What do you want to see this offseason: DRAFT

[RochesterRob]

On 2/11/2019 at 12:54 PM, Logic said:

The more I think about it, the more I just hope the Bills get an ELITE player at #9 that can play a prominent role for 10+ years and make All-Pro teams.

With that being the case, the only true blue chipper I see the Bills realistically having a shot at with the 9th pick is TJ Hockenson. 

I expect the 4 or 5 best defensive lineman and the top offensive tackle to be off the board already. Why pick from the 6th best DL or 2nd or 3rd best OL when you can have the draft's BEST tight end, and one who many say has a shot to be a Travis Kelce level of production. 

He would help the Bills in both the run and pass game and give young QB Josh Allen a much needed security blanket.

  Getting a 10 year player who will be top 5 at his position most of those years is better than swinging for the fences on a high ceiling guy.

[BillsSB2020]

As much as I like Hockenson, it would be somewhat disgruntling to have to draft a TE so high. Most of the top tier guys at the position were nabbed in the 2nd round or later.

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

On 2/11/2019 at 11:59 AM, dpberr said:

I'd really like for the Bills to draft a blue chip pass catching TE.

If you hit on that TE like Gronk the things you can do to another team is endless. I think right now we have the worst TE's in the NFL from top to bottom. We need to upgrade the TE position big time.

[Putin]

On 2/11/2019 at 9:10 AM, Alphadawg7 said:

TRADE DOWN with Washington, pick up extra 2nd.

 

#15 - TJ Hockenson, TE

#40 - Metclaf/Harry/Deebo/Butler, WR (whoever their top WR on board is still when they pick)

#46 - Oshane Ximines, EDGE 

Then grab a RB like Love or Henderson in the 3rd/4th round.

 

If we DONT trade down with Washington, I would try and trade back up into the 2nd to grab Ximines using our 3rd and one of our 4ths to do so.  I think this kid is going to be a stud.  

Metcalf in the second round ? 

I dont think he will be at 15 

[Alphadawg7]

I do not disagree with you on that...I think if he shines at the combine he will be the first WR taken or at least one of the first 2.  

 

However there are some who believe he will fall to the 2nd (I do not agree), so I put his name there anyway because until the combine and workouts, we dont really know what kind of order the WRs can go.  Its crowded at the top with at least 7 guys who have the potential to be the first couple WR's taken and the combine and workouts will start making the pecking order a little more predictable I expect.  

[Kelly the Dog]

I want a top, plug-in starter OL, and a top plug-in starter WR in this draft, one and two, unless we somehow get a #1 WR through trade or free agency, which seems unlikely.

 

To me, there is a less-of-a-bust chance drafting an OL in R1 and WR2 in R2 than vice versa, although every player drafted in the top two rounds, especially this year, has a bust factor.

 

And if shooting for the stars, a better chance at both becoming studs in that OL  R1, then WR R2 order.

[BADOLBILZ]

3 minutes ago, Kelly the Dog said:

I want a top, plug-in starter OL, and a top plug-in starter WR in this draft, one and two, unless we somehow get a #1 WR through trade or free agency, which seems unlikely.

 

To me, there is a less-of-a-bust chance drafting an OL in R1 and WR2 in R2 than vice versa, although every player drafted in the top two rounds, especially this year, has a bust factor.

 

And if shooting for the stars, a better chance at both becoming studs in that OL  R1, then WR R2 order.

 

 

The only time I've compromised to accept drafting for need was the Watkins trade-up.

 

They had a young QB and needed a great WR.........which is now more than ever accepted as a necessary way to elevate an inexperienced QB.

 

And for a 20 and 21 year old in the NFL Watkins was an epic performer.

 

Watkins is a premier position player but I guess predictably trading extra assets to reach up hasn't turned out well............never let need dictate your draft.

 

If there isn't a very worthy QB/PassRush/LT/CB/WR.......the $15M+ positions......then trade out.

 

The early rounds of the draft are absolutely not a place to be looking to patch holes.

[Kelly the Dog]

1 minute ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

The only time I've compromised to accept drafting for need was the Watkins trade-up.

 

They had a young QB and needed a great WR.........which is now more than ever accepted as a necessary way to elevate an inexperienced QB.

 

And for a 20 and 21 year old in the NFL Watkins was an epic performer.

 

Watkins is a premier position player but I guess predictably trading extra assets to reach up hasn't turned out well............never let need dictate your draft.

