Bills keen on Alabama RB Najee Harris, per NBC Sports and Tony Pauline

[Governor]

Just now, Figster said:

Harris probably won't make it past the Dolphins and Steelers. As much as I want to see Harris in a Bills uni, I don't want to see Najee Harris in a Dophins uni. If Miami pulls off both Pitts and Harris it spells double the trouble for Buffalo IMO.

Yeah, if we want Harris, we have to trade in front of the Steelers. All signs point to them fixing their running game ASAP. 

[Figster]

1 minute ago, The Governor said:

Yeah, if we want Harris, we have to trade in front of the Steelers. All signs point to them fixing their running game ASAP. 

It would also be wise to trade below 18th If possible and not pull the trigger on the trade until the last miniute IMO.

 

Harris may go lower then Beane wants to go...

[Governor]

7 minutes ago, Figster said:

It would also be wise to trade below 18th If possible and not pull the trigger on the trade until the last miniute IMO.

 

Harris may go lower then Beane wants to go...

Oh, so the Steelers are 24. This is starting to make a little sense now. So if we actually like Harris, I would probably try to trade up right in front of the Jets at 22 if he is still on the board at 20. We probably don’t have the ammo to get in front of Miami.

Edited March 27, 2021 by The Governor

[CommonCents]

2 minutes ago, Figster said:

It would also be wise to trade below 18th If possible and not pull the trigger on the trade until the last miniute IMO.

 

Harris may go lower then Beane wants to go...

Trade up for Harris!?!

 

Harris is Eddie Lacy without the China Food. He will be a fine back for a few years but I don’t see anything in his game that would translate to him being a generational guy at the next level. 

 

The roster can be addressed in many ways and not many of those would  have me complain.

 

Trading up for a RB would hurt my brain though. That would be a wart on the nose of our witch. 

[BuffaloRebound]

If we trade up for a RB, I might break my TV watching the draft.  
Dolphins are getting Pitts or Chase.  New England got the 2 best free agent Tight Ends and Agholor us an upgrade.  Jets are gonna draft a hot shot QB.  If we trade up it better be for someone who can rush the passer or cover pass catchers.  

[machine gun kelly]

It’s liars season.  These pundits have zero idea what McBeane is really thinking.  Interesting after they extend McKenzie, they are taking a flier on the ATL returner.

 

I still think if they want a RB, it would be Ettiene, not Harris.

[Governor]

We could also fall in love with the NC kid. That’s likely our fall back position if no one falls to us or we can’t trade up. Beane is pretty predictable in all honesty and there’s definitely been previous leaks because we knew who we were drafting every year since he’s been there.

[BillsCuse]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloRebound said:

If we trade up for a RB, I might break my TV watching the draft.  
Dolphins are getting Pitts or Chase.  New England got the 2 best free agent Tight Ends and Agholor us an upgrade.  Jets are gonna draft a hot shot QB.  If we trade up it better be for someone who can rush the passer or cover pass catchers.  

Completely agree, if a RB is sitting there at 30 and they love him then I can get behind that, but definetely dont trade up for one.  I think the only position I could get behind trading up for is edge rusher, but its a weaker class.  Can probably just sit tight at 30 unless someone they expected gone in the teens is sitting there in the mid 20s.

[Governor]

2 minutes ago, BillsCuse said:

Completely agree, if a RB is sitting there at 30 and they love him then I can get behind that, but definetely dont trade up for one.  I think the only position I could get behind trading up for is edge rusher, but its a weaker class.  Can probably just sit tight at 30 unless someone they expected gone in the teens is sitting there in the mid 20s.

What if Zaven Collins made it to 24? You don’t think they go get him? I do.

[Figster]

29 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Trade up for Harris!?!

 

Harris is Eddie Lacy without the China Food. He will be a fine back for a few years but I don’t see anything in his game that would translate to him being a generational guy at the next level. 

 

The roster can be addressed in many ways and not many of those would  have me complain.

 

Trading up for a RB would hurt my brain though. That would be a wart on the nose of our witch. 

