My draft recap and random thoughts.

[Rocbillsfan1]

8 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

It was a nod to the fans.  very popular predraft character.

It’s a 52 person roster can’t we find 1 other person that is capable of holding? Who knows maybe this kid can learn. 

[HappyDays]

5 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Did I say anything to the contrary?

 

Not at all, I was just adding to what you said. Many Bills fans had a crazy obsession with drafting a WR in the first 2 rounds no matter what. Elam and Cook to me are clearly better prospects than any WR available at those spots and both add an element that was sorely missing last year. Like you said the theme of this draft was versatility.

[Shaw66]

4 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Elam is an important addition because he adds a new skill set to the secondary. Beane said today that there were opponents last year where we would have liked to play press man against them, but our CBs simply lacked the skill set for that to be possible. He didn't openly mention the Chiefs but it sure would have been nice to have someone capable of pressing Tyreek Hill instead of freely giving him space to work open. Because our CBs had a limited skill set, especially after White went down, Frazier was restricted in his game planning. A restricted scheme is vulnerable and an offensive genius like Andy Reid will take full advantage. Elam gives us a ton of versatility, and when White is back to his usual self our secondary call sheet will be limitless. I'm expecting a very different defense this year. McDermott knows our defense has gotten a little stale. They're going to add some wrinkles and make it much less predictable.

Thanks.  That sounds correct, all the way around.   

 

And in the wrinkles and less predictable category, put Bernard on the field.  I think that's the other part of the vision you describe.  McDermott very much wants to get pressure from for defensive linemen, and Beane made the off-season acquisitions to increase the ability to bring pressure.   If he's getting really good pressure from four, then he can afford, even benefit from, putting a guy like Bernard out there, a guy who can play many different roles.  

 

McDermott is just doing what he's always said.  He wants his teams to play every style, to attack and defend in ways that can be disguised and that flow from concept to concept.   That's what I've just been writing about Cook, too.  

 

I find it amazing.  McDermott said when he came to Buffalo that this is what he was going to do, and we're watching him do it.  

[HappyDays]

12 minutes ago, Billl said:

I definitely believe that was the case with Elam.  He’s almost certainly a day 1 starter.  Do you see any of the other picks starting either right away or taking over the spot for non-injury reasons?

 

James Cook will effectively be a starter just in a very specialized role that no one else on the team can perform. The rest of our picks are for depth and keeping the pipeline full.

 

In general McDermott brings his rookies along slowly. But our 1st rounders have all started practically right away. I'll be shocked if Elam isn't our plug and play CB1 while Tre White recovers from his ACL. They're not going to have him play the same style as Levi Wallace. Wallace more often than not was supposed to hang back and make a tackle if a short pass was thrown. He had zero physical upside. Elam will play close to the line and actually try to disrupt his WR's route.

[thunderingsquid]

Listen to me on Bernard:  HE WILL BE OUR MAHOMES SPY

 

Hear me out:  he is an effective blitzer, diagnosed plays well at Baylor and so tough and hard-nosed grinder.  

 

He was all over the field in their bowl game recently and a constant disruptor.  

 

I like him vs KC and in the playoffs against the really tough QBs we will be facing.  

[newcam2012]

9 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

The ending of the Chiefs game really only explains the Elam pick, though.  The rest of the picks seem designed to improve special teams - literally all of them will play important roles on Teams in 2022.  If the Bills can get younger, cheaper AND better on Teams it will win them an extra game or two next season.

Beane did not go into the draft looking for special team players. No way was that his mindset. 

9 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

It was a nod to the fans.  very popular predraft character.

I don't think Beane selects draft picks based on fan approval. That's a recipe for disaster especially if he listened to me. He drafted a punter because that position needed to be improved. I know your post is sarcasm. 

[MrEpsYtown]

8 hours ago, VW82 said:

I'm still in love with the Cook pick, value or not. He's going to be a difference maker for us sooner rather than later. 

 

I share your concerns about the OL. Never been a big fan of Morse. He's a heady player but his history of concussions is so concerning and he handicaps any chance of a solid run game. Saffold can't stay on the field either. It wasn't exactly confidence inspiring to hear Beane still touting Cody after the draft either. At least we have OL stability??

 

All in all, good draft. When you're a juggernaut, you draft for need and we had a need for speed. Mission accomplished.  

Morse has only missed 2 games since he has been with us and he had an excellent year last year. He certainly started slow at the top of his contract but that stability of a veteran center who is extremely smart does a lot for a quarterback’s development. His history of concussions does not influence his play or hold back the tun game. 
 

Saffold missed four games in the last six years. His play has fallen off in some ways, but he is a massive upgrade over Feliciano and Williams. 
 

I do think depth is somewhat of a concern, but there are still bodies on free agency who have some versatility. Plus David Quessenberry signing really lengthened the depth as he can play both tackles and guard. I am a Spencer Brown fan and I do like Tommy Doyle. With Ryan Bates coming back we are in excellent shape. We could use a veteran free agent like Reilly Reiff who would be the perfect swing tackle backup. Also keep in mind that people will get cut over the next couple of weeks. 
 

On the Cody Ford thing, what is Beane supposed to say? “Look I screwed up. He blows and there is no hope for him. I really should have drafted DK Metcalf.” There is nothing wrong with seeing if Kromer, who revived the lost career of Austin Corbett, could do it again. 
 

I think we are going to be ok. I think they liked Cam Jurgens and Logan Bruss. Jurgens was gone before they picked in the 2nd and Bruss went at the end of the third. Both higher than anticipated IMO. They passed on other guys, so I don’t think the value was there for them. I suppose they could have drafted Bruss instead of Bernard, but one has to assume they had a higher grade on Bernard. 

Edited May 2, 2022 by MrEpsYtown
Spelling issues galore

[Hapless Bills Fan]

7 hours ago, f0neguy said:

With the drafting of two 220+ LB’s that can fly with good/great instincts I wonder if McBeane are looking at changing what we do.  Edmonds has the physical attributes but no feel for the game.   What if we could throw two or three Milano’s on the field at the same time?  Perhaps the days of 250 lb thumpers is over.

