Bills 2021 Draft - Overall Assessment

[Aussie Joe]

2 minutes ago, billsfan1959 said:

 

The timing of when he joined this board and the content of his initial posts suggested he joined this board with the specific intent to troll this team about Allen. JMO, but I always suspected he was a Bills fan prior to the Mahomes pick and jumped on the Mahomes bandwagon.

I think there is some confusion with this that we have gone through before ... there was another Bills fan ( Jeffsmagic) who deserted the Bills for the Chiefs when they drafted his crush Mahomes...

Edited May 2, 2021 by Aussie Joe

[Mountain Man]

37 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

They were already ahead of the Bills by like 20 spots. They moved up to get ahead of someone but it sure as hell wasn't Buffalo.

 

Brandon Beane pretty much told us he wasn't interested in Najee or Williams. I think they would have been interested in Etienne but you do not trade up in round 1 for running backs.

 

Correct on both. 

 

The obvious candidate is Miami at 36 they wanted ahead of. 

 

People are misinterpreting the pre draft home run ability comment to mean RB. It could equally mean WR which made more sense as they lost Brown at WR and Roberts as returner, and they addressed it with Stevenson. Who addresses both

2 hours ago, newcam2012 said:

Why pick up Brieda then? 

Because they lost Yeldon and Breida is a proven veteran at a sensible price with a complimentary skillet. You need 3 RBs. 

[78thealltimegreat]

Solid B...no splash players that make fans go wow look who we drafted but took care of the lines...Singletary and Moss better produce this year and take the pressure off Josh cause they still could have gotten Javante Williams a few picks before the Broncos nabbed him 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, Mountain Man said:

 

Correct on both. 

 

The obvious candidate is Miami at 36 they wanted ahead of. 

 

People are misinterpreting the pre draft home run ability comment to mean RB. It could equally mean WR which made more sense as they lost Brown at WR and Roberts as returner, and they addressed it with Stevenson. Who addresses both

 

Hmm, he did specifically say it in regards to running back in the pre-draft presser.. He said they like their guys but neither of them are "home run hitters." But I don't think it was a very good running back class and I said that before the draft. The numbers suggest that the NFL agreed. Only 4 running backs went in the first 3 rounds, compared to 11 last year. After Etienne (who I do think the Bills had an interest in, not sure they'd have taken him ahead of Rousseau but in a world where their edge guys didn't get to #30 and Etienne did I could have imagined him as the pick) there really wasn't that home run hitter who was obviously going to bring more than Matt Brieda who they added as a speed back. It is the same at tight end. It just wasn't a good tight end class. I'm sure the Bills would have loved to find a game breaking tight end in this class but you can't find a guy that doesn't exist. The one home run hitting, game breaking running back went before the Bills made a single pick and so did the one game breaking tight end. 

[billsfan1959]

1 minute ago, Aussie Joe said:

I think there is some confusion with this that we have gone through before ... there was another Bills fan ( Jeffsmagic) who deserted the Bills for the Chiefs when they drafted his crush Mahomes...

 

I remember that discussion and never made the assertion the two were the same poster. I have no idea. Based on his posts, the feeling I always had was that he was a fan who jumped ship. Again, just my opinion and not important in any way other than how it influences how much credibility I give his posts critiquing the Bills. 

[Mountain Man]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Hmm, he did specifically say it in regards to running back in the pre-draft presser.. He said they like their guys but neither of them are "home run hitters." 

But if you look at that in the context of another comment he made, at the Senior Bowl last year IIRC (its on YouTube somewhere) he also referred to Touchdown Makers on offense as opposed to specific positions on offense. 

 

I'd suggest it leaves the inference of the home run hitters open. And that it was a broader point on speed, not an absolute need of a type at a specific position

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

I voted trees because everyone they drafted is 6ft 19.... tall monsters. They clearly prioritized winning in the trenches with size and athleticism  

[UKBillFan]

28 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

True... but if you are a fan of another team, do you join that  teams message board to pile it on ... particularly given the history the year before with the Mahomes trade?

