The Buffalo Bills 2022 off-season priorities - what are your top 5?

[BuffaloBill]

Beane hinted a little bit at priorities for the offseason. The following might be his list:

 

1) Replace Dabol or Frazier if they are hired away into a HC’ing position

2) CB position including #2 and depth - especially since there is still no clarity as to when Tre will be back to form

 

I think the two above were extremely clear from his comments. The next three are debatable:

 

3) Interior O-line

4) Defensive front - especially the interior

5) Depth at TE

 

As for me (I am assuming Dabol gets hired away and Frazier does not):

 

1) (BTW I do not have Dabol replacement here because I believe moving on to to Dorsey is a fait accompli) - focus on d-line: Addison and Hughes are gone from the D-line rotation unless Hughes takes a very team friendly one-year deal. The re-sign horrible Harry, take the option on Oliver and do the best they can to find Lotulelei’s eventual replacement - I also think they seek to get a pay cut from Lotulelei but my guess is he will not make concessions - (I think top three draft needs in this order are: CB, Interior DL and interior OL)

 

2) CB - they have to sign one veteran - probably not Wallace - and find at least 1 in the first three rounds of the draft

 

3) Interior o-line - I think the Bills in the draft go with CB or IOL as #1 / #2 in draft

 

4) Depth at TE (I think they find a really good value FA who wants to play on O with JA)

 

5) Speed at RB - round 3 or later in the draft

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Nextmanup]

I would prioritize O line ahead of CB, and I would not limit the updating to just the interior of the line! 

 

I would then address DB next.

 

I wouldn't mind tweaking the receiving corps too---Josh has the worst YAC in the league and that needs to be improved.

 

Tweaking/playing with the DL would be further down the list.

 

 

[JohnBonhamRocks]

1 win

2 the

3 dang

4 super

5 bowl

 

But really:

1 replacing OC / DC / STC

2 premier pass rusher

3 interior OL

4 db depth

5 weapons for Allen

[DabillsDaBillsDaBills]

I agree with most of your list there. 

 

Think I'd swap O-line and CB importance (O-line to 2 and CB to 3). 

 

I'd remove TE depth from the list and replace it with WR depth (assuming Beasley & Sanders are gone). TE2 is just not important in today's NFL and if both WRs leave we'll need someone after Diggs/Davis. 

[ngbills]

I think we need a difference maker on the edge. We get pressure with our JAG's but imagine having a dominant player there.

[First Round Bust]

agree with overall assesments as far as needs...esp resigning #99 and make and effort to resign LevI Wallace and Hughes which may not happen the best FAs are your own...which was last year strategy likely this years...

 

Beano did say they will make the effort to resign Levi

 

Total of 9 picks: #25, 57, 89, 126, 166  184 (from Car), 203,  228 (from ATL) , 243 - Beano is well-armed

 

(Teams eliminated in the Divisional round get picks 25-28)

 

https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/full_draft

 

Since the future is NOW, I dont have a problem with moving up in the early rounds to get us that big nose tackle to replace Star, as we are kind of light otherwise (Harry, Oliver, Zimmer), AND corner which has not been a high pick since Trey (at #27)  even if it means moving multiple picks this year and possibly next year as well...as in early picks

 

 

[ProcessYaDigg]

I'm still up in the air about Edmonds.  If the FO doesn't believe he's the guy, then we need to assess and bring in a potential replacement.  Not sure how this draft class looks.

[billybrew1]

I'm starting to Billieve we have to find the money to buy a FA pass rusher. This would accomplish two things. One, it would give us a pass rusher and two it would stop us from forcing our pick in the first round and allow us o concentrate on OL, CB and WR.....maybe even RB?

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Depth for both lines, impact FA edge guy (raid a team like the Saints who need cap help and likely won’t compete this year) and honestly, draft impact help at LB…someone more in the Keuchly mold to develop than Edmunds after his 5th yr is done…can we make some RB’s finally pay against us, given the old school trends shown by some of our AFC competition this year? 

