Why not a Free Agent RB2?

[FireChans]

I know, I know. RB is a devalued position. But if we are looking in round 3-5 for another RB, we will mostly be looking for a serviceable back. Sometimes you find a star, but that’s not the norm. So why not try to acquire someone else in the RB room and not pigeonhole us into a need pick?

 

Freeman, Miller, Thompson, Hyde, Crowell have all had varying levels of success at the NFL level and somewhat recently. Many of them have been far better than TJ Yeldon, who couldn’t even supplant Frank Gore’s corpse last year. Not to mention some potential trade targets like Gio Bernard.

 

Do we really need to draft an RB2?

Edited April 15, 2020 by FireChans

[maryland-bills-fan]

Yep.  Some teams reject will do just fine (sic).  We need to get somebody who other teams are scared of.

 

[That's No Moon]

I think they still might but none of those guys will get signed before the draft.  I'd love some cheap Lamar Miller action.

[dje85]

Who says we aren't? Maybe we are just holding off signing one until after the draft when we can get them to take a physical. Waiting to make other teams think that's where we are going to go early.Only to go another way. We zip while they think we are zagging. 

[TigerJ]

TJ Yeldin is something of a mystery.  He's got a decent skill set.  He's good sized and can catch the ball.  He's had years when he's had solid production, and he isn't that old.  Yet through most of last season he couldn't buy his way on to the field.  He had a few fumbles, I guess.  I don't remember.  But if McDermott is going to punish him for the fumbles, why is he still around?  Brandon Beane is saying nice things about him to boot.  It makes you wonder why he's still here.  The way he's regarded inside the coaches office will have a lot to do with the Bills' draft plans at running back, but apart from Beane's comments we really don't know.  I'm thinking the Bills will draft a RB on day 2, but a value free agent is certainly possible.  If the Bills really are done with Yeldin, they could do both.   There are some home run hitters in the draft, and some value battering rams in free agency.  

[below]

They will sign one after the draft.

[FireChans]

12 minutes ago, dje85 said:

Who says we aren't? Maybe we are just holding off signing one until after the draft when we can get them to take a physical. Waiting to make other teams think that's where we are going to go early.Only to go another way. We zip while they think we are zagging. 

Because I guess there’s no guarantee we get the guy we want until we get him, you know?

[JESSEFEFFER]

Some nice RB talent in the draft and the Bills have a current roster need(s) at the position.  It's one of the few positions where a draftee is sure to make the 55 man roster.  Yes, they could go FA after the draft but when they can do physicals is anyone's guess.  Having a rookie on a 4 year deal at a nice price to pair with Singletary is a nice scenario that could have a big impact on the 2020 team.  I'd like the player to be the equal of or better than Devin because it would make the offense better.

 

[ProcessAccepted]

21 minutes ago, TigerJ said:

TJ Yeldin is something of a mystery.  He's got a decent skill set.  He's good sized and can catch the ball.  He's had years when he's had solid production, and he isn't that old.  Yet through most of last season he couldn't buy his way on to the field.  He had a few fumbles, I guess.  I don't remember.  But if McDermott is going to punish him for the fumbles, why is he still around?  Brandon Beane is saying nice things about him to boot.  It makes you wonder why he's still here.  The way he's regarded inside the coaches office will have a lot to do with the Bills' draft plans at running back, but apart from Beane's comments we really don't know.  I'm thinking the Bills will draft a RB on day 2, but a value free agent is certainly possible.  If the Bills really are done with Yeldin, they could do both.   There are some home run hitters in the draft, and some value battering rams in free agency.  

 

I think it's the fumbles that held him back. I was always worried the few times he had the ball. He has talent, I think he was trying too hard and those couple of fumbles were held against him. 

[BuffaloBills1998]

36 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

I think they still might but none of those guys will get signed before the draft.  I'd love some cheap Lamar Miller action.

