Todd McShay 2018 Mock Draft 1.0

[Kirby Jackson]

If the Bills add Cousins I would think that draft was a home run. Vea and Smith would really elevate that front 7. If it isn’t Cousins they have to go get the QB.

[LABILLBACKER]

1 hour ago, Dr. Who said:

You see Cleveland or the Giants trading out?  I don't.

They don't.  If Darnold comes out it will be the LA guys 1/2. You can take that to the bank. Cleveland and NYG will not be winning any more games. The Bills will be 8-8 at worst and even Rudolph or Mayfield might be gone. I just don't know if the Bills want to give up a ton of picks for the other guys?

[Foxx]

5 hours ago, Tatonka68 said:

If the Bills don't draft a QB this year, they will NEVER have a decent QB and are not even worth a Bill.

god please no. i don't think i can take another year of Tyrod.

Edited December 14, 2017 by Foxx

[njbuff]

I predict the Bills trade up to 1 or 2 and get their QB for their offense for the next 15 years (Darnold) and they trade back into the first round and get their QB for their D too in Cameron Smith. Two Southern Californian kids quarterbacking the O and the D for the next 15 years.

 

How great would that be?

 

You heard it here first.

 

 

 

Hey, I can make wacky predictions too, you know.

[billsbackto81]

3 hours ago, BobDVA said:

I am officially not on the draft a QB no matter what bandwagon.  Past the top two, I do not see one worth it.   Get me a new right side of the OL and let Peterman go at it.  

I'm sorry,  ...Nate Peterman?

[atlbillsfan1975]

Roquan, is exactly the LB needed to make McDermotts scheme work. 

I agree the Bills need a QB and am fine using the 2 this year and one from next year to move up and grab one in the top 5. 

I think the Bills are in a good spot. 

[8-8 Forever?]

5 hours ago, John from Hemet said:

The ONLY way I do this is if Kirk Cousins is coming in the offseason.

 

Otherwise i dont see how you pass on Baker

they'll take a run at Cousins

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

If the Bills add Cousins I would think that draft was a home run. Vea and Smith would really elevate that front 7. If it isn’t Cousins they have to go get the QB.

Let me offer a hypothetical. Trade a third round pick to San Fran for Sean Mannion. Then follow your board. Stanford's DT Harrison Phillips is one of my favorite players in this draft. This former champion high school wrestler is a type of player and person our wrestling coach would be attracted to. 

[Kirby Jackson]

11 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Let me offer a hypothetical. Trade a third round pick to San Fran for Sean Mannion. Then follow your board. Stanford's DT Harrison Phillips is one of my favorite players in this draft. This former champion high school wrestler is a type of player and person our wrestling coach would be attracted to. 

Please no!! Mannion is on the Chargers. Are you thinking of Beathard? If so, maybe a 7th to let him compete with Peterman as the backup.

 

I like Phillips and the wrestling coach will love  him!! He would be a big addition.

[JohnC]

10 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Please no!! Mannion is on the Chargers. Are you thinking of Beathard? If so, maybe a 7th to let him compete with Peterman as the backup.

 

I like Phillips and the wrestling coach will love  him!! He would be a big addition.

The reason I mentioned Mannion or a player like him is speculating what would happen if the Bills made a decision not to trade off picks for an early round qb prospect but instead kept them to get an infusion of talent. 

 

You bring up an interesting issue with Beathard and the 49ers. The Pats traded Garoppolo for a second round pick. You disagreed with a previous proposal I made of trading maybe the lower first round pick plus maybe a second or third for to make the qb deal with the Pats. By taking that route we could have gotten a young qb who has some experience and thus get a quicker return on usage. 

 

This offseason is really going to be fun. I get the sense that McBeane are ready to make deals and do their best to make a quantum leap. 

Edited December 14, 2017 by JohnC

[stuvian]

the Giants aren't going QB at 1

[Kirby Jackson]

6 minutes ago, JohnC said:

The reason I mentioned Mannion or a player like him is speculating what would happen if the Bills made a decision not to trade off picks for an early round qb prospect but instead kept them to get an infusion of talent. 

