The 2025 Current State of the Buffalo Bills is All on General Manager Brandon Beane

[stevestojan]

7 hours ago, waterglass said:

 

WGR550 Staffer. How about you write about the Cook arguement on the sideline with McDermott. I hear a potential mutiny is in the offing. So when your in the kitchen preparing Terrys meal on his $100 million boat think about whose money you sucked from New York State and Erie county. Your concern with what I wrote is telling as to why are you here? You offer nothing, say nothing except to mock others? 

 

Right

Are you…. Are you OK, bud? 

[Niagara Dude]

11 hours ago, D. L. Hot-Flamethrower said:

Yes Beane needs to take the Lion's share of the blame, his last couple of drafts in particular look really bad. McDermott can right the ship by demanding/doing a couple things. 

1. Demand that we get a playmaker on the outside(Jeudy?) and better yet 2 of them. This defense has no chance if our offense isn't percolating and right now we DO NOT have the personnel.

2. Fire Babich and promote one of his D position coaches (Holcomb or Nielsen). We need a fresh approach on that side of the ball. He is overmatched and our guys still can't get lined up.

 

Other than that, we have to hope for improved health, getting guys back from suspensions and improvement from young guys.

Never like the Babich promotion,  i thought McDermott should have been told to look outside of the organization and we towards a fresh look and scheme.  McDermott wanted a yes guy and nothing has changed on that side of the ball

[Thurman#1]

12 hours ago, waterglass said:

Other than Josh Allen, Beanes drafts have been historically poor since his arrival here. So have many free agent signings. Most always seem to be injured. So is the word out on Beane that Buffalo is a lazy boy rocking chair, grab some easy money and cash in and out location? Can you name other superstar as most other teams have several on each . Remember 37th draft overall receiver Zay Jones anyone? How about hands of clay Charles Clay who dropped  a sure touchdown. No, we didnt draft him but Beane signed him so his miscues also go beyond the draft. The constant and ongoing drafts of undersized defensive lineman may be on coach McDermott. That would include numbers 50, 57 and 91. Good, but NOT championshipSec caliber. 

 

 

First, we're 4 - 2. Not that bad. Yes we looked pretty poor in this game. But there's every reason to think we can get much better.

 

Second, the idea that the (quite good) situation is all because of Beane is just stupid. 

 

It comes down to Beane, to McDermott, to the coaches and staff and players. Same as all the other teams.

 

I do remember Zay Jones. Beane was in Carolina when he was drafted. I do remember Charles Clay. Beane still had three more years to go in Carolina when we signed him. 

 

The first paragraph was so poor, I didn't read the rest, figured it was most likely just trolling. Which is sad. But yeah, if not, quite a lot sadder.

 

The Bills do have a lot of work to do right now. But reading this entire post would stil have wasted my time.

Edited Wednesday at 02:18 AM by Thurman#1

[KentuckyBillsFan]

Beane's crashout on WGR was stupid at the time and looks even more stupid today.

 

I do also wonder how much control McDermott has over the draft. I think it's more than most coaches.

[Allen2Moulds]

37 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

First, we're 4 - 2. Not that bad. Yes we looked pretty poor in this game. But there's every reason to think we can get much better.

 

Second, the idea that the (quite good) situation is all because of Beane is just stupid. 

 

It comes down to Beane, to McDermott, to the coaches and staff and players. Same as all the other teams.

 

I do remember Zay Jones. Beane was in Carolina when he was drafted. I do remember Charles Clay. Beane still had three more years to go in Carolina when we signed him. 

 

The first paragraph was so poor, I didn't read the rest, figured it was most likely just trolling. Which is sad. But yeah, if not, quite a lot sadder.

 

The Bills do have a lot of work to do right now. But reading this entire post would stil have wasted my time.

