Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘“It’s not as good, that’s real,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said a week before the 2021 NFL Draft. “The medical (information) is nowhere near where it usually is. Our doctors usually have a very good feeling on all the guys that go to Indy. The loops we’re usually trying to close at this point are non-combine guys, just trying to call their schools and get data. That’s probably my biggest angst is some unknown medical.”’

‘Neal, who has been a core member of the special teams and and a backup safety and cornerback since entering the league in 2018, is reportedly set to sign a three-year contract that could max out at $10.9 million over its life according to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.’

‘They aren’t going to draft one, so they will have to sign a veteran as insurance for Allen, and that player will have to be someone who understands the situation, meaning he’s not playing unless necessary. Who better to fill that role than old friend Ryan Fitzpatrick, assuming he doesn’t announce his retirement?’

‘If the Bills allow Hughes and Mario Addison to walk in free agency, Rousseau will have to take a big step up in 2022 and become a more constant threat to opposing quarterbacks, something that was lacking in his first season.’

‘So, with that in mind, while we sit in this dead period between the Super Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine the first week of March, here’s a look at a selection of mocks I found, focusing on who the Buffalo Bills may choose with the 25th overall pick.’

‘Season tickets will rise by an average of $11.57 depending on seat location, with a new average price of $113. That’s an increase of about 11%, but the Bills made sure to point out that their price is still about 14% lower than the league average.’

‘If Lotulelei would agree to a restructured contract that results in a pay cut, that might secure his place on the team for 2022, and the extra money would help the Bills in their desire to re-sign Phillips who, at this point, is clearly the better and more valuable player.’

‘Boettger suffered a torn Achilles’ in mid-December, a tough injury to come back from, plus he’s an unrestricted free agent. Bates, who played well when he finally got his chance to start, is a restricted free agent who will require a tender offer that is expected to be about $2.4 million in order for the team to exercise its right of first refusal.’

‘However, the end was not good for Farwell. Although McDermott has refused to expose what happened, something was clearly amiss on the kickoff with 13 seconds remaining in the AFC divisional round playoff loss to Kansas City.’

‘The most sacks any lineman has had under McDermott was 9.5 by tackle Jordan Phillips in 2019, and that total was a little fluky. Beyond that, it was seven by edge rushers Jerry Hughes (2018) and Mario Addison (2021).’

‘Sanders (who turns 35 in March) and McKenzie (27 in April) are unrestricted free agents, as is No. 6 receiver and core special teamer Jake Kumerow. The Bills ranked ninth in wide receiver cap spending last year with $21.1 million allocated to the position and those three accounted for $6.5 million, most of it Sanders’ $4.6 million.’

‘Sports contract website Spotrac.com estimates Wallace’s market value at $9.6 million per year, which would more than double in one season what he’s already made in four. Whether the Bills or other NFL teams have a similar price tag on the 26-year-old is up for debate, but undeniably, Wallace won’t be returning to the Bills the way he did in 2021.’

‘That LSU offense is considered by some to be the most prolific in college football history, and Brady was voted as the nation’s top assistant coach and presented with the Broyles Award, named in honor of the legendary former Arkansas Razorbacks head coach and athletic director, Frank Broyles.’

‘But outside of quarterback and maybe safety and linebacker, there isn’t a position group that doesn’t need to be augmented or perhaps even retooled.’

‘Brady was the receivers coach and passing game coordinator for LSU in 2019 when it won the national championship with Joe Burrow at quarterback, and fellow NFL stars Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase at wide receiver. That LSU offense is considered by some to be the most prolific in college football history, and Brady was voted as the nation’s top assistant coach and presented with the Broyles Award, named in honor of the legendary former Arkansas Razorbacks head coach and athletic director, Frank Broyles.’