The Battle of a lifetime: Klein, Spector, Dodson, Bernard, Williams

[BillsFan2313]

8 hours ago, Luka said:

It's really just a competition between Klein, Spector and Dodson, which after last preseason I think Spector has a chance at winning. With McDermott calling the defense I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams or Bernard playing the "nickel" corner in run/pass situations. Hell, Williams has the size and speed to play safety. It's an interesting pick depending on how the coaching staff utilizes him.

 

After listening to Beanes PC after the pick, I think you are spot on. 

[Coach Tuesday]

29 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

According to Beane Williams is not in play for Mike. 

 

An additional option - Milano plays the Mike and Williams plays Will?

 

 

Barring any further additions I think this has to be the plan - but they’d better have a backup plan.  Not sure how they expect Milano to hold up all season manning the middle spot.

[finn]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

I think as it sits right now:

 

Dodson comes into camp as the starter. They like him and he's been in the system a few years. He's the safety net if no one else steps up.

 

Bernard is the guy that will get first crack to unseat him. He's who they HOPE will come in and take the job away from Dodson. That's why they took him last year.

 

Spector is a wild card. AJK is here right now if we sustain injury at the position. Wouldn't shock me to see him a roster cut/on the PS when all is said and done if Bernard and or Spector take a step forward.

 

Williams is starting out at OLB. 

 

I don't know why this is still shocking to anyone. They have said all along they like the LB room and feel Edmunds replacement is already on the roster. 

 

 

 

But isn't this essentially saying they just drafted a backup, not in the sixth round or via free agency but in the THIRD round? I have no problem with the kid, just where the Bills took him. 

[Kmart128]

8 hours ago, Luka said:

It's really just a competition between Klein, Spector and Dodson, which after last preseason I think Spector has a chance at winning. With McDermott calling the defense I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams or Bernard playing the "nickel" corner in run/pass situations. Hell, Williams has the size and speed to play safety. It's an interesting pick depending on how the coaching staff utilizes him.

 

Benard to play one game at ILB for us last year and I think Beane may have added Williams to take his role and move Bernard to MLB

3 minutes ago, finn said:

But isn't this essentially saying they just drafted a backup, not in the sixth round or via free agency but in the THIRD round? I have no problem with the kid, just where the Bills took him. 

 

We picked 91st... thats almost a 4th rounder. Usually mid 3rd is when the draft really starts to vary based on all the player grades. Thats when you see players who are thought of as 4ths and 5ths and even 6ths get drafted cause the experts didnt value them as much as teams GMs did.

 

And if you are expecting you 91st selection to come in contribute and start right away then thats a bigger issue.... that means you are desperate to fill a position and wont let a young guy develop naturally and are so forcing them into playing time.

[DCofNC]

8 hours ago, Process said:

Absurd what they are doing at LB. Two third round picks in a row lit on fire. A team that runs nickel defense 90% of the time and we are gonna carry 25 LBs. And not have a single quality contender for the starting MLB job. 

Hey it worked out well at RB, all you have to do is wait another year after this one and draft one in the second round and still not play the guy and hope it works out the season after that.

[LEBills]

41 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

According to Beane Williams is not in play for Mike. 

 

An additional option - Milano plays the Mike and Williams plays Will?

 

 

In his March press conference, Beane said:

 

"We'll keep Matt where he's at," Beane said during a news conference at One Bills Drive that centered on introducing the team's three new free agent additions to the Western New York media. "We'll just let there be competition for that middle linebacker."

 

If they are desperate enough at any point during the season maybe they change their tune. 
 

[Solomon Grundy]

You, my friend, are correct... This is nuts!! 

[BuffaloBillyG]

9 minutes ago, finn said:

But isn't this essentially saying they just drafted a backup, not in the sixth round or via free agency but in the THIRD round? I have no problem with the kid, just where the Bills took him. 

There are a LOT of third rounders that start out as backups. That isn't uncommon. Not every player needs to start year one to take over eventually. 

