Bills signing Tavon Austin

[Buffalo_Stampede]

8 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Even though he's tripled washed.....and then some at this point..........he probably has a shot at being a year-long practice squad player with the league keeping them expanded again.    Not a $6M man any longer but maybe a $200K man still.     And the Bills are no longer one of the deeper receiver groups in the NFL anymore.    It's Diggs, Davis and a bunch of slots and ST's only's.   So his competition might be an unavailability expert like Isaiah Hodgins.  

The difference right now between this WR group and others is John Brown, who was at the end of his career and Emanuel Sanders, at the end of his career.

 

We’ve been lucky Diggs hasn’t missed any time. Basically we’re great at WR if Diggs is healthy. They’re taking a risk on Gabe Davis being a true WR2 or maybe even more than that, but it’s time to see what he’s got.

 

 

[3rdand12]

On 6/5/2022 at 5:32 PM, Mr. WEO said:

 

Josh can't make these bums like Austin,  Sanders and "Smoke" Brown into spring chickens!

yes he can !  ha ha

 I actually have a good feeling about Austin

[Ralonzo]

On 6/7/2022 at 3:16 PM, Warcodered said:

 

Going 150% would be a 2.8 40-yard time.

 

Doubt.

[Rocky Landing]

11 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

yes he can !  ha ha

 I actually have a good feeling about Austin

I agree. My first thought upon the Austin signing was that he would just be return competition for Shakir, and would not have much of a chance to make the 53. I was also thinking that carrying seven WRs, as we did last season, was a luxury the Bills wouldn't take. But, i think it may be more likely now, and I think Austin has a decent shot at the 53.

[ColoradoBills]

21 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

I agree. My first thought upon the Austin signing was that he would just be return competition for Shakir, and would not have much of a chance to make the 53. I was also thinking that carrying seven WRs, as we did last season, was a luxury the Bills wouldn't take. But, i think it may be more likely now, and I think Austin has a decent shot at the 53.

 

I'm in the group who believes the Bills most likely keep 7 WRs this season.  That 7th spot would then be a competition between

Stevenson and Austin.  With that said I see it around 50/50.  Hoping one or the other can shine in that position!

[BADOLBILZ]

On 6/8/2022 at 9:07 AM, Buffalo_Stampede said:

The difference right now between this WR group and others is John Brown, who was at the end of his career and Emanuel Sanders, at the end of his career.

 

We’ve been lucky Diggs hasn’t missed any time. Basically we’re great at WR if Diggs is healthy. They’re taking a risk on Gabe Davis being a true WR2 or maybe even more than that, but it’s time to see what he’s got.

 

 

 

 

There is a chasm between the ability of 2020 John Brown and 2021 Emmanuel Sanders versus Jake Kumerow.

 

Those were 45-50 yard per game receivers in those seasons.  

 

That projects to 750-850 yards of production in a 17 game season.  

 

Kumerow is a 30 year old receiver who has done nothing on offense in his career.  

 

Gabriel Davis, Brown and Sanders all had injury issues in 2020-2021.........which made it NECESSARY to have that 3rd boundary WR option.  They needed 3 to get the production of 2.    

 

Davis has been a 35 yard per game receiver in his first 2 regular seasons.   He will basically need to double that production........about 1200 yards........for the Bills to just be where they have been at the position.    He may have the talent to be that good,  but there is no safety net with Kumerow at #3.

 

 

Edited June 11, 2022 by BADOLBILZ

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

On 6/8/2022 at 9:07 AM, Buffalo_Stampede said:

They’re taking a risk on Gabe Davis being a true WR2 or maybe even more than that, but it’s time to see what he’s got.

 

 

Agreed, but they have to right? It's not Bills specific, I mean any team would. You've got this guy you think can be a great #2, he's here on the roster and halfway through his contract. You have to find out.

 

Everything is a risk, but I think this is a easy choice to make.