[Norcalbillsfan]

My opinion

1. Offensive line, things looked good for us down the stretch but we are one injury away from a jaguars performance and that's unacceptable. I say we draft one, can't afford a solid fa. This also helps josh, and shows him your investing in his protection.

 

2. CB 2 in draft, depending how the draft plays out if we can get value at the pick round 1 do it.

 

3. SPEED, SPEED, more speed. Mckenzie sounds like he's not coming back. I feel like the bills dont take advantage of screens cuz they lacked the speed or trust at rb. Josh needs a speed demon either at wr or out of the backfield. I'd love to see both, but a rb is more doable in the draft, this draft doesn't have a rb predict to be drafted until mid round 2, there could be serious value at rb in the 4th round and later. And if we really could have our cake and eat it too, a speedy rb that can return kicks.

 

4. Find replacement for star. Phillips played well 2nd half of the year but I'd like to see cap savings by cutting star and finding a replacement.

 

5. This one won't be popular but draft edmunds possible replacement. I'm not saying cut edmunds this season, but draft competition and possible replacement. Wether your an edmunds fan or not he will probably command more money than the bills will want to spend. Do we wait until his deal is up and have no option behind him? Be forced to give him a bloated contract, or let him walk and try to pay for a FA or draft a rookie and throw him out there day one and hope it works? Draft a guy this year rotate him in, groom him let him learn the D for a year.

[LABILLBACKER]

18 minutes ago, ngbills said:

I think we need a difference maker on the edge. We get pressure with our JAG's but imagine having a dominant player there.

There will be zero value pass rushers left at 25. Wallace might leave leaving us no Cb1 or Cb2.  No way I let Jackson and Lewis run around as our primary CB's till Tre returns. Plus the CB Pool is very deep this draft. Take a runner on a pass rusher in the 3rd round. 

[Norcalbillsfan]

9 minutes ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Depth for both lines, impact FA edge guy (raid a team like the Saints who need cap help and likely won’t compete this year) and honestly, draft impact help at LB…someone more in the Keuchly mold to develop than Edmunds after his 5th yr is done…can we make some RB’s finally pay against us, given the old school trends shown by some of our AFC competition this year? 

Watched the draft last year with my best friend (broncos fan), im yelling at my tv "draft bolton!" Over and over. Fast forward to last Sunday, same friend is watching the game with me. Bolton makes his second tackle for loss, my friend says " isn't that the guy you wanted the bills to draft" and starts laughing.

[oldmanfan]

First priority is to really think about how you want the defense to play.  The passive bend but don’t break doesn’t hold up in big games.  Doing that may help our LBs be more effective.

 

Personnel wise:

 

1.  CB

2. Power RB

3. Big tub of goo DT

4.  Another big WR

5.  Punter

[LABILLBACKER]

17 minutes ago, Norcalbillsfan said:

Watched the draft last year with my best friend (broncos fan), im yelling at my tv "draft bolton!" Over and over. Fast forward to last Sunday, same friend is watching the game with me. Bolton makes his second tackle for loss, my friend says " isn't that the guy you wanted the bills to draft" and starts laughing.

Bolton has 4 TFL's just against Tennessee.  We could've used that. But no, McDermott is obsessed with his mediocre Mlb. So far Bolton has more TFL's his rookie year (11) than any year of  Edmundane.

[Coach V]

- 2 DB's, DL, OL, TE, RB, LB

- FA - WR's, OL

- Agree with all on priorities. I also think a change at DC is necessary. I like Frazier but his defenses are terrible on stopping the run and finishing 1 on 1 tackles. They will need to play more physical on defense (alot more). The #1 ranking this year was a joke as they didn't show-up when they faced  teams over .500 (incl NE on a Monday night). Bring in 1 or 2 CB's that can disrupt WR's or TE's off the line and limit YAC. With all the elite QB's in the AFC and some rising teams, the Bills need a defense that can stop high powered offenses in order to get back to the SB. It's not an easy task but necessary.  I bet even KC, CIN, BAL and other teams  will prioritize improving their defense in the off season. 

