For anyone who has a TomTom GPS thingie (my parents, for example) you now have the ability to be guided to your destination by Darth Vader (or master Yoda, I believe…) And who wouldn’t want that? 🙂
The video above is a “behind the scenes” look at the recording session with Lord Vader… good stuff.
Wonder if instead of just “You have reached your destination,” the TomTom adds, “And may the force be with you,” to the end of the sign off? 🙂
It’s been far too long here at GregsHead.net since I have posted any brief anecdotal tales from the daily life of the Campbell family. That used to be a regular occurrence, I think before there were so many sources for the humorous anecdotes… 🙂
But there are a few recent ones that I would like to record.
Kirsten
Lately it’s been fun to see Kirstie growing up. She had her sixth birthday in February, and continues to grow in understanding and maturity (and fun-ness!) On her most recent O.K. Night (One Kid Night) she and I got some books from the library and were reading them together. When we got to the one that she could read (a beginning reader’s book, but, a level higher than she’s accustomed to) she asked if she could read it to me. I thought it would be cute, so I said, “Sure, Kirstie, go ahead.” I was not, however, prepared to be rapt by the reading of the story! She was so great not only at reading along without missing a beat (though there were 5 or 6 words in this 5 chapter book that needed some time to sound out…) she was so expressive in the way she read! I didn’t notice it at first, since this is the way I read, or listen to people read, but then I realized… it’s Kirsten! She’s 6! And she’s not really an “accomplished” reader!! 🙂 How beautiful. I was really impressed, and look forward the being read to by Kirstie again, soon. 🙂
Ian
We’re in an interesting transition/stage with Ian. He’ll be 12 this year. That’s fairly old, for a kid. There are a lot of ways that Ian is struggling through understanding his place in life. Things that draw his heart that we know are not good for him, and things that are just different from what we want our family to be… (So Mom & Dad are doing plenty of learning, as well!) Last night we spent an evening with friends, and I had noticed that Ian was very good at helping with his baby sister. So, when we were in the car heading home—and after several “teachable moments” in the day—I made sure to let Ian know what I had thought earlier, about how he is going to be a great parent. Then, Ian spoke from the back seat.
“Dad, I was just thinking about parenting.” (Again, this was following a “teaching” moment not long before.) “I know we disagree on some things, but when I am a Dad, I want to parent just like you.”
I can not put into words how amazing that was. I’m sure I’m not even fully capturing what Ian said. It was beautiful and life-giving to our whole family. Those moments are really incredible.
Emma
Emma is just plain cute! She keeps talking more and more. And her beautiful little personality comes out through this newly acquired vocabulary. She is very confident, strong, certain of what she wants. And she’ll tell you! But we can also see just how amazingly nice, kind, and even gentle her heart is, too. More Emma stories to come…
There are so many more, but the moments are few. Will try to share some more in the near future.
Our friend Marie showed us this video tonight. If you’ve ever had any part in the planning and execution of a local Sunday morning “show” … I think you’ll get a few laughs from this video, too. 🙂
Enjoy!
Have you noticed how compartmentalized we tend to view life? While there certainly is truth to the “time and a place for everything” there is also the truth to “in everything moderation.” But for whatever reason (honestly, I would like to investigate this further and discover the root cause or causes) there is a very strong tendency to separate, categorize, and otherwise segment our lives.
Think about it. The “separation of church and state” immediately comes to mind. It is proclaimed frequently as the bedrock of our society in political circles, the two shall never cross. (It’s really misinterpreted as well, but that’s for another day.)
As a home schooling family, we’ve seen many families who adhere to a more strict schooling schedule: a certain time of day, certain days of the week, and certain months of the year, like the public school system.
We also keep our spiritual life nicely bottled up for our more spiritual moments. Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, small groups, youth groups, mens groups, ladies groups, personal devotion times, and all sorts of “spiritual times.” (Check out this super-old post for more thoughts on this.)
What I’m noticing lately is that when we do compartmentalize and segment our lives so, we tend to imagine that we are somehow able to be different things at different times. That when we are in a spiritual place or time, then we are a spiritual being. When it is time for school, then we are learning.
