Foster, McKenzie and Jones

[RPbillsfan]

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

[BillsSB2020]

I thought this was gonna be the setup to a joke about them walking into a bar.

 

I'm starting to sour on Jones, Foster is improving every week, and McKenzie looks like he'll stick as well.

[njbuff]

22 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Need a legitimate number one receiver.

 

Not sure where they get it considering the FA market is lacking.

 

I can see them making a trade and TRY to make up for the Kelvin Benjamin disaster.

[BillsVet]

Foster, McKenzie, and Jones Corp. 

 

Haven't heard they're going into business together yet.  

[BuffaloBillyG]

40 minutes ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

It is a nice start. In my mind next year, Foster is the speed, maybe a 2/3 type splitting with a high draft pick. McKenzie to me is more a "weapon" then WR. Kind of like a Tarik Cohen role. Bit of everything. Jones, unless he steps the receiving part of his game up is fighting for a roster spot as he doesn't currently add to special teams. Need to find that #1 target type guy.

[ctk232]

45 minutes ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

 

31 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Need a legitimate number one receiver.

 

Not sure where they get it considering the FA market is lacking.

@RPbillsfan - I'd say that's accurate, plus the obligatory depth needed for injuries. But the best nutshell is what @ScottLaw nailed.

 

I agree that the roles both Foster and McKenzie seem to be filling provide great depth to the schemes we've seen thus far. While I don't expect either to top out at WR1, as rookies they still have a ceiling to grow within and maybe even improve on other aspects of their game and become more than single-role guys (a la KB being a big contested catch guy, but once that went so did he as a WR at all).

 

Here's my opinion with Zay. I would like to see him in the corps next year and years beyond should he continue to improve. I think his performance is being unfairly compared to what our FO thought he was worth to trade up for, but has otherwise responded well. He hasn't shown enough to make anyone comfortable to say he's the WR1 guy moving forward, but in the games where teams still lined up their top DBs against KB (for whatever reason), Zay was able to have more productive games. He has parts of his game he needs to work on, but I can see a solid WR2 out of him with Foster. Novel of a response aside, the reason why I included ScottLaw is that I believe Zay will most certainly be that guy against zone coverage and DB2 and 3's in man/match schemes as long as we have a true WR1 threat. As ScottLaw pointed out, FA isn't really the place to find one this year. There's pipedream rumors for a Julio trade or similar scenario but wouldn't count on it.

 

My hope is that we are able to address this either early in the second or even third rounds of the draft (though it's supposedly unlikely a WR1 will fall that far in this defensive heavy draft per what analysis is out there). I would be happy to see a Brown, Harry, Metcalf, Arcega, or AJ with that pick as even they would command top DB attention and each appear to have WR1 potential. Harry likely fits the big catch radius profile.

[billsfan89]

I think you need both a veteran WR like Tyrell Williams and a WR in round 2. I like competition and depth. That would allow you to have a veteran anchor one of the top 3 spots and then have Foster, Zay, and a rookie battle it out for the 2 other WR spots while having Mac as a nice gadget/depth player. Overall I think Foster can be a top 3 WR in the NFL but I am not sure about Zay. I would rather have Zay compete with a rookie and earn a top 3 WR spot. If Zay can't out compete a rookie and Foster he should be relegated to the bench in case of injury. 

[Bangarang]

It looks like we definitely have something with Foster and McKenzie. Zay can pound salt. Dude is unreliable.

[BillsSB2020]

Zay Jones is starting to remind me waaaaaaay too much of Josh Reed, and not in a good way. I really like the kid, but he's got to start catching the football.

[RocCityRoller]

1 hour ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

 

yep, Tate or Williams would be a nice add and a Rnd 1 or Rnd 2 draft pick to try to find a 'do it all WR' like AJ Green.

[VW82]

Think we need to get some real talent in the building before we claim any of these guys to be mainstays. It might take time, and I'm fine with any of these three as long as they perform. We need guys who will get open and make tough catches. Josh doesn't always put it on target. I hope we bring in a bunch of guys in the off season and let them battle it out. The ones with the best chemistry with Josh get to stay. 2020 is when we'll make a big time wr acquisition. Keep in mind we also need to spend resources on the lines, particularly the Oline. TE could use an upgrade as well.  