 

You bring up an interesting issue with Beathard and the 49ers. The Pats traded Garoppolo for a second round pick. You disagreed with a previous proposal I made of trading maybe the lower first round pick plus maybe a second or third for to make the qb deal with the Pats. By taking that route we could have gotten a young qb who has some experience and thus get a quicker return on usage. 

 

This offseason is really going to be fun. I get the sense that McBeane are ready to make deals and do their best to make a quantum leap. 

They aren’t going to sign the 3rd stringer in Mannion to compete for the starting role. They are going to trade up to get a guy or sign Cousins. I don’t see any other realistic options. They want to address the spot. They have a backup in Peterman IMO so I don’t see a need for another guy like him. They will need a starter.

[baskingridgebillsfan]

If they get a vet qb then the two picks would be awesome.   Smith in the middle with MIlano and maybe Bradford would be nice.   Vita is exactly what they need at dt.  Pair him with Klye and or Washington .   

[Chicken Boo]

How is it that so many posters were absolutely against drafting Watson last season, but now want Johnny Football 2.0 this time around?

 

Help me understand. 

Edited December 14, 2017 by Chicken Boo

[SoCal Deek]

4 hours ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

 

...interesting....Astrobot's Drafttek site had Buffalo going OL/DL or DL/OL with 1st round picks and Falk as their QB in 2nd with I believe #43.....

This seems like a decent plan to me.  I'm surprised Falk's name hasn't come up more often.

[The Now Moment]

7 hours ago, Tatonka68 said:

If they do Bills need to trade down again and gather picks for next year. They aren't getting away.

I made a thread about that possibility and got absolutely roasted haha.  They could stay in college and we could miss out on a chance to grab one of the top QBs, who knows. If they do, I like the trade down idea.

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They aren’t going to sign the 3rd stringer in Mannion to compete for the starting role. They are going to trade up to get a guy or sign Cousins. I don’t see any other realistic options. They want to address the spot. They have a backup in Peterman IMO so I don’t see a need for another guy like him. They will need a starter.

This is how I see it as well.....

In my humble opinion....this has been the plan all along.  They accumulated a lot of draft picks going into this next draft.  qb is the most important position and they need to be right.  I think the bills ultimately will sell the farm on a qb that they think can be the franchise guy and live with the expense.  It is the ONLY thing they have not tried yet to get out of this non playoff drought

[Pete]

10 hours ago, essential said:

I didn't create the picture, just found the link.

 

https://imgur.com/a/MzYYQ

 

Bills:

15) Roquan Smith - LB Georgia

21) Vita Vea - DT Washington

I love it!  I would run to the podium with those picks!

3 hours ago, stuvian said:

the Giants aren't going QB at 1

they benched eli for geno smith. what gives you that idea?

[Dkollidas]

47 minutes ago, Pete said:

 

they benched eli for geno smith. what gives you that idea?

 

I’m inclined to agree to a point. Not 100% of course, but I think the Giants are a team with a lot of interesting needs, but also a lot of interesting talent. If Beckham isn’t hurt this season, Manning looks a lot better, their record is likely closer to .500, and they’re looking at building young pieces around Eli. 

 

As as it stands now, not giving Webb a start makes me think they’ll wait for their new management team to make the call, which also makes this an uncertainty as well.  I Could see them wanting to put another young guy (2nd Round or later) along with Webb to play behind Manning instead of using that valuable of a pick on a guy if they think Manning has a couple of years left with the right situation around him.

 

The conventional wisdom is that new management likes to bring in their own quarterback (kind of like the Bills are trying to do). But it’s also being rumored that David Gettleman, the former Panthers GM who worked a long time for the Giants. So for him, he was there when they traded for Manning (he was technically drafted first by the Chargers in that draft). So they might want to try to ride Eli fora year with a healthy Odell, and even if they stayed at two, selected Barkley and gave Eli what Big Ben has in Antonio Brown and La’veon Bell. Add a couple offensive linemen to that and you could have a really interesting offensive group. 

 

Also, regarding their organizational values, they really seem to value consistency & continuity. Blowing it up, by cutting/trading Manning, drafting a rookie at #2 just doesn’t seem like their M.O. 

 

Manning has a no-trade clause. I doubt the Giants want to cut him and get nothing for him. If he wants to try to finish up his career as a Giant, he might be able to force the issue for another year or two. 

