Wide Receiver Train Full Speed Ahead- CHOO CHOO!

[FireChans]

On 3/23/2025 at 9:15 AM, LEBills said:

My personal 2025 WR Rankings: 

#22 Ricky White WR UNLV (Rd 5-7)

 

-Transferred from MSU to UNLV

-Above 3.0 YPRR vs zone (one of the more predictive metrics for future success)

-Solid special teamer at UNLV

 

What does he do on film?

Three level threat

- 8:30 quick pass to Ricky to allow him to use his blocks and creativity for an easy gain

- 2:36 gets the quick pass, breaks a couple of tackles and good body control to extend to the EZ

- 3:42 intermediate inward breaking route on an RPO, able to create easy separation for the catch then shows that yac ability

Basically the same play at 10:42. Super effective.

- 6:12 savy use of natural pick to create space and then run to his mark at back of endzone

- 8:51 easy crossing route he turns up field for a big gain

- 6:50 able to maintain space along sideline and have good body control on the back shoulder throw

- 7:40 he just roasted Utah State over and over

 

Excellent Zone WR

- :20 does a great job following the QB along his passing windows and finding space between the linebacker and secondary

- 3:30 again finds his zone and then shuffled along with the QBs movement to give the best throwing window

Beautiful job in the red zone finding space against the zone for an

 

Weaknesses:

- Does not have NFL size or speed, he would be an outlier if he had success

- Ambiguity about why he was not played and then transferred from MSU, especially since he helped them beat Michigan

- Best fit is in the slot but not overly twitchy or physical

 

Conclusion:

It hurts me to have Ricky this low, especially because his 2023 tape was even better with a more explosive offense. One of my favorite watches of the class. Though he played boundary in college often, his best place would be in the slot where physical corners would not get into his body as easily. Should hang in the end of roster as a solid special teamer and savvy backup WR.

I love Ricky and I would not be surprised for him to be a Shakir type player and productive but I fear he is a slot only at the next level.

[BillsFanForever19]

2 hours ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

He's stuck around longer than most would have thought. And on his lone touch last year he showed some really good burst popping off that 69 yard TD. I think he's ascending. For him he HAS to make an impact on STs to get the game day jersey. Everyone is forgetting about him but I think he carves out a role 

 

I sincerely hope the plan is not to roll into next season with our WR core being Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Tyrell Shavers.

 

I remember watching Joe Marino's Mock Offseason before FA started and he had us signing Joshua Palmer before it went down and Drafting a WR with one of our 2nd Round Picks. I commented saying I'd hope for a little more than that. If we don't at least do that, it would be an injustice to Josh.

 

It's one thing to *hope* for improvements in Year 2 and 3 of Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, after publicly calling them out. And for Curtis Samuel to be more this year than last year. It's another to *rely* on it, with the only (perhaps) slight improvement to the core being replacing Mack Hollins with Joshua Palmer.

 

This scenario feels like what we went into the season with last year before realizing it wasn't enough and making a move for Cooper.

Edited Tuesday at 06:26 AM by BillsFanForever19

[OldTimer1960]

4 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I sincerely hope the plan is not to roll into next season with our WR core being Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Tyrell Shavers.

 

I remember watching Joe Marino's Mock Offseason before FA started and he had us signing Joshua Palmer before it went down and Drafting a WR with one of our 2nd Round Picks. I commented saying I'd hope for a little more than that. If we don't at least do that, it would be an injustice to Josh.

 

It's one thing to *hope* for improvements in Year 2 and 3 of Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, after publicly calling them out. And for Curtis Samuel to be more this year than last year. It's another to *rely* on it, with the only (perhaps) slight improvement to the core being replacing Mack Hollins with Joshua Palmer.

 

This scenario feels like what we went into the season with last year before realizing it wasn't enough and making a move for Cooper.

I don’t think any of us are comfortable with the Bills’ WR group, but the value has to line up at least somewhat at one of their picks and they have glaring needs at other positions (CB, DT, DE) as well.  I think that there is a better chance that value aligns with pick at 30 than there is at 56 or 62.  By late 2nd, I don’t see a WR likely to be available that fits their needs and is better than the DT/DEs available there.  Maybe they like Ayomanor or Bond enough to tale late 2nd?

[machine gun kelly]

22 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

I don’t think any of us are comfortable with the Bills’ WR group, but the value has to line up at least somewhat at one of their picks and they have glaring needs at other positions (CB, DT, DE) as well.  I think that there is a better chance that value aligns with pick at 30 than there is at 56 or 62.  By late 2nd, I don’t see a WR likely to be available that fits their needs and is better than the DT/DEs available there.  Maybe they like Ayomanor or Bond enough to tale late 2nd?

Im with the Old Timer for one reason.  Taking a WR this year wil be a reach as it’s not a strong class.  However it is a strong DT class and there are talented CB’s.  DE may be tough, but agreed it is a need.  I just don’t want another Epenesa.  He’s ok, but not an impact guy.  So we have 3 picks in the first 2 rounds.  That needs to address CB, DT, and DE.   If we get a WR in rd 4, ok.  It probably wouldn’t hurt if we go after a safety after, and my guess is we should pick up a K and developmental QB without 2 6th rd. picks.

[GunnerBill]

13 hours ago, LEBills said:

My personal 2025 WR rankings:

 

#21 Tez Johnson WR Oregon (rd 4-6)

- Lightest player at combine since Aaron Lockett in 2002

- Bo Nix’s adopted brother

- Unguardable at Senior Bowl practice

 

What does he do on film?

