Is there any defensive player you'd be happy with at pick 27?

[BuffaloBillsGospel2014]

On 3/5/2023 at 1:17 PM, HappyDays said:

Most Bills fans understandably want an offensive player in the 1st round. I get it. But if the board falls a certain way, is there any defensive player realistically available at pick 27 that you would be happy with?

 

I have mentioned elsewhere that my guy on defense is LB Jack Campbell. He wouldn't be my first preference at pick 27 but I've grown to like him enough that I would be happy with him as the pick there. He brings a size and physicality to the defense that we don't currently have and I think filling that missing element is just as important as filling some of our holes on offense.

 

I'm a huge fan of Jack Campbell but he's more of a 2nd round pick. There is a good to great chance not 1 ILB will go in this years class, I'm not sure how they would justify another DE/CB, they could possibly go S but as far as I can see the only 1st round graded S is Brian Branch Alabama but to take him at 27 when we brought back Poyer and have Hyde would again raise alot of questions imo.

[Locomark]

On 3/5/2023 at 12:26 PM, MrEpsYtown said:

Jack Campbell 100%. I like Simpson and Sanders too and probably ok with it. 
 

If they fall, Brian Branch, Van Ness, Nolan Smith.

 

Tyree Wilson, Jalen Carter, Myles Murphy if for some crazy reason they fall. 
 

Top corner who might fall. 

I heard the hype on Campbell from Iowa at MLB, but then watched his videos and he looks way too slow to play in our 2 LB defense. Reminds me of  He’s a very tall good tackler (Like the old Bills and Jag MLB Paul Pozluzny-tackling machine who couldn’t cover) but I don’t see him covering the ground we need him to. Sanders is more of the model of what we like at LB. 
 

Smith or Branch at Safety in round 1 is OK for the future but I prefer they wait until round 3 and snag the IL safety then since he will be a backup and I want a day 1 contributor in round 1. 
 

I don’t see any worthy CB or DL falling this far that isn’t a round 2 player and I don’t want the short quick Pitt DL who is Oliver part 2. Been there, done that. 

[Chaos]

On 3/9/2023 at 11:57 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

Our best two recent efforts 2017 and 2018 were good drafts. They have each had 21 1st team all pro selections from them so far. Compare that to 2015 which was, even at the time, acknowledged to be a weaker draft, with only 11 (despite a 2/3 year headstart).

 

I don't buy and have never bought the "it's a total crapshoot" argument. It isn't an exact science, but it isn't a crapshoot either. 

 

Of course players picked higher will be more likely to be better players if your only comparison is to THIS draft. If you really want to know how good a draft it is you have to compare them to their peers when they arrive in the NFL. 

 

That is where I am tbh. More than any other draft I'd be willing to move around the board and target 3-4 guys I see as high floor contributors even if they are never gonna have the ceiling to be stars.

 

I have been vocal about the Bills needing more difference makers. This draft probably isn't the place they will find them.

If you had the top 3 picks in the draft who would take (no QBs)?   Would they be difference makers? 

[blacklabel]

Haven't had much time to read thru the prospects but I'd be fine with that Jack Campbell fella. Not the athletic freak Tremaine is but his instincts are said to be off the chart. He and Milano could make a heck of a duo. 

[Boatdrinks]

Barring a trade for a legit WR2 that didn’t involve the Bills 2023 1st rounder, no. 

[BuffaloRebound]

WR, TE, OL, or DL.  Off-ball LB’s have been de-valued almost as much as RB’s.  

[Dopey]

Lukas Van Ness. Von is injured and will probably retire after we win the Super Bowl next year. Pretty sure Epenesa is on his final year of his contract. That leaves Groot and Boogie. Don’t care that we’ve spent draft collateral over the past few drafts on this position. Groot and Boogie are not enough. 

[aristocrat]

Maybe?

[Snappysnackcakes]

7 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

I don’t recall there being stairs on a football field. Is this a Dr. Pepper marketing thing? I picture him hawking sodas….sorry, had to.

 

[SydneyBillsFan]

Yeah I'll happily take a defensive player

 

Someone like Skoronski for example, who will defend Josh Allen to the death.

 

After last season's debacle, it would be professionally negligent to not prioritise the health and safety of the guy who will, by some distance, become the greatest Bill of all time.

[NoSaint]

On 3/10/2023 at 11:43 AM, SoCal Deek said:

I don’t completely disagree but I’m more interested in using draft picks on positions that are in way worse shape, like the offensive line. Remember this thread is about Pick 27. 

