LEBills

One of the only games I’ve had the pleasure of attending. 2011 seemed so promising!

Honestly, when I saw his 2020 highlights I was like he looks like a young Poyer - number, range, size. This year he had some struggles which will probably leave him day 3 or undrafted but I definitely think he is someone the Bills would be very interested in! Jaquan Johnson was another Miami Safety with ties to Diaz that we drafted in the late rounds. Coming out he was highly regarded as a teammate and for his intelligence, though lacking in the athletic department. Jaquan is going into the final year of his contract and I think Bolden is more talented (though Johnson plays smarter and more soundly). Good eye on Emerson! He has been getting a lot of buzz in the draft community as a 2nd/3rd round corner for the Bills so there may be a little smoke there. Shoop was the DC there for his Freshman season where he did start a few games so the Bills may have a little extra insight on him.

Maybe Booth’s medicals are worse than the public is aware of?

Thanks for the compliment, I’m a big draft buff from all the drought years when drafting seemed like the only way out. Fortunately, unlike those years, the organization is very tight lipped about their draft plans. That has helped us immensely to become competitive. But in these weeks leading up to the draft, where we have all seen every players highlights, their is only so much left to speculate on before draft day hits. I know this is all speculative, and we may not draft any of these guys. But McDermott is a big culture guy so I do think he leans on his connections to get more info than you can get in a workout or meeting. We will see, can’t wait for the draft!

Steelers ravens titans

Penn State doesn’t really have anyone super highly rated this year, maybe Rasheed Walker? Arkansas and Treylon Burks could be an early pick. Could be some outside of football influences! Yea haha it’s not perfect, moreso just a thought exercise. I personally think it had a big effect on who they chose in 2021 because of how funky a college season it was, but we will never know for sure. Could be this year is more of an Ed Oliver year where he seemed to just be BPA w/o any noticeable connection now that the past college season was normal again. Just things to think about as we wait for the draft to finally get here!

Back in 2018, Cover 1 put out a piece identifying how McDermott uses his coaching connections while researching draft picks. Essentially, McDermott used his connection with then LSU DC Dave Aranda to get the inside scoop on Tre White. Article here: https://www.cover1.net/could-hc-sean-mcdermotts-inner-circle-have-an-effect-on-the-draft/ I wanted to follow up on that article a bit to see if those connections still held true several year later. Here is what I found: 2018: In 2018, we drafted Tremaine Edmunds and Harrison Phillips. At VT, Tremaine was coached by Justin Fuente who was close friends with then- Bills DL coach Bill Teerlink who later went and took the same position at VT to work with Fuente. Harrison Phillips didn’t seem to have much connection other than opposing coaches that played against him at USC being connected to Frazier. 2019 In 2019, we drafted Ed Oliver which seems to be the one time where there was no noticeable connection between our first defensive pick and coaching staff. The closest connection I found was then-Houston DC Mark D’Onofrio was Temple’s DC while McD was with the Eagles and Temple used to scrimmage at the Eagle’s stadium. 2020 In 2020, we drafted AJ Epenesa in the second round. McDermott has said that he likes players from Iowa: “I always love guys from Iowa because of the culture they come from.” Kirk Ferentz also used to frequent Eskimo’s gym that McDermott worked out in growing up as he looked for recruits (tho this may be stretching it) per the buff news: https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/theres-no-keeping-him-down-how-sean-mcdermott-ascended-to-coach-of-the-bills/article_a7b1e43d-5094-569e-9c4a-b2e8c196a2bf.amp.html Still in 2020, Dane Jackson in the 7th is also tied to McDermotts coaching tree as Pitt HC Narduzzi was an assistant with the Eagles. https://www.wgrz.com/amp/article/sports/nfl/bills/nfl-draft-one-on-one-julianne-with-pitt-panthers-coach-pat-narduzzi-on-why-damar-hamlin-will-make-an-impact-with-the-bills-this-season/71-1ba47ec4-2aaa-414d-840e-5e9451af3a66 2021 In 2021, leaning on coaching connections revved up, probably due to the incomplete college season. In Round 1, we drafted Greg Rousseau who was coached at Miami by McD close friend Manny Diaz. In round 2, we drafted Boogie Basham who was coached by by Dave Clawson who has know McD since McD was in college: https://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/bills/wake-forest-head-coach-explains-what-separates-sean-mcdermott-from-other-nfl-coaches Finally in round 6, we went back to the Pitt/Narduzzi well with Damar Hamlin. **** That brings us to the 2022 draft and a few things stand out. 1. Aside from 2018 where we still used a second first rounder on Tremaine Edmunds. The Bills have drafted a defensive player with our first pick every year since McDermott arrived (maybe McDermott gets final say on the early round picks?) 2. In the draft years with more ambiguity - 2017 being McDs first year and with a GM that would soon be fired, and 2021 after the Covid messed up college season - we seemed to lean the hardest on the coaches connections 3. Though their were personal connections, none of the picks would be considered a reach for where they were selected. And the clear coaching connections were mostly just for the defensive prospects. 4. As the rounds get later, their seems to be fewer clear connections between our coaching staff and the players college coaching staff So, does that give us any insight on who the Bills may draft? Some Guesses: Daxton Hill - CB/S - Michigan Bob Shoop was Michigan’s Safeties coach for one season in 2020. That would have given him a chance to coach Daxton where the Safety was a full time starter. Per Cover 1’s article, Shoop was identified as an inner circle member along with Aranda and Diaz, where they all studied and discussed defensive strategy together. Roger McCreary - CB - Auburn Though regarded often as a second round pick, their could be 4 or 5 CBs off the board by the time we pick. McCreary doesn’t fit the McD body type with his sub-29 inch arms but he does have a connection to our staff. His defensive coordinator Derek Mason was a defensive assistant in Minnesota while Leslie Frazier was the DC. Aside from the short arms, McCreary has great skill and production. Kenneth Walker - RB - Michigan State Their is not a ton of matches between talent and familiarity with what we expect to be available at 25. However on offense, McD has also shown a willingness to lean on his coordinators connections. In 2017, Zay Jones was selected because the Bills new WR coach was Zay’s college receivers coach. Last year, former OL coach Bobby Johnson was a former Miami Redhawk and had seemed to have some input on Tommy Doyle being selected. This year may be Aaron Kromers turn. The coach was OC for the Bears at the same time Mel Tucker - current Michigan State HC- was DC for the Bears. And again, McDermotts friend Dave Clausen was Walker’s head coach at Wake for two years. Last year, Travis Etienne went 25 and it’s quite possible that Ken Walker is a target at that spot this year. Jalen Pitre - Safety- Baylor McDermott may go back to the Dave Aranda well - now HC of Baylor. Pitre is a playmaker at Safety who may be a good future replacement. He was put into the STAR role in Baylor where he played all over the field so you know Aranda trusted him. Likely a second rounder. Damarri Mathis CB/S - PITT Pitt’s defense is very similar to ours and we may be willing to bring in another late round DB from McD’s buddy Narduzzi’s system. **** Only two weeks to go until we find out Thanks to all those who read. My dog got spade this morning and is not taking the discomfort well, so this self-imposed project has helped me stay up with her to make sure she doesn’t get the cone off and get after her stitches lol.