To a degree, that is most certainly understandable. We do have different roles within our day. Just by our birth, we have different relationships with some people. But does that translate well to other times? When I am with my wife, I am married. When I am with my kids, I am a dad. Not really. We wouldn’t ever say those relationships cease when we are not in a physical time and space where they are evident. We may focus our energy at times on something else (for instance, a job) but we are still a spouse, and a parent, and a child of God.
Life with God is not about a time and place. I’ve said that for so many years here, so I won’t expound there. (If you want to read more, get my book … it’s a good read.) 😉 In our segmented way of thinking, there is a danger of compartmentalizing God that way; putting him in a box.
Same goes with parenting. Whether I am actively caring for and leading my children, or not, I am still a parent. And really, everything I do is part of that. When I am working, I am helping earn money to keep us under a roof and fed. When I am reading or writing, I am thinking about life and processing those thoughts and attempting to understand more of life that I can later pass along to them.
This can also be better applied to our education. As mentioned previously, we’ve been thinking about education a lot lately. One thing that I have always felt that we home schoolers miss out on is the complete integration of our education with our whole lives. Most of us get it on some level, but I’d say not many really live it out. Rather than setting aside a time for “school” there can be such freedom—and perhaps even more learning?—in seeing all of the opportunities to learn (and teach) in the course of “everyday life.” Everywhere we go, everything we do often has teachable moments, whether merely practical (preparing meals, maintaining a home, etc) or moral lessons stemming from interaction with siblings, parents, and friends.
The “lessons” also integrate with what a more structured school might categorize as math, science, english, or any of the other subjects. We use all of those things every day in so many ways, when we are thinking about it, and looking for teachable moments, they are easy to spot and pass along. And in the regular course of life, they are very readily accepted. Then, when there is a spark in the mind and eyes of your child for some particular topic, delve further into it. The library is your friend!
It’s fun to learn. All the time. From waking up, to bedding down. There is so much to learn, and I think from the moment we are born we are keen to it. It’s fun to see our 9-month-old learning about his world. He is so curious about everything! It’s just in us. We want to know more, and yet, when we’re forced to sit and learn at a specific time… it often forces the love of learning right out of us.
How sad.
So we here at the GregsHead.net world headquarters are trying to live a more integrated life. We never turn anything “off” (except, I suppose I do intentionally take breaks from my work … though somewhat difficult being the owner of (at least) two businesses…) instead we are always learning, loving, and listening. We don’t limit our life in God to spiritual events and times. We don’t limit our learning and education to “school” times. We are all of who we are at all times in all ways.
Said that way, it seems a monumental task. But there is such freedom in just being. Give it a try, if you are able… Just be.
One thing I’ve been thinking about quite a lot lately is our current posture as a nation, as a people. From studying forms of education, and specifically researching the lives of the founders of this country by reading from their own writings, I’ve just been challenged by their devotion to learning and their fascinating courage of convictions. And in contrast, been saddened by what appears to me as not only a lack of courage (or even perhaps, a lack of convictions altogether) but really a palpable apathy.
But I could really be wrong.
What I mean is this: Many of us go about our daily lives, really just trying to get by. We go to our jobs to “pay the rent,” we probably have some TV shows we like to watch, maybe some music we like to listen to (though it seems I have fewer conversations about good music than I remember having in the past…), and there are all sorts of video games that keep us entertained (read: busy), but then that’s it. Several of us, if we’re not students or parents of students, belong to some sort of group (maybe Scouts, community sports, a church, even perhaps a political group). But, at the end of the day (literally) we are not very motivated to (1) know what is going on with our neighbors, and in our community, and (2) even less likely to know what’s going on in our country and in our world.
Is that true? Do you notice that, too? Am I just surrounded by incredibly unmotivated people???
Of course, that’s unfair to say. In fact, I know many people who are very motivated to first better themselves, then their kids, then to be actively involved in the lives of their neighbors and friends, and even on a wider scale as a citizen of their state and country. However, they sure seem like the exception.
Why is that? What has bred this sense of apathy into our nation? Apathy about the deterioration of our marriages and families. Apathy about us “settling for less” in so many arenas of life (in our jobs, in the marketplace in general, in politics, in our churches, even in our own life with God)… to me, it seems we just don’t care to fix it.
