[NeverOutNick's Annual WR Rankings]

18 minutes ago, NeverOutNick said:

I hit on 29 out of my top 30 WRs, only missing out on my #30 and honestly he'll probably do well in Detroit. I wrote a quick tier assessment below (undrelined and italicized) and bolded the team that drafted the WR. 

 

Some things I noticed were most of my top ranked WRs went to teams with offensive minded head coaches with young QBs and/or teams with franchise QBs getting them more weapons. Some of these teams went back to the well multiple times and didn't even need to BUT because they understood how great a WR draft this was they took the value when it fell to them.

 

 

Tier 1 – Can’t Miss, pick your flavor, would be the top WR in most drafts and we get THREE of them this year.

 

1.      Marvin Harrison – Arizona pick 4

2.      Rome Odunze – Bears pick 9

3.      Malik Nabers – Giants pick 6

 

We had no real chance to get these guys

 

Tier 2 – Late first round - Potential #1 WRs that still need a little refinement

 

4.      AD Mitchell – Colts pick 52

5.      Brain Thomas Jr – Jaguars pick 23

6.      Troy Franklin – Broncos pick 102

 

Apparently we didn’t like either Mitchell or Franklin. Could’ve easily taken Franklin over Carter in the 3rd and I would’ve said we had a very good draft but we will soon see if I or our FO was wrong on Franklin

 

Tier 3 – Special #2 options

 

7.      Xavier Worthy – Chiefs pick 28 (we basically gave him to the chiefs)

8.      Ladd McConkey – Chargers pick 34

 

I get why we passed when we did with what kind of WR we needed but didn’t realize we weren’t going to try and get a deep threat at all in this draft rich with them

 

Tier 4 – Potential #1 WRs with HUGE question marks that a lot of teams won’t take the risk on (I would because of the upside)

9.      Jermaine Burton –  Bengals pick 80

10. Tez Walker –Ravens pick 113

 

2 players with speed and upside we should’ve went after but the teams that got them understand that their franchise QBs need downfield weapons

 

 

Tier 5 – Good to Great #2 options that will go somewhere Day 2 of the draft (deepest part of the WR draft)

11. Ja’Lynn Polk – Patriots pick 37

12.  Ricky Pearsall – 49ers pick 31

13.  Keon Coleman – Bills pick 33

14. Xavier Legette – Panthers pick 32

15. Roman Wilson – Steelers pick 84

16. Brenden Rice – Chargers pick 225

17. Javon Baker – Patriots pick 110

 

All solid #2 WRs like I said before. Very surprised Rice fell so far, maybe something will come out about him. 

 

Tier 6 – A slot of talent, early day 3 guys

 

18. Malachi Corley – Jets pick 65

19. Ainais Smith – Eagles pick 152

20. Malik Washington – Dolphins pick 184

 

Speed kills! Unless you’re buffalo then we just say nah thanks we “like what we’ve got at WR”. 

 

Tier 7 – Best of the rest, Round 5-7

 

21.  Johnny Wilson – Eagles pick 185

22.  Luke McCaffrey – Commanders pick 100

23.  Jalen McMillan – Bucs pick 92  - Speed, vertical threat we could've had in 3rd

24.  Jamari Thrash – Browns pick 156

25.  Jacob Cowing – 49ers pick 135

26. Cornelius Johnson – Chargers pick 253

27.  Bub Means – Saints pick 170 - Huge upside vertical threat could've had with one of our MULTIPLE 5th round picks

28.  Ryan Flournoy – Cowboys pick 216

29.  Tahj Washington – Dolphins pick 241 - Speed, vertical threat we could've had in the 7th

30.  Isaiah Williams – Undrafted signed by Lions

 

Last thing I'll state because I can't hide my disgust on how we handled this great opportunity to improve our team with so many missed chances after the plethora of picks Beane used for players that will sit in back up rolls (but hey they're good character guys so neato...

 

I no longer trust Beane. I've given up on McD getting this team to the promised land and know it will only happen under him if Josh carries everyone on his back BUT I've always thought Beane will do his best to get the right players around Josh in spite of McD favoring his pathetic d year after year. This was an epic fail on his part. I don't care about his or anyone's ego. Who cares if Diggs said Josh can't win without a #1 WR. Who cares if you want to prove your lackluster picks in previous drafts are going to work out (Justin Shorter). What I care about is the Buffalo Bills winning a Super Bowl. What I care about is putting as much talent around the best player this franchise ever had to give him the best chance to succeed. And my final point is...Josh Allen is very intelligent. You keep giving him the scraps and expecting him to superman it year in and year out, he will leave. We won't have anyone else to blame but ourselves because he won't say anything. It's not his job to say what he wants. It's the owner and FO's job to make the right decisions and they are failing miserably since the 13 second melt down. 