Edited December 18, 2018 by VW82

[RocCityRoller]

6 minutes ago, billsfan89 said:

I think you need both a veteran WR like Tyrell Williams and a WR in round 2. I like competition and depth. That would allow you to have a veteran anchor one of the top 3 spots and then have Foster, Zay, and a rookie battle it out for the 2 other WR spots while having Mac as a nice gadget/depth player. Overall I think Foster can be a top 3 WR in the NFL but I am not sure about Zay. I would rather have Zay compete with a rookie and earn a top 3 WR spot. If Zay can't out compete a rookie and Foster he should be relegated to the bench in case of injury. 

 

need to get Zay in the slot for a few games.

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

 

I have to disagree on some of this.  

 

First though, Foster I agree with, and I was one of the few that said he would make the roster and could surprise.  So I have liked him from the get go, and hes even still exceeding expectations I had for him this year.  He will for sure have a place here next year and I think he will certainly challenge for a starting spot depending on how many other WR's we bring in and if they are established vets or rookies.  I think if we sign someone like Tate then he may be competing with a high draft pick for the 2 and 3 spot.  

 

McKenzie I agree with somewhat.  I do think he will be a guy who will likely be here next year, but not sure how much of a pass game roll he will play.  Gadget player and ST I think is more realistic.  He is making most of his opportunities, so who knows he could keep improving and surprise to earn a bigger roll next year.  But I think once there are some better WR's in that room, McKenzie is the kind of guy to get lost in the shuffle and fall down the depth chart.  I can see him as a 4th or 5th kind of guy, but then again, I also wouldn't bet against him as he has done well since getting here.  

 

Where I disagree is on two points mainly.  First is that this is a "nice start" to our receiving core.  Right now I only see one guy on our roster as a WR that is a must keep and that is Foster.  McKenzie is the next guy I would say is most likely a lock to be here because he also plays ST.  This brings me to my second disagreement...Zay Jones.

 

Zay right now is in real danger of being a cut this year.  He just isnt a play maker.  And its not just one thing.  He is not creating separation on his routes, he routes are not always crisp, he drops passes any starting WR is expected to catch, and he just cant make the big play or fight for a ball.  More importantly, he was utterly dominated by Slay this past weekend.  Josh threw multiple passes that were excellent throws and excellent ball placement, but because Slay was able to disrupt Zay so much he didn't even get a hand on the ball let alone catch it.  Slay is no joke, hes a very good DB, but Zay looked light years out of his league.  

 

So I am excited about Foster and looking forward to see who he gels next year with whoever else we bring in.  Mckenzie is a good addition, but not sure how much impact he will have outside ST once we get some other WR's here.  And Zay I am struggling to see on this roster next year.  So I cant say its a good start when we really only have one impactful piece in the WR room and thats Foster.  

[Royale with Cheese]

Get more speed and be a dominant vertical team.  

 

We have the QB with the arm that can get it there and the mindset to want to make the throw.  Throw as much money as you can at the offensive line to give him the protection he needs for these longer routes to develop.  If no one is open, at the DB's have their backs turned or 25+ yards downfield.....Allen can use his legs like he has.

[BillsFan130]

Need to upgrade Zay. I know it’s not going to happen but I really wouldn’t care if the Bills cut him next year. He doesn’t really add anything at all

[jr1]

Foster can be a number 1

[Shaw66]

1 hour ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

I agree.  It's a nice start.  

 

I'm not a fan of burning a high first-round pick on a receiver.   The high-profile glamour receivers aren't winning Super Bowls.   I do think one way or another there will a receiver added who will take a starting job from at least of the three the Bills have now.   That is there'll be an upgrade, but I hope it's not with a high pick. 

[Bills Wilk]

Zay is getting played as our # 1 by the defenses . He's not there yet but they put their best guy on him most of the time

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

 

I read the title and thought "Law Firm"?

