RB is a really GLARING need, right?

[1ManRaid]

4 minutes ago, loveorhatembillsfan4life said:

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?

To the people worried about load on DS or Yeldon having to play, I remind them that passing the ball is an option too.  I'm not sure if everyone has heard, but we picked up some kid called Stefon Diggs who might be halfway decent at taking some touches.

 

Brown/Beasley/Knox/etc exist as well, and there's always sweeps and whatnot and the occasional run from Allen.  We'll be fine, BPA.

[mjt328]

Where the roster stands today... yes, it is a big need.  Maybe I wouldn't classify it as a "huge" or "glaring" need, since we do have a legitimate starter in Devin Singletary.  But in today's NFL, you really need to be sitting at least two-deep with that position.

 

The good news is, Running Back is the easiest position in the league to fill.

This year's draft doesn't have anyone elite.  But it's pretty solid on Day 2.  Even without a 1st Round Pick, it's very likely that one of the top 2-3 prospects falls to us at #54.  And if we decide to go in a different direction in the 2nd Round, there will still be very good options available in Round 3.  

 

You want a veteran to compete with TJ Yeldon for the third spot?  There are still some decent vets on the market like Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller, who are under 30 and have rushed for 1000 yard seasons in this league.

 

[whorlnut]

6 minutes ago, 1ManRaid said:

To the people worried about load on DS or Yeldon having to play, I remind them that passing the ball is an option too.  I'm not sure if everyone has heard, but we picked up some kid called Stefon Diggs who might be halfway decent at taking some touches.

 

Brown/Beasley/Knox/etc exist as well, and there's always sweeps and whatnot and the occasional run from Allen.  We'll be fine, BPA.

You say that, but if all we have is Singletary, then the defenses are not going to be scared when Yeldon gets touches. We need a complimentary RB that can carve up defenses when Singletary needs a break. This will open up the passing game. 
 

Last year, when Gore came into the game, defenses knew what was coming. Another RB like Singletary would eliminate that predictability. 

[Pete]

RB1b # 1 need

QB 2 # 2 need

edge- #3 need

wr4- # 4 need

cb 4/5 # 5 need

 

RB is the only glaring need I see.  Other than that, I think we really need to improve back up qb position.  If Josh gets injured, I want to reload, not rebuild.  We should improve on WR 4- especially with this WR receiver class.  Beane has done such an impressive job building depth.   When he arrived, we had a hard time putting together 53 nfl players.  Now we might be deepest team in league.  Some solid NFL players will be cut.  Every team in league will pay specisl attention to Bills cuts 

Edited March 27, 2020 by Pete

[aristocrat]

I think rb is a big need to take advantage of situations like the titans did against pats.  just ran it down their throat the entire game and grinded them out.  run the ball, run the clock keep mahomes off the field as well.  play great defense. 

[Victory Formation]

2 minutes ago, whorlnut said:

You say that, but if all we have is Singletary, then the defenses are not going to be scared when Yeldon gets touches. We need a complimentary RB that can carve up defenses when Singletary needs a break. This will open up the passing game. 
 

Last year, when Gore came into the game, defenses knew what was coming. Another RB like Singletary would eliminate that predictability. 

Yes. I agree. Stefon Diggs is a hell of a weapon and it wouldn’t shock me if he gets 85-100 catches but outside of Singletary we’re completely screwed at RB. And like you said, every time Singletary needed some air our running attack was downright atrocious and abysmal. RB#2 is the difference between 8-9 wins or 10-12, it’s that important. God forbid Singletary gets hurt and our offense becomes one dimensional. I think Allen is good but I don’t think he can will us to a Championship on his arm alone, he needs a great defense and running attack to help get him there. He’s only 23 years old and needs a strong supporting cast around him to get him over the hump. Maybe in year 4 or 5 Allen turns into an elite QB ala Rodgers, Mahomes or Brady but for now I just don’t think he’s there yet. Pound the ball and take some pressure off of Allen.