 

Hopefully KJ Hamler works out as the deep threat. Coleman seems like a good kid and will be a fun Higgins type. Shakir and Samuel will do a good job in the middle and Kincaid will get better year two. I just hope it's enough. Maybe one day we'll over do it on the offensive side of the ball like we over do the defense year in and year out without success. 

 

Go Bills 

 

Well, I was trying to talk myself into feeling better about the draft, and now I'm mad again. Thanks, Nick.

 

It still might work out, but I do think there is an arrogance there, and it is because there isn't really accountability.

I hope Beane is lying about not bringing anyone in post 6/1.

[Beane: "This team is in transition"]

3 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

I think this is a fair take.  But given the Bills picks, where in particular do you think they could have taken higher talent at more premium positions?

I could be wrong, naturally, but very briefly, here's my take. I like the draft more than Happy. I give it a B+. I actually don't find any of the picks outrageous, except maybe the last one, and that is so fun, I'm not mad about it. Maybe he becomes something useful, I dunno. I wasn't happy about Coleman for reasons I've specified too many times on this board. He still might work out, and he's certainly an entirely amiable kid, which is splendid weather after the end of the Diggs affair.

 

I doubt top 3 WR was ever in the cards, and I'm not really sure about Thomas. I liked Legette over Coleman, but Beane clearly did not. I think they needed to add another WR talent from this draft early. The alternate strategy would have involved using some 2025 draft capital and moving up for another WR. I liked McConkey, personally. The upshot is you wouldn't have gotten Bishop, maybe. You'd end up with more holes, and probably an overall draft grade lower than B+. On the other hand, you'd have placed more emphasis on a reset that favored weighting the roster construction towards offensive production, and tolerating less depth.

 

I'm afraid Beane's strategy is too risk averse, and that misses on Miller and the way Diggs ended has reaffirmed the regimes' baseline proclivities towards high-character effort players that may become good players, but probably don't have a ceiling that could reach elite playmaker. I'm not convinced they aren't in a pattern that tops out as perennial playoff team. OTOH, they easily could have won last year, even with debilitating injuries on defense.

 

I'll feel better about this draft if Beane adds a good to very good WR through trade or free agency post 6/1.

[2023-24 NHL Playoffs]

2 minutes ago, T&C said:

Much rather have the Bruins lose... I'm a Sabres 1st fan and a Leafs 2nd fan. 

I think you need to see a doctor about that. It doesn't sound right.

[Beane: "This team is in transition"]

29 minutes ago, Einstein's Dog said:

The quote is taken out of context, the team is transitioning because it lost a lot of the veterans and new people are going to need to step up.  It seems by all accounts the Bills have drafted a lot of quality high character players.  And even the depth pieces are quality.

 

I took the drafting of just one WR as a good sign.  It signals to me they are keeping room for a veteran addition.  No rookie could be reasonably expected to replace Diggs.  Getting another rookie like Franklin in the 3rd would have signaled to me a rebuild.   

 

The Bills still have a spot for the veteran.  They have 2025 draft capital to get one.  They have Tre money coming in along with another possible Josh restructure for 2024 funds along with no more Diggs as a way to justify future year payments.  

 

 

Please be right about this, but the add has to be in the good to very good range, i think. Adequate pro won't move the needle.

[Rd 2, Pick 60: DB Cole Bishop, Utah]

15 hours ago, HOUSE said:

I am buying 3 more season tickets

So, the wallet was under the coffee pot with the crack in it all this time.

[Beane: "This team is in transition"]

Just now, Boatdrinks said:

Cap hit was this year or next , when Diggs would have been going on 32. Probably a cut at that time with no draft pick compensation. Why kick the can down the road again ? Loved Diggs when he was here, but clearly there were issues. I found Greg Cosell’s commentary on the situation interesting. He said in his opinion film breakdown showed that Diggs was no longer a #1 WR in the NFL and hadn’t been for awhile. Cosell isn’t one prone to hot takes and the like- he just evaluates the film. Just an interesting perspective on the player without the emotional attachment that we get as fans. 

I saw that podcast, and I value Cosell's take. I still think Beane planned on Diggs being here in 2024. I don't think he's falling off a cliff. My guess was he is still a solid WR2 caliber player, at least. Draft pick compensation is a legit consideration.

[Rd 2, Pick 33: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State]

9 minutes ago, Buffalo Boy said:

   Cook is worse the Davis catching balls. He dropped three layup TDs last year. Unless he makes some huge leap in catching, I want no part of him out wide this year.