No, I agree, not for that specific reason. Even with Josh being so good now that trade is still looking like a very silly move.

 

I’d give the trade a C. Decent enough but I don’t like that we double dipped from the off and would have preferred JOK over Rousseau at 30 and Gowan over Wildgoose at 213. Have doubts over Doyle but love Basham, Brown, Hamlin and Stevenson. Anderson is a seventh pick so not invested at this stage. Hopefully they will all come good for us though; they have the potential to.

[billsfan1959]

9 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Hmm, he did specifically say it in regards to running back in the pre-draft presser.. He said they like their guys but neither of them are "home run hitters." But I don't think it was a very good running back class and I said that before the draft. The numbers suggest that the NFL agreed. Only 4 running backs went in the first 3 rounds, compared to 11 last year. After Etienne (who I do think the Bills had an interest in, not sure they'd have taken him ahead of Rousseau but in a world where their edge guys didn't get to #30 and Etienne did I could have imagined him as the pick) there really wasn't that home run hitter who was obviously going to bring more than Matt Brieda who they added as a speed back. It is the same at tight end. It just wasn't a good tight end class. I'm sure the Bills would have loved to find a game breaking tight end in this class but you can't find a guy that doesn't exist. The one home run hitting, game breaking running back went before the Bills made a single pick and so did the one game breaking tight end. 

 

Agree 100%. I liked Etienne; however, I would not have been happy if they had traded up to pick him (nor did I think they would). I don't believe there was an offensive skill player (certainly not at RB or TE) available at where the Bills were drafting that was going to be a "game changer" for the team this year. They needed to upgrade at DE and ability to pressure and I like what they did with those first two picks (and I know I think more highly of Basham than you do). 

 

I thought it was a solid draft from top to bottom. 

[Mountain Man]

They needed a John Brown / Andre Roberts replacement given Mckenzies fumble history, but they could afford to wait. Stevenson may end up having the most significant year 1 impact of this draft class, if he stays healthy he's gonna be a monster. In a year without proper combine number so everyone looks fast because of pro day numbers, he actually is. 

[Nihilarian]

Dunno about the rest of you guys but I really, really, really enjoyed watching Patrick Mahomes running for his life all game long in that super bowl!! 

 

The Bills FO must have enjoyed it also as they went after two huge pass rushers with the first two picks. It might not work right away as these new players need some growth and development. I'm very excited to see what 2021 brings. 

 

The height factor must be included in these selections as Mahomes 6'3'', Zach Wilson 6'3'', Tua Tugovailoa 6'0'' now need to pass over these here mountains! 

 

Let's face it, that this 2020 Buffalo Bills team just went 13-3 and was one miracle hail-Mary play away from a 14-2 season. That would have set a franchise record for best season ever!

Most of the current players are good enough to get them back to where they were last season. So, signing all the players from last season made sense to keep things going. 

 

Time will tell...I think this FO got it right in the draft, free agency. Plus, undrafted players and free agency are still open. Zach Ertz anyone? 

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, Mountain Man said:

They needed a John Brown / Andre Roberts replacement given Mckenzies fumble history, but they could afford to wait. Stevenson may end up having the most significant year 1 impact of this draft class, if he stays healthy he's gonna be a monster. In a year without proper combine number so everyone looks fast because of pro day numbers, he actually is. 

 

Yea his pro day was kinda the opposite way to most. He definitely ran slower than expected. I think Beane's press conference was interesting - he said late on they went away from pure BPA to address a few needs, cornerback and returner. I think that gives you a pretty clear sense what the route to this roster is for Stevenson as a rookie - if he wants to be on the 53 he likely needs to win the return job. He can do that, but that is the challenge ahead of him. 

[Mountain Man]

4 minutes ago, Nihilarian said:

Zach Ertz anyone? 