[SoTier]

If the Bills are serious about being a perennial playoff team and a realistic Super Bowl contender, then they need to upgrade their RB corps.  Singletary is a nice RB but he's not a Gurley or Gordon or Lynch in their primes.  He needs another starting caliber RB to share carries.  The other RB can be a change up type back or a complementary back but the Bills definitely need the RB1a and RB1b tandem plus they need to upgrade their backup RBs.    I would not be opposed to  keep Yeldon as an RB3 with a better veteran ahead of him and a rookie on the 55 man roster.

 

The two big needs the Bills had after last season were a real #1 WR and an RB1b.  They filled the WR1 need with Diggs.  Now they need to add that FA RB as well.  I don't think they can afford to bank on a rookie RB adapting to the NFL and contributing from the season opener, especially this season when it looks like a lot of the conditioning regimens and OTAs are going to be restricted.

[Orlando Tim]

9 hours ago, Richard Noggin said:

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.)

I definitely agree that an effective ground game is needed to succeed in NFL now but I think that is generally due to a good Online vs a good RB. I hope we get a better RB2 but it will not be a priority in my mind. I think a better TE will do as much for the running game as a better RB2.

[gordong]

glaring NO....   we have a GLARING NEED for an EDGE rusher way before a #2 RB.    IN MY OPINION a true edge rusher is what is keeping this defense from becoming a dominate unit. Im hoping we are actively try to acquire someone. 

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

3 hours ago, maryland-bills-fan said:

You get what you pay for.

Tell that to the Rams when Gurley hit the wall at over $14M/ yr.  Give me a guy on his rookie deal or an experienced guy on a prove it deal to back up Singletary.  The team can use another RB but drafting one at pick 54 will be a waste.

[BuffaloRebound]

2 minutes ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said:

Tell that to the Rams when Gurley hit the wall at over $14M/ yr.  Give me a guy on his rookie deal or an experienced guy on a prove it deal to back up Singletary.  The team can use another RB but drafting one at pick 54 will be a waste.

I agree with this.  Once RB’s lose that hunger, you replace them with someone hungrier.  However if Dobbins or Taylor last until 54, you take them because they add a home run threat.  

[Mat68]

11 minutes ago, BuffaloRebound said:

I agree with this.  Once RB’s lose that hunger, you replace them with someone hungrier.  However if Dobbins or Taylor last until 54, you take them because they add a home run threat.  

Correct.  Rd 2 you take a play maker.  I would include Swift as well.  If they are gone you draft a chain mover in rd 3 or 4.  I think Buffalo has a legitimate shot at Dobbins, Taylor, or Swift at 54.

[H2o]

We have options. It's not a "GLARING" need really, but I do look for them to address the position at some point. 

[Stank_Nasty]

3 minutes ago, H2o said:

We have options. It's not a "GLARING" need really, but I do look for them to address the position at some point. 

This right here. There isn’t a glaring need on the whole team right now. They’ve afforded themselves the ability to draft BPA/whatever elite talent might slip through the cracks to their pick in round 2. 

[bmur66]

Need some thunder to go with the lightning! I am exited about the possibility that the Bills are going to draft a running mate for Singletary. No washed up but reliable old timer is going to do it. It’s a two back league and this is the year to make it happen. I am sure they have someone picked out and have positioned the team to be able to draft a rb. I know who I like but we will have to wait and see

Edited March 27, 2020 by bmur66

[SoCal Deek]

I’m not sure why this so complicated? The front office has upgraded and fortified WR, OL, DL, LB, and CB during free agency. Seems to me that RB is the single most OBVIOUS position that’s yet to addressed, and the grocery store shelves are empty .They’re drafting a RB. 

[DCOrange]

29 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

I’m not sure why this so complicated? The front office has upgraded and fortified WR, OL, DL, LB, and CB during free agency. Seems to me that RB is the single most OBVIOUS position that’s yet to addressed, and the grocery store shelves are empty .They’re drafting a RB. 

I don't really agree with the bolded at all but I do think it's very likely we draft a RB. There are a lot of options in free agency still though. Anyone from the first two groups in particular would be a worthwhile addition IMO. If we went with someone like Freeman, Miller, or Hyde, we're probably fine with them, Singletary, and Yeldon. I think one of the 3rd down backs = still drafting a RB.