 

26 minutes ago, BuffaloRebound said:

If we trade up for a RB, I might break my TV watching the draft.  
Dolphins are getting Pitts or Chase.  New England got the 2 best free agent Tight Ends and Agholor us an upgrade.  Jets are gonna draft a hot shot QB.  If we trade up it better be for someone who can rush the passer or cover pass catchers.  

I understand the skepticism on trading up for Najee Harris. My most respected poster on this board when it comes to football is against it.( @Rochesterfan )

 

The Buffalo Bills would have to make a big change in how they view the importance of having an above average run game IMO.  Not much doubt in my mind had Buffalo committed themselves to running the football Singletary would have had a more productive season. If Buffalo drafts Harris running the football will have to be more then just an afterthought.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 27, 2021 by Figster

[HappyDays]

15 minutes ago, The Governor said:

What if Zaven Collins made it to 24? You don’t think they go get him? I do.

 

I still think the one player we could trade up for is Owusu-Koramoah if he falls. With Milano re-signing it might seem redundant but he could finally be the big nickel that McDermott has wanted since he got here. He could potentially be what we need to contain Travis Kelce, not to mention Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki in our own division.

Edited March 27, 2021 by HappyDays

[Figster]

2 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

I still think the one player we could trade up for is Owusu-Koramoah if he falls. With Milano re-signing it might seem redundant but he could finally be the big nickel that McDermott has wanted since he got here. He could potentially be what we need to contain Travis Kelce, not to mention Jonnu and Henry and Gesicki in our own division.

This pick makes good sense IMO.

[Governor]

6 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

I still think the one player we could trade up for is Owusu-Koramoah if he falls. With Milano re-signing it might seem redundant but he could finally be the big nickel that McDermott has wanted since he got here. He could potentially be what we need to contain Travis Kelce, not to mention Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki in our own division.

I’m seeing the DT from NC being mocked to us in the 2nd. That would be very Beane-like.

[Buffalo03]

13 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

It's not a nerve.........it's just something we go thru every 2-3 draft seasons on here......there is always a different rationale........"the winning mindset" was a creative one......points for that.

 

Me pointing out how nonsensical drafting a RB is in round 1 is just part of "the process".   

 

First of all.......the further we get from the regular season the further removed fans get from what actually works on the field.

 

And I'm not saying that Beane won't make the mistake of misallocating a valuable asset.........he's made his share of mistakes like reaching past better players at more important positions to fill perceived needs at lesser ones with the likes of Cody Ford, Singletary, Moss etc.

 

But I do think that they are more likely to pick up a player at a more important position.      The financial pinch they are in will really limit their ability to re-stock much more important positions in the coming years.

 

And the idea that "well a RB can help right away and if you get 5 top years out of them....." just doesn't actually pan out because as the position has become devalued so has the overall quality of athlete playing it.    

 

With less than a full handful of exceptions......the lead backs of today would have been the Kenny Davises of yesteryear...........fine for a short period of time.......but not up to the task longer term.

 

Which is fine..........it's a passing league.........Josh Allen produces 8 yards on average every time he passes the ball.........Jim Brown couldn't make it worthwhile to take the ball out of his hands.     The difference between top backs and guys like Singletary and Moss is less than a measly half yard per carry.

 

 

Let me just say, I agree with you to a degree. If we were a rebuilding team that went 3-13 instead of 13-3 then I would definitely say RB in round 1 is really stupid. Like the Giants did with Barkley which clearly didn't make sense when they needed a QB. But our offense literally needs a game breaking RB and a good TE from being fully dominant. It's almost there already. 

 

We have drafted RBs in the 3rd round each of the last two years and how has that worked out? Zach Moss, I'm not necessarily giving up hope that he can be a really good player yet but I'm pretty sure we know what we have in Singletary at this point. And neither guy is really a guy that can change a game or has game breaking speed. 

