Andre Dillard at #9?

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

Too early for him and I'm not sure the Bills are a scheme fit anyway. I think he is a fit in a quick strike rhythm passing offense.

 

Agree. I think he is a very specific scheme fit. He has good, quick feet out of his stance and decent hand placement but he just doesn't have the core physical strength to dominate in the run game or to hold blocks for longer developing downfield pass plays.

If I am taking a OT I want it to be either Jawann Taylor or Cody Ford (who I know is projected to guard....I just think he is a beast)

[Buffalo716]

Definitely the most natural pass blocker in the draft

 

Joe Thomas raves about him 

[Alphadawg7]

I think there is a very low probability of Dillard being chosen by us at 9.  I do think he is a guy that could be a target of Beanes, just not at 9.  

 

I also dont think its that likely Beane takes an OL at 9 either.  He signed 5 OL already and he did that do he didnt have to take a tackle at 9.  

 

There are 2 things Beane has gone after and not achieved this offseason so far...Pass Rusher and a big time playmaker for the offense.  I think the pick at 9 will probably be a trade down personally.  But whether we trade down or not, I think the first Bills pick is going to be EDGE, TE, or WR.

[billsredneck1]

On 3/21/2019 at 12:43 PM, VADC Bills said:

Totally agree. With all of the emphasis on offense we had in had free agency and rightly so, people tend to forget how mediocre our defense was even though we had good stats.

We were picked apart by Tannehill and Darnold. With Kyle gone we need to firm up the line and need more on the edge. We can't totally ignore these areas. I could be very happy with Dillard if it means getting Oliver as well.

i think the pass rush problem is in large part on frazier....and mcd.  we were 21st in hits and 26th in sacks...iirc.  we need to blitz and stunt more. every time he sent bush or neal....SACK.  tremaine and milano help from their spots, but mcfrazier is gonna have to update to 2019 if we're gonna gain any ground.

Edited March 22, 2019 by billsredneck1

[The Senator]

 

There’s a reason why Mike Leach teams are always atop the NCAA in passing yards - and last season was no exception.  Leach insists that it starts and ends with the offensive line.

 

Dillard’s name has always been in the conversation about the top OTs in this draft.  He just doesn’t get as much press and hype as the the 2 SEC guys, Williams and Taylor.

 

Dunno if he’s a #9 pick or not - In Beane I Trust

.

[XABI64]

Id much rather have an OT than a DT. DT is not an important position in the NFL as it once was. 

 

Protecting Josh Allen is 100x more important and its worth investing in. 

[Doc]

6 minutes ago, XABI64 said:

Id much rather have an OT than a DT. DT is not an important position in the NFL as it once was. 

 

Protecting Josh Allen is 100x more important and its worth investing in. 

 

They've signed a slew of OL and still need someone to replace what they lost in Kyle.  Plus McD is a defensive coach.

[Just Joshin']

On 3/21/2019 at 1:37 PM, TigerJ said:

Dillard is a pure tackle with the athleticism to be a left tackle.  He's not a super physical guy, and could stand to get stronger.  He's also not been much of a mauler in the run game.  He's more of a finesse tackle if the truth be known.  I think if you draft him, it's with the idea that you're going to plug him in at LT and move Dawkins to guard.  Jonah Williams is an outstanding technician, but he's also not terribly physical .  Unlike Dillard, he doesn't have really elite athleticism.  Like Dillard he's not real strong.  Taylor is a big mauler with enough athleticism for right tackle.  Run blocking is his strength.  I think Jonah Williams will be better at guard.  Taylor can play guard or right tackle.  I think there are other outstanding guards (Lindstrom, so I wouldn't use #9 to pick J Williams.  Given the signing of Nsekhe and Waddle, I'm more inclined to go defense at #9, since the value might be better there anyway.

You did not describe the #9 pick.

[purple haze]

On 3/21/2019 at 10:24 AM, peterpan said:

Why would we trade Glenn for basically a 2nd round pick only to take a T at 9.?

