Alphadawg7

Yeah, securing a WR1 on a rookie deal for the next 4 to 5 years of Josh's prime would be such a major advantage right now for a team who has a highly paid QB. I mean this may the best draft ever to be in the market for a WR, and no one says we can't draft 2 early either to double up on our chances to make sure we get a WR1. There is something to be said though for a "sure thing", a young known commodity. But, that comes with a hefty price...it will maybe cost more both in acquisition cost (multiple premium picks potentially) and certainly massive difference in cap space in terms of compensation moving forward. But, you also have the piece of mind your elite QB has weapons moving forward. For me, I think the only 2 players I would consider trading for and having to carry the expense of paying WR1 money moving forward is Justin Jefferson and Aiyuk. If the Vikings were willing to take say our 28th pick in this draft and their 2nd back next year that we got in the Diggs trade (which was originally theirs), then you have to consider that. Even though his contract will be huge, he is probably the best WR in the NFL right now and could be even better with Allen at QB. Aiyuk is looking for a big deal too, if we say could get him for our 2nd this year and maybe a pick next year, its again something to consider although maybe not as tempting as Jefferson given Jefferson has already proven to be top 3 WR in the game, and arguably the best. I still prefer to stick to the draft and go get that stud on a cheap deal for these next 4 to 5 years because it will overall make our team better having so much more cap space available to build the rest of the roster. This draft is maybe the best one ever to be looking for a WR and with 10 picks in this draft, they can certainly take more than 1. There are guys who will go on day 3 that are going to be damn good WR's in the NFL.

This is a top heavy OT draft, we aren't moving Dawkins to get a WR early and then go fishing late day 2 or day 3 after the fall off in the draft at OT to get one to protect our quarter billion dollar QB.

No on Higgins. He is a very good WR2 but wants top end WR1 money. What people keep forgetting is that this is a historically rich and deep WR draft. You don't give up a lot ahead of this draft for a WR unless you are getting back an elite player. Higgins is very good, but he isn't so good that you pass up having WR's on rookie deals for 4-5 years to overpay Higgins to be an underwhelming WR1. Just my 2 cents in regards to Higgins. IMHO Aiyuk > Higgins and I would feel better about a trade for Aiyuk than Higgins. Aiyuk I think can do what Diggs did here, reach a whole new level playing with Allen. Higgins reminds me of when Peerless Price got traded to the Falcons just to find out he was better suited as a top end WR2 next to another great WR and not really ever meant to be a WR1. Higgins is probably a better player than Price, just using that example of a team that over paid both in trade compensation and contract for a guy who wasn't best suited to be the man.

So this thread title is confusing to me...is there anything actually linking us to Aiyuk interest? Title reads like we are, but I don't see any news about it anywhere.

You should. I honestly think he could end up being the best WR of the 3. The dude just goes gets the ball. IMO he is the most complete WR in the draft top to bottom. Now that doesn't mean he can't still be a bust or what not, I mean the NFL is littered with guys who either never were as good as they were hyped to be (Like Jerry Jeudy for example) or just were a total bust. But as we sit now, I feel like he is the most complete WR in the draft. I like Nabers too, he reminds of Diggs TBH. But if both guys were on the board and the Bills were on the clock, I would take Odunze, I think he brings more to the table in Buffalo because he will still be as dangerous in bad weather as good weather. His ball skills are the best in the draft IMHO.

I have a crush and hope (sliver of a hope) that somehow Odunze/Nabers slips into the teens. I think for it to happen, a series of things probably needs to happen. First, we need a big QB run in the first 15 picks, at least 4 and probably 5 would be better. Second, we need Bowers to go before Odunze. Third, we probably need a WR need team to foolishly fall in love with Worthy's 40 time and take him over Odunze/Nabers. But I do think both go in the top 15, so that brings me back to Thomas, but I don't think a trade up comes into Beane's radar on him until maybe 20, possibly late teens. I would think though that if Odunze/Nabers got past say 15, then he might start making some calls on a bigger move up. I don't know he trades up for anyone else TBH. So many options will still be there at 28 at that point.

