RB is a really GLARING need, right?

[Sherlock Holmes]

55 minutes ago, Richard Noggin said:

I don't know the last time I began a thread. I didn't see one dedicated to this topic. (But I'm wrong ALL the time.)

 

Christian McCaffrey is a screaming,  pulsing, must-have need for the 2020 Bills. Right? I mean, behind Singletary we have Yeldon, who I don't hate as 3rd down-ish receiving back, and what? A rugby guy who I'd love to see take giant moon-leaps towards NFL relevance, but isn't exactly a reliable commodity, and a special teamer who is valuable, but not on offense. 

 

So we 100% need Christian McCaffrey to spell Singletary and potentially fill-in in the unfortunate and often likely case of injury. Or maybe I'm dim. 

 

It's nice to have so few glaring weaknesses, but this is one. In my humble estimation. 

 

Right?

Fixed it for you! Yes, you are soooo correct

[BuffaloRebound]

I think it’s pretty safe to assume we’ll draft a RB in 2nd or 3rd round or sign a vet like Hyde or Miller if that falls through.  

[BigBuff423]

Here’s what I know: while I (like every other breathing Bills fan) agree RB is a must somewhere over the next 4 weeks, I LOVE the fact that Beane has done such a good job that there are very good options all over the place. 
 

I remember so many times in years past that the Bills were painted into a corner in FA or the Draft or both, and they just swung at anything that came their way and it showed. Again I say it, this....is so damn refreshing. 

[Mat68]

2 minutes ago, FeelingOnYouboty said:

We’re definitely drafting a RB on Day 2. It’s a huge need and I can’t wait to see who they look at. 
 

Jonathan Taylor is the dream but doubt he lasts until 54. Cam Akers would be fun.

I could see no Rbs going rd 1.  Then look at who needs a back?  Come pick 54 Buffalo could have their pick of the group or at least top group

 

[purple haze]

50 minutes ago, Richard Noggin said:

Totally agree that this need does not necessitate a huge investment of money or draft capital to fill.

 

But, that doesn't lessen the importance of filling it, right? 

 

Really hammering this point, sorry. 

 

CB and depth LB (although I like Corey Thompson) seem like the only other obvious holes to fill...

Vosean Joseph is back too at LB.

[Manther]

4 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

Not to be all semantic, or anything... but I mean, we're talking about a backup position here. A need? Sure. Even, I would argue, our biggest need. But, GLARING? 

Many teams lose their starting RB during the season for various amounts of time.  The Bills like to share carries with two backs.  I would consider our "back up" RB to be a starter.  I am confident Beane will fill RB2 and well.  But, it is important and essential.  Especially with Josh Allen being in year 3 and needing weapons, but, surely don't need to handicap him at the position.  And, the Bills have an awesome team this year and can make a good run into the playoffs  So, why risk a great opportunity when you are one injury away from potentially Yeldon starting.

 

Beane's got this!

[Mojo44]

The need is not glaring but it is a need. Also, the need is not for a back up. The need is for a co-running back. I have to admit, I am in AJ Dillon fan. But I also trust the GM to deal with this position adequately.Also, I really think Yeldon was pretty bad last year. I would be fine if he was not on the team in 2020.

[without a drought]

The Bills will not take a rb with their 2nd round pick unless they consider Singletary a backup.

 

Edge, CB or OT are all more likely choices at 54. 

[Motor26]

I wouldn’t call it a glaring need. Good running backs can be found later in the draft or they could bring in a free agent. They are pretty old on the edge. Would like some youth in that spot. 

[Mojo44]

3 minutes ago, without a drought said:

The Bills will not take a rb with their 2nd round pick unless they consider Singletary a backup.

 

Edge, CB or OT are all more likely choices at 54. 

If they did take a running back in the second round it would not mean that Singletery becomes a back up.It would mean that they have a two-pronged running attack.

[TigerJ]

It is definitely a need.  It might be the easiest need to fill in all of football, however.  Running backs come out of nowhere all the time and end up starring in the NFL.  Phillip Lindsay made the pro bowl for Denver as an undrafted free agent.  Aaron Jones for the Packers was a fifth round pick.  Damien Williams has carved out a nice career, first with Miami and now with KC, starting out as an undrafted free agent.  I expect Buffalo will draft a running back somewhere in rounds 2-4, but they also could sign a veteran free agent at a value price, and probably find a UDFA who can play too, if they want.  Running backs are just not that hard to find.