[Paup 1995MVP]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBill said:

Beane hinted a little bit at priorities for the offseason. The following might be his list:

 

1) Replace Dabol or Frazier if they are hired away into a HC’ing position

2) CB position including #2 and depth - especially since there is still no clarity as to when Tre will be back to form

 

I think the two above were extremely clear from his comments. The next three are debatable:

 

3) Interior O-line

4) Defensive front - especially the interior

5) Depth at TE

 

As for me (I am assuming Dabol gets hired away and Frazier does not):

 

1) (BTW I do not have Dabol replacement here because I believe moving on to to Dorsey is a fait accompli) - focus on d-line: Addison and Hughes are gone from the D-line rotation unless Hughes takes a very team friendly one-year deal. The re-sign horrible Harry, take the option on Oliver and do the best they can to find Lotulelei’s eventual replacement - I also think they seek to get a pay cut from Lotulelei but my guess is he will not make concessions - (I think top three draft needs in this order are: CB, Interior DL and interior OL)

 

2) CB - they have to sign one veteran - probably not Wallace - and find at least 1 in the first three rounds of the draft

 

3) Interior o-line - I think the Bills in the draft go with CB or IOL as #1 / #2 in draft

 

4) Depth at TE (I think they find a really good value FA who wants to play on O with JA)

 

5) Speed at RB - round 3 or later in the draft

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about a big time DE to rush the passer?  Sure Rousseau Epenesa and Basham may blossom.  But none seem to be the next DeMarcus Ware, or anything close to that.  And lets not bring back Jerry Hughes.  He had a nice career.  But as they said in Money Ball, there comes a time when everyone has to hang it up.  And its time Jerry.  

[Motor26]

Fastest wideout available round 1, fastest running back rounds 2 or 3. Oline depth. Sign a premium pass rusher. The defense has nobody to game plan around on the line. It’s been an issue for years now. 

[hondo in seattle]

1.  Interior OL.  When Josh has a bad day, it's usually because he's getting assaulted.  We need better bodyguards

2.  CB.  Tre is elite.  No one else is close.  We need faster, bigger, better corners

3.  Edge rushers.  I'm not sure how much I try Groot and Boogie to provide the pressure we need on Mahomes and others

4.  WR.  Sound like Beas is coming back.  With Davis, we have a good starting three.  Need to add a speed guy to stretch the D and get under Josh's deep balls.

5.  DT.  A younger, better Star.   

 

While I don't see it as a huge need, if a dynamic, multi-dimensional, Thurman Thomas type of back is available, he becomes a priority.  

[ProcessTruster]

Draft a fast corner #1  as neither Levi or Tre will be there day 1 , IMO.   Levi will sign elsewhere and if he stays, he cannot play man against quality, Tre will never be ready before Thanksgiving 

 

Draft a Guard/Center type high

 

Draft an big fast RB2 in the second round.   Love DS, but need another RB2 IMO

 

Extend horrible Harry.   Guy can play.   

 

Let Hughes go and use the $$ to get a younger rotational FA DE or Chandler Jones.   Need a monster inside the O tackles on the D line.  NOt sure how Beane does it, but he needs to do it

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ArtVandalay]

1. Offensive line improvement.

2. New RB with athleticism who isn't undersized. 

3. Playmaker on defense edge/MLB (I think Rousseau takes a huge leap next year)

4. Interior DLine size

5. WR with sub 4.4 speed then actually play him unlike McKenzie.

[mabden]

If both D and O coordinators leave, promote 'what's his name' as OC and hire a DC. With all the coaches getting fired, should be one or two available.

 

Draft speed at CB position with #1 pick.  Retain Wallace. He may not be an All Pro, but he has fought off all competition brought in to replace him, he has over 50 starts, so where are you going to find a FA CB with that experience?

 

Draft speed at WR position with #2 pick.

 

Resign Phillips, Hughes. 

 

Draft BPA for Center/Guard with at least 2 picks in rounds 3 - 7.   Fill in with LB, DE/DT, RB.