Lamar is coming off of a torn ACL. There’s a reason Houston let him go and decided they would rather have David Johnson over him lol

[ColoradoBills]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

I know, I know. RB is a devalued position. But if we are looking in round 3-5 for another RB, we will mostly be looking for a serviceable back. Sometimes you find a star, but that’s not the norm. So why not try to acquire someone else in the RB room and not pigeonhole us into a need pick?

 

Freeman, Miller, Thompson, Hyde, Crowell have all had varying levels of success at the NFL level and somewhat recently. Many of them have been far better than TJ Yeldon, who couldn’t even supplant Frank Gore’s corpse last year. Not to mention some potential trade targets like Gio Bernard.

 

Do we really need to draft an RB2?

 

Many of us are under the assumption whey want to draft a RB1/A or B to work with Singletary.

Having a one two punch backfield on the cheap for the next 3-4 years would be a good thing in my book.

[Billiever72]

I would like to review the past a bit. When we had Thurman Thomas we signed Kenneth Davis as a free agent and it worked great because when Thurman was banged up Kenneth was there and not much production was lost from that position because they were somewhat similar in skillset. Who can carry the load with not much drop off if Singletary gets hurt? Free agent I believe more in Carlos Hyde. Miller and Freeman can't seem to stay healthy. In the draft it is either JK Dobbins or Cam Akers in my opinion.

[John from Riverside]

My question is any of these guys better then TJ Yeldon

 

I think we are gonna draft somebody

[Steve Billieve]

Maybe we already have our RB2 and fans just don't know it yet.

[FireChans]

9 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

My question is any of these guys better then TJ Yeldon

 

I think we are gonna draft somebody

My answer is yes.

 

13 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Many of us are under the assumption whey want to draft a RB1/A or B to work with Singletary.

Having a one two punch backfield on the cheap for the next 3-4 years would be a good thing in my book.

Yeah I’m not sure you’re necessarily going to find that unless we grab one of the top guys.

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

I like me some Devonta Freeman. He was a beast and not having to carry the burden of being #1 may keep some tread off those tires and keep him fresh. Him and David Johnson were beasts a few years ago. Maybe he returns to form.

 

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, FireChans said:

My answer is yes.

 

Yeah I’m not sure you’re necessarily going to find that unless we grab one of the top guys.

 

Which is why the draft is so intriguing as to what Beane does in the 2nd and 3rd.

If they don't get a guy they want they will have to go look at the FA RB again.

Can't go into the season with just Devin.  If he get's injured they will be screwed.

[Inigo Montoya]

If Beane is sitting there at #54 in the 2nd round and one of the top three RBs has fallen to him, that needs to be the pick.  Lock up a stud RB on a cheap rookie contract for the next four years.  Better than drafting the 5th best EDGE or 4th best DB.  There will be great WR talent in the 3rd.

 

A free agent RB would be more expensive and on a short contract.  You're just kicking the hole in the roster can down the road a bit.  There is almost no learning curve for collegiate running backs moving to the pros.  I say draft a stud RB at #54.  Get an elite talent to pair with Singletary.

 

 

Edited April 15, 2020 by Inigo Montoya

[Straight Hucklebuck]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

I know, I know. RB is a devalued position. But if we are looking in round 3-5 for another RB, we will mostly be looking for a serviceable back. Sometimes you find a star, but that’s not the norm. So why not try to acquire someone else in the RB room and not pigeonhole us into a need pick?

 

Freeman, Miller, Thompson, Hyde, Crowell have all had varying levels of success at the NFL level and somewhat recently. Many of them have been far better than TJ Yeldon, who couldn’t even supplant Frank Gore’s corpse last year. Not to mention some potential trade targets like Gio Bernard.

 

Do we really need to draft an RB2?

I think we do, the Bills need more playmaking, more speed on the field.

 

Yeldon didn’t play last year because Beane said the Bills wanted the downhill thumping of Gore on the field.

 

Freeman has battled concussions, so I automatically rule him out, with Lamar Miller people were always waiting for a breakout that never happened, Hyde and Crowell have put up the best numbers recently.

