CJ Allen vs. Anthony Hill Jr.

[HaldimandBills]

It is pick 26. No one wants to trade up.

 

Any receiver, Edge, Safety, DT the Bills may have valued at 26 is gone.

 

That's ok because both CJ Allen and Anthony Hill Jr. are still on the board.

 

Who does Bills Mafia want between the two? 

 

Allen from what I've read/heard is your classic do everything above avg. Middle linebacker whose floor is very high. 

 

Hill Jr is the athletic traits linebacker who might not have Allen's instincts/field general pedigree but is going to be flying around to the ball every snap with a relentless motor. 

 

So what have you Bills Mafia? 

[Gregg]

I posted this in the mock draft season thread but apparently many teams feel there will be a lot of trades in this draft. It will be interesting to see what Beane does.

 

Jordan Schultz on X: "The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball — EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep — while WR is typically https://t.co/NhNQJiM91T" / X

[billsfan89]

4 minutes ago, Gregg said:

I posted this in the mock draft season thread but apparently many teams feel there will be a lot of trades in this draft. It will be interesting to see what Beane does.

 

Jordan Schultz on X: "The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball — EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep — while WR is typically https://t.co/NhNQJiM91T" / X

I feel like just about every year there’s a tweet from pundits about how much this years draft will have a lot of trades. Never seems to be that much higher a trade volume most years

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

Put me down for Hill. Much more talented athlete. Bigger, Stronger, Faster(Hill) over leadership, wears the green dot etc.(Allen)

[947]

Hill has elite athleticism & size, makes some splash plays, but has issues at times with coverage & angles. CJ Allen is not a freak like Hill, but has elite instincts and is simply a better football player.

 

I feel like there's a solid chance Hill ends up like Tremaine Edmunds where his athleticism never gets to truly shine because of the other issues. 

 

CJ Allen will be a "set it & forget it" LB for 10 years with a shot at pro bowls early in his career. At this point in our window, I'd want the guy who's more likely to improve the defense in year 1.

[Kirby Jackson]

I’m not trying to be “that guy” but I don’t see a situation where all the guys at those positions are gone. I’d also probably be in on CB and maybe OL before LB at 26. That just feels like a bad use of resources. 
 

In the interest of playing along though, I’ll say Hill. I’ll aim high despite the “win now” window. Allen just feels so meh to me at this point. 

[OldTimer1960]

15 minutes ago, 947 said:

Hill has elite athleticism & size, makes some splash plays, but has issues at times with coverage & angles. CJ Allen is not a freak like Hill, but has elite instincts and is simply a better football player.

 

I feel like there's a solid chance Hill ends up like Tremaine Edmunds where his athleticism never gets to truly shine because of the other issues. 

 

CJ Allen will be a "set it & forget it" LB for 10 years with a shot at pro bowls early in his career. At this point in our window, I'd want the guy who's more likely to improve the defense in year 1.

I don’t get the impression that most people think that Allen has pro bowl level talent.  That’s the issue (I think) - at 26 in this draft you’re doing well to get a solid average to above average starter at whatever position you pick.

[H2o]

I'd be alright with a trade back and take Hill in the 2nd, if we are determined to go LB early. I don't know if that is the plan though. I still think it is more likely we end up with Elarms-Orr early on Day 3. 

[frostbitmic]

I'd be happy with either, as of now our starting ILBs would be Bernard and Williams, both of whom are very familiar with the blue tent. Neither are top 10 picks who are guaranteed to be all world, that's why they'd possibly still be available at #26 but either would likely be an improvement on what they have now. LB is also a position that they haven't done anything with so far other than not re-signing Milano and Thompson, yet.

 

I also wouldn't complain about drafting a pass rusher, A NT as wide as he is tall to clog the middle of the line or one of the top Safeties available, CJGJ is a one year rental. I don't see Mr Beane using the 1st round pick on a WR, spending his top 2 picks on WR is not in his DNA.

[OldTimer1960]

1 hour ago, frostbitmic said:

I'd be happy with either, as of now our starting ILBs would be Bernard and Williams, both of whom are very familiar with the blue tent. Neither are top 10 picks who are guaranteed to be all world, that's why they'd possibly still be available at #26 but either would likely be an improvement on what they have now. LB is also a position that they haven't done anything with so far other than not re-signing Milano and Thompson, yet.

 

I also wouldn't complain about drafting a pass rusher, A NT as wide as he is tall to clog the middle of the line or one of the top Safeties available, CJGJ is a one year rental. I don't see Mr Beane using the 1st round pick on a WR, spending his top 2 picks on WR is not in his DNA.

Thinking that there are no real future stars that will be available at their pick, I think I could live with Kayden McDonald (though not thrilled at that).  My rationale is that the middle of the D is a sieve and I think a powerful NT protects your ILBs some.  If they go the other way and take an ILB I think CJ Allen or Hiil would not be able to play to their full potential with the middle of the DL not keeping OL off them. 
 

The counter argument is of course that McDonald is not much of a pass rusher and he would almost certainly be Ed Oliver’s backup.  They *could* consider trading Oliver, but I don’t think they would get as much in trade as he is still worth to the Bills (unless they deem him to be not a scheme fit).

 

I don’t love any of the WR prospects who are potentially available, though would understand if they took Boston, Cooper Jr or Concepcion.

Edited April 9 by OldTimer1960

[Kirby Jackson]

4 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Thinking that there are no real future stars that will be available at their pick, I think I could live with Kayden McDonald (though not thrilled at that).  My rationale is that the middle of the D is a sieve and I think a powerful NT protects your ILBs some.  If they go the other way and take an ILB I think CJ Allen or Hiil would not be able to play to their full potential with the middle of the DL not keeping OL off them. 
 