[Warcodered]

 

[Solomon Grundy]

1 hour ago, oldmanfan said:

First priority is to really think about how you want the defense to play.  The passive bend but don’t break doesn’t hold up in big games.  Doing that may help our LBs be more effective.

 

Personnel wise:

 

1.  CB

2. Power RB

3. Big tub of goo DT

4.  Another big WR

5.  Punter

I’d like to re-sign McKenzie or sign a weapon like him(Jakeem Grant). My CB needs to be fast and physical. One that can jam receivers at line, but keep up speed wise (Marlon Humphrey).A dynamic RB like Kamara. 3-5 are perfect choices

Edited January 27, 2022 by Solomon Grundy

[clayboy54]

I will wait to see if Daboll and Frazier are here before assessing what we need. Different coordinators will require different styles of players. As an example, someone other the Leslie might use Edmunds outside in a 4-3 where we will need a more powerful MLB.

[JoshAllin]

Why look for an unproven speedy WR when you have the proven speed demon Mckenzie?

[dorquemada]

Yeah I think try to keep Levi and McKitrick.  If you don't, you're just creating 2 holes to fill in the draft, with players who won't contribute right away.  We know what we have in those guys.  Id think we can carve enough dead weight off the DL to fund at least a solid CB2, then maybe draft BPA.  I think every time we draft for position we end up with...well, what we have today on the DL

 

oh and a punter at some point

[Brandon]

1) Add a quality CB prospect.  Probably a 1st or 2nd round pick here.  Also, re-sign Wallace if possible.   It's not a priority, but if they can find a good safety prospect in the mid to late rounds, it might be worth taking a look.

 

2) Find quality replacements for Sanders, McKenzie and/or Beasley,  depending on which ones leave. Overall speed at WR needs to improve significantly and they need at least one that can make plays after the catch. 1st or 2nd round pick here, plus maybe a bargain FA and a mid/late pick if all three of the mentioned group leave.  I'd also like to see them add a quality third down RB,  and right now, Cordarelle Patterson would be my #1 FA target and will likely be a relative bargain due to his age. 

 

3) Improve the depth on the interior of the OL. I think I'd sign Bates to the 2nd round RFA tender (~3.5m) and cut Feliciano for cap space (also Klein and Beasley).  Add a couple of 3rd-5th round guys here,  unless a really good prospect drops to R2.  

 

4) Backup Qb needs to be addressed.  If Trubisky can be re-signed for roughly the same money as this year,  do it. 

 

5) Try to find a veteran rush end that doesn't break the bank. Otherwise,  trust your draft evaluations and go with what you have at DE.  An elite rush end would be nice, but I don't see it happening without some major cap maneuvering. I wouldn't draft another except perhaps a developmental guy late.  Re-sign Phillips at DT if possible. 

 

6) Depth is a need everywhere else.

 

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Brandon

[Freddie's Dead]

1.  Anti-choking classes for McD.

2.  Anti-choking classes for McD.

3.  Anti-choking classes for McD.

4.  Anti-choking classes for McD.

5.  Anti-choking classes for McD.

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Freddie's Dead

[First Round Bust]

2 hours ago, ProcessYaDigg said:

I'm still up in the air about Edmonds.  If the FO doesn't believe he's the guy, then we need to assess and bring in a potential replacement.  Not sure how this draft class looks.

early word on this year draft is deeper than usual corners...per Joe B the Athletic...so I personally would move up to get space-eater Jordan Davis from UGA to replace Star, he is the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Outland Trophy winner in his senior season 6-6 - 340.   

