Addressing our needs...

[glazeduck]

This is shaping up to be an extremely interesting offseason... On the one hand, we're now one of the best teams in the league, with most of the necessary foundational pieces to truly compete for a title. On the other hand, we have a lot of needs to address, limited cap space, and a back-of-the-round draft slot. I had a longer version of this written out but it became a tl/dr post, so instead of going super deep into my thinking, here's how I'd like us to approach the offseason, philosophy and examples or specifics...

 

Needs (not necessarily in priority order):

• #2 CB: While a Patrick Peterson would be sweet, McBeane's shown their abilities to evaluate and find underrated CBs. Because of that (even though it's arguably our biggest need), shouldn't be a big "spend" -- I'd look for a younger, mid-tier, high-upside CB that would excel in our zone scheme (Kevin King, Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, just a few examples)
• Milano replacement: Another spot I think you'll find "value" at -- need a guy who excels in coverage. Thomas Davis is the name that instantly stands out for obvious reasons, but Kevin Pierre-Louis, Mychal Kendricks, Malcolm Smith, and Todd Davis might all fit the bill at a reasonable cost as well.
• Pass Rush: This to me is our most glaring need, it's also the most difficult to come by. If there's a reasonable option in the draft, I'd be open to it, but usually those guys go top-15. Ryan Kerrigan or Olivier Vernon might offer the best combo of affordability/availability/performance for the value. On the interior, it's looking like Kawaan Short might get released, again, obvious reasons why that might make sense.  
• OL Help: sounds like retaining Mongo is a matter of working out the #, who knows with Williams, and obviously Ford will be back. Barring a surprise cut, I'm not sure this is a position that we'll see a lot of change in (unless Williams bolts). Kelechi Osemele is someone who might be worth looking into, on the older side of things, but he's a road grader when healthy.
• Safety depth: This is an underrated one for me. Both Poyer and Hyde are getting up there in years and as others have pointed out, both have reasonably large cap hits. Malik Booker is a guy who I would LOVE to see us sign. He'll probably be more expensive than a lesser need like this should afford, due to his top-10 draft pedigree, but if we can get him cheap enough, I think he'd thrive under McDermott. Absent that, there are a number of lesser-rated CBs in the draft that I think would be tremendous safeties (DD Lenoir, Shaun Wade, Olijiah Griffin, to name a few)
• TE: While this is absolutely not our most pressing need, it's where I'd love to see us swing big. The TE FA sucks and we just saw what having an impact TE can do for your offense. It'd be costly, but I'd love to see us put a package of picks together to go get Kyle Pitts. He's big, so he'd help in the RZ and on short-distance plays, he's fast and agile so he'd help in stretching the field vertically, he's basically a big-bodied WR and TE in one. We saw what this offense can do with one great receiving weapon, imagine adding that element...
• RB: If we swing big on Pitts, this would either have to be a vet-min guy or later rd draft pick. I'm sure a lot of you like Patterson, but to me, the best RB in this draft, relative to where he'll be drafted is Jermar Jefferson. That said, there's a number of guys who could probably be had in the 5th/6th range that could work (Jefferson, Sermon, Hubbard)
• Other: 
  • Josh Dobbs for backup QB 
  • Late rd. draft depth guys -- swing for the fences: Joshua Kaindoah, Jonathan Adams Jr., EDIT: Nico Collins will also be severely under-drafted.

Edited February 12, 2021 by glazeduck

[Aussie Joe]

Pitts is a pipe dream unfortunately.... he will get picked in the Top 10 and Beane isn’t trading 2022 Number 1 and other picks to move up that far...

[glazeduck]

2 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

Pitts is a pipe dream unfortunately.... he will get picked in the Top 10 and Beane isn’t trading 2022 Number 1 and other picks to move up that far...

IF he goes that high, then I agree, we can only afford to swing so big. That said, QBs, LTs and pass rushers always get pushed up the board. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Lawrence, Fields, Wilson, Lance, Sewell, Slater, Darrisaw all go ahead of him, and it's conceivable that Mac Jones, an edge rusher or two, another OT or two, and Waddle or Chase go ahead of him too.

 

Would have to work out right for us, but if he were there at 12 or 13, it'd be worth our 1, 2 and 3, I think.