No thanks. Give Knox one more year, and if it doesn't work, start again from scratch at TE next year 

Just now, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea his pro day was kinda the opposite way to most. He definitely ran slower than expected.

That was my feeling. Which was made it even worse by the fact that the other guys are being quoted off pro day times this year not combine numbers so basically any WR not running a 4.3 is slow. We'll never know how quick this years draft class is, but it's certainly slower than the numbers suggest 

[Mountain Man]

3 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 he said late on they went away from pure BPA to address a few needs, cornerback and returner.

That's been a trend the last few years. Basically days 1 and 2 is BPA with a element of need factored in, and day 3 that need element becomes more prominent or at least viability to make the roster

[GunnerBill]

15 minutes ago, Nihilarian said:

Dunno about the rest of you guys but I really, really, really enjoyed watching Patrick Mahomes running for his life all game long in that super bowl!! 

 

 

Two teams beat Mahomes last year - the Raiders and the Buccs. Both pressured him on more than 50% of this dropbacks. That is incredibly hard to do but that is the formula. Getting to him sometimes isn't enough. You have to be capable of pressuring consistently. They did it different ways, the Buccs blitzed a fair amount but the Raiders ran a lot of 3 and 4 man pressures and did it with clever rush packages. The Bills prioritised that this weekend, but the opposite side of that coin is that as we stand here now I think the Chiefs have definitely upgraded three spots on their line from the start of last season and the one where they have downgraded - right tackle - is a spot where their starter went down for the season in week 1. So they haven't stood still either but that is the challenge. The Bills have to find a way within the parameters of their scheme to get more pressure on Mahomes (and even aside from Kansas City they needed to get more pressure on Quarterbacks in any event). 

 

3 minutes ago, Mountain Man said:

That's been a trend the last few years. Basically days 1 and 2 is BPA with a element of need factored in, and day 3 that need element becomes more prominent or at least viability to make the roster

 

Beane has been pretty honest with us this week:

 

Round 1 was best player available who affects the Quarterback;

Rounds 2 and 3 were pure BPA;

Rounds 5 and 6 were sticking broadly to the board but attacking needs;

Round 7 was pure BPA. 

Edited May 2, 2021 by GunnerBill

[RyanC883]

12 hours ago, Process said:

C+ 

 

Don't love double dipping at DE and OT and not addressing another needs like WR CB and DT until the later rounds. 

 

At the end of the day we added to the lines, which is never a bad thing, so I don't hate it. 

 

But between FA and the draft, the Chiefs, Browns, Dolphins, Jets and Patriots all made moves that will make them significantly better in 2021. The Bills did not. 

 

This year was about trenches, next year we will really need to add some playmakers on offense and in the secondary.

 

this says it all.  not a single player from the draft projects to make the bills better in 2021.  lots of potential guys for 2022, and no rb snd 1T is a head scratcher.  

[Reed83HOF]

12 hours ago, McBean said:

We needed to add offensive playmakers. We didn’t. That’s what will beat KC.

 

The fact Dawson Knox and Singletary will start next year makes me puke.

 

Draft could end up being a home run if Greg and Boogie make an impact in their rookie years.

Not a fan of our RBs and I would like a better plan at TE, they seem to be betting on Knox taking a big step this year, they have more faith than I do. In a pass happy offense, I need players with sticky catching hands, not cement blocks. 

 

That being said I have more faith in Knox than the RBs

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, Reed83HOF said:

Not a fan of our RBs and I would like a better plan at TE, they seem to be betting on Knox taking a big step this year, they have more faith than I do. In a pass happy offense, I need players with sticky catching hands, not cement blocks. 

 

That being said I have more faith in Knox than the RBs

 

It just wasn't a good RB or TE draft. You can't take guys who aren't there.

