Mister Defense

it should be like a "duh", what you say above. But when all one sees is red and metaphorical daggers when they think of a man, no amount of reason or fact will sway them. This reaction by that tiny group of hate posters is a telling and seminal example of that. We are trying to persuade people with our reasons and facts when those are almost always irrelevant to them, a non starter. More likely we can convince our pets, I think. Or this stapler sitting on my desk right now.

I am urging all posters to have some fun with this poll and just vote offensive line, like I did, as QB is not an option. Or it will be another super crazy, I despise Beane, loathe him, want to hit him over the head with proverbial sledge hammers thread. Most would agree the Bills need a speedy wide receiver to blow the tops off the defense, but if you read Pete's last OP on WR it, not surprisingly, became what I say in the sentence above. This one will be more of the same, so let's call it for what it is, what it will be, before it gets too far. The Bills had the best offense in the NFL last year, and one of the best of all time. It was the most balanced offense ever, with 30 passing TDs and 30 rushing touchdowns, the 2nd most (1st?) in points per drive in NFL histrory--and Josh was the MVP of the league, like he was the year before (but just was not voted as such). The wide receiver I want, and that so many others do, is simply the last piece in the almost perfect offensive puzzle that Beane and his coaches have put together, one developed diligently, with significant purpose and direction, each step of the way. Possibly not getting that piece this off season cannot be a reason for any sensible folks to somehow then make the case that Beane blows it, and big time, when it comes to the Bills' offense. Best in the NFL last year, and the best the Bills have ever had--and that is saying a lot. But the usual Beane haters are being more bold and loose with the facts than I have ever seen them previously--and that is saying a lot...saying Beane neglects the offense, does not give it the proper tools etcetera etcetera etcetera...... Yup, doing what so many find so distasteful in that small, but aggressive bunch of bashers. But this time it is even more outrageous than ever, just spewing nonsense that cannot be supported, so is not, as their hate glasses won't let them see it any other way. Beane hatred at its most obvious and its most unsupported in recent memory.

Good news, as maybe the Bills have something planned for Cook soon, to end this nonsense, and get one of the most important players on this team, a vital player, a burgeoning superstar, signed to a new multi year contract. They will be able to save tens of millions on the defense in the coming years if this draft was successful, and they know that too. So looking forward to a great resolution, and before the season begins. I am betting Josh is beating the drum very hard behind the scenes, in fact would bet a lot on that being the case.. He finally has one of the missing pieces of the puzzle, an elite back, and will not 'let him walk'.

So, you are saying the Bills basically have almost no tools, overall, on either offense or defense? And very poor tools, mainly? To you, it is just a one man show on offense, and almost no tools on defense either? Do you really think Josh Allen was able to create the best offense in the NFL last year, and historically speaking, and one of the most balanced ever, the first ever with both 30 rushing and 30 passing downs, with one of the best offensive lines, and one of the best running back rooms, and perhaps the best 2 tight end combo, and with receivers good enough for him to earn his first MVP ever, without given quality tools? And do you honestly believe what you say above in bold? Or is it just the heat of the moment, really not something you honesty think is true? If so, I think it would be extremely difficult to support your analysis with much objective evidence. Impossible, actually. The Bills were 13-4 last year (with the last game a giveaway), and were leading the AFC Championship late in the 4th quarter, on the road, without their starting safety or cornerback, and against Patrick Mahomes, the two time Super Bowl champion. We should start calling the 2024 Bills the Toolless Wonders. (Or better, the Toolless Miracles?)

Hey Pete AKA Freddy, Woke up very early today, my dream's images still flying through my head of the 2025 Bills defense, known as the Monsters of Midway 2. Followed by images of Josh and I riding in a convertible, waving to the fans as we drive in the Buffalo parade. It was very early this morning but I was soon on this site. Yours was the first post there, after the pinned draft posts, so I read it. And you shattered my dreams. Images of Josh wildly winging the ball down the field, with no wide receivers there to catch it, replaced the previous images. The balls just bounced on the turf. So I let you have it! Deleting it now.

I used to think this overall, but then Allen seemed to overcome that problem a few years ago. For example, in the playoff game they lost at home to the chiefs two seasons ago, his longer throws were very solid, but the receivers 'dropped the ball'. So, maybe some truth to this theory, though I think in the last few years he has looked very good throwing the deeper balls. But a fast wide receiver does not have to go very deep, just so so, as the speed can then help him take it there. I still think it is the missing element in an otherwise excellent, Super Bowl caliber offense. Something that will make us say, "This is the most dangerous offense that has ever played." Hopefully someone on the team now can be that guy, such as Palmer. Not a a burner but a very high YPC in his career.

Yes, very true, and one more reason for them to have done what they did so well in this draft. And something I pointed to before the draft--think of the money that will be saved on the defense, with young, cheap talent, starters and depth, if several of the players come through (they will, always do). And how that will benefit the offense next year, with the expensive contracts needed for the most important lineman on the team, the offensive guys, the men who protect our superstar and open holes for the running game. A very overlooked reason to do what they did this year, killing two birds with one big stone.