[Mr. WEO]

3 hours ago, 3rdand12 said:

yes he can !  ha ha

 I actually have a good feeling about Austin

everyone was high on “Smoke” after one above average season.  Sanders was hyped here at this time last year too.  Austin might a decent WR 6

[L Ron Burgundy]

39 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

everyone was high on “Smoke” after one above average season.  Sanders was hyped here at this time last year too.  Austin might a decent WR 6

I  think he's purely here for depth and from that perspective he's a great signing.  We're due for bad  luck so if a wr or 2 get banged up I like that we have a guy like Austin there who can step in and be reliable. 

[hemma]

I’m looking forward to camp at SJF.  I think this guy could be a great surprise.  Stay healthy Tavon.

 

 

[Mr. WEO]

16 minutes ago, hemma said:

I’m looking forward to camp at SJF.  I think this guy could be a great surprise.  Stay healthy Tavon.

 

 

 

He showed us Old Tavon as soon as he showed up..

21 minutes ago, L Ron Burgundy said:

I  think he's purely here for depth and from that perspective he's a great signing.  We're due for bad  luck so if a wr or 2 get banged up I like that we have a guy like Austin there who can step in and be reliable. 

he gets banged up a lot.  As for reliability, he has a career fumbling problem

[Milanos Milano]

I’m calling it now. Josh Allen will make WRs like Crowder and Austin very serviceable this year. Austin is making this 53 man roster. 

 

Diggs

Davis

McKenzie

Crowder

Austin

Shakir 

Kumerow 

 

Cut: Hodgins, Stevenson 

[dje85]

5 hours ago, IronMaidenBills said:

I’m calling it now. Josh Allen will make WRs like Crowder and Austin very serviceable this year. Austin is making this 53 man roster. 

 

Diggs

Davis

McKenzie

Crowder

Austin

Shakir 

Kumerow 

 

Cut: Hodgins, Stevenson 

Crowder has been serviceable under every qb all of which have been trash compared to Josh. He has been called by many pundits the under the radar best signing of the offseason. Especially with Josh's proclivity to like to pass to the slot wr a lot. Though that may have been because we didn;t have any good check down recieving rbs which may have been solved this draft. 

Edited June 12, 2022 by dje85

[L Ron Burgundy]

8 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

He showed us Old Tavon as soon as he showed up..

he gets banged up a lot.  As for reliability, he has a career fumbling problem

Well if he's mostly sitting his butt on the bench hopefully won't be an issue.  Unless he slips on a banana peel.  Hey if he looks bad in practice they'll cut him.

[Beerball]

7 hours ago, dje85 said:

He has been called by many pundits the under the radar best signing of the offseason. 

Can you link a few of those? I see Settle mentioned frequently, one Saffold mention but I haven't found any for Crowder.

[Mr. WEO]

19 minutes ago, Beerball said:

Can you link a few of those? I see Settle mentioned frequently, one Saffold mention but I haven't found any for Crowder.

 

Those pundits are all under the radar...

[SCBills]

14 hours ago, IronMaidenBills said:

I’m calling it now. Josh Allen will make WRs like Crowder and Austin very serviceable this year. Austin is making this 53 man roster. 

 

Diggs

Davis

McKenzie

Crowder

Austin

Shakir 

Kumerow 

 

Cut: Hodgins, Stevenson 

Agree with this. 
 

I also think we’ll keep 7 - especially when two of those spots would be key ST’s guys in Kumerow and Austin (should he win the return battle). 
 

Your 7, plus Knox/Howard/Gilliam and Singletary/Cook/Moss would be my guess. 
 

Think Duke Johnson may not make it, especially if Tavon Austin is on the active roster.  Cook makes him redundant and Austin can also fill in that role. 
 

 

Edited June 12, 2022 by SCBills

[SCBills]

21 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Hoping OBJ or Julio Jones is an option later in the season if anybody gets banged up. 
 

Tavon Austin and Jake Kumerow as your depth at starting wide out is no good for a team with SB aspirations.

I don’t know that OBJ would want to come on as depth outside WR3 ..  I know he’s coming off a major injury, but he did show WR2 capability last year in LA.  
 

We’re in a tough spot where we have an alarming lack of a true WR3 on the outside, but we may not be an ideal landing spot for a vet when we have an established WR1 & WR2 who are both in our (likely) long term roster plans. 
 

If someone gets banged then yes.. I certainly hope OBJ is still out there. 
 