[SoTier]

12 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Best draft of my lifetime.  They had a clear, sane strategy that makes perfect sense in today’s NFL where (i) you’ve got a franchise QB about to take up a big chunk of the cap; (ii) you need depth at premium positions (everyone does); and (iii) you did sober self-scouting to realize you weren’t affecting the passing game enough to beat your biggest obstacle to the Lombardi.  Super impressed with a well-executed PLAN.  This draft was the product of a clear strategic plan and I’ve literally been waiting decades to say that about this team’s draft.

 

I think that the future oriented aspect of the draft is the most impressive part.  It's easy to improve a poor team through the draft with competent talent evaluation.  It's a whole lot harder to maintain, much less improve, a very successful team over the long term.    That's what separates teams that are almost always "in the hunt" like NE, KC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Seattle, etc from most other franchises that look great for a season or two and then disintegrate.  I think that Atlanta and Philly are perhaps the best and most recent examples.

 

12 hours ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I wanna see the list of UDFAs 

 

This is why I'm not all that dismayed that the Bills didn't take any CBs.   Teams regularly find decent CBs among UDFAs than decent edge rushers or OLers.   Without the Combine, there are a lot of unknowns among the late round prospects this year, especially those who attended schools that didn't hold pro days. 

[Reed83HOF]

Just now, GunnerBill said:

 

It just wasn't a good RB or TE draft. You can't take guys who aren't there.

Oh I agree, just saying those are my weak points which we haven't fully addressed. And are still some of the bigger question marks heading into this season. I'm not expecting Brieda to come in and light it up. And I'm hoping for a big jump form Knox, not expecting it though.

I don't have the patience for a 3 year developmental curve on a TE our of the draft. But this is a positional, we need to focus on improving.

 

Given how the draft fell and where we selected I think we did a good job of getting bigger, faster, younger in the trenches. This is a huge plus for us. The DL prospects in this draft weren't great overall, but I do think there was good value in RD1 and 2 and they have a lot of upside.

 

Without a move up, we were shut out of the CB class. This makes sense since you can never have enough of them, every team wants them and our draft position placed us in the position to overdraft the next tier (reach) or trade to snag one, again our draft positioning made it tough.

 

This draft was a light class and as we all know with Covid, opt outs, no medicals, no combine talent was pushed up and slipped down the boards. The 2022 draft should shape up to be a great one with a lot of talent throughout.

 

Post draft, I would like to see us address CB2 and maybe Ertz frees up now and he can give us a year or 3. I'm not overpaying a FA RB, but perhaps Denver dumps Gordon(wishful thinking and doubtful) and we can add him cheap for a year.

 

[John from Riverside]

I think the answer to this won’t be known until we actually get into the season and maybe later on into the season

 

I take a look at a guy like buggy or Jack Anderson and I see guys that could step in if a starter goes down

 

I think Greg r Gets playing time immediately put in a rotation

 

The Receiver we took could have an immediate impact because he brings speed that a corps does not have It looks like he has value as a returner

 

This team is loaded with talent right now with entrenched veterans it’s really hard to bust through on a team like this in the first year

[Solomon Grundy]

26 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It just wasn't a good RB or TE draft. You can't take guys who aren't there.

There’s two players in next year’s draft that will cure all our woes here, Breece Hall and Charlie Kolar. Both Iowa State players.

[BuffaloBill]

13 hours ago, MAJBobby said:

RAS GALORE 

 

 

 

 

To me, this, plus culture are what makes the Bills 2021 draft really interesting. Athleticism on its own will not lead to success as it is only one factor. This type of athleticism driven by guys with leadership, plus very good coaching, may make this an outstanding draft class. To me, it feels like the Bills did not reach. I like it.

[Reed83HOF]

2 minutes ago, BuffaloBill said:

 

 

To me, this, plus culture are what makes the Bills 2021 draft really interesting. Athleticism on its own will not lead to success as it is only one factor. This type of athleticism driven by guys with leadership, plus very good coaching, may make this an outstanding draft class. To me, it feels like the Bills did not reach. I like it.

That's the Beane way. 