 

 

In the meantime he will contribute other ways. Fans think they will get some premium starter in the 3rd round are kidding themselves. Yes, of course it does happen that way...but on a team with a solid roster it doesn't happen often. 

 

[PBF81]

This is Beane's mess due to his incompetence and McD is going to pay the price.

 

They created it, they're responsible for making it work.  

 

I fail to see how it's avoidable that our D is significantly worse this year, perhaps even very average.

 

The good news is that offense carries teams in this league.  

 

 

... and when Klein is the voted leading solution ... LOL

 

 

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

I am on record as saying we put too many resources into the defensive front and was fine letting Edmunds go at the price he could command. We drafted 2 offensive players to help our franchise so KUDOS a shift to the offense. I don't mind creating competition and depth a la how KC does it on defense and letting the chips fall where they may. We could have drafted one of the higher regarded LBs with our first 2 picks, instead offense I'm good with it.

[oldmanfan]

They are not going to move an All Pro LB from where he plays in this defense.  The second LB will come from the guys on the roster.  How many people carped and moaned about Edmunds not being good when he was here and now are wailing that we’re dead without him?

 

my guess:  Dodson.  

[skibum]

ST is gonna be stacked this year.

[FLFan]

10 hours ago, boyst said:

Milano moves to the middle. Klein plays traditional MLB spot when needed to start season but Milano is the only answer. It ain't Williams.

Since Beane said they are going play Williams outside, I guess you are right - it won’t be him.  

[Buffalo_Stampede]

It’s going to be interesting to see what happens at MLB. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Except in obvious run plays, likely their defense will be 3 Lineman and likely Jones comes off, 2LB (Milano and probably Klein) 3 CB and 3 S with Rapp being 3rd.  Klein played pretty well, won defensive player of the week once they used him strictly against run and as blitzer. As long as he's not asked to cover someone, he does OK. Can see most plays either Milano or Klein blitzing and on occasion throw in CB or S to mix things up.

 

Maybe one of these other names at LB shows significant improvement and takers Klein's spot?

[Magox]

8 hours ago, BillsFan130 said:

Klein/Dobson on run downs.

 

Bernard/ Williams on passing downs

This and I have a sneaking suspicion we will see a lot of Taylor Rapp in a number of packages.  I wouldn’t be surprised he sees 25+ snaps a game.

[NewEra]

10 hours ago, Luka said:

It's really just a competition between Klein, Spector and Dodson, which after last preseason I think Spector has a chance at winning. With McDermott calling the defense I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams or Bernard playing the "nickel" corner in run/pass situations. Hell, Williams has the size and speed to play safety. It's an interesting pick depending on how the coaching staff utilizes him.

I don’t disagree with this   It’s one of the reasons I made the thread.  It just makes me think that Beane sucks in some regard.  He drafted Milanos backup in Round 3- two years in a row—- and signed Milano to an extension (which I’m happy about) in between.  
 

Why?  I’ll never understand- unless they saw enough out of Bernard already, but I really doubt that’s the case. 
 

Is there a chance that we play Milano at Mike?  Beane has said no early in the offseason-  they want him to play the role he’s been playing.  maybe they start running more sub packages using 3 LBs?  
 

If not, is special teams really THAT important where we’d use a 3rd rd pick on a guy that we project as a backup…… two years in a row and they back up the same position?!?! Like 🤦🏻‍♂️ 

 

[bmur66]

Baylon Spector doesn’t wear number 54 for nuthin! 
 

I just made that up but wouldn’t that be something if stepped up? It could happen.

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

There are a LOT of third rounders that start out as backups. That isn't uncommon. Not every player needs to start year one to take over eventually. 

 

 

In the meantime he will contribute other ways. Fans think they will get some premium starter in the 3rd round are kidding themselves. Yes, of course it does happen that way...but on a team with a solid roster it doesn't happen often. 

 

Fans think that it’s ridiculous to use a 3rd rd pick to draft a player that has no path to start on this team for the next 3-4 years.  
 

Fans think that it’s a complete disaster to do this two years in a row on players that play the same exact position-  

 

it’s baffling. 

