Logic

Thought you wanted weapons for Josh? There's no universe where an explosive pass-catching back that can split out wide and run routes isn't that.

We'll never know for sure, but I think Elam fits the profile of what this regime looks for in first rounders more than McDuffie. They like to get young, elite athletes who have room to grow, then turn them over to their coaching staff and entrust them to coach the kids up. To that end, as awesome as McDuffie already is, I don't believe he has the same room for growth or as a high a ceiling as Elam. I think McDuffie will be a high floor, dependable player who starts in this league for a decade+. A very safe pick. I think Elam is a "swing for the fences" guy who, though his floor is not as high as McDuffie's, has a higher ceiling. There's also the physical attributes of Elam vs McDuffie -- particularly McDuffie's arms being much shorter than this staff prefers -- that make me question their interest in McDuffie. We'll never know for sure. It's possible that you're right. I also think there's reason to believe you might not be.

Some quotes from scouts about Elam from a Bob McGinn article on Tyler Dunne’s website: https://www.golongtd.com/p/what-the-scouts-say-about-bills-first?s=w AFC scout: “I think he’s the best corner. Good size, super athletic. He can do everything athletically as far as speed and recovery. He’s got poise. He has the ability to play the ball. His cover skills are exceptional. If you’re going to knock him a little bit, he’s not a great (run) support guy. He’s not real aggressive or strong, but he’s athletic enough when he wants to do it. His character is really good. Pretty good shot for the top 15.” NFC scout: “He’s talented. Not silky smooth in his movements but he’s explosive and he’s a real good athlete. He plays with a lot of damn confidence and swag. He’s got excellent feel. He jumps routes. He tends to drift some. Bump skills are good. He can run support but he’s less to be desired in the run game. He’s one of those guys that says, ‘Y’all go do that. I gotta tackle? All right, let me jump down on the ground.’ He’s first-round talent. It’s where his mind is.” AFC scout: “He was the best corner I saw. I estimated his speed at 4.55. Needs to be more physical against the run. Was excellent against Alabama.” NFC scout: “He wouldn’t hit the ground if he fell out of bed. Nobody cares anymore but very, very, very marginal against the run. Nonexistent. He’s got some real talent. He’s more talented than (Ahmad) Gardner. Real good to exceptional athlete. Has the size and length for a starting NFL corner. He has marginal strength and effort against the run. Top of the second round.”

I disagree. I think Bill the coach is the greatest of all time, but Bill the GM is below average and should have been replaced years ago. Many Patriots fans agree.

I understand why they took a corner at 23 and I’m fine with it… …but it’s time to spend some damn draft capital on offense! I want a WR,TE, RB, and OG. That’s four positions. We have six picks left. For the love of God, let’s get QB1 some help!

Scout the player, not the helmet.

I had forgotten that Cowboys presumed CB2 Kelvin Joseph is in legal trouble and is potentially facing charges. Given that fact, Elam’s fit in a Dan Quinn defense, and the sullen looking Cowboys draft room… I think there’s at least a pretty good chance the Cowboys would have taken Elam if we hadn’t jumped up. At the very least, it’s easy to see why Beane thought it was a strong possibility.

Beane's gonna pick a DII guard just to piss off the complainers.

At least we didn't take Cole Strange in the first round 😳

Can play this game the other way too : "God forbid we roll with the corners we got and White or Jackson is hurt come playoff time...Siran *****in Neal time!

Let's use a more relevant example then: How did Levi Wallace and Dane Jackson do against the Chiefs' WRs in the playoffs?

I would love for anyone to try to explain why it's a BAD THING that the Bills -- in desperate need of a corner -- took the kid who allowed the second lowest passer rating in the FBS the past 3 years.

SECOND IN THE ENTIRE FBS IN PASSER RATING ALLOWED. SECOND. College production + speed and size + elite work ethic + he's only 20. Pretty good, Beane. Pretty, pretty, prreeeettttttty good.

Can I borrow your crystal ball when you're done with it?

Let's use a different example then. How did Levi Wallace and Dane Jackson do against the Chiefs' receivers in the playoffs?

Whole lotta "process" going on in those quotes.

We have no idea what those guys know that we don't. Maybe they had intel that Dallas liked Elam. Maybe Baltimore told them that other teams were trying to trade up with them. We have no idea. It's possible Beane got stupid and antsy, but it's also possible that they had intel that gave them cause to do what they did.

Yeah the Bengals and their all-world WRs totally whooped Jalen Ramsey and the Rams for the Lombardi trophy. Oh wait.

Once and for all, we know that Beane did NOT have a first round grade on Breece Hall. Just sayin'.

Whether you agree with Beane or not, he just said in his interview that Elam was the last player on the Bills' board with a 1st round grade. They did not have a 1st round grade on Booth or Gordon.

I won't pretend that Elam was my top choice, and I won't pretend that I've watched a bunch of his tape. Here's what I know: The Bills needed a cornerback, clearly wanted to get faster and more athletic at the position (as evidenced by letting Wallace walk), and just took a kid that's 6'1" and runs a 4.39. Considering how much McDermott and Frazier have gotten out of VASTLY less talented corner prospects, I have all the faith in the world that they'll coach Elam up into being a stud. The Bills' top need by far was a cornerback. They got one, and he's incredibly long and athletic. Hard to be too upset tonight (though I'm sure some here will still find a way!)

For all those wondering why the Bills traded up: I can only assume that either the Ravens told them they had other teams trying to move up, or they had intel that the Cowboys liked Elam themselves. Maybe Beane just got antsy, since Elam was the last player on their board with a 1st round grade.

When the reporter said "what's going through your mind?", He replied "I'm not gonna speak on that"...I think it's safe to say he's not excited to be a Lion.