Dont Stop Billeiving Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 First off, I think we can all agree that we need a better #2 RB in 2020 to complement Devin Singletary. With all respect to the legend that is Frank Gore, he wore down as the season went on and the coaching staff never seemed to trust Yeldon. Christian Wade remains the wildest of wildcards, but it's very unlikely he could fill this role next year or at least it would be foolish to make that assumption. However, there are several directions in which the team could go to fill this #2 RB spot. I've seen some posters asking McBeane to go big in free agency and sign Derrick Henry who is undoubtedly an excellent player. However, it's been my belief (and I think the past decade or so in the NFL has proven this) that it's unwise to invest huge contracts or high draft picks at the RB position. As I've researched the 2020 draft, I've been targeting names like Zack Moss, LaMichel Perine, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (probably in that order) as perfect fits for the Bills falling somewhere in the 3rd-4th Rounds. But could there be a potential compromise between these two scenarios (top free agent vs draft)? Is it at least possible for the Bills find a way to get a player like Derrick Henry without sacrificing a huge level or resources? To my knowledge, there is one similarly-sized RB with the stats to match who could be the perfect Thunder to Singletary's slightly slow Lightening for the cost of a 4th-6th Round draft pick. The draft is basically a lottery, but it seems like AJ Dillon could have a chance to make a Henry-like impact at the next level. Dillon is 3 inches shorter than Henry, but outweighs him by 11 POUNDS. Think about that and then watch the highlights below...it's exactly what you'd expect. Nobody wants to tackle this guy. He's not going to be a 4.4 burner, but he has enough speed and enough shiftiness to make guys miss or run over them if they don't. Boston College was not an offensive juggernaut by any means during his time there and defenses were putting 8 guys in the box/keying in on stopping Dillon every week. Despite this, he put up 4,618 rushing/receiving yards and 40 TDs in 3 seasons. From day one, his physicality, pass blocking, and efficiency in short-yardage situations could help this team. All from a player who is 5 years younger than Derrick Henry and will take up about 1/25th of the cap space. It's not guaranteed he'll be a star or become a Derrick Henry, but I think this guy gives us a chance to zag (have a huge RB) when the rest of the league is zigging (defenses getting smaller and more spread out). I want to see the Bills pass more in general, but Dillon would give us the #2 back we desperately need and it would be well worth a 5th rounder to find out. Go Bills! 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorquemada Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 yeah so I don't know anything about this guy other than the highlight reel you posted, but one thing that jumps out at me and I absolutely love is that he does the minimum move possible to ruin the balance of the defender, then runs right through them, no cute stuff, no dancing, no losing yards a la shady. That's almost a martial arts type of skillset, and at 240lbs could be a real wrecking ball. I'd absolutely go after him. Heck, he could replace Gore and Dimarco 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noacls Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Love the idea. He ran a 4.56 40 coming out of high school at a Nike. That's a full .1 second faster than Motor. Very impressive 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJBobby Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 No but at end of day doesn't matter, NEVER PAY BIG money to a RB you will not get value Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 He was a great player on team with a terrible passing game. I do worry about college guys who get a lot of carries though. But he certainly would be interesting in the mid rounds. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wppete Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 What round is he projected to go in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJBobby Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Just now, wppete said: What round is he projected to go in? I have him graded as a 5th or 6th rounder 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Maybe, but I’d really like a speed back. My current favorite is Javon Leake 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wppete Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 3 minutes ago, MAJBobby said: I have him graded as a 5th or 6th rounder If we can get him for a 6th then 100% yes draft him even if we get a Zach Moss in the 3rd. Having a stable of Young and Cheap RBs is the way to go. Would love to see a RB room with: RB1 - Devin Singletary RB2 - Zach Moss (Utah) RB3 - AJ Dillon (Boston College) 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuvian Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 impressive clips and yes this makes more financial sense than a high priced high mileage veteran 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloHokie13 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Maybe with one of our 6th's 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctk232 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 (edited) Depends on quite a bit, including how our first couple rounds go, but I like Dillon as a late round option if Moss doesn't last until the 3/4/5 round picks. Had to look at more of his game footage since his highlight reel above didn't have a tremendous amount of between tackle running, since that would primarily be the role he'd be asked to fill in this offense as far as we've seen with Gore. Boundary running isn't a bad thing, since he performed well against ACC in both regards, but he will find most of his calls at the next level b/t the Tackles. Some criticism