Alphadawg7

Well I can tell you first hand from contacts of mine he is more highly regarded and coveted in NFL circles than you probably think. All good, its a made up premise here, anyway, no right or wrong answers just all discussion. But to further the point - you just said WR is a stacked position, and you are right, its very deep with a bunch of guys who really don't separate from themselves in that 20-40 range where it gets highly subjective based on teams preferences, age, type of player, etc. Shakir in that range sticks out as one of the best at his position, a slot WR who could put up 1000+ yards in their system with less target competition. So is a team going to take a WR inside the first 30 that isn't much different than the guys in the 30's or 40's or instead take one of the best slots who brings intangibles others dont then grab one of those other guys later? Some of you are completely ignoring the strategy of drafting, weighing values now vs later, etc. You are making it all based on fantasy stats essentially quoting his totals, and that isn't how its going to work in a draft. There are several TE's that would go long before a lot of these WR's too on peoples lists for example.

Targets are targets - roles are roles. He got 100 targets in 15.5 games last year. He plays all 17 he flirts with or breaks 1000 yard mark here on a team that had many games with 9 or 10 different guys catching passes. IMHO there is no doubt what so ever his production is capped in Buffalo (as is anyone catching passes on this team) if we keep running the same offense as we did in 2024. And teams and GM's know that and know there is more to evaluating a player than just "totals" without context.

Yeah from Wed at the ACC Tourney in Tahoe. I congratulated him on his recent wedding and he reached out for the fist bump. Sam Darnold did too right after this as he was right behind him when I told Sam congrats on the season and big new contract. Hahaha never grow up!

My counter to this would be this: Stat totals don't reflect talent or ability. His stat totals are highly impacted by the style of offense we run which limits his targets and every players targets as pass catchers here. GM's are not going to hold that against him when analyzing what they think he can do in their offense where he probably gets more targets once out of Brady's "everybody eats" and lets run the ball a lot offense. But they will see him as one of the best slots in the game, some of the best hands in the NFL, fast, dangerous after the catch, tough, hard to tackle, unselfish, and someone who does all the dirty work willingly and is good at it too. You can't look at totals without context in these situations and draw conclusive evaluations off them. His stat totals definitely have context that will be considered when GM's would be making choices of the kind of player they want on their team, and what they can expect from them in the role they would have on that teams offense. I really doubt he would fall out of the top 30, GM's, coaches, players gush about him when they talk about him or Bills games. There are not a lot WR's like him in the NFL who fully buy in to a role and the dirty work unselfishly like he does who also have his abilities. Outside WR's will have a higher value positionally, but at a certain point they all start blending together and don't really stand out. Shakir stands out at Slot and teams will covet what he brings to an offense and locker room.

I am pretty close to where you are if the draft was today. I would say within a couple spots of 25 up or down personally. I will say is the Shakir is HIGHLY respected around the league both amongst players and GM's. He is going to go earlier in drafts than some other people think he would go because they focus on his totals and not the player or context of the totals. He would be a 1,000-1,200 yard WR on a team that spread the ball around less and resulted in him getting more targets based on his career stats. He might have hit 1,000 here last year here if he didn't miss a game and a half with an injury in an offense that ran a ton and spread the ball across the offense. But stats aside - What a lot of people are going to miss or not consider enough (not saying you, but others in general) is how much coaches and GM's covet WR's who fully buy into the team philosophy, willingly do all the dirty work (and do it well), etc and do their jobs and execute a high level. He is smart, has great hands, fast, is great with the ball in his hands, unselfish, a good and willing blocker, and a highly reliable player. Coaches, GMs and QB's covet that kind of player, and make no mistake about it, there are not a lot of them with that kind of package. Im not saying he is one of the first 15, but I think he would certainly be one of the first 30. Someone made a list up thread, and there are several guys on that list he would get drafted ahead of. When talking about drafting - when you start getting past the top 15 guys, the other guys begin to blend together some and that increases as you move into the 20's where not a lot separates them anymore or age becomes a factor etc. Not sure there is a lot of difference in value of some of the WR's going in the 20's as one going in the mid to late 30's. And in that range GM's will be looking at one of best slot guys in the NFL right now and a guy who buys in, isn't selfish, does all the dirty work willingly, and executes consistently and is a player still on the rise. He will have more appeal than a lot of the guys in those 20's and 30's who arent much different from each other or are older. So, I think he is almost certainly one of the first 30 WR's taken, possibly 20-25. Top 20 not so sure because outside guys are kind of deep right now, and outside WR will have more demand by default, so not sure he would go that high, but I also wouldn't rule it out depending on what teams were picking in those high teen spots (like maybe Bills take him in those late teens for example). My guess is 22-28 feels the most probable.