 

But either way, plenty of options out there still and we should definitely be bringing one of them in IMO.

 

"Traditional" RBs:

• Devonta Freeman
• Lamar Miller
• Carlos Hyde
• Isaiah Crowell
• Spencer Ware
• Alfred Blue
• LeSean McCoy (probably the weakest of these options not to mention the complications after having cut him already)

3rd Down Back:

• Chris Thompson
• Theo Riddick
• Bilal Powell
• Ty Montgomery
• Buck Allen
• CJ Prosise
• Devontae Booker
• Corey Clement

Weaker Flyer Types:

• Ameer Abdullah
• Dwayne Washington
• DeAndre Washington
• Jonathan Williams
• Wendell Smallwood

[Dopey]

4 hours ago, maryland-bills-fan said:

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.

 

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.

As an FSU fan, you are way too kind. That offensive line has been horrible the last 3-4 years. They are comparable to the horrible Bills line in 2018. In other words, they suck. If you put Akers behind a competent line, watch out!

[The Patriots always cheat]

The Bills need a running back that can take the ball straight up the opposing defenses throat. To all that posted as to having a rb with a similar skill set because of Gore I noticed this past season Gore started strong and fell off as the season wore on and appeared to me his age could had something to do with it. I also noticed at the early part of the season when Gore was strong Singletary was ripping off some long runs and if I'm not mistaken at the beginning of the season Singletary was averaging 20 yds a carry. I feel a bruising up the throat running back will tire out the defense and followed up with big runs by Singletary due to missed tackles by a tired defense and a one two punch like that opens the passing game and both styles rb to help preserve leads in the fourth quarter by controlling the clock.The reason I commenting on this is that I don't like the Bills letting opposing teams hang around all game like they did quite a bit this past season it gives the other team hope so they play harder and take more chances and one big play by them could cause the Bills to needing to score with little time on the clock to win. I just want whatever it takes to correct it for this upcoming season.

[Dr. Who]

1 hour ago, Mat68 said:

Correct.  Rd 2 you take a play maker.  I would include Swift as well.  If they are gone you draft a chain mover in rd 3 or 4.  I think Buffalo has a legitimate shot at Dobbins, Taylor, or Swift at 54.

Shocked if Swift is available anywhere near 54. I"m an UGA fan, so biased, but he's going to be very good. I like Akers as the best back likely to be available at that spot.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

They're going to sign someone.  Beane has basically always said - i like to use FA to fill gaps, and then have flexibility in the draft.  

[YoloinOhio]

Backup RB is one of the easiest roles to fill, either in late FA or mid to late draft. There is a hole where Gore’s reps were but not sure *all caps*  “glaring” ... or that it equates to taking RB high in the draft. Jmo 

 

they should use the draft to stockpile talent. If BPA *On their board* at 54 or wherever they end up drafting first is an RB, so be it. But if it isn’t, drafting for need especially at that position, especially for a backup, isn’t how I would do it. 

Edited March 27, 2020 by YoloinOhio

[2003Contenders]

I trust McBeane to have a plan. They saw first-hand back in 2018 what happens when your RB depth chart is depleted. Who can forget the game against the Pats when the only healthy player in the backfield was DiMarco -- and he too got banged up late in the game. Josh had to essentially play both QB and RB in the 4th quarter of that game.

 

There were rumors of Beane having been in talks with a couple of the RBs (M. Gordon, etc.) who wound up signing with other teams in free agency. Where there's smoke there is usually fire. I sense that Beane realizes that there is a need for an additional RB -- but he also realizes that there are plenty of options in FA and the draft that prohibit the need to overpay. As others have pointed out, there are still some serviceable guys (Hyde, Freeman, Miller, etc.) still out there in free agency. I expect the Bills to bring one of them in on a modest deal AND use the draft as another means of addressing the need.