That economist must be from San Diego

WR OL CB CB RB S Gray Suit

Any DLine and we riot!

I highly recommend putting on some highlights and games of VTs TE James Mitchell. He was going to be big this year until an injury cut his season short. Very Dawson Knox as he is a pretty good blocker, excellent athlete and was vastly underused at VT.

Nice video by cover one

He is not the best QB, but he isn’t a scrub or anything. Maybe top 15? And he did a pretty good job keeping the team together after everything that happened with Gruden and Ruggs last year. Something to be said for being able to navigate all that and get your team to the playoffs.

nah it’s just funny

agree and that’s Hill he abused, though he didn’t do a ton in that game just coming off his ACL injury

I do think Dax is the better player, but I think Pitre is really good and McDermott values players that played for coaches he or his coaching staff know - Rousseau and Doyle come to mind. I would be good with Daxton, especially if they can get George Pickens in the following round. Lol That’s a little bit of cheating by me since I made that post you are talking about

Daxton is pretty good but I think if they want that type of player they would wait a round and go with Jalen Pitre from Baylor as McDermott and Baylor’s coach Dave Aranda are buddies and Dax and Pitre have similar playing styles. Im not sure if Andrew Booth was available in Kipers mock (tho it sounds like he is from the blurb). I would expect that would be the pick in that situation assuming the medical all are clear.

I would genuinely be surprised if he didn’t wind up a Bill. McDermott loves the small school, toolsy later round CBs. Josh Norman, James Bradberry, Taron Johnson, Siran Neal

I think he may go round three like Michael Gallup who I think is a pretty good pro comparison for him. It’s a deep crop of WR so maybe round 4. If the Bills wind up with him as our top drafted receiver this year I think we will be very happy.

He did well in his bowl game. A little stiff and upright as a runner so not sure he could be a lead back but he will have a role in an offense.

