Are there any 222 pound CBs in the league?

this is from Chris Brown:

JUST TALKED TO WENDLING: Wendling is definitely excited about playing in Buffalo's defensive scheme. The scouts think he could play either strong or free safety. He played strong safety his last year at Wyoming. But the kid ran a 4.48 40-time at the combine and can play half-field safety in the scheme. He's considered a pretty good tackler.

He's a very good special teams player too. Bobby April was happy about the pick naturally.

more info on Bills Day 2 picks:

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT WENDLING:

Bills scout Brad Forsyth

"He's an excellent physical specimen. You don't see as much production from him on defense as you want to, but when you talk to the staff and understand what they were trying to do with him it makes more sense. They were changing things up on this guy each and every week. They were throwing so many things at him and laying it on his shoulders that they admit they were probably too hard on him. Where you can see some of the physical traits that he has is on special teams. He's an excellent special teams player. I think he can be a good safety, it's just a matter of settling down and giving him something to do week after week after week. He's got a lot of upside."

WHAT WENDLING SAID:

On his play his senior year

"I think I changed my game up a little bit last year. I was trying to understand the game a little more and maybe anticipate the offense a little bit more and it slowed me down a little bit. But when it came down to the game it's a game I love, so I love that I have the opportunity to bring my talents to the NFL."

On playing in a cover-two defensive scheme

"I'm totally comfortable with that. Safety is a position I've loved and played at Wyoming for four years. I've played both free and strong. I played strong this last season. It's something I'm very comfortable with so I'm looking forward to it."

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT SCHOUMAN:

Bills scout Brad Forsyth

"He's more of an H-back type, but he is a guy that can play on the line of scrimmage as well. What he does for an undersized tight end is he can really play with leverage. He plays bigger than his size because he plays strong with his leverage and can really bend and get into guys. He's one tough competitive guy. He really gets after people. He goes hard. He also fits what we're looking for because you can move him back into the fullback spot."

Tight ends coach Charlie Coiner

"We're excited about Derek and what he brings to the table concerning what we plan to do with our offense. We had a big advantage with him because our assistant offensive line coach Sean Kugler coached there. I can go down the hall and find out a lot of things that are hard for scouts and me to find out. I know about his intelligence, his character, his toughness."

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT AH YOU:

Bills GM Marv Levy on Ah You's character

"We've examined things extremely carefully with six or eight different people regarding his character and we found nothing that would lead us in that direction. What we got from Oklahoma was all very positive."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4749

Replace McGee because he sucks in zone coverage. They had to abandon the cover-2 one scheme last yeara because McGee couldn't play zone. That is why is played so much better after he got benched.Wendling has good speed for a CB and will be a huge advantage in proving run support and jamming WRs at the line.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Replace McGee because he sucks in zone coverage. They had to abandon the cover-2 one scheme last yeara because McGee couldn't play zone. That is why is played so much better after he got benched.Wendling has good speed for a CB and will be a huge advantage in proving run support and jamming WRs at the line.

McGee struggled in all aspects for a little while but eventually got better. I think he'll be fine.

 

[Obie Wan]

Replace McGee because he sucks in zone coverage. They had to abandon the cover-2 one scheme last yeara because McGee couldn't play zone. That is why is played so much better after he got benched.Wendling has good speed for a CB and will be a huge advantage in proving run support and jamming WRs at the line.

McGee struggled in all aspects for a little while but eventually got better. I think he'll be fine.

He looked fine because he wasn't playing zone. They had to play zone to hide his incompetence.he eventually will be the nickle back playing man on the slot WR

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

He looked fine because he wasn't playing zone. They had to play zone to hide his incompetence.

 

[GroveDiesel]

For the most part I liked the Bills' draft. I was very disappointed to miss out on Patrick Willis but after Okoye went to Houston it was just about a lock that Willis would be a Niner. But Lynch will be a great fit in Buffalo. He's exactly the type of back that the Bills were looking for. I know I'll probably get killed for saying this, but I think that he was actually a better fit for the Bills than what Peterson would have been. The Bills REALLY want somebody that can catch the ball well out of the backfield and Lynch is excellent at it. I think that Levy looks at him as a Thurman Thomas guy. He's also an excellent blocker in pass coverage which will be a HUGE upgrade over McGahee.

I also like the Poz pick. He's not super athletic but he can make all the plays because he has a high football IQ and very instinctive. I think that Willis would have been a better fit, but Poz will slide in and be a solid starter immediately for the Bills.

