folz

Options not listed by the OP (to round out the impressive list): J. P. Losman, Trent Edwards, Brian Brohm, EJ Manuel, Thad Lewis, Jeff Tuel, Kyle Orton, Matt Cassell, Nathan Peterman, Derek Anderson, Matt Barkley (not that anyone would chose any of those guys). Oh, and Billy Jo Hobert. He never officially had a start, but played in two games (and was obviously a fan favorite. 🙃) I think you could make a case for Bledsoe (year 1 in Buffalo) and for Flutie too. But I think I'm either going with Fitz or Tyrod. Bledsoe's age and lack of mobility and Flutie's height would worry me in today's NFL. Fitz is the classic backup, smart, and with our running game and short passing game, he wouldn't be asked to go out and win games in the 4th quarter (which is when he would throw most of his INTs during his stint in Buffalo), and Tyrod isn't going to win the game for you, but he also isn't going to lose it for you. So, again, with the strength of our team, Tyrod could be a good game manager and use his legs when in trouble. I almost just convinced myself into picking Tyrod. But, ultimately, I think I'd take Fitz as Josh's backup. But, if the question were just best Bills QB ('97-'17) then I think I'd vote Bledsoe in year 1 with the Bills. Flutie #2. Fitz #3. Tyrod #4. The rest really aren't worth mentioning.

The only thing that I'm taking away from Worthy is the 26-yard catch in the AFC Championship game. No question that should have been called either an interception or an incomplete pass. Very bad call (amongst many in that game) by the refs. And if not for the refs, Worthy might not have even had a chance to go off in the Super Bowl (imo, but that's a different discussion). But, as far as the Super Bowl, his production did come in garbage time. Doesn't mean it doesn't count, but it does make me wonder if Philly had let up a bit at that point (up 28 points, end of the 3rd quarter). Had it still been a one-score game would KC have still had that same late-game production? It is a legitimate question. I don't knock Worthy for it, but it also doesn't make me think he's gonna be a HOFer based on that production (yet) either. Also, my discussion of Worthy was in response to another Bills fan. There are some Bills fans that seem to trash Keon Coleman, but are ready to give Worthy a yellow jacket already. And there is the narrative of the Bills getting rooked again by the Chiefs in the draft. Which is a silly narrative because both times (Mahomes and Worthy), we traded back to KC. Meaning, we didn't want who they picked. With Mahomes, we had a new coach and a lame duck GM, who had already whiffed bad on a QB. McDermott knew he was going to bring in Brandon Beane after the draft (and fire the old GM) and the following year (2018) was looking to be a generational QB draft class (at the time). We were not ready to draft a QB in 2017. And by the time Mahomes started lighting it up in his second year, we already had Josh. And my honest take on Worthy (at the time of the draft and still now), was that each team got the receiver they wanted. We weren't looking for a speed receiver last year. We needed a bigger guy, who could block and get 50/50 balls/contested catches. You guys were looking for speed (a new Tyreek---kind of). The Bills didn't want Worthy, so not sure how KC "got one over on us." But that narrative (and probably listening to the draft gurus too much before last year's draft) has made some Bills fans, imo, overrate Worthy and underrate Coleman. I guess we'll see how it plays out. But, from time to time, I have pushed back on the Worthy is already an All-Pro sentiment because of that. Look, he may become a great receiver (and his Super Bowl production is very encouraging), I'm just not totally sold on that yet. I need to see more. If you include the first two playoff games (all catches) and the regular season (18 games, not counting the Super Bowl or week 17 when he sat out), Worthy averaged 43 yards and 0.38 TDs per game receiving. He had a good rookie year (not a great rookie year). I personally still think that both receivers (Worthy and Coleman) will have success in the league. I don't think Worthy is trash or anything. If I was a KC fan, I'd be totally on board, just as I am as a Bills fan for Keon. But, I'm also not sold that either of them have "made it" just yet. Or that Worthy is guaranteed to be the far superior player, etc. I think we still need to see more from both players before any anointings.

