Bandit's Updated Offseason Plan

[thebandit27]

Are you worried that this team has too many holes?  Are you afraid that in making an effort to grab their next franchise QB, the team will mortgage the future?  Is a step back in record inevitable in your mind?

 

Well, have no fear, the always opinionated (and often pugnacious--thanks @JohnC) Bandit has crafted an updated offseason plan that will quell your worries and have you thinking playoffs in 2018. What's it entail?  Well, read on...

 

in Free Agency

 

- Sign Brian Schwenke and Austin Howard to fill holes and create competition across the OL.  Both guys should come cheap and can play multiple positions (Schwenke at G/C, Howard at T/G)

- Sign Korey Toomer at LB

 

The above would create a worst-case scenario where your starting OL is comprised of Dawkins-Schwenke-Groy-Miller-Howard.  Maybe you see Bodine or Ducasse take one of the interior spots or Newhouse/McDermott/Mills take one of the tackle spots, but either way, you have depth and quality for what will be a paltry sum.

 

In a similar vain, Toomer's signing puts the team in a position to rotate a top-4 LB group of Toomer-Milano-LorAx-Humber.  It's certainly no worse than the 2017 group, and has the potential to be better.

 

And, for the record, the team currently has over $18M in cap space (before they handle Eric Wood's situation and recoup any space from Richie's retirement), so even if they require $8M to sign their draft picks, they should easily be able to accomplish the above signings.

 

In the draft

 

- Identify your QB and make your move: trade picks 12, 22, and whatever else it takes (up to and including 53, 65, and a 2019 1st or 2nd round pick) to move up and take Darnold/Rosen/Mayfield

- Use your day 2 picks to grab the best players available at any of CB, WR, and LB (I'm assuming the team will have only pick 56 and 96 remaining).  I would prioritize CB and WR here, as I'm prepared to rely on the depth of the off-ball LB and DT classes to fill spots on day 3

- Use your 4th and 5th round picks to grab the best LB and DT available.  You can choose from any of guys like Dorian O'Daniel, Jerome Baker, Josey Jewell, Oren Burks, Genard Avery, or Jermaine Carter  at LB (assuming guys like Darius Leonard, Fred Warner, U. Nwosu, and Malik Jefferson are gone) and from a host of potential DT fits like Nathan Shepard, BJ Hill, Justin Jones, PJ Hall, and Poona Ford.  These guys don't need to be starters; they need to be players that can give you 15-25 snaps per game when needed and play to your scheme.

- Trade your 6th round pick to LAC for Travis Benjamin.  He's got a $7M cap hit (of which Buffalo would have to take on $5.75M in 2018 and $5.25M in 2019)--no dead money hit for release in either season), and will be marooned in a timeshare with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams, and would also be behind Hunter Henry in competing for targets...no question that they'd welcome the ability to move him to a team that is desperate for downfield speed from a guy that's been productive in the past.

 

I believe that all of the above is both realistic and sensible for the team to accomplish in the next few weeks, and would definitely shore up the obvious weak points and put them in position to contend for another playoff berth.

 

Thoughts?

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

21 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

Are you worried that this team has too many holes?  Are you afraid that in making an effort to grab their next franchise QB, the team will mortgage the future?  Is a step back in record inevitable in your mind?

 

Well, have no fear, the always opinionated (and often pugnacious--thanks @JohnC) Bandit has crafted an updated offseason plan that will quell your worries and have you thinking playoffs in 2018. What's it entail?  Well, read on...

 

in Free Agency

 

- Sign Brian Schwenke and Austin Howard to fill holes and create competition across the OL.  Both guys should come cheap and can play multiple positions (Schwenke at G/C, Howard at T/G)

- Sign Korey Toomer at LB

 

The above would create a worst-case scenario where your starting OL is comprised of Dawkins-Schwenke-Groy-Miller-Howard.  Maybe you see Bodine or Ducasse take one of the interior spots or Newhouse/McDermott/Mills take one of the tackle spots, but either way, you have depth and quality for what will be a paltry sum.

 

In a similar vain, Toomer's signing puts the team in a position to rotate a top-4 LB group of Toomer-Milano-LorAx-Humber.  It's certainly no worse than the 2017 group, and has the potential to be better.

 

And, for the record, the team currently has over $18M in cap space (before they handle Eric Wood's situation and recoup any space from Richie's retirement), so even if they require $8M to sign their draft picks, they should easily be able to accomplish the above signings.