 

If there isn't a very worthy QB/PassRush/LT/CB/WR.......the $15M+ positions......then trade out.

 

The early rounds of the draft are absolutely not a place to be looking to patch holes.

I have said this before but it needs repeating. Every round of every draft by every team in every sport is the exact same dynamic and decision. You look at the top 1-3 overall players on your board at that specific time, then weigh those 1-3 against the top 1-3 players at position of need, and see how much the BPA guys are better than the PON guys, and then take that equation against how many players are left in PONs on the board.

 

There is no such thing EVER as just taking the best player available automatically and there is no such thing EVER as just taking a player based on need.  Every GM everywhere every time does the exact same thing. They will come to different conclusions obviously, but there is no such thing as taking the best player available without considering him against those other players.

 

I do agree with your theories on stars and playmakers though.

 

 

[Augie]

On 2/13/2019 at 9:41 AM, dollars 2 donuts said:

 

...

...

 

...

 

 

...

 

...I am a fat tub of goo.

 

 

Who am I to argue? 

 

Maybe lay off the donuts a bit? 

 

But at least you don’t have to be nervous for the pee test......

[dollars 2 donuts]

14 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

 

Who am I to argue? 

 

Maybe lay off the donuts a bit? 

 

But at least you don’t have to be nervous for the pee test......

 

 

Augie, I approaching that age where anytime I have to pee can be a major event for the day.

[Augie]

3 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

 

 

Augie, I approaching that age where anytime I have to pee can be a major event for the day.

 

So, no fear.....but a cause for celebration! 

 

I hope....

[blacklabel]

I think I'd like to see Beane do some wheelin' and dealin' to get a few more picks, preferably within the first three rounds. Take the BPA in round one, and if I had to guess, I think it's gonna be one of these monster DL guys. That class is just stacked this year and if you look at what Carolina did a few years back even when they had a pretty solid DL, they went ahead and took Vernon Butler and added strength to an already strong position group. Unless they drop down towards the end of the first round, they're gonna have a shot at one of those guys. I don't see the value in taking a WR within the first 20-25 picks, same for TE. I like that Hockenson kid from Iowa but I don't think he's a top 20 guy. Behind him there are a handful of solid tight ends that can be picked up in the second or third.

 

I think they'll address interior OL in free agency. They've already signed a guy who might compete for the right guard spot (I'm assuming Miller is gonna be free to explore his options) and maybe they end up with Morse or Paradis... I think those could be longshots, though. If they decide to go with the draft, there are some solid interior OL prospects out there. That Risner kid comes to mind, and Bradbury, the center from NC State. I can't see them spending a real high pick on a right tackle, maybe they go after one in the second, third or fourth round. I know they like Mills because he's a real solid locker room guy and a team-first kinda player which is exactly the type of guys they want on their roster. But performance-wise, Mills started out decent last season but then just seemed to wear down as the year played out. So... I think they'll address either C/G/RT in FA and whatever they don't get in FA will be remedied with the draft.

 

Then I need to see them snag a WR and an RB. Skill position players. I know they say McCoy is in their plans for 2019 but the guy is winding down at this point. Either that or he really had a difficult time grasping what Daboll wanted to do in the run game. He pressed so much to make a play every time he had the ball and 85% of the time he ended up losing yards, barely getting back to the line of scrimmage or falling forward for a couple. I think he'd best be utilized in a specific role as opposed to being the workhorse at this stage of his career. Maybe 10-12 touches on the ground and 5-7 pass targets. Just get him in space, really. Other than that, I think they like backs that just hit the hole and go, so, whichever of these prospects is a north-south style runner is probably on their radar. As for receivers, I think they should be looking at strong route runners with top notch separation skills. They've struggled big time with separation over the past couple of seasons. Maybe they go after one of the big receivers and see if he can be what they thought KB would be. 

 

In the later rounds they're gonna go secondary and linebackers for depth/special teams.

[BADOLBILZ]

1 hour ago, Kelly the Dog said:

I have said this before but it needs repeating. Every round of every draft by every team in every sport is the exact same dynamic and decision. You look at the top 1-3 overall players on your board at that specific time, then weigh those 1-3 against the top 1-3 players at position of need, and see how much the BPA guys are better than the PON guys, and then take that equation against how many players are left in PONs on the board.