He was excellent at Georgia. I was surprised at how often he dropped the ball.

[Rd 5, Pick 141: C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger]

3 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I think this turns out to be the best pick in the draft

My man, I always feel better about the universe when we agree.

[2023-24 NHL Playoffs]

20 minutes ago, T&C said:

Panthers get to win the series down in SFA... and the Leafs need to get it in gear... sloppy so far but there is a lot of game left. F the Bruins...

I hate them both, so conflicted. I wish they could both lose.

[Rd 2, Pick 33: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State]

3 hours ago, EchoBills said:

No need to be sorry. Fans can be disappointed that the guy they liked didn't get picked, but the definitive,  over the top claim that this or that guy will be a bust is crazy. I really thought that after the Allen pick, people would have been humbled a little and refrained from posting absolutes before the player even put the uniform on. 

Human nature is a constant, alas.

[UDFA signing thread. 10 Signed 5 camp invites as of 07:39, 28 April]

4 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said:

Loved Rosemy at UGA.  Excellent possession receiver, but not a great fit here with Coleman, Hollins and Shorter already here.  I'd love to see him make an NFL roster.

Good point. I just want all the UGA players. Ladd, though, I really wanted. Coleman and Ladd would have been fine by me, but they would have had to trade way up from 60. That wasn't going to happen, and I like Cole Bishop, so just have to sigh about it.

[Rd 3, Pick 95: DT DeWayne Carter, Duke]

19 hours ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Jordan Travis is NOTHING like Josh Allen. Travis at times was late with the throw. Off target on some of the throws too. I love the T.O. comparison a poster used in another thread. I was thinking more Eric Moulds like

Man, if he's Eric Moulds, I am going to change my tune.

[Beane: "This team is in transition"]

12 minutes ago, H2o said:

The Dolphins offense is still going to be tough if they can stay healthy. The Jets added some pieces to the OL, another quality WR prospect, another battering ram RB, and are getting a healthy Rodgers back. The Patriots are in full blown rebuild mode, but beat us last year with far inferior talent and Mac freakin Jones at QB.

 

This past season it took a 6 game run just to win the division. This year we play the NFC West (SF, Rams, and a should be much improved AZ squad), the AFC South (the upstart Texans, Indy with A. Rich back, a Jax team that always gives us trouble), our 6 division games, KC, Detroit, and Baltimore. This schedule is gonna suck. 

 

At some point you have to realize the way you've been trying to operate doesn't work. At some point you have to be able to adapt. To repeat the same cycle year after year with a generational talent at QB is madness. At some point the owner has to say  it and hit the reset button. I think the next two years are make or break. If we haven't gotten to the SB by the end of the 2025 season, when Josh is on the verge of 30, I think/hope Pegula will clean house. The goal is not just to be "Playoff caliber" every year, it's to win a Lombardi. 

I really don't trust Pegula to make that decision. I understand the frustration.

[UDFA signing thread. 10 Signed 5 camp invites as of 07:39, 28 April]

1 minute ago, GASabresIUFan said:

How many UDFA have made the Bills in the last 5 years?

I don't know, but I think there is more room for them this year. Noticed that Rosemy-Jacksaint signed with Washington. Was hoping we might get him.

[Rd 5, Pick 141: C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger]

4 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

Why is he limited to Center? Isn’t OG easier to play?

He has very short arms, and while powerful, limited athleticism. He's an absolute warrior. I think he could be your starting Center for a decade, but I don't see him as a guard.

[If you’re upset about the WR room - BLAME DIGGS]

1 minute ago, Gunsgoodtime said:

I blame the Gm and coach who is the only team in the NFL to not draft a WR in the first 3 rounds in 5 years

I think the OP is correct that the current WR room with Diggs was a plausible plan. However, the urgency certainly is a product of relative neglect of the WR position at the top of the draft. I love Kincaid, and he could become a primary weapon, actually. Nonetheless, the Bills were able to be held hostage by Diggs' tantrums because they didn't have anyone else to turn to. There weren't any emerging young WRs who might grow into WR1. That player should already have been on the team.

[Rd 5, Pick 141: C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger]

1 hour ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Bills are listing him as a C/G

 

Could he compete with Edwards at LG and groom at Center?

One of the reasons he dropped is he is pretty much limited to Center. I think we're a much stronger unit if he ends up able to start, with McGovern back at guard.

 

[Rd 2, Pick 33: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State]

1 hour ago, Bockeye said:

I’ll take $200 Alex for Famous words also spoken about Josh Rosen 

Exactly! Josh should have a say in who’s gonna touch his balls. 

