Drafting a TE Day 1 & 2

[Kirby Jackson]

I (try) to never say, “I want (or don’t want) ___ position.” It is about the PLAYER and not the POSITION!! This is an elite TE draft. There is an elite RB prospect as well. I would rather take the elite player instead of a lesser player at a more-desired position. 

[Dr. Who]

45 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I (try) to never say, “I want (or don’t want) ___ position.” It is about the PLAYER and not the POSITION!! This is an elite TE draft. There is an elite RB prospect as well. I would rather take the elite player instead of a lesser player at a more-desired position. 

Beane seems to prioritize getting rid of all the holes. I think it's better to accept a few weak spots in the roster makeup if that is the needed price to go get elite talents that impact a game. We always seem to have a team that lacks glaring weaknesses, but also has fewer top end talents than other teams that are contenders for the SB.

[Kirby Jackson]

29 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

Beane seems to prioritize getting rid of all the holes. I think it's better to accept a few weak spots in the roster makeup if that is the needed price to go get elite talents that impact a game. We always seem to have a team that lacks glaring weaknesses, but also has fewer top end talents than other teams that are contenders for the SB.

I agree 100%. That’s why, when it comes to the draft, we should focus on “the elite talents” and not positions. As an example, Bijan Robinson, will almost certainly be the highest rated player on the board, if he makes it to the Bills. He’s a top 10 talent in this draft. Are you better of taking him or A RT with some flaws or a LB that’s a bit of a reach?
 

I’m coming around on the idea that a TE (like Kincaid) may be the pick at 27. While we have “bigger needs” you should take a swing at a potentially elite talent.

[HappyDays]

4 hours ago, wppete said:

 

 

I love him. I think be could Allen's Travis Kelce for the next 10 years. If we don't take him I think he goes to the Bengals. If Dorsey wants to implement more 2 TE sets Kincaid and Knox would be quite the pair.

[C.Biscuit97]

The bills have never had a top 5 TE in the history since I have been alive! But clearly guys like Kelce and Gronk don’t contribute to winning!

 

I also like Dalton Kincaid of Utah a lot. 

Edited March 18, 2023 by C.Biscuit97

[Warriorspikes51]

Draft 2. One in round 1-2 and another in 3-4

 

line them up in the slot and out wide to get creative mismatches.

 

Darnell Washington is hopefully one of them

 

the entire draft could easily be OL/WR/TE

Edited March 18, 2023 by Warriorspikes51

[Ethan in Cleveland]

If they are truly committed to playing some double TE sets then yes, it would be a good year to get a #2 TE.  The problem is we can't get Dorsey and Allen to get enough targets to Knox.  

TE, or WR, or both in the first two rounds would be fine with me. Honestly they truly could go BPA at every position except QB, S, RB, CB, and OLB in the first four rounds and I would be fine.  They need DL, MLB, WR, TE, C/G, and OT in no particular order.  

3 hours ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

The bills have never had a top 5 TE in the history since I have been alive! But clearly guys like Kelce and Gronk don’t contribute to winning!

 

I also like Dalton Kincaid of Utah a lot. 

They have never had a ProBowl TE since the merger of the AFL/NFL.  It is the worst franchise position group in the history of the NFL.  

[Yantha]

Last year I wanted to draft TE in round 1 or 2.

 

I took some heat on my evaluation of Knox, and I'll say it now that I was wrong.  I'm happy with Knox, and would love to see us shore up depth behind him.  Not in rounds 1 or 2 though...

[starrymessenger]

22 hours ago, mrags said:

I like the tape in Laporta. He looks like he may be good at the next level. I’d target him in the 3rd though. Not sure he’s worthy of a 2nd. I’d hope for Washington in the 2nd with a trade up possibly. But I’m not sure he’ll last that long. But I think Kincaid, Meyer, and Musgrave should all go ahead of Washington. Maybe even Laporta. Just all depends on how things land 

Laporte is a very reliable receiver who will convert third downs all day long. He can hit the seams as well. He was the fastest TE at the Combine (4.59). His other results were also for the most part good. Just looking at the highlights from his years at Iowa I don't see much YAC however (he's not Kittle) and he is a below average blocker. He looks to me to be a guy who will play for a long time in the league but personally I'd prefer a more well rounded skillset. But if he's there and they take him in the second round I certainly would not be upset. He's good.

