Roquan Smith Scheduled to Visit Bills

[BigBuff423]

Per Cover1 who is citing Jason Butt of the Telegraph in Georgia, Roquan Smith has been scheduled to visit with the Bills. Considering the Vander Esch news and now this piece of enlightening information, it does seem that the Bills have not completely sold out to the idea of trading up because neither of these guys will be available beyond the early 2nd round - early 1st for Smith and late 1st to early 2nd for Vander Esch. 

 

This means, IMHO, the Bills are still very much unsure about trading up and if they do, how far because otherwise these are two guys they would NOT spend their limited number of visits on due to their probable Draft position. It makes sense a guy like Penny is visiting because he's probably a 3rd or 4th round back in this year's Draft class, but any player potentially going in early 1st to early 2nd coming in to the Bills would be a waste of their time and money if they were committed to trading so far up that they needed to give up early picks. I could see them trading with Tampa to get to #7 and only giving up a 3rd or 4th this year which would keep those other two players at least "possibly" in the discussion. 

 

Hold on to your seat folks, it's still another LOOOOOOOOOONG 3 weeks to the Draft. Go Bills!

[YoloinOhio]

It really could mean anything or nothing. He’s a good LB and they need a good LB. Beane also said he will purposely bring in some players for visits as smokescreens. 

Edited April 4, 2018 by YoloinOhio

[4merper4mer]

Vander Doodle will not last until 22.  Smith probably won't last until 12.

[NoSaint]

They could be all in on trading up and still get stuck without a partner. Or the QBs could slide more than expected and allow them to keep 22.

 

it would be irresponsible to only look at the top QBs even if they are your plan

[Scorp83]

This could Easily be our 12th pick. You have to have backup plan if everything fails... if we can't move up for Baker, then we probably take Quan at 12... use 22 & our extra 2nd to trade up for Jackson...maybe

[Wayne Cubed]

3 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

It really could mean anything. Beane said he will purposely bring in some players for visits as smokescreens. 

 

This.

 

Plus you aren't just going to bring in only guys you plan on drafting. If plans change they have to be ready. Whaley used to do the same thing. He brought in Watkins even though it was thought they had no shot at him and brought in guys that would be available around the BIlls original pick.

[Magox]

Due diligence folks.  As much as the serial whiney ninny's can't fathom the idea that it takes two to tango when it comes to trading draft choices the Bills have to have a plan B, plan C and plan D if things don't unfold the way youd ideally like for them to.  That's what good sports mangers do or for that matter what a good normal private civilian should do in life which is plan for the unexpected.

[NoSaint]

8 minutes ago, Wayne Cubed said:

 

This.

 

Plus you aren't just going to bring in only guys you plan on drafting. If plans change they have to be ready. Whaley used to do the same thing. He brought in Watkins even though it was thought they had no shot at him and brought in guys that would be available around the BIlls original pick.

 

Plus you could see him at a division rival and it’s not terrible to have extra insight 

 

and you can ask him questions about both teammates and opponents during the visit 

[BigBuff423]

All very true, I suppose I don't put as much validity in the intentionally bringing in players just for "smoke screen" train of thought...but as someone pointed out, Beane has said that himself. 

 

It seems like a waste of resources, really more time and effort, if you truly have no intent on Drafting a guy....I agree you need to have contingency plans, and that is truly the most thorough way to do things....but, as many have said here, all the preliminary trade up scenarios have been discussed with probably just about every top 10 team and at this point, you'd think they'd have a pretty good idea as to what it would take to trade up...could it change? Of course....but it seems they would know by now what the plan is, so if they have every intent on trading up, wouldn't it make more sense to have guys in for a visit that could warrant your trade up or guys you are very likely to be able to Draft with the remaining Draft capital? 

 

In the end I trust Beane and his staff, so if they think this makes sense, then so be it.....either way, this feels like crossing off days on the calendar before Christmas.

[jr1]

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018RSmith.php

[NoSaint]

16 minutes ago, BigBuff423 said:

All very true, I suppose I don't put as much validity in the intentionally bringing in players just for "smoke screen" train of thought...but as someone pointed out, Beane has said that himself. 