 

I give all respect to Micah Hyde.  There he stood, open field, last man between Derrick Henry and a long gain ending in a TD.  He squared him up, got set, and executed a textbook tackle which Henry promptly ran over.  Hyde hung on for grim life and slowed Henry to the point where other defenders could swarm him.  But can you imagine, being a 6' 197 lb guy or even a 6' 223 guy like Milano, and having to tackle Henry 20, 23, 27 times a game?

 

As long as the NFL still has backs like Henry and Taylor, I think we still have a need for a thumper

[HappyDays]

4 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Beanes had 5 drafts and has taken 0 WRs in the top 3 rounds since he’s been here…. And only one in the 4th

 

So if we had taken Khalil Shakir in the 3rd round you would have been cool with that? What if we had taken Gabe Davis in the 3rd too? And does Diggs not count for some reason?

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, ScottLaw said:

I think they were going CB the whole way… no way of knowing for sure, but sure seemed like CB was their target based on Beanes presser…. I think the new embedded may shed some light on that. 

Could be right.  With the information we have, we can assume the bills only had 3 or 4 corners with first round grade.   only gave 4 corners a first round grade and had confidence that one would be there closeto 25 within trade up distance, maybe corner was their only target.  What if, 3 of the top corners with 1st round grades were taken in the top 12-15?  Would they have traded up to 13-17 for him?  I don’t think so, but maybe.  What would they have done then?  Imo it would’ve been a WR (if they had a 1st rd grade) or trade down.  If they couldn’t find a trade down partner, probably Breece Hall.  
 

All we know is that they liked Elam….and I understand why they do.  None of the other corners have his blend of size and speed.  It was a very specialized draft for the Bills.

 

like @BADOLBILZsaid, this was a draft for this year.  Not a building block draft.  Players with the ability to do certain things, hopefully this year.
 

Elam to take over cb2 and cover the bigger WRs.  Locker room beast. 

 

Cook to be the cover 2 shell beater we lacked for much of last season.  A Rb that the opposing defense has to plan against.  High in the corner smoking fatties.  
 

Bernard, to cover and blitz.  If he gets ran on, they won’t care.  As long as he does his job in coverage and as a pass rusher.  Milanos insurance.  Hopefully will allow us to cut Matakavich and sign a better guard and cb5 for depth.  Locker room beast 
 

shakir- to be our primary return man and a rac guy. Locker room beast   

 

Punt god-  to please the fans and hopefully become the best punter ever.  Saying punt god is fun.  

 

 

 

 

10 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Are we supposed to take Beane at his word now? His end season presser talked about protecting the franchise QB… he then proceeded to use most of the cap he had available to revamp the defensive line and 2 of his top 3 picks on defense.😅

 

But yea I knew WR in the first was never an option… Beanes has had 5 drafts and has taken 0 WRs in the top 3 rounds since he’s been here…. And only one in the 4th…. It’s a little perplexing for a team that is built on its passing game, but like I said back in January, they are going CB with the first pick. 

Meanwhile Beane spent a 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th on Diggs.  
 

He’s spent a first round pick on a WR in 20% of his drafts. I’d say that’s about on par with the league average 

[RyanC883]

10 hours ago, Virgil said:

Maybe blindly, but I trust Beane.  I agree with your recap except for the concerns about the run on receivers.  My opinion is, if Beane thought any of them were worth getting, he would have made the move to get them.  
 

The only thing that surprised me was the lack of TE and MLB drafting.  I only say this because they met with a ton of them before the draft.  
 

The Edmunds plan remains and enigma to me.  

 

I think the plan at TE is the Texas A&M UDFA guy with the 1 RAC score.  If he actually plays well, he will be here next year.  If not, we have OJ and Knox for now, and can draft OJ replacement and likely resign Knox.  

 

The Edmunds plan confuses me. 

 

The lack of IOL is concerning.  

[RyanC883]

1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I give all respect to Micah Hyde.  There he stood, open field, last man between Derrick Henry and a long gain ending in a TD.  He squared him up, got set, and executed a textbook tackle which Henry promptly ran over.  Hyde hung on for grim life and slowed Henry to the point where other defenders could swarm him.  But can you imagine, being a 6' 197 lb guy or even a 6' 223 guy like Milano, and having to tackle Henry 20, 23, 27 times a game?

 

As long as the NFL still has backs like Henry and Taylor, I think we still have a need for a thumper

 

Ideally the DT gets him.  Edmunds gets lost so much that I could see the OP’s position being a backup plan or the plan until Edmunds is replaced.  He’s just not a difference maker and between him and Knox next year, I’m keeping Knox. 

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, thunderingsquid said:

Listen to me on Bernard:  HE WILL BE OUR MAHOMES SPY

 

Hear me out:  he is an effective blitzer, diagnosed plays well at Baylor and so tough and hard-nosed grinder.  

 

He was all over the field in their bowl game recently and a constant disruptor.  

 

I like him vs KC and in the playoffs against the really tough QBs we will be facing.  

 

This occurred to me as well..........because I know that Mahomes scrambling was what killed the Bills defense in the divisional loss........not the play of the secondary.

 

They simply didn't have a guy at the second level that could prevent Mahomes from extending drives with his feet.

 

There isn't a CB in the league that can cover a good receiver for 6 seconds.

 

Whether Bernard can cover well enough to replace a DB and not put them in an unfavorable matchup is highly questionable though..............as is whether he would be a better option for such a role than Siran Neal.

 

Ultimately, it was just much too early to go that gadgety for my liking though.

 

[HappyDays]

3 hours ago, thunderingsquid said:

Listen to me on Bernard:  HE WILL BE OUR MAHOMES SPY

 

Hear me out:  he is an effective blitzer, diagnosed plays well at Baylor and so tough and hard-nosed grinder.  

 

He was all over the field in their bowl game recently and a constant disruptor.  

 

I like him vs KC and in the playoffs against the really tough QBs we will be facing.  