Trent Edwards. Well, he's great value where the Bills got him. It really seems like the Bills don't like what they have in Craig Nall at all. I think that Nall and Edwards will battle for the #2 QB position. He'll be an excellent backup for Buffalo right now. If the Bills end up not being to work something out with Losman before he becomes a FA after the 2008 season, then they have a seasoned Trent Edwards to step in. If they CAN work out something with Losman, then maybe they find a team like the Texans willing to part ways with a nice draft pick for Edwards.

The Wright pick really surprised me. Another RB after taking Lynch in the 1st? He's a big guy though and as Dodds was saying at the draft, he could be their goaline guy since Lynch isn't a big RB.

The rest of the picks are all "wait and see picks" IMO. All I know is that the Bills are apparently VERY convinced that Ashton Youboty is the real deal at CB. They have been quite a few indications that they do in fact believe exactly that, but none more than today's draft.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Like most of the picks but surprised that we didn't take any WRs or CBs late.

 

[On The Rocks]

I think the Bills must be really high on Youboty to not have addressed the CB position. Either that or they really have a plan to pick up a vet cut during the summer.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I still question the Edwards pick. I'd prefer a QB later. Jauron did say its to bring competition to Nall. I dont think the staff is high on Nall at all. I just dont want them to let JP walk in 08' I think?

I like the Wright pick. He and Lynch should have similar contracts in terms of years so if Lynch wants to walk they may have someone in the wings who they could pay.

We grabbed a FB who can catch balls.

I thought we brought in Josh Schobey and Alex Bannister WR a few weeks ago? Maybe we can sign one of them. Very good on special teams.

As for corner I hope McGee, Thomas, Youboty are ready. Maybe they will pounce on someone who is cut.

We still have work to do but maybe we can suprise some people.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Draft Wrapup: Bills Address Most Pressing Needs

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 4/29/2007 9:02 PM ET

When draft weekend concluded Buffalo effectively satisfied their two most pressing needs with their top two selections of running back Marshawn Lynch and linebacker Paul Posluszny. The rest of the draft was comprised mostly of value choices with quarterback Trent Edwards and running back Dwayne Wright proving to be two of the more notable bargains.

But GM Marv Levy admitted there were a couple of positions they hoped to fill before the end of the draft.

"We would love to have been able to be in the position to draft a cornerback," Levy said. "At the time we picked it just didn't fit, given who was there and given the many things we discussed. Yes this is an opportunity now for Ashton Youboty and Jabari Greer and the others on our team to step up. We won't stop looking, but I don't know how much there is in free agency. It's unlikely that we'll make a trade. There were needs we had to fill. Have we fully filled that one? No."

Head coach **** Jauron didn't deny that there are a couple of positions where they still need to make some additions.

"We have numbers that we look at because we know what it takes to go to camp and compete in camp and we'll try to reach those numbers," Jauron said. "We're a little bit light in the secondary right now and little light at receiver."

With respect to the current crop that exists at cornerback Jauron feels opposite incumbent starter Terrence McGee there's a job to be had.

"It's open," said Jauron. "Clearly we drafted Ashton a year ago in the third round and we're hoping that he comes on and performs well, but we're not going to give the job to anybody. We're going to let them compete for it. As I pointed out earlier we'll look everywhere as we go through the spring and into the summer. Any way we feel we can strengthen our team and increase the competition we'll continue to do it."

Jauron also mentioned Jabari Greer and Kiwaukee Thomas as candidates for the right cornerback position.

Day One windfall

What cannot be debated about Buffalo's 2007 draft class is it got off to a fantastic start.

Marshawn Lynch is a running back who has eluded many in his time as a prolific college rusher, but the Buffalo Bills weren't about to let him slip past them at 12.

General manager Marv Levy stated that a day before the draft while hashing out draft strategy with owner Ralph Wilson, Assistant GM Tom Modrak and head coach **** Jauron they came to a consensus that he would be the top player they targeted.

"We zeroed in on three players we wanted in priority order," he said. "When our pick came up on the board all three of those players were still there and we picked the one who was rated the highest."

What surprised Buffalo's brass was the second player on their top three list was still available at the top of the second round.

The men at Buffalo's head table in the draft room were convinced Paul Posluszny's name would be called before the first round was over. The Bills were trying very hard to move back into the bottom of the round, but could find no other team willing to make a deal.

"We were working the phones for quite some time with even higher choices to try to move up to get him," said Levy. "Jim Overdorf and Tom Modrak were the ones who initiated the contact with the personnel people on other teams and deserve a lot of credit."