1 minute ago, bmur66 said:

Baylon Spector doesn’t wear number 54 for nuthin! 
 

I just made that up but wouldn’t that be something if stepped up? It could happen.

It could.  
 

Dodsons play in the 2nd vs the Vikings after 49 went out was abysmal.  If that’s what he is, we should probably just cut him now to make sure we don’t have to relive that experience.

 

OT - we should cut Cam Lewis now too

[MAJBobby]

IF AJ KLEIN is the Starter the middle of the defense is going to have a problem.

 

Ideally the starting three are (without seeing how Bernard and Spector have grown this offseason)

 

Milano

Dodson

Bernard

[NewEra]

Maybe we plan on having Milano out there 💯 of the time, then have 3-4 other guys each playing 25-33% of the time depending on down and distance.  
 

klein on 1st and obvious running down while Williams,  Bernard and rapp getting some play on passing downs

[RG Murdock]

Williams will also be OLB insurance when Milano inevitably misses a few games. Speed and passing are king in the NFL now. I like the pick.    

[NewEra]

5 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

IF AJ KLEIN is the Starter the middle of the defense is going to have a problem.

 

Ideally the starting three are (without seeing how Bernard and Spector have grown this offseason)

 

Milano

Dodson

Bernard

Thought on Dodson vs Minnesota?  I really don’t think he’s worthy- I hope I’m wrong 

[TheyCallMeAndy]

I believe we will see more 3-LB sets, Beane confirmed DW is an OLB. 

[Mat68]

Bernard week 1 or Williams at the bye.  

[NewEra]

Just now, RG Murdock said:

Williams will also be OLB insurance when Milano inevitably misses a few games. Speed and passing are king in the NFL now. I like the pick.    

But wasn’t that supposed to be Bernard? Locked in the same spot last year?  

[MAJBobby]

Just now, NewEra said:

Thought on Dodson vs Minnesota?  I really don’t think he’s worthy- I hope I’m wrong 

He is on Bills roster according to BB.com and Spotrac

[NewEra]

Just now, TheyCallMeAndy said:

I believe we will see more 3-LB sets, Beane confirmed DW is an OLB. 

So less Taron johnson or less Daquan Jones?  Maybe both?  Doesn’t seem like a good trade off other than continuously keeping the opposition guessing and confused 

[MrEpsYtown]

If Spector gets a little thicker, I like his chances. I don’t see why Williams can’t play there.
 

McDermott’s word kind of imply that Dodson is the guy. He and Klein have the most experience in the defense. 

 

[MAJBobby]

5 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

If Spector gets a little thicker, I like his chances. I don’t see why Williams can’t play there.
 

McDermott’s word kind of imply that Dodson is the guy. He and Klein have the most experience in the defense. 

 

What McDermott Demands from his MIKE.  I think the right progression in the LBer corp for non blue chip prospects is learn the Defense from the Outside, and grow into the Mike.  So it would somewhat make sense with your Rooks to start outside and come in.  SO I agree with you the starting mike as Constructed is likely out of Dodson and Klein.  with Bernard and Spector having that shot as well.  End of the day I think there could be a scheme and matchup specific LBer rotation with all of them BUT Milano (he stays on the field 100%)

[NewEra]

10 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

He is on Bills roster according to BB.com and Spotrac

I’m asking you what your thoughts are about Dodsons play vs the Vikings last year.

 

 

[MAJBobby]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I’m asking you what your thoughts are about Dodsons play vs the Vikings last year.

 

 

Ahhh.  

 

I have to go back and watch, to be able to talk specifics.  However what I will say with Dodson is when he has to come in and relieve Edmunds with an In Game Injury he has struggled.  When he has played with an entire week of practice knowing he is starting he has played well in the position.  That is telling me he is a practice player, he NEEDS the practice reps.  Some can step right in and perform fine with the limited in week work.  Watching him it seems he is ALWAYS better when he has the reps knowing he is starting. 

[NewEra]

Just now, MAJBobby said:

Ahhh.  