 

Joe Marino's thought is that we plan on running more 3 LB sets this year and they see Bernard as their Shaq Thompson big nickel type in that scheme.

[Mr. WEO]

9 hours ago, newcam2012 said:

Beane did not go into the draft looking for special team players. No way was that his mindset. 

I don't think Beane selects draft picks based on fan approval. That's a recipe for disaster especially if he listened to me. He drafted a punter because that position needed to be improved. I know your post is sarcasm. 

 

I've posted on the fallacy of Haack as the worst punter in the NFL..and that Punter was a strong need for this team.

 

With this Offense (and Defense) the Punter, great or actually awful, not move the needle on the season outcome even a tiny bit.  It's something posters here have convinced themselves of and it's in part because of the online hype of this rookie.   For the cost of a 6th rounder, it's easy for me to conceive of Beane saying , hey, why not?  The kid is already a local phenomenon.

 

Pretty simple.

[newcam2012]

10 hours ago, NewEra said:

Could be right.  With the information we have, we can assume the bills only had 3 or 4 corners with first round grade.   only gave 4 corners a first round grade and had confidence that one would be there closeto 25 within trade up distance, maybe corner was their only target.  What if, 3 of the top corners with 1st round grades were taken in the top 12-15?  Would they have traded up to 13-17 for him?  I don’t think so, but maybe.  What would they have done then?  Imo it would’ve been a WR (if they had a 1st rd grade) or trade down.  If they couldn’t find a trade down partner, probably Breece Hall.  
 

All we know is that they liked Elam….and I understand why they do.  None of the other corners have his blend of size and speed.  It was a very specialized draft for the Bills.

 

like @BADOLBILZsaid, this was a draft for this year.  Not a building block draft.  Players with the ability to do certain things, hopefully this year.
 

Elam to take over cb2 and cover the bigger WRs.  Locker room beast. 

 

Cook to be the cover 2 shell beater we lacked for much of last season.  A Rb that the opposing defense has to plan against.  High in the corner smoking fatties.  
 

Bernard, to cover and blitz.  If he gets ran on, they won’t care.  As long as he does his job in coverage and as a pass rusher.  Milanos insurance.  Hopefully will allow us to cut Matakavich and sign a better guard and cb5 for depth.  Locker room beast 
 

shakir- to be our primary return man and a rac guy. Locker room beast   

 

Punt god-  to please the fans and hopefully become the best punter ever.  Saying punt god is fun.  

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile Beane spent a 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th on Diggs.  
 

He’s spent a first round pick on a WR in 20% of his drafts. I’d say that’s about on par with the league average 

I get what you are saying. However, if the Bills are depending on unproven rookies to take them over the top I'd be really surprised. Draft choices especially early ones can and should contribute immediately. The Bills only had one early draft choice. I expect Elam to have the biggest impact. Followed by Cook and Ariza. However, Beane would never not draft for the future. I think the theme of the post is inaccurate. 

[newcam2012]

9 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

This occurred to me as well..........because I know that Mahomes scrambling was what killed the Bills defense in the divisional loss........not the play of the secondary.

 

They simply didn't have a guy at the second level that could prevent Mahomes from extending drives with his feet.

 

There isn't a CB in the league that can cover a good receiver for 6 seconds.

 

Whether Bernard can cover well enough to replace a DB and not put them in an unfavorable matchup is highly questionable though..............as is whether he would be a better option for such a role than Siran Neal.

 

Ultimately, it was just much too early to go that gadgety for my liking though.

 

I don't think this is the case. To expect Bernard to step up and stop or limit Mahomes is not going to happen. Elite defenders cannot stop him. Think about it. Would you be comfortable saying Bernard can stop or limit Allen if he were drafted by KC? Bernard has serve limitations with his lack of height, size, and strength. He played in a weak Big 12 conference that plays little to no defense. Imho, Bernard will have little this year while adjusting to the NFL game. I suppose it's possibly he can develop into a Milano type. However, his body type is a rarity to succeed in the NFL. Time will tell. To think he's a Mahomes stopper is unrealistic. 

[Shaw66]

10 hours ago, NewEra said:

Could be right.  With the information we have, we can assume the bills only had 3 or 4 corners with first round grade.   only gave 4 corners a first round grade and had confidence that one would be there closeto 25 within trade up distance, maybe corner was their only target.  What if, 3 of the top corners with 1st round grades were taken in the top 12-15?  Would they have traded up to 13-17 for him?  I don’t think so, but maybe.  What would they have done then?  Imo it would’ve been a WR (if they had a 1st rd grade) or trade down.  If they couldn’t find a trade down partner, probably Breece Hall.  
 

All we know is that they liked Elam….and I understand why they do.  None of the other corners have his blend of size and speed.  It was a very specialized draft for the Bills.

 

like @BADOLBILZsaid, this was a draft for this year.  Not a building block draft.  Players with the ability to do certain things, hopefully this year.
 

Elam to take over cb2 and cover the bigger WRs.  Locker room beast. 

 

Cook to be the cover 2 shell beater we lacked for much of last season.  A Rb that the opposing defense has to plan against.  High in the corner smoking fatties.  
 

Bernard, to cover and blitz.  If he gets ran on, they won’t care.  As long as he does his job in coverage and as a pass rusher.  Milanos insurance.  Hopefully will allow us to cut Matakavich and sign a better guard and cb5 for depth.  Locker room beast 
 

shakir- to be our primary return man and a rac guy. Locker room beast   

 

Punt god-  to please the fans and hopefully become the best punter ever.  Saying punt god is fun.  

 

First, I think your analysis of the first round is correct.  I speculated about what Beane learned from doing mock drafts.   He must have mocked drafts where his preferred corners were taken early.   He said that he never talked to teams about trading up above 20, because it was too expensive.  Good bet is that he got to 20 and still had two corners on the board, a situation he had mocked.  When the Chiefs took one, Beane was prepared to move.  I agree with you; if all the corners were gone, he would have gone in a different directions.  But he also said that getting the corner in the first round set up the rest of the draft, because he didn't have to chase any other positions.  Hall or a receiver would have been nice, but then he would have been trading the fourth to higher in the second to take his second choice at corner.  Beane said getting the first-round corner was key.  