 

I ask that question to point out that....I think Bean and Co are happy with Dawkins as the LT

They just added two FA tackles.  No one is safe.  Not even Dawkins.  As Billy told Prince in Purple Rain,  "You better bring it tomorrow night, Kid, or else."

[End The Drought]

On 3/21/2019 at 11:52 AM, TroutDog said:

I’d prefer the T from Bama or Florida if that’s where we’re going with the pick. Both are more polished. 

 

Agree Jonah Willams is more polished but in terms of technique, Andre Dillard is more polished than Jawaan Taylor. Personally,

I would take any one of them! But I still think we’re going DL with the first pick.

[ganesh]

On 3/21/2019 at 10:06 PM, EricScott said:

My argument is that a player who has demonstrated in every conceivable way that he is the best pass protector at a position that is generally regarded as one of the two or three most important positions in football would be more valuable than getting a right tackle that might be only marginally better (and is fairly likely to be gone anyway). We have a young QB who needs protecting, and I'm not all that confident that Dawkins will somehow rebound and become the player we need him to be at LT moving forward. I have more confidence that he can become an above-average guard than an above-average LT. And right tackle is a position more easily filled.

WE have been trying to fill that position (RT) for the past two decades !!!!!

[TigerJ]

1 hour ago, Just Joshin' said:

You did not describe the #9 pick.

You're right.  The thread is about an offensive tackle, so I stayed on that side of the LOS.  If I'm going to talk about the Bills' pick, I don't have a particular horse in the race, but I think the odds somewhat favor a defensive pick.  I think it will be from among Ed Oliver, Christian Wilkins, Sweat and Burns.  There is still a possibility of a free agent signing that will affect the actual choice.  Signing Ziggy Ansah shifts the odds toward a DT.   In the unlikely event they sign Mohammed Wilkerson, the odds shift toward an edge rusher

[LSHMEAB]

1 hour ago, ganesh said:

WE have been trying to fill that position (RT) for the past two decades !!!!!

Dude. Erik Pears!! may have been the best right tackle we've had in that time span. Yeah. It's not that simple.

[Mat68]

He doesn't look like a top tackle prospect to me.  I dont see any of the top rated lineman in this class as upgrades over Dawkins.  If they are not the best guy available and are not a significant upgrade at the position why do it?

[TroutDog]

1 hour ago, End The Drought said:

 

Agree Jonah Willams is more polished but in terms of technique, Andre Dillard is more polished than Jawaan Taylor. Personally,

I would take any one of them! But I still think we’re going DL with the first pick.

No argument here. I believe you’re correct. Time will tell. 

 

What I want is what Beane wants: I trust him. ? 

[OldTimer1960]

I think that Dillard should really be a consideration.  If they think that he can become a good run blocker and get stronger, then an outstanding pass-blocker warrants attention there.

 

i think that Oliver may not be thought of as highly among NFL teams as his early draft projections suggested.  He is very undersized and did not play at the highest level of competition.

 

i can't see Jonah Williams as a strong contender for the pick, but I could see them being high on Jawaan Taylor's power and athletic ability for is size at RT.  I do strongly believe that the Bills want to be a run heavy O early in Allen's career.

27 minutes ago, Mat68 said:

He doesn't look like a top tackle prospect to me.  I dont see any of the top rated lineman in this class as upgrades over Dawkins.  If they are not the best guy available and are not a significant upgrade at the position why do it?

Have a look at Dillard's "tape" - he is a ready-made pass protector who lacks experience and some strength to be a top run blocker.  Thing is, both strength and experience can be addressed.