 

There is no such thing EVER as just taking the best player available automatically and there is no such thing EVER as just taking a player based on need.  Every GM everywhere every time does the exact same thing. They will come to different conclusions obviously, but there is no such thing as taking the best player available without considering him against those other players.

 

I do agree with your theories on stars and playmakers though.

 

 

 

Agreed on simple BPA......all positions aren't created equal so BPA is BS.

 

In short the early rounds of the draft need to be where you get your $15M+ per year guys.............but unless it's a razor thin call then PON shouldn't be a factor.

 

It is........GM's and HC's are motivated by need......it's survival.......that's inevitable.

 

But in the interest of getting it right......give me a potential stud QB on the bench or a LT backing up a stud LT before I use that one-per-year chance to get a franchise cornerstone on some talented but up-and-down DL at a position of dire need.

 

You gotta' avoid those mistakes and most teams can't and that's a significant contributor to 8 HC's getting fired every year.

 

Needs change FAST so they are never worth addressing ahead of that in any draft, IMO.

 

[PromoTheRobot]

I want to see multiple trades down for extra picks. We have 10 now. I'd love to have 12-13.

[Prickly Pete]

I see some here who want the Bills to copy the Patriots style of a bunch of "good, smart" move the chains  receivers, as opposed to one centerpiece WR. While I like that approach, I think it is all wrong for Allen at this point  in his career. Allen is a home run hitter right now, and would be best served by having the right tools to hit a home run with. To force him to become a short pass, move the chains guy, would be a big mistake. He can develop that along the way.

I want them to get an elite WR if possible. Definitely not a first round TE. A good TE would be nice of course, but to really get the most out of Allen right now, they need an elite downfield WR.

Edited February 15, 2019 by OJ Tom

[Passepartout]

Need a W.R. who can really be clutch when it comes down to it. Not just great downfield.

[Bill from NYC]

16 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

If there isn't a very worthy QB/PassRush/LT/CB/WR.......the $15M+ positions......then trade out.

 

The early rounds of the draft are absolutely not a place to be looking to patch holes.

Would you view Jonah Williams as a bad first round pick even if he turned out to be an all pro left guard?

 

I agree with the bolded but I have mixed emotions wrt Williams. More pressure seems to be coming up the middle these days and imo, the guard position is getting harder to play and of more value as a result. The OT position is obviously harder to fill, but guards have to make quicker decisions (or so it would seem) and Williams is a very smart kid.

 

Williams might turn out to be a fine LT. The combines should tell us more but he looks to me as if he would be an absolute instant star at LG.

 

Of course, the above is jmo.

 

 

Edited February 15, 2019 by Bill from NYC

[ehfeuh57]

Trade down for early pick next year

 

draft OL and TE 1st 3 rounds

[947]

In my mind, the player with the best chance of making multiple Pro Bowls, who will be available at #9, is Dalton Risner. The question becomes, is a RT or OG worth taking in the top-10. I'd much rather trade down & take him in the 12-15 range, but I'd hate to see him go on to have a HOF career for an AFC rival because we gambled on some "high ceiling" DT.

[BADOLBILZ]

5 hours ago, Bill from NYC said:

Would you view Jonah Williams as a bad first round pick even if he turned out to be an all pro left guard?

 

I agree with the bolded but I have mixed emotions wrt Williams. More pressure seems to be coming up the middle these days and imo, the guard position is getting harder to play and of more value as a result. The OT position is obviously harder to fill, but guards have to make quicker decisions (or so it would seem) and Williams is a very smart kid.

 

Williams might turn out to be a fine LT. The combines should tell us more but he looks to me as if he would be an absolute instant star at LG.

 

Of course, the above is jmo.

 

 

 

 

Yes.

 

Andrew Norwell was the best guard in football in 2017.........he made it to free agency and signed with Jacksonville.

 

The best QB/pass rusher/LT/CB/WR doesn't make it to FA..........those are the positions you gotta' fill with high ceiling studs with those first round picks.

 

I don't think Williams ceiling is very high at LT..........and he could become a fine LT........but then you end up in a Nate Solder/Andy Levitre situation where you know he's not worth the money when he hits FA but some team with tons of cap space and a desperate need will pay him top dollar because "fine" LT's are usually the best available in FA.

 

 

[Coach Tuesday]

18 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Yes.

 

Andrew Norwell was the best guard in football in 2017.........he made it to free agency and signed with Jacksonville.

 

The best QB/pass rusher/LT/CB/WR doesn't make it to FA..........those are the positions you gotta' fill with high ceiling studs with those first round picks.