 

Second, you characterize the next five guys correctly, I think.   They'll all see playing time, in varying degrees.  Hard to know yet how successful they will be.   Cook could be a star in this offense, or maybe just an occasional irritant to opponents.  Bernard could be a revelation or a spot player.  Shakir will be only a marginal receiver, I think, but if he can make the squad as the return man, he'll have opportunities to show what he can do in the passing game.  

[BADOLBILZ]

41 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I don't think this is the case. To expect Bernard to step up and stop or limit Mahomes is not going to happen. Elite defenders cannot stop him. Think about it. Would you be comfortable saying Bernard can stop or limit Allen if he were drafted by KC? Bernard has serve limitations with his lack of height, size, and strength. He played in a weak Big 12 conference that plays little to no defense. Imho, Bernard will have little this year while adjusting to the NFL game. I suppose it's possibly he can develop into a Milano type. However, his body type is a rarity to succeed in the NFL. Time will tell. To think he's a Mahomes stopper is unrealistic. 

 

 

Like I sad at the bottom of the post.........I'm not saying I believe in that plan..........but it's possible that they think that way and want to be able to play a 4-3 front against some mobile QB's.   He'd have to be pretty damn sticky in coverage to justify taking a CB like Taron Johnson off the field.

 

As Joe Marino said in his draft recap..........they may view Bernard as that big nickel they've often been rumored to desire..........like Shaq Thompson,  who they drafted in round 1 for that role in Carolina despite having Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.

[SCBills]

Interesting interview with Beane on Howard and Jeremy.. Sounded like we are still very much in the outside WR market.  

 

I think our top five are locked down, but only two of them are pure outside receivers.  The other three are more suited for the slot role.  Not sure what we'd do with Kumerow if we brought another guy in.  Stevenson & Hodgins could probably be stashed on the Practice Squad.  

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, newcam2012 said:

I get what you are saying. However, if the Bills are depending on unproven rookies to take them over the top I'd be really surprised. Draft choices especially early ones can and should contribute immediately. The Bills only had one early draft choice. I expect Elam to have the biggest impact. Followed by Cook and Ariza. However, Beane would never not draft for the future. I think the theme of the post is inaccurate. 

The theme of the post?

 

the theme of the post is that we don’t know that Cornerback was the ONLY position that they were drafting in rd 1. Yes, sure that it was their #1 priority….. but IF the draft fell differently (aka all 4 corners we had with 1st rd grades drafted in the top 15) and their last WR with a 1st rd grade fell to 25 we MAY have drafted a WR over a 2nd rd graded cornerback.  I would hope so anyway. 
 

Yes, elam would have a bigger impact on 2022.  

50 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Based on their previous draft tendencies and bias towards defense, I thought it was defense all the way… and if the scenario you presented did happen, you may be right, a trade down for Breece Hall… or could easily see them sitting at 25 and taking a safety…. But based on their draft tendencies and their comments predraft I never truly believe they’d take a WR in the 1st…. Put it this way, if Jameson Williams fell and both he and Elam were there at 25, the Bills would take Elam. 

Prior to this year, Beane had used his first pick in the draft on offense 2 times and defense 2 times.  I agree, we’ve spent more picks on D, but our first pick has been evenly split and the conversation is solely based on the first pick.  

[NewEra]

39 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

First, I think your analysis of the first round is correct.  I speculated about what Beane learned from doing mock drafts.   He must have mocked drafts where his preferred corners were taken early.   He said that he never talked to teams about trading up above 20, because it was too expensive.  Good bet is that he got to 20 and still had two corners on the board, a situation he had mocked.  When the Chiefs took one, Beane was prepared to move.  I agree with you; if all the corners were gone, he would have gone in a different directions.  But he also said that getting the corner in the first round set up the rest of the draft, because he didn't have to chase any other positions.  Hall or a receiver would have been nice, but then he would have been trading the fourth to higher in the second to take his second choice at corner.  Beane said getting the first-round corner was key.  

 

Second, you characterize the next five guys correctly, I think.   They'll all see playing time, in varying degrees.  Hard to know yet how successful they will be.   Cook could be a star in this offense, or maybe just an occasional irritant to opponents.  Bernard could be a revelation or a spot player.  Shakir will be only a marginal receiver, I think, but if he can make the squad as the return man, he'll have opportunities to show what he can do in the passing game.  

Thanks.

 

regarding the bolded, cb was priority #1.  No question.  Getting the first rounder was the key…..but having a first round graded cornerback fall to 22 was the real.  If they went before 20 and we couldn’t afford a trade up, does he take a 2nd rd graded corner in rd 1?   I think getting a TOP corner was the key. 
 

 

[Shaw66]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Thanks.

 

regarding the bolded, cb was priority #1.  No question.  Getting the first rounder was the key…..but having a first round graded cornerback fall to 22 was the real.  If they went before 20 and we couldn’t afford a trade up, does he take a 2nd rd graded corner in rd 1?   I think getting a TOP corner was the key. 
 

 

Well, when I heard Beane talking about it, he seemed to imply that if he had stayed at 25 and not traded up, and if Elam had been taken before Beane got him, Beane would not have reached.   He would have traded down (but it didn't sound like he had any favorable trades in the works), or he would have taken his BPA.  I inferred that because he was pretty clear that his path through the draft was going to be much more difficult if he didn't get a first-round corner.  

 

It sounds to me like Beane did his job.   He calculated that at least one first-round corner would fall to #20, ideally two, and from there he'd do what was necessary to get one.  If his calculation had been wrong, he would have been stuck.  His job is to get the calculation correct.   

 

Of course, Elam has to actually be good at his position but frankly, I have a lot of confidence in the approach that McBeane take.   They only take guys with the work ethic, the competitiveness, and the team orientation to succeed.  Elam seems to have that.   He clearly has the physical characteristics of a starting corner.  He survived, even excelled, in a tough conference against guys who are graduating to the NFL.   I think it's a high probability he'll be full-time starter by November, if not September.  