[Rock'em Sock'em]

Last year, the 49ers had a good formula. Get three good backs because you may need them all throughout the season.

* Coleman

* Breida

* Mostert

 

To my eye, Singletary compares to Mostert. I think we'll draft a guy. It's possible Christian Wade learns how to take a handoff and steps in.  It's possible Yeldon sticks.  It's possible we sign a FA. I can't wait to see what unfolds.

[Richard Noggin]

24 minutes ago, Buffalo Timmy said:

I do not think it is a "glaring" need. We have a solid 1 and I would like better behind him but if it is Yeldon and some rookie I am fine. I would prefer a better LB or DE for the rotation.

A few others are making the argument that RB is never a "glaring" need, and I've often said something like that myself.

 

But what I typically mean is that you shouldn't feel compelled to spend excessive capital to address the need. A solid offense DOES need effective RB play, though.

 

So how do the Bills ensure they get solid production from the position over the course of an entire NFL campaign? (Draft Day 2 is the most popular option so far.)

[billsfan_34]

1 hour ago, Richard Noggin said:

I don't know the last time I began a thread. I didn't see one dedicated to this topic. (But I'm wrong ALL the time.)

 

Running back is a screaming,  pulsing, must-have need for the 2020 Bills. Right? I mean, behind Singletary we have Yeldon, who I don't hate as 3rd down-ish receiving back, and what? A rugby guy who I'd love to see take giant moon-leaps towards NFL relevance, but isn't exactly a reliable commodity, and a special teamer who is valuable, but not on offense. 

 

So we 100% need a valid, starter-level RB to spell Singletary and potentially fill-in in the unfortunate and often likely case of injury. Or maybe I'm dim. 

 

It's nice to have so few glaring weaknesses, but this is one. In my humble estimation. 

 

Right?

RB is a need for sure. Singletary is a great number 2 and he is shifty and elusive, but can’t hit the home run. Yeldon is a 3 all day- great on passing down and can get some chunks on the ground here and there however he runs too high and doesn’t get his pads down. We can’t place bets on the Rugby guy and must draft a RB rd  2-3. It is a deep RB crop this year. 

[Paul Costa]

I feel where the team is today the Bills should wait and see who we get if anyone in the draft. And then go from there. Dobbins through Dillion would be great to me. If it doesn’t happen and we go with Singletary, Hyde, & Yeldon ok I’m in. 

[NoSaint]

20 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

Not to be all semantic, or anything... but I mean, we're talking about a backup position here. A need? Sure. Even, I would argue, our biggest need. But, GLARING? 

to be fair it’s a backup like WR3 or your 5th guy on the DL. 
 

he will get a lot of important snaps, whoever it is.

 

because we have luxury money I wouldn’t mind being a little silly with offering a late pick for a solid overpriced vet somewhere even. Or a vet free agent AND a day 2 pick. 

[without a drought]

8 minutes ago, Mojo44 said:

If they did take a running back in the second round it would not mean that Singletery becomes a back up.It would mean that they have a two-pronged running attack.

I'm just saying they are not using that much draft capital on a rb when they have their starter. They are not looking to replace him as the starter with the pick,  they aren't looking for his backup with the pick or looking for a 1A or 1B with the pick.

 

A cost controlled CB or Edge probably makes the most sense. Tre is going to get paid, having a guy opposite him on a rookie deal will be a good idea when Josh gets paid.

[The Patriots always cheat]

I would like to see the Bills get a big bruising back that is very hard to bring down and when we have lead in the second half he can help wear out the opposing teams defense so the Bills can open up the offense against a tired defense and not letting the opposing teams hang around late in games as the Bills did multiple times this past season. Does anyone know of a running back that could fill that role in the draft or free agency?

[Inigo Montoya]

1 hour ago, Rocky Landing said:

Not to be all semantic, or anything... but I mean, we're talking about a backup position here. A need? Sure. Even, I would argue, our biggest need. But, GLARING? 