 

I don't think Williams ceiling is very high at LT..........and he could become a fine LT........but then you end up in a Nate Solder/Andy Levitre situation where you know he's not worth the money when he hits FA but some team with tons of cap space and a desperate need will pay him top dollar because "fine" LT's are usually the best available in FA.

 

 

 

So by extension you'd view the Quentin Nelson pick as a mistake by the Colts?

[BADOLBILZ]

Just now, Coach Tuesday said:

 

So by extension you'd view the Quentin Nelson pick as a mistake by the Colts?

 

 

Yes.

 

I know Nelson is REALLY good but you can buy guards.........the first team All Pro Norwell was on the market.

 

 

[Bill from NYC]

17 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Yes.

 

I know Nelson is REALLY good but you can buy guards.........the first team All Pro Norwell was on the market.

 

 

Norwell got a sweet contract too! I wonder if Yolo or someone else can tell us how a player this good from Ohio State did not get drafted.

 

Btw, threads like this are one of the things that make this board stand out as just so superior to other boards.

[Chandler#81]

2 hours ago, Bill from NYC said:

Norwell got a sweet contract too! I wonder if Yolo or someone else can tell us how a player this good from Ohio State did not get drafted.

 

Btw, threads like this are one of the things that make this board stand out as just so superior to other boards.

 

Thanks, Bill! Means a lot coming from you. Truth be told, it was born out of necessity -as many good ideas are. The Main Board was being avalanched by everyone’s personal hopes in these 3 regards. Desperate, I contacted ‘You only live once’ to create these, then pinned them. 

It’ll also be easier at the start of training camp, to look back and see who’s hopes were dashed and dreams fulfilled?

[Bill from NYC]

1 minute ago, Chandler#81 said:

 

Thanks, Bill! Means a lot coming from you. Truth be told, it was born out of necessity -as many good ideas are. The Main Board was being avalanched by everyone’s personal hopes in these 3 regards. Desperate, I contacted ‘You only live once’ to create these, then pinned them. 

It’ll be easier at the start of training camp, to look back and see who’s hopes were dashed and dreams fulfilled?

It has to do with the people in the thread and the ability to have good dialogue, as well as moderators who do all the work.

 

I like threads where people state their opinions AND ask questions. I never thought this board would be any good if we all agreed on every single issue.

 

[transplantbillsfan]

Now that we cut Clay, I really think Beane is gonna trade back into the 1st so we can draft a solid TE and OT in the 1st.

 

I know little about college as I don't follow it... so Fant or Hockenson?

[BillsSB2020]

6 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

Now that we cut Clay, I really think Beane is gonna trade back into the 1st so we can draft a solid TE and OT in the 1st.

 

I know little about college as I don't follow it... so Fant or Hockenson?

Hockenson will go higher and he's become a fan favorite here for good reason. That being said, I think we may be underrating Fant a bit. I'm very iffy about drafting a TE in the first round, let alone top ten. If Fant tests well at the combine, he may very well be a solid pick in the 2nd or 3rd.

[Bob in STL]

I always like BPA in first round.  Since we have glaring needs at OL, WR,  and DT, I would trade down and acquire another 2nd.  

 

Then I would hold those picks.  We tend to trade up, hopefully not this time.  Three picks in the first 2 rounds would be great.  

 

We also need help at RB, LB, TE, and DB, so more premium picks are helpful. 

[TigerJ]

The real problem with #9 overall in this draft is BPA might be a matter of drawing straws between 4 or 5 players.  Will too light Ed Oliver be the BPA or short armed Jonah Williams, or limited route tree Hercules DK Metcalf?  I think a trade down is the ideal action for Buffalo when they are on the clock, as long as potential trade partners aren't thinking the same thing.

[SF Bills Fan]

I was watching some film in Noah Fant out of Iowa- with Clay gone I think we should get that guy. Looks like he is on radar with lots of teams. 

[BillsSB2020]

14 minutes ago, SF Bills Fan said:

I was watching some film in Noah Fant out of Iowa- with Clay gone I think we should get that guy. Looks like he is on radar with lots of teams. 

Hockenson appears to be the superior player, but Fant is a pretty darn good TE in his own right. If we don't trade down in RD 1, I'd prefer not to take a tight end, which leaves Hock out of the equation. Fant would be an amazing get in the 3rd and a solid get in the 2nd. I don't follow the mocks too closely, so I don't know where he's projected. I do know Hock would be gone between 9 and our 2nd RD pick.