 

The possibility of trading down should also also be appealing to a new GM taking over a new organization only a couple months before the draft. Most of the league has front offices and scouting departments that have been together an entire year scouting the upcoming draft class. Having more shots at the board is always helpful. And the possibility of something like receiving three 1st Round picks and a player (Glenn) at a position of need is a pretty enticing offer indeed. Especially getting a new front office and coaching staff together and watching Darnold/Rosen on tape, they showed warts. Rosen forcing passes, trying to play self proclaimed “hero ball”. Darnold with some odd mechanics and high rate of interceptions, along with turnovers in general? 

 

To me the Giants are the most interesting team in the draft. They could do anything. 

Take a QB? Makes sense.

Take a skill position guy like Barkley? Makes sense

Trade down? Makes sense.

 

But overall, I think they’re a conservative organization (from an ownership perspective), and won’t take the risk in a QB while Manning still has any gas left in the tank, especially considering Odell was injured all year. 

 

[Ol Dirty B]

If they go DT in the first round this regime is no different than any other we've had in the past 17 years and I'd fire them.

 

You trade a DT for a 6th, create a hole, and then draft another DT in the first? I'll lose my mind, I understand the mocks are largely pointless so it's even worse than crying over spilled milk. But if they did this, I just don't even want to fathom it. 

Edited December 14, 2017 by Ol Dirty B

[Victory Formation]

I can't comment on who I want there but I know for sure, I do not want anything to do with Baker Mayfield. Tyrod Taylor is a better player than Mayfield. He has average size, average athleticism, decent arm but he makes all of his plays in the shotgun or outside of the pocket. I think if teams forced him to stay in the pocket he would disintegrate. We already have that in Tyrod, project player with low upside.

4 minutes ago, Ol Dirty B said:

If they go DT in the first round this regime is no different than any other we've had in the past 17 years and I'd fire them.

 

You trade a DT for a 6th, create a hole, and then draft another DT in the first? I'll lose my mind, I understand the mocks are largely pointless so it's even worse than crying over spilled milk. But if they did this, I just don't even want to fathom it. 

 

I'd rather we take a RB, WR or LB in the 1st. Problem with drafting DTs high is that when it comes time for their 2nd contract and they get paid, too often have I seen them get lazy. I don't think it's smart to pay 330lb+ big men millions of dollars, they get too lazy.

[Ol Dirty B]

9 minutes ago, NewDayBills said:

I can't comment on who I want there but I know for sure, I do not want anything to do with Baker Mayfield. Tyrod Taylor is a better player than Mayfield. He has average size, average athleticism, decent arm but he makes all of his plays in the shotgun or outside of the pocket. I think if teams forced him to stay in the pocket he would disintegrate. We already have that in Tyrod, project player with low upside.

 

I'd rather we take a RB, WR or LB in the 1st. Problem with drafting DTs high is that when it comes time for their 2nd contract and they get paid, too often have I seen them get lazy. I don't think it's smart to pay 330lb+ big men millions of dollars, they get too lazy.

 

I don't follow college football as closely as i used to, I just don't have the time. I'd like LB, I really want a qb but it's a crap shoot. And I don't know anymore than anyone else to confidently say I want one guy. WR we desperately need, and I'll agree we need an RB.

 

But what I do feel confident in is, creating holes, filling holes with below average talent. Taking dead cap money, then using a high pick to fill a position that has become a self inflicted need is just bad management. I'm done with it. It's almost an absolute that they can not go DT in the first unless they trade down again and net another number 1, just from how bad the optics will look in my opinion.

Edited December 14, 2017 by Ol Dirty B

[Victory Formation]

15 minutes ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

I don't follow college football as closely as i used to, I just don't have the time. I'd like LB, I really want a qb but it's a crap shoot. And I don't know anymore than anyone else to confidently say I want one guy. WR we desperately need, and I'll agree we need an RB.

 

But what I do feel confident in is, creating holes, filling holes with below average talent. Taking dead cap money, then using a high pick to fill a position that has become a self inflicted need is just bad management. I'm done with it. It's almost an absolute that they can not go DT in the first unless they trade down again and net another number 1, just from how bad the optics will look in my opinion.