 

and then move up again with more middle round picks to get a corner, esp if Wallace bolts, then we still have 4 picks in 6th-7th round to get a guard, center a la Wyatt Teller....harder for picks to make our roster and we have 9 this year, plus we cut 2 this past season and they were poached from PS - Anderson, Wildgoose

 

the future is NOW !!!  need to fill holes faster

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by First Round Bust

[Alphadawg7]

1. CB - Levi is a FA, and Tre coming off big injury.  I have a feeling they will try and bring Levi back.  But if he goes elsewhere, suddenly CB goes from needing some depth to a major hole.
2. OL - Need to shore up the IL more than anything
3. DT - Phillips is a free agent, and after this year, I think he will be a priority to resign.  Star replacement is also someone I think we need to find this year.
4. WR - Cole is in his last year of his deal and Sanders I am not sure they bring back unless he is willing to come back to back up Davis who should start.  Cole could be a trade chip too, so not guarantee they keep him this year.  
5. RB - I think they feel good about Devin and how he responded in a lead role down the stretch.  But I also think if they could go after Barkley or draft a guy with more speed to bolster the RB room.  

[die hard bills fan]

pretty much same as last year

cb #2

interior ol

speedy wr/rb-if mckenzie leaves

edge

punter

 

 

 

[ControllerOfPlanetX]

Interior OL and a running back the strikes some fear in the defense...need to migrate away from so many planned QB runs.

[SoCal Deek]

Build up the middle of the defense:

 

NT

MLB

 

Build up the middle of the offense:

 

G

TE

[artmalibu]

1  Replace / resign Levi

2 Quality Guard

3  Resign Knox

4  Smart draft, no reaching for position best available talent

5 Veteran pass rush specialist

[Ethan in Cleveland]

1. Give McDermott an ultimatum.  SB appearance or bust in 2022. Won't happen but I dare to dream.

2. See above. If that means moving on from Frazier, getting someone new, or calling his own defense the defense has to get better.  And don't post how can they get better than #1.  Everyone is now aware that ranking was a total fraud.

3. Edge rusher - they need a fast twitch guy that is more hybrid DE/OLB to go along with the group they have. Favor a veteran. Von Miller is top of my list. 

4. CB#2 - I'd be fine with Wallace on a reasonable deal. If not then I prefer a young guy in the first two rounds. And maybe one reasonably priced veteran for insurance. Jackson should be CB#5

5. TE#2 - my disdain for Gilliam and the lack of progress of Sweeney makes this a priority. They can't go into next season with either of those guys on the roster.  

6. OL - depends on where Beane spends his FA dollars. I would be happy with an expensive high end guard, or addressing interior OL in first three rounds.

7. Get younger at backup LB and Safety. Get rid of Mantekavich and Jones and get some young linebackers and safeties to develop.

8. WR - I'm torn here. Davis looks so good but is he a true #2. If Daboll leaves how many 4 and 5 WR sets will they use. Will McKenzie or Beasley be back.  If both are gone, then a WR in first three rounds makes sense

 

 

So in total I'm looking at draft needs of CB, C/G, and probably WR in early rounds.  I favor drafting for need and despite what Beane says so does he. 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Ethan in Portland

[BillsVet]

An elite modern offense can never stop reloading offensive skill players.  What they have now is good, but has to be upgraded to keep up with KC and others.  I'd hope they're looking at a speed threat to be their #2 and Davis can play #3.  Have to reduce the hits Diggs takes and let him work more of the field.

 

Second, interior OL needs immediate help and third, at least 1 OT.  

 

Fourth, I'd like to see a reliable pass catcher.  Knox has too many concentration drops in key moments.

 

Fifth, a proven pass rusher.

 

The majority of this off-season is about giving their franchise QB the tools to win.  And not having to run him multiple times a game to keep drives going.  The defense is not the priority anymore...nor should premium resources be spent anywhere aside from DE. 

[Big Blitz]

1. Trade for Lattimore (or anyone close to that level).  If it costs a first this year AND next year I'm all in.  I want my secondary to be the best in the NFL next year.  You can't go in to next season with your #1 CB 10 months removed from an ACL tear.  This was the mistake made this year that cost us - not upgrading CBs to be ready in the event White gets hurt.  I don't want to hear "yea but the system doesn't necessitate elite CB play."  My **s.  The Bengals and Chiefs and the game of football in 2022 says you do.  You find a player like that it also means you don't have to overpay Wallace.  You could replace him cheap. 