[Rc2catch]

Kawann short has played like 3 games in 2 years or something. And if I recall is 10+ million in dead cap for Carolina to cut. 
 

I think corner is ok if wallace is here plus Dane Siran and taron. 

I think safety is ok, we have Jaquan still and I think Siran Neal was a safety in college and was converted here. I’m sure we’ll add one or bring Marlowe back. 
 

Pass rush is 100% priority #1 whoever that may be. 
 

I think milanos spot will get filled in the draft paired with Klein and maybe a really low tier free agent. 
 

Tight end we have to sign probably at least one. I like Everett from LA. I’d even toss a couple bucks at Jordan reed even with the health concerns. 
 

I want Kalif Raymond from Tennessee. Kid killed us in our game against them and I think his speed would be huge here in mckenzies role. 
 

Im not as concerned for running backs, I’d like a speedy guy who can return as well if needed. A young Taiwan Jones would be ideal in lower draft rounds. 

[First Round Bust]

excellent research but your spending cash that we really dont have, for starters I prefer focus on our own FAs esp the RFA - Ike B, Isiah WR, Wallace CB, punter.

 

I would also extend Hyde FA 2022 for 1 year and determine if I can sign Josh to that big extension this season or not, sooner the better as it only goes up every year for QBs and we save millions during a 6-7 year extension for Josh

 

Its a quality year for tackles so I can see us dropping from pick 30 into early second round to get more mid-round picks like a 4th that we dont have currently so we can grab a  sleeper TE:

 

I like Tony Poljan who transfer from 1. playing qb to TE 2. to UVA from Cent Mich -

 

kid is smart, 6-7 and 265 - has arm length and body to run block and to shield defenders to make short-yardage or red zone catches while covered..has the body of Gronk more or less

 

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tony-poljan-1.html

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by First Round Bust

[Aussie Joe]

13 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

 

 

Would have to work out right for us, but if he were there at 12 or 13, it'd be worth our 1, 2 and 3, I think.

I think we need the 2nd and 3rd this year in particular with lower cap and available space 

 

and no 4th either...

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by Aussie Joe

[glazeduck]

3 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

I think we need the 2nd and 3rd this year in particular with lower cap and available space 

Kind of the crux of my post, right? What strategy would you take in filling our needs. To me, if you can package 1, 2, and 3 and get Pitts and, say 2 6s back, I think that'd be a massive win. Our personnel dept. has shown an ability to mine gold from a number of different positions (CB, S, OT, specifically) so for me it's "fill in the other gaps in FA, swing for the fences on a true impact guy, and build depth through sleeper picks".

 

To me, the biggest thing holding this whole thing back is another true difference maker -- whether its Pitts, Waddle or a pass rusher they deem is elite (and somehow gettable via trade-up), I think that's a move you have to make.

Edited February 12, 2021 by glazeduck

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Here's my take:

 

O-Line:  I'd let Brown walk and use that money to sign Mongo, good chance that happens.  Not so sure about Williams, think he'll cost too much so instead will extend Morse contract to reduce his cap hit for this season to free up  some money.  We'd then have decent starters and depth inside, but would draft a tackle in the 1st or 2nd round and sign a FA tackle for backup depth.

 

Defensive line:  I don't like the idea of going after a pass rusher in the draft makes much sense as those are two positions that take some time to excel at and we need good production and improvement in 2021.  Instead I'd cut Addison and either Butler or Jefferson. The money saved would be close to $16 mil.  With that I'd sign an experienced top edge rusher like a Ngakoue for around that amount.  Mid round draft a true replacement for Star and give him a year to develop.  Whichever of the combo of Butler or Jefferson that they keep, I'd redo his contract to save a couple million in 2021

 

TE:  Similar to  pass rusher, it takes too long to develop a rookie TE so would try and sign someone like J Smith.  Could likely come up with enough money to sign him by redoing some contracts, Hyde, Matakevich, Beasley, Klein, Hughes, maybe throw in Diggs  and cutting some other players like Smith

 

I'd try and resign McKenzie, he can take Roberts place as a return man but also contribute to the offense so less of a wasted roster slot.  I'd let Jones go as Gilliam can fill his role on ST.  Certainly sign most of the RFA like Wallace, Boettger, and Bojorquez.

