MasterStrategist

Building a new stadium will do that. I think cap reset plays a small role too, but there's a "budget" cash flow strategy while the stadium is still under construction

It isn't just about having 2 dynamic boundary players. It's about being able to attack all areas/zones of the field effectively. Chiefs and Bengals were both bottom 10 teams in Avg Depth per Target (adot) and Yards before catch (ybc). But they also gained ALOT of YAC and effectively hit on "intermediate" areas of the field. Yes, Burrow missed some time so we can take some of that into consideration, but it's still their persona to work all areas. Point is, if Brady can design better schemes and a better intermediate passing game then we'll be very successful. We have 4 guys that should hit those intermediate areas very well. Our achilles heal LY ( 2 things were): 1. Cover 2 defenses/with a strong front 4. Aka the Jets and others 2. Press man teams, aka the Chiefs and others We need to be able to attack deep too, but in order to beat these coverages above (without Josh having to scramble consistently, esp vs man) is to find guys who can either create separation, via speed/route running or physicality. We added 2 weapons, in Samuel and Coleman, who excel at both and bring YAC. Shakir and Kincaid are going to be better this year, especially Kincaid. And hopefully a healthy Knox. No problem being a ball control offense, if it's not solely dependent on Josh's legs. IMO, Diggs lost a step/perhaps poor effort LY, and Davis has never been an intermediate threat consistently. I think this years offense will be more difficult to defend, due to complementary skill sets and Brady taking over with a full offseason to install his scheme. Dorsey was a smart guy, but seemed to have some ADHD in his playcalling, which never had any rhythm or identity. We saw Brady "inherit" Dorseys scheme and show a much better knack for setting an identity and get the offense in rhythm. Can't imagine that he won't improve with his own design and playbook.

Thanks for sharing @Rigotz My Steelers connection told me Thursday afternoon (draft day) this was a Buffalo guy/going to be our pick, from what he gathered. I was a bit skeptical... But man, he couldn't have been more right! Sometimes you come across some special people, Keon seems like a very special guy/talent. This guy's demeanor and approach to things, you can already tell he's going to be very successful. Can't imagine how floored Coach/Beane and staff were when meeting with him. Going to be a fun year watching his and Josh's connection grow

I thought it was Week 5 vs Jax, but regardless it was definitely early on as you pointed out. Agree, Knox will get more involved this year. Pretty much agree with your assessment. I see Samuel, Shakir, Kincaid, and Coleman all possible in the 700-900 range. Cook and Davis will see their fair share of targets out of the backfield, and whoever gets WR4 should see 40ish targets. 2011 Saints are the last team with 6 players, who had >500 yards. I thought we had a real shot LY, then Knox got injured and Diggs was fed way too many targets IMO. This year, the main 4 should be shoe ins, if they stay healthy. Both Knox and Cook could very well be close, I'm predicting 400-500 for each of them. Offenses can be very dangerous when they have multiple weapons involved and complementing skill sets. Especially with a mobile QB to also defend. The offense this year has more potential, mainly bc of Brady having a full offseason to install his system and he's shown to be a very good playcaller/gameplans. Adding in, that we finally have multiple versatile weapons that can attack various parts of the field, since 2021 IMO. WR4 is my only concern, mainly from a secondary boundary/downfield threat to rely on as Coleman gets ramped up and depth.

Agree with this. Beane definitely sprinkles some "lies", along with truth. Fairly certain, Beane will look to fill the WR4 role after June 1st. Potentially DE as well, I'm concerned we don't gave a DE4 with run stopping/some pass rush. Toohill/Solomon/Kingsley, run game is not a strong suit. Ogbah would be a fit, if price is right. Back to WR, I'm comfortable with Hollins as WR5/ST and if we keep 6, let Hamler/Shorter/Shavers/UDFA compete. WR4 has to be a boundary/down field option. We don't need a star, nor am I expecting that, but a quality depth option. MVS and Chark would fill that role. Coleman is a rookie and will need some rampup time...I'm not confident that Shakir or Samuel take more than 50% snaps on the outside, let alone stay healthy all year. The thought of Hollins having to play significant snaps, due to injury/etc, is a depressing thought. Beane isn't giving his hand away, but he will definitely have $s after June 1 for MVS/Chark type. Give MVS or Chark $6m on a 1 yr deal (but add a void yr to decrease 2024 cap to $3mish). Along with a $3-4m type deal for Ogbah, potentially add a void year to his as well. We will be in better cap position in 2025, so adding a $4-5m deferred dead cap won't break thr bank...especially compared to this yr.