[EricScott]

On 3/21/2019 at 11:37 AM, TigerJ said:

Dillard is a pure tackle with the athleticism to be a left tackle.  He's not a super physical guy, and could stand to get stronger.  He's also not been much of a mauler in the run game.  He's more of a finesse tackle if the truth be known.  I think if you draft him, it's with the idea that you're going to plug him in at LT and move Dawkins to guard.  Jonah Williams is an outstanding technician, but he's also not terribly physical .  Unlike Dillard, he doesn't have really elite athleticism.  Like Dillard he's not real strong.  Taylor is a big mauler with enough athleticism for right tackle.  Run blocking is his strength.  I think Jonah Williams will be better at guard.  Taylor can play guard or right tackle.  I think there are other outstanding guards (Lindstrom, so I wouldn't use #9 to pick J Williams.  Given the signing of Nsekhe and Waddle, I'm more inclined to go defense at #9, since the value might be better there anyway.

This "finesse" guy who you say isn't physical did 24 bench press reps at the combine- the same number as Taylor, one more than Jonah Williams and seven more than Cody Ford. He's plenty strong as it is and I believe he can and will improve his run blocking as he is coached up and gets more reps.

Edited March 23, 2019 by EricScott

[EricScott]

On 3/21/2019 at 11:14 AM, quincy said:

There appears to be a scarcity of LT prospects this year. Someone who should exclusively play LT in the NFL.

 

Andre Dillard, Greg Little and Yodny Cajuste are the only three players who appear to fit the description. 

 

With perhaps Bobby Evans and Tytus Howard as well. Are there any others?

 

 

 

 

I thought Chuma Edoga from USC looked pretty good at the Senior Bowl.

Edited March 23, 2019 by EricScott

[TigerJ]

10 hours ago, EricScott said:

This "finesse" guy who you say isn't physical did 24 bench press reps at the combine- the same number as Taylor, one more than Jonah Williams and seven more than Cody Ford. He's plenty strong as it is and I believe he can and will improve his run blocking as he is coached up and gets more reps.

I don't disagree.  Players can grow and develop and change their game.  Many do.  Not every one does.  Let me be clear.  I'm not trying to be disparaging of Dillard.  I think he's going to be a good pro, and I would not mind if Buffalo took him.  As far as strength is concerned, the scouting reports suggest his play strength isn't what it could be.  Part of that could be his physical style.  Some linemen play more aggressively, and that just makes them look stronger.  I just think that when Buffalo is picking, they will look at everything: the players physical make up, skill set, upside, risks, attitude, character - everything.  

[Beast]

Since 2007, the Bills have made 12 first round picks. All but 1 (Josh Allen) have been from colleges in the Eastern Time Zone.It could be argued high rated QB’s are the easiest to scout.

 

Coincidence concerning those other 11 picks?

 

Maybe, maybe not.

 

Just something to think about.

[GreggTX]

At #9?! I think he's a late 1st round pick... maybe. I saw that mock at nfl.com that had us taking him at 9 with BOTH Ed Oliver and TJ Hockenson still on the board. I'd throw a fit if that happened! I want to stay at 9 and get a game changer and I read several draft profiles on Dillard that had a long list of weaknesses. Chief among them was his run blocking. His bench press at the combine was a real red flag too.

[EricScott]

1 hour ago, GreggTX said:

At #9?! I think he's a late 1st round pick... maybe. I saw that mock at nfl.com that had us taking him at 9 with BOTH Ed Oliver and TJ Hockenson still on the board. I'd throw a fit if that happened! I want to stay at 9 and get a game changer and I read several draft profiles on Dillard that had a long list of weaknesses. Chief among them was his run blocking. His bench press at the combine was a real red flag too.

Is Jawaan Taylor's bench press at the combine also a real red flag? Because he and Dillard did the same, 24.

[Fixxxer]

FWIW, Bucky Brooks' latest mock draf (1st round) has us taking Dillard and with three tight ends going in the first round.

 

 

 

[MrEpsYtown]

8 minutes ago, EricScott said:

Is Jawaan Taylor's bench press at the combine also a real red flag? Because he and Dillard did the same, 24.