The poster did miss a few things, but the fact remains that we have some very poor units, because of failed draft picks. No one is saying you have to hit every pick, but his day 1 and day 2 picks have been horrendous. There's been so many good young WRs come into the league the last few years, and finally when the move is overdue, we end up with the guy that every scouting report said that he fails to separate. That's like drafting a QB that can't throw, or a running back that can't run. Oh wait...we did that already, and previously drafted Singletary. It took 3 day 2 picks to get the RB right. We drafted a corner in the 1st round again, but who knows if this kid is any good.

 

For the record, I wanted Hairston, because I was sick of our DBs, looking like they're running with cement boots.

 

 

[Thurman#1]

10 hours ago, Norcalbillsfan said:

Absolutely, but its still on the gm to hire people to evaluate talent and make the ultimate decision on draft picks and signings. Watching hard knocks over the years you can tell the coaches have say, but at the end it 100% on the gm to make the pick or signing, they are putting thier name on that decision. Beane cant make a bad pick like elam and say "well mcD liked him so i picked him" its still on beane. With some FA signings im sure the coaches have alot more say especially if they coached that player (Thompson), but the buck always stops at the gm.

 

 

Fair that responsibility for talent acquisition goes to the GM. He indeed can't be held unresponsible for bad picks like Elam.

 

He also can't make great picks like Benford and Deone Walker and many others without receiving credit. All on Beane.

 

Beane's draft record is consistently ranked very high almost without exception. For good reason.

 

Yup, the buck stops there on the draft. Doesn't mean he doesn't factor in McDermott's input a great deal. He absolutely does, particularly in terms of what kinds of players are wanted. But yeah, it stops on Beane.

 

But again, his drafts have been quite good. Amazing since they consistently pick so late.

 

Here's what you get when you google "best drafting GMs rankings NFL": 

 

#8

https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/rotopats-2025-nfl-gm-rankings-analysis-for-all-32-teams

 

#5

https://nflspinzone.com/nfl-power-rankings-ranking-the-best-gms-in-the-league-for-the-2025-season-01jyd16br9kj/2

 

#9

https://nfltraderumors.co/2024-nfl-gm-power-rankings/

 

#5

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1157-nfl-daily-with-gregg-rose-29915968/episode/ranking-almost-every-nfl-general-manager-277425860/

 

#9

https://gameday-analysis.com/2025/07/11/every-nfl-gm-in-2025-ranked-from-worst-to-first/

 

#4

https://www.vikefans.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13121

 

#8

https://youtu.be/X9ouCU9Fr6U

   

#6

https://nfltraderumors.co/2025-nfl-general-manager-power-rankings/

 

#4

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6655181/2025/09/24/nfl-front-office-rankings-vote/

 

#7

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-gm-rankings-2024-howie-roseman-brett-veach-eric-decosta-at-the-top/

 

 

And it goes on and on and on and on ... just like that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 03:05 AM by Thurman#1

[Thurman#1]

30 minutes ago, Allen2Moulds said:

The poster did miss a few things, but the fact remains that we have some very poor units, because of failed draft picks. No one is saying you have to hit every pick, but his day 1 and day 2 picks have been horrendous. There's been so many good young WRs come into the league the last few years, and finally when the move is overdue, we end up with the guy that every scouting report said that he fails to separate. That's like drafting a QB that can't throw, or a running back that can't run. Oh wait...we did that already, and previously drafted Singletary. It took 3 day 2 picks to get the RB right. We drafted a corner in the 1st round again, but who knows if this kid is any good.

 

For the record, I wanted Hairston, because I was sick of our DBs, looking like they're running with cement boots.

 

 

 

 

That's not a fact, friend. It's an opinion. 

 

Also that it's all about failed draft picks isn't just an opinion, it's a very questionable opinion. As I pointed out above, he's considered a top ten drafter and GM pretty much without exception. Shouldn't say without exception, I guess, but the exceptions are pretty much all Bills fans after losses.

 

And judging draft picks as early as you're doing in several cases here just isn't good practice.

[RyanC883]

On 10/14/2025 at 12:42 PM, BillnutinHouston said:

Pegula struck gold with McD (in terms of kool-aid drinking PSL buyers & stadium financing, not titles) and as you said, doesn't trust himself to make lightning strike twice.  McD is here to stay.