DE and WR still make the most sense. I think if we do sign a CB, it won't be anyone significant, just bc likely a CB4 on roster. At DE, Ogbah would be a nice vet likely wouldn't break the bank. Give us another run stopping/a little juice in pass rush. Toohill/Solomon/Kingsley concern me from a run stopping standpoint, as a DE4. At WR, MVS or Chark would be awesome. We just need a backup vet/someone who could fill that depth boundary role who can also be a downfield threat. Just depends on price and truly what Beane thinks of Shorter/Hamler/Shavers/Cephus. All those guys are big question marks for various reasons. MVS or Chark immediately slot in as a WR3/4 type. I don't expect any other positions are focused on, given the holes already filled in FA and draft.

Definitely think he'll take more 3rd down snaps initially, his pass catching and protection is a big reason he should get play early and often. Short yardage over Cook too. By seasons end, I could see him getting close to 30-40% once he's acclimated. Cook has some flaws but difficult to pull a probowl/ascending RB off the field anymore than necessary. I'm not sure if Davis has any kick return experience, but with the new kickoff rules it makes sense to have a RB or WR/RB hybrid (Samuel or other kid from OSU) returning kicks.

Very well said, I'm 100% in agreement. If anything, we can pick up on what we think the scheme is missing OR Beanes tendencies to best isolate on certain players. Or watch enough college football to narrow in on how a player might be implemented/have success in our scheme. But yes, total crapshoot for even the most dedicated evaluators. Alot of times, it's more about a fans perspective on what changes to our teams philosophy should be made. Ie: we need to prioritize WRs, finding a lethal 1/2 combo. OR spend less on defense, focus on offense more in general...based on thoughts of best ways to have success in NFL. Back to player evaluation.... In all honesty, unless a fan is watching every single down/snap these players took and dissecting how they were used/responsibilities, did they execute their role appropriately, etc...then no one should act like they know more than others. It's great to "speculate" but at the end of day, even the most hard-core fans don't spend countless hours on even 1 player (let alone 10-50 at a given position). Instead fans who are so "outspoken", rely on the Mel Kipers of the world or latest/greatest metrics or combine OR the best, looking at YouTube highlights and acting like that's gamefilm; to guide their opinions. Even if someone did do all their possible film review, that's typically 50-60% of the story. Player interviews, top 30 visits, talking with teammates, talking with prior coaches, etc...that plays a huge factor. Sometimes posters have a "connection" be it with the team, scout/otherwise, and regurgitate what they're being told. More knowledgeable sure, still not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I don't mind either side, criticism or faith. Lots of times, this is more of a reflection of the posters personality or overall belief in team leadership morphed into over analyzing each move. What gets annoying is the "over the top" bravado, or high opinionated folks that think there crap doesn't stink/can't ever be wrong or even willing to admit it. Yes it's a message board, express an opinion to your hearts content, just realize Beane/staff have access to a TON more info than a common poster and spent more time in 1 day than most on here have done in 3 months leading up to draft, reviewing players.

In all honesty, unless a fan is watching every single down/snap these players took and dissecting how they were used/responsibilities, did they execute their role appropriately, etc...then no one should act like they know more than others. It's great to "speculate" but at the end of day, even the most hard-core fans don't spend countless hours on even 1 player (let alone 10-50 at a given position). Instead fans who are so "outspoken", rely on the Mel Kipers of the world or latest/greatest metrics or combine OR the best, looking at YouTube highlights and acting like that's gamefilm. Even if someone did do all their possible film review, that's typically 50-60% of the story. Player interviews, top 30 visits, talking with teammates, talking with prior coaches, etc...that plays a huge factor. Sometimes posters have a "connection" be it with the team, scout/otherwise, and regurgitate what they're being told. More knowledgeable sure, still not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I don't mind either side, criticism or faith. Lots of times, this is more of a reflection of the posters personality or overall belief in team leadership morphed into over analyzing each move. What gets annoying is the "over the top" bravado, or high opinionated folks that think there crap doesn't stink/can't ever be wrong or even willing to admit it. Yes it's a message board, express an opinion to your hearts content, just realize what your attaching your opinion to...is it that YouTube highlight reel/favorite mock draft source OR did you actually review player tape to a signicant level to make an opinion? Sorry I quoted you, but easily could have quoted anyone on here. Best we can do is hope Beane/staff made the best decisions.

