Early returns on 2024 Draft is awful

[Gunsgoodtime]

8 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

"Why don't we have any Year 1 Superstars with our highest pick being 33rd overall?!"

It dont affect the other teams that win the SB that much, they have them.  This statement is weak and played out.

[Pete]

3 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

How do you consider it "dirty pool"? It's simply fact that most Drafted Rookies don't light the league on fire in Year 1. Especially when you're consistently picking at the bottom of Round 1.

 

Yes, you need to be patient with Draft Picks. You can't rely on them to get the NFL game down immediately. And the Bills aren't doing that on Defense this year. They have fall back plans everywhere.

 

We're not just relying on Maxwell Hairston and Dorian Strong. We signed Tre White and Dane Jackson. We're not just relying on T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. We signed Larry Ogunjobi. We're not just relying on Landon Jackson. We signed Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht.

 

Of course you *want* to find 1st year impact players in the Draft. But the Draft is a crap shoot as is. It's an even bigger crap shoot if you're wanting to see major Year 1 impact. And an even bigger one still if you want Year 1 impact while consistently picking at the bottom of the Round.

Cooper DeJean, Brock, Drake, Jayden, Ladd, Bo, Malik, etc are laughing that you can’t play well in your first year.

 

TJ Sanders is laughing at you as well.  TJ will show Cole what a rookie can do.

 

Benford is in hysterics that you can’t be great rookie year 

[HappyDays]

2 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I have to agree. We went all in on defense and yet there’s a very good chance that NONE of them will be playing in a couple of weeks. Kinda makes all of those draft threads seem like an utter waste of time. 

 

Best case scenario early in the year is Sanders and Walker at least make an impact on 3rd downs. That alone would represent a huge improvement from last year. On the whole our defense last year was about average if you mix a few different metrics together. The one factor that really dragged the performance down was 3rd down conversion where we ranked 30th at 44.5%... And I'm sure we all remember the numerous 3rd downs where the QB was sitting back comfortable with plenty of time to find an open man. Sanders and Walker both have looked good when they've been able to pin their ears back and penetrate and get after the QB. So neither of them are going to blow up the stat sheet this year but I could see them having a sneaky big impact in that one critical area.

 

Landon Jackson doesn't look like he'll contribute much if anything this year. He looks to be on the DeWayne Carter track of not dressing on gamedays and then you just hope he develops next offseason. Hairston's impact will entirely depend on how White performs. His problem will be that the staff trusts White and it's not like Hairston was seizing the job during training camp, so it would probably take some combination of White looking like a liability and Hairston quickly progressing in practice for him to get on the field in the back half of the season.

 

Edited August 21 by HappyDays

[SoCal Deek]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

On all NFL teams the defensive linemen rotate. I haven't crunched the 2024 numbers - but I did for 2023 and the Bills were right there on a par with most of the top 6 or 7 teams in the league. Our #1 guy generally plays a tiny bit less  - but broadly all the good teams have at least six guys getting 40% plus. 

That may be true but the point is that stating that our top D Line draft pick is going to play some still isn’t saying much then is it? As long as he has a pulse and a helmet he’s going to play some. 

[GASabresIUFan]

On 8/18/2025 at 10:17 AM, Bruffalo said:

Anyone who tries to judge a draft class less than 3 full seasons under their belt probably has an agenda. 

Spencer Brown looked pretty bad after his first season.

Rousseau didn't look like anything special after one season.

We all thought Allen would take a huge step forward in year 2 but it definitely wasn't a sure thing.

Terrel Bernard looked lost his first season.

Shakir could barely get on the field due to (reported) problems remembering the playbook his first season.

 

I don't know how you can confidently judge any NFL draft pick after a single season, especially given how the Bills loved to draft developmental guys far from their ceiling.

 

 

I agree with most of this post, except in 2024, the Bills drafted a good number of players with significant NCAA experience and many in leadership roles on their college teams.  I believe the thinking at the time was that these kind of guys would adjust quicker to the NFL and be able to contribute sooner.  After the first 2 picks, Beane drafted 5 guys with 4-6 years of college experience ranging between 44-53 games played.  I’m not sure that strategy worked so far.  Ray Davis has, so far, been the biggest contributor of that group.  Ulofoshio and Solomon look like they’ll be gone soon (admittedly they are late rd picks).  SVPG is still developing, and Carter seems to already been passed on the depth chart by 2025 draftees.  That doesn’t mean Carter or SVPG won’t eventually succeed in NFL, but they aren’t immediate impact players even in a depth role hoped for.

 

I’d also add that this is not a full indictment of the 2024 class.  I like Davis, Grable, and still have high hopes for Bishop and especially Coleman.  I also still strongly believe that SVPG has a chance to be a starting NFL center.   I don’t think people would complain to heavily if we ended up with 3 starters from this class.

[mannc]

On 8/20/2025 at 4:26 AM, finn said:

How's this: "As for being better than Bishop, I don’t know for sure, just as I didn’t know Elam wouldn’t end up being better than McDuffie"?