LEBills: Josh has been performing at an MVP level for 5 years now. He has been top 3 in MVP voting 4 of the last 5 seasons. I don't think you have to worry about him sustaining that level despite who is around him on offense. And BADOL: Same goes for Cook and the O-line. I don't expect Cook to have as many TDs as last year (that was a lot), but there is no reason he should regress or not have another good year. And the offensive line has been very good and very healthy (for two years). Plus we have good depth if there are injuries this year. It's like you guys are really stretching to find some negatives to prove that the team will regress. You are saying it's because lack of good enough WRs, but then it's also Josh can't sustain, the O-line will fall apart, Cook will regress, our defense will still be terrible despite the additions. It doesn't make sense to me. And this narrative that Josh has to be Superman and do everything by himself needs to end. It is a myth. Josh would be doing superhuman stuff regardless of how good the team around him is. You could put him on an All-star team with All-Pros at every position or the worst team in the league and he's still going to run the ball, hurdle people, throw lasers, etc. It is just who Josh is. He is a generational QB. That's what makes him a generational talent. I think it's very disrespectful to the other players for fans to keep saying Josh is doing it all by himself. It's just not true. -From a quick search, our offensive line is generally ranked between 4-8. Either way, a top 5-10 offensive line (or you could say one of the best in the league). BTW, Josh was the least sacked QB in the league last year and had the fewest INTs of his career. -I couldn't find rankings for runningback rooms going into 2025. But, you would be hard-pressed to find too many RB rooms in the NFL that are better top to bottom than Cook, Davis, and Johnson. Again, I would guess that we are at least in the top 5-10 range, like the O-line. -Definitely would like to see more production from the TE room this year, but again, talent-wise at least Kincaid, Knox, Hawes, and Davidson are a pretty good unit. Not sure where they'd rank, but I'd say at least top half of the league with a lot of room for growth and improvement still. So, a top 4-8 O-line, say a top 4-7 RB room, and at least a top 15 TE room and I'm to believe that Josh is doing it all on his own? And as so many have pointed out, when you look at weapons as a whole, rather than just WRs, Josh has plenty of weapons: Shakir, Palmer, Coleman, Samuel, Moore, Kincaid, Knox, Cook, Davis, Johnson. There may not be a super-stud in that group, but that's 10 very good players that I feel confident can get the job done (and most of them are young, in the up-swing of their careers, still with room to grow/improve). Our TES and RBs accounted for 45% of our passing production last year and 43% of our passing TDs. And that wasn't out of desperation because we had no WRs...that is by design (everyone eats). We are not a traditional offense anymore because we have a unicorn QB who can read defenses, make all the throws, and has quick decision making. So, we scheme guys open and Josh spreads the ball around to the open man (who could be anyone). Or, in another way, you could say we are more traditional (throwback---as we ran the ball 49% last year). So, if we run 49% of the time, and 43% of our passing production goes to RBs and TEs, then our WRs are only accounting for about 22% of our total offensive production. So, how much money/resources should be spent on that position? How many stud WRs are going to be happy getting say 1/4th of 22% of the total offensive production. Even if you split the WR plays into only 3 WRs (rather than 5 or more), then each receiver is only averaging 4.4 receptions per game. We averaged only 13 pass completions per game to WRs last year. I don't think a stud receiver (who'll want 8-10 balls/game), in general, is going to be happy playing on a team like that. (Sure if you pick a rookie, they have no choice). Now, I'm not saying that we don't need good receivers...as Beane said, you'd love to have All-Pros at every position. But, I can understand, at least, the idea of not overpaying the room (based on the amount of their overall production), or not paying for a stud FA WR who probably wouldn't be happy with the number of balls thrown to him, and who would cost way more than the amount of production he could provide in this offense. And again, with Amari. People chalk him up as a major loss to the WR room. But he only started 3 games, played only 21% of the total offensive snaps by the Bills last year, had less than 300 yards, and only 2 TDs. That amount of production is easily replaced. And let's face it, Amari is getting old, and he was dealing both with injuries and adapting to a new team/offense/QB mid-season. Let's not act like we had prime Amari Cooper all last year. Hollins did play 66% of the offensive snaps, was a great blocker, and a bit of a spark plug. But production-wise, he only had 378 yards and 5 TDs (granted, some of those TDs were clutch). Is there any reason to think Keon won't improve in his second year? Or Kincaid going into his third year? Is there any reason to think that (if all else stayed the same) Palmer and Moore combined can't match 675 yards and 7 TDs (the combined production of Hollins and Cooper last year)? I personally think that Palmer is a pretty decent upgrade from Hollins. And Moore alone, if given the chance, should at least be able to give us what Amari did (21% snaps, 297 yards, 2 TDs). I mean, it's not a high ceiling to reach just to stay even with last year. I just don't see a down grade. And Clutch doesn't have to come from only your WRs. How many times was Bruce Smith clutch coming up with a sack or strip sack at just the right moment. How many times did Tre come up clutch early in his career with a key turnover in the 4th quarter at a crucial moment, etc. Clutch can come from many places, not just the WR room. And finally, [sorry this is so long] BADOL, it feels like sometimes you have anti-Bills googles on. Meaning you see all of our flaws, but act as if other teams don't also have their flaws. I mean, to say Worthy was rapidly ascending before the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl? In his last 8 games played before the playoffs (not counting week 17 when he sat out), he averaged 50 yards and 0.375 TDs per game. Across the full season, he averaged 40 yards and 0.375 TDs per game. If those were Keon Coleman stats, you would be railing about how bad he is, not calling him an ascending player. And as far as the playoffs are concerned, in the AFC Championship game, if you take away the catch that wasn't a catch, he had 59 yards and 1 TD. In the Super Bowl, all of his production came in garbage time. When he made his first big catch, there was only 2:33 left in the 3rd quarter and the Eagles were already up 34-6. Prior to that catch (in the bulk of the first 3 quarters, when it counted), Worthy had 2 receptions for 9 yards, and 0 TDs. I'm not sold on Worthy yet, and I'm not down on Keon. Not sure, why you are so firmly the other way.