 

I honestly believe the draft could go any number of ways. If the RBs somehow fall to the point where a bell cow guy is there in the middle of the 2nd round, I could see Beane make a modest move up to get him with the belief that this would REALLY bolster the position, essentially finding a guy that could potentially be an upgrade over Singletary -- that is, become the 1A to Devin's 1B. Conversely, I could see them pass on a RB in the 2nd (and even 3rd) if they see better value there at other positions -- and address the position in the mid rounds with a "diamond in the rough" (e.g. Aiken) to compete for the 1B role.

[Lurker]

Just now, YoloinOhio said:

Backup RB is one of the easiest roles to fill, either in late FA or mid to late draft. There is a hole where Gore’s reps were but not sure “glaring” ... or that it equates to taking RB high in the draft. Jmo 

 

IMO, you need two starter quality RBs today, especially when our RB1 is undersized like Singletary.   

 

To me, the focus should be on getting an equal or better RB in the draft -- in round 2 or 3 -- and having no drop off when either guy is is on the field.   Getting a veteran RB3 is fine, but I don't understand why we shouldn't maximize our OL advantage by having the best RB room possible...   

   

[Cripple Creek]

12 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. 

 

I think you're over valuing one half of football in 2019.  Yeldon couldn't unseat Gore for the #2 job last year.  Think about that for a minute.

[YoloinOhio]

Just now, Lurker said:

 

IMO, you need two starter quality RBs today, especially when our RB1 is undersized like Singletary.   

 

To me, the focus should be on getting an equal or better RB in the draft -- in round 2 or 3 -- and having no drop off when either guy is is on the field.   Getting a veteran RB3 is fine, but I don't understand why we shouldn't maximize our OL advantage by having the best RB room possible...   

   

Sure, he can be starter quality but I’d rather take one later in the draft. He’s still going to get fewer reps. The line between, say, Dobbins and Lamical Perine for me just isn’t a lot when I look at how he will be used. I don’t need a bigger RB btw. Don’t get that. I would look to get a faster RB to complement Devin. If he’s bigger too that’s fine but not necessary. 

[T master]

There are a lot of people that feel this way and i for one don't get it the Bills run game last year wasn't that bad with Singletary in and if Frank would have stayed as hot as he was at the beginning of the season when Motor was dinged up it would have been even better .

 

http://www.nfl.com/teams/buffalobills/statistics?team=BUF

 

I think with who they have right now on the team who ever they would choose could at least put up the kind of numbers per game that Gore did & if they can't they need to move on from them . Wade showed a lot of promise although it be in the preseason & Yeldon did well in the games he played & after what Tiwan Jones did to us in that play off game I won't count him out of nothin but he is a ST player first .

 

Some of the mocks have the Bills getting the kid from LSU  he is the exact same back as Motor build wise not sure as far as speed & all but i hope they get a bigger back if they do take one but i hope it's in the later rounds .

[DrDawkinstein]

17 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Backup RB is one of the easiest roles to fill, either in late FA or mid to late draft. There is a hole where Gore’s reps were but not sure *all caps*  “glaring” ... or that it equates to taking RB high in the draft. Jmo 

 

they should use the draft to stockpile talent. If BPA *On their board* at 54 or wherever they end up drafting first is an RB, so be it. But if it isn’t, drafting for need especially at that position, especially for a backup, isn’t how I would do it. 

 

Yep. Beane has set himself up to be able to go pure BPA in at least the 2nd and 3rd. After that it's basically a pick'em so he can go for need, if necessary.

 

If BPA ends up RB, fine. If it ends up a DE, great. If it ends up being Kicker, fine.

[Lurker]

9 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Sure, he can be starter quality but I’d rather take one later in the draft. He’s still going to get fewer reps. The line between, say, Dobbins and Lamical Perine for me just isn’t a lot when I look at how he will be used. I don’t need a bigger RB btw. Don’t get that. I would look to get a faster RB to complement Devin. If he’s bigger too that’s fine but not necessary. 

 

I guess we see things differently.  I don't see why RB1 and RB2 can't get equal touches, not one guy being a 'bell cow' and the other being a 'give him a blow' type.

