If Hopkins not available, then what? We DO need another good WR!

[Don Otreply]

1 hour ago, Warcodered said:

Who is the next Zach Ertz?

Will the real Zach Ertz please stand up, 

[freddyjj]

1 hour ago, Deadstroke said:

Many pages of conjecture on the Hopkins romance, and I, for one, think he'd be great for us.  Seriously, what defense could possibly cover all the speed and all-around weapons that we'd have?  But what do we do if the Hopkins trade falls through?  We really really should have a fallback plan/target.  

 

What are realistic options?

 

Run a 1973 Bills offense, rather run-centric - LOL!!!! 😎

1973 Bills Offensive Stats:

213 pass attempts.  96 completions. 996 Yds. 60 1st Downs and 4 Tds.  4.1 NYPA!.  That was it - in a 14 game season!  Fergy's rookie year!

605 rush attempts.  3088 Yds.  152 1st Downs and 20 TDs!.  5.1 YPC.  So  a run play for Bills in 1973 netted 25% more yds than a pass attempt.

 

Wow has the game changed.

 

 

 

[Royale with Cheese]

I would call the Vikings to see if they would be willing to trade Justin Jefferson for Gabe Davis straight up.  

[BillStime]

1 hour ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Kupp (Rams could be open to moving him - he was a Bills fan before he got drafted) 

 

this

[Solomon Grundy]

56 minutes ago, GolfandBills said:

Hoping for draft.  Team needs a young guy on a team friendly deal 

Need a guy who can get off the line of scrimmage against NFL players. The need to catch the ball when thrown to them is another prerequisite 

[Warriorspikes51]

2 minutes ago, BillStime said:

 

this

We would have to get very creative 

[Rc2catch]

19 minutes ago, 947 said:

Golladay has lost way more than a step since his last good season in 2019. He also lost any semblance of hands he once had.

 

He was benched for Hodgins last year, and his only game with significant playing time (100% of snaps) was the Giants' Week 17 game in which they sat their starters. That tells you all you need to know.

It doesn’t tell me that much. He was cooked in jersey before Daboll ever got there. Don’t get me wrong Golloday didn’t do himself any favors with his effort there but that’s exactly why his value is peanuts now. Those are the players you sign to one year vet minimum deals. As stated above you bring ‘em to camp and see how they work. If they are done it’s an easy cut. If they perform well they get a nice contract next year from someone. 

[Aussie Joe]

24 minutes ago, mjt328 said:

 

Ehh... There has been plenty of panic going on about the Wide Receiver position, probably since about midseason (see thread on OBJ).

Most people just saw the garbage available in free agency, and assumed the draft was the only option.

I think the idea of landing DeAndre Hopkins just gave some hope.

 

Reality is also starting to set, now that most free agents have been signed.  Fans are starting to realize how many glaring holes the Bills are probably going into the draft with (WR, RT, DE, LB), and it's frustrating.

 

The point about other holes is true … but not relevant to this thread discussion…

 

There has always been an expectation that they would upgrade the WRs these past few months… barely anyone suggested Hopkins was going to be part of that solution until the last two weeks…

 

Im confident that a solution will be found still… although Beane will really need to be multi tasking over the remainder of the off season..

[BillsShredder83]

ANGER!

 

(Sry whoever I stole that from. It's fun and I wanted in)

[BillsFanForever19]

OBJ, I could see Beane going with Kenny Golladay or Robbie Anderson (though that wouldn't thrill me), and/or a 1st or 2nd Round WR.

 

Mike Evans and Jerry Jeudy aren't available for trade. Regardless of how much fans and media speculate, they aren't on the market.

Edited March 28, 2023 by BillsFanForever19

[Dillenger4]

You just wait to see what Hardy will do in this offense. He is a dynamite player and will THRIVE in this O.

 

Diggs.

Davis/draft pick.

Hardy.

Shakir/Sherfield.

Fort Knox.

Cook/Harris.

 

"We need a #2 so bad" is a frickin myth. The hard part is done! We have a top 5 QB and a top 5 #1 in Diggs.

 

UNREAL!!! I also think that we will be drafting a TE in the draft - potentially at our #1 pick. Helps block for both pass and run and can catch.

[Warriorspikes51]

1 minute ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

OBJ, I could see Beane going with Kenny Golladay or Robbie Anderson (though that wouldn't thrill me), and/or a 1st or 2nd Round WR.

 

Mike Evans and Jerry Jeudy aren't available for trade. Regardless of how much fans and media speculate, they aren't on the market.

Oh? You have a source now huh

[Success]

Our WR corps is better than people think. They see Higgins/Chase & think every team is like that or something.