[H2o]

If Rousseau hits then this draft is an A++. I know Rousseau had one really productive year, but it's just a small sample size. I actually have more faith in Basham being productive than Rousseau at the moment, but that's just me. Basham, playing at 270, will be quicker and more twitchy than he was at Wake where he played between 285-290lbs. I think he will do really well getting after it while lining up against RT's in the NFL. He's good against the run already as well knowing how to set the edge and shed his blocks to close on the ball carrier. He also has a knack for punching the ball out when he gets there, having 3 FF in 2019 and then 4 FF in 2020 playing only 6 games. I REALLY liked our 2nd Round pick. I also understand the Spencer Brown pick. Adebo and St-Juste were both off of the board. The OL needed some young depth and by all accounts I've read we got one hell of an OT prospect. Can't be mad at that. Until the other day I had not even heard of Marquez Stevenson. After that I watched different videos of the guy for about 30-45 minutes straight, Houston games and highlights of him. To me, and this is just my 2, he will be to this offense what Foster could have been. On top of that, he will contribute in the return game.  He has a career average of 26.1 yds per kickoff return with 3 TD's on 34 total returns. That means in college 1 out of every 11 he took to the house. Love this pick. Doyle I had only seen his name on mock draft boards, but didn't do much research behind it. I think he may be a PS guy unless we move someone else to keep him on the 53/55, whatever it is now. Hamlin I had looked into a bit. He seems to be a fit for the defense we run, but will need to be coached up on his responsibilities in coverage.  Wildgoose? I got nothing. Our UDFA's have some solid potential with Tariq Thompson and Quintin Morris. All in all I give us a B+ right now, with a chance to be an A++ if Rousseau can bring 10-15 sacks a year to this defense. It's more than solid, even though I really wanted us to address the 1T. 

Edited May 2, 2021 by H2o

[balln]

ehhh I think i like the players 

 

I still dont love that I think Mcbeane value trust the process guys / intangibles a little too much

 

their reliance on seniors / senior bowl on full display - ALL of their picks except rousseau , doyle ( a senior who was snubbed), and wildgoose - were from senior bowl. which i dont like

 

basham is shaq lawson, maybe a better more skillfull rusher. which will be a nice pick

 

rousseau will be an interior rusher / and just ok - unless they get lucky and turn him into a monster DE rusher- but he cant bend and his agility scores sucked so i doubt it

 

 

Edited May 2, 2021 by balln

[Buffalo Bills Fan]

7 hours ago, Zerovoltz said:

I used to really enjoy draft "grades" right after a draft was completed....but I've come to understand that grading these right after they happen is a fools errand.  

 

That said....from the outside looking in....looking at the Bills as team that will compete with mine for the AFC title.....I don't think this draft went that well for the Bills.  Again...this is all just my own opinion....I don't know your team as well as you all do so I am sure I am missing some information about your roster etc ...but I thought that the Bills would go into this draft looking for opertunities to upgrade the pass rush, the TE position, and the RB position.  I also thought Interior D line might come into play as well, but not the most pressing need.

 

It seemed like the RB's that the Bills might have wanted, just kept getting picked a few spots in front of Buffalo.  I am almost positive the Broncos moved up in round 2 to get in front of you guys for Williams.  Some of you folks here liked Michael Carter of NC, better than Williams, and the Jets ended up with him.  It's not to say Singletary and Moss aren't good backs....but they aren't home run hitters.  

 

I thought maybe the Bills might take a shot at Friermuth when the time came..or maybe one of the later guys like Breven....but no TE taken. 

 

I am not familiar with your O line situation, but clearly you all added some guys there.  

 

I have no idea how this will turn out...the two DE's may be awesome....or maybe one of this....maybe this turns you all into a fearsome pass rushing machine and Beane got it right.....He's been right quite a bit since he's beein there...so certainly I'd defer to whatever he did and trust it......all I am saying is I'm not sure these picks move the needle that much....or enough to take the next step.  