If you are, what is your motivation? What spurs you on to better yourself and to “love your neighbor as yourself?” I think that’s what we’re doing when we “get involved” in our neighborhoods and communities. It’s the “Golden Rule” in action. If you’re living that, why do you? Why are you not content to just play video games and watch TV and go to your job when you have to?
My sense is that our culture is much more defined by the latter than the former. What I’m hoping to instill in our kids is a strong foundation of being loved by God (just as they are loved by Mom & Dad, but better), being people of character and integrity (knowing what is right, and doing it even at their own personal expense), and being actively involved in loving people as they have been loved (equally without favorites, unconditionally, and selflessly). That’s what we (Jen & I) are doing with every ounce of energy that we have on every day. At least, that’s what we’re trying to do.
But some continue to slovenly linger in apathy.
Is that you? Why? Is that someone you know? Ask them why they don’t care to better themselves, if you’re so bold. (If you do, please do so with a humble, non-judgmental attitude. None of us is inherently better than another, some are just perhaps more self-aware and aware of others, in a good way.)
I’m very intrigued by the character of the people who founded our country. Some may argue, “But they had slaves!” Well, if you read history, there were many who flat out wanted it ended, and others (including George Washington) who “owned” slaves, but never bought any slaves, nor treat them as property, and made sure they were freemen when he died. Slavery is certainly an ugly blemish on our nation’s history, but as with all things there are many “sides” to the story. (Of course I don’t ever condone anyone owning any other person. However, it is also true that there are always more “sides” to the story.)
The courage these guys showed in the face of insurmountable odds. The integrity they displayed in standing up for what they knew to be right, despite the fact that it likely meant losing everything they had, including their lives. And to do it, not just for themselves or their families, but for their fellow countrymen.
I don’t think we have people like that today. At least, I’m not sure I’ve met them.
(No offense to any of my friends who may be reading this.) 😉
I’m not sure I’m them.
So, how do we get past the generations of ingrained apathy? Something like 9-11 perhaps? Maybe. That did seem to draw us all together, and perk up our ears to the current events of the day. We were all one people then, rather than a country divided by “left” and “right” leanings. I would hope that wouldn’t be necessary, but I’m not sure how we lift that (apparent) heavy blanket of apathy, and motivate and inspire each other to betterment of ourselves, our marriages, our families, and our communities. Do you?
More questions than answers here today, but it’s the stuff that is currently ruminating in Greg’s Head. Thanks for reading along, and do add your thoughts to the stew, if you’re so inclined.
Glenn Beck announced today that his paid content will be available for free as a two-day trial. This is a great chance to see the short documentaries that he has been making covering subjects like US history, biographies on the Founding Fathers (Samuel Adams, George Washington).
We in the Campbell home have really enjoyed watching them and been inspired to look deeper into the history of our country from the topics covered in these documentaries.
Usually, the “Insider” access is a paid service (roughly $75/year) but, as I said, this is a good chance to see what Glenn Beck is really saying, for free. 🙂
(Also included are access to his magazine, the video cast of his daily radio show, and/or audio podcast of the show, sans commercials, and I think some more stuff. Check out the link for more information.)
We recommend. I think lots of people have the wrong idea about Glenn Beck. He’s discovering for himself, and sharing what most people in our country want: the real values of character, integrity, honest, courage… and not any party affiliation. For too long, discussions of policy and politics for our nation have been politically driven, played according to party-line rules. Blah. There are so many problems with our country … it’s not just politics, and political solutions are not the answer. The only thing that will fix the brokenness of our people is to change who we are. To fix ourselves, to educate ourselves, and to live out those values.
Glenn Beck is not the answer, but he’s become a great resource and inspiration toward that end. Don’t just believe what you’ve “heard” about the man… check it out for yourself.
As I have likely already mentioned here, I have recently read a book titled, “A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century” by Oliver DeMille. Having listened to a recorded seminar—and as someone who has chosen to not send his kids through the public school system—I knew going in that I agreed with a lot of the ideas from the book.
One thing that I took issue with early on, however, was simply the word, “Education.”
From the beginning, DeMille says repeatedly that we need to make sure we have a great education. That we need to have better educations. That it is paramount to have an excellent education. For some reason, though, every time I read the word, I had a negative reaction to it.
Why would that be? Do I not think that there are problems with the education system that needs to be addressed? No, that’s not it. It’s the major reason we don’t send our kids there. That’s not the education they need. (Among many other things they don’t need.)
