Bills Draft Rd 1 - Pick 28

[John from Riverside]

My son is a huge Oregon fan back from the days whenever he had a tryout for them lives right next to the stadium
 

He says that wide receiver they have coming out is incredibly good Franklin

[Warcodered]

20 minutes ago, starrymessenger said:

To me he is second tier in this class. Haven’t seen him other than highlights though. Apparently he does not get much in the way of separation and in college ranks he is good at getting contested balls but you have to wonder whether that translates to the pros given his size. He is definitely not a burner either. Will likely run in the 4.5s somewhere. Also questions regarding his release off the line against the step up in athleticism he will face with pro DBs. I would pass.  

I don't know it's highlights but there plenty of them where he had separation I think.

 

 

[starrymessenger]

4 minutes ago, Warcodered said:

I don't know it's highlights but there plenty of them where he had separation I think.

 

 

He has great hands and is a talented route runner. Also very shifty. I’m just repeating what i’ve seen more than once in his pre combine evals. Some say he’s a day 2 guy but I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes early day 3 given the strength of the class. 

[whorlnut]

41 minutes ago, NewEra said:

But for which WR?  I see 3 WRs with obvious WR1 upside and they’ll all be gone by 15, maybe too 10.  I group the rest in together as WR2s.  Leggette is probably the only guy I’d trade up for as he could have wr1 upside

You don’t think Thomas, Mitchell, or Franklin could be a 1?

[DCOrange]

1 hour ago, whorlnut said:

You don’t think Thomas, Mitchell, or Franklin could be a 1?

I’m hoping to scout the WRs on All 22 as the draft gets closer but for now, I’m only going off of highlights, scouting reports, and metrics.
 

I can buy Thomas. I think he’s already great at some of the stuff that’s incredibly hard to teach. He’s gotta learn to catch with his hands though. If he can do that, he’ll be a #1; if he doesn’t, he’ll just be a good field stretcher. 
 

The other two: there’s a chance, but I’m much more skeptical with them being a #1. Mitchell probably looks the part more than Franklin but it sounds like he’s pretty raw still. 

[Big Turk]

Troy Franklin please please please...

 

6'3" tall, 4.35 40 time...deep field burner that would fill the missing John Brown role in this offense.

 

Put ya hands together...

Put ya hands together...

GP are ya with me?

Oh yeah, we having church we ain't goin nowhere!

Edited January 24 by Big Turk

[transplantbillsfan]

On 1/22/2024 at 4:20 AM, Bangarang said:

I hope it’s a WR but I’m preparing for DL or S. Something about needing to be able to stop Mahomes and the Chiefs offense..

 

What about a WR who can catch a perfectly thrown bomb by Josh Allen that travels 75 yards in the air????

 

I mean... maybe even 1 out of 3 perfectly thrown deep balls????

[NewEra]

4 hours ago, whorlnut said:

You don’t think Thomas, Mitchell, or Franklin could be a 1?

Thomas- definitely not.  He’s a deep threat.  That’s about it imo.  
 

Mitchell- I don’t think he’s explosive enough-  not sudden enough.  
 

Franklin- is more of a deep threat imo.  He’s ok in the short game but he’s weak and could get crushed over the middle.  For a guy his size, he doesn’t really go up and get them. 
 

I think, inthe right system, Mitchell and Franklin could be wr1 like Stevie Johnson was wr1.  Thomas not so much. 

[whorlnut]

19 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Thomas- definitely not.  He’s a deep threat.  That’s about it imo.  
 

Mitchell- I don’t think he’s explosive enough-  not sudden enough.  
 

Franklin- is more of a deep threat imo.  He’s ok in the short game but he’s weak and could get crushed over the middle.  For a guy his size, he doesn’t really go up and get them. 
 

I think, inthe right system, Mitchell and Franklin could be wr1 like Stevie Johnson was wr1.  Thomas not so much. 

I think that would be fine though. With Diggs coming back, the pressure won’t be on the rookie to be the guy right away. We need to draft a sure fire 2 that has the potential to be a 1 in a year or two.