[Patrick Duffy]

2 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Perhaps OBJ or Julio?…. But I would imagine those would be signings later in the off-season.

 

Between those 2 names I'm not sure which one to feel good about, maybe neither..... Julio hardly ever plays and you know how OBJ is, also OBJ coming off that injury would be a concern.

 

 

[Gugny]

23 hours ago, NewEra said:

We’re the Super Bowl favorites for a reason.  We have the best QB.  We have the best team.  Now it’s time for the coaches to join them on the top of the mountain.  Step it up McD.  It’s on you now. 

 

  

 

THIS times one billion.

[Patrick Duffy]

6 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

OBJ probably won’t be able to play until earliest sometime in November…. He’d be a good in season add for depth purposes and certainly an upgrade over Kumerow… 

 

Yeah without question he's an upgrade over Kumerow. I have a hard time seeing it happening though. 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Shaw66 said:

Well, when I heard Beane talking about it, he seemed to imply that if he had stayed at 25 and not traded up, and if Elam had been taken before Beane got him, Beane would not have reached.   He would have traded down (but it didn't sound like he had any favorable trades in the works), or he would have taken his BPA.  I inferred that because he was pretty clear that his path through the draft was going to be much more difficult if he didn't get a first-round corner.  

 

It sounds to me like Beane did his job.   He calculated that at least one first-round corner would fall to #20, ideally two, and from there he'd do what was necessary to get one.  If his calculation had been wrong, he would have been stuck.  His job is to get the calculation correct.   

 

Of course, Elam has to actually be good at his position but frankly, I have a lot of confidence in the approach that McBeane take.   They only take guys with the work ethic, the competitiveness, and the team orientation to succeed.  Elam seems to have that.   He clearly has the physical characteristics of a starting corner.  He survived, even excelled, in a tough conference against guys who are graduating to the NFL.   I think it's a high probability he'll be full-time starter by November, if not September.  

Right, he wouldn’t have reached on a non 1st round talent @ 25….. but what if there was a 1st rd graded WR?  Would he have traded down then or would he have drafted the 1st rd graded player?  I won’t pretend to know….my point is, no one else should pretend know either.  

[newcam2012]

42 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

THIS times one billion.

I do believe the Bills are the team to beat in tje AFC. With that said, it won't be an easy path to the super bowl. Many teams have gotten much better. Raiders, Chargers, Denver, Miami, Bait, Cinci, etc...Rhe Bills clearly have a target on their backs. They will likely see the best effort from their opponents. The key is can Allen can stay healthy and the Oline can be effective? Of so, I like their chances. 

[Shaw66]

51 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Right, he wouldn’t have reached on a non 1st round talent @ 25….. but what if there was a 1st rd graded WR?  Would he have traded down then or would he have drafted the 1st rd graded player?  I won’t pretend to know….my point is, no one else should pretend know either.  

Right, we don't know.   However, based on how important he said it was to him to get a corner, I'd guess that he would have traded down if he could find a trade partner.   He clearly wasn't in a hurry to add a receiver - he waited through the fourth round, and he likely would have valued the extra draft capital.

[Einstein's Dog]

2 hours ago, SCBills said:

Interesting interview with Beane on Howard and Jeremy.. Sounded like we are still very much in the outside WR market.  

 

I think our top five are locked down, but only two of them are pure outside receivers.  The other three are more suited for the slot role.  Not sure what we'd do with Kumerow if we brought another guy in.  Stevenson & Hodgins could probably be stashed on the Practice Squad.  

This has been my hope.  That the FO went into the draft with the possibility of CB (Wallace) and WR (Sanders) spots open.  They didn't hit on the Sanders position and so now they should finish it off in FA.  I think Stevenson may be done - the recently acquired 5th rounder has done special team returns.

 

The FA WR market is tight however.  Julio Jones, Will Fuller, TY Hilton, maybe Sanders again, OBJ (though injured), and maybe D Jackson (though ancient). 

 

I'm rooting for Will Fuller!  Serious veteran speed would fit like a glove here.  Get in done Beane!  I almost did a Pounding the Table for Will Fuller thread - but those haven't been turning out so well.

[jkeerie]

22 hours ago, NewEra said:

Exactly how I feel.  

If their game plan was to trade down and draft cook in rd 2 from the get go, I hope someone else devises the plans in the future.  
 

I’m happy we have him, but part of that happiness is due to getting great WR value with Shakir later on.  

Beane was on One Bills Live today.  He said had the Bills kept pick 130, Shakir would have been their choice in that slot.  He also said the run on WR's had no bearing on them trading back in the 2nd.  At 57, they had 5 guys they liked and would have picked.  They got the offer to trade back to 60, knowing they could get one of the 5.  At 60, those 5 guys were still available, so they traded back to 63.  At 63, one of those 5 guys was taken.  They liked Cook and decided to select him at 63 and not press their luck.

Edited May 2, 2022 by jkeerie

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, jkeerie said:

Beane was on One Bills Live today.  He said had the Bills kept pick 130, Shakir would have been their choice in that slot.  He also said the run on WR's had no bearing on them trading back in the 2nd.  At 57, they had 5 guys they liked and would have picked.  The got the offer to trade back to 60, knowing they could get one of the 5.  At 60, those 5 guys were still available, so they traded back to 63.  At 63, one of those 5 guys was taken.  They liked Cook and decided to select him at 63 and not press their luck.

I’m sure.  I had Shakir as a late 2nd-mid 3rd.  I couldn’t be happier that we got him in rd 5.  

4 hours ago, NewEra said:

The theme of the post?

 

the theme of the post is that we don’t know that Cornerback was the ONLY position that they were drafting in rd 1. Yes, sure that it was their #1 priority….. but IF the draft fell differently (aka all 4 corners we had with 1st rd grades drafted in the top 15) and their last WR with a 1st rd grade fell to 25 we MAY have drafted a WR over a 2nd rd graded cornerback.  I would hope so anyway. 
 