Am I just weary of hearing year after year, in every town I’ve ever been in, “We need to improve our education system! Our kids need a better education!” Could be that. Especially since the call for educational improvements seems to go almost completely unheeded. (Or, if heeded, the attempted fixes apparently don’t do the job, evidenced by the fact that we all continue to bemoan the current education system!)
Really what I think it was for me was that I was operating on a poor definition of the word education.
The author contends that an education is something you must earn yourself. It’s what you actually learn and take away from your study and from any teaching or instruction you have received. Also important to his definition is that, “You can not educate anyone, they must educate themselves.”
Schooling is the opposite idea in that the end goal is that the recipient is only intended to have the information that is being taught; not do the work to get there, thus earning the education. (Doing the work to educate yourself allows for knowing how to think, not just what to think.)
The further I read into the book, the more I understood this distinction he was putting forth.
And, the more I agreed.
Public school is not by default an incompetent educational system, nor a bad choice. (The author of A Thomas Jefferson Education is not suggesting that, either.) But public schools operate on the “conveyor belt” idea, where the object is to get everyone to a certain standard set of “knowledge” in a set amount of time (at the preset times). Thus, the system is set up to teach students what to think, rather than how to think.
There are exceptions to the rule in any given school, or classroom, but that principle is generally true, just by the nature of the system or structure we have created.
And I believe that is what made me cringe every time he said that we need to help our kids (and ourselves) get a better “education.”
What he helped me understand is that, first of all, I did somehow get a good education. I have always loved to learn. I love documentaries, including what my Dad and I called, “nature shows.” We have watched many of those together over the years. Definitely have always loved to read. And from that reading and learning to think more on it, and then to discuss with others or write about it. (Like I am often found doing on these pages.)
(Note: I mainly say “somehow” in regards to my education because I was not a great student. I generally received good grades, but I did so without much effort at all. And I frequently did not complete—or even start—homework assignments, much to the chagrin of my parents. Thus, that statement is not intended as any sort of condemnation of my own various schools or teachers.)
I also have always really enjoyed listening to classical music, which they say stimulates the brain… perhaps that’s it? 🙂
Whatever the reason, I do have a love for learning that seems unquenchable, and that, too me, is a sign of a good education. That’s what we want to instill in our children as well. A good, strong sense of right and wrong, of character and how to treat others, and a full and rich love for learning—especially in the subjects that matter most to them.
So how does that happen? How do we first, give our kids (and ourselves?) a good education, and second, how do we spark that love for learning in them?
DeMille and friends would suggest using a system of “mentors and the classics.” I don’t want to get into a full review of the book here (it’s a pretty short book, actually, perhaps you can get a copy for yourself, and we can discuss more fully at a later juncture?) but I do really like—and feel that we have implemented—the teaching model they suggest.
I’ve always said that we learn from life. It’s not a separate thing. It’s not a separate time. All of life—from the moment you are conscious in the morning, to the moment you go to sleep at night… well, and sometimes during sleep!—we are learning. There is something to be learned, or, as a parent/mentor, to teach. A parenting course we have loved over the years says to train in “moments of non-conflict,” and we regularly look for opportunities to do so.
The idea of learning from mentors and from the classics is similar to that. Rather than picking up a text book and plowing through what someone has written about a subject, often you can learn directly from an important thinker or doer on the subject in a classic piece of literature, or art, or even a person or a movie or play. Really, it can be anything that makes us think on a deeper level, and ultimately challenges us to think about who we are and who we want to be.
It was fascinating to see how he suggested that all disciplines can be studied and mastered through this method, simply by reading what the greatest minds have said on any particular subject. Want to learn science? Read Newton. Want to learn math? Read Copernicus. And so on.
It has definitely inspired Jen, not only as a teacher, but likely even more so as a learner. That’s pretty amazing. I’m loving learning along with my wife as she keeps discovering things about herself and the world around her. (How sad is it that, for her, this hasn’t really been happening until her 36th year of life?!)
Oh, one more important thing from the book, and the reason for the title. When DeMille was studying methods of education, he found repeatedly that the model of great teachers (mentors) inspiring students to get great educations was the model by which nearly every great leader—ever—was educated. Every one. Interestingly, including all of the men we call the Founding Fathers. The ones who helped create this country, whose freedom for the individual has never before nor since been equalled.