 

Better?

How good did you think Terrell Bernard was after his rookie year? 

[TheFunPolice]

I was kind of shocked they didn't draft Cooper DeJean 

 

He seemed like a McDermott type player through and through. 

 

[JP51]

16 hours ago, todd said:

Wait. You are disappointed in our rookies based on two preseason games?

I believe what I said is that it is early, but I would have liked to have seen a glimpse of promise to date I have not.   there is certainly a trend bias going on here for myself and many... too many DL investments have ended up poor to average... there is worry that this is the same situation... unrealistic after two games ... of course... but that doesnt mean people are not looking for some kind of a sign that this is different...  doesnt mean we are going to get it right away, but boy would it be nice if someone on the top end of our draft flashed and made us go... now this guy... It happens with lots of other teams... but outside of Hancock I am not seeing anything to get me excited... time will tell... I am certainly not calling them busts... or bad picks... simply that my hope was to see them as potential difference makers...  I will be very interested to see if they Pop against Tampa... like Cmon man, show me that we got something here to help and develop into the future...  Time will tell it always does... 

 

Now our year 2 players... Carter, Bishop etc... color me a bit more worried... not using the B word (bad or bust) but a bit more concerned about them... 

Edited August 21 by JP51

[YattaOkasan]

5 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said:

I agree with most of this post, except in 2024, the Bills drafted a good number of players with significant NCAA experience and many in leadership roles on their college teams.  I believe the thinking at the time was that these kind of guys would adjust quicker to the NFL and be able to contribute sooner.  After the first 2 picks, Beane drafted 5 guys with 4-6 years of college experience ranging between 44-53 games played.  I’m not sure that strategy worked so far.  Ray Davis has, so far, been the biggest contributor of that group.  Ulofoshio and Solomon look like they’ll be gone soon (admittedly they are late rd picks).  SVPG is still developing, and Carter seems to already been passed on the depth chart by 2025 draftees.  That doesn’t mean Carter or SVPG won’t eventually succeed in NFL, but they aren’t immediate impact players even in a depth role hoped for.

 

I’d also add that this is not a full indictment of the 2024 class.  I like Davis, Grable, and still have high hopes for Bishop and especially Coleman.  I also still strongly believe that SVPG has a chance to be a starting NFL center.   I don’t think people would complain to heavily if we ended up with 3 starters from this class.

I have Solomon on the 53 again.  Hes flashed in pass rush and plays ST (contributions that DE don't often make as much).  I wouldnt trust him if i think theres any possibility of a run play but like him for his role so far.  I do appreciate the overall analysis with regard to their experience.  Something to keep an eye on but I think they often gravitate to players with more experience (senior bowl has always been a source of talent for example).  

[GASabresIUFan]

2 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said:

I was kind of shocked they didn't draft Cooper DeJean 

 

He seemed like a McDermott type player through and through. 

 

WR was the top priority in that draft.  After taking Coleman, DeJean was off the board when the Bills drafted again. It’s really that simple.

[YattaOkasan]

4 minutes ago, JP51 said:

I believe what I said is that it is early, but I would have liked to have seen a glimpse of promise to date I have not.   there is certainly a trend bias going on here for myself and many... too many DL investments have ended up poor to average... there is worry that this is the same situation... unrealistic after two games ... of course... but that doesnt mean people are not looking for some kind of a sign that this is different...  doesnt mean we are going to get it right away, but boy would it be nice if someone on the top end of our draft flashed and made us go... now this guy... It happens with lots of other teams... but outside of Hancock I am not seeing anything to get me excited... time will tell... I am certainly not calling them busts... or bad picks... simply that my hope was to see them as potential difference makers...  I will be very interested to see if they Pop against Tampa... like Cmon man, show me that we got something here to help and develop into the future...  Time will tell it always does... 

Ill try to find some film for you but there has been quite a few flashes from our DL investments (Landon Jackson much less).  TJ sanders did his move from attacking the B gap to getting pressure on the other A gap without there being a stunt.  Walker has a great rep from the bears game where he reads the pin down and swims to make the play not be successful.  

 

 

Edited August 21 by YattaOkasan

[JP51]

Just now, YattaOkasan said:

Ill try to find some film for you but there has been quite a few flashes from our DL investments (Landon Jackson much less).  TJ sanders did his move from attacking the B gap to getting pressure on the other A gap without there being a stunt.  Walker has a great rep from the bears game where he reads the pin down and swims to make the play not be successful.  

Funny but Landon Jackson was my guy to come in and make a difference... I have been a bit disappointed he looks like he is getting eaten up... I would absolutely love for you to bring me some hopeful cheer without a doubt...  

[YattaOkasan]

Just now, JP51 said:

Funny but Landon Jackson was my guy to come in and make a difference... I have been a bit disappointed he looks like he is getting eaten up... I would absolutely love for you to bring me some hopeful cheer without a doubt...  