 

It seems like a waste of resources, really more time and effort, if you truly have no intent on Drafting a guy....I agree you need to have contingency plans, and that is truly the most thorough way to do things....but, as many have said here, all the preliminary trade up scenarios have been discussed with probably just about every top 10 team and at this point, you'd think they'd have a pretty good idea as to what it would take to trade up...could it change? Of course....but it seems they would know by now what the plan is, so if they have every intent on trading up, wouldn't it make more sense to have guys in for a visit that could warrant your trade up or guys you are very likely to be able to Draft with the remaining Draft capital? 

 

In the end I trust Beane and his staff, so if they think this makes sense, then so be it.....either way, this feels like crossing off days on the calendar before Christmas.

 

Im sure they have some idea... but what if a curveball happens? Come draft day what if NE offers up a massive package? Or the QBs slide more than expected? Or you have a deal roughly in place for 3 and the jets jump in for example? 

 

spending time with guys that you think will be big time players is always productive on some level 

Edited April 4, 2018 by NoSaint

[BigBuff423]

25 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

 

Im sure they have some idea... but what if a curveball happens? Come draft day what if NE offers up a massive package? Or the QBs slide more than expected? Or you have a deal roughly in place for 3 and the jets jump in for example? 

 

spending time with guys that you think will be big time players is always productive on some level 

 

Fair point....and I certainly can't argue *against* it....it just seems given the limited amount of time and number of visits the NFL affords each team, that it *might* be more resourceful to bring in guys that you have more questions about or just need to spend more time with based on their projected value in the 3rd to 5th round....for example, because Smith has so much detailed video out there plus the Combine plus any other interactions that have occurred, it would seem they pretty much know what they're getting. But, a guy like Lauletta (just as an example) who played in a sub-par division, you'd really want to spend time with him by putting him through the ringer and go through the whiteboard thoroughly with him...because as a contingency, the Bills may need to know him through and through based on how the Draft falls, but you don't get to have a good understanding about his abilities at the next level because of the lower level of competition he played against....see what I mean? 

 

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer, and I understand all the valid points people are making and I can't argue against them, it just seems like there is a better way to utilize the aforementioned limited resources. But hey, Beane knows what he's doing....

[NewEraBills]

1 hour ago, 4merper4mer said:

Vander Doodle will not last until 22.  Smith  won't last until 12.

Fixed it.  Smith will be long gone by 12.  

 

I don't think bringing Smith in is a smokescreen.  I think it is more like an alternative plan JUST IN CASE.

[SoTier]

1 hour ago, 4merper4mer said:

Vander Doodle will not last until 22.  Smith probably won't last until 12.

 

If the QBs go as high as the media mavens predict they will, Smith will be available at 12.  If the QBs don't go as high as predicted, then there will be 1 or 2 available for the Bills to pick -- if they want one of them, and they might not.

 

As I've said numerous times, we don't know how the Bills have the QBs rated.  I don't think the Bills will move up for "a" QB as the Jests apparently are willing to do.  I think if they're willing to trade up, it's for a specific QB, which means that they won't trade up before the team they have as a partner is on the clock and their guy is available.   Of course, it may be that neither Cleveland nor Giants is interested in trading out of their spots except for far more than the Bills are willing to give.   If they can't find a partner or their QB is off the board, then they're going to go BPA at another position, which certainly Smith would be.

 

Whatever the outcome, the Bills need to cross their Ts and dot their Is, and be prepared for contingencies since drafts seldom go the way the hypesters in the media claim it will.

Edited April 4, 2018 by SoTier

[Tatonka68]

The Bills are just covering ALL their options. The draft is very unpredictable and they are leaving no stone unturned.

[RochesterRob]

1 hour ago, Wayne Cubed said:

 

This.

 

Plus you aren't just going to bring in only guys you plan on drafting. If plans change they have to be ready. Whaley used to do the same thing. He brought in Watkins even though it was thought they had no shot at him and brought in guys that would be available around the BIlls original pick.

  All GM's look at a multitude of players from different positions because the draft can unfold in a variety of ways.  Looking at Smith could mean a lot or could mean nothing.

[SoCal Deek]

What exactly do you people want the scouting staff to be doing for the next three weeks? Sit around playing video games? Engage with us on the Stadium Wall?

[Luxy312]

This is interesting to say the least.  They only get a total of 30 visits.  I don't know if there's a "master list" thread out there that records this, but I believe that in the last 10 years or so, the Bills first round picks were all in the scheduled visits.  I can easily list out a bunch of players that gets Smith to #12 or that gets the Bills the quarterback that they want.  There's a lot of talent in this draft and linebacker is certainly a position of need.