 

I have to go back and watch, to be able to talk specifics.  However what I will say with Dodson is when he has to come in and relieve Edmunds with an In Game Injury he has struggled.  When he has played with an entire week of practice knowing he is starting he has played well in the position.  That is telling me he is a practice player, he NEEDS the practice reps.  Some can step right in and perform fine with the limited in week work.  Watching him it seems he is ALWAYS better when he has the reps knowing he is starting. 

Very fair point if true.  Thanks

[BillsFan2313]

3 hours ago, boyst said:

Someone please flag this for a receipt. I will demand apologies.

 

Beane himself said Williams will start out as an OLB. Why are we flagging your post that Williams wont be the starting MLB? Lol.

[BuffaloBillyG]

36 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Fans think that it’s ridiculous to use a 3rd rd pick to draft a player that has no path to start on this team for the next 3-4 years.  
 

Fans think that it’s a complete disaster to do this two years in a row on players that play the same exact position-  

 

it’s baffling. 

It could.  
 

Dodsons play in the 2nd vs the Vikings after 49 went out was abysmal.  If that’s what he is, we should probably just cut him now to make sure we don’t have to relive that experience.

 

OT - we should cut Cam Lewis now too

Fans thinking they can project a player that has just been drafted's first 3-4 years in the NFL is what's really baffling. 

 

Fans thinking they know the teams plans on usage of a player or how schemes and philosophy of a defense may change the instant they are drafted is baffling. 

 

It's almost like some fans predetermine that they are going to be miserable and complain about anything the Bills do if it doesn't fit exactly what they wanted. Baffling, right?

[NewEra]

32 minutes ago, RG Murdock said:

Williams will also be OLB insurance when Milano inevitably misses a few games. Speed and passing are king in the AFC now. I like the pick.    

Nfc teams realize they can’t compete with the AFC in the air because there’s only 1 good QB in the NFC (and that QB ran for 13 TDs).  Nfc teams look to be going more run heavy when compared to the afc. 

[MrEpsYtown]

22 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Ahhh.  

 

I have to go back and watch, to be able to talk specifics.  However what I will say with Dodson is when he has to come in and relieve Edmunds with an In Game Injury he has struggled.  When he has played with an entire week of practice knowing he is starting he has played well in the position.  That is telling me he is a practice player, he NEEDS the practice reps.  Some can step right in and perform fine with the limited in week work.  Watching him it seems he is ALWAYS better when he has the reps knowing he is starting. 

I don’t think anyone should voluntarily go back and watch that game. 

Edited April 29, 2023 by MrEpsYtown

[Maynard]

Haha, yeah I dunno. Spector I guess…

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

I’m very surprised at the amount of votes Klein is getting. The modern day nfl is closer to a S playing LB than an older slow guy. I feel like it’s only really between the 3 younger guys. If you can’t run, you can’t play LB in 2023

[NewEra]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Fans thinking they can project a player that has just been drafted's first 3-4 years in the NFL is what's really baffling. 

 

Fans thinking they know the teams plans on usage of a player or how schemes and philosophy of a defense may change the instant they are drafted is baffling. 

 

It's almost like some fans predetermine that they are going to be miserable and complain about anything the Bills do if it doesn't fit exactly what they wanted. Baffling, right?

 

Except I’m not miserable. I don’t complain about much actually. Im one of the more optimistic posters on the board, but I keep it real when I think they are making a mistake.  If the FO makes a move I find questionable, I look for reasoning.   If I don’t find the reasoning adequate, I post on message boards and see what others have to say.
 

In this case, both bernard and williams both project to the outside, not the middle.  They were drafted on day 2 in back to back years while our best defensive player also plays outside and our GM said the plan is to keep him there.  So by Beanes word, I do know how they plan to use him- which leaves a gaping hole at the Mike.  
 

based on taking Bernard and Williams in consecutive years rd 3- there is plenty of reason to question wth the plan is.   It’s what people do on message boards. Seems to me that we used 2 day 2 picks on non premium position back ups/ ST players.  I’m of the opinion that we invest too much into ST units as it is.  And here we go again. 
 

what do you think the plan is for Bernard and Williams?