 

But why pay them, when a 3rd Rounder like Singletary comes in, immediately takes LeSean McCoy‘s job and is the starter going forward? 
 

Draft another guy who is fresh, 22 years old, and ready to make plays instead of slow plodders who have peaked. Their best football is in front of them, so no need to hope for a fountain of youth.

 

The Bills model of guys like Tolbert, Ivory, Gore, holds back better playmakers. 

 

I’d avoid 28-30 year old running backs like the plague.

 

 

 

Edited April 15, 2020 by Straight Hucklebuck

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

I know, I know. RB is a devalued position. But if we are looking in round 3-5 for another RB, we will mostly be looking for a serviceable back. Sometimes you find a star, but that’s not the norm. So why not try to acquire someone else in the RB room and not pigeonhole us into a need pick?

 

Freeman, Miller, Thompson, Hyde, Crowell have all had varying levels of success at the NFL level and somewhat recently. Many of them have been far better than TJ Yeldon, who couldn’t even supplant Frank Gore’s corpse last year. Not to mention some potential trade targets like Gio Bernard.

 

Do we really need to draft an RB2?

 

I like Yeldon, and I think the staff does too.  They have been quite complimentary to him and what he did when given chances last year.  I think he could be a good compliment to Yeldon in the same way any of those other FA's you listed would be as I expect Devin to still get the lion shares of the carries.  Im not sure any of those guys listed have much more to offer than Yeldon does who already knows our offense.  

 

So I think pepper in some fresh legs in the draft (some good ones will be there in rounds 2-5 this year IMO) and let Devin take the lead role fully with Yeldon backing him up until the rookie proves he can take over the backup duties full time (pass pro will be the key factor on that).  

 

That being said, I wouldn't hate a signing of any of those guys above either.  Just like the idea of getting some fresh legs next to Devin as well to form a formidable one-two punch for years to come.  And I think this is a good draft to do it as we dont have a lot of holes and the RB depth is nice this year in the mid rounds.

[Augie]

11 minutes ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

I think we do, the Bills need more playmaking, more speed on the field.

 

Yeldon didn’t play last year because Beane said the Bills wanted the downhill thumping of Gore on the field.

 

Freeman has battled concussions, so I automatically rule him out, with Lamar Miller people were always waiting for a breakout that never happened, Hyde and Crowell have put up the best numbers recently.

 

But why pay them, when a 3rd Rounder like Singletary comes in, immediately takes LeSean McCoy‘s job and is the starter going forward? 
 

Draft another guy who is fresh, 22 years old, and ready to make plays instead of slow plodders who have peaked. Their best football is in front of them, so no need to hope for a fountain of youth.

 

The Bills model of guys like Tolbert, Ivory, Gore, holds back better playmakers. 

 

 I’d avoid 28-30 year old running backs like the plague.

 

 

 

 

There is a separate thread on how to make your own protective mask, if you need it. 

 

 

I like the idea of fresh legs. I like the idea of a threat with breakaway speed. I also like the idea of a bruiser to pair with Singletary to mix things up and beat down a tired defense to close a game or get the tough 3rd and 2. I also like the idea of a savvy vet who can pick up a blitz and be counted on not to fumble.

 

Mostly, I like the idea of a competent FO who can figure all of this out for us and (hopefully) make all the right calls! 

[FireChans]

24 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I like Yeldon, and I think the staff does too.  They have been quite complimentary to him and what he did when given chances last year.  I think he could be a good compliment to Yeldon in the same way any of those other FA's you listed would be as I expect Devin to still get the lion shares of the carries.  Im not sure any of those guys listed have much more to offer than Yeldon does who already knows our offense.  

 

So I think pepper in some fresh legs in the draft (some good ones will be there in rounds 2-5 this year IMO) and let Devin take the lead role fully with Yeldon backing him up until the rookie proves he can take over the backup duties full time (pass pro will be the key factor on that).  