 

The one slot I haven't yet mentioned is Milano.  Would try to sign him, but with money as tight as it is not sure they can.  Overall LB doesn't have much depth so would try to figure out a way to keep him, but nut sure they can.  May end up losing him and Williams.  Not to worried about Williams as he can be replaced quickly in draft.  LB not so sue we'll get lucky again.

 

Maybe the number make it easier to sign Williams and Mongo, and let Milano walk then instead draft a CB and LB 1st two rounds.  My only concern then is we're bringing back the same O line that didn't do a very good job of run blocking.

 

As mentioned earlier I'd use 1st or 2nd round pick on tackle and use the other on either LB, CB and also try to sign  vet CB

Edited February 12, 2021 by Ed_Formerly_of_Roch

[Aussie Joe]

2 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

Kind of the crux of my post, right? What strategy would you take in filling our needs. To me, if you can package 1, 2, and 3 and get Pitts and, say 2 6s back, I think that'd be a massive win. Our personnel dept. has shown an ability to mine gold from a number of different positions (CB, S, OT, specifically) so for me it's "fill in the other gaps in FA, swing for the fences on a true impact guy, and build depth through sleeper picks".

 

 

Giving up that draft capital is too splashy for me this year...
 

I hate trying to speculate now on the draft because it’s kinda pointless until we see what the outcome of FA is...

 

However, I would hope they re- sign Williams, an upgrade at DE and an LB to replace Milano if he likely walks ... I’d consider a restructure of Brown and let Feliciano walk and cut Jefferson , Addison and Butler ... 

 

This leaves in no particular order for the draft holes at G, CB2, DT and TE ( less splashy than Pitts) and I wouldn’t hate them taking another swing at C, RB and DE with guys they can find on Day 3 

[PrimeTime101]

Our pass rush starts with the inside out. there are a couple DT that are over paid that give us around 13.5 mil we can with ease get a good one tech DT that will make Oliver better, then the DE's better then domino effect starts

 

Oline... Beanie is going to have to be a magician here in FA ... cap issues... going to have to make it happen and find us a better guard at the very least.

 

HB round one top 2..  The Draft gods told me one of them will drop to us... hopefully 

 

A second Quality CB this may be a pipe dream this year... there is to much to get before they touch cb,, Next man up here.

 

Second round Edge guy will finish solving our DL woes.

 

WR Davis will fill shoes for #2 for now unless a WR is begging to come to Buffalo at a good price... which I can see happening.

 

FA LB.. same quality as a Milano

 

5th year option on Allen followed by a 5 year 41 mil a year deal.

 

Rounds 3+  LB, G

 

 

By doing all of this we..

 

A. Make our Offense Dynamic 

B. Solidify our front 4

C. Have the look of a more complete team.

 

Unless our GM can't figure out some Magic on our O'Line, we may struggle here again.

 

IF

 

a top 2 RB does not fall to us it will change everything. 

 

G round 1

 

Edge round 2

 

And we will find out with a better line if our RB's can stand on our own 2 feet.

 

[glazeduck]

56 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

Kawann short has played like 3 games in 2 years or something. And if I recall is 10+ million in dead cap for Carolina to cut. 
 

I think corner is ok if wallace is here plus Dane Siran and taron. 

I think safety is ok, we have Jaquan still and I think Siran Neal was a safety in college and was converted here. I’m sure we’ll add one or bring Marlowe back. 
 

Pass rush is 100% priority #1 whoever that may be. 
 

I think milanos spot will get filled in the draft paired with Klein and maybe a really low tier free agent. 
 

Tight end we have to sign probably at least one. I like Everett from LA. I’d even toss a couple bucks at Jordan reed even with the health concerns. 
 

I want Kalif Raymond from Tennessee. Kid killed us in our game against them and I think his speed would be huge here in mckenzies role. 
 

Im not as concerned for running backs, I’d like a speedy guy who can return as well if needed. A young Taiwan Jones would be ideal in lower draft rounds. 

Everett is the only TE I'd have even a modicum of interest in as a FA. Even then, if he was going to be a consistent weapon in the passing game that would've happened by now...

[Big Turk]

I wouldn't day we have a "lot" of needs. We have some places we can upgrade but this is still a pretty solid roster as is.

[Richard Noggin]

7 hours ago, First Round Bust said:

excellent research but your spending cash that we really dont have, for starters I prefer focus on our own FAs esp the RFA - Ike B, Isiah WR, Wallace CB, punter.