I don't know much about any attitude issues in NY or Cleveland. But, if that is the case, I can understand that as a concern. But, it also can depend on why he was disgruntled (if he was). Was he just frustrated about not winning (his teams went 25-68 over the last 4 years, 3 losing seasons, a 3-win season, and a 4-win season). QB play? Or was it due to lack of work ethic or issues with coaches or teammates, etc. So, if it was the former, well the Bills win a lot and as they say winning solves a lot of issues. And our locker room is so strong that it can handle a couple of guys that may not be perfect Bills DNA. But would they have brought him in if they thought his attitude, etc. was that bad? It's hard for me to think that Beane and McD would be ok with a guy who has bad work ethic, or attitude with coaches/teammates, etc. Maybe we'll find he's like Diggs (attitude-wise, not skill-wise), or maybe he'll turn things around in a better organization with a better QB. And I know it has been repeated by a number of posters, but I think it's tough to judge him too harshly on last year (2024). -His offensive coordinator was Ken Dorsey -Cleveland is a mess of a franchise -They were a 3-win team -He had 4 different quarterbacks in 2024 and none of them were good [Deshaun Watson (7 games), Joe Flacco (6 games), Dorian Thompson-Robinson (3 games), Bailey Zappe (1 game)]. I would expect it isn't the easiest thing for a receiver to adjust to 4 different QBs in one season. And 2023 wasn't any better from a QB standpoint. In 2023, 5 QBs started for the Browns: Watson (6 games), Flacco (5 games), Dorian T-R (3 games), P.J. Walker (2 games), and Jeff Drskell (1 game). So, again, not only were his QBs bad, but for 2 years it was a constant rotation of 6 different QBs. Alex Van Pelt was his offensive coordinator. How about 2022 with the Jets? Yep, once again, 4 different starting QBs. Wilson (9 games), Flacco (4 games), Mike White (4 games), Chris Steveler (1 game). How about 2021: Yep, 4 different QBs again. Wilson (13 games), Flacco (1 game), Mike White (3 games), Josh Johnson (did not have a start, but played in 3 games). Honestly, how many WRs are going to thrive in that situation? Your first 4 years in the league: 2 teams, 3 offensive coordinators, and 10 different QBs throwing the ball to you. It means in your first 68 games, your QB changed at least 14 different times (probably more if guys were say in and out with injuries or whatever). That's a different QB (at least) every 4.8 games on average. And that also leads me to player development. The Jets are obviously horrible at player development, as are the Browns. So, how much proper teaching/training did he actually get, etc. Plus, 3 of those 4 years he was learning a new offense, plus all of the QB turnover. Never having one guy to settle in with. The Bills happen to actually be very good at player development. So, maybe they can help him raise his game (in a more stable environment). And I don't expect him to go off and have some crazy year or anything (I mean, he's WR5, how much do you actually expect of your 5th receiver). But, I also think that it's crazy not to believe that having Josh (and only Josh) throwing him the ball instead of the myriad of ever-changing garbage QBs he's had won't improve his game (even if his overall numbers aren't big due to number of targets in our offense). To be fair here, I have not watched a lot of Elijah Moore's games, etc. So, the naysayers may be right. I just find it hard, like others, to think that a young player who has probably had very little positive development, was with horrible organizations, and had a carousel of bad QBs constantly rotating doesn't still have room to grow and improve. I think it's a bit unfair to write his career off after just 4 years, with the circumstances he's faced (even if some of it was self-inflicted---if say he forced his way out of NY or whatever). He may never be a star, but I'm not sure how some posters can be so positive that he can't continue to improve or become at least a viable 5th option/injury fill in. I mean, I don't love his career catch percentage (or the ypc last year)...but I'm optimistic with our staff and Josh throwing him the ball that he can continue to get better as a player...and maybe reach some of his potential. For the naysayers, do you really think that the circumstances of his early career might not have stunted or affected his growth/development at all? Do you really think he has no room for growth as just a 5th year guy (25 years old)? Do you really think that the Bills organization and having Josh as your QB might not make him a better player (considering where he is coming from)? I'm willing to give him a chance to show us that he's better than what he's shown so far and that he still has room for growth/improvement.