I’m intrigued by the Shakir pick, but ideally we would’ve drafted a true WR3 on the outside as that rotational/developmental guy.  And not in the Hodgins/Stevenson long-shot sense. 
 

Maybe they see Shakir, McKenzie etc as guys who can play outside just fine in this offense.. who knows. 
 

Edited June 12, 2022 by SCBills

[Paul Costa]

19 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

There is a chasm between the ability of 2020 John Brown and 2021 Emmanuel Sanders versus Jake Kumerow.

 

Those were 45-50 yard per game receivers in those seasons.  

 

That projects to 750-850 yards of production in a 17 game season.  

 

Kumerow is a 30 year old receiver who has done nothing on offense in his career.  

 

Gabriel Davis, Brown and Sanders all had injury issues in 2020-2021.........which made it NECESSARY to have that 3rd boundary WR option.  They needed 3 to get the production of 2.    

 

Davis has been a 35 yard per game receiver in his first 2 regular seasons.   He will basically need to double that production........about 1200 yards........for the Bills to just be where they have been at the position.    He may have the talent to be that good,  but there is no safety net with Kumerow at #3.

 

 

Agree with the Kumarow point. Bringing in OJ Howard & Drafting James Cook to me changes  the landscape of our offense in general. I personally think JA17 will see significant growth in completion %, YAC, & overall throw for more yards than in the past. Without throwing more often. I see a much more proficient offense this year. I personally would like to bring Manny Sanders back at a reduced role & salary      ( 50% less plays & salary) . Great  in the WR room as a professional & insurance from an injury to Diggs or Gabe. 

16 hours ago, IronMaidenBills said:

I’m calling it now. Josh Allen will make WRs like Crowder and Austin very serviceable this year. Austin is making this 53 man roster. 

 

Diggs

Davis

McKenzie

Crowder

Austin

Shakir 

Kumerow 

 

Cut: Hodgins, Stevenson 

I can’t see keeping Crowder, McKenzie & Austin. If Austin is kept move McKenzie to the Giants for whatever fair compensation is. Love lil’ Dirty but too many smurfs. 

[ColoradoBills]

2 hours ago, Paul Costa said:

I can’t see keeping Crowder, McKenzie & Austin. If Austin is kept move McKenzie to the Giants for whatever fair compensation is. Love lil’ Dirty but too many smurfs. 

 

Crowder is on a 1 year deal and none of us know how he will fit in with JA.  McKenzie is on a 2 year deal and we know he does bring

a decent option.  If Austin makes the team his primary role will be PR/KR duties.

If all look good through the summer I got no problem keeping the 3 "smurfs".

[Rocky Landing]

6 hours ago, Beerball said:

Can you link a few of those? I see Settle mentioned frequently, one Saffold mention but I haven't found any for Crowder.

There are a fair amount of articles regarding Crowder as a smart fantasy pick. (Here's one: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jamison-crowder-dynasty-profile-2022/ ). In my opinion, if Crowder gets the kind of role Beasley had, he'll have a career high year.

 

 

 

Edited June 12, 2022 by Rocky Landing

[3rdand12]

On 6/11/2022 at 5:28 PM, Mr. WEO said:

everyone was high on “Smoke” after one above average season.  Sanders was hyped here at this time last year too.  Austin might a decent WR 6

Brown had a made some great plays his 1st season as Bills. But he quickly lost something on the way with injuries
Sanders is another story with hype coming in. Not sure how I felt him though.
Austin may only have one good year for the Bills. Lets hope for that though

[Beerball]

2 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

There are a fair amount of articles regarding Crowder as a smart fantasy pick. (Here's one: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jamison-crowder-dynasty-profile-2022/ ). In my opinion, if Crowder gets the kind of role Beasley had, he'll have a career high year.

 

 

 

What about reality sites? 

[Mat68]

Austin is considered an OG to NFL players.  There isnt a skill player in the league who hasnt watched his college highlights. Do I think he will be all pro or have a massive year?  No.  A few games he makes a play or is productive for a game or to? I do.  

16 minutes ago, Beerball said:

What about reality sites? 

