‘Jones is not going to catch 80 passes, not with more important targets at Josh Allen’s disposal. But he and Foster remain key cogs in the Bills attack. The Bills need one of them, or a combination of the two, to take a step forward.’
Archives for April 29, 2019
NFL Draft analysts give high grades to the Bills
‘This was a really solid first two days, headlined by Oliver, though I was surprised there was no receiver in the class. If Knox becomes a threat in the receiving game — and if Allen keeps developing — I like where the offense is headed.’
Did the Buffalo Bills have one of the best drafts in the NFL? The analysts say yes.
‘The offseason priority in Buffalo was clear: Help second-year quarterback Josh Allen. He was up and down in Year 1, but it was tough to fully evaluate him as the offense didn’t have much talent overall, particularly at receiver and tight end. GM Brandon Beane added wide receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley plus tight end Tyler Kroft to give Allen some better targets. The Bills also reshuffled their offensive line, with definite upgrades at center (Mitch Morse) and right tackle (Ty Nsekhe) and a few other low-cost moves.’
Sources: Bengals attempted to trade up for Buffalo Bills OT Cody Ford
‘Two sources informed NYUP that the Cincinnati Bengals tried to move up for Ford, but wouldn’t part with the necessary picks for the offensive tackle. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com discussed the Bengals’ interest in a “first-round offensive lineman that slid” and noted that the team attempted to move up on the second night of the draft.’
Mel Kiper grades 2019 NFL Draft – How did Buffalo Bills fare?
‘That’s why I liked what Buffalo did with its first four picks, using three on players who will directly make Allen’s life easier. They reportedly liked Cody Ford enough to try to trade into the first round, but they ended up getting the guard/tackle at No. 38. He’s a mauler in the run game, and I thought he could go in the top 20 picks. That’s a steal. The 5-foot-7 Devin Singletary (No. 74) won’t be a LeSean McCoy replacement, but he has some burst as a complementary player. Tight end Dawson Knox (No. 96) is all about projection — he only had 15 catches last season. But his measurables (6-4, 254) and testing numbers pop.’
Buffalo Bills a 2019 NFL Draft winner, says SI.com’s Conor Orr
‘Sometimes you play the board, sometimes the board plays you, and sometimes the board drops your way and you don’t have to do much of anything at all. While Ed Oliver wasn’t going to fit in every defense, he fits perfectly in Buffalo. The fact that versatile offensive lineman Cody Ford was available in the second was simply kismet. While drafting a receiver would have placed a cherry on top of the sundae, this is a draft good for both coach and quarterback.’
As a youngster Buffalo Bills rookie OL Cody Ford played as Frank Gore in video games, now the two are teammates
‘“When I was taking my tour of the facilities, I was in the locker room. I looked to my right and there was Frank Gore’s locker. I was like, ‘That’s crazy.’,” said Ford during his Friday press conference from One Bills Drive. “I remember playing on the video games with him, watching him as I was growing up and hearing his name all my life. To be on a team with him is so surreal at this moment.”’
Buffalo Bills were surprised, but happy former UB quarterback Tyree Jackson went undrafted; Bills also sign UB corner Lewis
‘“We’re still working on it. It’s not finalized, but we do have an agreement in place,” continued Beane from his post-draft press conference on Saturday night. “Get him in here, have to pass a physical and all that stuff. But yes, we’re excited to have Tyree (Jackson) if it all works out.”’
Buffalo Bills HC Sean McDermott: ‘It’s an exciting time to be a Buffalo Bill and a fan of the Buffalo Bills.’
‘“I’m excited. The bottom line is I’m excited,” said McDermott. “I’m excited to lead this football team. I’m excited to work with (Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane). I’m excited to work with the great team we have inside these walls and to be a Buffalo Bill. I’m excited to work with our players every day, our coaching staff, our scouts. We’ve got a great group of people and a great staff here.”’
Sullivan: With things finally falling Bills’ way, Shady no longer fits
‘McCoy is the one face that no longer fits on a roster that has been almost completely reshaped under Beane. He’s over the hill. He’s an inconsistent, self-serving leader who got benched for a play for the season finale a year ago. He’s also in the final year of his contract (at $6 million) and has a couple of off-field civil suits pending.’
What they’re saying: Bills earn top grades from NFL Draft analysts
‘Landing DT Ed Oliver at No. 9 may prove a steal for an underrated defense that could now garner deserved attention with ability like his to produce more highlights. After that, GM Brandon Beane returned to his task of upgrading the supporting cast around second-year QB Josh Allen, adding a quality blocker (Cody Ford) a needed tight end (Dawson Knox) and an infusion of youth and ability (Devin Singletary) to an antiquated running back room. This club might be sneaky good in 2019.’
Bills Today: GM Brandon Beane expresses his admiration for UB football
‘“I’ll just say that we think he has some nickel ability so if we’re fortunate enough to add them to our team then, it will be good to have another UB guy,” Beane said. “We told you earlier we love the UB program and if we can find some fits here, we think that’s a cool little stepping ground for them and for us.”’