Beane is really putting his money where his mouth is when it come to the philosophy of drafting, grooming, and resigning your own. All 10 of the players listed below were either Bills' draft picks or signed with the Bills as UDFAs their rookie year. Great examples for the locker room about what happens if you put the work and dedication in. Extended - 1. Allen (6 years 330 Million - 250 guaranteed) - 2025 cap hit 36,335,281 2. Rousseau (4 years 80 million - 54 guaranteed) - cap savings 8 million, cap hit 2025 5,877,000 3. Benard (4 years 50 million - 25.2 guaranteed) - 2025 cap hit 2,528,248 4. Shakir (4 years 60.2 million - 32 guaranteed) - 2025 cap hit 2,586,787 5. Benford (4 years 69 million - 37.6 guaranteed) - 2025 cap hit 2,648,569 Re-signed 1) Van Denmark OT - 1 yr 1.03 million 2) Anderson OL - 1 yr 1.03 million 3) Ferguson LS - 4 years 6.5 million (2.365 guaranteed - 2025 cap hit 1,557,500) 5) Gilliam FB - 1 yr - 1,337,5000 6) Hamlin S - 1 yr - 1,337,500

Well, considering the guys Beane was annoyed with wanted Josh Rosen over Josh Allen, it does seem like a valid point. To kind of say, you know, just because you guys have a platform, doesn't mean you know more or your opinions are more valid or that you are correct. Also, in his second post-draft interview, Beane actually mentioned Boogie and noted that they had some misses at corner (i.e., Elam, though he didn't call him out by name). Beane doesn't shy away from his mistakes. He corrects them. How many times did he say he made a mistake with letting Wyatt Teller go? Brandon is not some ego-maniac that can't admit mistakes. He was basically saying, even when I have proven you guys wrong (the Josh Allen pick, having a great offense without a true #1 receiver last year), you still criticize me as if those things didn't actually go well. And when I know that if we had gone with your decisions (i.e., Josh Rosen), we wouldn't be where we are, so... Dude, that is so ridiculous. "Performance theater" "schtick" "stunt" And the whole signing Amari as some grandiose confession that Beane screwed up last year keeps getting repeated. First of all, we were strapped for cash last year, secondly, we did draft Keon last year, third Curtis Samuel got a turf toe injury in camp. If Curtis doesn't get injured, maybe we don't go after Cooper. With Curtis injured and Coleman a rookie, yeah, it looked like we needed more help at that point (especially after the two bad losses, as you said) and before Brady had time to adapt. But, ultimately, Amari started only 4 games and played only 21% of the offensive snaps on the year, and had two touchdowns. 4/5s of the year we played without Amari and the offense still worked (2nd in the league). As to the two bad losses, they were both early in the year. Remember that going into last year, Shakir was the only receiver that had caught a pass from Josh. And it was the start of the everyone eats philosophy. So, we were a different team at the start of the year, a team in transition, a team still learning each other and figuring out their new offense, we needed time on task, guys needed to get acclimated to the system, Josh and the receivers needed to get on the same page, etc. It's not surprising we had a couple of stumbling blocks early, especially with Samuel being injured. If we are talking overall offense, sure I'll argue it. No question, their top two receivers are studs and better than anything we have at WR. But after that, I would venture to say that the Bills are stronger at every other offensive position. QB: Allen/Trubisky > Burrow/Browning RBs: Cook/Davis/Johnson > Chase Brown (5th rounder)/Zack Moss/Samjae Perine TEs: Kincaid/Knox/Hawes/Davidson > Geisecki/Sample/Eric All, Jr. And then there is the offensive line. We have probably a top 5-10 O-line. The Bengals were ranked 27th last year. Joe Burrow has been the most sacked QB over the last 5 years. He was the 5th most sacked QB last year. They