[mrags]

42 minutes ago, starrymessenger said:

Laporte is a very reliable receiver who will convert third downs all day long. He can hit the seams as well. He was the fastest TE at the Combine (4.59). His other results were also for the most part good. Just looking at the highlights from his years at Iowa I don't see much YAC however (he's not Kittle) and he is a below average blocker. He looks to me to be a guy who will play for a long time in the league but personally I'd prefer a more well rounded skillset. But if he's there and they take him in the second round I certainly would not be upset. He's good.

I like all that except I’d hope to get him in the 3rd. 

[Dr. Who]

11 minutes ago, mrags said:

I like all that except I’d hope to get him in the 3rd. 

Another fella here has been recommending Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State TE, who is probably around a third round grade. I'd be surprised if the position is not addressed in the first two days, especially given the quality available this year and Dorsey's assumed desire to employ more 12 personnel in the offense.

[mrags]

17 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

Another fella here has been recommending Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State TE, who is probably around a third round grade. I'd be surprised if the position is not addressed in the first two days, especially given the quality available this year and Dorsey's assumed desire to employ more 12 personnel in the offense.

I like Kuntz also 

[Chaos]

Just now, mrags said:

I like Kuntz also 

Beast of an athlete. But  he seems to project as a project. NFL.com considers him a practice squad player.  SI says he is a 6th round prospect. If he was there in the fifth, I would take him.  But he is a flyer. 

[Yantha]

I think that after the good showing at the combine, Kuntz could go in the 4th.

 

I'd be okay with that if he was BPA.  Would prefer round 5.

[BigAl2526]

The Bills' draft strategy is going to be heavily influenced by value.  We don't have access to their big board, of course, but the odds are that by the time Buffalo picks at #27 the cupboard is going to be bare or nearly bare of first round value.  Some observers think first round talent in this draft numbers in the teens.  Brandon Beane may trade down if he can.  Otherwise, he's going to take a deep breath and pick what he feels is the best player remaining.  It could well be a tight end.  It could be a WR or maybe a defensive lineman.  I very much doubt it will be pure guard, as I don't think there will be any kind of value there.  There might possibly be an offensive tackle.  It might be a linebacker, but I doubt it would be a defensive back. 

[John from Riverside]

8 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Draft 2. One in round 1-2 and another in 3-4

 

line them up in the slot and out wide to get creative mismatches.

 

Darnell Washington is hopefully one of them

 

the entire draft could easily be OL/WR/TE

Dude, we only have six picks

Edited March 19, 2023 by John from Riverside

[gonzo1105]

2 hours ago, mrags said:

I like Kuntz also 

Kuntz can’t block worth *****, his hands are not great, and he looks nothing like a 4.55 guy on tape. 

3 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

Another fella here has been recommending Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State TE, who is probably around a third round grade. I'd be surprised if the position is not addressed in the first two days, especially given the quality available this year and Dorsey's assumed desire to employ more 12 personnel in the offense.

That would be this guy. You want the best of both worlds hes your guy. 

[Dr. Who]

3 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

Kuntz can’t block worth *****, his hands are not great, and he looks nothing like a 4.55 guy on tape. 

That would be this guy. You want the best of both worlds hes your guy. 

He does seem a good choice and the third round is the sweet spot if you think as I increasingly do that they are likely to expend one of the first two picks on lb. That would allow the other top pick to go hopefully towards wr or oline, though you know they'll be itching to add a 3-tech DT or yet another edge rusher that can't get to the qb.

[LEBills]

14 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

I love him. I think be could Allen's Travis Kelce for the next 10 years. If we don't take him I think he goes to the Bengals. If Dorsey wants to implement more 2 TE sets Kincaid and Knox would be quite the pair.

Im not sure anyone will ever be Kelce. But he definitely plays like Zach Ertz and wears the same number. If the injury to his back is not serious long term then he would be worth our first pick depending on how the rest of the board fell

[Baba Booey]

On 3/18/2023 at 2:08 AM, Dr. Who said:

Dorsey is supposed to favor 12 personnel. It does create mismatches. A strong blocking TE with some offensive ability would be a solid add. Given the positional strength in the draft, I do think there's a decent possibility a relatively early pick could be used.