I believe 2 things: 100% there is relief in the building. I don't doubt for a second that team top to bottom appreciates Diggs and what he brought to the team for 4 years, but I am sure they are also now feeling relief that they don't have to face the same repetitive questions and attempts by the media to get click bait stuff on Diggs every time they step to a mic. Honestly, the main reason the Bills have been in the media as much as they have the past couple years is the constant attempts to sew discontent between Allen and Diggs relationship and Diggs and Bills overall relationship. They won't have nearly as much coverage this year, there is no drama narrative to force constantly. I also think Allen fully appreciates everything him and Diggs accomplished, but realizes this team plays better when we spread the ball around. So I think Allen is going to enjoy going into each game not having to worry about how Diggs feels. We all know Diggs is CONTENT when winning and not getting the ball, but never truly happy. So if this season has some ups and downs and Diggs isn't getting the ball enough in those downs then he was going to be an issue. Now Allen doesn't have to think about it at all...just go out and make the right decisions. Calling it now: Josh Allen will put up another MVP candidate season and we will see him having more fun again like he used to.

He only drops sure TD passes HA. But yeah, on the other hand though he still has a high catch rate by the nature most of the throws to him are short. But it is maddening when he dropped I believe 4 sure fire TD's this year. Haha spot on

Doesn't he want to get paid this year though? I mean if we can get him here with him playing on his $7M deal, then great, I have watched a lot of him since my wife is a die hard niners fan and I think he is a stud. But everything I have heard in regards to the issues in SF is that he wants to be paid now, and that is why I said we can't afford him. And as much as I do like Aiyuk, I wouldn't give up a bounty for him either. This is an insane draft for WR's, we could land one on a rookie deal for 5 years that has more upside than even what Aiyuk is. No guarantess obviously when it comes to draft picks, but the allure of getting a stud WR1 on a rookie deal the next 4 to 5 years of Josh's prime would be HUGE for us cap wise. But hey, I am all for getting a sure thing in Aiyuk too, just don't give up both the farm and a ton of future cap space during a historically deep and rich WR draft.

We can’t afford him.

One more thing I just thought of...I bet Josh Allen, McD, Beane, and the other players are going to be happy they won't have to keep getting asked the same repetitive stupid questions about Diggs, him and Josh's relationship, etc etc. I think not having that energy around the team will help get this team back to having fun again.

Wait, are you sure? If that is the case, then trading Diggs was a great move as we only lose an extra $3M this year above what he was already gonna cost us. So are you saying that essentially we got Diggs and his contract out of here for just a $3M additional cap hit this year and then we get cap relief next season? Because all I have seen is that he carries another dead cap next year of like twenty something million because we restructured him last year. I mean I hope what you are saying is correct, that would be awesome

I love McConkey, and if we somehow landed McConkey and also one of Mitchell, Coleman, or Legette I would lose my mind. I also really like Pearsall.

He is going to go after a WR early...and he has always been aggressive to get what he wants and needs. That does not mean it will be at 28. Would not surprise me to see us trade back and try and add another 3rd and then double dip on WR's with one off the small trade back and use one of the 3rds on another promising prospect.

That is not enough to get into the top 8 and no way we should spend what it would take to get to the top 8 in this draft, that is QB level trade compensation. Not to mention this is the best and deepest WR draft maybe in draft history. Now if Odunze or Nabers slips into the mid to late teens, then I think you consider giving up our first next year (not also a 2nd) and go get them.

