Drafty Thoughts

Other random opinions on the draft:

- I loved Cleveland's move to grab Brady Quinn. If he and Joe Thomas both turn out to be as good as they're supposed to be, this could be a turning point for the Browns.

- I was shocked when Miami took Ted Ginn, Jr. instead of Brady Quinn. It's a risky move, but it could pay off if both Ginn and Beck (the QB they drafted in the 2nd) pan out for them. I would guess they're expecting to be able to sign Trent Green to start for the next year or two while Beck comes up to speed. It could work, but it definitely wasn't the most popular or easiest path to take. And it could take them a long time to live it down if Brady Quinn turns out to be good.

- How do the Patriots do it? They consistently wheel and deal, and somehow you get the feeling that they're always getting the better end of whatever deal they're making. They didn't like they players available to them at the bottom of the 1st round, so they traded one of their two picks (yes, they had two 1st round picks because of trading Deion Branch last season to Seattle) to San Francisco in exchange for SF's 1st round pick next year and a 4th rounder this year. New England later used that 4th round pick to get Randy Moss from Oakland. So NE turned a low 1st round pick that they didn't want to use into Randy Moss and an (almost certainly) better 1st round pick next year.

- The Bills better hope that Ashton Youboty (last year's 3rd round pick) turns out to be a good cornerback this year. While they were busy not drafting or otherwise acquiring a CB this year, NE has been stockpiling WRs like they're going out of style (Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Dante Stallworth - a whole new starting ensemble). And Miami used its 1st round pick on Ted Ginn, Jr. to complement Chris Chambers and form a potentially deadly WR tandem (assuming they end up with a QB to throw to them). The Jets seem to be better prepared to deal with the AFC East WR threats (including Lee Evans) with their 1st round pick of cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The Running of the Bills

I watched the NFL draft for the first time yesterday. It was enjoyable, despite the slow pace (the first round lasted for over 6 hours - a new record). The first round is the best part since it offers the most hope for a team. (And because I only know the names of players that are getting drafted that high.)

I loved the Bills' first two picks - Marshawn Lynch (RB) and Paul Posluzny (LB). I was expecting them to take Posluzny with their first round pick (#12) and find a RB in the second round. Instead, they took Lynch, who was rated as the second best RB in the draft, and got lucky when Posluzny slid all the way into the top of the second round, where they could trade up and take him. After they drafted Lynch, I was rooting for one one of the top LBs (especially Posluzny, since I knew they liked him) to last until a spot where we could trade up and get one. And then it happened! Marv read my mind and did exactly what I wanted him to do! It doesn't get much better than that for a fan. ;)

Trent Edwards (QB) seemed like a great value at the end of the 3rd round, since many people had him rated as the third best QB in the draft. All through the 3rd round ESPN was talking about him, wondering who would finally take him. He won't be starting anytime soon for us, obviously, but it never hurts to have a good QB on your bench getting trained for future action.

I was surprised by the number of offensive players the Bills drafted (2 RBs, a QB, a TE) - four out of our seven picks. I'd expected them to focus on the defense more (other than getting a RB and maybe a WR). Looks like they drafted based on the value that was available, not just on need. I'm excited about our offense, though, with our newly upgraded offensive line and the two complementary RBs that we drafted.

The Beginning

Started this blog tonight. I don't know if I'll ever update it, but it seems like it would be fun if I did. I've learned over the years that I'm just not very good at posting things online or regularly emailing people.

Top reasons I probably won't update this blog:

1. I forget things easily. (Solution: make this part of my routine somehow.)

2. I'm busy. (Solution: if I care enough, I can always fit things into my day.)

3. I'm boring. (Solution 1: pretend my boring thoughts are actually interesting, and post them anyway; Solution 2: grab hold of the non-boring moments of life and write them down before I forget and think my life is boring.)

4. I'm sick of computers by the time I get home each night. (Solution: post at work when my boss isn't looking. ;) )