Buffalo finally found a willing trade partner near the top of round two in Detroit and gave the Lions their second and first third-round pick (#43, #74) for Detroit's 34th selection. The Bills then promptly snapped up the highly decorated Penn State linebacker.

Jauron says ideally he sees Posluszny manning the middle linebacker position.

"This guy is really good and he can play inside or out," Jauron said. "I would love to see him be more comfortable inside and leave Angelo (Crowell) where he is and just move forward."

Buffalo put a wrap on day one with the first of several value choices as they took Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards late in the third round.

"We went into the draft with the idea that somewhere, maybe very late in the draft, that there would be a quarterback in the draft that we liked," said Levy. "We hoped one would be there at that time. We never even thought that Trent Edwards would be there beyond the early second round. We had to take him. It was compelling."

Day Two value

Buffalo used their top pick on day two the same way they did on day one taking running back Dwayne Wright from Fresno State. Levy stated that if they were unsuccessful in landing Marshawn Lynch in round one that Wright would have been an even greater possibility later in the draft. So when he was still sitting there in round four there was debate about him.

"We went over it and over it and enough strong opinions were stressed that we felt we would go with Wright," said Levy. "That was one of the tough ones."

Wright was followed by sixth-round pick John Wendling, a safety from Wyoming a position where Buffalo lacked depth. Wendling played strong safety last year and that's where Jauron intends to keep him for now.

"We think he's athletic enough to play either one," said Jauron. "He's certainly big enough to play strong and physical enough. He's fast enough to play free. We set him up right now to play strong, but I don't think it necessarily matters. We'll fit him in. We're excited about him."

Buffalo finished up their draft with their two seventh round selections landing Boise State tight end Derek Schouman, who will be in the mix with tight ends Ryan Neufeld and Brad Cieslak to fill the new H-back role.

Oklahoma defensive end C.J. Ah You was taken with Buffalo's final pick. Levy actually coached Ah You's uncle Junior Ah You who was an accomplished defensive end in the CFL in the mid-1970's.

Modrak status

With published reports that Assistant GM Tom Modrak could be leaving the organization Levy was asked about whether there was any chance of that becoming fact.

"It has been our plan right along and continues to be, and will be (Monday) probably, that we're going to sit down and talk with Tom. He's done a great job and hopefully it will get worked out favorably."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4754

 

[msommer]

I like the Wright pick. He and Lynch should have similar contracts in terms of years so if Lynch wants to walk they may have someone in the wings who they could pay.

Picks 1-16 can be signed 6 years (and usually are). 4th rounders only 4 years I believe

 

[On The Rocks]

I like the Bills picks. I wish there would have been a way for them to add a stud CB, but like Chris Berman said to Mort you can only circle the wagons one position at a time.And now with the Pats addition of Moss, I suspect they will find out early if their first pick next year will be a top rated CB. Did anyone else look at the NFLDraftScout.com reports on NFL.com and catch a theme on the Bills picks?Lynch:

INJURY REPORT 2006: Bothered most of the second half of the season with a sore back and sprained ankles … Missed the second half of the Oregon game (Oct. 23) because of the back and ankle injuries, then played the rest of the season wearing "Vick shoes," oversized form-fitting shoes originally designed for Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick to reduce the amount of stress absorbed by the ankles when making hard cuts.

Poz:

INJURY REPORT 2006: Suffered partial tears of the right knee posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments during the Orange Bowl (Jan. 3) game against Florida State, but the injury did not require surgery.

Edwards:

INJURY REPORT 2006: Because of a lingering right shoulder injury, Edwards was limited in spring drills … Sat out the final five games of the season vs. Arizona State, Southern California, Washington, Oregon State and California and missed the final three quarters of the Arizona contest (Oct. 14) when he suffered a broken bone in his right foot during first quarter action vs. the Wildcats.

Wright:

INJURY REPORT 2003: Suffered a left patella tendon tear in the Kansas State (Sept. 11) game, undergoing surgery that forced him to miss the rest of the year and the entire 2005 season.

Wendling:

INJURY REPORT No injuries reported.

Schouman:

INJURY REPORT 2006: Did not play vs. Oregon State (Sept. 7) due to two hamstring strains. 2007: Underwent right shoulder surgery after the Fiesta Bowl.

Ah You

INJURY REPORT 2002: Missed the entire season after undergoing knee surgery during fall drills.

Other than Lynch and Wendling, they all had some serious injuries.

 

[On The Rocks]

Marshawn Lynch is on WGR right now.