have Cody Ford as their starting right guard. BTW, Josh was the least sacked QB last year (of Qbs with at least 10 starts). It's to Brandon's point about Fantasy Football. Sure, Burrow/Chase/Higgins looks better than Allen/Palmer/Shakir. But when you look at the complete offense (you know, real team building), the Bills are the better overall offense by far (as shown by their record 13-4 to 9-8, and by points scored 525 to 472). I think that was kind of Brandon's point. Last year, everyone bitched and moaned about the receiver position. What are we going to do without Diggs. We're going to take a step back, transition year, Josh can't do it all on his own. Then the team goes out and proves they were correct about how they handled things by being the second highest scoring team in the league and making it all the way to the Championship game with a stronger run game and an everyone eats mentality. And then this year, the conversation is all about not having enough or good enough receiving options. I can see him being like, why are we having this conversation again. Last year is actual evidence/proof that we were correct about how this offense can run, yet here we are with the same questions about WR. Most people hated or wrote off the Hollins pickup last year, and he proved to be a very important piece. Palmer is a big upgrade from Hollins, yet people act like he's just an afterthought. Coleman, Samuels, Dalton: 1,280 yards and 7 TDs Amari and Mack: 675 and 7 TDs As I keep pointing out, Amari Cooper only started 4 games and played a total of 21% of the offensive snaps last year (and he was injured and acclimating to a new team/QB during that). We played 4/5s of the season without him. He had 297 yards and 2 TDs. He had 6 catches for 41 yards and 0 TDs in the three playoff games. People act like Amari was our #1 and integral to the offense's success or something. He helped out in a few games, that's all. And as much as I loved Mack, Palmer is definitely an upgrade to the combination of Mack (66% of snaps) and what we got from Amari (21% of snaps). Coleman should be better in his second year and past the injury. Remember, in the two games just prior to the injury, he had 170 yards and a TD. And Samuels is healthy (hopefully he can stay that way). Curtis was coming on at the end of the year and scored two TDs in the playoffs. Kincaid is going into his third year, often a jump year. And we're also returning Shakir, Knox, and all 3 RBs who are each good at catching the ball out of the backfield. Plus we added a true blocking TE, which we haven't had in a while. Even if the improvements of Palmer, Coleman, and Kincaid are small (not big jumps), there is no reason to think that this offense should regress. We are returning almost everyone and replaced Palmer for Hollins/Cooper (87% combined snap count). If Palmer plays like 70+% of the snaps and has 675 yards and 6 TDs, it will basically equal the combo of Hollins/Cooper. I don't think that is out of the question. Plus, Curtis will eat up a lot more snaps as well being healthy. To the second bolded point. It's not just that we were a good offense last year, we have been the 1st or 2nd best offense every year for the last 5 years. It's Josh, it's the O-line, it's the coaches, it's the RBs, etc. Not everything depends on having the best WR room in the league. And the whole point of this offense is to be unpredictable. Many, versatile weapons that you don't know where we will attack from. Being multiple, so you can change your gameplans according to your opponents (like old NE-style). So, let opposing teams try to figure it out. There is nothing to figure out, we can adapt to your weakness and be on the attack, rather than the defense dictating, because we can hit you from so many areas and out of the same personnel groupings. Scheming guys open and letting our MVP QB make the decisions is what this offense is about in my opinion.