 

To me, there is a clear difference between the RBs you draft in Round 1 as opposed to after. Tomlinson, AP, Elliot, McCaffery, Barkley, Gurley, Barry Sanders, Emmitt, Marshall Faulk. Those guys are or were difference makers for their teams. You can get guys in other rounds like Gore, Kamara, Aaron Jones, LeSean McCoy, Terrell Davis, Thurman and maybe even luck out on an undrafted guy like Fred Jackson or James Robinson and some others but I feel like the odds of that are a little slimmer. We are in our SB window. There's no point in not taking a difference maker at position of need that can make us even more dynamic because "RBs are a dime a dozen" or a "non sensical 1st round pick". I personally would like a pass rusher with the first pick but have no issue at all with Etienne or Harris at 30 if either player is there. I just don't see the point of drafting another 3rd Round RB that's basically the same as what we already have

[Jerboski]

39 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Trade up for Harris!?!

 

Harris is Eddie Lacy without the China Food. He will be a fine back for a few years but I don’t see anything in his game that would translate to him being a generational guy at the next level. 

 

The roster can be addressed in many ways and not many of those would  have me complain.

 

Trading up for a RB would hurt my brain though. That would be a wart on the nose of our witch. 

He’s closer the Henry than Lacey 

[Governor]

3 minutes ago, Buffalo03 said:

Let me just say, I agree with you to a degree. If we were a rebuilding team that went 3-13 instead of 13-3 then I would definitely say RB in round 1 is really stupid. Like the Giants did with Barkley which clearly didn't make sense when they needed a QB. But our offense literally needs a game breaking RB and a good TE from being fully dominant. It's almost there already. 

 

We have drafted RBs in the 3rd round each of the last two years and how has that worked out? Zach Moss, I'm not necessarily giving up hope that he can be a really good player yet but I'm pretty sure we know what we have in Singletary at this point. And neither guy is really a guy that can change a game or has game breaking speed. 

 

To me, there is a clear difference between the RBs you draft in Round 1 as opposed to after. Tomlinson, AP, Elliot, McCaffery, Barkley, Gurley, Barry Sanders, Emmitt, Marshall Faulk. Those guys are or were difference makers for their teams. You can get guys in other rounds like Gore, Kamara, Aaron Jones, LeSean McCoy, Terrell Davis, Thurman and maybe even luck out on an undrafted guy like Fred Jackson or James Robinson and some others but I feel like the odds of that are a little slimmer. We are in our SB window. There's no point in not taking a difference maker at position of need that can make us even more dynamic because "RBs are a dime a dozen" or a "non sensical 1st round pick". I personally would like a pass rusher with the first pick but have no issue at all with Etienne or Harris at 30 if either player is there. I just don't see the point of drafting another 3rd Round RB that's basically the same as what we already have

Yup. We are a team that can take that “luxury” pick RB and 30 is exactly where you want to do it. People get too caught up pretending that we’re Hoodie and will never value the position or insists that we’re always going to trade down. It’s pretty tiresome to be honest. 
 

The way we have addressed the position hasn’t worked and it needs to be fixed.

[Buffalo03]

2 minutes ago, The Governor said:

Yup. We are a team that can take that “luxury” pick RB and 30 is exactly where you want to do it. People get too caught up pretending that we’re Hoodie and will never value the position or insists that we’re always going to trade down. It’s pretty tiresome to be honest. 
 

The way we have addressed the position hasn’t worked and it needs to be fixed.

I mean, think about it, what would "The Greatest Show on Turf" have been like without Marshall Faulk? They wouldn't have been that without him. It makes a difference 

[Mat68]

Buffalo has been one of the close lipped organizations since Mcbeane arrived.  They have no clue what they are going to do at 30.  This time of year reporters and pundits just throw crap to the wall and see what sticks.

[OldTimer1960]

37 minutes ago, The Governor said:

What if Zaven Collins made it to 24? You don’t think they go get him? I do.

Such a move would likely cost the Bills’ 3rd round pick this year.  That wold leave them with no picks for all of the 3rd and 4th rounds.  That is too big of an investment, in my opinion.  I like Collins, but are you going to play him at DE with little tape on him playing that position?

[Figster]

31 minutes ago, Jerboski said:

He’s closer the Henry than Lacey 

Yards per carry average is the same. (6.0)

 

Harris is a much more productive reciever. College 781 yards, 11 TD's

 

Henry 285, 3 TD's

 

Both beasts / punishing runners.

 

I give the edge to Najee Harris over Henry as a great fit in the Bills high powered passing attack.