Chief among those learned men was Thomas Jefferson. His education was astounding. He spoke multiple languages, was a master of several different trades/fields, and as we all know, he was also the writer of the Declaration of Independence, one of the greatest proclamations ever penned of man’s inherent right to live free.
Where are those people today? Some are in research fields, making great discoveries. Some are teaching in institutions of higher education. (But, showing my personal bias, I’d say those folks are different, as, though they are also quite learned, they tend to get a bit stuffy and irrelevant in their positions in academia.) But the combination of a great education, great wisdom, along with great character and courage don’t seem to exist currently. Especially as selflessly as can be seen in those men who were willing to sacrifice literally everything (and some did!) to preserve freedom for their families and fellow countrymen.
Is that what a good education can produce? Not just smart people who know lots of things… but honorable people? Men and women of courage, and character, and integrity? We think so. And, that’s why we are giving our kids the best opportunities, to the best of our abilities, to get an excellent education. Not just to know what to think, but how to think.
Moreover, how to really live life. And live to the full.
Yesterday was the last class day for a home school group that we’ve been part of this year. Every Monday a couple dozen families or so come together for three classes, a talk about life with God, and some extra time in the gym. (The kids love that part!) It’s a place to connect with lots of other families who are also not sending their kids through the public school system, which is really nice.
If you’re a regular reader of GregsHead.net, you’ll already know this about me, but for those who may have just happened by, or are new here…
I’m very weird. 🙂
So, I notice funny things. One such thing was from a conversation yesterday that seemed to suggest that because it was the last day of Monday classes, I would not be seeing a particular person from our group again, presumably until the classes resume again in September!
That was actually so odd to me (since I am, in fact, the one who is odd) that I didn’t even understand that possibility! But after thinking about it a bit, I replied, “But… we’ll still get together…”
What struck me about it afterwards was that I know I used to think that way. I totally did. The sadness (if there indeed was any) of a school year coming to an end was that you wouldn’t see your friends again till the next year. Same with any other programs we are part of. We wish they wouldn’t end, because it means we won’t see those people any more for a while… at least, not regularly.
But why? Why do we live that way? Is it our culture? Our very individualistic society? Are we intentionally only allowing relationships to happen through structures that we have created? What about dropping by a neighbor’s house just to say hello? What about inviting those friends over for dinner? What about inviting them to meet you at a park, or out for a walk with your family, or at the ice cream place?
How about just a friendly phone call for no particular reason at all? Might find out about something that’s going on that you could help with, or just join in on. (With mutual consent, of course… not recommending “crashing” someone’s party.) 😉
I’m fascinated by the way we relate to each other in our society, our culture. We have forgotten the days of knowing and doing life beside our neighbors. We drive to every social club/event/gathering that we do, because they are often not in our local community. And our social interactions are nearly all “scheduled”. Schedules aren’t bad, necessarily, but where’s the freedom to just be friends? Does every interaction have to be for a reason?
Sadly, I think somewhere along the way, I learned that to be true.
Thankfully, somewhere later along the way, I unlearned that.
One thing we try to do as the Campbell family is be available. We really try hard not to plug in to too many things because it will just drive us crazy. Sure there will be fun parts. Seeing lots of people on a regular basis is one of those parts. But the drawbacks are too great. Do you ever feel like your days are all about getting to the next thing or getting the next thing done? Where are the moments to enjoy life? Alone, with God, or together with family and friends?
Not that events are not part of life. That’s not at all what I am saying. But our tendency (at least, speaking for our family a few years back, and even now when we don’t pay attention!) is to say “yes” to every fun opportunity, or even seek out things to be doing. I won’t go into all the possible reasons we busy ourselves so, but it is certainly true of most everyone that I know. So, I’m guessing it is true of you, too.
Groups and events and scheduled gatherings are super great. There are good memories made, and often, good relationships developed. But it just doesn’t end there. In fact, if it does, I contend that you don’t have good relationships (with those people). A friendship is more, deeper. Through good and bad, in meaningful and completely meaningless times. It’s always on. There’s no summer break.