Yeah I know - Its public information - they already announced it like a week ago. I wouldn't publish private info, and she also posted their selfie together on the plane on her social media promoting the relationship too. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/josh-allen-shows-love-for-wonderful-product-through-new-partnership

My friend just text me and said her wife (who works at the Wonderful Company for pistachios) is on a plane with Allen right now and sent me a selfie they just took. They partnered with him (yes this already public info for those concerned its private info - https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/josh-allen-shows-love-for-wonderful-product-through-new-partnership) and his family recently, so they are traveling together related to the deal and on a private jet together and sending me selfies. My friend is a big Jets fan and her wife (the exec with him) is by default even though she isn't into football like my friend is. My friend told her to tell him "Go JETS!" So I sent her wife this pic and said from when I just saw him at the ACC in Lake Tahoe and said to give him my number and tell him that him and I should be friends - we like the same team, shows, movies, sports, and games 😂 I mean he's gotta call right? For sure he's calling...right? hahaha

Thank god someone started a thread to talk about WR's - was really getting worried we were going to miss out on the daily new WR thread for the first time this offseason - bullet dodged phew

Haha wasn't Bob - but I did go to a Price is Right show once and my friend got called up (never made it out of contestant row as he kept getting out bid by a $1 and was pissed haha). But Bob was still the host, one his last couple of seasons, and he was hilarious on commercial breaks just roasting everyone in contestant row and the audience, and it was R Rated roasting haha. LEGEND

I am all for adding talent, and I like Terry - but the odds of this happening before they see this group in the season on the field is pretty improbable IMHO. Like it or not - the FO and Staff like this group and have confidence in this group. Trade is not impossible, but if anyone has ever listened to Beane they would know they (right or wrong) are high on this group, believe its better than last years group (and it seems so on paper), and are confident in the offense that was the highest scoring team per game in the AFC in both the regular season and post season. Now add in that Brady's in his first full season as the OC running his offense and a very successful debut in a spread the ball around offense, and its not hard to see why they probably don't think they need to make a move like this early on. But, if McLaurin and the Commanders are still not getting there, and this lingers into the season, I can see Beane monitoring it as well as any other options that may arise if the offense is struggling and needs a piece as we get into the season. So for me - is it possible...sure...is it likely before the season without injuries becoming part of the story...I don't think so. But, definitely something to keep an eye on if the offense isn't coming to together the way we need during the season. I have no doubt Beane and the organization are hyper focused on SB this year.