 

Jones has had some good games.  His best was with Barkley throwing to him.  His last 4 games with Allen back, not so much.  I'm pretty curious about what's going on there.

[Magox]

Not a good receiver but an elite one.

 

Now that Beane has found our franchise QB, he now needs to make it his mission to get an elite WR and a top 8 offensive line.

[CaptnCoke11]

1 hour ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

Tyrell Williams... No

[dayman]

All worth keeping. Need to add at least 2 new playable guys, one of which should be a #1 (if we can somehow find one). 

[CaptnCoke11]

33 minutes ago, jr1 said:

Foster can be a number 1

That’s extremely doubtful 

[Captain_Quint]

49 minutes ago, BillsSB2020 said:

Zay Jones is starting to remind me waaaaaaay too much of Josh Reed, and not in a good way. I really like the kid, but he's got to start catching the football.

Yeah, Reed almost worked his way off the team in his first couple of years because of drops, after winning the Belinikoff in college. 

[formerlyofCtown]

I still see some people talking about Foster having to compete and Jones fighting for his roster spot.

 

Foster will be on the field for almost every offensive snap next season and The Bills are pleased with Zays progress even if some fans are not.  

 

That all being said if the opportunity to upgrade the number 1 WR comes up and it makes sense as a fit they will do it.  The primary focus this off-season will be on the Oline.  I actually believe they will draft a WR for competition and depth but Foster seems to be developing into the complete package.  He isnt just running deep as some posters seem to think.  Hes actually running some complex routes.  He isnt just a run as fast as you can and get behind the D guy.  It would be great to have 2 #1s though.

[Ol Dirty B]

Nice start to an awful receiving corps. Foster has shown he deserves another year, the other two are a 4th receiver in a good corps. 

 

McKenzie can bring value with ST. Zay is useless. What a horrible pick. He's not athletic and he cant catch. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the Ray ray McCloud pick in hindsight. 

 

This team drafted a short and slow receiver. Short and slow is useless. They do an amazing job in some areas, like DB's. But for as good as they are at evaluating and coaching up DB's, which I think they've shown they're top level at. They are as equally bad in terms of evaluating WR's. I mean just God awful.

[John from Riverside]

12 minutes ago, Ol Dirty B said:

Nice start to an awful receiving corps. Foster has shown he deserves another year, the other two are a 4th receiver in a good corps. 

 

McKenzie can bring value with ST. Zay is useless. What a horrible pick. He's not athletic and he cant catch. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the Ray ray McCloud pick in hindsight. 

 

This team drafted a short and slow receiver. Short and slow is useless. They do an amazing job in some areas, like DB's. But for as good as they are at evaluating and coaching up DB's, which I think they've shown they're top level at. They are as equally bad in terms of evaluating WR's. I mean just God awful.

McKenzie is showing far more then st ability

 

guy reminds me a lot of roscoe Parrish minus the injury prone 

 

and if foster keeps this up he is showing far more then deserves another year

[VW82]

If Foster is basically a number one and Zay and Mckenzie are developing nicely and have roster spots all locked up next year, then why is Allen taking so long back there to find guys, complete so few passes, and only score 14 points? We can't have it both ways so which is it? 

Edited December 18, 2018 by VW82

[jlgarsh]

24 minutes ago, VW82 said:

If Foster is basically a number one and Zay and Mckenzie are developing nicely and have roster spots all locked up next year, then why is Allen taking so long back there to find guys, complete so few passes, and only score 14 points? We can't have it both ways so which is it? 

Foster is getting better every week.  McKenzie too.  Don't forget he was carted off and came back 15 minutes later.  Zay needs to get more consistent 

[Ol Dirty B]

2 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

McKenzie is showing far more then st ability

 

guy reminds me a lot of roscoe Parrish minus the injury prone 

 

and if foster keeps this up he is showing far more then deserves another year

 

I agree Foster is showing more than just deserves another year. I'm just not sure if he keeps it up. He's playing great. So that's why I just said deserves another year. He's on the team no matter what in my opinion. That's a lot for a UDFA in a second year. I mean what more does he deserve or do you expect than that? A 5 year contract?