Edited March 27, 2021 by Figster

[BADOLBILZ]

3 hours ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Yes, but you don’t want to reach for a lesser prospect at a “more valuable” position either.  A so-so DE prospect isn’t (necessarily) a better pick than a very good prospect at a “lesser” position.

 

To be clear, I am not advocating for Harris or Etienne.

 

Yes Shaq was a good example of that.    

 

The $20M+ positions going forward are QB, Pass Rusher, LT, CB, WR1...........if there isn't one of those that your organization can envision becoming a cornerstone player at one of those positions.........trade back.

 

In the unlikely scenario where you can't project a very good prospect at any of the key positions,  work your way down the list.    RB is literally last on the offensive/defensive positional value spots.        

[BADOLBILZ]

28 minutes ago, Buffalo03 said:

Let me just say, I agree with you to a degree. If we were a rebuilding team that went 3-13 instead of 13-3 then I would definitely say RB in round 1 is really stupid. Like the Giants did with Barkley which clearly didn't make sense when they needed a QB. But our offense literally needs a game breaking RB and a good TE from being fully dominant. It's almost there already. 

 

We have drafted RBs in the 3rd round each of the last two years and how has that worked out? Zach Moss, I'm not necessarily giving up hope that he can be a really good player yet but I'm pretty sure we know what we have in Singletary at this point. And neither guy is really a guy that can change a game or has game breaking speed. 

 

To me, there is a clear difference between the RBs you draft in Round 1 as opposed to after. Tomlinson, AP, Elliot, McCaffery, Barkley, Gurley, Barry Sanders, Emmitt, Marshall Faulk. Those guys are or were difference makers for their teams. You can get guys in other rounds like Gore, Kamara, Aaron Jones, LeSean McCoy, Terrell Davis, Thurman and maybe even luck out on an undrafted guy like Fred Jackson or James Robinson and some others but I feel like the odds of that are a little slimmer. We are in our SB window. There's no point in not taking a difference maker at position of need that can make us even more dynamic because "RBs are a dime a dozen" or a "non sensical 1st round pick". I personally would like a pass rusher with the first pick but have no issue at all with Etienne or Harris at 30 if either player is there. I just don't see the point of drafting another 3rd Round RB that's basically the same as what we already have

 

 

First, you are mixing generations of RB's.   The Marshall Faulk type athletes don't even play RB anymore.    They make the big money playing CB or WR or S.    You can't draft a RB in round 1 anymore and assume he's going to ball out for 8-10 years.    As the level of athlete has decreased 26 has become the new 30.

 

Second........the best all purpose RB's in the league are a hodgepodge of guys like McCaffrey(1st round),  Kamara (3rd round) Aaron Jones (5th round) and Austin Ekeler(undrafted who caught 92 passes in 2019).    The Bills need speed.......the fastest RB's in the NFL over the past 3 seasons are probably Raheem Mostert and Philip Lindsay.......also both undrafted. 

 

I think you should take a closer look at who the best RB's in the NFL are.    And then eliminate guys like Zeke and Derrick Henry who need an offense tailored to them or at least need the ball handed to them 20+ times per game to have their full impact........because that doesn't make sense with a Josh Allen at QB.     

 

I don't know if there is even a "kind" of RB you can only find in round one.........but what I do know is that the kind the Bills need you can find all over the draft and in UDFA.    It's proven.

 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

I approve of drafting Najee Harris. what an explosive add to the already (superbowl bound) explosive offense he would be, a great addition!

 

 

hoping it happens.

 

 

insert gif here ________

[Buffalo03]

21 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

First, you are mixing generations of RB's.   The Marshall Faulk type athletes don't even play RB anymore.    They make the big money playing CB or WR or S.    You can't draft a RB in round 1 anymore and assume he's going to ball out for 8-10 years.    As the level of athlete has decreased 26 has become the new 30.

 

Second........the best all purpose RB's in the league are a hodgepodge of guys like McCaffrey(1st round),  Kamara (3rd round) Aaron Jones (5th round) and Austin Ekeler(undrafted who caught 92 passes in 2019).    The Bills need speed.......the fastest RB's in the NFL over the past 3 seasons are probably Raheem Mostert and Philip Lindsay.......also both undrafted. 