[freddyjj]

Here is a nice article on this year's draft by Joe Marino at Draft Network.  All about 6 things he likes about this draft.  

 

Four of the 6 favor the Bills:

Actually Good Olinemen

Ridiculously Deep TE Crop

Pass Rushers Galore

RB Variance

 

It would appear the draft board could favor Bills this year. Good read 

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/14/6-pack-thursday-things-i-love-about-the-2019-nfl-draft/

Edited February 17, 2019 by freddyjj

[#34fan]

 Jonah Williams LT   ALA

 T.J Hockenson TE   IA

 Anthony Johnson WR (if he's still on the board)  BUF

 Nick Allegretti  OG   ILL

 Joe Jackson    DE   MIA

 Travis Homer   RB  MIA

 Tyree Jackson QB  BUF

 

We NEED this....Any order, any round.

[CaptnCoke11]

19 hours ago, TigerJ said:

The real problem with #9 overall in this draft is BPA might be a matter of drawing straws between 4 or 5 players.  Will too light Ed Oliver be the BPA or short armed Jonah Williams, or limited route tree Hercules DK Metcalf?  I think a trade down is the ideal action for Buffalo when they are on the clock, as long as potential trade partners aren't thinking the same thing.

Guys like Calvin Johnson, D. Thomas were considered ‘limited route tree’ prospects.. Aaron Donald was considered ‘light’.  Just an ignorant response you made.  You have no clue how those guys will pan out in the NFL.  

[Chandler#81]

Posted this Astro tweet in another thread, here’s another TE to consider. Irv Smith Jr.

[D521646]

Oline all the way for the first 3 rounds, protect Allen, and he will be a superstar.

 

Tim-

[Threedollabills]

Sign Funchess. Sign Garcon. Trade Zay. If LAC dumps Gates, bring him in for the locker room to make up (a bit) for Kyle.  Draft Hakeem Butler 1st. Draft best TE on the board 2nd. Use ALL remaining picks on OL and CB. If you want to improve completion % for Allen, give him BIG targets. I know there is a Topic for FA, but my idea involves both; cheers mateys and GO BILLS.

[TigerJ]

9 hours ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Guys like Calvin Johnson, D. Thomas were considered ‘limited route tree’ prospects.. Aaron Donald was considered ‘light’.  Just an ignorant response you made.  You have no clue how those guys will pan out in the NFL.  

My post was not in any way shape or form a prediction of failure for the players I listed as examples.  You're right about the possibility of any of those prospects turning into stars in the NFL, but the negatives create more uncertainty.  The odds that all of them become stars in the NFL  not great.  That presents a GM picking at #9 with a dilemma.  Which ones are going to be stars, and which ones will bust?  For the record, I am not at all against the idea of picking Metcalf, limited route tree and all.  His college experience may mean it'll be a while before he can maximize his enormous physical potential, but there will be ways for him to have an impact as a rookie.  I happen to be a little more wary of Ed Oliver because he not only played lighter than Aaron Donald, but scouts are concerned he doesn't have the strength Donald had coming out of Pittsburgh (Pitt Panthers).  What he does have is terrific explosion coming off the snap.  He could still turn out to be an amazing defensive tackle in the NFL, but the questions are not going to go away before the draft.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

On 2/11/2019 at 7:26 AM, YoloinOhio said:

Post all 2019 Bills draft wish lists here! 

 

the first Ten picks ... Oh you meant realistically 

 

 

Trade back and get :

 

 TE TJ Hockenson, Dexter Lawrence, OG Chris Lyndstrom, OT Dalton Risner, WR Deebo  Samuel, WR Hakeem Butler, OLB Chase Winovich, DE Anthony Nelson.

 

McB can pick whoever for secondary .Those positions are obviously important but i just dont enjoy scouting them.

 

 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

On 2/11/2019 at 8:02 AM, chef4131 said:

we have given away too many picks during  the past 3 drafts, I would like to see the Bills finish the draft with their compliment of picks-we have too many holes that need to be filled and reaching for players will not allow them to fill all their needs 

 

Nah. Last year was the year for that. This year we should trade a lot of those late picks to get more Third round picks. Also trade back in the fist to gain more seconds.

 

if you can build your team entirely of 1st, 2nd and 3rd  round picks it would be a perennial contender.