Ha - ok - here it is since you asked for it and I am on a boring Zoom at the moment lmao: I was a contestant coordinator on a game show that filmed at NBC next door to the Tonight Show, in fact, just a hallway separated our 2 sets. We had 2 production teams - one shot on Mon & Thurs, the other Tues & Fri with office days for both teams on Wed. Each shoot day we shot 4 episodes and we worked a standard 16 hour day to make 4 thirty min episodes. Our director, camera team, etc where one of the most decorated and award winning crews in the industry who did many of the biggest sporting events/games in the world. During tapings, everyone goofed around, the host (a guy) would joke around on camera would talk s**t to the contestants, roast them, etc knowing it would just be edited out - all for the purpose to keep the crew and audience laughing and lively because of the long shoot days (audience made $50 a day to sit in the audience which was for 12 hours and wouldn't make more unless they were there more than 12 hours). BONUS STORY (that also kind of ties back in later) - Our host (leaving names out so I can be more candid) had a smoking hot - like unbelievably hot girlfriend who was also just the sweetest person, super down to earth, almost like she didn't know how hot she was, but still also did. She was always on set - and she was also into girls. So it wasn't uncommon for the camera guys to pan the audience and help her find a hottie for her and our host to invite home at lunch time for some "play time" before coming back for the last 2 tapings. He had a sick Indian Motorcycle on they would take back to his place which wasn't too far and in the hills overlooking Universal Studios. And because it was her that would propose this to the girls, she had a high success rate of taking girls home at lunch with the host. With long shoot weeks, our host was super appreciative for the crew and long hours, so not only was he always trying to keep people having fun and laughing, but every single Friday during shoot weeks, he invited the entire crew (anyone who works on the show, even in the offices) to his house where he hired a personal bar tender and would provide free open bar and some catered snacks and stuff. Mind you this was after a long shoot day, so we were often not leaving set as a crew (he was off earlier as he leaves as soon as the cameras stop) until 10-11pm, sho he is opening his home up late to the crew. Never seen anyone else do anything like this before, he was a really nice and generous guy really. ALPHONSO - He lived near by and was a friend of his, so he was often there as well just hanging out. The host had a pinball machine in his main room near the bar. Me, the host, and Alphonso are drinking at the pinball machine watching Alphonso play pinball and just drinking and chatting. During this convo I brought up the show "Silver Spoons" when he was a kid and a co-star on with Ricky Shcroeder. I was obsessed as a little kid with the train that ran through the mansion on that show and was a dream to have one day. So I mentioned "Dude, as a kid I was obsessed with the train and wanted one so bad...did you guys as kids just ride around on it all the time when not shooting?" He got so pissed lmao - he was like "Silver f***ing Spoons? Really? You are gonna bring up Silver Spoons? No we didn't ride the train, it wasn't even a complete track, just half a track. Seriously? Silver Spoons?" And then the host even looked at me and was just like "Really?". He was so pissed I brought this show up, he first big break mind you lol. Haha, in my mind I am like just say sorry and leave it alone. But what I am really thinking is what a dooche, like that show made you, everything you have in life came off that show being your first big break. And it was a hit show. I am like you should just be happy anyone even remembered you were on that stupid show lol. Of course, I just said my bad, and just let him finish his crap pinball game and then it was my turn and just smashed his score easily further annoying him and it was hilarious. I am friends with David Faustino (Bud Bundy on Married With Children) and we were at Coachella when I told him that story and he laughed and even he was like what a dooche. I am sure Alphonso is probably not a dooche all together, but it was a pretty doochey reaction. Even David is like I love it when people ask me about anything I have worked on, its flattering people enjoyed it and cared to ask and I owe my life to all those things. And people stopped him all the time just say whats up and talk about the stuff he did, and he loved talking to the fans about it all. So while at the ACC Tourney and Alphonso was rocking the casino floor dueling piano bar, my wife (who knows that story) was like OMG, we have to ask him about the train again and make a big deal about it. She literally had us try and wait his singing out just to do this. First, I am like you are young, hot, and have boobs, you are gonna get a different reaction by default. But he just kept singing and I was like lets go gamble and we left before getting the chance. In fact, he was still singing when we left the casino lmao. Next time thought for sure haha BONUS CONTENT - Still at this same party, I had my friend Tyler and this girl he was living with, hooking up with, but was also married but her husband worked for the then New Orleans Hornets and was in NO while she was out in LA exploring a different career path. Well she also like girls, and the hosts unbelievably hot girlfriend found her at the party, which at first Tyler was like damn you totally should with her. Then he suddenly realized she was going into the bedroom with not just her, but the host too. And now he was losing it - and this friend of mine is as emotionally dead as Joe Burrow or Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale in American Psycho). NEVER have I ever seen him have a single emotion or jealous reaction like this pertaining to a girl, heck only seen him actually sort of date someone maybe 3 times in all the years I have known him since 1997. He got girls, but dating and emotions were not his thing lol. He was so mad he walked home which was like a 45 min walk (they were roomies too). So I stayed until she was done and then drover her home lol. The host was at least no longer annoyed with me when he realized she was with me lol. I still make fun of him to this day about this night lol - and the girl, is still with the husband to this day and live together in some other state after she was out here for like 3 or 4 years back then. I could probably write 20 to 30 posts like this of things that occured while I worked on the show, many funnier and better than even this one. But this is the Alphonso story with some sprinkles on top lol