 

Im this case, I think a guy like Franklin would meet all the requirements that Beane is looking for. They talked for quite a bit yesterday about explosive plays. A guy like Franklin or worthy brings that. Who else do you suggest?

[gonzo1105]

I don't think enough people talk about Devontez Walker being a a top WR in the NFL. Most project him as a 1st or 2nd rounder but I love the guy. Pure Vertical guy who in my opinion made Drake Maye look a lot better once he got in there.

 

Reminds me of a young Justin Jefferson and I don't say that lightly but people have to remember Jefferson wasn't predicted to be this good. People will say he isn't refined and that is true but he played at Kent State originally and then missed the first part of the season due to a stupid ass ruling.

 

I think he has an ungodly amount of potential and is a future # 1 WR in the NFL.

 

 

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, whorlnut said:

I think that would be fine though. With Diggs coming back, the pressure won’t be on the rookie to be the guy right away. We need to draft a sure fire 2 that has the potential to be a 1 in a year or two.

 

Im this case, I think a guy like Franklin would meet all the requirements that Beane is looking for. They talked for quite a bit yesterday about explosive plays. A guy like Franklin or worthy brings that. Who else do you suggest?

From what I’ve seen so far, I think Leggette has the most upside and is the guy I’d like most.  I also said that about Quinton Johnston last season around this time.  As the draft started, Addison and flowers were the WRs wanted most.  But so far, Leggette’s physical being is what intrigues me the most.  One year of productivity and age are the only cons I’ve seen so far.

 

as of now, I’d be ok with a handful of guys outside of the top 3 that we’ll never be in position to draft.  Thomas Jr, Franklin, Walker, worthy and Mitchell are the guys that intrigue me most.  Polk is the guy I’d love to get in rd 2- but we’d probably have to trade up from him. 

 

Mcconkey is intriguing. I think I’m gonna watch some Brendan Rice tonight 

[whorlnut]

11 hours ago, NewEra said:

From what I’ve seen so far, I think Leggette has the most upside and is the guy I’d like most.  I also said that about Quinton Johnston last season around this time.  As the draft started, Addison and flowers were the WRs wanted most.  But so far, Leggette’s physical being is what intrigues me the most.  One year of productivity and age are the only cons I’ve seen so far.

 

as of now, I’d be ok with a handful of guys outside of the top 3 that we’ll never be in position to draft.  Thomas Jr, Franklin, Walker, worthy and Mitchell are the guys that intrigue me most.  Polk is the guy I’d love to get in rd 2- but we’d probably have to trade up from him. 

 

Mcconkey is intriguing. I think I’m gonna watch some Brendan Rice tonight 

I agree on all that. Legettes speed is undeniable. He’s got really strong hands, which are needed to catch Allen passes. He will never get outmuscled. Think dk metcalfe. His route running and productivity are suspect. One year wonders scare me a bit. 
 

I think if we get one of these guys in round 1 I’d be thrilled…Thomas, Franklin, Mitchell, Leggette, or Worthy. Walker is interesting and may end up in this bucket by the time of the draft. I don’t really want McConkey. He doesn’t run fast and doesn’t really fit what McD and Beane talked about the other day. I think it’s def gonna be a speed guy in round 1. But you make a great point about Polk. I just worry about an early run in round 2 if we wait. We can’t afford to wait and hope. I don’t want sit on my couch and watch all the remaining guys go at the top of 2 before we get a shot at moving up. That’s why I think they should set their board with about 3-5 WRs that they would be comfortable taking between 20-40. A slight move up or trade down depending on where they grade them. 

[MiracleAtRich1393]

14 hours ago, NewEra said:

Thomas- definitely not.  He’s a deep threat.  That’s about it imo.  
 

Mitchell- I don’t think he’s explosive enough-  not sudden enough.  
 

Franklin- is more of a deep threat imo.  He’s ok in the short game but he’s weak and could get crushed over the middle.  For a guy his size, he doesn’t really go up and get them. 
 