WR is a catastrophic need real fast if Davis doesn’t step up. And even if he does we may need a replacement quickly unless you think we are paying him. 
 

this is the year to make the position a strength so you can live without him either way 

[Donuts and Doritos]

Ray Lewis or Bruce Smith in their prime. That's about it.

[SCBills]

I could certainly be swayed to support this random never-going-to-happen scenario..

 

 

[Dan in Owego]

Calijah Kancey

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, Chaos said:

If you had the top 3 picks in the draft who would take (no QBs)?   Would they be difference makers? 

 

Jalen Carter (presuming the off field stuff checks out)

Will Anderson

 

That is where the guys I am confident can be true difference makers ends. 

 

I'd probably take Paris Johnson Jnr with the 3rd selection. 

[Chaos]

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Jalen Carter (presuming the off field stuff checks out)

Will Anderson

 

That is where the guys I am confident can be true difference makers ends. 

 

I'd probably take Paris Johnson Jnr with the 3rd selection. 

ty

[DJB]

Neither.

 

I hope we draft a special teams ace in round 1

[H2o]

I'm resigned to the distinct possibility our pick @ #27 will be Jack Campbell / MLB / Iowa. I think there are only a handful of players being unexpectedly available at #27 who could change that. Seeing how we've maneuvered in FA though, that tells me this is what will likely happen. I won't be mad at the pick and I think the guy will be solid in this defense. 

[MrEpsYtown]

16 minutes ago, H2o said:

I'm resigned to the distinct possibility our pick @ #27 will be Jack Campbell / MLB / Iowa. I think there are only a handful of players being unexpectedly available at #27 who could change that. Seeing how we've maneuvered in FA though, that tells me this is what will likely happen. I won't be mad at the pick and I think the guy will be solid in this defense. 

 

It is pretty much a repeat of last year's offseason where they just completely ignored the corner position and claimed "sometimes the answer is already on your roster." 

 

I do still think Wagner could be a good possibility though. Needs at linebacker dried up a bit around the league but there are still suitors, with the Commanders, Browns, Raiders, Vikings, and Steelers probably still looking, with the Cowboys and Seahawks maybe in on Wagner. 

[newcam2012]

On 3/10/2023 at 9:48 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

I think in his credit column you have to give him decent feet at the line - his get off package is the one bit of his game I think you can legit say has improved since he came into the league and also above average body control for a bigger guy. But I agree with you he has largely been the same guy all 3 years. 

It baffles me that the Bills coaches think Gabe is a solid WR2. 

 

You want a WR2 to be able to be somewhat reliable, able to run varies quality routes, and win in contested throws. That's just not Davis. He caught a 56% of the passes thrown his way. More specifically, 48 out of 93 balls thrown his way. 

 

He had one of the worst contested ball rates as well. 

 

This just isn't going to cut it. Gabe cannot great quick separation. He is not fluid in the hips. Both add up to him being a WR3 or WR4. 

 

What are Beane and McD doing or seeing? They have to be better talent evaluators. Are they really trying to ran Davis back as the Bills WR2?  

[McBean]

1 hour ago, DJB said:

Neither.

 

I hope we draft a special teams ace in round 1

This board would spin it as a positive.

Just now, newcam2012 said:

It baffles me that the Bills coaches think Gabe is a solid WR2. 

 

You want a WR2 to be able to be somewhat reliable, able to run varies quality routes, and win in contested throws. That's just not Davis. He caught a 56% of the passes thrown his way. More specifically, 48 out of 93 balls thrown his way. 

 

He had one of the worst contested ball rates as well. 

 

This just isn't going to cut it. Gabe cannot great quick separation. He is not fluid in the hips. Both add up to him being a WR3 or WR4. 

 

What are Beane and McD doing or seeing? They have to be better talent evaluators. Are they really trying to ran Davis back as the Bills WR2?  

Let’s just be grateful this FO has done all it can to help our star QB.

 

I mean, signing a 5”0 guy from New Orleans who stays hurt, kid down in Miami who got targets because he was behind 2 superstar receivers, backup offensive lineman…1 who got abused every play when thrown in at New England last year. They definitely have added the pieces to beat KC and Cincy…now we can focus on DEFENSE BABY with our premium picks! 
 

lfgooo!

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, H2o said:

I'm resigned to the distinct possibility our pick @ #27 will be Jack Campbell / MLB / Iowa. I think there are only a handful of players being unexpectedly available at #27 who could change that. Seeing how we've maneuvered in FA though, that tells me this is what will likely happen. I won't be mad at the pick and I think the guy will be solid in this defense. 