I like Washington. Supposedly we met with him.

You get another Tackle with him also. You never know if they are planning to throw or run!

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

On 3/18/2023 at 1:03 AM, mrags said:

Jeremy Shockey says hi 

Overrated 

[LyndonvilleBill]

9 hours ago, Chaos said:

Beast of an athlete. But  he seems to project as a project. NFL.com considers him a practice squad player.  SI says he is a 6th round prospect. If he was there in the fifth, I would take him.  But he is a flyer. 

TDN has Kuntz as a 4th and his comp is Gesicki. Plus a RAS score of 10. Would seem right up Beane's alley.

[gonzo1105]

9 minutes ago, LyndonvilleBill said:

TDN has Kuntz as a 4th and his comp is Gesicki. Plus a RAS score of 10. Would seem right up Beane's alley.

While I love their reports on guys. A lot of times their projections dont match what’s currently happening in the draft landscape. Could someone draft him in round 4 on pure potential sure that happens. I think more round 5-6 is justifiable but it only takes 1 team 

[Solomon Grundy]

On 3/18/2023 at 9:16 PM, Dr. Who said:

Another fella here has been recommending Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State TE, who is probably around a third round grade. I'd be surprised if the position is not addressed in the first two days, especially given the quality available this year and Dorsey's assumed desire to employ more 12 personnel in the offense.

Tucker Kraft is that guy!! He'd be a perfect addition for Josh and the offense. 

[BigAl2526]

I'm not rooting for the Bills to pick a TE at #27, but I see it as a possibility depending on the value and fit that is left at that point in the first round.

[CEN-CAL17]

Keep your eye on Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion. 6’7” 255 lbs, 4.55 40 yd dash, 6.89 3 Cone…. Athletic for his size, solid Run after catch, good hands.  Still has run to fill out. Get him 5-10 lbs heavier.

 

Originally committed to Penn State.

 

I see him a late round 3 guy.

 

I still think Drew Sanders LB is the pick unless already gone and DT round 2. TE maybe round 3 and this kid is a sleeper.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by CEN-CAL17

[RocCityRoller]

No

[Magox]

I really want this guy round 4

 

 

[PBF81]

Whatever Beane chooses to do, his picks, particularly his 1st & 2nd rounders, need to contribute significantly this season.  

 

This would be a first for Beane if it happens.  

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by PBF81

[CEN-CAL17]

1 hour ago, Magox said:

I really want this guy round 4

 

 

Unless we trade up to the top of round 4 he won’t be there… that’s like almost a 5th and he’s projected late 3rd early forth. Pick 130? No way imo.

 

 

[LyndonvilleBill]

13 minutes ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

Unless we trade up to the top of round 4 he won’t be there… that’s like almost a 5th and he’s projected late 3rd early forth. Pick 130? No way imo.

 

 

I think it depends on what BB you look at.🤔

 

 

[freddyjj]

6 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

Keep your eye on Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion. 6’7” 255 lbs, 4.55 40 yd dash, 6.89 3 Cone…. Athletic for his size, solid Run after catch, good hands.  Still has run to fill out. Get him 5-10 lbs heavier.

 

Originally committed to Penn State.

 

I see him a late round 3 guy.

 

I still think Drew Sanders LB is the pick unless already gone and DT round 2. TE maybe round 3 and this kid is a sleeper.

 

 

 

 

 

Not sold on this kid. Did nothing at PSU.  And had only one year of production at a non Big5 school and, unlike Knox, didn't have 2 NFL pro bowlers hogging targets. Can't block a lick So is really another slot guy. Likely still on the board at pick 130

[MrEpsYtown]

7 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

Keep your eye on Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion. 6’7” 255 lbs, 4.55 40 yd dash, 6.89 3 Cone…. Athletic for his size, solid Run after catch, good hands.  Still has run to fill out. Get him 5-10 lbs heavier.

 

Originally committed to Penn State.

 

I see him a late round 3 guy.