To preface, for the most part I believe the higher rated player is a better player (though not always). But if you don’t get a chance to draft them, these guys have some similar traits and may have a chance to succeed while available later in the draft. QB: If you can’t get Malik Willis in Round 1…. Dustin Krum QB Kent State is a big arm kid in a heavy RPO offense. He doesn’t have the same type of wiggle that Willis has when he runs, but he is still a threat with his legs with surprising speed. Willis has a prettier release of the ball but Krum has some power behind his throw like Willis does. Willis will be the first QB taken this year, while Krum may not be drafted. Interesting developmental guy in a draft lacking in QB talent. RB: If you can’t get Isaiah Spiller on Day 2…. Keaontay Ingram RB USC is a pretty well rounded running back. He actually has more juice (ran a 4.53 40 vs. Spiller’s 4.6) and a better burst on his cuts to get through the line than Spiller. Spiller is more well rounded as he is a better receiver and better blocker, but Ingram has nice size, burst and hands to be a lead running back in the league. While Spiller is likely the third running back drafted, Ingram will go day 3 and is one of my favorite later round backs Outside WR If you can’t get Treylon Burks in the first-second round… Romeo Doubs WR Nevada is a thick receiver with great strength to break tackles and body cornerbacks down the field, though more often he is blowing by them. He is not as big as Burks’ 225 pound body but Doubs is a strong 200+ who shows ability to play in the slot as well as outside and is great at attacking vertical as well as pretty good at slants and settling in the middle of the field in an open zone. He is very competitive, and he along with TE Cole Turner will get their QB Carson Strong drafted pretty highly in the next few weeks. While Burks is bigger and may be a little faster, I think Doubs gets better separation around the football field and think he is being slept on in a deep receiver class. I would take Doubs straight up over Burks 😳 Slot WR If you can’t get Jahan Dotson in the second round… Khalil Shakir WR Boise State a round later would be an amazing consolation prize. Shakir is a little bigger with similar speed and explosion numbers to Dotson. While Shakir lets a lot of catches get into his body rather than being a consistent hands catcher like Dotson, both make miraculous catches and are tough as nails. While I love Dotson the player, I think his size will limit him to the slot because teams in the Big 10 were able to knock him off his route when they got physical with him. Shakir will do best in the slot as well with his shorter arms. Both I think will be very successful in that role at the next level. TE If you can’t get Isaiah Likey on Day 2…. James Mitchell TE Virginia Tech is the best TE prospect in the class. He got injured after just two games this season but averaged over 16 yards per catch in his college career. While Likely is an explosive player as well with great verticals, decent speed, and production for days, Mitchell can regularly be seen running away from LBs and even CBs in the ACC. Additionally, he has shown to be pretty good at sealing the edge while blocking and being a good blocker in space as well. Unfortunately, the knee injury that cost him most his 2021 season also has prevented him from taking part in the draft lead up process and so this is a bet that his athleticism can return to what it was before his injury. He is a day 3 pick at best now. CB If you can’t get Andrew Booth in the first round…. Demarcus Fields CB Texas Tech was a team captain at Tech where they played a lot of zone. Now Booth - who played a TON of zone in college- is much better (and would be an amazing fit with the Bills). Booth is bigger, a better tackler, faster, better ball skills - but he is coming off sports hernia surgery and will go pretty early. Fields is built almost identical to and had similar combine results to Tre White, is a very willing tackler and gets his hands on a lot of footballs (11 PBUs in 2021). Now he does not catch ANY of them which is part of the reason he is not higher rated. But for a team that plays a lot of Zone, Fields is a corner that could be had late in the draft. Safety If you can’t get Daxton Hill in the first round… Jalen Pitre Safety of Baylor is a human highlight reel. One of the most fun players to watch play as Baylor let him loose all season. Dax and Pitre play a lot in the slot but also we’re asked to basically do it all playing deep, in the box and blitzing. I think Dax does everything as a whole better but man I would love Pitre on the Bills wreaking havoc with his ball skills and playmaking. There isn’t a lot of difference in value as Daxton will go round 1-2 and Pitre will probably go round 2-3 but the safety crop as a whole is pretty unique. Many guys at the top that can do so much for a teams secondary and then guys graded lower who are very talented at a few things but may grow into more complete players. I watched Dax and thought I wouldn’t see a safety play quite like him this year and then Jalen proved me wrong, so wanted to mention him. **** That is my list for this year…hope it wasnt too wordy to read. I can add highlights of each player in a later post if others would like or you can find them on YouTube. Cheers to only a few weeks left before the draft! (Also if anyone has a better title for this thread I am taking suggestions lol)

Dude fumbles a lot, 8 and 5/8 inch hands are probably a part of that. Better backs will be available later in the draft imo

I listen to Yates on Fantasy Pros while prepping for my fantasy draft, but never took him for having sources Though I do think Skyy has interest from a lot of teams. He grew up with Mike Tomlin’s kids so I would think their would be a lot of interest there.

With the 81st pick in the 2022 TSW Mock Draft 1.0, the New York Giants select Kerby Joseph, S, University of Illinois. The Atlanta Falcons and @Alphadawg7 are now on the clock. The Giants safety depth is non-existent and in the third round we get a center fielder to allow more single high safety looks. Joseph has excellent range and a knack for taking the ball away. His run support is lacking to put it nicely, but late in the third round we are ok with that.

We will agree to disagree on how good Devin is and Moss can be. In the end I hope and think we will make moves to improve the running back room, especially with this being Devin’s contract year.