 

I would also extend Hyde FA 2022 for 1 year and determine if I can sign Josh to that big extension this season or not, sooner the better as it only goes up every year for QBs and we save millions during a 6-7 year extension for Josh

 

Its a quality year for tackles so I can see us dropping from pick 30 into early second round to get more mid-round picks like a 4th that we dont have currently so we can grab a  sleeper TE:

 

I like Tony Poljan who transfer from 1. playing qb to TE 2. to UVA from Cent Mich -

 

kid is smart, 6-7 and 265 - has arm length and body to run block and to shield defenders to make short-yardage or red zone catches while covered..has the body of Gronk more or less

 

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tony-poljan-1.html

 

Consistently mocked in the 6th or 7th round. I'm at least interested at that price. Bills have five picks in the final three rounds, and realistically they need to find at least one or two eventual contributors (not sure how that desired and loosely defined "hit"-rate (40%) compares to NFL averages for Day Three picks). 

[Dr.Sack]

The Bills have never had a 1,000 yard TE. Dawson Knox is a good athlete but I can never see him turned into a consistent 500 yard a season player. If the Bills want to hoist a Lombardi they need to find a great TE. 

 

[papazoid]

we need to upgrade 6 starters.....that's alot

 

#2 corner, milano replacement, DE, OG, TE, RB

[GunnerBill]

9 hours ago, glazeduck said:

IF he goes that high, then I agree, we can only afford to swing so big. That said, QBs, LTs and pass rushers always get pushed up the board. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Lawrence, Fields, Wilson, Lance, Sewell, Slater, Darrisaw all go ahead of him, and it's conceivable that Mac Jones, an edge rusher or two, another OT or two, and Waddle or Chase go ahead of him too.

 

Would have to work out right for us, but if he were there at 12 or 13, it'd be worth our 1, 2 and 3, I think.

 

I love Kyle Pitts. He is only the 2nd tight end ever I have given a true 1st round grade to and by far the best tight end prospect I have evaluated. But trading up significantly for a tight end is just bad strategy. The positional value isn't there.

[machine gun kelly]

12 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

Giving up that draft capital is too splashy for me this year...
 

I hate trying to speculate now on the draft because it’s kinda pointless until we see what the outcome of FA is...

 

However, I would hope they re- sign Williams, an upgrade at DE and an LB to replace Milano if he likely walks ... I’d consider a restructure of Brown and let Feliciano walk and cut Jefferson , Addison and Butler ... 

 

This leaves in no particular order for the draft holes at G, CB2, DT and TE ( less splashy than Pitts) and I wouldn’t hate them taking another swing at C, RB and DE with guys they can find on Day 3 

Agreed Joe.  Last year there were little bundling of picks league wide due to Covid, and I don’t expect it to change this year.  Beane’s going match need/value, which is why it’s more likely we do take a RB in the first as we are at the end of every round.  You’re not going to get the best TE, EDGE R, of even CB at 30.  You could get one of the best RB’s.

[Mr. WEO]

If McBeane are so talented at evaluating and finding underrated CBs, why are they still looking for a #2 CB?  And...Josh Norman??

Edited February 13, 2021 by Mr. WEO

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

'Addressing our needs...'

When Bride the Second says this, I generally go hide in the tool shed.

[RyanC883]

16 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I love Kyle Pitts. He is only the 2nd tight end ever I have given a true 1st round grade to and by far the best tight end prospect I have evaluated. But trading up significantly for a tight end is just bad strategy. The positional value isn't there.

 

i get the positional value argument.  but if he is that good, perhaps the value to this team is there?  

12 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

If McBeane are so talented at evaluating and finding underrated CBs, why are they still looking for a #2 CB?  And...Josh Norman??

 

Jackson was a good pickup.  I think he js the no.2 next year. 

[Victory Formation]

It’s still early for me, still trying to get a feel for the draft but I like:

 

Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest

Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa

Jeremiah Owusu, LB, Norte Dame

 

Hoping we can grab an interior lineman or tackle depth in RD2. TE RD3-4.