 

Even if we stand pat, we're in good shape. Watch what happens when JA gets more time in the pocket, and we have an ACTUAL running game that defenses have to plan for.  

 

I don't think we will stand pat, but I'd guess maybe a mid-round draft pick at this point.  This is not a desperate need.

 

[Kwai San]

1 minute ago, Success said:

Our WR corps is better than people think. They see Higgins/Chase & think every team is like that or something.

 

Even if we stand pat, we're in good shape. Watch what happens when JA gets more time in the pocket, and we have an ACTUAL running game that defenses have to plan for.  

 

I don't think we will stand pat, but I'd guess maybe a mid-round draft pick at this point.  This is not a desperate need.

 

   ^^^^^ THIS! ^^^^^^^^

[Dillenger4]

2 minutes ago, Success said:

Our WR corps is better than people think. They see Higgins/Chase & think every team is like that or something.

 

Even if we stand pat, we're in good shape. Watch what happens when JA gets more time in the pocket, and we have an ACTUAL running game that defenses have to plan for.  

 

I don't think we will stand pat, but I'd guess maybe a mid-round draft pick at this point.  This is not a desperate need.

 

El bingo

[Might Rather]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Call around the league. Besides OBJ, 

Mike Evans
Jeudy
Kupp (Rams could be open to moving him - he was a Bills fan before he got drafted) 
Aiyuk (unlikely)
DK Metcalf (very unlikely)

Kupp would make this offense just about unstoppable. He'd be 10× what Beasley was for Josh. 

[Dillenger4]

2 minutes ago, Success said:

Our WR corps is better than people think. They see Higgins/Chase & think every team is like that or something.

 

Even if we stand pat, we're in good shape. Watch what happens when JA gets more time in the pocket, and we have an ACTUAL running game that defenses have to plan for.  

 

I don't think we will stand pat, but I'd guess maybe a mid-round draft pick at this point.  This is not a desperate need.

 

I just posted a few above you the exact same message. These fairweather fans that think we need Jeudy, D-hop etc. wake up

[Yantha]

2 hours ago, Deadstroke said:

Many pages of conjecture on the Hopkins romance, and I, for one, think he'd be great for us.  Seriously, what defense could possibly cover all the speed and all-around weapons that we'd have?  But what do we do if the Hopkins trade falls through?  We really really should have a fallback plan/target.  

 

What are realistic options?

 

I have an answer. There is this great wide receiver from UCF. That might be what you’re looking for.

[Chicken Boo]

1 hour ago, Rc2catch said:

Get your 🤮 ready.

 

 

 

Kenny Golloday 

If anyone needs a prove it contract on a cheap one year deal it’s him. 

 

I was so big on Golladay before he signed with the Giants.  I have no idea what happened there, but I knew that him going to NY was a mistake.  

[Dillenger4]

1 minute ago, Might Rather said:

Kupp would make this offense just about unstoppable. He'd be 10× what Beasley was for Josh. 

yeah man, so would Favre and Brady on this team with Josh. Oh, and we can add Watt to our D and saquon to our RB room. OMG bro, we'd be soooo good.

[Fleezoid]

1 hour ago, Limeaid said:

 

Went to my first Bills game when I was a kid walking to the Rockpile paying for tickets from collected bottles.

 

Panic is your nature not intrinsic to what you quoted or we all would be chickens with heads cut off.

 

 

Chickens can live with heads cur off as proved by TSW and Mike.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2023 by Fleezoid

[Straight Hucklebuck]

I'm not convinced that McDermott/Beane will go WR high enough in this draft to get a difference maker. 

 

I think they've had a good FA period overall with respect to how little money they had to work with. In general, they've signed players you've heard of, and have been active in getting numbers with ~10 guys signed. 

 

But offensively the approach is looking more like 2021 and 2022 approaches - low end WRs behind Diggs, Davis back as the #2, patching the offensive line together with low-end starters, saving money on backup QB, and adding another running back. 

 

I just think the draft is setting up for LB, DE, DT early because the Bills lack numbers. 

 

With only 6 picks, there just isn't a realistic method to push Brown at RT, get another high-end WR, add another TE, add a DE to hold the fort if Von can't go, sign a 4th DT and find a MLB. 

 

The Bills should look at potentially trading back at #27, but definitely in Round 2 to acquire more picks.  

[OldTimer1960]

1 hour ago, NewEra said:

I was pretty anti Josh downs due to him being slot only in many eyes but he looked dam good in his pro day today.  He’ll be getting open.  
 

Is there a chance that we play Harty mainly outside?  Diggs Harty outside with Downs in the slot.  No size but those guys can present problems for coverage.  