 

It's not as much of a red flag for Taylor because Dillard has short arms. Also Taylor shows a ton of power in his game on film, where Dillard does not. His bench should be better. His arms are shorter than Jonah Williams, who everyone is calling T Rex. Also Dillard's three cone is not as good as Dion Dawkins, who happens to have much longer arms, and everyone wants to make a guard for some reason. 

 

Dillard is Jake Fisher. Look at their combine numbers. Again a finesse, spread tackle with short arms. All pretty much the same, except Fisher had an elite three cone time, and has longer arms. 

[RPbillsfan]

On 3/21/2019 at 9:15 AM, Bangarang said:

First tell me who the first 8 picks were.

Ok here's my best guess:

 

Arizona - Kyler Murray

San Francisco. -  Nick Bosa

NY Jets - Quinnen Williams

Oakland - Josh White

Washington - Dwayne Haskins - Trade up with Tampa

NY Giants - Jonah Williams

Jacksonville - Jawaan Taylor

Detroit - Devin White

Buffalo - 

I'd look first for trade down, if nothing comes up, I'd draft TJ Hockenson

[The Now Moment]

18 hours ago, XABI64 said:

Id much rather have an OT than a DT. DT is not an important position in the NFL as it once was. 

 

Protecting Josh Allen is 100x more important and its worth investing in. 

Completely disagree. The position keeps evolving as do all of them. Pass rush up the middle is just as important as it is from the edge. Pass rushing 3techs can still destroy a game plan. Ask the Rams how they feel about the DT position. A penetrating DT can be more distruptive than an edge player, especially a guy with an explosive player like Oliver. 

Edited March 23, 2019 by Buffalo30

[Bangarang]

7 minutes ago, RPbillsfan said:

Ok here's my best guess:

 

Arizona - Kyler Murray

San Francisco. -  Nick Bosa

NY Jets - Quinnen Williams

Oakland - Josh White

Washington - Dwayne Haskins - Trade up with Tampa

NY Giants - Jonah Williams

Jacksonville - Jawaan Taylor

Detroit - Devin White

Buffalo - 

I'd look first for trade down, if nothing comes up, I'd draft TJ Hockenson

 

lol TJ Hockenson isn’t going top 10. I’d even be surprised if he went in the top half of the first round.

 

Im also assuming you had a typo and meant Josh Allen going to Oakland?

 

if that’s how the top 8 go then I go with Oliver. 

[RPbillsfan]

Just now, Bangarang said:

 

lol TJ Hockenson isn’t going top 10. I’d even be surprised if he went in the top half of the first round.

 

Im also assuming you had a typo and meant Josh Allen going to Oakland?

 

if that’s how the top 8 go then I go with Oliver. 

Yes, correct, Josh Allen to Oakland

Let's assume George Kittle or Travis Kelce were available with the 9th pick.  My guess is you would sprint to the podium with the card.

 

My guess is a Kelce/Gronk mix, great in-line blocker, 55 catch, 750 yard, 8 TD guy for 10 years.  Is that worth the 9th pick in the draft?

[Doc]

54 minutes ago, RPbillsfan said:

Yes, correct, Josh Allen to Oakland

Let's assume George Kittle or Travis Kelce were available with the 9th pick.  My guess is you would sprint to the podium with the card.

 

My guess is a Kelce/Gronk mix, great in-line blocker, 55 catch, 750 yard, 8 TD guy for 10 years.  Is that worth the 9th pick in the draft?

 

If Hock were guaranteed to do that, he probably wouldn't make it out of the top-5.

[billsredneck1]

17 hours ago, ganesh said:

WE have been trying to fill that position (RT) for the past two decades !!!!!

you said it brother!   @ericpearsrt

[BillsFan17]

On 3/21/2019 at 11:51 AM, Jay_Fixit said:

He was literally mentioned in a mock draft posted here two days ago.

Yeah, but then the person wouldn't have been able to start an entire thread on it.