Try to take off the hate glasses and look at this draft in a more objective manner, instead of automatically coming up with super negative, completely unsupported points. The hate clouds your vision, fogs up your glasses, so you cannot see things clearly, as they really are.

if he is cheap, yeah, go and get him, of course. He was in the Pro Bowl two seasons ago, having one of his best seasons in a much less than ideal situation oi Cleveland, with several different quarterbacks. He may have hit the wall, but if so, that was extremely sudden, overnight. But more likely the injury that one doctor said should end his season last year caused the decline, and he missed many games. He seemed to really appreciate the very different, positive team family concept of the Bills. He is smart too, and clearly knows that Bills are one of the most likely teams to win it all this year. I assume he would like to be part of that, has never been to the Super Bowl and his teams have not won many playoff games either.

As I have been saying, before the draft and now, it was all about the defense, and in particular the "almost bare" outside corner situation, and the defensive line, in particular tackle. And that the Bills should get at least two high quality d tackles and at least 2 corners, but hopefully more. And that they should parlay all draft capital to make these the best players they can possibly get. As it should be all about quality now, and about giving up the over reliance on quantity , the just hoping some work out, with an over reliance on mediocre or less than that players. So, I am biased, as that was my opinion for over a month. I believe this was the best and most important draft in my lifetime, and I believe it will be a seminal moment in Bills' history, one of the most consequential. I was worried Beane would play it safe, and not put all of their eggs into the defensive basket, and not use their draft capital to consistently be aggressive. But he took a big swing. That is what one does when they are going for the gold. A prediction: Sadly, I bet McDermott breaks his face in the next few days from smiling and laughing so much. Bravo, Brandon. And to the many who worked so hard to make this all come together so well.

Come on! That is an ultra negative take on what is likely a seminal, and immensely satisfying day, in McDermott's career. And after two of the best days in the Bills' history, if you think defense is vital to winning it all. Likely right up there with getting the Bills' head coaching job and getting Josh Allen. He is like a poor kid on Christmas morning who then walks into the living room and somehow gets exactly what he wants--enough talent to transform the defense in one fell swoop. And, with the other additions in the off season, and in last year's draft, the most talent he has likely ever had. Best draft in my lifetime. Get on board, as this is huge. Or, you will be trying to catch the boat long after it has sailed.

Yes, another CB!!!!!!! Stong-- love me some Brandon Beane right now. So, imagine how McDermott feels. And Josh Allen..

Oh, thanks, I did not know there were TWO more picks left, thought there was just one. So it will be just one I give up. But you're welcome in advance.

Now I am starting to feel guilty for getting almost exactly what I wanted in this draft, and what I have called for on this board the last few days. (First time for that, or anything even close to that, and likely the last in my life. Usually I get coal.) With every pick on defense, two starting caliber d tackles, a high quality defensive end, a corner who should start on day one and now another corner. But to show my generosity, those wanting other positions covered, you can have the last picks, to do with them what you please. Christmas in April. In the last two days we have witnessed the most important, transformational days in the history of the Bills. Just watch...

Thank you, Brandon!! Another cornerback!! Now, we have two otuside starters, and depth possibly too. You are a brilliant man, but you do owe me now. The perfect draft, most important draft maybe in the history of the Bills. The final step..

Very original! And I am honored, as this is by far my best, as it will be the most consequential, draft with the Bills, and in my entire career. Go go and go some more on defense! More to come, we think...

The choo choo has died on the tracks, it seems. Or maybe they are just shoveling in more coal right now, for a final big push? Wideout was a priority for me too, earlier in the off season, though still important now. But then so much of what I saw made me want the supreme focus to be on defense, and in a sharp and dramatic way. So far, so good.

Umm, no I don't think anyone thinks that, that they have not tried. This team has had very good, even better than that defenses, in this era of success. It is weaker now is the point, and needed them to rethink how they used the draft, and free agency, to make the bigger changes now needed to move them to the very good, hopefully great level, that helps them take the next step. If this draft, so far, is any indication, they are breaking the mold and focused like a laser on not just tweaking the defense, but doing what the Eagles did last year, and transforming it. Just need some CB depth now and my dream draft is complete!