 

The era of the Bell Cow RB is over.  The punishment on their bodies is just too great for someone to soak up that many touches.  Even a beast like Derrick Henry was breaking down at the end of the season and missed some time and his availability in the playoffs was in question.  RB is a two player position today.  A good team should have a 1a and a 1b at that position.  We definitely have the 1a in Singletary.  Lets get the 1b in the draft.

 

Edited March 27, 2020 by Inigo Montoya

[hondo in seattle]

27 minutes ago, Inigo Montoya said:

 

The era of the Bell Cow RB is over.  The punishment on their bodies is just too great for someone to soak up that many touches.  Even a beast like Derrick Henry was breaking down at the end of the season and missed some time and his availability in the playoffs was in question.  RB is a two player position today.  A good team should have a 1a and a 1b at that position.  We definitely have the 1a in Singletary.  Lets get the 1b in the draft.

 

 

Agreed.  Singletary is not a Bell Cow RB and that era is over anyway.   And if Singletary is 1a, Yeldon is not 1b.

 

I don't agree with the posters who seem to think RBs are a dime-a-dozen.  There's just as big a difference between JAGs and Superstars at the RB position as any other position.  I'd like the Bills 1b to be someone who's good-to-great, not just a JAG like Yeldon.  

 

Ideally, the 1a and 1b possess different skillsets.  So I'd love to see us draft a strong between-the-tackles bruiser.  

[Wizard]

3 hours ago, BillsRdue said:

Wish list:

FA (Sign one)

Carlos Hyde, Devonta Freeman or Chris Thompson

plus
Draft one
Dobbins, Helaire-Edwards, Moss,  Dillon or maybe there's a sleeper the Bills are targeting.

Yep!?

[Thurman#1]

2 hours ago, TPS said:

They have him.  His name is Allen.

 

 

Yeah, their third and one guys are Allen and Singletary, who was terrific at converting third downs.

 

Thing is, there's no rush. There are 6 or 7 FAs who are legitimately solid RBs sitting and watching their prices go down, and this year is a terrific year for RB depth. There are like 15 guys who look like they can play in the NFL right away.in this draft. It's a terrific year to be looking for a relief back. A guy like Dillon from BC weighs 247 and runs a 4.53 at the combine and was outrageously productive and this year 's RB class is so good he'll probably be available in the 4th. Lamical Perine would be great in the 3rd or 4th, or Joshua Kelley somewhere around the 4th now that he ran a 4.49 at the combine. Looks like 2020 will be looked back at as a great year for RBs, a year where even more than usual you could get starter-quality guys in the mid-rounds.

[LSHMEAB]

3 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:

I actually have no problem with Yeldon as a #2 if they actually dress him and let him play. He’s not amazing or anything, but he’s a solid #2 who could excel in the passing game. 

But it does seem likely that a Devonta Freeman type winds up here once people can take physicals. 

While RB is a glaring need, I'd prefer to go this route as opposed to NEEDING to draft a RB.

 

The Bills must get better at the position, but the value is generally not great in the first 3 rounds. 

 

If there's a stud there in the 2nd, OK. If he's far and away the BPA, great. I wouldn't want to go into the draft with our current RB situation.

3 hours ago, Giuseppe Tognarelli said:

We need a 3rd & 1 guy. Desperately. That's about it.

We also need the offensive line to create some holes in these situations.

[LSHMEAB]

2 hours ago, Mojo44 said:

If they did take a running back in the second round it would not mean that Singletery becomes a back up.It would mean that they have a two-pronged running attack.

That's actually a lot of capital to invest in the position two years running.

[BananaB]

RB is not a need, there is still some quality names out there. Singletary is our lead back, kid is a baller. See how the draft goes but I can’t see us taking a RB before rd 4. 

[Rocky Landing]

4 hours ago, NoSaint said:

to be fair it’s a backup like WR3 or your 5th guy on the DL. 
 

he will get a lot of important snaps, whoever it is.

 

because we have luxury money I wouldn’t mind being a little silly with offering a late pick for a solid overpriced vet somewhere even. Or a vet free agent AND a day 2 pick. 