No question, our WR group alone would not be ranked highly. But, maybe you are looking at this offense too traditionally. First off, the Bills like their players to be versatile, the ability to play multiple spots (to disguise better)---but yes, it will most likely be Palmer, Keon, and a bit of Samuel on the outside primarily. And currently at WR5 would be a battle between Shenault, Shavers, Prather, Hamler, Virgil, Presley, Akharaiyi, and Gosnell. But whose to say Beane is done yet? I'm all for adding more depth to the WR room (to compete for the 5/6 spots). And then there is the whole "Everyone eats" thing. I mean, we use our RBs and TEs a lot in the passing game (those are "weapons" for Josh too). The RBs and TEs had 139 receptions last year and 12 TDs through the air. That equates to over 45% of our passing production last year and 43% of the receiving TDs. And that was mostly by design, not desperation. This offense is about Josh spreading the ball around. Also of note, we ran the ball 49% of the time last year (4th most in the league). So, when you add our rushing rate and the number of balls that go to the RBs and TEs in the passing game, I would guess that there are a lot fewer balls for the WRs on the Bills than on most other teams. It seems most people who feel we are lacking at the WR spot want one of two things: 1. Either that true #1 Alpha dog stud receiver. Well, there aren't actually a lot of those guys to go around, first of all. And we're never high enough to draft one. Secondly, they cost a fortune. And lastly, I'm not sure that is what the Bills want. How many stud receivers are going to be ok with Josh spreading the ball around to 8 different targets per game, or almost half of the balls going to the TEs and RBs? I wouldn't turn down a stud receiver if he fell in our lap, but I'm not convinced that that is what this offense needs. Or, 2. A true speed receiver. But honestly, how many of those guys actually pan out? We have seen plenty of John Ross', Henry Ruggs', Marquise Goodwins', Tyquon Thortons, J.J. Nelsons, Jacoby Fords, Andy Isabellas, etc. not do much in the league. And I'm not sold on Worthy yet either. And we actually already have one of those guys of our own in K.J. Hamler. And if you bring up a guy like Tyreek, I'd say, well, he's not just a pure speed guy, he's a stud. That's why he's been one of the highest paid guys in the league. Again, tough to find guys like that. Plus, as far as speed goes, KJ Hamler ran a 4.27, Curtis Samuel ran a 4.31, and Khalil Shakir ran a 4.43. We do actually have some speed on the team. FYI, Curtis Samuel has the 12th best 40-yard dash time ever at the combine for a wide receiver. I also can assume that you are not as bullish on Keon as I am. I think Keon is going to be a very good player and have an excellent season. I definitely think we can count on him as say a WR2. He'll at least be better than last year (with a year under his belt and being past the injury). If Samuel is healthy, that's an upgrade from last year. Not sure how Palmer will work out, but he's no question an upgrade from Hollins (whom I loved). And before you say Palmer is actually Amari's replacement, so it's a downgrade, I'd like to remind you that Amari only started 4 games last year and only played a total of 21% of the offensive snaps last season. We played 4/5ths of the season without Cooper and were still the #2 offense in the league. Hollins, on the other hand, played over 66% of the offensive snaps last year. And then, of course, let's face it, Shakir is a stud...even if it's mostly in the slot or on screens, etc. Do we have a big name receiver? No. But I think last year showed that this offense can be successful without one. It's not that everything is on Josh, it's just that Josh is spreading the ball around to multiple targets rather than favoring a #1. Josh had the fewest sacks and fewest interceptions of his career last year (oh, and won the MVP). He also didn't have to run as much as some other seasons. He's had 3 seasons where he ran more than last year, and only 1 season where he ran significantly less than last year. So, I'm not on board with the Josh has to do it all by himself narrative either. I think we have plenty of weapons, just not household names. This offense is mostly about scheming guys open, which we can do because we have a lot of very good and versatile (even if few or no elite) weapons, and a supremely talented, smart QB, who can make quick decisions, and all of the throws. And if you don't think that fixing, upgrading, and bringing youth to the defense isn't giving Josh help, then I don't know what to tell you. Field position, turnovers, TOP, opponent's score, all help Josh and the offense. Complimentary football.