I found the ones above.  You can take this a reason to be scared for our secondary.  TJ sanders immediately beats his man and Dart is able to get a TD....

[GASabresIUFan]

30 minutes ago, JP51 said:

Funny but Landon Jackson was my guy to come in and make a difference... I have been a bit disappointed he looks like he is getting eaten up... I would absolutely love for you to bring me some hopeful cheer without a doubt...  

Jackson will be fine.

 

I have a friend who was an All-American DL at Tenn and had a tough time sticking in the NFL.  He said the size, speed and talent difference between college football and pro football is hard to comprehend.  He said it takes even really good players time to adjust and some never do.  
 

It’s why some of this discussion is premature.  There is often a huge jump between year 1 and year 2.  Just look at Cook, Shakir,  Bernard, and Rousseau for recent examples.  However, sometimes the jump takes longer.  Look at Poyer and Hyde.  Both become starters in their 4th seasons, but were allowed to walk at FAs.  Neither was thought of a a future all-pro until they got to Buffalo in year 5.  This is why I’m being very patient with Bishop.  The speed is there and so is the football IQ.  It’s really about staying healthy and adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

Edited August 21 by GASabresIUFan

[LEBills]

6 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said:

Jackson will be fine.

 

I have a friend who was an All-American DL at Tenn and had a tough time sticking in the NFL.  He said the size, speed and talent difference between college football and pro football is hard to comprehend.  He said it takes even really good players time to adjust and some never do.  
 

It’s way some of this discussion is premature.  There is often a huge jump between year 1 and year 2.  Just look at Cook, Shakir,  Bernard, and Rousseau for recent examples.  However, sometimes the jump takes longer.  Look at Poyer and Hyde.  Both become starters in their 4th seasons, but were allowed to walk at FAs.  Neither was thought of a a future all-pro until they got to Buffalo in year 5.  This is why I’m being very patient with Bishop.  The speed is there and so is the football IQ.  It’s really about staying healthy and adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

Yea Jackson I’m not worried about. He took a bit of time to get better at college. Just a guy that needs time in the system. By year 3 I think we will like the results.

 

Im not the biggest Bishop fan, but the buzz around this reminds me a ton of the buzz around the MLB position before Bernard stepped in as starter. Bernard had a bad year 1, there was some comments from McDermott that had people concerned, then Bernard took over week 1 and showed he was good. I don’t Bishop will be that level of player, but I think he will be a fine starter

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

That may be true but the point is that stating that our top D Line draft pick is going to play some still isn’t saying much then is it? As long as he has a pulse and a helmet he’s going to play some. 

 

TJ is gonna be a real good player. If I had to nail my colours to the mast on any of the top 3 picks from this year he is the one. 

[gonzo1105]

Yes I agree it’s not real pretty so far but let’s give these guys some time. 2nd and 3rd years are a great indicator of future success, especially a team like the Bills where they make sure young players are prepared before throwing them to the wolves. 
 

Hopefully these guys continue to to ascend as  players . Yes there are some stinkers. Obviously Clayton was a whatever pick, Hardy has already been cut once and will likely be again. I expect Ulofoshio to be cut. 
 

I still think Grable and Solomon were solid selections late. Van Pran is hurt but was and is good value still. I get it this draft comes down to Coleman, Bishop, and Carter. Two will be starters and Carter will be on the roster in my opinion or traded . I still think there is something there 

[JP51]

You guys are definately making me feel better LOL... @GunnerBill @LEBills@GASabresIUFan @YattaOkasan

[Mikie2times]

5 hours ago, JGMcD2 said:

You’re smarter than I was giving you credit for - genius, actually. You know why? The odds give the Bills something like a 10–14% chance of winning the Super Bowl. Which means 85–90% of the time, they don’t. So really, you’re playing the safe bet.

 

But hey, anyone can hang out in the shallow end with two feet on the ground. Why don’t you come test the deep water? 😉

I would say more likely a divisional round exit, but sure, I had a few drinks and regretted being that big of a d bag with that post even if it is what I think will happen. This has nothing to do with a deep or shallow, scared or whatever. That's an angle some like to play here. Just being true to what I think will happen. If Bosa is an animal or a rookie can push 10 sacks or Max can contribute at a high level that can change things. It's not where I think we are going to be week 1. We have injury issues at WR. As we did last year in the regular season game. We don't match up well and the final outcome last year could have very easily been the 2nd worse playoff collapse in the McD era. They catch that 2 pointer its a tie game after literally having about as good a game as we can play on top of multiple turnovers. Yes, I think they will win by 2 TD's. Which is very uncommon with this Bills team, but it's just what I expect with this match up.  

[SoCal Deek]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

TJ is gonna be a real good player. If I had to nail my colours to the mast on any of the top 3 picks from this year he is the one. 

Believe me Gunner…I really hope so. Regardless of whether your colours have been nailed, or not. 😉