 

 

 

The Bill's worst unit was going after the Qb (pass rush). Was a huge weakness all year. Balanced teams or very good QB teams (Chiefs) could get there way with us last year.  The CB unit McDermott can build a low tier CB into looks like a good one. Levi Wallace might not be the best player but that's McDermott strength even going to Panthers as a DC days. He might be one of the best secondary coaches in the league.

 

Before draft told lots people in person Bill's won't draft a rb. But who knows there plans.  Singletary was the 11th most explosive rb. Good blocker. Moss was the best rb blocker in the nfl last year. Beane in his press I think said there is room to grow and trust him on it. 

 

TE could be a little weak love Know as well as room to grow. Love the new TE they brought in. 

 

Beane and McDermott had a plan in this draft. Fully trust them. They built this team well and should be good for a long time (imo). 

[OrtonHearsaWho]

8 minutes ago, Buffalo Bills Fan said:

 

The Bill's worst unit was going after the Qb (pass rush). Was a huge weakness all year. Balanced teams or very good QB teams (Chiefs) could get there way with us last year.  The CB unit McDermott can build a low tier CB into looks like a good one. Levi Wallace might not be the best player but that's McDermott strength even going to Panthers as a DC days. He might be one of the best secondary coaches in the league.

 

Before draft told lots people in person Bill's won't draft a rb. But who knows there plans.  Singletary was the 11th most explosive rb. Good blocker. Moss was the best rb blocker in the nfl last year. Beane in his press I think said there is room to grow and trust him on it. 

 

TE could be a little weak love Know as well as room to grow. Love the new TE they brought in. 

 

Beane and McDermott had a plan in this draft. Fully trust them. They built this team well and should be good for a long time (imo). 

 

Couldn't agree more.  There were a bunch of players in the draft that I really liked and wanted to see us pick but at the end of the day...what the heck do I know!  We shouldn't be content with the recent success that we've had but at the same time I do think they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

 

I liked the picks and I'm happy that we weren't in dire need of any one position in particular considering this draft was one of the worst from a talent pool and talent evaluation standpoint.  And in spite of that, our 1st two picks are objectively talented!  If Rousseau had 2020 tape, I don't think he would have been even close to available at 30 and Basham's 2019 tape was nearly as good.  Position of need (both short term and long term) has been addressed without reaching or having to use draft capital.  They might not be 100% ready right away but who is?  They may not end up being great but who the heck knows.  That's how the draft is and how it has always been.  I'm sure a lot of the criticism is rooted in a love for this team so that's understandable but everyone...including the optimists...just needs to take a breath & TRUST THE PROCESS.

[Doc]

3 hours ago, eball said:

First of all, nice response.  My opinion stems from how different the league is now then it was when Polian ruled the roost.  I’ve heard Polian opine on many NFL radio shows over the past decade and I’m not sure he has the same sort of success in this era.  Beane and McDermott have built a top-notch organization that appears primed to be a force for years to come.  There is also a level of internal respect that draws in talented people.  I think it’s pretty well known that Polian was a “my way or the highway” kind of guy.

 

And just so we’re clear:  Polian didn’t draft Jim Kelly and he didn’t draft Bruce Smith.  He’s a HOF GM and deserves tons of credit for the Bills’ Super Bowl teams, but there’s always a bit of luck involved as well.

 

I could not possibly be more impressed with Brandon Beane.

 

...or Andre Reed or Frank Reich.  That's 3 HOF'ers and a great backup QB.

 

10 hours ago, RichRiderBills said:

My general vibe was this was a poor draft, and my gut here feels akin to the old drafts where we all rationalized your Duke Prestons and Derek Schoumans.

 

Bills needed to trade up to get Etienne , Hariss , or Toney as the playmaker to upgrade the offense. They failed here...or didnt bother.

 

We needed a first rate KR too, but didnt act on this till round 6.

 

Rosseau is an opt out player, and I'll make no bones about the fact that this generally turns me off.

 

Bills overthought things....