His numbers match those of pre Allen Beasley.   There are only a handful of teams who can utilize the slot like Buffalo.  Crowder was arguably a better slot FA than Beasley this offseason.  

[BADOLBILZ]

7 hours ago, Paul Costa said:

Agree with the Kumarow point. Bringing in OJ Howard & Drafting James Cook to me changes  the landscape of our offense in general. I personally think JA17 will see significant growth in completion %, YAC, & overall throw for more yards than in the past. Without throwing more often. I see a much more proficient offense this year. I personally would like to bring Manny Sanders back at a reduced role & salary      ( 50% less plays & salary) . Great  in the WR room as a professional & insurance from an injury to Diggs or Gabe. 

I can’t see keeping Crowder, McKenzie & Austin. If Austin is kept move McKenzie to the Giants for whatever fair compensation is. Love lil’ Dirty but too many smurfs. 

 

 

Don't get too excited about OJ Howard........he reportedly looked washed in OTA's.    Couldn't get open.   No burst out of his breaks.  Which is consistent with what some of the Tampa Bay observers were saying about him.   

[HappyDays]

16 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

Don't get too excited about OJ Howard........he reportedly looked washed in OTA's.

 

Reportedly according to who? I haven't seen him mentioned in any of the OTA reports.

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, HappyDays said:

 

Reportedly according to who? I haven't seen him mentioned in any of the OTA reports.

Matt Parrino said it on his show

1 hour ago, ScottLaw said:

Agreed… I would just hate to see Davis or Diggs go down in a playoff game and have to rely on Kumerow to play meaningful offensive snaps. 

Austin blows. 

I’m not saying that he doesn’t blow….. he might.  I wouldn’t know because I haven’t watched his tape in recent years.  But you have I take it? Or do you just think he blows because stats say so?  If you’ve watched him, why does he blow?  My guess would be that “He lost a step” will be your made up guess, as you haven’t watched him either. 

[Solomon Grundy]

10 hours ago, Paul Costa said:

I can’t see keeping Crowder, McKenzie & Austin. If Austin is kept move McKenzie to the Giants for whatever fair compensation is. Love lil’ Dirty but too many smurfs. 

He is trying out for AGT😎

[NewEra]

9 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

He’s a poor mans McKenzie at this point… He’s fallen off the past two years and never really offered much outside of speed to begin with so that’s why I say he blows. 

Ok, so you really have no clue.  I figured you were just being negative because that’s what you do.  I was right.
 

It would be my guess that you haven’t seen him play since we played @ Rams in 2016.  

[Paul Costa]

I will be surprised if they keep all 3 smurfs, Diggs, Gabe, Shakir & Kumarow. That’s 7 WR they usually keep 6. 

[unbillievable]

Diggs

Davis

Mckenzie

Shakir

 

Crowder vs Austin

 

Kumerow, Stevenson, Hodgins, Gentry.

 

I think Crowder and Austin are fighting for one spot. The others for the last one.  

 

Kumerow being 30 is a real disadvantage for him, they'll want to keep a developmental prospect.

Hodgins has a disadvantage because  Sweeney has a similar skill set at TE, plus he can't stay healthy.

Stevenens speed is tempting.

 

Stevenson and Austin can also sneak on as returners, which helps them win a spot as WR6, and maybe as WR7

Edited June 13, 2022 by unbillievable

[BADOLBILZ]

5 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

Reportedly according to who? I haven't seen him mentioned in any of the OTA reports.

 

 

Parrino last week.   It was a bit of discouraging news that matched the scouting report from the former Tampa guy who came on Marino's podcast to talk about him right after he signed.

[unbillievable]

5 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

Reportedly according to who? I haven't seen him mentioned in any of the OTA reports.

 

Mentions Howard at 10:30min mark...

Edited June 13, 2022 by unbillievable

[hemma]

If Howard has lost it, maybe Beane can scrabble together sufficient talent to trade for a #2 TE.

Pretty disappointing.  Was psyched when they picked him up.

 

May have another year of Sweeney by default.

[Paul Costa]

6 hours ago, unbillievable said:

Diggs

Davis

Mckenzie

Shakir

 

Crowder vs Austin

 

Kumerow, Stevenson, Hodgins, Gentry.