[Thurman#1]

On 2/13/2021 at 7:31 AM, glazeduck said:

IF he goes that high, then I agree, we can only afford to swing so big. That said, QBs, LTs and pass rushers always get pushed up the board. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Lawrence, Fields, Wilson, Lance, Sewell, Slater, Darrisaw all go ahead of him, and it's conceivable that Mac Jones, an edge rusher or two, another OT or two, and Waddle or Chase go ahead of him too.

 

Would have to work out right for us, but if he were there at 12 or 13, it'd be worth our 1, 2 and 3, I think.

 

 

Oh, please.

 

Can we give up on the idea of trading up in that way? Particularly this year.,

 

Beane trades up ... but only one way ... if he only has to give up a late-round pick. He tells us how much he values draft picks. Then after each draft he says it again. Yet every year people pretend we're likely to make a draft trade-up that's big. He's never traded away a lot to trade up with the one exception of the year that he assembled all the draft capital to trade up for a QB. 

 

And he particularly isn't going to do that in a year when our lousy cap situation means we can't bring in a lot of FAs to fill holes.

 

Not gonna happen.

 

Now, would he trade up to #26 or something if he had to give up maybe a 4th or a 5th? Frankly I doubt it this year, but at least this is the kind of thing that he does.

 

The draft is absolutely crucial for us this year. We're going to have to get guys who can contribute their first year. We'll need our first three picks to do that.

 

I'd love Kyle Pitts, too. Don't get me wrong. But it's not going to happen this year unless he drops like a stone.

[Big Blitz]

Things will be a whole lot easier if guys we spent top picks on in the last 3 drafts that play positions we see as needs (DT/DE, interior OL) make big time leaps---Oliver, AJ, Harry, and Cody Ford. 

 

[GunnerBill]

7 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

It’s still early for me, still trying to get a feel for the draft but I like:

 

Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest

Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa

Jeremiah Owusu, LB, Norte Dame

 

Hoping we can grab an interior lineman or tackle depth in RD2. TE RD3-4.

 

JOK will be gone before the Bills pick. He is an excellent player. Definitely top 15 in this draft. He could be the big nickel piece McDermott has been looking for the past 4 years. Play as an outside linebacker in base and then as the big nickel in sub. 

 

Collins I like a lot. I think his ideal fit is as an EDGE in a 3-4. If the Bills drafted him I think he might come in a bit positionless while they figure out whether he is a linebacker or an edge rusher in our scheme. I'd be tempted to try him edge first even in our scheme but that might be an adjustment. 

 

Basham seems to be a favourite on the board early this draft season but having actually done some work on him for the first time yesterday.... I am a bit non plussed. He is a power rusher and he does have a nice spin move but he lacks some burst and some bend and he is really susceptible to any misdirection, the number of times on his tape that he ends up chasing a guy who doesn't have the ball is a concern. He has some ability but he isn't a game changing defensive end. Day 2 player.

[Solomon Grundy]

7 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

JOK will be gone before the Bills pick. He is an excellent player. Definitely top 15 in this draft. He could be the big nickel piece McDermott has been looking for the past 4 years. Play as an outside linebacker in base and then as the big nickel in sub. 

 

Collins I like a lot. I think his ideal fit is as an EDGE in a 3-4. If the Bills drafted him I think he might come in a bit positionless while they figure out whether he is a linebacker or an edge rusher in our scheme. I'd be tempted to try him edge first even in our scheme but that might be an adjustment. 

 

Basham seems to be a favourite on the board early this draft season but having actually done some work on him for the first time yesterday.... I am a bit non plussed. He is a power rusher and he does have a nice spin move but he lacks some burst and some bend and he is really susceptible to any misdirection, the number of times on his tape that he ends up chasing a guy who doesn't have the ball is a concern. He has some ability but he isn't a game changing defensive end. Day 2 player.

Gunner, you don’t see Collins as a replacement for Milano? JOK weight seems to be an issue for me at LB in the NFL

[GunnerBill]

15 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Gunner, you don’t see Collins as a replacement for Milano? JOK weight seems to be an issue for me at LB in the NFL

 

So as I say I think JOK is a guy who plays as a weakside 'backer on first down and then as a big nickel. I think he is a pure playmaker who will always be around the ball. 

 

Collins, I don't really see as a Milano replacement. I think he is better going towards the line of scrimmage rather than laterally in space at this moment. But he is a really talented guy and you might be able to mould him into what you want him to be.

[Mr. WEO]

16 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

 

i get the positional value argument.  but if he is that good, perhaps the value to this team is there?  