Dont get me wrong, I am all for a WR. But here is the reality...after you get past MHJ, Nabers, Odunze, and Thomas...the next 7 are all lumped together and everyone has a different opinion of the pecking order from 5-11...and that is most often made up of: Mitchell, Coleman, Legette, McConkey, Pearsall, Franklin, and Worthy. Then there are guys outside of them that many people have listed inside the top 10 still. Point is, it is what Beane and the Bills scouting staff have as draft grades. How many of the guys outside the big 4 does he have a first round grade on? As fans, sure there are guys we would take, but most those same fans are looking at it from WR or nothing mindset. For example, Legette is talked about by some as the 4th or 5th best WR prospect...most have him between 8 and 10...and still some more have him in the teens. He is a guy that could sneak into the 1st round and a guy that could fall to us in the 2nd. If Beane sees him as a mid 2nd guy, he isn't taking him at 28 and literally said so today, same he has always said as well. Another example, I really like McConkey and I think he could be one of the best WR's to come out of this draft 5 years from now. BUT...do the Bills see him as a first rounder? Is he the style of WR they are targeting? Lots of question marks when it comes down to what WR's Beane will have on his board he is grading high enough to take 28. So...don't get me wrong, I am all in on getting a WR, even on board trading up to get one. Just saying, if Beane can get a higher graded player at 28 then still land one of Mitchell, McConkey, Legette, Coleman, Franklin, Worthy, Pearsall, etc in the 2nd then that would be a great move still too.

That absolute worst mistake is to reach. Disagree. If there isn't a guy Beane thinks is a first round player there he shouldn't force the issue.

Disagree...not saying we are for sure better, but Diggs was a minor part of the offense second half the season and postseason. Our offense was fine and we went 6-1 to go from out of the playoffs to the 2 seed. If we draft a rookie that gels well with Allen early that can help command some attention, then I very much believe this offense can be better. You forget...yes we subtract Diggs...but we have Shakir entering now his 3rd year and poised for an even bigger role and we have Kincaid entering his 2nd season and taking on a bigger role, and Cook broke out last year and poised for a big role again. We are not devoid of talent, and the young talent now has a year or two of experience and will be better than they were last year. So net gain or loss with Diggs is not as extreme as people think. And I think Samuel is a valuable addition too. The key will be how much the rookie can contribute year 1...if he comes in and takes off right away I definitely think this is a better offense in 2024 than 2023.

100%

Wanna bet?

Beane again very clearly stated that if at 28 the first round graded WR's on their board are gone, they will take another position and take talent over reaching and look at the 2nd to potentially add a WR.

Diggs at his peak was a top 3 WR in the league and for a period the best deep ball WR in the NFL. I am not ready to annoit Shakir to that potential level yet, but, I do think Shakir has a very high ceiling and too many people are underestimating him. Personally, I think he more accurately compares in style to Kupp, and no surprise because he admittedly studies Kupp and has tried to pattern his game off him. But Kupp runs a 4.63 forty where Shakir is fast with a 4.43 forty time. So Shakir has more deep speed potential, however, Kupp has elite short area burst and speed which is why Kupp seems to play so much faster than his 40 time would lead you to believe. Not saying he will reach Kupp's level, but then again, no one thought Kupp would get to that level either until it happened. Personally, I think at the very least Shakir will be a very good WR2 who can move inside and out and is going to be a very good player for us and is the kind of guy Beane looks to resign in 2 years.

No on Higgins. I think he is better suited as a top end WR2, but he wants to be paid like a top end WR1.

I acknowledged that with Diggs, and said that would be the biggest loss. But I did counter that with how important hitting on the rookie WR will be because that rookie WR could take at least some of that attention Diggs got if he shows he can make an impact year 1 like Jefferson, Chase, Pakua, etc have done the last few years. So I don't disagree Diggs helps open things up, but we land say Thomas who is 6'3" and runs a 4.34 forty out there, he is gonna command some attention. And if he and Allen show early chemistry, that attention will increase as the season goes on. But also...the biggest benefit of spreading the ball around is to create mismatches and take advantage of what the D is giving you. And when you got guys like Kincaid, Shakir, and even Samuel who can move around in the offense, plus Cook out of the backfield, Allens threat to run, and whatever the Rookie WR is bringing to the table, then you don't "NEED" a Diggs to open up everything for you.

This is where I am at. Nothing that is known right now suggests it was so bad that Beane felt like he had to make this move and he certainly didn't get some kind of big offer he couldn't refuse. So feels like we might be in store for some details to leak out that there were some issues where they felt his presence this year on the team just didn't work anymore. Beane is very cap savvy, so just feels like something had to be in play for him to take this much dead cap on over 2 seasons. And its clear Beane believed Diggs would be here this year last year or he wouldn't have restructured him which made his contract so bad to trade. Something changed between then and now.