 

Rousseau opted-out so he could sign with an agent (Drew Rosenhaus) who gave him enough money so that his mother could quit her job taking care of COVID patients and get her out of harm's way.  With just 1 year of tape/production, even though it was really good, he was taking a chance at losing a lot of money, and likely did.

[DJB]

We are doomed. 

[stinky finger]

12 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Your opinion and criticism of posters for expressing an opinion........when you don't really have your own regarding players drafted......... would carry more weight if you weren't defensive of every regime the Bills have had since Butler left.  

 

Instead this is just the 6th GM you've defended since then and the only one who the argument could even be made that they've done well. 

 

1 for 6.

 

That's a Gary Sanchez-esque .167 batting average.

 

 

But man - when he gets a hold of one.....

 

 

 

[stinky finger]

11 hours ago, section122 said:

Here are my thoughts:

 

1.  Back to back DE was surprising but I liked it.  Both players can rush from the interior and are huge.  The pass rush was sorely lacking last year, is an overly expensive fa position, and the 2 best are old.  The hope imo is that the Bills will pile on points and then pin their ears back without giving up beef on the line.

 

2.  Back to back ots is a bit different.  First there is a huge difference between 1st and 2nd vs 3rd and 5th rounds.  Williams played very well last year but is only a couple of years removed from major injury.  These picks are protection from having to play the fa ots they added.  Lastly, if they do develop, tackles can be traded for a premium as evidenced by the orlando brown trade.

 

3. 3 6th rounders and 1 7th rounder.  Every pick made sense.  Mcd has earned late round db trust.  He has proven either an eye for talent or a great ablitily to develop them or both.  Either way those 2 made sense.  Og and speed wr were positions most had pegged as an area of improvement.

 

The only position I was hoping for that didn't get a pick was 1t.  Love the high ceiling picks throughout.  This was such a different draft experience for me and was very relaxing, first time ever for that lol.

 

This pretty much nails it for me. 

11 hours ago, Buffalo Timmy said:

Clearly our front office believes our DBs were much less an issue than our ability to get to the QB. Our DBs will be even better if the DL gets to the QB in 2 or less seconds each time

 

Agree - though I think a vet CB will be brought in.

[Doc]

As for RB, I don't think the Bills ever intended to take one.  They spent 3rd rounders in consecutive drafts on Motor and Moss, signed Antonio Williams as an UDFA last year, added Breida in FA, and have Wade.  It's not a position that's worth a high pick anymore.

[stinky finger]

11 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

Let’s reevaluate after the June 1st cuts. I think Ertz is still in play as well. I could see a corner, a TE and a 1T somewhere along the way, at least before Week 1. Preseason will roll along, there will be cuts when teams trim down and so on so forth. It’s not like we have a ton of holes at this point.

 

Agree on CB and fingers crossed on Ertz.

 

Would love a 1T - not sure where that's coming from. Hopefully one shakes loose.

 

Also, interested to see which of our DEs becomes expendable.

[CincyBillsFan]

33 minutes ago, Buffalo Bills Fan said:

 

The Bill's worst unit was going after the Qb (pass rush). Was a huge weakness all year. Balanced teams or very good QB teams (Chiefs) could get there way with us last year.  The CB unit McDermott can build a low tier CB into looks like a good one. Levi Wallace might not be the best player but that's McDermott strength even going to Panthers as a DC days. He might be one of the best secondary coaches in the league.

 

Before draft told lots people in person Bill's won't draft a rb. But who knows there plans.  Singletary was the 11th most explosive rb. Good blocker. Moss was the best rb blocker in the nfl last year. Beane in his press I think said there is room to grow and trust him on it. 

 

TE could be a little weak love Know as well as room to grow. Love the new TE they brought in. 

 

Beane and McDermott had a plan in this draft. Fully trust them. They built this team well and should be good for a long time (imo). 