 

McKenzie I like. But idk how sustainable his usage is. I think Roscoe was better.

[longtimebillsfan]

7 hours ago, RocCityRoller said:

 

yep, Tate or Williams would be a nice add and a Rnd 1 or Rnd 2 draft pick to try to find a 'do it all WR' like AJ Green.s him time to develop.   We and ol take a

Whoever we draft at wr, I hope this board gives him couple of yeas to develop. It normally takes two seasons at wr and ol to truly see what we have.

[Mountain Man]

8 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Need a legitimate number one receiver.

 

Not sure where they get it considering the FA market is lacking.

The Draft. I don't see a number 1 type in FA this year.

 

D K Metcalf looks an option in terms of what we need Vs draft position

[Victory Formation]

5 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

McKenzie is showing far more then st ability

 

guy reminds me a lot of roscoe Parrish minus the injury prone 

 

and if foster keeps this up he is showing far more then deserves another year

I think Zay, Foster and McKenzie should be carryover going into 2019. There's probably room for 3 more guys realistically. 

[JaCrispy]

11 hours ago, RPbillsfan said:

I believe this is a nice start to our receiving Corp.  We have Foster as the deep threat to take the top of the defense, McKenzie is out slot guy and gadget guy, Jones needs to improve to make an impact on the 2019 roster.  To me, I would add a large catch radius guy like Tyrell Williams to make it a solid group.  In this way we could use our 1st round pick at an area of greater need.

 

Looking for your feedback.

Not a fan of Jones...he seems like a #4 through #6 receiver imo...he will need to be upgraded on the outside.

[TigerJ]

10 hours ago, BillsSB2020 said:

I thought this was gonna be the setup to a joke about them walking into a bar.

 

I'm starting to sour on Jones, Foster is improving every week, and McKenzie looks like he'll stick as well.

Jones has been inconsistent.  He's been strong some weeks and had a lot of drops on other weeks.  I think he probably sticks around for another season to see if he can get that straightened out.  He does a lot of good things, if he can only hang on to the ball.

[Estelle Getty]

I agree about those three.  And fear not, Julio is coming!  

[SoCal Deek]

11 hours ago, Captain_Quint said:

Yeah, Reed almost worked his way off the team in his first couple of years because of drops, after winning the Belinikoff in college. 

Yes! I had almost forgotten about Josh Reed. Great analogy with Zay. I knew he reminded me of someone.

[John from Riverside]

7 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

I agree Foster is showing more than just deserves another year. I'm just not sure if he keeps it up. He's playing great. So that's why I just said deserves another year. He's on the team no matter what in my opinion. That's a lot for a UDFA in a second year. I mean what more does he deserve or do you expect than that? A 5 year contract?

 

McKenzie I like. But idk how sustainable his usage is. I think Roscoe was better.

Ok I think I get what you are saying here no I would not throw big money at them just yet

[Mat68]

Zay is pretty useless beyond 20 yards.  Doesnt track the ball and doesnt have good body control.  On a team that is a vertical passing team that doesnt bode well going forward.  McKenzie is a good 4 or 5th wr with st ability and developing slot wr.  Foster looks like our best wr at the moment.  His speed makes a difference and is consistently getting seperation.  

[Logic]

Thanks for the post.

I feel that Zay Jones is and always has been a slot receiver. The Bills have been doing Zay and themselves a disservice by playing him outside most of the time for two seasons. Once he moves to his natural slot position full time, I believe he is capable of a Cooper Kupp-like role in the Bills' offense as a possession receiver, move-the-chains guy. We saw just recently in his two touchdown game that he IS skilled enough to get it done, he just needs to be put in position to succeed.

All the Bills receiving corps really needs is a legitimate number 1 receiver and a quality tight end. The number 1 receiver will push Foster to the speed/#2 role, Zay to the slot to split time with McKenzie, and the new tight end will be a much needed security blanket for our young quarterback.

Gonna be a fun offseason.