 

In the draft

 

- Identify your QB and make your move: trade picks 12, 22, and whatever else it takes (up to and including 53, 65, and a 2019 1st or 2nd round pick) to move up and take Darnold/Rosen/Mayfield

- Use your day 2 picks to grab the best players available at any of CB, WR, and LB (I'm assuming the team will have only pick 56 and 96 remaining).  I would prioritize CB and WR here, as I'm prepared to rely on the depth of the off-ball LB and DT classes to fill spots on day 3

- Use your 4th and 5th round picks to grab the best LB and DT available.  You can choose from any of guys like Dorian O'Daniel, Jerome Baker, Josey Jewell, Oren Burks, Genard Avery, or Jermaine Carter  at LB (assuming guys like Darius Leonard, Fred Warner, U. Nwosu, and Malik Jefferson are gone) and from a host of potential DT fits like Nathan Shepard, BJ Hill, Justin Jones, PJ Hall, and Poona Ford.  These guys don't need to be starters; they need to be players that can give you 15-25 snaps per game when needed and play to your scheme.

- Trade your 6th round pick to LAC for Travis Benjamin.  He's got a $7M cap hit (of which Buffalo would have to take on $5.75M in 2018 and $5.25M in 2019)--no dead money hit for release in either season), and will be marooned in a timeshare with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams, and would also be behind Hunter Henry in competing for targets...no question that they'd welcome the ability to move him to a team that is desperate for downfield speed from a guy that's been productive in the past.

 

I believe that all of the above is both realistic and sensible for the team to accomplish in the next few weeks, and would definitely shore up the obvious weak points and put them in position to contend for another playoff berth.

 

Thoughts?

I think Toomer signed with 49ers. I'll try to find it.

https://ninernoise.com/2018/04/11/49ers-linebacker-positional-analysis-korey-toomer/

[thebandit27]

3 minutes ago, horned dogs said:

I think Toomer signed with 49ers. I'll try to find it.

https://ninernoise.com/2018/04/11/49ers-linebacker-positional-analysis-korey-toomer/

 

Well there goes that idea

 

How about Navorro Bowman instead?  Of course, I think he'd take a LOT of money

[boyst]

4 minutes ago, horned dogs said:

I think Toomer signed with 49ers. I'll try to find it.

https://ninernoise.com/2018/04/11/49ers-linebacker-positional-analysis-korey-toomer/

Doomed 

 

 

 

Anyway thanks bandit.

 

I know I'm conservative but I'd be 100% fine with us staying put and no reason we do not land 4 starters at worst case scenario in the first 6 picks.  Starting OL, LB, WR, ??  And it's not unpossible to get a QB, too.

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

1 minute ago, thebandit27 said:

 

Well there goes that idea

 

How about Navorro Bowman instead?  Of course, I think he'd take a LOT of money

I'd actually like that a lot because a veteran would be good for Milano and the defense.

Just now, Boyst62 said:

Doomed 

 

 

 

Anyway thanks bandit.

 

I know I'm conservative but I'd be 100% fine with us staying put and no reason we do not land 4 starters at worst case scenario in the first 6 picks.  Starting OL, LB, WR, ??  And it's not unpossible to get a QB, too.

I'm in the go and get a franchise QB camp, but I also realize we are in a great position. Kudos to the Bills for working themselves into this position.

[Happy]

I'd like to see a higher priority given to LB and DL; IMO, rotational DE signings and potentially one good DT and an aging Kyle, point to more struggles vs opposing rushing attack.  Milano is more an OLB, no?  So the LB corps is a little light and definitely need to add a quality MLB, and wouldn't mind seeing another OLB.  I'll assume your OL suggestions will work...at least I'm hoping they do.  

[thebandit27]

3 minutes ago, Happy Gilmore said:

I'd like to see a higher priority given to LB and DL; IMO, rotational DE signings and potentially one good DT and an aging Kyle, point to more struggles vs opposing rushing attack.  Milano is more an OLB, no?  So the LB corps is a little light and definitely need to add a quality MLB, and wouldn't mind seeing another OLB.  I'll assume your OL suggestions will work...at least I'm hoping they do.  

 

I don't really worry so much about LB; the last 2 seasons, the team's best LBs have been a street FA (Zach Brown) and a 5th round rookie.  I actually think a starting 3 of LorAx-Milano-Humber wouldn't be awful; certainly not good enough, but perhaps passable.  This draft is very deep in off-ball 'backers that fit McDermott's scheme, so I think adding one of those guys and a street FA could do the trick.  I mean, Derrick Johnson for a year would be a solid option, as would a guy like Emmanuel Lamur.