[The Jokeman]

34 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

If the QBs go as high as the media mavens predict they will, Smith will be available at 12.  If the QBs don't go as high as predicted, then there will be 1 or 2 available for the Bills to pick -- if they want one of them, and they might not.

 

As I've said numerous times, we don't know how the Bills have the QBs rated.  I don't think the Bills will move up for "a" QB as the Jests apparently are willing to do.  I think if they're willing to trade up, it's for a specific QB, which means that they won't trade up before the team they have as a partner is on the clock and their guy is available.   Of course, it may be that neither Cleveland nor Giants is interested in trading out of their spots except for far more than the Bills are willing to give.   If they can't find a partner or their QB is off the board, then they're going to go BPA at another position, which certainly Smith would be.

 

Whatever the outcome, the Bills need to cross their Ts and dot their Is, and be prepared for contingencies since drafts seldom go the way the hypesters in the media claim it will.

Well said, I think the Bills have one maybe two QBs that they'd be willing to trade up for and just waiting until draft day to see how things play out to trade up or not. I'm hoping the two are Rosen and Darnold. 

[Saratoga Leo]

39 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

If the QBs go as high as the media mavens predict they will, Smith will be available at 12.  If the QBs don't go as high as predicted, then there will be 1 or 2 available for the Bills to pick -- if they want one of them, and they might not.

 

As I've said numerous times, we don't know how the Bills have the QBs rated.  I don't think the Bills will move up for "a" QB as the Jests apparently are willing to do.  I think if they're willing to trade up, it's for a specific QB, which means that they won't trade up before the team they have as a partner is on the clock and their guy is available.   Of course, it may be that neither Cleveland nor Giants is interested in trading out of their spots except for far more than the Bills are willing to give.   If they can't find a partner or their QB is off the board, then they're going to go BPA at another position, which certainly Smith would be.

 

Whatever the outcome, the Bills need to cross their Ts and dot their Is, and be prepared for contingencies since drafts seldom go the way the hypesters in the media claim it will.

Exactly

[billspro]

Right now the asking price must be too high to trade up. 

 

I think the Bills are hoping Rosen or Mayfield fall out of the top 5 at this point. It makes sense to bring other guys in in case we cant trade up. 

[ToGoGo]

The Jets trading up may have been a blessing in disguise. AJ might be the franchise guy we have been looking for since Kelly. Stock up on great players at every other position. Be like the Seahawks a few years back. Cheap Russell Wilson and great players surrounding him on offense and defense.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

My favorite player in the draft. Would impact the Bills immediately.

[Pete]

I would love Roquan Smith at 12 and Vander Esch at 22.  Then the rest of draft to offense.  Smash mouth football, excellent special teams, and a top defense wins in the NFL.  Always has, always will

[JerseyBills]

I like it. Snatch him at 12

Grab QB at 22

[BillsfanAZ]

5 hours ago, Magox said:

Due diligence folks.  As much as the serial whiney ninny's can't fathom the idea that it takes two to tango when it comes to trading draft choices the Bills have to have a plan B, plan C and plan D if things don't unfold the way youd ideally like for them to.  That's what good sports mangers do or for that matter what a good normal private civilian should do in life which is plan for the unexpected.

Exactly this. Beane would not be doing his job if they did not do their homework on players that may be available if a trade up doesnt work out. 

[frogger]

5 hours ago, NoSaint said:

They could be all in on trading up and still get stuck without a partner. Or the QBs could slide more than expected and allow them to keep 22.

 

it would be irresponsible to only look at the top QBs even if they are your plan

Exactly, trading up requires a team that’s okay trading down, if Denver wants a QB and the Browns don’t want to move down much.  We really can’t do anything about it, despite every attempt to move up.  If we were sitting in Denver’s spot and wanted a QB, I’d start talking to the giants and Browns, offer right of first refusal.  If Buffalo makes a call to New York or Cleveland, don’t think they won’t Call Denver to see what they’ll offer.  Buffalo has to have a fallback plan.  Smith might be a part of it.

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

This means nothing more than the Bills GM is covering all bases. Nothing to read into.

 

I'm sure there's a QB or 2 that the Bills are willing to trade up for, but if a deal cannot be reached, or those players are gone, the FO will want to have done enough homework on other players before drafting them. There's not one single, specific plan of action. Beane (as any good GM should) has several plans in place, based on how each scenario plays out. 