Forget Baker Mayfield, I'd really really like Josh Allen. I don't consider myself an expert but I would trade up with San Fran for Josh Allen. He is a pure pocket passer, 6'5 and got some wiggle, reminds me of Big Ben. 

 

Oh and btw, McShay picked Roquan Smith with our 1st, that's not a bad pick but I think that's a bit early for him. I'd love him in the 2nd round.

[BobbyC81]

3 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

If they go DT in the first round this regime is no different than any other we've had in the past 17 years and I'd fire them.

 

You trade a DT for a 6th, create a hole, and then draft another DT in the first? I'll lose my mind, I understand the mocks are largely pointless so it's even worse than crying over spilled milk. But if they did this, I just don't even want to fathom it. 

 

But that's the Bills way.  Let Gilmore go, use a #1 pick on his replacement T. White.  Let Woods and Goodwin leave, use the 2nd round pick on a WR. 

[JMF2006]

One guy that no one talks about being in play is Alex Smith.

 

The KC fans want to run him out of town and hand the reins to Mahommes.

Probably sign a FA DT like Sharrif Floyd from the Vikes.

[ROONDOGG55]

18 hours ago, essential said:

I didn't create the picture, just found the link.

 

https://imgur.com/a/MzYYQ

 

Bills:

15) Roquan Smith - LB Georgia

21) Vita Vea - DT Washington

I would absolutely love this with Kirk Cousins at QB

7 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

If they go DT in the first round this regime is no different than any other we've had in the past 17 years and I'd fire them.

 

You trade a DT for a 6th, create a hole, and then draft another DT in the first? I'll lose my mind, I understand the mocks are largely pointless so it's even worse than crying over spilled milk. But if they did this, I just don't even want to fathom it. 

It's all about the Benjamin's! The Bills would rather pay $7 mill less a year for a run stopping DT.

[BuffaloHokie13]

11 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

They aren’t going to sign the 3rd stringer in Mannion to compete for the starting role. They are going to trade up to get a guy or sign Cousins. I don’t see any other realistic options. They want to address the spot. They have a backup in Peterman IMO so I don’t see a need for another guy like him. They will need a starter.

Yep. Worst case is the settle in both instances and end up with a combination like Bradford and Rudolph. More likely, though, is that they sell out in either FA or moving up in the draft.

[Kirby Jackson]

10 minutes ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

Yep. Worst case is the settle in both instances and end up with a combination like Bradford and Rudolph. More likely, though, is that they sell out in either FA or moving up in the draft.

That’s my nightmare scenario. Use a bunch of assets (money and picks) to maintain the level of QB play. I’d try to get Teddy cheap and trade up for a top guy. 

[billsfan89]

Way too high to take a LB. Also way too early to do a mock without seeing how free agency shakes out. I hope the Bills resign Matthews and Gaines to solid deals and they find a way to add a good DT so they can draft a pass rusher and a CB in round 1, then wrap around and scoop up a tight end and a linebacker in round 2.

[NewEraBills]

16 hours ago, jr1 said:

LB seems less of a need with Milano starting

Milano is at Weak Side.  We need a real middle guy and Smith is that guy.  I could see them definitely pulling the trigger on Smith and Vea if they are there.  They want a strong defense and right now it's not not that because they do not have the players.  And with Kyle Williams most likely retiring, I'd say they need two DT's.

7 hours ago, NewDayBills said:

Forget Baker Mayfield, I'd really really like Josh Allen. I don't consider myself an expert but I would trade up with San Fran for Josh Allen. He is a pure pocket passer, 6'5 and got some wiggle, reminds me of Big Ben. 

 

Oh and btw, McShay picked Roquan Smith with our 1st, that's not a bad pick but I think that's a bit early for him. I'd love him in the 2nd round.

 

 

If he continues his outstanding play he's not going to be there in the 2nd round.

[Dr. Who]

14 hours ago, Chicken Boo said:

How is it that so many posters were absolutely against drafting Watson last season, but now want Johnny Football 2.0 this time around?

 

Help me understand. 