 

That being said, I wouldn't hate a signing of any of those guys above either.  Just like the idea of getting some fresh legs next to Devin as well to form a formidable one-two punch for years to come.  And I think this is a good draft to do it as we dont have a lot of holes and the RB depth is nice this year in the mid rounds.

I don’t like Yeldon. He couldn’t break through last year and him getting significant carries this year is a failure. 

[GG]

It's highly doubtful any FA RBs sign before the draft.  Best guess is that on Monday after the draft, Hyde goes to the team that didn't get their guy over the weekend.  

[PetermansRedemption]

2 hours ago, BuffaloBills1998 said:

Lamar is coming off of a torn ACL. There’s a reason Houston let him go and decided they would rather have David Johnson over him lol

It’s called “Bill O’Brien”

[MJS]

3 hours ago, maryland-bills-fan said:

Yep.  Some teams reject will do just fine (sic).  We need to get somebody who other teams are scared of.

 

That guy's name is Devin Singletary. We need a backup running back.

 

It's getting pretty ridiculous with what fans are expecting out of a backup player. No, we don't need to spend a high draft pick and no, we don't need to bring in a starting caliber running back. We need a change of pace back.

[Straight Hucklebuck]

1 hour ago, Augie said:

 

There is a separate thread on how to make your own protective mask, if you need it. 

 

 

I like the idea of fresh legs. I like the idea of a threat with breakaway speed. I also like the idea of a bruiser to pair with Singletary to mix things up and beat down a tired defense to close a game or get the tough 3rd and 2. I also like the idea of a savvy vet who can pick up a blitz and be counted on not to fumble.

 

Mostly, I like the idea of a competent FO who can figure all of this out for us and (hopefully) make all the right calls! 

IMO I don’t need a bruiser as a change of pace to Singletary. In fact, if you gave me another mid-round back that could make people miss and be a threat out of the backfield, that’s better than a one dimensional straight forward, plow ahead runner with no shake. 
 

Give me another 5’7” 200 pounder like Singletary. As long as they’re a playmaker. 

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

I don’t like Yeldon. He couldn’t break through last year and him getting significant carries this year is a failure. 

He was pretty productive when given chances.  Saying he “couldn’t” break through last year isnt really fair when he had a future HOF who was role model and leader along side a productive rookie in front of him.

[Rock-A-Bye Beasley]

It’s hard to say if I’d rather have a FA or draft one. It completely depends on the other options available at our pick. If we can get a day one upgrade at CB2 like Diggs or an instant upgrade along the o line, or even a 1st rd WR that falls like shenault , then I’d take that and get a FA RB. 
 

 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

My answer is yes.

 

Yeah I’m not sure you’re necessarily going to find that unless we grab one of the top guys.

I’m kind of expecting them to grab one of the top guys. It’s the last glaring hole on the roster and there are 5 RBs that will go between picks 20 and the end of round 2. 

[FireChans]

19 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

He was pretty productive when given chances.  Saying he “couldn’t” break through last year isnt really fair when he had a future HOF who was role model and leader along side a productive rookie in front of him.

He touched the ball 30 times last year. Not sure how productive anyone is with 30 touches.

 

16 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I’m kind of expecting them to grab one of the top guys. It’s the last glaring hole on the roster and there are 5 RBs that will go between picks 20 and the end of round 2. 

That’s a different story. Walking away with Dobbins etc I get.

[Inigo Montoya]

36 minutes ago, MJS said:

That guy's name is Devin Singletary. We need a backup running back.

 

It's getting pretty ridiculous with what fans are expecting out of a backup player. No, we don't need to spend a high draft pick and no, we don't need to bring in a starting caliber running back. We need a change of pace back.