Pretty weird discussion to be having: which backup position is the most GLARING need? It seems to me that #2 RB is the only position to not really be addressed in FA. The irrational fan in me would love to see a scenario where Christian Wade comes off the PS, and blows everyone away. (It is possible) But, beyond that, I have very little faith in Yeldon, and less in Taiwan Jones, as anything other than ST.

[maryland-bills-fan]

6 hours ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said:

Couldn't have said it better.  Good RB's are available in free agency and will be available into day three of the draft.

You get what you pay for.

[maryland-bills-fan]

Cannibalizing some earlier posts, here is our trade up options to get a RB

Quote

 

DRAFT PICK            # PICKED      POINTS          CASE1            CASE 2           CASE 3           CASE 4       CASE5        

ROUND 2                  54                    360                  YES                YES                YES                YES               YES

ROUND 3                  86                    160                  YES                YES                x                      YES               x

ROUND 4                  118                  58                    x                      YES                YES                x                     x

ROUND 5                  150                  31                    x                      x                      YES                x                    x

#2 2021                   #54?                180                  x                      x                      x                      YES               x

======================================================================================

We get:                                                                       #38                  #33                  #45                  #31          #54

Move up=                                                                    16                    21                    9                      23                 0

 I expect to see one of these trades happen, probably for a running back to spell Singletary.

 

 

Edited March 27, 2020 by maryland-bills-fan

[nucci]

I've heard they are a dime a dozen and you can get a really good one in 5th or 6th round....or so I've read

[maryland-bills-fan]

Canniablizing an earlier post, here is some info and opinion about the RB options.   My opinion is that we can get a starting RB, who would make Singletary the backup. We would play both of them every game- maybe a 60%: 40% type split. Remember Singeltary is on the small side and was dinged up for 4 games last year. Don't expect that to get better.

 

Quote

 

In my view,  there is no need to compromise in getting another, potentially even better, game breaking RB to work in rotation or with Singletary. There are (my opinion) 4 guys who would fit the bill and would probably be available. Shown below are the the top RB’s and where several mock drafts have them being picked.

Swift                    Georgia                   37   18   39   45

Dobbins               Ohio Stat                 39    28   37   32  

Taylor                  Wisconsin               56   37    57    50

Edwards-Helain   LSU                        63   63    62    55

Moss                    Utah                       91   86            139

Aikens                 Flordia                   100  45  

 

 

The first three guys are clearly the class of the position, but Edward-Helain is close behind.  Moss and Aikens are good players, but a bit slower and are more power runners.  I expect Swift and Dobbins to be drafted too high to have a chance at them.  Taylor might drop to us or be available as a trade up at a reasonable price.  Moss & Aikens might still be around with our 3^rd round pick, but the expectation is that they could be adequate backups.  Edward-Helain would be my target because he is the best pass catcher of the entire group and would give Allen another option on passing plays. Remember TT running wheel routes?

 

Having said all that in another thread,  the discussion changed my mind to seeing Akers (not Aikens) as the guys who should be our target.  He is as big and fast as any of them has good vision and catches the ball well.  He played behind a average to poor offensive line and still dominated.  Beane likes to find guys who are underrated. .... Taylor should be the first guy off the board and  I'm not sure we could even trade up high enough to get him without using some high picks from 2021.

Edited March 27, 2020 by maryland-bills-fan

[Mountain Man]

It's an easy issue to solve so little to worry. You're going to have decent options until round 5 at least. No need to go chasing the garbage on the FA market. If someone like Freeman will take a really cheap deal then fine, but why bother with the likes of Hyde when you can draft better for cheaper 

[BillsFan17]

I'd say it's a need in the sense, we were able to address most of the other areas, so RB2 has all of a sudden been the only one standing when the music stopped.

 

That being said, I do think having a compliment to Singletary. While I do see the sentiment of getting a similiar style back to Singletary, in order not to tip your hand to the defense when one back is in oppose to the other. I fore one, would love a SPEED, take it to the house on any carry type back. If one of the big three Dobbins, Taylor, Swift are gone, give me McFarland later! 

[Halloween Land]

Let's sign our guy McCoy! 

[Gugny]

9 hours ago, Richard Noggin said:

I mean, behind Singletary we have Yeldon, who I don't hate as 3rd down-ish receiving back, and what?