I think, inthe right system, Mitchell and Franklin could be wr1 like Stevie Johnson was wr1.  Thomas not so much. 

Franklin I could definitely buy due to his youth. Get another 10 lbs on that frame and with his length, deep speed, plus explosiveness & route running he could turn into a #1 pretty easily. At the VERY least a significant immediate upgrade from Gabe opposite Diggs. If he's there at 28 I hammer that all day

[The Firebaugh Kid]

I'm shocked nobody's talking about Malachi Corley. The tape and the numbers are Deebo 2.0

[Buffalo03]

On 1/22/2024 at 9:46 AM, BuffaloBillyG said:

They don't. That's my hope.

 

They need to use some of those 10 picks they have gathered up to move WAYYY up the board for a WR...or use that 1st to trade for an impact player. 

How many picks would it take to get Marvin Harrison, Jr?

[Bangarang]

I really dig Troy Franklin. He’ll probably run a really good 40 which will tank our chances of getting him.

[Aussie Joe]

2 minutes ago, Buffalo03 said:

How many picks would it take to get Marvin Harrison, Jr?

Considering 6 of their 10 picks are 5th round or later … about 23…

[Buffalo03]

6 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

Considering 6 of their 10 picks are 5th round or later … about 23…

Sounds doable

[BBFL]

1 minute ago, Aussie Joe said:

Considering 6 of their 10 picks are 5th round or later … about 23…

Yeah man. That ain’t happening. If we missed the playoffs there’s a chance you can make the move but to get into the top 5, which is 100% where he goes; if not top 3, you’ll have to give up an embarrassment of riches. 
 

MH2 is legit but you only give that capital for a QB. 

 

 

Honestly believe we go defense again this year for the 1st round. Believe they’ll convince themselves they allocated resources for the offense last year (King Cade: 25th & Cyrus: 59th). 

 

Maybe Murphy (DT) from Texas or Hicks (Safety) from Washington. 

It would be better to go offense in this draft and buy from the pool of defensive FA’s as there is better immediate talent there. Don’t think that happens however. 

If they do:

WR:

 

Leggette (UofSC)

Worthy (Texas)

Franklin (Oregon)

Thomas Jr. (LSU)

 

Also might need to look at a Morse replacement ASAP:

 

Van Pran (Georgia)

Frazier (WVU)

 

 

 

[Aussie Joe]

1 minute ago, BBFL said:

Yeah man. That ain’t happening. If we missed the playoffs there’s a chance you can make the move but to get into the top 5, which is 100% where he goes; if not top 3, you’ll have to give up an embarrassment of riches. 
 

MH2 is legit but you only give that capital for a QB. 

 

 

Honestly believe we go defense again this year for the 1st round. Believe they’ll convince themselves they allocated resources for the offense last year (King Cade: 25th & Cyrus: 59th). 

 

Maybe Murphy (DT) from Texas or Hicks (Safety) from Washington. 

It would be better to go offense in this draft and buy from the pool of defensive FA’s as there is better immediate talent there. Don’t think that happens however. 

If they do:

WR:

 

Leggette (UofSC)

Worthy (Texas)

Franklin (Oregon)

Thomas Jr. (LSU)

 

Also might need to look at a Morse replacement ASAP:

 

Van Pran (Georgia)

Frazier (WVU)

 

 

 

Im all for drafting a C this year …. I have just started looking at the draft options …. 
 

I wouldn’t be using Pick 28…( get a WR  please) … and Van Pran will be gone when they pick at the end of Round 2 … any thoughts on Frazier ? Don’t know much about him …would maybe prefer one in Rounds 3-4 who doesn’t have to be the Week 1 starter in 24 and can sit behind Bates or Morse for a bit  ..

 

 

 

[Nester]

Best Safety, Corner or WR available. 

Best dude who runs down the field....

 

I am very worried about the Secondary.... 