 

White 

Lattimore (or equivalent)

Taron

Hyde

Poyer 

Jackson

 

Championship.   

 

2. Draft Interior Oline (2nd round should be there)

 

3. Find a legit compliment for Singletary (RBs in round 3 will be there) but I'd look to sign a guy to.  

 

4. Get faster on O - our YAC was horrific

 

5. I've been reading about OCs today.  Really like the idea of Pep Hamilton

 

[oldmanfan]

1 hour ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I’d like to re-sign McKenzie or sign a weapon like him(Jakeem Grant). My CB needs to be fast and physical. One that can jam receivers at line, but keep up speed wise (Marlon Humphrey).A dynamic RB like Kamara. 3-5 are perfect choices

Looking back I’d take out punter and put in a G/C.  Agree on McKenzie but I’m betting he wants to go elsewhere.  

[Solomon Grundy]

43 minutes ago, First Round Bust said:

early word on this year draft is deeper than usual corners...per Joe B the Athletic...so I personally would move up to get space-eater Jordan Davis from UGA to replace Star, he is the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Outland Trophy winner in his senior season 6-6 - 340.   

 

and then move up again with more middle round picks to get a corner, esp if Wallace bolts, then we still have 4 picks in 6th-7th round to get a guard, center a la Wyatt Teller....harder for picks to make our roster and we have 9 this year, plus we cut 2 this past season and they were poached from PS - Anderson, Wildgoose

 

the future is NOW !!!  need to fill holes faster

 

They should fix this!! Teams shouldn’t be able to poach drafted PS players 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

Beane hinted a little bit at priorities for the offseason. The following might be his list:

 

1) Replace Dabol or Frazier if they are hired away into a HC’ing position

 

I think you have a pretty good list.  Worth noting that until the coordinator situation is settled, Beane is going to be in a bit of a holding pattern as different coordinators may have input on their needs/wants that Beane will try to accomodate.

 

3 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

2) CB position including #2 and depth - especially since there is still no clarity as to when Tre will be back to form

 

This is a high priority.  Bangedupbills pointed out that Tre's minimum timeline is 9 months from his surgery on Dec 15, but 10-12 months is more common.

Less is not prudent, as the risk of re-injury rises sharply with a return after <9months.

 

He did say that he'd like Wallace back "if he wants to return", but Wallace has made it clear he thinks he's one of the best off-ball corners in the league and may want more $$ than we wish to allocate to him.  Even if he does get Wallace back, he's gonna need a starting-quality guy in case Tre can't go or needs time to return to form

 

I think the priority he expressed in his comments (after CB)

2) to add to/continue to improve the DL (might be because of the order in which questions were asked

He didn't specify the interior.  He needs to re-sign or draft/sign at least 2 interior DLmen, possibly 3 - Harrison Phililps, Justin Zimmer, plus a "plan B" in case Zimmer is not full-go at the start of the year), or equivalent replacements.

Depending upon how they see Epenesa and Basham, he needs 1 or 2 DE to add to Rousseau

 

Notable that he didn't mention Addison, even though Addison led the Bills in sacks with 7 (next was 4) and was 3rd in TFL and 5th in QB hits.

 

I would love to see him going after a sack-meister but I don't see it happening.

 

3) OL - he referred to the current OL as "something to build on" and "starts with protecting Josh" "part of that is run game".  What he does will, I imagine, depend upon whether he can re-sign Bates and/or Boettger and whether it's true that Morse plans to retire

 

4) He didn't just mention "depth at TE" he mentioned "a TE to compete with Dawson".  Dawson improved a lot this off-season, but I'm not sure we ever did get to the point where teams said "we got to stop their TE from going off", especially against more physical teams like the Chiefs.

 

It's said to be a pretty deep draft for TE, so perhaps there's a clue there

 

Wouldn't bother me to have us draft a good TE prospect AND sign a FA!

 

 

1 hour ago, Warcodered said:

 

 

I assume Geary's tongue is planted firmly in his cheek there, but....