 

I agree that DT is a concern with only Star and Kyle being capable of playing 30+ snaps per game.  I do think that there's enough depth to get another 30-snap guy on day 3, and if that's the case, then you're probably adequate if Adolphus is your DT4.

 

That's just my opinion though

[Happy]

7 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

 

I don't really worry so much about LB; the last 2 seasons, the team's best LBs have been a street FA (Zach Brown) and a 5th round rookie.  I actually think a starting 3 of LorAx-Milano-Humber wouldn't be awful; certainly not good enough, but perhaps passable.  This draft is very deep in off-ball 'backers that fit McDermott's scheme, so I think adding one of those guys and a street FA could do the trick.  I mean, Derrick Johnson for a year would be a solid option, as would a guy like Emmanuel Lamur.

 

I agree that DT is a concern with only Star and Kyle being capable of playing 30+ snaps per game.  I do think that there's enough depth to get another 30-snap guy on day 3, and if that's the case, then you're probably adequate if Adolphus is your DT4.

 

That's just my opinion though

 

Plausible scenario, but for the love of all that is good...just don't let LorAx cover anyone.  He's primarily a pass rushing LB.  Humber had his moments and he is adequate.

It's going to be tough to adequately fill all holes this draft and off-season, especially if we trade up for a QB.   

[JohnC]

52 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

Are you worried that this team has too many holes?  Are you afraid that in making an effort to grab their next franchise QB, the team will mortgage the future?  Is a step back in record inevitable in your mind?

 

Well, have no fear, the always opinionated (and often pugnacious--thanks @JohnC) Bandit has crafted an updated offseason plan that will quell your worries and have you thinking playoffs in 2018. What's it entail?  Well, read on...

 

in Free Agency

 

- Sign Brian Schwenke and Austin Howard to fill holes and create competition across the OL.  Both guys should come cheap and can play multiple positions (Schwenke at G/C, Howard at T/G)

- Sign Korey Toomer at LB

 

The above would create a worst-case scenario where your starting OL is comprised of Dawkins-Schwenke-Groy-Miller-Howard.  Maybe you see Bodine or Ducasse take one of the interior spots or Newhouse/McDermott/Mills take one of the tackle spots, but either way, you have depth and quality for what will be a paltry sum.

 

In a similar vain, Toomer's signing puts the team in a position to rotate a top-4 LB group of Toomer-Milano-LorAx-Humber.  It's certainly no worse than the 2017 group, and has the potential to be better.

 

And, for the record, the team currently has over $18M in cap space (before they handle Eric Wood's situation and recoup any space from Richie's retirement), so even if they require $8M to sign their draft picks, they should easily be able to accomplish the above signings.

 

In the draft

 

- Identify your QB and make your move: trade picks 12, 22, and whatever else it takes (up to and including 53, 65, and a 2019 1st or 2nd round pick) to move up and take Darnold/Rosen/Mayfield

- Use your day 2 picks to grab the best players available at any of CB, WR, and LB (I'm assuming the team will have only pick 56 and 96 remaining).  I would prioritize CB and WR here, as I'm prepared to rely on the depth of the off-ball LB and DT classes to fill spots on day 3

- Use your 4th and 5th round picks to grab the best LB and DT available.  You can choose from any of guys like Dorian O'Daniel, Jerome Baker, Josey Jewell, Oren Burks, Genard Avery, or Jermaine Carter  at LB (assuming guys like Darius Leonard, Fred Warner, U. Nwosu, and Malik Jefferson are gone) and from a host of potential DT fits like Nathan Shepard, BJ Hill, Justin Jones, PJ Hall, and Poona Ford.  These guys don't need to be starters; they need to be players that can give you 15-25 snaps per game when needed and play to your scheme.

- Trade your 6th round pick to LAC for Travis Benjamin.  He's got a $7M cap hit (of which Buffalo would have to take on $5.75M in 2018 and $5.25M in 2019)--no dead money hit for release in either season), and will be marooned in a timeshare with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams, and would also be behind Hunter Henry in competing for targets...no question that they'd welcome the ability to move him to a team that is desperate for downfield speed from a guy that's been productive in the past.

 

I believe that all of the above is both realistic and sensible for the team to accomplish in the next few weeks, and would definitely shore up the obvious weak points and put them in position to contend for another playoff berth.

 

Thoughts?

Bandito, The misconception is that if the Bills make an expensive deal with a variety of teams in a move down that doesn't mean that you are left with a barren draft. As you have often pointed out even with trading both of your first round picks for a higher round first, and trading a second and a third round pick you still end up with your top three round picks. Or simply stated a standard full draft. 