So, to any of our home school group friends who may be reading this… I know that our last day of classes was yesterday, but, I’m fairly certain that if our families have connected, you’ll be seeing more of me. 😉
The Buffalo Sabres 2009-2010 season ended tonight in Boston. They were the losers of Game 6 of the best of seven first round series, and that loss closed the doors on only the sixth season where Buffalo were the champions of their division.
In many ways, this team had everything going for it. Third seed in the Eastern conference. Worked hard all year long to get there. They were 30-0-0 in the regular season with a lead going into the third period. (That means they were dominant.) They had the best goalie in the league for much of the year. (He was overtaken late in the year by the goalie who manned the pipes at the opposite end of the rink in this series, Tuukka Rask.)
But they came up short. Very short.
Now, usually when that happens to one of the higher seeds, it’s cause for tongue lashings and many calls by the fans for the heads of this player or that, or even the coaches and GM. But this series was really, very close. They were essentially all one goal games, with the only exceptions being Boston’s 5-3 victory (thanks to an empty net goal) and Buffalo’s 4-1 win—the only game where there was a 2-goal lead at the end of the game.
The goalies played great. The teams gave tons of effort. And each game was a battle throughout.
The Sabres wish they had a couple of second periods back. They wish they hadn’t given up two 2-goal leads. And, well, they wish they were playing in round two.
They are not. And here’s why.
0-22.
The Sabres were zero for twenty-two on the power play. ZERO. You can not win with those numbers. In contrast, the Bruins were something like 6 for 22 for the series. By far, that was the advantage the Bruins were able to turn into a series win.
Add to that the inability of some of the Sabres’ key players to “step up” to the playoff level—really, to even regular season level—and help push their team to the next level. Players like Tim Connolly, and Derek Roy, and Drew Stafford, and even Raffi Torres. Players who had scored a good number of goals in the regular season, but who contributed next to nothing (or, actually, nothing) in the post season.
That’s also going to kill you, every time.
Players who did impress include, of course, Ryan Miller. He is the real deal, and will be for years to come. That’s awesome. Mike Grier was clearly the missing piece as he returned to the Sabres after two years in San Jose—two years that the Sabres did not make the playoffs. Of course, it apparently wasn’t quite enough. But he was fantastic.
The two Tylers were very impressive. Myers and Ennis both will be fixtures on this team, as well as perhaps Nathan Gerbe, who despite his (super) diminutive stature, was winning puck battles, hitting guys all over the ice—including 6’9″ Zdeno Chara!—and was rewarded with a goal in the final game.
Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman played well. Thomas Vanek even played really well while he was in there. (Was out for three and a half games.)
Overall, the Sabres really don’t need to be disappointed with their effort this series. Of course they wish they were still playing, but they, as a team, really did compete hard, and this season, they had grown accustomed to Ryan Miller being spectacular enough to pull out such close games in the end.
Sadly, his counterpart was equally (if not more) amazing.
Bruins advance 4-2. They’ll face either Pittsburgh or Montreal in the next series. (If Montreal beats Washington.)
As the Sabres advance to the offseason, it’s time to move on from a few experiments. Please, Sabres GM Darcy Regier, start moving these guys off the team. If you can find a willing partner, trade Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, and Drew Stafford immediately. If no one will trade, then cut them. Now.
Similarly (but oppositely) it’s time to re-sign Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Adam Mair, and Mike Grier. Bring in more scoring, and guys who know how to play in the playoffs like Boston’s Mark Recchi.
After all, isn’t that all that matters?
Where did our #3 seed season get us? An early offseason. That’s where.
The Sabres have a good team. They’re fun to watch. Cut away the dead wood. Prune the branches. And next year we won’t have to shave our playoff beards so early!!!
You really never know right away how well a team fared with their draft selections. There are some who love every pick, some who love a few, and of course, many who hate everything about the picks. And all this despite the fact that you rarely know how a draft actually pans out for at least two or three years. It never matters, we all feel the need to “grade” or in some way rate the picks of our favorite teams.
Apparently, I am no different. 🙂
I was never on the “draft-a-QB” bandwagon. So that was not a disappointment to me, as it seems to be to some Bills fans. (Even though we DID draft a quarterback in round seven… that was not the guy most anyone wanted us to draft.) I was a bit surprised—though I should not have been—that they passed up some of the lineman that seemed like great choices, and were available at spots where they were selecting.