 

I think you should take a closer look at who the best RB's in the NFL are.    And then eliminate guys like Zeke and Derrick Henry who need an offense tailored to them or at least need the ball handed to them 20+ times per game to have their full impact........because that doesn't make sense with a Josh Allen at QB.     

 

I don't know if there is even a "kind" of RB you can only find in round one.........but what I do know is that the kind the Bills need you can find all over the draft and in UDFA.    It's proven.

 

I know about mixing generations of RBs. I did that intentionally. I did point out quite a few RBs that have been drafted recently though like McCaffery, Gurley, Elliott, and even guys in the last 15 to 20 years like Tomlinson and AP. Those guys are huge differences compared to a RB you draft in the 4th round. I feel like if you want a difference making, game breaking and speed type back that you need to find that guy in the first and maybe 2nd rounds. And again, I also feel like there is a difference between drafting a first round RB when you are a losing team as opposed to when you are a SB caliber team. 

Edited March 27, 2021 by Buffalo03

[Nextmanup]

On 3/26/2021 at 1:04 PM, Canadian Bills Fan said:

ok this now solidifies that the Bills wont be drafting Harris

THANK GOD!
 

[Saint Doug]

We seem to be forgetting that JA has a few games per season where he just can’t do it himself. These aren’t shootouts, but Josh just being off or the opposing team having his number that day. It’s these days we need a dominating run game. Otherwise, I don’t really want a RB taking throws away from Josh. That said, we do need a RB that he can target out of the backfield. 

[Wagon Circler]

On 3/26/2021 at 1:27 PM, Figster said:

Bills expressed interest in Josh Allen. 

 

For what its worth I feel almost as strongly about Harris fitting the Bill as I did before the 2018 draft and Josh Allen.

 

Not many liked the idea, hardly anybody seen it coming.

 

Yet here we are...

Everybody kind of knew we were high on Ed Oliver too.

[Logic]

3 minutes ago, Wagon Circler said:

Everybody kind of knew we were high on Ed Oliver too.

Yep.

 

The Bills front office is pretty tight-lipped, it’s true. But the notion that no one could possibly have any idea of who they like in upcoming drafts is silly.

 

Several prominent media personalities knew they wanted Allen. It was well known that they wanted Ed Oliver.

 

They do a great job keeping most things under wraps, but they’re not an impenetrable steel trap of secrets. Enough with that silliness.

 

 

[njbuff]

2 minutes ago, Logic said:

Yep.

 

The Bills front office is pretty tight-lipped, it’s true. But the notion that no one could possibly have any idea of who they like in upcoming drafts is silly.

 

Several prominent media personalities knew they wanted Allen. It was well known that they wanted Ed Oliver.

 

They do a great job keeping most things under wraps, but they’re not an impenetrable steel trap of secrets. Enough with that silliness.

 

 

 

It was known before McDermott became HC that he wanted one of Allen/Rosen in the 2018 draft.

 

That's why the Bills road with Taylor in 2017 and made that trade with KC on draft day.

 

At least that secret really wasn't kept in the bag.

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, Buffalo03 said:

I know about mixing generations of RBs. I did that intentionally. I did point out quite a few RBs that have been drafted recently though like McCaffery, Gurley, Elliott, and even guys in the last 15 to 20 years like Tomlinson and AP. Those guys are huge differences compared to a RB you draft in the 4th round. I feel like if you want a difference making, game breaking and speed type back that you need to find that guy in the first and maybe 2nd rounds. And again, I also feel like there is a difference between drafting a first round RB when you are a losing team as opposed to when you are a SB caliber team. 

 

You pointed out some good current RB's that went in round 1...........I pointed out a greater number of dynamic current RB's that went from the 3rd round all the way to being undrafted.

 

That is proof that you can get top quality RB production anywhere in the draft.    You can't tell me that the difference between McCaffrey and Kamara/Jones is "huge".  

 

That's just not true.   

 

And Moss and Singletary don't actually suck........they are pretty good backs but they were drafted for an offense that was under center with a lot of 12 personnel,  sometimes a fullback.......more of a power run blocking scheme.