Agree on 1st part, as my post stated. The 2nd half, I also discussed, just think it's a BIG risk to count on Hamler. His past issues with soft tissue injuries are a major concern. I'm not doubting Beane when he says that KJ has been working hard to correct that, but some of it is genetic. Again possible but big risk. Yes, we saw little of Shorter. I think he's a possible WR4, but safer play is having him as a WR5/6. He missed all but preseason as a rookie, from a physical standpoint. He was a raw player coming out, I'm sure he studied the mental aspects in season while rehabbing. There is hope but there's also a chance he flames out. Hollins has shown what he is, IMO that's a WR5 at best. 1 injury away from him being our WR3 is a very scary thought. I fully understand that this will be a "committee approach" this year, as far as receiving threats. I have no issue with that, actually think we could be better for it. But our WR4 needs to be a complementary weapon and relied on as a reasonably solid boundary WR/downfield threat. We have Coleman and the unknown of Shakir outside, but who has shown some poor body control on deeper pass game/shorter arms make it difficult as well. Shakir is still a solid player, but downfield attack is not his strong suit. IMO, Beane would be playing a very risky game by not finding a vet WR4 post June 1. Let Shorter compete with Hollins for WR5, and all others can fight it out for WR6.

Beane definitely made it clear to tamper expectations on a trade, and clearly said post June 1st that they'll have "some room" to make a move or two. With Solomon drafted, I definitely feel a little better and liked him as a prospect. I'm with ya, hoping for a DE and WR post June 1. Ogbah and Gallup are my guesses. Ogbah on the decline, but can still be a DE4, and Gallup on a 1yr prove it deal. Casey Toohill signed for $1m, I'm expecting he's in competition for DE4/5, with Kingsley, Solomon, and a potential FA. Concern at WR is finding a WR4 for the boundary/can be successful downfield. Beane will be playing with fire risking that on Hollins, Shorter, Cephus, Hamler, and Shavers. I think Hollins is a decent WR5, due to ST value but I'd like to see Shorter get that role and for us to keep one of above or UDFA as Wr6. Gallup, Chark, MVS can all fill that WR4 role. Just think Gallup makes most sense on a prove it deal, but if Beane can get either under the cap issues then I'm for it. These guys aren't expected to bring more than 300-400 yards but give us depth at a spot where we just have a rookie to depend on.

Keys or Johnson might have a legit chance to make the team as a KR

I wouldn't be surprised, not too far from Buffalo. I'm in Pitt suburbs, love seeing the local talent go to Buffalo! Interesting coincidence that Hardy picked PSU over Univ of Buffalo, for college. Now coming back to where he's meant to be! This dude was one heck of a player in High School Western PA football. He had an epic State Title game against Manheim Central, basically Revis-like (when at Aliquippa). He'll find his way onto the roster.

@HappyDays I think you're adding some of your personal "opinion", onto what Beane is saying. With the part about "lowering expectations". By your posts during the past few days, you seem to disagree with what Beane accomplished in this years draft/offseason (in aggregate, while agreeing with some decisions). Especially on offense/weapons. I think this year is all going to depend on how fast some of our young core players step up/and how far. Cook made a big leap LY, as did Bernard. Shakir made a solid leap, especially down the stretch. Now do we see a similar big jump with Dalton? What impact will Brady have with a full offseason to install his offense? What is the impact of losing Diggs, does Josh play more "free" without Diggs constantly in his ear/and ability to spread the ball around? What does a leadership "transition" do to the team/locker room? How far back to normal self is Von? Will the defense be able to avoid key injuries? So many questions, but none of those are any different than when we were prime SB contenders/had aspirations. Talent level, sure someone wants to say losing Diggs is monumental...but how did he play down the stretch/in key playoff games? This team is always going to be in a SB window with outstanding Qb play, that goes for any team like we saw with Chiefs in 2022. Ravens had a star team LY, they choked in AFCG because of Lamar's play. If Josh plays to his talent, we will always compete....I mean just look at LYs divisional game as an example when we had a patchwork defense that couldn't stop Mahomes at all, and we still were 1 potential drive/play from winning. Sometimes "new energy", young and/or new players taking the leadership roles can have a significant impact. Same goes for coordinators. I for one won't be lowering expectations.

This is consistent with what Beane has been saying most offseason. Due to cap issues, we needed to let go of a core group of leaders/contributors who have been around since we turned things around in 19/20. We kept the band together LY, now it's time to get our next core group to add onto existing group. This team isn't going to be SB favorites. But we have a strong roster still, offense has so many unknowns right now (Brady full offseason to install his system, "group approach" at WR/receiving). Defense still lacks a true star, but a very solid group of players on all levels. IMO, and this could be me being overly optimistic, but we went 6-1 down the stretch with Diggs being "average", no Milano/shell of Von, Floyd dropped off, and many injuries on defense. Poyer/Hyde still have solid instincts but clearly lost a step and ability declined. We have "hope" around a young core to continuing improve, and this class adding to that. But we're obviously in a transition year, with roster build. I wouldn't translate that to "tamper expectations" though. This is a team that will be division favorites and likely viewed as a top 4 AFC team. I hate comparing to KC, because they have a vastly different culture/coaches, but they did a mini rebuild and happened to win a SB. Texans came out of nowhere LY, GB clicked down the stretch and should have been in the Super Bowl. It's going to always come down to avoiding key injuries and playing our best ball in playoffs (all 3 phases). Past few years we've hit very tough injuries and haven't pulled it together when it mattered. Bottom line, there's still enough potential and key players in place to give us a legit SB chance. So I'm not saying it's a time to "lower expectations" and I'm sure Beane/Coach/team are treating it like that either.