[junior]

https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/status/1113454703088685056

 

I don't know how to embed a tweet. 

 

"Buffalo Bills have their front office on hand at Washington State pro-day for OT Andre Dillard. Dillard met with the New Orleans Saints & Seattle Seahawks yesterday. Just doing position drills today."

Edited April 3, 2019 by junior12thman92

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Victory Formation]

Never trust a man who shaves his crows peak.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

On 3/23/2019 at 7:45 AM, Binghamton Beast said:

Since 2007, the Bills have made 12 first round picks. All but 1 (Josh Allen) have been from colleges in the Eastern Time Zone.It could be argued high rated QB’s are the easiest to scout.

 

Coincidence concerning those other 11 picks?

 

Maybe, maybe not.

 

Just something to think about.

Cool observation. The SEC is mostly in the Eastern time zone. The PAC12 has been a down conference for years.

[MrEpsYtown]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

This number is a bit misleading based on the offense that Washington State runs. To me the Risner and Bradbury numbers are impressive. But PFF stuff is not really meaningful when it comes to offensive line. You have to look at all of the factors. 

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-is-wsu-g-cody-oconnell-the-best-pass-blocker-in-the-nation

 

This is PFF's article that touted former WSU OL Cody O'Connell as the best pass blocking linemen in the country. He graded a 93.1. This is the same guy who wasn't even good enough to make a practice squad. That's how meaningful these numbers are. Dillard may be athletic, but he has short arms and played in a offense that hid any deficiencies in his game. It's a trap. To me he is not a first round pick. 

 

 

From the article, eerily similar to what they are saying about Dillard. Obviously, Dillard is the better prospect. But don't be mislead by PFF numbers that don't tell the whole story.  

• O’Connell will always have question marks about is run blocking ability coming from the pass-first Washington State offense. Although he did produce the third-highest percentage of positively-graded blocks in the run game, he gave up the 26th highest percentage of negatively-graded run blocks in the draft class too.

 

Edited April 3, 2019 by MrEpsYtown

[Doc]

21 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

This number is a bit misleading based on the offense that Washington State runs. To me the Risner and Bradbury numbers are impressive. But PFF stuff is not really meaningful when it comes to offensive line. You have to look at all of the factors. 

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-is-wsu-g-cody-oconnell-the-best-pass-blocker-in-the-nation

 

This is PFF's article that touted former WSU OL Cody O'Connell as the best pass blocking linemen in the country. He graded a 93.1. This is the same guy who wasn't even good enough to make a practice squad. That's how meaningful these numbers are. Dillard may be athletic, but he has short arms and played in a offense that hid any deficiencies in his game. It's a trap. To me he is not a first round pick. 

 

 

From the article, eerily similar to what they are saying about Dillard. Obviously, Dillard is the better prospect. But don't be mislead by PFF numbers that don't tell the whole story.  

• O’Connell will always have question marks about is run blocking ability coming from the pass-first Washington State offense. Although he did produce the third-highest percentage of positively-graded blocks in the run game, he gave up the 26th highest percentage of negatively-graded run blocks in the draft class too.

 

O'Connell's problem from what I can see is that he's almost 6'9" and you can't be anywhere near that tall as an OG.  He's (apparently) not an OT so he was basically a man without a position in the NFL.

[foreboding]

On 3/21/2019 at 12:25 PM, dezertbill said:

If BB isn't blown away by what's available at 9, he's trading down.

 

Bank it

That requires a trade partner of course/

[formerlyofCtown]

What have you been smoking.

[MrEpsYtown]

1 hour ago, Doc said:

 

O'Connell's problem from what I can see is that he's almost 6'9" and you can't be anywhere near that tall as an OG.  He's (apparently) not an OT so he was basically a man without a position in the NFL.

 

Definitely, Dillard is a much better prospect, but their college pass blocking grades were both super high. My point is that that PFF number on Dillard means very little if anything. It's a system produced number.