 

But when Allen broke out last fall.........they became more of a spread offense,  shotgun predominant, zone blocking team..........which better suits backs that are quicker, faster 1 cut types...... like Matt Breida.    

 

With so much of the NCAA running spread offenses I like the odds of a good scouting staff being able to identify players that fit the system well anywhere in the draft.

 

[Buffalo03]

21 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

You pointed out some good current RB's that went in round 1...........I pointed out a greater number of dynamic current RB's that went from the 3rd round all the way to being undrafted.

 

That is proof that you can get top quality RB production anywhere in the draft.    You can't tell me that the difference between McCaffrey and Kamara/Jones is "huge".  

 

That's just not true.   

 

And Moss and Singletary don't actually suck........they are pretty good backs but they were drafted for an offense that was under center with a lot of 12 personnel,  sometimes a fullback.......more of a power run blocking scheme.

 

But when Allen broke out last fall.........they became more of a spread offense,  shotgun predominant, zone blocking team..........which better suits backs that are quicker, faster 1 cut types...... like Matt Breida.    

 

With so much of the NCAA running spread offenses I like the odds of a good scouting staff being able to identify players that fit the system well anywhere in the draft.

 

There isn't much of a difference between McCaffery and Kamara but that's just one example. In most situations, you would never find a RB in the 3rd round or later that would come close to McCaffery. How many 3rd round or later RBs are even as good as Kamara? Kamara was an anomaly in my opinion. I really believe that a dynamic RB takes this offense over the top. Harris and Etienne can be that

[BADOLBILZ]

17 minutes ago, Buffalo03 said:

There isn't much of a difference between McCaffery and Kamara but that's just one example. In most situations, you would never find a RB in the 3rd round or later that would come close to McCaffery. How many 3rd round or later RBs are even as good as Kamara? Kamara was an anomaly in my opinion. I really believe that a dynamic RB takes this offense over the top. Harris and Etienne can be that

 

 

In 2019 USA Today ranked the top running backs selected in round one in the past decade:

 

16.  Jahvid Best

15.  David Wilson

14.  Trent Richardson

13.  CJ Spiller

12.  Ryan Matthews

11.   Doug "muscle hamster" Martin

10.  Rashaad Penny 

9.    Josh Jacobs (3.9 ypc last year....yuck)

8.    Leonard Fournette (a career sub 4.0 ypc in a league where the average ypc is 4.2)

7.    Sony Michel (only season he stayed healthy had 3.7 ypc)

6.   Melvin Gordon (4 of his 6 seasons below 4.0 ypc)

5.   Mark Ingram (long, solid career as a rotational back but not a playmaker)

 

 

4.   Todd Gurley

3.   Saquon Barkley

2.   Christian Mccaffrey

1.   Ezekiel Elliott

 

Only the top 4 have been elite RB's..........and they weren't just first round picks......they were all picked with top 10 overall picks.

 

And Gurley flamed out at the end of his age 24 season and Barkley is now surgically repaired after putting in two very good seasons.

 

Fournette, Richardson and Spiller were also top 10 picks.......so even being THAT certain that the RB will be great isn't anywhere close to a lock.

 

The rest of that list could have been undrafted and nobody would be astonished that they weren't selected.

 

So who are all these "in most situations" guys that prove that anywhere in the 1st round is where you get superstar RB's?

 

Last year CEH was the RB that was selected in round 1.........go back and compare his numbers to Singletary year 2......very similar.....(and note that Singletary year 1 averaged 5.0 ypc).

 

[Saint Doug]

Every round produces stars. It doesn’t matter position. We can cherry pick great players from all rounds. It comes down to a team’s valuation of the player, not the round they are selected. If the Bills see a 1st round RB who they think will significantly contribute to our offense this coming season, then pull the trigger. 

[BADOLBILZ]

31 minutes ago, Saint Doug said:

Every round produces stars. It doesn’t matter position. We can cherry pick great players from all rounds. It comes down to a team’s valuation of the player, not the round they are selected. If the Bills see a 1st round RB who they think will significantly contribute to our offense this coming season, then pull the trigger. 

 

Generally speaking the early rounds produce a much higher % of star players than the later rounds.  