I wanted a wide receiver in this draft, agree it is the missing element on offense, one that can make a great offense greater, even more unbeatable than last year's, on their 14 win team. However I do not agree that the Bills did not improve their offense last year--or they do not support Josh, cannot believe anyone can say that after their changes, improvements since Brady stepped in: --first time ever, ? , a team had 30 rushing and 30 receiving touchdowns, (Isn't giving Josh one of the best balanced team in NFL history 'support'?) --one of the best running games in the league (Please see right above for why this supports Josh--ditto.) --scored more points than ANY other team in the NFL (Doesn't this show the offense was 'improved'? I would say that is pretty good evidence that they accomplished that feat, don't you? --And they had the best offensive line we have seen on the Bills in many years, one of the best in the NFL now by almost all accounts, and a much improved one. (Isn't this something that supports Josh Allen and really undermines your main contention, that they are not supporting him?) A high quality wideout would make that historically good, great, offense even better, enable them to break their own records and more. Seems almost a given to me, and to many. But to say 'at some point he needs support' seems dramatically out of place, misguided--se the bullets above.. and they are only part of the story of how good the offense was last year, and how supported Josh Allen was. I am monumentally confident that what Josh Allen has seen so far in this superbly focused and realized draft, with more to come, has made him ecstatic--he is finally about to have the defense he needs to SUPPORT him and the offense, as they help his team take the final step. I hate cliches, but this one is backed up, at least recently, but overall--defense wins championships. That is the support Allen did not have and now may have.

? He had one of the best running games in the NFL last year, yes, not used enough in either the running or passing, but still very effective. And the ball was spread around wonderfully, part of the clear and direct scheme and philosophy they were going for. Worked at historically good levels. Strange and ironic post, when the real reason he has to play hero ball is usually because the running game did not come through--and because the defense did not, so he was forced to score again and again, even after it seemed he had just won the game for the Bills. The best way to have Josh play within his (awesome) potential is to, of course, to give him a good, then great defense. Kind of a duh, I think. You should be extremely happy right now, and hopefully more to come on defense soon.

But after the three starters none have proven, lately, that they can play well in the NFL. And White, and likely Jackson?, are also too expensive. Young, fast and athletic now, with potential-- and let McDermott and his staff work their magic. Don't rain on my parade! I want the perfect defensive draft, to redo the defense, and it soo close to that... Just needt one more cornerback, and using whatever it takes to get the best one available, even if it means no more picks. Then, you can have what's left! Or, I will give you some picks in next year's draft.

Me too!! I am thinking, and I think you would agree-?, that they likely did dramatically more research, which is probably a monstrous understatement, then you, or I, possibly did on Walker. Beane is clearly using Two Bills Drive to get his ideas this year, is almost assuredly reading this post right now, for his next step.. So, once again, please get another cornerback now, Brandon!! (Though I think it is more likely another position, wideout, linebacker, or safety-? I hope I am wrong though, as one more corner will literally complete the process I was hoping for. Yup, getting greedy now. ) You are The Man!! Brandon better call and thank you.

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe this!! Deon Walker, the missing link on the d-line!! Soo happy. No more run around at D tackle, with likely two starting caliber players. And Beane doing all I was hoping for, using their picks to get quality, not quantity. And all defense. I said yesterday before the draft that the Bills needed to break their draft process, and instead use their many picks to get fewer better players, and to focus almost exclusively on defense. I have never witnessed a draft in my many years of being a Bills fanatic going almost exactly as I wanted. Now, another cornerback too, please! Thank you Brandon!!! And especially to eee1776 for pointing out that Walker was still available, when I had thought he was not.

Sheesh. You need to get your priorities in order.

His strengths, from NFL Draft Buzz, seem to indicate he is not a "horrendous athlete" or "not a very good football player" --Rare blend of mass and mobility for his size - shows shocking lateral quickness when working down the line and can change direction without losing power or balance --Natural power to stack and shed single blocks in the run game, using his 6'7" frame and heavy hands to control offensive linemen before violently disengaging --Creates instant interior push with his bull rush, showing the ability to walk back centers and guards while keeping his feet churning through contact --Surprising short-area quickness allows him to shoot gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield before blockers can properly engage --Strong upper body and active hands help him defeat blocks both as a run defender and pass rusher - has shown an effective swim move --Takes away multiple gaps with his sheer size and length, forcing runners to bounce outside where his deceptive mobility allows him to make plays --Shows flashes of dominant potential when fresh, with the raw power to simply overwhelm offensive linemen who don't match his physical traits --Three-year starter in the SEC who has proven he can hold up against elite competition while facing constant double teams And to be even handed, what they consider his weaknesses: --Conditioning is a major concern - tends to wear down quickly and becomes much less effective in longer drives or when asked to chase plays --Consistently plays with high pad level, negating his natural power and making him vulnerable against double teams and combo blocks --Initial burst off the snap is inconsistent, sometimes appearing sluggish and allowing offensive linemen to establish position before he's fully engaged --Hand placement in pass rush needs refinement - too often makes contact without a clear plan, leading to stalemates even against single blocks --Motor runs hot and cold throughout games, showing concerning lapses in effort when fatigued or trailing offensive plays Glad you posted that, so that I went to find out more about what others say. The strengths listed really contradict the horrible athlete thing and how poor of a football player he is. While the weak areas are much less significant, and are things the can be fixed with coaching and mentors.. He certainly seems like the kind of player that McBeane may think they can do very good things with..