 

 

[DCOrange]

2 hours ago, whorlnut said:

I agree on all that. Legettes speed is undeniable. He’s got really strong hands, which are needed to catch Allen passes. He will never get outmuscled. Think dk metcalfe. His route running and productivity are suspect. One year wonders scare me a bit. 
 

I think if we get one of these guys in round 1 I’d be thrilled…Thomas, Franklin, Mitchell, Leggette, or Worthy. Walker is interesting and may end up in this bucket by the time of the draft. I don’t really want McConkey. He doesn’t run fast and doesn’t really fit what McD and Beane talked about the other day. I think it’s def gonna be a speed guy in round 1. But you make a great point about Polk. I just worry about an early run in round 2 if we wait. We can’t afford to wait and hope. I don’t want sit on my couch and watch all the remaining guys go at the top of 2 before we get a shot at moving up. That’s why I think they should set their board with about 3-5 WRs that they would be comfortable taking between 20-40. A slight move up or trade down depending on where they grade them. 

I know the draft guys at ESPN expect McConkey to have one of the fastest 40 times at the Combine after Xavier Worthy.

 

I don’t think he’s what we need though. More of a slot only guy and zone specialist, both things we already have covered. I expect him to be one of the better rookies immediately though. 

Edited January 25 by DCOrange

[skibum]

I'd be OK with Beane trading pick #1 for an established receiving threat, just like he did for Diggs. Not sure #28 will get that done, but #22 did the job before. 

 

It's a critical need, why chance it with a low 1st rounder? How many blue chip WR will still be on the board by then?

[Low Positive]

1 minute ago, skibum said:

I'd be OK with Beane trading pick #1 for an established receiving threat, just like he did for Diggs. Not sure #28 will get that done, but #22 did the job before. 

 

It's a critical need, why chance it with a low 1st rounder? How many blue chip WR will still be on the board by then?

The problem with that is that you then have to pay that new guy. If you draft a WR, you get a rookie contract for 5 years.

[whorlnut]

8 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

I know the draft guys at ESPN expect McConkey to have one of the fastest 40 times at the Combine after Xavier Worthy.

 

I don’t think he’s what we need though. More of a slot only guy and zone specialist, both things we already have covered. I expect him to be one of the better rookies immediately though. 

I’m not sure where you saw that, and you may be right, but I saw on nfl draft buzz that he is projected to be around 4.59, which is awful. 

[BBFL]

16 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

Im all for drafting a C this year …. I have just started looking at the draft options …. 
 

I wouldn’t be using Pick 28…( get a WR  please) … and Van Pran will be gone when they pick at the end of Round 2 … any thoughts on Frazier ? Don’t know much about him …would maybe prefer one in Rounds 3-4 who doesn’t have to be the Week 1 starter in 24 and can sit behind Bates or Morse for a bit  ..

 

 

 

Might be a trade back then if the WRs have gone?

 

100% with you that Van Pran will be gone by our second rounder. Think he has a lot of flexibility where you can play him if Center isn’t an immediate hole. 
 

Living in the Pittsburgh area there’s access to a lot of WVU games however I only caught 3 games:

 

Backyard Bowl (Pitt)

Penn State

TCU

 

Guy was solid in the run game in each of them. Atheltic and agile. Gets great leverage to secure his blocks and remains stout. Great at moving into the second level. 
 

Pass protection is his only problem I saw in those games. Didn’t show the awareness to move through assignments when not engaged; kept his eyes straight ahead or down though very few plays actually ended up as a negative because of him. 
 

Solid option for that pick in the second round as he’s definitely progressed and improved the past few years at WVU. 
 

 

 

 

[starrymessenger]

53 minutes ago, Buffalo03 said:

How many picks would it take to get Marvin Harrison, Jr?

Probably all of them lol. Like Mike Ditka/Ricky Williams.

[DCOrange]

13 minutes ago, whorlnut said:

I’m not sure where you saw that, and you may be right, but I saw on nfl draft buzz that he is projected to be around 4.59, which is awful. 