 

Unfortunately, Daboll and McDermott DID hate this idea for some reason we'll never know.

 

I think Singletary is fantastic.  But if he can't (or Daboll won't let him) carry the ball more than 15-20 times/game, then he was a horrible pick in the 3rd round.

 

Furthermore, if Beane drafts a RB in the first 3 rounds two years in a row???  Frankly, he should be fired.

[nucci]

I still think they sign D. Freeman to a team friendly, kick the tires , prove it 1 year deal

[dollars 2 donuts]

21 hours ago, Rock'em Sock'em said:

Last year, the 49ers had a good formula. Get three good backs because you may need them all throughout the season.

* Coleman

* Breida

* Mostert

 

To my eye, Singletary compares to Mostert. I think we'll draft a guy. It's possible Christian Wade learns how to take a handoff and steps in.  It's possible Yeldon sticks.  It's possible we sign a FA. I can't wait to see what unfolds.

 

The funny thing, RS, that you’ve seen from other people when talking about Wade that they leave off in the criticism and something to keep in mind...is that the man was a successful professional athlete.

 

i am a believer that he will make a giant leap this year.  We should still draft somebody, but I still think we have something here. 

Edited March 28, 2020 by dollars 2 donuts

[whorlnut]

8 hours ago, Motor26 said:

I wouldn’t call it a glaring need. Good running backs can be found later in the draft or they could bring in a free agent. They are pretty old on the edge. Would like some youth in that spot. 

They are old, but they are talented and deep. Don’t discount Daryl Johnson. He was a contributor on the team last year when most teams stash 7th rounders on the practice squad or cut them. 

 

I don’t think you can say the same about RB. We are a Devin Singletary injury away from Yeldon being our starting RB. Yikes. A previous poster nailed it IMO...Daboll prefers to share the workload and not have a true number 1 RB. Last year, when Singletary should have gotten more carries, Gore would come into the game and we became predictable and we weren’t scary at all. I could see Beane giving Daboll another similar RB with elite skill for the offense to take advantage of. Imagine an offense where you have Singletary and another elite RB confusing the defense and wearing them out. 

[1ManRaid]

I really don't understand CB and RB still being "glaring" needs at this point.  We already signed Gaines and Norman, and Yeldon can be our RB2.  We're talking about depth or "complimentary pieces" at this point.

 

BPA from our draft board all the way.

[Victory Formation]

I’ve been saying it for over a month now. Singletary is legit, like top 5 RB in the NFL legit but I prefer a RBBC approach. It’ll keep Singletary fresh, lengthen his career and constantly keep defenses off guard. Every time Singletary stepped out for a breather our running game suffered massively. Gore and Yeldon were just not good enough to keep the chains moving. There’s at least half a dozen RBs RDS 2-4 that I think could come in right away and help us, Taylor, Dobbins, CEH, Moss, Dillon, Benjamin etc, and I’m sure I’m missing a couple but the point remains, adding another bell cow RB makes our offense dangerous. We’re deep everywhere but RB and it’s a position that is in obvious need of an upgrade. I’d prefer we go to the draft for RB and not FA. Find a young stud that can help spearhead a doubleheaded monster with Singletary. I’d prefer we address it RD2 especially if Dobbins or Taylor slip, maybe even trade up a little bit get one but WR is also still a need, we could go there as well, I guess it depends on how the board plays out. We need RB, WR, DE so I’m hoping we address these areas in RDS 2, 3 & 4. Other than that I think our roster is pretty jacked, like should compete for a Super Bowl Championship level jacked. Brandon Beane is a genius and quite frankly one of the best GMs in football, if not in all of sports. The man is a wizard.

[loveorhatembillsfan4life]

1 minute ago, 1ManRaid said:

I really don't understand CB and RB still being "glaring" needs at this point.  We already signed Gaines and Norman, and Yeldon can be our RB2.  We're talking about depth or "complimentary pieces" at this point.

 

BPA from our draft board all the way.

I agree with you. I think we are set at cb. I do worry 

some about the rb position, I’m not as sold on yeldon. I think we draft one for sure and we could go that route second round. What veterans are still out there?