10 picks to start. Beane moved up, what, three times to get guys he wanted? And we still walk away with 9 players, one in each round---with two in the 5th and 6th (almost all good value where we got them and fulfilling needs---I'm liking the TE pick the more and more I think about it). And our 2026 draft is still in tact. Really like how BBB managed his assets this draft. Can't wait to see this defense come together. Man, if they can build a dominant defense, with a Josh Allen-led offense---this team could be almost unstoppable. I know, I know, one day at a time. But, yeah, I liked the draft.

I know they aren't true down-field burners, but Samuel ran a 4.31 and Shakir ran a 4.43 40-time. I mean, that's not slow. Hamler ran a 4.27 (not that I expect him to see the field much, if at all). Also, six of the top twelve 40-yard dash times ever were wide receivers, how'd they fare in the league (and believe me, I'm not sold on Worthy yet)? Sometimes speed isn't everything. 1. Xavier Worthy, 4.21 seconds in 2024 2. John Ross, 4.22 in 2017 T4. Rondel Menendez, WR, 4.24 in 1999 T6. Jerome Mathis, WR, 4.26 in 2005 T10. Marquise Goodwin, WR, 4.27 in 2013 T10. Henry Ruggs III, WR, 4.27 in 2020

The Bills may need to get bigger meeting rooms for the cornerbacks and defensive line. Talk about stacking positions. Also, Bills Points Scored Rankings last five years: 2024: #2 2023: #6 2022: #2 2021: #3 2020: #2 This draft is exactly what we needed. Lot of versatility added to the D-line and CB rooms too. That will help with the NFL kind of split right now...some teams moving back to heavier ground games (Baltimore, Philly, etc.), while others are still more passing/finesse (KC, LAR). Now, we should hopefully be able to run zone or man equally as well, and go either big and stout or fast and penetrating on the D-line depending on the circumstances.