 

Edit: McD's tenure in Buffalo will be Tomlinesque. 

 

at least Tomlin won a SB, and made another.  McD can't even do that.  McD's tenure here is more akin to James Franklin.  

[BillnutinHouston]

3 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

 

at least Tomlin won a SB, and made another.  McD can't even do that.  McD's tenure here is more akin to James Franklin.  

 

I meant that McD's tenure will be like Tomlin's in duration, not necessarily in accomplishments.

[Rocbillsfan1]

Fire Beane please! 

[PepeSilvia]

On 10/14/2025 at 11:04 PM, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Fair that responsibility for talent acquisition goes to the GM. He indeed can't be held unresponsible for bad picks like Elam.

 

He also can't make great picks like Benford and Deone Walker and many others without receiving credit. All on Beane.

 

Beane's draft record is consistently ranked very high almost without exception. For good reason.

 

Yup, the buck stops there on the draft. Doesn't mean he doesn't factor in McDermott's input a great deal. He absolutely does, particularly in terms of what kinds of players are wanted. But yeah, it stops on Beane.

 

But again, his drafts have been quite good. Amazing since they consistently pick so late.

 

Here's what you get when you google "best drafting GMs rankings NFL": 

 

#8

https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/rotopats-2025-nfl-gm-rankings-analysis-for-all-32-teams

 

#5

https://nflspinzone.com/nfl-power-rankings-ranking-the-best-gms-in-the-league-for-the-2025-season-01jyd16br9kj/2

 

#9

https://nfltraderumors.co/2024-nfl-gm-power-rankings/

 

#5

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1157-nfl-daily-with-gregg-rose-29915968/episode/ranking-almost-every-nfl-general-manager-277425860/

 

#9

https://gameday-analysis.com/2025/07/11/every-nfl-gm-in-2025-ranked-from-worst-to-first/

 

#4

https://www.vikefans.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13121

 

#8

https://youtu.be/X9ouCU9Fr6U

   

#6

https://nfltraderumors.co/2025-nfl-general-manager-power-rankings/

 

#4

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6655181/2025/09/24/nfl-front-office-rankings-vote/

 

#7

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-gm-rankings-2024-howie-roseman-brett-veach-eric-decosta-at-the-top/

 

 

And it goes on and on and on and on ... just like that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s no denying he finds good picks in the later rounds like Walker, Benfrod, Milano…

 

The issue is missing with their top picks where you really infuse your team with top tier talent. 
 

Benford is great for a 7th round pick, but there’s a reason he fell all the way the 7th round. He was drafted like a C player and has played himself into a B but is getting paid like an A @ 4 years/76 million…overpaying another B player.

Edited yesterday at 03:00 AM by PepeSilvia

[HamptonBillsfan]

On 10/14/2025 at 9:15 AM, waterglass said:

Other than Josh Allen, Beanes drafts have been historically poor since his arrival here. So have many free agent signings. Most always seem to be injured. So is the word out on Beane that Buffalo is a lazy boy rocking chair, grab some easy money and cash in and out location? Can you name other superstar as most other teams have several on each . Remember 37th draft overall receiver Zay Jones anyone? How about hands of clay Charles Clay who dropped  a sure touchdown. No, we didnt draft him but Beane signed him so his miscues also go beyond the draft. The constant and ongoing drafts of undersized defensive lineman may be on coach McDermott. That would include numbers 50, 57 and 91. Good, but NOT championship caliber. 

 

How about our #1 Elam. Hes just not a bad #1 hes trending to be removed from the league based on his last game with Dallas. Sounds just like his games here. So how did our scouts not see this coming? 

 

"Pass interference on Elam – The Dallas defense was on the verge of making its second key stop late in the fourth quarter and had the Panthers in third-and-7 at their own 17-yard line. But just like the officials had called most of the day, the Cowboys this time were flagged for pass interference on Kaiir Elam. That gave Carolina an extra set of downs, and after a huge fourth-down conversion to receiver Hunter Renfrow, the Panthers were able to run the ball down the Cowboys' throat again to kick the chip-shot field goal for the win."