 

Jackson was a good pickup.  I think he js the no.2 next year. 

 

 

By default I guess.  

[Solomon Grundy]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

So as I say I think JOK is a guy who plays as a weakside 'backer on first down and then as a big nickel. I think he is a pure playmaker who will always be around the ball. 

 

Collins, I don't really see as a Milano replacement. I think he is better going towards the line of scrimmage rather than laterally in space at this moment. But he is a really talented guy and you might be able to mould him into what you want him to be.

I wouldn’t want to waste a 1st on JOK when I can get a Hamsah Nasildireen later. He can be my “big nickel”. With Collins I see his lateral movement skills, size next to Edmunds to help with the run and when he blitzes... Unfortunately, I don’t see Collins making it to 30

[T master]

All the guys they brought in on the defensive side of the ball last season really haven't made a big difference if anything they have underperformed for the money the Bills can save a bunch of money by cutting them i would rather see a Ryan Kerrigan or JJ even with them being on the down side of their career .

 

The Bills are close to the cap but there are ways they can get around it this yr which just adds to Beane's brilliance as our GM he always seems to leave a good escape plan as to not owe a ton as far as the cap is concerned if the players brought in don't live up to their contract which not many of the new guys did .

 

Don't know exactly how J. Phillips did in AZ last season but they may have been better off keeping him then letting him walk if the contracts they gave the new guys were close to what he wanted his play was definitely better while he was here & he seemed to be a Bills type player ! 

Edited February 19, 2021 by T master

[LABILLBACKER]

If we want to go to a SB, let alone win one,  we need a pass rush. If Beane wants to perform some magic he should jettison Butler, Addison, Jefferson and Murphy.  Also say goodbye to Smoke. Pair up Ngakoue with a final year of Hughes. Then draft Basham in the 2nd round and develop him with AJ.  In theory Oliver should improve with Star. Phillips & Zimmer can rotate. Our front 4 is critical to making that next step beyond a afccg appearance. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 2/14/2021 at 2:16 AM, Big Blitz said:

Things will be a whole lot easier if guys we spent top picks on in the last 3 drafts that play positions we see as needs (DT/DE, interior OL) make big time leaps---Oliver, AJ, Harry, and Cody Ford.

 

It would even be easier if we get, say, 1 taking a leap and 1 taking a step into solid.

On 2/19/2021 at 9:58 AM, T master said:

Don't know exactly how J. Phillips did in AZ last season but they may have been better off keeping him then letting him walk if the contracts they gave the new guys were close to what he wanted his play was definitely better while he was here & he seemed to be a Bills type player ! 

 

Played in 9 games,  2 sacks, 3 QB hits, 10 tackles.  Would project out to 3.5 sacks and 5 QB hits on a 16 game season.

So not nearly the 2019 year he had in B'lo.

[Thurman#1]

On 2/14/2021 at 5:50 PM, GunnerBill said:

 

JOK will be gone before the Bills pick. He is an excellent player. Definitely top 15 in this draft. He could be the big nickel piece McDermott has been looking for the past 4 years. Play as an outside linebacker in base and then as the big nickel in sub. 

 

Collins I like a lot. I think his ideal fit is as an EDGE in a 3-4. If the Bills drafted him I think he might come in a bit positionless while they figure out whether he is a linebacker or an edge rusher in our scheme. I'd be tempted to try him edge first even in our scheme but that might be an adjustment. 

 

Basham seems to be a favourite on the board early this draft season but having actually done some work on him for the first time yesterday.... I am a bit non plussed. He is a power rusher and he does have a nice spin move but he lacks some burst and some bend and he is really susceptible to any misdirection, the number of times on his tape that he ends up chasing a guy who doesn't have the ball is a concern. He has some ability but he isn't a game changing defensive end. Day 2 player.

 

 

That's concerning, about Basham. I'd sort of generally hoped he would be a good fit.

 

On 2/21/2021 at 3:59 AM, LABILLBACKER said:

If we want to go to a SB, let alone win one,  we need a pass rush. If Beane wants to perform some magic he should jettison Butler, Addison, Jefferson and Murphy.  Also say goodbye to Smoke. Pair up Ngakoue with a final year of Hughes. Then draft Basham in the 2nd round and develop him with AJ.  In theory Oliver should improve with Star. Phillips & Zimmer can rotate. Our front 4 is critical to making that next step beyond a afccg appearance. 