I gave you an "awesome" for your post Gunner, though I wish I could have given you a "thanks" too. I don't watch college football much and do not spend a lot of time researching the draft, so I really appreciate posters like you (Gunner), Gonzo, Virgil, and all of the other guys that help get the rest of us up to speed with all things draft-related. Much appreciated guys! I know you all put a lot of work into it. 👍

For what it's worth, one of the guys from ESPN said that his issues with run support/tackling was after the shoulder injury, due to the lingering injury. They said he did not have those issues junior year and that his shoulder is now healthy. Not sure how accurate that is, but thought I'd pass it along.

Corner was a position of need. We got probably one of the top 3-5 CBs (picking 30th). We got the fastest CB in the draft. A lot of draftniks may have had other corners higher, but the Bills are drafting for their team, their scheme, etc. So, I can only assume that they felt that Hairston fit them best of the corners who were left. So why wouldn't I be on board with that. Yes, Beane has made mistakes (Elam)...but do I think that means he will screw up every 1st round or cb pick? No. He picked Benford too. And McD picked Tre White. Look, I don't scout the college players. I'm not sure if Johnson, Amos, or anyone else would be better or not (so laugh at us all you want). But Hairston is the guy they chose. He's the guy we will be rooting for over the next few years, so, yeah, I'm getting on board. Doesn't mean you can't have a dissenting opinion. That's fine. Lots of people felt we should have traded down (probably couldn't find a partner), or would have preferred a different player...but it is what it is now. Also, one of the guys on ESPN pointed out that he had a shoulder injury last season that kept him out of 5 games, and when he came back from the injury, his run support was lacking a bit due to the lingering injury (he's good now, heath-wise). He said if he came out the year before, after his junior year, he wouldn't have lasted to this point in the draft---meaning he would have been a much higher 1st round draft pick. Sometimes when you are picking late, you have to go with the highest ceiling. Doesn't always work out, but I'm on board with that philosophy. And as far as no one having Hairston over Amos (or Johnson), just on a quick Google search: -CBS Sports had Johnson at 17 overall (1st cb), Hairston at 26 overall (3rd cb), and Amos at 33 overall (6th cb). -Walter Football had Johnson the 2nd-ranked corner, Hairston as the 3rd-ranked corner, and Amos the 5th-ranked corner -NBCSports had Johnson as the 2nd-ranked corner, Hairston as the 5th-ranked corner, and Amos as the 6th-ranked corner. -Daniel Jeremiah had Johnson at 13 overall, Hairston at 32nd overall, and Amos at 41 overall -NFL Mock Draft Database had Johnson at #13 overall, Hairston at #34 overall and Amos at #38 overall -Pete Prisco had Hairston at 19 overall, Johnson at 31 overall, and Amos not in the first round -Mel Kiper had Johnson as the #1 CB and Hairston as the #3 CB. Amos did not make his top 10 CBs. Todd McShay had Johnson at 17, Hairston at 24, and Amos at 48. So, there are 8 people at least (I stopped looking) that all had Hairston over Amos, and at least one that had Hairston above both Johnson and Amos. I'm curious. Johnson was pretty high up on a lot of draft boards (generally a first-rounder, many had him in the 13-19 range). Why do you (anyone) think he slipped?

If people were hoping he'd be available at 30 for Buffalo, doesn't that make Grant a reach for Miami at 12? May still be a great player, but is it a surprise for him to go that early?

Thanks NFL. I'm sure that will solve the problem, sacking a 1st-year, 2nd-year, and 3rd-year ref, none of whom reffed in the post-season. Now, these guys are all young in their careers, so maybe they do need more experience (weren't quite ready for the NFL/made mistakes), but I hope the NFL isn't doing this, putting this out there to try and convince us that they have somehow solved the ref problem or at least are actually trying to do so. The problems with NFL reffing goes back a lot further than three years and has little to do with inexperienced referees. The change needs to happen at the top, not the bottom.