 

As you have demonstrated with your (exhaustive)  listing of good value FA picks you can still fill out the roster even while shedding some of your picks. When all is said and done the first priority in this draft is to come away with a high end qb prospect. That's essential and is what this brain trust has been maneuvering for since it took over. 

 

This regime had a blueprint when it took over. It's is systematically following by shedding players and bringing in their type of guys. They also are restructuring and re-balancing the cap distribution. Again, scrupulously fooling their blueprint. 

 

Bandito, not only are you pugnacious but you are also astute, perspicacious, adroit and a stalwart. The line you are standing in is the same line I am standing in. Most of us recognize that your influential shadow is covering a large swath of territory. We need you to continue manning the rampart.  

[mead107]

We should be good as long as we get our qb Riley Ferguson 

[Richard Noggin]

46 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Bandito, not only are you pugnacious but you are also astute, perspicacious, adroit and a stalwart. The line you are standing in is the same line I am standing in. Most of us recognize that your influential shadow is covering a large swath of territory. We need you to continue manning the rampart.  

I like words. 

So, thanks for this.

[Gugny]

2 hours ago, thebandit27 said:

Thoughts?

 

Thanks, Bandit.

 

With regard to the QB - I agree 100%.  Do what it takes to get him.  I'll just add that I'd be happy with Allen being on that list, too.

[thebandit27]

2 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

Thanks, Bandit.

 

With regard to the QB - I agree 100%.  Do what it takes to get him.  I'll just add that I'd be happy with Allen being on that list, too.

 

I'd be okay with Allen; he just happens to be my QB4, and I think Buffalo has enough ammo to get one of the top 3 if that's what they want.

[BuffaloHokie13]

Think Willie Snead is worth a low end offer since the Saints snagged Meredith?

[thebandit27]

8 minutes ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

Think Willie Snead is worth a low end offer since the Saints snagged Meredith?

 

I don't know...he had the off-field issue last year and never really emerged from it.

 

Maybe if it were super cheap I'd consider it, but if it's super cheap I would think that NO would match.

[Dr. Who]

Just now, thebandit27 said:

 

I don't know...he had the off-field issue last year and never really emerged from it.

 

Maybe if it were super cheap I'd consider it, but if it's super cheap I would think that NO would match.

What round is E. St. Brown likely to go in?  Like him and Chark for WR.

[thebandit27]

3 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

What round is E. St. Brown likely to go in?  Like him and Chark for WR.

 

I have ESB as being right on the fringe of days 2/3...I think he probably finds himself in round 3 because he's a size/speed guy; not dissimilar as an on-field prospect to Martavis Bryant.  I like Chark as well--I think he's very likely to be a top-60 pick.

[BuffaloHokie13]

7 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

I don't know...he had the off-field issue last year and never really emerged from it.

 

Maybe if it were super cheap I'd consider it, but if it's super cheap I would think that NO would match.

They have ~$7M in cap space before the draft. Might not take much over the $1.9M he's slated to get to scare them off.

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, Boyst62 said:

Doomed 

 

 

 

Anyway thanks bandit.

 

I know I'm conservative but I'd be 100% fine with us staying put and no reason we do not land 4 starters at worst case scenario in the first 6 picks.  Starting OL, LB, WR, ??  And it's not unpossible to get a QB, too.

You make a good point. I would rather be aggressive and move up to get a preferred qb. However, as you stated we could stand pat and still come away with an excellent qb prospect and address other needs. My only non-compromising position is that we should come out of this draft with a high-end qb prospect. 

 

Although Mayfield is thought to be an early selection it wouldn't be surprising if he could still slide to us. Also, some evaluators have higher ratings on Jackson and Rudolph that go against the grain to what most of us think is the consensus rating. And very often your second or third option can still be a very viable option to take to move forward. There is currently plenty of speculation that the Bills will work out a deal with the Giants for the second pick. On the other hand it wouldn't be surprising if the Bills ended up working on a deal with team that is in front of us but less so making a deal less costly. 

 

Tell the truth. You are not a conservative; you are a rebel. 

[Pete]

I keep the picks.

 

12 Lamar Jackson-qb

21* Vander Esch-mlb

53 Ragnow-c

56 Hercules Mata afa-dline

65 Dante Pettis-wr

96 Lauletta-qb

121 Jawan Wims-wr

*I would try and trade down from this spot and load up on 2-4 round picks-targeting Billy Price, Anthony Miller, Fred Warner, Christian Kirk, Nick Chubb, Penny, Dontae Jackson, DJ Moore, Will Hernandez, Isiah Wynn.....