 

That said…. I doubt we draft Downs, but he impressed me today

I really like Josh Downs, but a slot only guy in round 1?  I know there aren’t going to be great options at any position, but slot has to be the easiest to fill and hence need to think hard about whether to use a late first on one.

[newcam2012]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Call around the league. Besides OBJ, 

Mike Evans
Jeudy
Kupp (Rams could be open to moving him - he was a Bills fan before he got drafted) 
Aiyuk (unlikely)
DK Metcalf (very unlikely)

How about AJ Brown or Tyreke Hill? 

[BillsFanForever19]

25 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Oh? You have a source now huh

 

Yeah, the new head coach of the Denver Broncos who said he's not trading Jeudy. And simple logic that says trading their #1 WR doesn't make sense after Payton left NO to avoid a rebuild and set Russ back on track. https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-sean-payton-on-courtland-sutton-jerry-jeudy-rumors-we-re-not-trading-tho

 

As for Mike Evans, Todd Bowles has also said like Payton they have no interest in trading him and is completely baffled as to why it's even being talked about by anyone. https://www.joebucsfan.com/2023/03/todd-bowles-addresses-chris-godwin-mike-evans-trade-rumors/

 

Sorry if these sources aren't on the level of ErieCountyBulls. Fans of other teams were clamoring for a Stefon Diggs trade recently too. These ideas are just as likely as us trading Diggs.

Edited March 28, 2023 by BillsFanForever19

[Yantha]

1 hour ago, Don Otreply said:

Will the real Zach Ertz please stand up, 

He was drafted by Arizona in the last draft…

[LABILLBACKER]

1 hour ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

This staff plays it slow with rookies. We need an impact player NOW 

Well maybe they should stop doing that.  That's a "them" problem. Andy let's his rookies jump right into the deep end and show him what that have.  

[newcam2012]

2 minutes ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

I'm not convinced that McDermott/Beane will go WR high enough in this draft to get a difference maker. 

 

I think they've had a good FA period overall with respect to how little money they had to work with. In general, they've signed players you've heard of, and have been active in getting numbers with ~10 guys signed. 

 

But offensively the approach is looking more like 2021 and 2022 approaches - low end WRs behind Diggs, Davis back as the #2, patching the offensive line together with low-end starters, saving money on backup QB, and adding another running back. 

 

I just think the draft is setting up for LB, DE, DT early because the Bills lack numbers. 

 

With only 6 picks, there just isn't a realistic method to push Brown at RT, get another high-end WR, add another TE, add a DE to hold the fort if Von can't go, sign a 4th DT and find a MLB. 

 

The Bills should look at potentially trading back at #27, but definitely in Round 2 to acquire more picks.  

Based on this synopsis the Bills aren't likely to improve enough to compete with the KCs and Cinci's of the league. Look out because Miami and a Rodgers led Jets team are salavating. 

 

Run it back and see what happens sort of speak. Weaknesses in the trenches is likely the achilles heel of the team. Team weaknesses still appear to be plentiful. What happens when injuries occur? 

[artmalibu]

Trading for Hopkins is as dump as trading Diggs!!!  Please make these threads stop...

 

The team is tight on the cap already so spending the money for his salary is crazy, not to mention the draft capital it would take to get him.  Teams tight on the cap and the Bills will be with JA contract need draft picks to bring in quality cheep players.  

 

WRs are sexy toys on a roster but dollar for dollar the Bills Offense would be much better off using resources on the OL.  JA with time in the pocket is much more important than JA running for his life trying to hit another WR.  Not to mention a better OL would aid the running game and keep JA out of harms way.

 

Look up Hopkins salary  and tell me how it works....

 

 

Edited March 28, 2023 by artmalibu

[Straight Hucklebuck]

1 minute ago, newcam2012 said:

Based on this synopsis the Bills aren't likely to improve enough to compete with the KCs and Cinci's of the league. Look out because Miami and a Rodgers led Jets team are salavating. 

 

Run it back and see what happens sort of speak. Weaknesses in the trenches is likely the achilles heel of the team. Team weaknesses still appear to be plentiful. What happens when injuries occur? 

Let's look line to line. 

 

2022 

Dawkins - Saffold - Morse - Bates - Brown

 

2023

Dawkins - McGovern - Morse - Bates - Brown

 

The Bills re-signed Boettger, signed Jack Anderson, signed David Quesenberry, and you'd have to believe the Bills hope that Tommy Doyle can get healthy to compete for the swing OT job. I think objectively, it looks like the same offensive line - barring the Bills taking an OT at #27. I don't see the suggestion that others have had on this forum about a new OT pushing Dawkins to OG or RT. 