 

 

We don't have to jettison Murphy. He's not under contract.

 

Me, I hope they get that DE FA from Cincy, Carl Lawson, if they like him as much as I do with a quick bit of research. He seems like he'd be a good bookend with Hughes.

Edited February 22, 2021 by Thurman#1

[Dont Stop Billeiving]

On 2/12/2021 at 10:33 PM, Rc2catch said:

Kawann short has played like 3 games in 2 years or something. And if I recall is 10+ million in dead cap for Carolina to cut. 
 

I think corner is ok if wallace is here plus Dane Siran and taron. 

I think safety is ok, we have Jaquan still and I think Siran Neal was a safety in college and was converted here. I’m sure we’ll add one or bring Marlowe back. 
 

Pass rush is 100% priority #1 whoever that may be. 
 

I think milanos spot will get filled in the draft paired with Klein and maybe a really low tier free agent. 
 

Tight end we have to sign probably at least one. I like Everett from LA. I’d even toss a couple bucks at Jordan reed even with the health concerns. 
 

I want Kalif Raymond from Tennessee. Kid killed us in our game against them and I think his speed would be huge here in mckenzies role. 
 

Im not as concerned for running backs, I’d like a speedy guy who can return as well if needed. A young Taiwan Jones would be ideal in lower draft rounds. 

Definitely, Gerald Everett and Kalif Raymond are both really interesting fits for us in FA. Underused by their current teams IMO and hopefully shouldn't break the bank either. 

[glazeduck]

6 hours ago, Dont Stop Billeiving said:

Definitely, Gerald Everett and Kalif Raymond are both really interesting fits for us in FA. Underused by their current teams IMO and hopefully shouldn't break the bank either. 

Everett will get paid, I think, if for nothing else, than just how bad this FA class is at TE. 

I'm indifferent on Raymond. I can see the appeal, but you also have to wonder why he's never really popped in an offense that's basically held the door wide open for someone *to* pop.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 2/14/2021 at 2:50 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

JOK will be gone before the Bills pick. He is an excellent player. Definitely top 15 in this draft. He could be the big nickel piece McDermott has been looking for the past 4 years. Play as an outside linebacker in base and then as the big nickel in sub. 

 

Collins I like a lot. I think his ideal fit is as an EDGE in a 3-4. If the Bills drafted him I think he might come in a bit positionless while they figure out whether he is a linebacker or an edge rusher in our scheme. I'd be tempted to try him edge first even in our scheme but that might be an adjustment. 

 

Basham seems to be a favourite on the board early this draft season but having actually done some work on him for the first time yesterday.... I am a bit non plussed. He is a power rusher and he does have a nice spin move but he lacks some burst and some bend and he is really susceptible to any misdirection, the number of times on his tape that he ends up chasing a guy who doesn't have the ball is a concern. He has some ability but he isn't a game changing defensive end. Day 2 player.

 

Buffalo Fanatics likes Collins:

 

Profile on him:

https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/draft/2021-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-lb-zaven-collins-tulsa

 

A CBS article on top 5 defenders at each position:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-breaking-down-the-top-5-prospects-at-each-defensive-position/

 

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Buffalo Fanatics likes Collins:

 

Profile on him:

https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/draft/2021-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-lb-zaven-collins-tulsa

 

A CBS article on top 5 defenders at each position:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-breaking-down-the-top-5-prospects-at-each-defensive-position/

 

 

Yea while I think Collins is not an ideal plug and play scheme fit he is a super talented, high ceiling guy if they can carve a role out for him. They could maybe use him more like they used Zo his last two years. But that means going away from as much 2 linebacker stuff.

[dave mcbride]

On 2/12/2021 at 5:14 PM, glazeduck said:

This is shaping up to be an extremely interesting offseason... On the one hand, we're now one of the best teams in the league, with most of the necessary foundational pieces to truly compete for a title. On the other hand, we have a lot of needs to address, limited cap space, and a back-of-the-round draft slot. I had a longer version of this written out but it became a tl/dr post, so instead of going super deep into my thinking, here's how I'd like us to approach the offseason, philosophy and examples or specifics...