 

I think Crowder and Austin are fighting for one spot. The others for the last one.  

 

Kumerow being 30 is a real disadvantage for him, they'll want to keep a developmental prospect.

Hodgins has a disadvantage because  Sweeney has a similar skill set at TE, plus he can't stay healthy.

Stevenens speed is tempting.

 

Stevenson and Austin can also sneak on as returners, which helps them win a spot as WR6, and maybe as WR7

Kumarow plays on most fourth downs he has the best chance to stick. 

[dje85]

On 6/12/2022 at 8:02 AM, Beerball said:

Can you link a few of those? I see Settle mentioned frequently, one Saffold mention but I haven't found any for Crowder.

 

Here is a local one.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Who-is-under-the-radar-Bills-free-agent-addition-How-will-Von-Miller-improve-defense-Jamison-Crowder-possibilities-more-with-Eric-Wood-Podcast/B09W66C63B

 

I saw a lot of Fantasy sites say there will likely be no drop off from Beasley to Crowder. Claiming they have a similar play style. Not exactly saying "under the radar" but Beasley was very productive for us. Here is one of those tweets I saw at the time of the signing. 

 

Joe Beldner

@JoeBeldner

·

Apr 10

Do not underestimate the role that Jamison Crowder can carve out with the Bills. He is taking over the slot role, previously had by Cole Beasley. Crowder can become a target monster in this role. Beasley had 10 double-digit target games in the last 2 seasons.

 

 

[NewEra]

36 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

He played for the Cowboys in 2019 and we played them then and I actually watch the rest of the league unlike a lot fans on this board who strictly watch Bills football…. I’d be surprised if he makes the roster. 

They’ll need an upgrade to Sweeney if Howard flames out. Sweeney is a scrub.

Yeah….those 19 snaps he had vs the Bills that game said it all.  I’m sure you watched a bunch of jags games last year or caught most of his 30 snaps in 2020. 

 

 

[Big Turk]

Can't help but really like this guy...hopefully he can make the team and be a good addition.  Definitely has the talent, maybe Allen is the one to coax it out of him on a regular basis. 

 

 

[2003Contenders]

Austin appears to have turned some heads in mini camp -- and Josh has been singing his praises talking about his work ethic, leadership, etc. I think he has a very good chance of sticking. Just looking as the numbers, I do not see why not. Assuming that they go with the the same number of WRs as last season...

 

Safe to assume that these guys are back in their 2021 roles:

Diggs

Davis

McKenzie

 

Beasley and Sanders are gone and ostensibly replaced by:

Crowder

Austin*

 

Shakir was a mid-range draft pick that the front office was very high on.  I could see him taking Stevenson's spot on the roster.

 

So that is 6 -- plus Kumerow, who was the #7 WR last year. Kumerow is a big part of special teams but I could see him being pushed by

Stevenson, Hodgins and Gentry.

Edited June 16, 2022 by 2003Contenders

[Big Turk]

On 6/13/2022 at 9:32 AM, dje85 said:

 

Here is a local one.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Who-is-under-the-radar-Bills-free-agent-addition-How-will-Von-Miller-improve-defense-Jamison-Crowder-possibilities-more-with-Eric-Wood-Podcast/B09W66C63B

 

I saw a lot of Fantasy sites say there will likely be no drop off from Beasley to Crowder. Claiming they have a similar play style. Not exactly saying "under the radar" but Beasley was very productive for us. Here is one of those tweets I saw at the time of the signing. 

 

Joe Beldner

@JoeBeldner

·

Apr 10

Do not underestimate the role that Jamison Crowder can carve out with the Bills. He is taking over the slot role, previously had by Cole Beasley. Crowder can become a target monster in this role. Beasley had 10 double-digit target games in the last 2 seasons.

 

 

 

Crowder is going to be an upgrade from Beasley, IMO...

 

Beasley's top 4 years prior to coming here were:

833 yards

672 yards

536 yards

420 yards

 

Crowder's top 4 seasons were:

847 yards

833 yards

789 yards 
699 yards

 

Crowder also averages a full yard more per catch than Beasley does(11.3 to 10.3)