 

It's just much easier to get high quality play from mid-late round running backs than it is late rounders at positions like QB, Pass Rushers, LT, CB........

 

And when you have a need at THOSE positions..........you really have a need........and they cost A LOT more to acquire in free agency.........if you can even find ones in UFA that aren't full of red flags.

 

[Coach Tuesday]

1 hour ago, Saint Doug said:

Every round produces stars. It doesn’t matter position. We can cherry pick great players from all rounds. It comes down to a team’s valuation of the player, not the round they are selected. If the Bills see a 1st round RB who they think will significantly contribute to our offense this coming season, then pull the trigger. 

Honestly - take a look at the running backs picked in round 1 over the past two decades and you might be surprised how ordinary the list is.  Beanie Wells was a first round pick.

[Buffalo03]

2 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

In 2019 USA Today ranked the top running backs selected in round one in the past decade:

 

16.  Jahvid Best

15.  David Wilson

14.  Trent Richardson

13.  CJ Spiller

12.  Ryan Matthews

11.   Doug "muscle hamster" Martin

10.  Rashaad Penny 

9.    Josh Jacobs (3.9 ypc last year....yuck)

8.    Leonard Fournette (a career sub 4.0 ypc in a league where the average ypc is 4.2)

7.    Sony Michel (only season he stayed healthy had 3.7 ypc)

6.   Melvin Gordon (4 of his 6 seasons below 4.0 ypc)

5.   Mark Ingram (long, solid career as a rotational back but not a playmaker)

 

 

4.   Todd Gurley

3.   Saquon Barkley

2.   Christian Mccaffrey

1.   Ezekiel Elliott

 

Only the top 4 have been elite RB's..........and they weren't just first round picks......they were all picked with top 10 overall picks.

 

And Gurley flamed out at the end of his age 24 season and Barkley is now surgically repaired after putting in two very good seasons.

 

Fournette, Richardson and Spiller were also top 10 picks.......so even being THAT certain that the RB will be great isn't anywhere close to a lock.

 

The rest of that list could have been undrafted and nobody would be astonished that they weren't selected.

 

So who are all these "in most situations" guys that prove that anywhere in the 1st round is where you get superstar RB's?

 

Last year CEH was the RB that was selected in round 1.........go back and compare his numbers to Singletary year 2......very similar.....(and note that Singletary year 1 averaged 5.0 ypc).

 

I still would take Harris or Etienne. Like Jimmy Johnson said "if you're gonna draft a RB then draft the best one". Maybe the 3rd time would be the charm this year

[Lofton80]

The only way I see them taking Harris is to provide another red zone weapon. I am sure the tape of the multiple failed trips into the red zone in the KC playoff game might make running the ball with a bigger RB a consideration. They have to make teams pay if they rollout a 6 db defense.    

[ColoradoBills]

On 3/26/2021 at 12:59 PM, The Governor said:

People are just being silly. Value doesn’t matter at all this year. We need 2 players from this draft that will help us get to the next step. It doesn’t matter at all “where” we draft these players.

 

The  only smokescreen here would be getting Javonte NC to slip to us. We’re definitely taking a RB.

 

I can't believe I have talked myself into a RB this year but the more I read about J. Williams the more I think he is a fit.

They say he is probably top of Day 2 but I can't remember the last time the Bills had a young bruising RB.

I really like how everyone talks about his pass blocking and he has a lot of tread left on him.

 

I'm crazy but Williams/Breida/Moss or Singletary sounds like a very well rounded RB room to me.

 

[DaggersEOD]

On 3/26/2021 at 4:53 PM, Norcalbillsfan said:

I still feel like if the bills are going RB at 30 it's Etienne. He's everything the bills want speed and pass catching. Just my 2 cents is if the CB or edge they want isn't there at 30 then they look at Etienne cuz he instantly makes the offense better. If the CB or edge is there they take it in a heart beat then maybe take a speedy pass catching back later rounds or just rotate breida. Either way I think Breida is the insurance if they don't get the back they want.

 

Well he DID play college in Carolina...

 

 

[PRBills]

But can he do Derrick Henry push-ups tho? 🤷🏻