 

Agree 100%.  In two of the three playoff games our D line didn't put any pressure on the opponents QB. And this was against highly effective QB's in Rivers & Mahomes.  The only reason we escaped with a win against Indy was that Allen took the team on his shoulders and had a phenomenal game.  He couldn't replicate that against KC minus the Bills best RB and a beat-up WR group. 

 

As for the Baltimore win, pass rush doesn't really matter against Jackson & company.  In fact a D-line that doesn't get much penetration is probably a good strategy against the Ravens.

 

The bottom line is that pass rush was by far the Bills biggest weakness.  RB & TE were not great just average, but our offense still scored over 30 points per game.  And adding Hollister and Breida did upgrade both positions.  It's also not unreasonable to expect Knox to improve this year particularly after he played a lot better at the end of the season and in the playoffs.  Ditto for Moss who was decent.

 

 

[stinky finger]

11 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Thanks, but I doubt you're correct when it comes to McBeane.  We'll just have to wait and see, but McBeane have been very clear that every position is up for grabs every year.   Just because they like their left tackle today doesn't mean that he's a ten-year fixture.  Maybe I'm missing something, because Dawkins hasn't struck me as a HOF tackle, just a good one.   What protects players, long-term, for McBeane, is leadership.  If Dawkins is one of the four or five leaders on the team in three years, then it will be tough to move him out.  Otherwise, I wouldn't say that he's a sure thing.  

 

But I hear you point.

 

I was waiting for you to say DD would kick inside and have Spencer Long mature into LT in 2-3 years.

[davefan66]

Really not a fan of grading drafts before these guys ever set foot on a NFL field.

 

Did we have an eye on RB in the first round?  I feel if Beane truly wanted on of these guys he would have jumped the Steelers.  Seemed it was a good guess they were grabbing one.  
 

I’d rather have the pass rush guys we got.  Both have a great ceiling, Basham seems a little more ready to me.  AFC Championship game proved we didn’t have the pass rush needed to win that game.  Believe we have 3 RB’s that are good.  Our guys didn’t get their numbers called a lot last year, feel it was play calling to the strengths of Josh.  

Rest of the draft?  Inexpensive backups with potential.  With the current salary cap and Josh’s pending contract, gonna need these type of guys.

 

Watching good players that we believe could help the team get drafted ahead of the Bills is a symptom of picking at 30.  Only way to remedy that is to trade up or pick guys early.  Not sure Beane was interested in that, he wanted picks and players. 
 

Feel it was a good draft.  Filled a few needs and added some guys with potential. 

[BuffaloFan68]

Next year we go LB first round. Time to move Hughes to coaching.

Go Bills!!!!!

[Bill from NYC]

I had never seen any of them play before yesterday. That said, someone whose opinion I have tons of respect for told me that Rousseau is a very talented player who can rush the passer, therefore I am very happy with the pick.

 

3 blockers in one draft? Utterly fantastic. Our OL doesn't suck like it used to but there are no great players on it either imo. The Bills could use some competition and depth when it comes to protecting Josh. Maybe one of them will be great. Who knows?

 

I voted B but would have voted B+ had there been the option, and will change it to an A if I can.

 

Edited May 2, 2021 by Bill from NYC

[stinky finger]

7 hours ago, newcam2012 said:

Why pick up Brieda then? Neither Singletary nor Moss scare a defense. Singletary can't score tds and Moss lacks explosive speed. Brieda brings that to the table. Who knows about Etienne? If he dropped to the Bills at 30 my gut says they would have ran to the podium. Personally, he's the guy I wanted. Just ask yourself Etienne or Rousseau? Seems like a no brainer to me. If the Bills were so confident in Rousseau then why double up with another DE? Oliver who was hyped up to be the next Bruce Smith and Epanesa are on the roster. Something isn't adding up to me. Are they hoping they get one right? 

 

No brainer for sure. And they made the right pick with Rosseau. 

 

Why double down? They stayed true to their board. Again, good pick up with Boogie. 

 

Oliver the next Bruuuuuuce? Who ever said that?