TheyCallMeAndy

I’m less enthusiastic about Dodson’s starting potential as a long term starter, but he has made progress every year and has emerged as a core special teamer.

I’m not surprised that over all consensus is that he’s garbage based off one start, I was definitely hoping for more optimism for his potential though.

I was surprised by this, Joe Mario went in how much better he looked at RG and Bates has said publicly that he’s more comfortable at LG.

Totally posted that in the wrong thread and you caught me lol

No one is open to the idea that maybe with a full year of proper training/diet/strength coach/film study Bernard May actually develop into what McDermott saw in him? The coach that turned another 220 pound former safety into an All-Pro? Players tend to develop and grow.

I think there is a very good chance the plan has been for either Dodson or Bernard to replace Edmunds since at least this time last year. That writing seemed to be on the wall after Bills extended Matt Milano, drafted Terrel Bernard in the 3rd round last year, then signed Milano to another extension. Dodson was Edmunds primary backup and filled in for Edmunds when he missed 3 games in 2022, Bills winning all 3 games. Dodson will be 25, is in his 4th season, and was the primary backup LB last year. The former UDFA recorded 32 tackles last year, a sack, and a TFL. He played 220 snaps on defense and 276 snaps on special teams. He was targeted in the passing game 14 times giving up 12 catches (85%) for 130 yards (10.8 YPA) and QB rating of 105. Dodson had 4 missed tackles last year (11%). Dodson is a good athlete with good straight line speed and decent agility. Athletically he compares to Matt Milano pretty well. Bernard is 24, entering his 2nd season after being a 3rd round pick. Scouting reports called him a small LB who’s size would lead to issues vs the run, but a very smart LB and great in pass coverage. He’s listed at 6’1’’ and his weight has been listed between 218 and 222. He started 1 game last year and played 110 snaps on defense and 254 snaps on special teams. Bernard was targeted 5 times in coverage giving up 4 catches (80%) for 35 yards (8.8 YPA) and an opposing QB rating of 95.8. Bernard did not miss or have a single tackle broken last year. Bernard is a great athlete and is both very fast and agile, like a small Tremaine Edmunds athletically. This team preaches draft and develop, and we may be seeing a long term developmental succession plan play out. This summer will be interesting.

Hardman or Landry, but I think they are done at WR until the draft.

Had a mild heart attack reading that 😑

Agree, I can’t see them drafting a LB at 27 when they just invested a 3rd round pick

Bates won’t be a backup, he was darn good at LG and McG was best at RG. Where a player suspects they’ll line up in March is probably irrelevant.

Dark horse MLB: Matt Milano He could absolutely play it, and I’d be curious to see if the MLB responsibilities cause a dip in his impact plays, or if that truly was an Edmunds thing. That would allow Bernard to take over his spot, which he is a great fit for.

Paralysis by analysis?

Agreed. He did play 62% of Special teams snaps and started one game. He was targeted in the passing game 5 times, gave up 4 catches for (I believe) 37 yards. He made 22 tackles last year and had 0 missed/broken. People like to compare him to Matt Milano, but he’s honestly closer to Edmunds in terms of agility/speed. He was said to be highly athletic, highly intelligent, and a great cover LB.

Doesn’t appear that the press conference is live…

Interesting, Sal just tweeted that McG will play LG.

The Milano extension, Bernard pick, and second Milano extension tells me McBeane knew they weren’t bringing Edmunds back a long time ago. They’ve always favored pass defense over run defense, Bernard is highly unproven, thought to have been over drafted, and very small; but is also highly intelligent and great pass defending LB. Perfect situation to draft a player like Bernard and let him sit and learn from guys like Edmunds, Milano, Klein, and Dodson. I think it’s extremely likely that it’s Bernard vs Dobson for the spot next to Milano. I can see AJ Klein returning for another year as well for veteran depth.

I think there is a real chance it’s Dobson vs Bernard for MLB.

He honestly did, he just isn’t Cole Beasley. 42 catches for 400+ yards were career bests, high drop percentage though.

Agreed. Williams got 3 for 12 million and scored 17 TDs

Sign Brandon Allen now!

Correct, good signing!

I’ve followed the guy for a long time (7+ years maybe?) and chatted with him back when I had Twitter, he’s a small school scout and a Bills fan. His connects are legit as he knows lots of scouts/agents.

He caught 36 of 59. I backed off “outstanding,” but his catch % is still good.

I agree, I doubt the training staff at college were as good as they had been with the Saints, it’s very possible (and likely) that with proper training he is now a sub-4.4 guy. Allen ran a 4.75, that kid has wheels.