Yes, elam would have a bigger impact on 2022.  

Prior to this year, Beane had used his first pick in the draft on offense 2 times and defense 2 times.  I agree, we’ve spent more picks on D, but our first pick has been evenly split and the conversation is solely based on the first pick.  

 

1 hour ago, ScottLaw said:

2 times offense, 3 times defense prior to this year…. They traded up for Edmunds in 2018…. 

No.  You’re incorrect.  Read

Edited May 2, 2022 by NewEra

[JohnNord]

22 hours ago, mrags said:

In his presser, Beane even said he expected him to win the job. It was very subtle and quick. He immediately changed subjects after that. 
 

im not saying he assumed it. Or was tipping his hat. But he was talking about him and his holding skills and said he expected him to do just fine. 
 

did anyone else catch it in the presser? I don’t really want to go back and watch 20+ minutes for a snippet of about 12 seconds. But that’s what I heard. Fwiw, he did also say that he informed Haack there would be a competition, and he had a down year later year and expected him to get it back this year. 

Yeah I heard that.  It was almost as though he was trying to talk him up.  That’s why my takeaway was that the punting job was his to lose.  If Arazia is going to be another Bojo, they’d rather have Haack

[mrags]

2 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

Yeah I heard that.  It was almost as though he was trying to talk him up.  That’s why my takeaway was that the punting job was his to lose.  If Arazia is going to be another Bojo, they’d rather have Haack

I think he just needs to be serviceable at holding for his leg to win the job outright. But I firmly believe he will be fine. He’s a kicker as well. He will get on the same page as Bass and know what’s expected of him. 

[BADOLBILZ]

On 5/1/2022 at 12:24 PM, NewEra said:

It is evident that visions of Hardman and Hill streaking past our entire defense have stained the inside of McBs eyes. We lacked speed on D and they wanted to address that.  They did. Another thing that stood out to me this offseason was their pursuit of versatility.  The players they signed and drafted will allow us to play more multiple sets and switch up schemes of both sides of the ball.  I expect us to play more man this season on D.  Not a lot of man, but enough man to confuse the QB by giving different looks, more often.  

Elam, along with his speed, give us some size that we needed on the boundary.  Having another potential top 20 corner opposite Tre will allow us to do some different things with our safeties and our coverages.  Be more aggressive overall because we won’t be afraid of Levi getting beat deep.  
 

Cook-  gives us a playmaking chess piece that we were missing. More versatility, speed, route running, hands.  He’s a threat in the backfield (or in the slot, in motion, out wide) that opposing defenses will have to account for.  He can take it to the house. Some saw him as a 3rd value….which is basically where we drafted him.  He wasn’t going to be there in rd 3 for us, so we got him where we had to get him.  Seems like he may have been our guy from the get go.  
 

bernard-  the worst pick ever…. Just kidding.  Liking this pick more and more.   He can be a milano clone imo.  Great in coverage and is a very effective blitzer.  At worst, we have a ST leader and a great backup for our injury plagued LB Milano.  Best case scenario, we move Milano to the middle and he takes his spot on the weak side.  He might be able to play next to 49 and 58 on run downs replacing Taron at times.  Great locker room and leadership guy.  I thought there were better options @ LB (Chenal and Smith), but those guys don’t excel in coverage the way that Bernard does.  
 

Shakir-  best value pick of the draft for us imo. I had him as a late 2nd-mid 3rd WR.  I feel that his lack of ideal physical traits pushed him down the board.  Very good RAC ability from my experience watching him.  Ideally a slot, but he can play outside as long as he can continue to add to his release package.   Not a burner, but has 4.42 speed.  Nuanced wr that knows leverage and gets separations.  Tough and another great locker room presence.  Great addition to the WR imo.  Love this pick.  
 

Araiza-  punt god.  What’s not like about knowing that we won’t have to see Matt Haaaack play for the bills ever again.  Great value.

Benford- Tenuta- Spector-  I won’t pretend to know anything about these guys other than what I’ve seen in the last few hours.  
 

Pros-  

-added 2 nice playmakers with speed and that add versatility. One @ WR and one @ RB.   I was hoping we would do exactly that.  
 

-We added a potentially great cb2 with cb1 upside.  When Tre starts to slow down, Elam will be extended and take the reigns if he loves up to expectations.  

 

-versatility and speed on D.  More man and more confusion for opposing QBs.  
 

-versatility and speed on O.  We needed Rac and added 2 nice rac players.  
 

Cons- 

- I didn’t like the trade up for Elam because I thought the sweet spot in the draft to trade up was in rd 2.  I was hoping we would trade up and over the chiefs to draft Skyy Moore (or Pierce/Pickens).  Watching that run on WRs was painful for me.  Saw it coming and felt helpless as it occurred.  Was then hoping tolbert dropped to us.  As he slid, I was hoping to trade up for him.  We didn’t and Dallas snagged him. We then reached on Bernard (imo). Strange turn of events to say the least.  
 

-we didn’t draft IOL….but drafted two off ball LBers.  Maybe we plan on moving the shorter armed (for his size) Tenuta to guard?  I think we’re fine @ tackle depth after the quessenberry addition.  Maybe one of Ford, mancz or Ike (if/when he’s healthy) can be dependable backups under Kromer.  
 

-random thoughts:

 

- I think that success of OL will determine our fate in 2022.   I feel that if they can stay healthy, the OL is good enough to win the SB.  We wont win because of our OL, we just need to not lose because of the OL.  If the IOL gets banged up, it could be a HUGE problem and could cost us our Lombardi.  Praying that Kromer can be the difference maker.  The talent that we added to the OL this offseason doesn’t move the needle imo.  It’s basically the same OL.  Saffold will he’ll the run blocking, while possibly hurting the pass O.  Can Kromer hide his deficiency’s in pass pro?  Sure hope so.  
 