It sure looking that way right now

I’m not really fond of getting pigeonholed into a position like this

 

And Campbell may end up being a great player

[bearcat]

Trenton Simpson or Drew Sanders if the top receivers are gone.

[NastyNateSoldiers]

On 3/5/2023 at 7:21 PM, BeavercreekBillsFan said:

There’s no defensive player I want at 27, I’ll puke if we take one I think. I don’t need some first round pick wasted on a scheme that’s lazy and doesn’t encourage play making. 
 

We badly need weapons and most importantly protection for josh. Which of course means we will waste the pick on a safety. 

I agree but not with everything u said. Yes we need to absolutely protect Josh Allen but this team needs stars and it really doesn’t matter what position they play. This is really not the draft for playmakers especially at the Wr position it’s a bad yr for that position in this draft it would be a big mistake to take a Wr in the 1st rd that’s projected to be a #2 Wr on the NFL level. The Bills need to take the Bpa available and if that lands on the defensive side of the ball then so be it! The draft should never be used to plug holes it should be used to build your team for the future. 

[John from Riverside]

1 minute ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

I agree but not with everything u said. Yes we need to absolutely protect Josh Allen but this team needs stars and it really doesn’t matter what position they play. This is really not the draft for playmakers especially at the Wr position it’s a bad yr for that position in this draft it would be a big mistake to take a Wr in the 1st rd that’s projected to be a #2 Wr on the NFL level. The Bills need to take the Bpa available and if that lands on the defensive side of the ball then so be it! The draft should never be used to plug holes it should be used to build your team for the future. 

I’m kind of like in the mighty Smurf that we picked up in free agency

[newcam2012]

19 minutes ago, McBean said:

This board would spin it as a positive.

Let’s just be grateful this FO has done all it can to help our star QB.

 

I mean, signing a 5”0 guy from New Orleans who stays hurt, kid down in Miami who got targets because he was behind 2 superstar receivers, backup offensive lineman…1 who got abused every play when thrown in at New England last year. They definitely have added the pieces to beat KC and Cincy…now we can focus on DEFENSE BABY with our premium picks! 
 

lfgooo!

You have a way with words. I think people here should reread your post several times. It rings of reality...

[NastyNateSoldiers]

4 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

I’m kind of like in the mighty Smurf that we picked up in free agency

Deonte definitely has potential. I’m hoping he can finally stay healthy and get some real playing time he can put up some big numbers . 

[John from Riverside]

6 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

You have a way with words. I think people here should reread your post several times. It rings of reality...

 

7 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

You have a way with words. I think people here should reread your post several times. It rings of reality...

Is he really 5 foot tall I thought he was shorter

[Dr. Who]

11 hours ago, SCBills said:

I could certainly be swayed to support this random never-going-to-happen scenario..

 

 

Yes, impossible, but if it happened, you have to take him. I personally want Kincaid who they have taken right in front of us.

Given my penchant for pessimism, I'm going to surmise the Jalen Carter part is wildly offbase, but the Kincaid part is true.

[H2o]

49 minutes ago, bearcat said:

Trenton Simpson or Drew Sanders if the top receivers are gone.

Simpson is a no from me. He's athletic as can be, but his instincts are meh and he is like Tremaine in that he gets lost in the wash of blockers. If we were going to more of a traditional 4-3, with 3 LB's on the field, I would play him at SLB. I don't see him as being a MLB in our defense though. I hope they don't either. 

 

Sanders is definitely talented, but he only has one year at the position while at Arkansas. He's also very thin framed for manning the middle.  

[MrEpsYtown]

4 minutes ago, H2o said:

Simpson is a no from me. He's athletic as can be, but his instincts are meh and he is like Tremaine in that he gets lost in the wash of blockers. If we were going to more of a traditional 4-3, with 3 LB's on the field, I would play him at SLB. I don't see him as being a MLB in our defense though. I hope they don't either. 

 

Sanders is definitely talented, but he only has one year at the position while at Arkansas. He's also very thin framed for manning the middle.  

 

I think Simpson will get there, he is just a little raw in the box. Sanders is extremely raw in the box with the highest upside. I like both guys, but if you want plug-and-play with great instincts it's Campbell. 

[OldTimer1960]

1 hour ago, newcam2012 said:

It baffles me that the Bills coaches think Gabe is a solid WR2. 

 

You want a WR2 to be able to be somewhat reliable, able to run varies quality routes, and win in contested throws. That's just not Davis. He caught a 56% of the passes thrown his way. More specifically, 48 out of 93 balls thrown his way. 