But overall, I really like it.
Here’s the list of the 2010 picks:
Spiller, a running back, was a surprise to some, since the Bills have two better-than-average RBs already, but first, coach Chan Gailey has already said they wanted to add a third RB, and second, this guy is exactly what they were looking for. More of a “home run hitter” so to speak. He’s been compared to Reggie Bush and Chris Johnson. He compares himself to Warrick Dunn. And from the sounds of things, this guy will at the very least be exciting. His numbers are impressive (the only comparable player in the NCAA record books is Reggie Bush. That’s good company.
The first pick was not what many were expecting, but I think Spiller will be what the Bills were looking for: a TD scorer.
(I also think it may spell the end of Roscoe Parrish’s Buffalo Bills career… Spiller is also a kick returner with a record-tying 8 return TDs in his college career.)
The next two picks are not the DLs that most expected the Bills to draft, but both are rated fairly highly by scouts. They both also have experience and the skill set to fit into the new 3-4 defense that the Bills will be running in 2010. That was clearly a big consideration in drafting Troup and Carrington.
Marcus Easley is another tall, fast receiver. James Hardy was drafter a couple years ago. This offseason we signed free agent Chad Jackson from the Denver Broncos, another tall receiver. And of course there’s Steve Johnson who has shown some promise in the limited action he’s seen.
With Owens and Reed (and even Justin Jenkins) all allowed to go on their way this off season, that leaves the Bills with a rather inexperienced (though quite tall) team of receivers. After Lee Evans—whom some would call and “all pro”—the Bills have (in order of experience): Roscoe Parrish (5’9″), Chad Jackson (6’1″), Steve Johnson (6’2″), James Hardy (6’5″), and Felton Huggins (6’2”). That’s a fairly tall receiving corp. Aside from Parrish, whom I still feel is going to be expendable, with the addition of Spiller.
The Bills finally addressed their offensive line needs by drafting Ed Wang to fill the LT position. They are rather thin at that spot with Demetrius Bell being the “incumbent”. Wang is a big dude, with good “feet” (according to Bills’ GM, Buddy Nix) and should compete for the starting LT spot.
Moats and Batten are a couple more 3-4 defense guys, whom the Bills have been seeking out in their transition to the new defense. They are listed in some places as LBs, and in some places as DEs, so I’m not sure exactly what role they Bills drafted them for, but it was definitely for the 3-4 defense. And, apparently, special teams. (Check out this glowing review of the Bills draft from the NFL Network guys.)
Finally, in the seventh round, the Bills drafted their quarterback. There were some rumors that the Bills were trying desperately to trade up to get Tim Tebow in the first round, as the Denver Broncos did. However, the Bills deny this, and as was apparent from their passing up of both Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy, they really had their sights set on Levi Brown, their eventual 7th round pick.
Brown was the top player in his conference last season, and definitely comes from a winning program, which is something that has been lacking in recent QB selections by the team. But, it’s fairly rare to find a starting QB in the final round of the draft! (Many like to remind nay-sayers however that Tom Brady was a 6th round selection. Bills fans, though they may not much care for Brady, would love to see a similar outcome for their final-round pick.)
Gailey has already stated that Brown will be allowed to compete for the starting QB position along with the three incumbents from last season. Should be an interesting competition this offseason.
Lastly, the Bills drafted an OT whom I have read they intend to move to guard. Calloway may or may not make the team—the Bills drafted two (starting) guards in the 2009 draft—but it was good to see that six of their nine picks went toward linemen, offensive and defensive. (Due to his size, 6’7″ 323 lbs, I’m not sure about that move to guard. So perhaps he will compete more at the RT spot.)
Conclusion
The Bills did not select the players that anyone expected them too. Not even Spiller, whom some are calling the “best player in the 2010 draft.” However, they really did address all of the positions that they needed to. If the guys they got—whom they say are all guys they had targeted—turn out to be viable NFL players, well, then they did an excellent job!
But, that’s the thing. That’s the part we don’t know for a couple of years.
There’s some who think Spiller could be in the running for Rookie of the Year, based on his talents and work ethic, but of course you can’t really predict such a thing. If that’s the case however, then the Bills definitely already improved their team.
Overall, seems like a great job by the Bills! (How often do we Bills fans get to say that???)