 

Needs (not necessarily in priority order):

• #2 CB: While a Patrick Peterson would be sweet, McBeane's shown their abilities to evaluate and find underrated CBs. Because of that (even though it's arguably our biggest need), shouldn't be a big "spend" -- I'd look for a younger, mid-tier, high-upside CB that would excel in our zone scheme (Kevin King, Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, just a few examples)
• Milano replacement: Another spot I think you'll find "value" at -- need a guy who excels in coverage. Thomas Davis is the name that instantly stands out for obvious reasons, but Kevin Pierre-Louis, Mychal Kendricks, Malcolm Smith, and Todd Davis might all fit the bill at a reasonable cost as well.
• Pass Rush: This to me is our most glaring need, it's also the most difficult to come by. If there's a reasonable option in the draft, I'd be open to it, but usually those guys go top-15. Ryan Kerrigan or Olivier Vernon might offer the best combo of affordability/availability/performance for the value. On the interior, it's looking like Kawaan Short might get released, again, obvious reasons why that might make sense.  
• OL Help: sounds like retaining Mongo is a matter of working out the #, who knows with Williams, and obviously Ford will be back. Barring a surprise cut, I'm not sure this is a position that we'll see a lot of change in (unless Williams bolts). Kelechi Osemele is someone who might be worth looking into, on the older side of things, but he's a road grader when healthy.
• Safety depth: This is an underrated one for me. Both Poyer and Hyde are getting up there in years and as others have pointed out, both have reasonably large cap hits. Malik Booker is a guy who I would LOVE to see us sign. He'll probably be more expensive than a lesser need like this should afford, due to his top-10 draft pedigree, but if we can get him cheap enough, I think he'd thrive under McDermott. Absent that, there are a number of lesser-rated CBs in the draft that I think would be tremendous safeties (DD Lenoir, Shaun Wade, Olijiah Griffin, to name a few)
• TE: While this is absolutely not our most pressing need, it's where I'd love to see us swing big. The TE FA sucks and we just saw what having an impact TE can do for your offense. It'd be costly, but I'd love to see us put a package of picks together to go get Kyle Pitts. He's big, so he'd help in the RZ and on short-distance plays, he's fast and agile so he'd help in stretching the field vertically, he's basically a big-bodied WR and TE in one. We saw what this offense can do with one great receiving weapon, imagine adding that element...
• RB: If we swing big on Pitts, this would either have to be a vet-min guy or later rd draft pick. I'm sure a lot of you like Patterson, but to me, the best RB in this draft, relative to where he'll be drafted is Jermar Jefferson. That said, there's a number of guys who could probably be had in the 5th/6th range that could work (Jefferson, Sermon, Hubbard)
• Other: 
  • Josh Dobbs for backup QB 
  • Late rd. draft depth guys -- swing for the fences: Joshua Kaindoah, Jonathan Adams Jr., EDIT: Nico Collins will also be severely under-drafted.

Olivier Vernon tore his achilles at the end of the 2020 season. Short is basically done. He is 32 and has played 5 games in the past two seasons. 

[dave mcbride]

On 2/14/2021 at 11:31 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

So as I say I think JOK is a guy who plays as a weakside 'backer on first down and then as a big nickel. I think he is a pure playmaker who will always be around the ball. 

 

Collins, I don't really see as a Milano replacement. I think he is better going towards the line of scrimmage rather than laterally in space at this moment. But he is a really talented guy and you might be able to mould him into what you want him to be.

I think LB is basically the equivalent of RB on defense—some are obviously better than others, but there’s a dime-a-dozen quality to LBs and they can be found up and down the draft. The three first team all-pro LBs this year were drafted after the first round: Warner (3rd), Leonard (2nd), and Wagner (2nd). On the second team, Demario Davis was a mid-3rd rounder and Lavonte David was a late second rounder. Devin White and Roquan Smith were first rounders, but looking at all pro teams over the years, there are lots of mid-round guys.

[Governor]

Thomas Davis is like 60 years old.

[Victory Formation]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea while I think Collins is not an ideal plug and play scheme fit he is a super talented, high ceiling guy if they can carve a role out for him. They could maybe use him more like they used Zo his last two years. But that means going away from as much 2 linebacker stuff.

Think Collins would be a good fit at MLB. He’s better in coverage than people think and he doesn’t get bossed around by OL, can rush the passer.