 

He had one of the worst contested ball rates as well. 

 

This just isn't going to cut it. Gabe cannot great quick separation. He is not fluid in the hips. Both add up to him being a WR3 or WR4. 

 

What are Beane and McD doing or seeing? They have to be better talent evaluators. Are they really trying to ran Davis back as the Bills WR2?  

I think the idea that they see Davis as a WR2 is overblown.  Really, what would you expect Beane to say publicly?  He can’t really come out and say “well, we would rather have a better WR2 than Gabe, he wasn’t very good last year”.  If they take a WR in the first, that will tell you that they want to upgrade there, but if they don’t take a WR early, that may still not mean that they are thrilled with Davis - it could mean that they had other priorities to address and that they didn’t like the available WRs as much as they guys that they picked.

On 3/10/2023 at 1:26 PM, ScottLaw said:

Eh… WR opposite Diggs is the biggest bang for your buck for offensive improvement and one of the easier fixes than a completely offensive line overhaul. 

Who, that will be available should they pick to challenge Davis?

[H2o]

1 hour ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I think Simpson will get there, he is just a little raw in the box. Sanders is extremely raw in the box with the highest upside. I like both guys, but if you want plug-and-play with great instincts it's Campbell. 

I agree, Campbell is definitely a plug and play starter in the NFL. I also believe that where some of these other guys depend on their athleticism alone, Campbell more than makes up for it with his football IQ (which is off the charts). If you process things quickly, and play your role without hesitation, you don't have to be a 4.45 40 guy. I really think Campbell could be the Kuechly in this defense everyone was hoping Tremaine would have become. 

 

I'm not as high on Simpson as some are. I think he could have a nice role as an OLB in a 4-3, but I think he will struggle to play inside. I think Sanders will as well, if they play him inside. I think Sanders would be great playing the Will, and being used as a blitzer from time to time off of the edge. 

[Solomon Grundy]

2 hours ago, bearcat said:

Trenton Simpson or Drew Sanders if the top receivers are gone.

I think Beane will look for someone who can get after the opposing QB. He hasn't found that person in the draft yet but may be giving Nolan Smith and Will McDonald IV a hard look

[BigAl2526]

On 3/5/2023 at 2:14 PM, GunnerBill said:

 

At #27 it's a no from me on Campbell. If they trade out of round 1 and make Campbell their first pick middle of the 2nd, fine. I don't love his fit in this D though. His lateral movement skills are the biggest question mark on his scouting report for me. And the Bills D asks their linebackers to go sideline to sideline a lot.

Agreed.  He's an indefensible reach at #27.  I know Nolan Smith did not play middle linebacker in college, but he has most of the physical traits Buffalo might look for.  He's shorter than Edmunds, but his athleticism is off the charts.  If the Bills do their due diligence and decide that he's capable of making the switch and willing to try, and he happens to be available, I might take a chance on him.

Edited March 22, 2023 by BigAl2526

[nosejob]

8 hours ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I think Beane will look for someone who can get after the opposing QB. He hasn't found that person in the draft yet but may be giving Nolan Smith and Will McDonald IV a hard look

I find Isaiah Foskey intriguing.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Im good with them picking the one that becomes DROY and Super Bowl 58 MVP

[chongli]

On 3/22/2023 at 8:56 AM, Solomon Grundy said:

I think Beane will look for someone who can get after the opposing QB. He hasn't found that person in the draft yet but may be giving Nolan Smith and Will McDonald IV a hard look

 

Yep. In fact, in today's mock, Pete Prisco on CBS has us taking McDonald, IV

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/pete-prisco-2023-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-qbs-fly-off-board-as-four-go-in-top-5-eagles-reload-on-defense/

 

 

"I know they have drafted a bunch of players at this spot, and they have Von Miller, but Miller isn't a kid anymore and the pass rush still isn't good enough. So why not add another young, talented edge player?"

 

[BTW, Greg Auman of FOX Sports has us taking Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:

 

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-mock-draft-c-j-stroud-still-no-1-shakeup-among-top-10]

 

"Inside linebackers are perpetually devalued in the draft, and Buffalo needs a solid one after losing Tremaine Edmunds on a huge contract to the Bears. Sanders is 6-foot-4, taller than most NFL linebackers, and he had 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks in a breakout year for the Razorbacks. He has enough versatility that he could moonlight as a pass-rusher in sub packages."]

[ElMarko]

How old were you when the Bills poached Tasker off the waver wire? 

Edited March 24, 2023 by ElMarko