 

I still think Drew Sanders LB is the pick unless already gone and DT round 2. TE maybe round 3 and this kid is a sleeper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, he is interesting but there is some risk there. Big recruit to PSU but sat on the bench and has only started 15 college games. I feel like he will be a better pro than he was as a college player, but you have to be careful how high you take him so you don't wind up with Adam Shaheen. 

 

 

[Magox]

2 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

Yeah, he is interesting but there is some risk there. Big recruit to PSU but sat on the bench and has only started 15 college games. I feel like he will be a better pro than he was as a college player, but you have to be careful how high you take him so you don't wind up with Adam Shaheen. 

 

 

He has shown flashes of being able to an in line blocker.  If you watch the video he also has wiggle to his game so he isn’t some sort of a stiff athlete, he’s fluid.    
 

He’s over 6’7 at 255 with 40 inch vertical, He’s a tremendous target to throw to.   Just imagine him busting up the seam or red zone at that height, speed, fluidity and vert, the potential is there.    
 

He will easily bulk up to 265-270 without effecting his athleticism.

 

I don’t know if he will be there in the 4th, but if he is I’d strongly consider him.

[Magox]

7 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

Keep your eye on Zack Kuntz TE Old Dominion. 6’7” 255 lbs, 4.55 40 yd dash, 6.89 3 Cone…. Athletic for his size, solid Run after catch, good hands.  Still has run to fill out. Get him 5-10 lbs heavier.

 

Originally committed to Penn State.

 

I see him a late round 3 guy.

 

I still think Drew Sanders LB is the pick unless already gone and DT round 2. TE maybe round 3 and this kid is a sleeper.

 

 

 

 

 

So many of his catches are with defenders right on him and with his speed and a little hop he makes the catch look easy.   For other TE’s not quite at that height or speed those catches wouldn’t look so easy.

 

He makes lots of catches above his head look routine.  They look simple and for his skill set they are.  For others it wouldn’t be the same.

 

 

[mrags]

3 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

Unless we trade up to the top of round 4 he won’t be there… that’s like almost a 5th and he’s projected late 3rd early forth. Pick 130? No way imo.

 

 

Well. Nobody thought we’d get Araiza out of the 3rd or 4th rd because he was just that good. and we managed to get him in the 6th. Maybe that’s because he was a rapist and other teams knew it and we didn’t. 🤷‍♂️ 

[gonzo1105]

Kuntz can't block(like not even a little bit) and he actually has a very high drop rate and doesn't separate very well despite his huge athleticism. I'd take a flyer in round 5 but not before that but I don't think he fits the mold of what Buffalo is looking for in a Tight End. 

[ngbills]

Don’t confuse low priority with lack of success. The billls have drafted TE and used FA resources on TE. They spent good money on Knox and he has underproduced. 

[Logic]

I expect the Bills to draft a tight end within the first few rounds this year.

That said, until they actually start using the very good tight end that's already on the roster and getting paid big bucks, I don't really care WHAT they do at TE2 or TE3.

Dawson Knox has the talent and ability to be this team's de facto WR2. He has the talent to be a 1,000 yards and 10 TDs guy. The Bills PAID him to be that guy. Until Ken Dorsey figures out how to use him and Josh Allen re-commits to hitting his short and intermediate targets instead of always big game hunting, the tight end depth conversation is just noise to me.

[Dr. Who]

1 minute ago, Logic said:

I expect the Bills to draft a tight end within the first few rounds this year.

That said, until they actually start using the very good tight end that's already on the roster and getting paid big bucks, I don't really care WHAT they do at TE2 or TE3.

Dawson Knox has the talent and ability to be this team's de facto WR2. He has the talent to be a 1,000 yards and 10 TDs guy. The Bills PAID him to be that guy. Until Ken Dorsey figures out how to use him and Josh Allen re-commits to hitting his short and intermediate targets instead of always big game hunting, the tight end depth conversation is just noise to me.

Well, I agree, but it might be that Dorsey is more comfortable including the TE as a threat option in 12 personnel, so adding one would actually increase Knox's use. There's quite a bit of talent at the position in the draft in a down year at WR, so I think this is a sneaky place to look for a weapon.