6 hours ago, Magox said:

Due diligence folks.  As much as the serial whiney ninny's can't fathom the idea that it takes two to tango when it comes to trading draft choices the Bills have to have a plan B, plan C and plan D if things don't unfold the way youd ideally like for them to.  That's what good sports mangers do or for that matter what a good normal private civilian should do in life which is plan for the unexpected.

 

Exactly

[xRUSHx]

Maybe they want to move up a little from 12 and grab a QB and then use picks to move up from 22 to grab a better player earlier. 2 picks in the top 15?

Edited April 4, 2018 by xRUSHx

[FearLess Price]

1 hour ago, xRUSHx said:

Maybe they want to move up a little from 12 and grab a QB and then use picks to move up from 22 to grab a better player earlier. 2 picks in the top 15?

Im guessing thats the move. Could you imagine if they got Rosen or Mayfield AND a top LB like Roquon smith or the others. It would be a worth the picks as long as u got 2 or 3 more picks this year. No 1st rounder next year but u assume we give that up for our QB this year, and we go heavy in FA next year cuz we got hella cap

[CommonCents]

Keep flipping stones Beane. If you find a diamond under one of them you should call Drew Brees.

[Hebert19]

As stated above this is just the correct due diligence.  You can't be surprised on draft day...if stuff doesn't go as planned you need to know what's next.  If no trade is available then Smith will fall because it means all the QBS are going early...and his value at 12 is great.  

 

Trust the process. 

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, xRUSHx said:

Maybe they want to move up a little from 12 and grab a QB and then use picks to move up from 22 to grab a better player earlier. 2 picks in the top 15?

If we came out of this draft with one of Darnold, Rosen, mayfield + roquan or Edmunds I’d go down on Beane. This is really what I hope we do.  A qb of the O and the D.  We need both in the worst way. We’d have a few picks left and could Draft OL and WR next followed by DT, CB and TE if there’s enough picks. Dream scenario imo

[T master]

I think this guy should be a definite consideration as the number 1 pick at 12 of the Bills this year , a LB like this only comes along once in a while .

 

There will be a QB that slides to 22 but there aren't any other LB's this good in the draft,

 

Plus there are a couple of real good developmental QB's they can pick up later in the draft at a better value than blowing out the draft for the possibility of getting a franchise QB  .

 

Aj will be a lot better QB than the fans are willing to think he will & i for one can't wait to see it come around !! 

[CEN-CAL17]

I think Vander Esch May get drafted prior to Roquan...

 

 

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

Big Corn Husker fan, I remember watching Lavonte David and wanting the Bills to take him with their 1st pick. Smith reminds me of him in every way.

[TigerJ]

On 4/4/2018 at 7:14 AM, BigBuff423 said:

Per Cover1 who is citing Jason Butt of the Telegraph in Georgia, Roquan Smith has been scheduled to visit with the Bills. Considering the Vander Esch news and now this piece of enlightening information, it does seem that the Bills have not completely sold out to the idea of trading up because neither of these guys will be available beyond the early 2nd round - early 1st for Smith and late 1st to early 2nd for Vander Esch. 

 

This means, IMHO, the Bills are still very much unsure about trading up and if they do, how far because otherwise these are two guys they would NOT spend their limited number of visits on due to their probable Draft position. It makes sense a guy like Penny is visiting because he's probably a 3rd or 4th round back in this year's Draft class, but any player potentially going in early 1st to early 2nd coming in to the Bills would be a waste of their time and money if they were committed to trading so far up that they needed to give up early picks. I could see them trading with Tampa to get to #7 and only giving up a 3rd or 4th this year which would keep those other two players at least "possibly" in the discussion. 

 

Hold on to your seat folks, it's still another LOOOOOOOOOONG 3 weeks to the Draft. Go Bills!

Even if the Bills want to trade up, there is no guarantee the circumstances will be right for them to do so on their terms.  If three QBs are drafted in the top 3 picks of the draft, and Buffalo is not one of them, there is no guarantee Cleveland will be willing to trade out of the fourth spot, and then there is no guarantee that Denver won't draft a QB in the fifth spot of the draft.  Buffalo has to be prepared to pick in the 12th spot or even trade down.  Draft preparation includes attempting to be prepared for every possible contingency.