Yeah, I like our value here better than Mia taking Chop at 21. We will see, but I won't be stunned to see Solomon put up 8 sacks as a rookie. He's ready to go as a situational rusher.

Agree on everything but addressing WR/Coleman. If it happens or not, Coleman has alot of potential and could be "that guy". Did Beane make the best decision on the WR he chose? We will see. But Coleman checks a lot of boxes from his college production, but not without concerns. Regarding WR in general: 1. We've now invested a #1 and #2 (basically a #1) in back to back drafts on receiving targets. 2. Group effort approach VS Stud 1/2 approach: I'd prefer to have a stud 1 and 2, but we've seen offenses be successful with the "group approach" (like we are planning). Teams like Jax, GB, Steelers (although their QB situation has been a mess). We add a proven vet who can gives us some downfield plays outside is the missing piece, as depth/rotational guy. MVS, Chark types...they fit this mold. Now, this Beane plan could blow up in his face. OR perhaps Brady is overestimating his ability to design/craft an offense in this mold. If we take a signicant step back on offense this year, Beane/Brady likely on the hot seat.

Yeah, IMO we absoltuely need a backup boundary/potential contributor. I think MVS, DJ Chark, Michael Gallup, Michael Thomas are all under consideration. MVS is a Gabe Davis type, without the blocking acumen. I think him or Chark are very realistic options on a 1 year deal (potential 1 year added void yr). Right now, I'm not panicking. There are a couple milestone moments, outlined below, that will get me from patience to full blown frustration/concern. Come July, I will be getting very worried if we haven't made a move. Come start of year, if no FA moves are made and Shorter doesn't show anything in preseason (we know who Hollins is at this point, WR5 and ST)...then I'll be in a full panic/angry. Let's see what Beane does, fact is there is still time to improve.

You're basically not high on Coleman, and we didn't double dip at WR. Based on experience and some of these prospects being older/ready to contribute immediately (maybe a bit lower ceiling): Immediate starters: Coleman, Bishop Sizeable % of snaps/key rotational role: Carter, Davis, Hardy (returner) Potential to be a future starter: SVPG (maybe even this year) Key backup/ST role: Ulof (immediate core ST player), Solomon (key S/T and potential to be a impact pass rush specialist this year) Grable is a solid developmental project, if we can hold onto him. We needed to do a mini rebuild across the roster, replace leadership as you said. I think we have a strong culture already in place but this class enhances that. Honestly, this draft class comes down mostly to Coleman and Bishops impact. And if we added some DL pressure. Davis will be a solid RB2 no doubt. I'm concerned about a 2nd outside WR too, but Beane either views a FA target post June 1 OR has enough faith in Shorter. My guess is we grab a vet WR in FA. Asking to go "GB" with multiple guys.... thing is we already have a few: Kincaid, Samuel, Shakir, Cook. We need a depth outside/boundary WR (vet FA noted above) and we are counting on: 700-800+ yard season: Coleman, Kincaid, Samuel, and Shakir 400-600 yards (in aggregate): Cook (mostly him), Davis and Johnson 400-600 yards: Knox, WR4, WR5 WR4/5: as of now, Hollins and Shorter. That's not going to cut it. But if we add a vet FA then I think we have at least a feasible plan in place. Let's be patient and see how Beane addresses WR4. He wasn't afraid to make moves after draft LY (Floyd, Murray, Ford).

It's honestly not a bad thought, quickest way to likely acclimate to all the nuances of NFL blocking/etc

Buffalo likes to draft the Western PA (Pittsburgh) guys...fine with me, local to me this is some of the best HS football. Hardy is definitely a fast athlete, he could take over punt return duties immediately

Depends what they think of Alec Anderson, seemed high on him being a future backup across IOL

It will matter when Sept / games come around. Until then, there are still FA options (likely after June 1st), OR in some slim chance we pull off 1 of the 1m trades you've asked for

I could care less about combine results, TBH. Watch him play and he has a great burst/bend, and mixes power with hand moves. He has long arms and a knack of generating a lot of pressure and producing results. He could be a James Houston impact rookie, as a pass rush specialist.

I saw plenty of explosion when watching him play