- the team has clearly taken on a growth mindset.  They are looking to evolve and become less and less predictable. That’s a necessity in todays nfl.  Confusion reigns supreme.  Opposing OCs and DCs will have more to game-plan for.  11 and 12 personnel on O.  James Cook is a different kind of back that will put the defenses on their heels.  Shakir, crowder, Howard and Duke may not be the superstar playmaker I was hoping for, but I think our playmakers are in a much better spot than last year.  And they came super cheap.  On D , now with the speed of the press man force Elam in the fold, we can play more and more man comfortably.  Possibly confusing the Qb.  
 

We’re the Super Bowl favorites for a reason.  We have the best QB.  We have the best team.  Now it’s time for the coaches to join them on the top of the mountain.  Step it up McD.  It’s on you now. 

 

  

 

 

It was the kind of draft that I hate because it was alll about drafting for immediate needs at positions of lesser value to the league or the Bills specific systems.

 

It was a 90's kinda' Bills draft, IMO.

 

Doesn't mean it won't yield starters and get good grades from analysts who judge drafts by how many "needs" you tried to address..........whether you took a chance on a QB or a just took a punter..........the Bills drafts of the 90's were often graded highly at the moment.

 

But those drafts were proof that you can go broke just taking a profit in the draft...........they only won 1 division title in the 7 years after their SB run before Donahoe tore them down............and the reason is because they aged out at the key positions of their day and had to make up for it by stretching the salary cap to it's then stricter limits to try to keep pace in the division.

 

Where a draft like this hurts is 2-3 years down the line when they need a premium position player that's ready to play like one.   A WR1 or a LT or a pass rusher.    People can speculate that they won't......but you just don't know.  

 

What we do know is that they will be TIGHT to the cap then and it will be a challenge paying for one of those guys on the open market.

 

And what we do know is that they can win without a high pedigree CB2..........or a 2nd round RB........or a 3rd round hybrid something or another.

 

But hey,   it is what it is.   As I said last week,  they could forfeit their 1st round pick and still be a SB favorite this year.

 

It's not a catastrophe that they played needy on non-premium positions......... it's just not the "formula" for keeping a roster stocked where it matters most with a $50M/year QB in tow.

 

 

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

It was the kind of draft that I hate because it was alll about drafting for immediate needs at positions of lesser value to the league or the Bills specific systems.

 

It was a 90's kinda' Bills draft, IMO.

 

Doesn't mean it won't yield starters and get good grades from analysts who judge drafts by how many "needs" you tried to address..........whether you took a chance on a QB or a just took a punter..........the Bills drafts of the 90's were often graded highly at the moment.

 

But those drafts were proof that you can go broke just taking a profit in the draft...........they only won 1 division title in the 7 years after their SB run before Donahoe tore them down............and the reason is because they aged out at the key positions of their day and had to make up for it by stretching the salary cap to it's then stricter limits to try to keep pace in the division.

 

Where a draft like this hurts is 2-3 years down the line when they need a premium position player that's ready to play like one.   A WR1 or a LT or a pass rusher.    People can speculate that they won't......but you just don't know.  

 

What we do know is that they will be TIGHT to the cap then and it will be a challenge paying for one of those guys on the open market.

 

And what we do know is that they can win without a high pedigree CB2..........or a 2nd round RB........or a 3rd round hybrid something or another.

 

But hey,   it is what it is.   As I said last week,  they could forfeit their 1st round pick and still be a SB favorite this year.

 

It's not a catastrophe that they played needy on non-premium positions......... it's just not the "formula" for keeping a roster stocked where it matters most with a $50M/year QB in tow.

 

 

I agree.  He definitely went want over team building.  
 

The wanted a big press man cb2 capable that can match up with bigger receivers, They made sure they got a 1st rd cb2. At least they addressed a premium position in rd 1.  The timing of the rookie contract and Tre’s contract is set up nicely.  While we may not have “needed” to use the first rd pick on cb2, he may eventually be cb1 for a long time.  Having two stud corners + a top nickel back allows us to be more aggressive and multiple.  

 

They wanted a pass catching back-  they made sure they got the best one.  He’s more of a weapon for the pass game than the run game.  

They wanted an LB insurance and wanted the ability to play some 4-3 while still being proficient in coverage.  They got a guy that may be able to fill both rolls. 
 

They needed a RAC wr and a return man.  They got one.  One that was a tremendous value in rd 5.  I think he’ll be our starting slot wr for 3 of the next 4 years.  

The needed a punter.  They got one.

Sometimes teams put their best foot forward for winning a super bowl now.  While it might not be the best for contracts long term, it will best for the franchise if we win a SB.  They had some ideas of what they think will put us over the top and went for it.  
 

I would’ve loved this draft if they would’ve landed an OG/OT in rd 3 instead of the toy in Bernard.  As it stands, I’m happy they added the pieces they did.  They all make sense and serve a purpose. 
 

 

 

[Logic]

3 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

It was the kind of draft that I hate because it was alll about drafting for immediate needs at positions of lesser value to the league or the Bills specific systems.

 

It was a 90's kinda' Bills draft, IMO.

 

Doesn't mean it won't yield starters and get good grades from analysts who judge drafts by how many "needs" you tried to address..........whether you took a chance on a QB or a just took a punter..........the Bills drafts of the 90's were often graded highly at the moment.

 

But those drafts were proof that you can go broke just taking a profit in the draft...........they only won 1 division title in the 7 years after their SB run before Donahoe tore them down............and the reason is because they aged out at the key positions of their day and had to make up for it by stretching the salary cap to it's then stricter limits to try to keep pace in the division.

 

Where a draft like this hurts is 2-3 years down the line when they need a premium position player that's ready to play like one.   A WR1 or a LT or a pass rusher.    People can speculate that they won't......but you just don't know.  

 

What we do know is that they will be TIGHT to the cap then and it will be a challenge paying for one of those guys on the open market.

 

And what we do know is that they can win without a high pedigree CB2..........or a 2nd round RB........or a 3rd round hybrid something or another.

 

But hey,   it is what it is.   As I said last week,  they could forfeit their 1st round pick and still be a SB favorite this year.