he's garnered so far is similar to the current/pre-draft criticisms of Henry - that he "takes a second to get the momentum going," and is susceptible to going down if hit early and defenses rally. It's what made Henry disappear for a chunk of his season two years ago, and until the Titans started putting together better PA schemes with Tannehill and a healthier OL, it was also an issue for them this past year. Where Dillon would immediately succeed is against secondary tackling and offset LBs, but he needs momentum moving before he can power through any tackler. It'll be interesting to see how this translates to the next level, especially in a tandem role. My own counter of this criticism is that Henry's center of mass is also higher than Dillon's, it would appear, which bodes better for power running and shedding tackles from front 7 defenders - Dillon's mass concentrates in mid/lower body which is ideal for any power runner and an absolute b**** to tackle. Add that with him being utilized in a tandem role with Singletary, and you remove the one dimensional running scheme that Henry plays in as RB1 that defenses can acclimatize to over the course of a game. 16 minutes ago, wppete said: What round is he projected to go in? He's been widely projected in the 5th/6th which is where I'd love to get him at value if possible - I've seen him as high as 4th with obvious caveat being his stock could rise b/t now and the draft. Though I don't anticipate going higher than three at most with the power RBs currently in his class with Taylor/Moss/Perine and other class favorites in Akers/Dobbins. Edited February 14, 2020 by ctk232 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 13 minutes ago, thebandit27 said: Maybe, but I’d really like a speed back. My current favorite is Javon Leake I’m more in favor of a speed back as well. I know that I sound like a broken record but we need more chunk plays. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 walterfootball: A.J. Dillon, RB/FB, Boston College Height: 6-0. Weight: 245. Projected 40 Time: 4.59. Projected Round (2020): 3-5.2/1/20: Dillon averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2019 for 1,685 yards with 14 touchdowns. He also made 13 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. Dillon is a potential rotational power back for the NFL. sounds good in those rounds 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: I’m more in favor of a speed back as well. I know that I sound like a broken record but we need more chunk plays. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Junction Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 My big question is this... Can he catch? I watched BC twice this year and can’t recall Dillon catching a pass. Gore being used solely for runs between the tackles was likely a big tell for defenses. This team has to move on from that. It’s one reason why I see Perine and Moss as more likely to be targeted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 24 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: I’m more in favor of a speed back as well. I know that I sound like a broken record but we need more chunk plays. I agree, that's why been calling for Salvon Ahmed for months. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills Fan in Beantown Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 I had the opportunity to watch Dillon throughout his college career and I'm a huge fan of his so take my comments with a grain of salt. His biggest problem was playing for one of the dumbest head coaches in college football that mismanaged his carries to an enormous detriment of his career. He was asked to repeatedly run his head into a brick wall when everyone in the stadium new exactly what the play call would be. Unfortunately he dealt with injuries two years ago (but still produced) and last year had a diminished offensive line. BC lost their starting quarterback to knee injury at the beginning of last season and the passing game never developed. To say that he didn't catch passes in college was not necessarily AJ's fault. The guy is a beast. I think he'd be a great late round pickup, but like I said, I'm biased. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProcessYaDigg Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 I'm sold. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 43 minutes ago, thebandit27 said: There’s your Karlos Williams 2.0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloHokie13 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 2 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said: There’s your Karlos Williams 2.0. Do you know that he eats every time his pregnant girlfriend does out of guilt? Or are you just assuming? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 6 minutes ago, BuffaloHokie13 said: Do you know that he eats every time his pregnant girlfriend does out of guilt? Or are you just assuming? I just assume that about everyone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 I saw him and the RB from UCLA listed as good fits for the Bills with Motor as people who can bang it inside. I'd take him. He's likely a 4th round or later pick due to the bevy of RB's in the draft. And I'm not worried about his catching right now. We have Motor and Yeldon for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCBillsBeliever Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 I've run countless mock drafts on The Draft Network and Fanspeak, and Dillon is always falling into the 5th or 6th round. That's very good value for what he would bring, and he fits one of the few glaring holes I see on this team. Calling it, now: I am all in on getting Dillon with a 5th or 6th. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st&ten Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Very powerful back & strong runner---some team is going to take him early---3rd or 4th round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJB Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 It's a copy cat league. I could see him going late 3rd early 4th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 I like him late Not super explosive so idk if he can ever be a gamechanger... But I see a little Brandon Jacobs who had some good seasons 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dont Stop Billeiving Posted February 14, 2020 Author Share Posted February 14, 2020 2 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said: I like him late Not super explosive so idk if he can ever be a gamechanger... But I see a little Brandon Jacobs who had some good seasons Very good pro comp! I’d sign up for getting the new Jacobs for a 5th rounder! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 1 minute ago, Dont Stop Billeiving said: Very good pro comp! I’d sign up for getting the new Jacobs for a 5th rounder! Totally 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphadawg7 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 (edited) With his kind of production in a bad situation, and his impressive tape and potential value, why is he a 5th or 6th rounder? This is a guy that looks like he should go much earlier than that like 3rd or 4th. Edited February 14, 2020 by Alphadawg7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 6 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said: With his kind of production in a bad situation, and his impressive tape and potential value, why is he a 5th or 6th rounder? This is a guy that looks like he should go much earlier than that like 3rd or 4th. The game has changed Alpha Teams look for 3 down backs early... Ones that can catch balls out of the backfield and be a mismatch in multiple formations Lots of really talented runners fall to the 4-5-6 round because they aren't very versatile and teams see them as 2 down runners This is a league that drafted Bishop Sankey in round 2 because he can catch lol I prefer a RB that can ..... Run 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Don’t stop believing, this is exactly the guy I want. Anything beyond the 3rd is fine with me. I’m hopeful our first three picks go to a WR in the 1st, Edge Rusher in the 2nd, and another WR in the 3rd. I know we other interests, but something like this with a battering ram like him is a huge improvement we should see on the field next year. I’ve beaten the drum probably too often but at least one TE, not Olsen in FA. I don’t if everyone read the article this morning on the argument to tag J. Phillips. It made me think about it. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 He’s not Derrick Henry. Henry has speed. Whomever we add, I hope they can hit home runs. Singletary is great between the tackles. We need someone that can hit the corner and be out the door. I don’t think that Aj Dillon is that guy. Gotta have some juice 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjnick Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 We should be drafting a new RB almost every single year to replenish the herd. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formerly Allan in MD Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Those who want him late, he won't be around after the third of fourth. Great balance and good instincts. The clips show some pretty big holes for him. What happens if he doesn't have them? Can he be a Williams 2.0 back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojo44 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 2 hours ago, Buffalo716 said: I like him late Not super explosive so idk if he can ever be a gamechanger... But I see a little Brandon Jacobs who had some good seasons Oh he’s explosive all right! I watched him play quite a bit and there’s no doubt that he is explosive. What he is not is a gamebreaker. He won’t make long touchdown runs. He’s also very athletic. I’m curious to see how he does at the combine. Given how he does there, I’d be just fine getting him in the fourth round but preferably later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 7 minutes ago, Mojo44 said: Oh he’s explosive all right! I watched him play quite a bit and there’s no doubt that he is explosive. What he is not is a gamebreaker. He won’t make long touchdown runs. He’s also very athletic. I’m curious to see how he does at the combine. Given how he does there, I’d be just fine getting him in the fourth round but preferably later. That's why he isn't super explosive lol He is a good athlete and has a nice Burst but not Henry explosiveness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noacls Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 1 hour ago, NewEra said: He’s not Derrick Henry. Henry has speed. Whomever we add, I hope they can hit home runs. Singletary is great between the tackles. We need someone that can hit the corner and be out the door. I don’t think that Aj Dillon is that guy. Gotta have some juice Henry 4.54 40 Dillon 4.56 40 coming out of high school 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 1 minute ago, noacls said: Henry 4.54 40 Dillon 4.56 40 coming out of high school Don’t matter. I have eyes. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 (edited) On 2/14/2020 at 12:01 PM, noacls said: Love the idea. He ran a 4.56 40 coming out of high school at a Nike. That's a full .1 second faster than Motor. Very impressive He looked faster than expected for 240#. Nice highlights, but my absolute favorite was the first play where he just tosses the tackler. THAT is worse than getting dunked on! On 2/14/2020 at 3:58 PM, NewEra said: He’s not Derrick Henry. Henry has speed. Whomever we add, I hope they can hit home runs. Singletary is great between the tackles. We need someone that can hit the corner and be out the door. I don’t think that Aj Dillon is that guy. Gotta have some juice I want productive players, but what I REALLY want is players that put FEAR into the opposing defense. . Edited February 15, 2020 by Augie 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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