Two Bills Drive

‘“It’s voluntary,” Beane said when asked about the significance of Cook’s absence. “So, guys come and go. Guys have things going on. Try not to look too far into it. We could all assume he’s not here because he’s unhappy with his contract or whatever, but that’s not fair. He hasn’t told me that. No one’s told me that he said that, but I think that’s kind of unfair to say he’s not here because of that. It doesn’t mean he’s not here next week or the week after. He’ll be ready to go, though.”’

‘The challenge is finding the right guy, one sturdy enough to body receivers at the line, fast enough to run with them downfield, physical enough to tackle running backs and smart enough to handle every intricacy of the Bills’ system. The checklist is long.

‘Here is a closer look at the Buffalo Bills’ needs entering the 2025 NFL draft, taken from The Buffalo News’ draft preview position series. It is ordered by degree of need.’

‘defensive linemen constitute nine of the top 30 players and 14 of the top 45 in a composite ranking of 2025 nFl draft prospects. That should be good news for the Buffalo Bills, who enter the draft with picks at nos. 30, 56 and 62. The Bills could use both a defensive end and a defensive tackle. There are 18 defensive linemen in the top 60.’

’30. Buffalo Bills. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan. We go back to our original pick for the Bills in our first mock draft of the season. There is a good reason: Grant is a really good fit for what the Bills need at defensive tackle. He should be an immediate contributor as a run defender, and the hope will be that he develops as a pass rusher while working in tandem with DaQuan Jones opposite Ed Oliver. Some mock drafts have Grant going in the late teens, while others having him around in the top of the second round. That just goes to show the uncertain nature of this year’s class. Cornerback also figures to be a consideration here, but Grant’s physical ability and potential is too good to pass up at this point. Sean McDermott is a big believer that games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage, so strengthening his defense up the gut takes priority.’

‘I’d rather stay put and take a player at that position late in the second round, then come back with either an edge rusher or wide receiver with my next second-round pick just a few minutes later.’