BigAl2526

No, you don't guarantee a guy is going to start, but at the same time, Buffalo didn't match Minnesota's offer because they think Bates is an OK backup. They think he has starter ability, and he showed it on the field last season. That thinking will reflect in their draft strategy. I fully expect Buffalo to draft a guard/center prospect, most likely on day 2 of the draft, but the signing of Ryan Bates makes it significantly less likely in round 1.

Never say never, but it's not going to happen too often, and I wouldn't be inclined to do so this year, If I were Brandon Beane. He's paying Bates starter money now, if not high end starter money, and Roger Saffold didn't sign with the Bills to warm the bench. That means they guy you draft is likely at best competition to start rather than an assumed front line player.

Guice has been accused multiple times of violent behavior toward women, He was charged with violence against his girlfriend, and later those charges were dropped, the last of them in January 2021. I wouldn't rule out signing him completely, but I would be extremely slow and cautious about making that decision and do all kinds of due diligence to discover how he is handling himself in relationships now. I believe people can change, but in Guice's case, it's more than one woman and more than one occasion. When it's a pattern like that, I'm more wary of it resurfacing, and I'd want some fairly strong reassurance he's past it.

Boettger injured his Achilles in game 16 this past season. He's probably not going to be available at the start of the season, and if he is, the Bills can't count on him being very effective. I think, if the Bills don't trust Cody Ford, they might want a little more quality competition at the guard position.

Seven CBs and punter. Buffalo still has 8 picks - 2 picks in round 6.

I agree that you're always looking for players to fill the back end of a roster. I don't think Jaquan Johnson is ever going to start for the Bills. He'll always be a depth player and special teamer. If you find you need a safety and you're in the second half of the draft, the best player you can get for your needs might be an undersized safety with limited athleticism, but great instinct and football intelligence. I don't know that you want to draft that guy the year before you need him. If you're drafting a late round safety this year to fill an anticipated vacancy next year, I think you're better off looking more at physical traits and potential, as long as the player has a great attitude and appears to be able to learn.

The Bills already have an undersized safety with limited athleticism on the roster in Jaquan Johnson. I don't see much point in drafting another one. I could see drafting a guy that they might develop into an eventual starter, even if they have a guy like that on the roster, assuming he's the best player available.

With a few exceptions, the overall trend in the league is for teams to try and develop explosive passing offenses like Kansas City and Buffalo possess. If Buffalo can develop an effective defense against that kind of explosiveness, and defend the run better too, it will benefit them regardless of who the opponent is.

Here's are some links: Tariq Castro-Fields CB Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report (nfldraftbuzz.com) Tariq Castro-Fields CB Penn State - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network Tariq Castro-Fields Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com I'm not saying the Bills shouldn't draft him. I'm just pointing out that some observers think he heeds work, some more than others.

Scouting reports suggest he needs lots of coaching. He's undisciplined, gives up big plays and is a terrible tackler. I wouldn't say don't draft him, but know you're going to have to do a terrific coaching job to turn him into a solid pro, and it's probably not happening in his rookie year.

Maybe a general observation about the anxiety and uncertainty with the roster adjustments that happen this time of year.

Don't know that Kyler Gordon will be available in round 3. I think Velus Jones might be available later.

I'm assuming Tre White will be fine. The need for another quality cornerback has nothing to do with his health. It is all about the Bills decision not to try and re-sign Levi Wallace. Jackson is a good depth cornerback but he's not someone you depend on as a starter.

It depends on what you're expecting from them. They actually do two things. The help rabid fans familiarize themselves with prospects. And they have entertainment value. There is no mock draft that can unequivocally predict what a given team is going to do with its first round pick let alone the other six rounds of the draft

I think no news with regards to Bates is probably good news. It may be he was hoping too be blown away by an offer, but hasn't been. If he can only get a contract close to the tender offer, he might choose to stick with the Bills for a year and take the chance he could get a Super Bowl ring.

There is enough of a chance Olave could slip to do a thorough evaluation. The odds are he'll be gone though. If he's there at 22 or 23 and that's the guy Beane wants, he could possibly make a trade at that point.

Cornerback is probably the most likely. If the Bates gets an offer the Bills decline to match, it would create a need at guard as acute as the need for cornerback. While cornerback is the most acute need the Bills have at the moment, they could probably pick up a cornerback in round 2 with starting potential, but they do need to give it serious attention in any case.

They're going all out, shooting for a wild card spot.

Sorry. I guess I did.

I think Spencer Brown is the answer at right tackle, and I think the Bills agree. Tommy Doyle is not yet considered a sure thing as a backup swing tackle, but he improved during the season and he's got a chance to develop further. With the money the Bills have spent in other areas of the roster, I just think offensive tackle is an area where they think they can stand pat.

I would be shocked if Beane tried to sign him. If anything, he'll look for a cornerback who can compete to start.

Olave would be a good pick. Dotsonn is thought by some to be more of a slot receiver, and Buffalo just signed Jameson Crowder. Williams it somewhat faster and taller than Olave, though he's something of a one year wonder.

A value signing. This is how Beane operates. Fill holes as best as he's able in free agency. That frees up the team to take playmakers in the draft when he has the opportunity. The Bills are up against the cap, so I don't expect any big salary signings from here on out. They still have holes, primarily a complement to Tre White at CB. If Beane can sign someone who can at least compete for a starting job, he will, but it's got to be at a value price.

I he can indeed be signed to a low cost deal, it might be worth it.

He started 6 games for Miami. He is just a backup though. He'll stick with the Bills if the Bills lose Bates. He might also stick if Buffalo decides Bates is going to start at guard. Maybe with a top notch offensive line coach, his play can be elevated somewhat, but I would hat to have to depend on that for any length of time.