I fell like this is an easy answer - over. I mean AJ has provided 25% of that total the last couple of years as a part time rotational guy. I think we will easily see this group pass the over.

In case you didn't see it, I uploaded that pic from my IG about mid way on page 3 of this thread ha

Man - my heart breaks for what Jim and his family have all endured over the years, and to still see them having to go through more things like this is tough, especially now being a parent myself with 2 little ones. I had a scare with my youngest around 5 months that turned out to be nothing, but it was the longest 24 hours of my life in that hospital before we got the news that my son was just too strong and caused himself to faint while throwing up the first time from pushing it out so hard and he was perfectly fine. I remember thinking how lucky we are but at the same time it was heart wrenching thinking about other parents who have been in that situation and didn't get the best news of "its nothing" and what it must be like to go through that. Before I had kids I never realized just how much you think about and worry about as a parent every day, and that is when nothing is wrong. To have to go through serious things with your kids, grandkids, etc is just something I can't even imagine. So my heart, prayers, and love go out the Kelly family and pray for a full and speedy recovery.

Thanks, I am still taken back how much love and reactions the story got and how much people enjoyed it. Still surprised how many took the time to read it, and love all the other stories others shared throughout the thread too.

Wow, quite the compliment thank you. I am a bit surprised how well liked this post has been and all the wonderful additional stories people have added to it. I honestly didn't think many would even read it given its length. Im just glad so many people enjoyed it and appreciate Allen for who he is.

Hahaha no on Bosa, but I did by Sam Darnold after congratulating him on his season and new contract 😂 But he had sloppy 2nds to Allen

I think there is a misunderstanding in this thread of what a “sleeper” is. I mean most listed are starters and expected contributors or players with expectations to be relevant players.

Ha awesome, and yes it is true, 11th is my bday

Joe Burrow is Christian Bale in "American Psycho" and kind of dig it lol. He has no emotion of any kind like a psychopath 😂

Ok if Bosa somehow reads this - all kidding aside - Happy birthday, lets GO BILLS!

This was my Instagram story I posted about the fist bump lol

Ha, thanks! And not belated - we celebrated Wed and Thurs, but my bday is actually today ha The full story definitely does - if you want me to share it, I will, I was trying to spare more reading after my OP was so long haha

F Joey Bosa's bday - its my bday, I own the 11th. I was born before him, and on Americas Bi-Centienial...there are quarters commemorating my birth year - he is lucky I let him share it.

Awesome story and spot on, its an incredible event to meet people like Josh. Its loaded with celebrities, athletes (past and present), etc who all are all regulars annually and they genuinely love the event which is cool. All kinds of podcasts were going on the past few weeks where they would mention "Tahoe" and its this tourney they are all talking about. And they ALL want to win it which is cool. Alphonso Ribeira (Carlton from Fresh Prince) was in the casino floor bar singing with the house band for at least an hour I saw with big crowds around him. Funny thing is Alphonso got pissed at me like 20 years ago while we were playing Pinball at a friends house when I asked him about the train on "Silver Spoons". He was mad I would even mention Silver Spoons, and I was like dude it started your career you should be happy anyone even remembers you were on the show lol. That aside, he was rocking the casino bar and told some funny stories in between songs too about the tourney and stuff.