The counter argument is of course that McDonald is not much of a pass rusher and he would almost certainly be Ed Oliver’s backup.  They *could* consider trading Oliver, but I don’t think they would get as much in trade as he is still worth to the Bills (unless they deem him to be not a scheme fit).

 

I don’t love any of the WR prospects who are potentially available, though would understand if they took Boston, Cooper Jr or Concepcion.

There were times last year when McDonald was the best player on that defense. They’re going to have 3 other guys go in the top 10. I don’t love the idea of a run stuffing DT at 26 but like him better than the LB options. 

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, 947 said:

Hill has elite athleticism & size, makes some splash plays, but has issues at times with coverage & angles. CJ Allen is not a freak like Hill, but has elite instincts and is simply a better football player.

 

I feel like there's a solid chance Hill ends up like Tremaine Edmunds where his athleticism never gets to truly shine because of the other issues. 

 

CJ Allen will be a "set it & forget it" LB for 10 years with a shot at pro bowls early in his career. At this point in our window, I'd want the guy who's more likely to improve the defense in year 1.

Agreed.  I’d take Allen over Hill 

[NewEra]

9 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Thinking that there are no real future stars that will be available at their pick, I think I could live with Kayden McDonald (though not thrilled at that).  My rationale is that the middle of the D is a sieve and I think a powerful NT protects your ILBs some.  If they go the other way and take an ILB I think CJ Allen or Hiil would not be able to play to their full potential with the middle of the DL not keeping OL off them. 
 

The counter argument is of course that McDonald is not much of a pass rusher and he would almost certainly be Ed Oliver’s backup.  They *could* consider trading Oliver, but I don’t think they would get as much in trade as he is still worth to the Bills (unless they deem him to be not a scheme fit).

 

 

I can understand why those would prefer McDonald.  He makes our LBers better when he’s on the field.  He fill a massive need and looks like a force vs the run.

 

my ONLY issue with drafting him is the most important down in football.  3rd down.  Drafting a guy that won’t be on the field on 3rd down (other than 3rd and really short), really screws up the value of the pick.  

 

If McDonald the pick, I’m good with it.  I think he’ll fortify our run d and make it easier to get off the field on 3rd down with his run stopping ability.  I’d just prefer to draft a 3 down player with our first pick

[OldTimer1960]

2 hours ago, NewEra said:

I can understand why those would prefer McDonald.  He makes our LBers better when he’s on the field.  He fill a massive need and looks like a force vs the run.

 

my ONLY issue with drafting him is the most important down in football.  3rd down.  Drafting a guy that won’t be on the field on 3rd down (other than 3rd and really short), really screws up the value of the pick.  

 

If McDonald the pick, I’m good with it.  I think he’ll fortify our run d and make it easier to get off the field on 3rd down with his run stopping ability.  I’d just prefer to draft a 3 down player with our first pick

I’m not pounding the table for McDonald - or really anyone that is likely to be available.  I am just saying that I think they should be able to get a “solid” eventual starter, but not likely to get a real star in this draft.

Edited April 10 by OldTimer1960

[gonzo1105]

Neither still. Gun to my head I’ll take Allen 

[Pecker]

Cj allen.  Woof.  Not a fan. 
 

id take Rodriguez and then trotter at the pick, if it had to be an ILB 

Edited April 9 by Pecker

[BillsShredder83]

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

Put me down for Hill. Much more talented athlete. Bigger, Stronger, Faster(Hill) over leadership, wears the green dot etc.(Allen)

Hill has tons of upside and extra athleticism to rush the passer!  Hes got some tackling that needs to be cleaned up, mental errors.  He is lower floor infinitely higher ceiling IMO.

 

CJ Allen is a safe, high floor guy.  Smart, quick thinking LB, who controls his Gap.  However, hes a lot more stiff, has no nack for the big play - int, sacks, forced fumble.  Just all around solid.

 

Allen is your classic 2nd rd type talent, what you see is what you get.  Im taking Hill allllllllll dayyyyyyyyyy.  The gap in their current play is not far enough apart to justify taking the player basically at his ceiling.

 

But i hope the other GM's disagree 3xs before our pick LOL

[GunnerBill]

Allen of the two and honestly I don't even think it's close.

[BuffaloBillyG]

Of the two, I like Allen better. But I'd rather see who else is available any make a move for Trotter instead. 

[RocCityRoller]

4 hours ago, HaldimandBills said:

It is pick 26. No one wants to trade up.

 

Any receiver, Edge, Safety, DT the Bills may have valued at 26 is gone.

 

That's ok because both CJ Allen and Anthony Hill Jr. are still on the board.

 

Who does Bills Mafia want between the two? 

 

Allen from what I've read/heard is your classic do everything above avg. Middle linebacker whose floor is very high. 

 

Hill Jr is the athletic traits linebacker who might not have Allen's instincts/field general pedigree but is going to be flying around to the ball every snap with a relentless motor. 

 

So what have you Bills Mafia? 

I am on the Hill camp. I think CJ Allen is a terrific athlete, if the Bills get him, fine.

 

I believe Hill Jr. is the better ILB and would do better here.

 

I don't think either will be available which is why I think Rodriguez is the play here.

 

EdIt: PS great post

3 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I’m not trying to be “that guy” but I don’t see a situation where all the guys at those positions are gone. I’d also probably be in on CB and maybe OL before LB at 26. That just feels like a bad use of resources. 
 

In the interest of playing along though, I’ll say Hill. I’ll aim high despite the “win now” window. Allen just feels so meh to me at this point. 

LB at 26 is both needed and realistic

 

Who is your 4th LB on the current roster????

Edited April 9 by RocCityRoller