 

It's not a catastrophe that they played needy on non-premium positions......... it's just not the "formula" for keeping a roster stocked where it matters most with a $50M/year QB in tow.

 

 

Why do I get the feeling that if the Bills had ignored immediate needs for long term planning in the draft that you would have been the first in line to complain about THAT if and when they don’t win a Super Bowl this year.

 

Damned if they do, damned if they don’t, but BADOL is always gonna tell you why they were wrong and he was right either way.

[BADOLBILZ]

44 minutes ago, Logic said:

Why do I get the feeling that if the Bills had ignored immediate needs for long term planning in the draft that you would have been the first in line to complain about THAT if and when they don’t win a Super Bowl this year.

 

Damned if they do, damned if they don’t, but BADOL is always gonna tell you why they were wrong and he was right either way.

 

 

You get that feeling because that's how you want to feel about it.

 

First, remember, you are new here.......I am not.   This isn't an extension of BBMB it's a different forum.

 

Second, you don't want to consider that the Bills didn't make decisions that were in the best interest of the organization long term.    That thought bothers you.

 

This draft was used to patch perceived holes at positions they think are easy enough to do that right away.   Beane knows that being honest about that would be stupid because nobody thinks that's how you handle a draft.  But the heart wants what it wants.

  

And on the subject of feels........nobody on here may fully understand how much immediate pressure McBeane feel after blowing a season where they should have had home field clinched on or before week 17 and instead ended up imploding in epic fashion in the final seconds in the same exact place where they got flogged the year before.   They don't have 30 years to get this done like a fan their age.  They lived thru being 14-2 and favored to win the SB over Denver........and losing........and then never getting close again.

 

So it has to be maddening and possibly a cause for anxiety to them to blow that and then watch the rest of the AFC loading up for battle in 2022.

 

Maybe the strategy works.  

 

But I have been here since the 90's.........my standards for what I want to see the Bills do in the draft are always the same..........I've repeated the philosophies hundreds of times at this point.

 

A lot of the things I have been saying for 15+ years were scoffed at initially and now the league does them and it's openly discussed.   Focus on premium positions in round 1.   Don't draft RB's in round 1.  Even "it's only wrong to take the best QB in round 1 if you are afraid to take another the next year if he's better".........see Kyler Murray a year after Josh Rosen.    

 

If you choose not to know or remember these things...........that's fine, they are just my opinion.........but it looks ridiculous when you try to make it out like my opinions of how the draft should be executed are a moving target when I've been re-iterating them for a long time...........and you've even weighed in on posts where I've expressed some of them.    You have a very selective memory though.........as you illustrated last week when you implied that I criticized Beane for drafting Ed Oliver when I did quite the opposite.

 

As I've said.........I really didn't like the kind of draft they just executed..........but I'm not grinding my teeth about it.    It's all entertainment.   Winning is always fun.   Bad decisions, bonehead plays and even losing can also be entertaining if you have the pastime in perspective.

 

 

Edited May 3, 2022 by BADOLBILZ

[HappyDays]

3 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

It was the kind of draft that I hate because it was alll about drafting for immediate needs at positions of lesser value to the league or the Bills specific systems.

 

No doubt Cook and Bernard were luxury picks. But we can afford that once in a while. Drafting exclusively BPA and never taking a swing at an immediate need or dynamic talent is how you end up as the Packers making nothing but safe defensive picks for a decade straight. Or the Ravens who have been one of the best BPA drafting teams of the past 20 years and have an all world coaching staff, but only one Super Bowl in recent memory to show for it. Every now and then it's okay to make a perceived lower value pick to fill in a missing element on a Super Bowl roster, instead of drafting two TEs with Mark Andrews on your roster because your big board told you to do it. I doubt James Cook was the 63rd ranked player on a lot of big boards out there. But I'll stop caring about that the minute he's dissecting defensive schemes that stymied us last year and making plays that help us win a Super Bowl. Brandon Beane has had his meat and potatoes drafts for a few seasons now. This year he enjoyed some dessert. As long as it's not an annual trend it's not going to hurt us in the long term.

[BADOLBILZ]

57 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I agree.  He definitely went want over team building.  
 

The wanted a big press man cb2 capable that can match up with bigger receivers, They made sure they got a 1st rd cb2. At least they addressed a premium position in rd 1.  The timing of the rookie contract and Tre’s contract is set up nicely.  While we may not have “needed” to use the first rd pick on cb2, he may eventually be cb1 for a long time.  Having two stud corners + a top nickel back allows us to be more aggressive and multiple.  

 

They wanted a pass catching back-  they made sure they got the best one.  He’s more of a weapon for the pass game than the run game.  

They wanted an LB insurance and wanted the ability to play some 4-3 while still being proficient in coverage.  They got a guy that may be able to fill both rolls. 
 

They needed a RAC wr and a return man.  They got one.  One that was a tremendous value in rd 5.  I think he’ll be our starting slot wr for 3 of the next 4 years.  

The needed a punter.  They got one.

Sometimes teams put their best foot forward for winning a super bowl now.  While it might not be the best for contracts long term, it will best for the franchise if we win a SB.  They had some ideas of what they think will put us over the top and went for it.  
 

I would’ve loved this draft if they would’ve landed an OG/OT in rd 3 instead of the toy in Bernard.  As it stands, I’m happy they added the pieces they did.  They all make sense and serve a purpose. 
 

 

 

 

 

Yep........want.

 

When you put feels on the top of the chart it's always got the potential to look bad.

 

I find it funny that Beane is actively selling the idea that they aren't just going "all-in" on this season when this draft couldn't say that any more than it did.

 

And people need to remember........these dudes had a team like those 2021 Bills when they were in Carolina.........they went 14-2 and had the league MVP at QB........and BLEW IT in the SB against a team with a washed up QB who had thrown 9 TD's and 17 INT's on the season.

 

And that was it.    They fell back to earth the next season and the franchise quickly fell back into the pack.

 

Their experience has to be colored by that.