Kiper and Field Yates were saying they think he’s a potential 4.3’s guy and like I said, they were basically saying Worthy is probably the fastest in the class but McConkey is in the discussion for #2. I don’t really see it personally but that’s what they were saying. 

[whorlnut]

Just now, DCOrange said:

Kiper and Field Yates were saying they think he’s a potential 4.3’s guy and like I said, they were basically saying Worthy is probably the fastest in the class but McConkey is in the discussion for #2. I don’t really see it personally but that’s what they were saying. 

I thought they said he plays faster than his 40 time will show?

[DCOrange]

3 minutes ago, whorlnut said:

I thought they said he plays faster than his 40 time will show?

I’d have to go back and listen but I’m pretty sure they said nobody would be surprised if he runs like a 4.39 or something like that. 
 

Just looking around the internet it seems like people are all over the place on his speed. I’ve seen reports that he’s been laser timed at a 4.56, in the 4.4’s, and the 4.3’s so no idea lol. At any rate, he doesn’t really look like an explosive downfield guy to me. More of a quick slot guy that’s good at finding holes in zones. 

[MiracleAtRich1393]

1 hour ago, BBFL said:

Yeah man. That ain’t happening. If we missed the playoffs there’s a chance you can make the move but to get into the top 5, which is 100% where he goes; if not top 3, you’ll have to give up an embarrassment of riches. 
 

MH2 is legit but you only give that capital for a QB. 

 

 

Honestly believe we go defense again this year for the 1st round. Believe they’ll convince themselves they allocated resources for the offense last year (King Cade: 25th & Cyrus: 59th). 

 

Maybe Murphy (DT) from Texas or Hicks (Safety) from Washington. 

It would be better to go offense in this draft and buy from the pool of defensive FA’s as there is better immediate talent there. Don’t think that happens however. 

If they do:

WR:

 

Leggette (UofSC)

Worthy (Texas)

Franklin (Oregon)

Thomas Jr. (LSU)

 

Also might need to look at a Morse replacement ASAP:

 

Van Pran (Georgia)

Frazier (WVU)

 

 

 

What do you think about Powers-Johnson in the second? Or would he be long gone?

[BBFL]

6 minutes ago, MiracleAtRich1393 said:

What do you think about Powers-Johnson in the second? Or would he be long gone?

I’m sure there’s other guys to give a better perspective of where he is likely to land. 
 

I do like Nugent from Michigan as an alternative to Van Pran or Frazier. 
 

Need to find a replacement for Mitch though. He looked rough at times last year but the guard play improved either side of him this season and he played well. Think he has 1 if not 2 more years. Would be nice to have someone Josh and the other guys have some familiarity with when he does hang it up. 
 

 

Edited January 25 by BBFL

[DCOrange]

57 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

I’d have to go back and listen but I’m pretty sure they said nobody would be surprised if he runs like a 4.39 or something like that. 
 

Just looking around the internet it seems like people are all over the place on his speed. I’ve seen reports that he’s been laser timed at a 4.56, in the 4.4’s, and the 4.3’s so no idea lol. At any rate, he doesn’t really look like an explosive downfield guy to me. More of a quick slot guy that’s good at finding holes in zones. 

Yeah just went back and listened again. Field Yates said if he runs at the combine he’s going to absolutely fly and said he thinks a 4.38 is in the cards. 

[starrymessenger]

I think a lot of the WR talk is superfluous. We don't need a guy who translates at the next level as a slot receiver and some of the guys who could play outside in college just don't really stack up as boundary guys in the NFL. The required traits seem to me to be crystal clear and fortunately there are a number of them in this year's class that are worthy of consideration and who could be available at 28 or within striking range. You want a player with size/length (including someone who has the frame to put on another 10 lbs - eg Troy Franklin), and with the speed to earn separation on vertical routes. Josh Allen has an incredible arm but he doesn't necessarily always throw a "receiver friendly" pass both with regard to velocity and ball placement. The ability to catch his laser throws is what used to make Diggs such a good complement. As an aside I'd say that Shakir has shown the ability to bring in some of Josh's difficult throws and combined with his demonstrated YAC leads me to think he may well establish himself as a star. Like I said we don't need another slot receiver. 