 

Absent having a true bull, like Derrick Henry, I see RB being similar to WR.  You wouldn't want to have just one or two quality WRs (like the Bills had last year)--you want three or more high end WRs like we now have.    Same holds for RB, IMO...  

 

 

Edited March 27, 2020 by Lurker

[Dopey]

We have 1 rb who played any significant downs last year. The fact that the rb position is "easy" to fill does not mean it's not a glaring position of need. 1 guys, 1. Definitely a glaring need.

[YoloinOhio]

3 minutes ago, Lurker said:

 

I guess we see things differently.  I don't see why RB1 and RB2 can't get equal touches, not one guy being a 'bell cow' and the other being a 'give him a blow' type.

 

Absent having a true bull, like Derrick Henry, I see RB being similar to WR.  You wouldn't want to have just one or two quality WRs (like the Bills had last year)--you want three or more high end WRs like we now have.    Same holds for RB, IMO...  

 

 

They can ... but I don’t expect it given what we’ve seen with how they used Singletary. Maybe they  change their approach but I think he’s their feature back and I’m operating from that reality until I see differently. 

Edited March 27, 2020 by YoloinOhio

[maryland-bills-fan]

3 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

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.

why?  You really should have two running backs that are about the same quality. They handle the ball a lot and if one is not very good, then the defense could tee off on the passing game when the other is out.

[wppete]

One of these guys in the 2nd or 3rd round would be perfect.

 

 

 

 

[maryland-bills-fan]

9 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

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

Well when you started out with jack-S you might have to spend a 2nd and a 3rd to wind up with a top 5 or 10 RB group..

[Putin]

13 hours 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?

I wouldn’t say glaring Bob 

[PromoTheRobot]

Isn't Christian Wade a wild card here?

[The Patriots always cheat]

Isn't it something that we are discussing about the second rb. Beane and McDermitt have done a excellent job with building this team. This team is lacking very little and the draft hasn't happened yet. The process is working we must trust that they have a plan in place to address this. 

[DCOrange]

2 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Isn't Christian Wade a wild card here?

I think we're better off counting on him as being a practice squad player and if he happens to become more than that, it's an added bonus. I certainly wouldn't be counting on him to be the 1b to Singletary's 1a or even counting on him to be a backup.

[maryland-bills-fan]

2 hours ago, gordong said:

354glaring NO....   we have a GLARING NEED for an EDGE rusher way before a #2 RB.    IN MY OPINION a true edge rusher is what is keeping this defense from becoming a dominate unit. Im hoping we are actively try to acquire someone. 

we are not going to find him at pick #54, when 9-13 CE's are mocked to be picked before our turn in round 2.  There are 3 first round quality RB and about 3 2nd round quality RB's in this draft. We pick 2/3 the way down round 2.  Getting one of the top 3 with some move up would be great. The guy would be the 1a RB and Singletary would be a solid good 1B.  The next 3 down would also be worth #54.   I think so many Buffalo fans have grown up never ever having a stud running back that they don't know what that is or feels like.  Imagine the other team being scared that on any handoff, out guy could take it to the house, RATHER than  UH ? is he going to get enough yards to make 2nd down  reasonable?

 

4 hours 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.

"Just a guy" guys are easy to get. I agree with that.  We can get somebody who the other team has to scheme against going to the house.  IT makes everything else so much easier.

 

[MrEpsYtown]

32 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said:

I think you're over valuing one half of football in 2019.  Yeldon couldn't unseat Gore for the #2 job last year.  Think about that for a minute.

Nah I am looking at the totality of a guys career and Yeldon has been a solid #2 for awhile now. He was a starter for a year or two. To me he got buried in the interest of veteran grit, and he had those couple of fumbles. I don’t think he’s a big deal, but I think he is a solid #2 guy. Now if they want it to be more of a 1-2 punch like 2 guys to carry the load, then they probably need someone better. Singletary should be getting 20-25 carries per game; not a timeshare. Also there is no guarantee that any of the backs in this draft available in round 2-3 will be any better than Yeldon.