Flipnmi Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 With Tre about to be back, our depth at CB should be amongst the best in the league. In May, Beane talked about Benford having college experience at CB & Safety. “We’ve talked about both,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane, referring to cornerback and safety. “I think we’ll start him out as a corner here and see how he does. He did play a little bit of both. It’s easier to move him back (to Safety).” With 4 starting caliber CB's on the roster, I had been thinking that moving Benford to Safety in 2023 was likely, especially if Poyer can't be resigned. Now with his injury and Micah already out, this may need to be moved up. I had not heard any reports of him working in the back in pre-season, but wouldn't be surprised if this has been happening a little in the closed portion of practice. If Tre gets back to form quickly, he and Dane are solid starters with Elam a very capable back up for both. The way we utilize our Safeties is pretty complex, but despite being a rookie, it seems Benford is just too talented to keep off the field. Hopefully, Poyer's elbow injury is not serious but if it is, I suspect he goes to IR for 4 weeks to open a roster spot for Tre and we start seeing Benford getting some reps at Safety. Thoughts? 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back2Buff Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Never. Neal and Lewis will play there first. 1 4 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 I think Poyer has found way more worth this season and really puts the Bills in a rough spot. Hamlin seems only serviceable when he plays with Poyer next to him and strong play literally everywhere else. I have been really underwhelmed with safety play when Hamlin and Johnson are playing together. The Bills have to re-sign Poyer or really hit on the safety position in the draft. The Bills could be vulnerable at both safety positions next year with Hyde coming off season ending injury. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyCallMeAndy Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Am I alone in thinking Taron Johnson would be an outstanding safety? 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddyjj Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 20 minutes ago, Flipnmi said: With 4 starting caliber CB's on the roster, I assume you mean Outside Boundary CBs so would ask who are the 4? I have Tre, Dane, Kair and Benford. if Benford moves to S, who is the 4th Boundary CB? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVEMESOMEBILLS Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Just now, Mango said: I think Poyer has found way more worth this season and really puts the Bills in a rough spot. Hamlin seems only serviceable when he plays with Poyer next to him and strong play literally everywhere else. I have been really underwhelmed with safety play when Hamlin and Johnson are playing together. The Bills have to re-sign Poyer or really hit on the safety position in the draft. The Bills could be vulnerable at both safety positions next year with Hyde coming off season ending injury. They could be vulnerable the rest of this year if Poyer is out. Next year they should be fine having at least Hyde back there. Having one of them is a necessary, but having both now seems more like a luxury. I don't think Poyer is on the team next year, which sucks, bit I get why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 2 minutes ago, LOVEMESOMEBILLS said: They could be vulnerable the rest of this year if Poyer is out. Next year they should be fine having at least Hyde back there. Having one of them is a necessary, but having both now seems more like a luxury. I don't think Poyer is on the team next year, which sucks, bit I get why. Hyde may be fine next year and be back in form. But he also might night. It is a risk to assume he comes back the same player and a rookie/Johnson is up to the task. We are certainly spoiled at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJBobby Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 29 minutes ago, Flipnmi said: With Tre about to be back, our depth at CB should be amongst the best in the league. In May, Beane talked about Benford having college experience at CB & Safety. “We’ve talked about both,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane, referring to cornerback and safety. “I think we’ll start him out as a corner here and see how he does. He did play a little bit of both. It’s easier to move him back (to Safety).” With 4 starting caliber CB's on the roster, I had been thinking that moving Benford to Safety in 2023 was likely, especially if Poyer can't be resigned. Now with his injury and Micah already out, this may need to be moved up. I had not heard any reports of him working in the back in pre-season, but wouldn't be surprised if this has been happening a little in the closed portion of practice. If Tre gets back to form quickly, he and Dane are solid starters with Elam a very capable back up for both. The way we utilize our Safeties is pretty complex, but despite being a rookie, it seems Benford is just too talented to keep off the field. Hopefully, Poyer's elbow injury is not serious but if it is, I suspect he goes to IR for 4 weeks to open a roster spot for Tre and we start seeing Benford getting some reps at Safety. Thoughts? Starts Tomorrow at practice, once people realize the Bills are not trading for a Safety Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 9 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said: Am I alone in thinking Taron Johnson would be an outstanding safety? He's a great tackler with great instincts, but we need him at nickel. I think Benford or Neal could make the move to safety if Tre comes back and Poyer is out for an extended period. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 11 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said: Am I alone in thinking Taron Johnson would be an outstanding safety? No, you are not. I imagine he would excel in that position, but I believe they will keep him anchored where he is. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ya Digg? Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 What makes you think Benford will be better than what the Bills have already? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Soon…, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 2 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said: What makes you think Benford will be better than what the Bills have already? He might not be - but that flexibility would help him stay active on game days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBrownBear Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Neal makes a lot of sense to me. Fast and strong. I wonder if he just hasn't shown well when given safety reps in practice over the years, or if it's just that the Bills are pretty strict about keeping him as the backup slot guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motorin' Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 4 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said: What makes you think Benford will be better than what the Bills have already? He has much better match cover skills than Quan (or Hamiln). And is physical enough to play the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwater10 Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 (edited) My concern with resigning Poyer despite his high level of performance WHEN available is that his limited availability this year may be a harbinger of the things to come, the things that come with NFL players of advancing age. At an age when most players bodies begin to betray them, this is Poyer's 4th or 5th separate injury this year. Is this just what life with a aging Poyer will look like going forward? Will Beane pay big bucks for more years of that? Be it Benford, a trade or a draft choice, I suspect Beane will be diligent in pursuit of an answer with that in mind. Edited October 31, 2022 by cwater10 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida Bills Fanatic Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 25 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said: Am I alone in thinking Taron Johnson would be an outstanding safety? Maybe but he is really good in the slot and I don't see McD downgrading two spots in the defense to fix one issue (assuming Poyer doesn't miss time). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanThru-N-Thru Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 30 minutes ago, freddyjj said: I assume you mean Outside Boundary CBs so would ask who are the 4? I have Tre, Dane, Kair and Benford. if Benford moves to S, who is the 4th Boundary CB? I think he's referring to Xavier Rhodes who can come off of IR and go to the practice squad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
US Egg Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 (edited) Rookie and inexperienced DB’s being pushed into prominent playing is scary, not good stuff. 🎃 Edited October 31, 2022 by I am the egg man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLinALLEN Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 I've been actually wondering since a few wks back when Tre initially came off the IR if they would consider moving Tre back to safety, paired with Poyer (who was "healthy" at the time). This would give him ability to move around the field more "freely", vs CB where there's a lot of cutting/unknown movements. I know they were testing it White's rookie season, but obviously kept him at CB. Wonder what they'll do back there and with Tre but it's interesting to consider. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 29 minutes ago, I am the egg man said: Rookie and inexperienced DB’s being pushed into prominent playing is scary, not good stuff. 🎃 The Vikings and Lions are the only passing teams for the secondary to be pressured in the next 6 games. With some luck the Safeties can gain some good experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flipnmi Posted October 31, 2022 Author Share Posted October 31, 2022 1 hour ago, freddyjj said: I assume you mean Outside Boundary CBs so would ask who are the 4? I have Tre, Dane, Kair and Benford. if Benford moves to S, who is the 4th Boundary CB? I was counting Benford in the 4 starting caliber CB's. That's a great luxury to have, but when you are depleted at Safety, it may be better to spread out the talent between the 2 positions. Micah started as a CB before moving to Safety. A couple years ago Micah was considered as a backup CB when that position had a bunch of injuries, so there's no reason Benford wouldn't still be available for both roles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 2 hours ago, Flipnmi said: Thoughts? Unrealistic to expect a rookie to learn a second position in the middle of his rookie season and make any kind of contribution. 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruffalo Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 It would be an immediate downgrade this season, so probably not this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flipnmi Posted October 31, 2022 Author Share Posted October 31, 2022 1 minute ago, ndirish1978 said: Unrealistic to expect a rookie to learn a second position in the middle of his rookie season and make any kind of contribution. It's also unrealistic to expect a 6th round draft pick to come to camp and beat out your 1st round pick and then hold his own as a starter. I never suggested that Benford should be a starting Safety, but we are getting pretty thin there and I don't feel better with Cam Lewis as the next man up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airseven Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Benford is not transitioning to safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 1 hour ago, TheyCallMeAndy said: Am I alone in thinking Taron Johnson would be an outstanding safety? Would he be a better safety than slot corner? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 27 minutes ago, Flipnmi said: It's also unrealistic to expect a 6th round draft pick to come to camp and beat out your 1st round pick and then hold his own as a starter. I never suggested that Benford should be a starting Safety, but we are getting pretty thin there and I don't feel better with Cam Lewis as the next man up! I gave a pretty reasonable response to your question. Your response shows you didn't deserve it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyCallMeAndy Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 46 minutes ago, K-9 said: Would he be a better safety than slot corner? Good question for sure. I think Dane Jackson could also play FS really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flipnmi Posted October 31, 2022 Author Share Posted October 31, 2022 39 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said: I gave a pretty reasonable response to your question. Your response shows you didn't deserve it. I'm sorry you misunderstood the intent of my response. I was just saying that as a 6th round pick, Benford has greatly exceeded all expectations. While I agree it would be a lot for a rookie to take on, he's proven to be up for whatever has been asked of him to this point. When Tre is back, if he's no longer a starter at CB, I don't see any reason to not give him some cross-training to see how he picks it up. At 6-1, 205 he is bigger than any Safety on the roster, but only time will tell if the coaches agree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurman#1 Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 (edited) 5 hours ago, Flipnmi said: It's also unrealistic to expect a 6th round draft pick to come to camp and beat out your 1st round pick and then hold his own as a starter. I never suggested that Benford should be a starting Safety, but we are getting pretty thin there and I don't feel better with Cam Lewis as the next man up! Both scenarios are unlikely. His scenario is much much more unlikely than yours. Even more so with a rookie. I think it's Madden that gets people thinking like this, switching guys like they're checkers that are all fungible. They're not. Suggesting we move guys like Tre and Taron, among the absolute best in the league at their positions, barring three or four injuries in one game forcing something unhinged, just doesn't make much sense. How often do these positions switches happen? Guys like Aaron Williams, Troy Vincent and George Wilson are out there, but it's pretty rare. How many of them were successful in their first position? The one exception there was Vincent and he was growing too old to play his first position and was a grizzled veteran with a ton of DB knowhow. Now how often does it happen in-season? Can't think of a one. There's a reason for that. Outside of crazy one-game responses to multiple injuries, this isn't a situation NFL coaches want to deal with. You're absolutely right it'll be heavy on their minds going into next season, though. Edited November 1, 2022 by Thurman#1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Success Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 We do have a ton of depth in the secondary. It's actually pretty amazing. I expect them to utilize that talent in some way once Tre gets back. Not sure what that will be - but I trust them to get it right. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 7 hours ago, BillsFanThru-N-Thru said: I think he's referring to Xavier Rhodes who can come off of IR and go to the practice squad I totally forgot we signed Rhodes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billrooter Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 8 hours ago, Back2Buff said: Never. Neal and Lewis will play there first. I am not sure its a bad idea, Neal as athletic and fast as he is has never impressed me in coverage, seems to get beat like a drum to me whenever he's on the field. Seems good against the run though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott7975 Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 Just because a corner once for the Bills transitioned to safety doesnt mean every corner can just transition to safety. Nor does it mean the Bills even want to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 Do we have to buy a square or something? I’ll drop $5 on Tuesday morning. I get up until noon, right? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 When we drafted him, I thought a safety project. He’s played so well as a rookie, I might be inclined to keep him out there. The old adage “you can never have enough cb’s”. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 When someone plays as well at a premium position as Benford has at corner this season — especially considering he’s a rookie — why would you move him to a less premium position? Not only that, but asking a first year player from Villanova to learn a completely different NFL position 8 games into his rookie season seems to be asking an awful lot. I’d much rather see them trade for a Dean Marlowe type and leave Benford right where he is. You can never have enough good corners in the NFL. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shortchaz Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 Is Rhodes still on the team? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyobills89 Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 I wouldn't mind seeing Rhodes in a S position. He was a good corner and I'm sure he has the mental make up to transition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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