So the guy cannot be a body catcher with less than ideal catch radius and he needs to have strong hands. These vertical guys coming out typically have very underdeveloped route trees even more so than other college receiver types. Often even their vertical routes are underdeveloped. So you need to form a view on whether the candidate has the physical characteristics and coachability to develop as a route runner. 
If nobody filling the bill is available I'd hesitate to take early even a talented guy. There will be more "developmental" types with the right traits and potential later in the draft. Of course there are exceptions but we have no chance at a spectacular talent like Nabers (who as a slot parenthetically can absolutely contribute on the boundary as well).

[FieldGeneral]

The defense while not perfect, had so many injuries. This team needs more on offense. At the very least, a clear 2nd WR. Everything else is a toss up where you could either way on a position choice. Roster is extremely old and our cap situation is going to be very difficult to correct in the next 3 seasons let alone 1 offseason. 

[Warriorspikes51]

Imagine this offense with speed on the outside like Miami 

Move Diggs inside more often than not.  Shakir & Kincaid too. Now that's good

 

[transplantbillsfan]

On 1/22/2024 at 11:47 PM, GunnerBill said:

I have started with receivers this year (normally do end up starting with what I consider the Bills needs) and have spent the last week and a half on them. My provisional rankings of the guys I have done some work on at this stage are:

 

1. Harrison Jnr

2. Odunze

3. Nabers

4. Legette

5. Franklin

6. Thomas

7. Worthy

8. Mitchell

9. Coleman

 

 

Thanks Gunner!  I saw that Kiper mocked Coleman to us in the 1st.  I was listening to Joe Marino's podcast yesterday and he was actually the one WR Joe said he really did NOT want.  He said he's the style of a big, possession WR who can't actually really make contested catches.

 

Thoughts on that?

 

What are your thoughts on best fits of those guys in Buffalo as WR2 opposite Diggs?  And value of that WR in terms of drafting in the 1st or 2nd?

[Billzgobowlin]

On 1/22/2024 at 9:32 AM, iccrewman112 said:

Troy Franklin - WR from Oregon is where my mind goes currently. I think there is a  strong chance he is there at 28. 

Anything like Clifford Franklin?

[GunnerBill]

31 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Thanks Gunner!  I saw that Kiper mocked Coleman to us in the 1st.  I was listening to Joe Marino's podcast yesterday and he was actually the one WR Joe said he really did NOT want.  He said he's the style of a big, possession WR who can't actually really make contested catches.

 

Thoughts on that?

 

What are your thoughts on best fits of those guys in Buffalo as WR2 opposite Diggs?  And value of that WR in terms of drafting in the 1st or 2nd?

 

Yea I agree with Joe. If he caught everything I'd live with his lack of separation but he doesn't. 

 

I think the Bills need is not a compliment for Diggs. It is a guy who has passed him by the end of next season as this team's #1. 

 

For me the top 3 fit that but will be gone. Legette fits it and might be there. Franklin and Thomas are bigger gambles but have the chance to. 

 

[DJB]

51 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Thanks Gunner!  I saw that Kiper mocked Coleman to us in the 1st.  I was listening to Joe Marino's podcast yesterday and he was actually the one WR Joe said he really did NOT want.  He said he's the style of a big, possession WR who can't actually really make contested catches.

 

Thoughts on that?

 

What are your thoughts on best fits of those guys in Buffalo as WR2 opposite Diggs?  And value of that WR in terms of drafting in the 1st or 2nd?

Coleman is Gabe 2.0.

 

Tall physical WR but has poor speed, and struggles to separate. And for a guy who is pretty big he had abysmal contested catch #’s

 

Ive been pounding the table for the last 6 months that we can’t draft Coleman. I want nothing to do with him