 

Then we have Keon Coleman. I cant blame him as he is who he is. The entire league knew about him but Brandon Beane thinks hes Bill Polian

drafting Thurman Thomas. Cement trucks just cant move fast nor will they get faster beyond age 20. 

 

MEMO TO: Terry Pegula. You hired coach. Coach gets a pass. Beane, specifically his scouts are holding back your organization. Fix this sooner rather than later. Think about your kids as they are fans also. 

Sadly, Beane’s resume is one of spotty drafts and misses on FAs, saved by a masterful maneuver getting Josh, Diggs and drafting and resigning Cook. It just shows how important the QB position is in having success in the NFL. Getting to a SB is a different animal. The supporting cast, especially at the skill positions and on defense determine your ultimate championship fate. At some point, a GM has to create a sustainable roster or ownership has the responsibility to the fanbase,,who are starved for a championship, to make changes. 

[Mr. WEO]

On 10/14/2025 at 10:58 AM, D. L. Hot-Flamethrower said:

Yes Beane needs to take the Lion's share of the blame, his last couple of drafts in particular look really bad. McDermott can right the ship by demanding/doing a couple things. 

1. Demand that we get a playmaker on the outside(Jeudy?) and better yet 2 of them. This defense has no chance if our offense isn't percolating and right now we DO NOT have the personnel.

2. Fire Babich and promote one of his D position coaches (Holcomb or Nielsen). We need a fresh approach on that side of the ball. He is overmatched and our guys still can't get lined up.

 

Other than that, we have to hope for improved health, getting guys back from suspensions and improvement from young guys.

 

how is firing Babich and promoting one of two other Babich's a "fresh approach"?  This is how the Bills find their coordinators. 

 

How about they look for someone with actual experience outside of the company?  McD would never allow that now.

[oldmanfan]

Looking at early round draft picks. Can’t say anything about Hairston and Sanders because they’re hurt.  Coleman needs to be put in situations where he can use his skills, not just run sideline back shoulder.  Bishop is getting better.  You have Cook, Kincaid, and Torrence that are solid, Epenesa runs hot and cold but makes plays.  Elam is really the only truly bad pick where they tried to fit a square peg into a round hole.

 

They’ll clean things up over the bye.  I suspect Brady has been told having Cook on the sideline in a close game in the 4th ain’t going to work.  Kromer is going to make sure the O line knows their blitz pickups.  And wouldn’t be surprised to see a new WR (Davis if off the IR) and perhaps a CB added.  There is not a great team in the league right now; all have flaws.

 

[LabattBlue]

19 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

Kromer is going to make sure the O line knows their blitz pickups. 

 

As opposed to knowing how to pickup blitzes in past games? 🤔

[oldmanfan]

6 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

As opposed to knowing how to pickup blitzes in past games? 🤔

They will review and emphasize blitz pickups.  Is that too complicated?

[LabattBlue]

11 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

They will review and emphasize blitz pickups.  Is that too complicated?

You missed the point.  Why wasn’t it emphasized prior. Do they wait for the bottom to fall out and then say “oops, we better emphasize blitz pickup this week”?

[oldmanfan]

5 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

You missed the point.  Why wasn’t it emphasized prior. Do they wait for the bottom to fall out and then say “oops, we better emphasize blitz pickup this week”?

When it is an issue in a particular game like it was against the Falcons you emphasize it going into the next game.  That is what coaches do.

[LabattBlue]

Just now, oldmanfan said:

When it is an issue in a particular game like it was against the Falcons you emphasize it going into the next game.  That is what coaches do.

Okay coach.  

[Livinginthepast]

1 minute ago, oldmanfan said:

When it is an issue in a particular game like it was against the Falcons you emphasize it going into the next game.  That is what coaches do.

And good coaches make adjustments in the game. Brady froze in the headlights.