Ladd McConkey is going to be a very good pro in my estimation.

Folks can speculate whatever they like, and attach requisite names, positive or Josh Rosenish.

[UDFA signing thread. 10 Signed 5 camp invites as of 07:39, 28 April]

1 minute ago, SCBills said:

Feels like we have a wild number of OL for a group that has 7 likely locks (Starters + Van Pran & Collins) and two guys we’ve spent two years developing (Anderson & Van Demark). 
 

Maybe we always do this and I never paid attention.  

Dammit man, now you know WarriorSpikes is going to run with this and speculate that Brown is getting traded to SF as part of a bid to grab Aiyuk.

[Logic's Buffalo Bills Draft Review -- The more things change, the more they stay the same]

16 minutes ago, BuffaloBillsGospel2014 said:

 

I wasn't just responding to the OP, there are many posters on here who clearly hated the draft. Did you not read my response?

Yes, I guess I don't know why you chose this thread to post those thoughts. I don't think the haters are likely to show up in abundance here, and the overall theme of the OP and those who agree with him is much more nuanced, and quite opposed to extravagant hatred for this particular draft. I could be wrong, of course.

[UDFA signing thread. 10 Signed 5 camp invites as of 07:39, 28 April]

10 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

He’s better than a lot of the guys drafted in those last couple of rounds. 

I mean, he was born to play for us.

[Beane: "This team is in transition"]

2 minutes ago, Low Positive said:

Sit back and think about how few players are still in this team compared with the roster that broke out in 2020. Josh, Dawkins and Knox on offence. Milano, Oliver and Teton Johnson on D. That’s massive turnover. But if you look at the Chiefs, it’s even more drastic. It’s kind of Mahomes, Kelce and Clark and a bunch of moving pieces. You have to always be in transition and the Bills mistake was not taking this step a year ago. That being said, Id love to have Diggs back but I know I’m on an island with that opinion. 

I don't think you're on an island. The WR room with Diggs added looks a lot better. One can only surmise how toxic things must have become that Beane felt compelled to move him and take a huge cap hit.

[Logic's Buffalo Bills Draft Review -- The more things change, the more they stay the same]

11 minutes ago, BuffaloBillsGospel2014 said:

I can understand those that think this draft was meh or a disaster, we didn't even take 2 WR's in an offseason where we lost both our #1 and #2 guys. For me though I feel like we added competition just about everywhere and some starters as well. WR Keon Coleman will 100% be fighting for a starting role in some capacity whether thats outside or inside. S Cole Bishop imo will take over the role of Jordan Poyer I believe, maybe not right off the bat but I wouldn't doubt it since this kid's instincts are just awesome. Dewayne Carter is more of a backup to Ed Oliver as he had over 1200 snaps in the 3 tech but he did have 250+ snaps in 3 years as the 1 tech also so I'm interested to see where they think he'll fit but he'll be part of the rotation. Some wanted more competition at RB and we added thumper Ray Davis coming off a 21 total TD season. Both Van Pran-Granger and Grable should add solid depth along the OL, The International OT is almost definitely a practice squad candidate but I always liked when teams took fliers on those types so I'm excited for him.Solomon is a pass rush specialist so learning under Miller will be excellent for him. 

 

I know all of this is a little too positive or optimistic for some right now so I totally understand all the puke/thumbs down and dislike emojis I'm about to receive but to me this draft was about fielding a competitive roster and I think Beane added guys who could easily bring out the competition level at some of the positions. I'm hoping we incorporate more passes out of the backfield, more bubble screens that go for actual yardage instead of everyone knowing Diggs is going to get the ball. I think we'll definitely pick up a veteran WR along the way but I have to believe Beane when he says a"A big trade isn't coming" so I'll be keeping an eye out post June 1st.

The OP, and many of the folks who are contributing to this thread, begin by conceding that it was a solid draft. That's stipulated at the beginning. Did you read it, because your response is addressed to those who assert something else? And I don't see an abundance of negative emojis . . . 

[Logic's Buffalo Bills Draft Review -- The more things change, the more they stay the same]

1 minute ago, appoo said:

Literally Keon Coleman

Most folks take explosive to mean fast and gets separation. I guess you have a different definition.

[Logic's Buffalo Bills Draft Review -- The more things change, the more they stay the same]

2 minutes ago, Roundybout said:

It was an overall solid draft but I’m very very disappointed after all the talk of being “explosive” and then drafting no one who fits that mold 

I wish some putative journalist would ask Beane about that point blank, but I'm sure he'd just say the board worked out a certain way, and they had to adapt.