 

Singletary got hurt last season in Week 2 after a grand total of 10 rushing attempts and after being targeted in the passing game 6 times.  So in Week 2 after a grand total of 16 touches on the season Singletary pulled his hammy and was out for 4 weeks including our home game against the Patriots, which was an important game that we lost by one score.  We had no one in the backfield that the Pats defense had to worry about in that game.  Gore had a good game vs the Pats, but our offense only scored 10 points.  Gore is a grinder but he was not a dynamic back by any measure last year.  We missed Singletary a lot in that game.  Why allow yourself to be put in that situation again?  

 

The era of the Bell Cow back is over.  Smart teams have a 1A and 1b RB.   Drafting an elite RB that who will actually get on the field this year and be there to spell Singletary and compliment him is more valuable to this team than a backup DB or lineman who is probably only going to be depth this year.

 

We may disagree on this, but that's how I see it.

 

Edited April 15, 2020 by Inigo Montoya

[Nelius]

Give me Carlos Hyde.

[Hurricane]

1 hour ago, FireChans said:

I don’t like Yeldon. He couldn’t break through last year and him getting significant carries this year is a failure. 

Well, Kelly Skipper and rhe Organization loves him, so he will be here for a while...

[Augie]

12 minutes ago, Inigo Montoya said:

 

Singletary got hurt last season in Week 2 after a grand total of 10 rushing attempts and after being targeted in the passing game 6 times.  So in Week 2 after a grand total of 16 touches on the season Singletary pulled his hammy and was out for 4 weeks including our home game against the Patriots, which was an important game that we lost by one score.  We had no one in the backfield that the Pats defense had to worry about in that game.  Gore had a good game vs the Pats, but our offense only scored 10 points.  Gore is a grinder but he was not a dynamic back by any measure last year.  We missed Singletary a lot in that game.  Why allow yourself to be put in that situation again?  

 

The era of the Bell Cow back is over.  Smart teams have a 1A and 1b RB.   Drafting an elite RB that who will actually get on the field this year and be there to spell Singletary and compliment him is more valuable to this team than a backup DB or lineman who is probably only going to be depth this year.

 

We may disagree on this, but that's how I see it.

 

 

There is ZERO question that we need another RB we can win games with. Another guy who can help in every game, and carry the load when needed. 

 

 

. 

Edited April 15, 2020 by Augie

[DJB]

It's pretty obvious that we are heading into the draft hoping to take someone and the   fall back  is a FA.

 

We aren't starting  the season  with Singletary ,  Yeldon  and T Jones at running back . 

Edited April 15, 2020 by DJB

[That's No Moon]

3 hours ago, BuffaloBills1998 said:

Lamar is coming off of a torn ACL. There’s a reason Houston let him go and decided they would rather have David Johnson over him lol

I'm well aware of that which is why he will be available on a dirt cheap no commitment deal.  If he comes in and plays well he earns more money somewhere else, if he comes in and is done he doesn't make the roster and we lose nothing.

[NewEra]

BPA.  If the BPA in for one of our picks is a RB we’ll probably draft that player 

[billsbackto81]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBills1998 said:

Lamar is coming off of a torn ACL. There’s a reason Houston let him go and decided they would rather have David Johnson over him lol

Yeah, but they also aren't in a rush to sign Hyde who went over 1k at a 4.4 clip. He'd be my choice to tandem with Motor and Yeldon. That's a nice trio right there.

[Mango]

5 hours ago, ProcessAccepted said:

 

I think it's the fumbles that held him back. I was always worried the few times he had the ball. He has talent, I think he was trying too hard and those couple of fumbles were held against him. 

not to beat a dead horse but his fumble rate is 1.2%. For reference Emmitt Smith fumble rate is 1.3%. Not that Yeldon is Emmitt, but he’s not fumbling all that much. He’s also never fumbled more than twice in a season. 
 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/YeldT.00.htm

[Thurman#1]

6 hours ago, GG said:

It's highly doubtful any FA RBs sign before the draft.  Best guess is that on Monday after the draft, Hyde goes to the team that didn't get their guy over the weekend.  

 

 

It's really not doubtful at all. Last year Beane signed Yeldon three days before the draft.