Folks who like Mayfield don't agree with your judgement that he is JF2.0.  Manziel was more interested in being a celebrity than a football player.  Mayfield is immature, but he's also passionate about playing qb.  I was pushing for OBD to pick Watson or Mahomes, btw.  So I don't fully fit your scenario.  It would be far preferable to draft Rosen or Darnold.  I just doubt we can put ourselves in a position to get them.  After that, everyone has bigger question marks.  I think Mayfield will grow out of his antics and I rate his skill set considerably better than you believe it, i.e., I think it will translate to the NFL.  I see a potential Brees where you see an idiot college qb with no future in the pros.

[MiltonWaddams]

10 hours ago, NewDayBills said:

Forget Baker Mayfield, I'd really really like Josh Allen. I don't consider myself an expert but I would trade up with San Fran for Josh Allen. He is a pure pocket passer, 6'5 and got some wiggle, reminds me of Big Ben. 

 

Oh and btw, McShay picked Roquan Smith with our 1st, that's not a bad pick but I think that's a bit early for him. I'd love him in the 2nd round.

The part where you said "don't consider myself an expert " was a good summary of this post. Roquan in the second? After the combine, don't be surprised to see him top 10. As for Josh Allen, I doubt they need to trade up. Rosen? Yes. Allen? No.

[baskingridgebillsfan]

if they sign Cousins I love this first round 

[B Fan in LA]

 

I think the reason they unloaded Darius was to free up $$$ so they could sign a vet QB, like Cousins.

Then use their high draft choices to find and develop stud linemen.

 

If that's the plan, it makes sense to me.

 

[BuffaloBill]

On 12/13/2017 at 2:36 PM, John from Hemet said:

The ONLY way I do this is if Kirk Cousins is coming in the offseason.

 

Otherwise i dont see how you pass on Baker

 

 

Other than he is not NFL ready.  There is not consensus on the guy.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

On 12/13/2017 at 2:45 PM, Tatonka68 said:

If they do Bills need to trade down again and gather picks for next year. They aren't getting away.

 

We would gut the roster to the bone!

 

Peterman - here's the ball... Dawkins and Glenn are on IR so i put Ducasse at LT.  That would be a fun 2018 Tank year.  

Edited December 15, 2017 by dneveu

[Victory Formation]

10 hours ago, MiltonWaddams said:

The part where you said "don't consider myself an expert " was a good summary of this post. Roquan in the second? After the combine, don't be surprised to see him top 10. As for Josh Allen, I doubt they need to trade up. Rosen? Yes. Allen? No.

 

13 hours ago, NewEraBills said:

Milano is at Weak Side.  We need a real middle guy and Smith is that guy.  I could see them definitely pulling the trigger on Smith and Vea if they are there.  They want a strong defense and right now it's not not that because they do not have the players.  And with Kyle Williams most likely retiring, I'd say they need two DT's.

 

If he continues his outstanding play he's not going to be there in the 2nd round.

 

Roquan reminds of Posluszny coming out. I think he'll be a good player but I don't think he will be awesome. Top 10? Really top 10? No way. He doesn't have anywhere near the talent of a Patrick Willis or Luke Kuechly. I don't doubt that he'll be good but I don't think he is a first round pick. JMO.

[Ol Dirty B]

17 hours ago, ROONDOGG55 said:

 

It's all about the Benjamin's! The Bills would rather pay $7 mill less a year for a run stopping DT.

 

The point is not lost on me, but it's no guarantee this guy works out. Also Dareus showed he is capable of rushing the passer and being more than just a run stopper. It just is an endless cycle.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

On 12/13/2017 at 1:45 PM, essential said:

I didn't create the picture, just found the link.

 

https://imgur.com/a/MzYYQ

 

Bills:

15) Roquan Smith - LB Georgia

21) Vita Vea - DT Washington

 

No QB?!  

[ROONDOGG55]

7 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

The point is not lost on me, but it's no guarantee this guy works out. Also Dareus showed he is capable of rushing the passer and being more than just a run stopper. It just is an endless cycle.

It's all about the risk of the game. They felt the contract was too burdening, his health was in play, his off field antics, and the fact that he wasn't motivated to be the leader he is being paid to be. By drafting a guy at a much smaller price, it gives the Bills an opportunity to retain other guys or him down the road. If he doesn't work out then you go to free agency, trading block, or the draft until you find the guy. It will always be an endless cycle.