 

 

2022

Miller - Jones - Oliver - Rousseau 

 

2023

Miller PUP? - Jones - Oliver - Rousseau 

 

No signings on the Defensive Line. Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips are Free Agents. So, this leaves a rotation of Rousseau, Epenesa, Basham at DE, and Jones, Oliver and Settle at DT with no one signed long-term. 

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

This staff plays it slow with rookies. We need an impact player NOW 

 

And this rookie WR class doesn't have any sure bets to be good early in any event. 

 

If they are looking at the draft they likely are not getting massively better at receiver in 2023. Maybe a bit deeper behind Stef and Gabe but my guess is that remains your starting pair.

[NewEra]

16 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

I really like Josh Downs, but a slot only guy in round 1?  I know there aren’t going to be great options at any position, but slot has to be the easiest to fill and hence need to think hard about whether to use a late first on one.

I hear ya.  I’m not a fan of taking a slot only either but I like the player and I think he could really help our offense by getting open.  He makes contested catches too.  His change of direction and footwork looks elite to me. That’s what wins in the slot.  He gets open and we can really use that.  

watching more and more Harty this week has me believing that he’s going to play quite a bit on the outside.  Playing him opposite Diggs puts a lot of pressure on the D if they want to double Diggs- either Harty will be 1 on 1 or the underneath will be wide open for a free 1st down.  We weren’t able make teams pay for doubling Diggs as much as we should have. 
 

again-  I’m not advocating for drafting him, but I think he’s a helluva player

 

[Straight Hucklebuck]

7 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

And this rookie WR class doesn't have any sure bets to be good early in any event. 

 

If they are looking at the draft they likely are not getting massively better at receiver in 2023. Maybe a bit deeper behind Stef and Gabe but my guess is that remains your starting pair.

Shakir is their Wild Card. 

 

If he can gain the trust of the Coaching Staff and Allen, it could be one lever to pull for higher level play. 

 

 

[Sherlock Holmes]

2 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

@Sherlock Holmes will be intolerable if we acquire Cooper Kupp.

Hey! I totally resemble that remark

 

PS: You'll be making obscene comments with me because we'll be celebrating our dynasty!

Edited March 28, 2023 by Sherlock Holmes

[Wizard]

Don't forget FA pickup Edwards on the offensive line. Methinks he will be the RT over Brown. And, although OL appears to be less of a need, another OL may be drafted.

[Green Lightning]

48 minutes ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

I'm not convinced that McDermott/Beane will go WR high enough in this draft to get a difference maker. 

 

I think they've had a good FA period overall with respect to how little money they had to work with. In general, they've signed players you've heard of, and have been active in getting numbers with ~10 guys signed. 

 

But offensively the approach is looking more like 2021 and 2022 approaches - low end WRs behind Diggs, Davis back as the #2, patching the offensive line together with low-end starters, saving money on backup QB, and adding another running back. 

 

I just think the draft is setting up for LB, DE, DT early because the Bills lack numbers. 

 

With only 6 picks, there just isn't a realistic method to push Brown at RT, get another high-end WR, add another TE, add a DE to hold the fort if Von can't go, sign a 4th DT and find a MLB. 

 

The Bills should look at potentially trading back at #27, but definitely in Round 2 to acquire more picks.  

Is is looking that way. But repeating what hasn't worked so far seems a strange strategy. McBeane has to have another wrinkle to come. 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Should we be in on this?

 

 

[djp14150]

3 hours ago, Deadstroke said:

Many pages of conjecture on the Hopkins romance, and I, for one, think he'd be great for us.  Seriously, what defense could possibly cover all the speed and all-around weapons that we'd have?  But what do we do if the Hopkins trade falls through?  We really really should have a fallback plan/target.  

 

What are realistic options?

 

Another sky is falling thread???

[Might Rather]

53 minutes ago, Dillenger4 said:

yeah man, so would Favre and Brady on this team with Josh. Oh, and we can add Watt to our D and saquon to our RB room. OMG bro, we'd be soooo good.

I know it sounds crazy. It's just what we have to talk about this time of year but if you think of it they might be thinking of a rebuild with the questions about Stafords health and they haven't heard of a 1st round pick in a while.  I think he'd be worth #27 if the Bills could make the money work.  

[jkeerie]

59 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

And this rookie WR class doesn't have any sure bets to be good early in any event. 

 

If they are looking at the draft they likely are not getting massively better at receiver in 2023. Maybe a bit deeper behind Stef and Gabe but my guess is that remains your starting pair.

There are always receivers that come out of these drafts in later rounds that turn out to be stars (Tyreek Hill, Michael Thomas etc).  As long as the Bills draft with one of their 6 picks, I'll keep the faith.