 

Excellent crossing routes and speed slot

- :01 you will see him kill people on crossing routes at all depths, very good at getting lost in the traffic

- :19 seriously send him on crossing routes at all depths

- 3:23 takes the contact from Denzel Burke and runs through it, stacking and burning for a long touchdown.

 

YAC and missed tackles forced

- 3:40 decent leg drive through contact, and a long strider

- 3:48 when up to speed can maintain that high speed while adding ankle breaking cuts

- 4:42 crafty in the open field. He is not big but you have to catch him first

- 6:39 if you get a hand in him he goes down, but catching him is not easy

 

Weaknesses:

If he succeeds at his size he and speed, he will be an outlier of outliers

Though he will run through shoestring tackles and juke defenders, he chooses not to fight for extra yards

Slot only player who got most of his yards catching crossing patterns and with a lot of open space ahead of him

 

Conclusion:

One of my other favorite players in this draft, and one I’m nervous to rank this low. Last year when watching Troy Franklin I had to look up when he was coming out because he popped on film. Ultimately, if he is to have success it will be as a Tyler Lockett type starting as a punt returner and being a speed slot who preserves his body when threatened with contact

 

Yea I thought watching the Franklin tape last year that Tez was gonna be at least an early day 2 guy. He popped every time you watched the film. He was the best receiver on that team. But his 2024 tape was less impressive and his run at the combine was really disappointing. Sometimes you think smaller guys are running faster than they are because of the perpetual motion and low centre of gravity. 

 

He was in my top 10 at one point but he is I think WR15 for me now. 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

39 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

Im with the Old Timer for one reason.  Taking a WR this year wil be a reach as it’s not a strong class.  However it is a strong DT class and there are talented CB’s.  DE may be tough, but agreed it is a need.  I just don’t want another Epenesa.  He’s ok, but not an impact guy.  So we have 3 picks in the first 2 rounds.  That needs to address CB, DT, and DE.   If we get a WR in rd 4, ok.  It probably wouldn’t hurt if we go after a safety after, and my guess is we should pick up a K and developmental QB without 2 6th rd. picks.

Are you against WR in the 1st? I think he’s suggesting that the value may be there in the 1st but not likely to be in the 2nd. Burden/Egbuka/Golden all have a chance to be there at pick 30. Each would be considered decent value there. The guys at the end of round 2 wouldn’t be considered great value. I don’t want to speak for @OldTimer1960 but that’s how I read it. Basically, you can consider WR at 30 but probably not with those late 2’s.

 

The way that I’ve always viewed it is, “take care of what Josh needs first and fill out the rest of the team from there.” They may not have that luxury this year with a starting CB spot open. I do firmly believe that the Bills have a bigger need at 1T than at WR. With that being said, I think a WR will have a bigger impact on the Bills getting over the hump.
 

My draft philosophy, with this particular group is: 1) Address any positions without a starting option if the value is there (CB2). 2) Get more weapons for Josh if the value is there (really talking WR). 3) Get bigger and nastier on the DL. 4) Get another guy to compete at the S position. 5) Look for a P and long-term backup QB. The depth of these positions and how the board falls will determine when each of these is addressed. You probably have to take a CB in the 1st 2 rounds if you don’t sign a viable stopgap or starter before the draft. Otherwise, you can let the board play out INCLUDING DT. You COULD do something like: Egbuka, Landon Jackson, Thomas (if the board broke your way) and then trade up into the 3rd for Josh Farmer to be your DT. I’m not saying that this will happen or even be available, but something like this IS possible (insert whatever names you want). The point being that the Bills are not forced to draft just this position or that position. They have needs but can address them in whatever order depending on the board.

[LEBills]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea I thought watching the Franklin tape last year that Tez was gonna be at least an early day 2 guy. He popped every time you watched the film. He was the best receiver on that team. But his 2024 tape was less impressive and his run at the combine was really disappointing. Sometimes you think smaller guys are running faster than they are because of the perpetual motion and low centre of gravity. 

 

He was in my top 10 at one point but he is I think WR15 for me now. 

 

Yea I think Bo was a better QB for him and he dealt with some injuries this year
 

I think there are some guys that test faster than they are on a football field. For Tez he basically hit the same MPH running a go route during field drills as he did running his 40. And he is just really slippery so he avoids a lot of guys that can make it seem like he is faster than he is - he did have the fastest three cone. 

 

I think he is probably too small for the NFL which he is so low, but as far as a college career receiver he was top 10 easy.

[machine gun kelly]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Are you against WR in the 1st? I think he’s suggesting that the value may be there in the 1st but not likely to be in the 2nd. Burden/Egbuka/Golden all have a chance to be there at pick 30. Each would be considered decent value there. The guys at the end of round 2 wouldn’t be considered great value. I don’t want to speak for @OldTimer1960 but that’s how I read it. Basically, you can consider WR at 30 but probably not with those late 2’s.

 

The way that I’ve always viewed it is, “take care of what Josh needs first and fill out the rest of the team from there.” They may not have that luxury this year with a starting CB spot open. I do firmly believe that the Bills have a bigger need at 1T than at WR. With that being said, I think a WR will have a bigger impact on the Bills getting over the hump.
 

My draft philosophy, with this particular group is: 1) Address any positions without a starting option if the value is there (CB2). 2) Get more weapons for Josh if the value is there (really talking WR). 3) Get bigger and nastier on the DL. 4) Get another guy to compete at the S position. 5) Look for a P and long-term backup QB. The depth of these positions and how the board falls will determine when each of these is addressed. You probably have to take a CB in the 1st 2 rounds if you don’t sign a viable stopgap or starter before the draft. Otherwise, you can let the board play out INCLUDING DT. You COULD do something like: Egbuka, Landon Jackson, Thomas (if the board broke your way) and then trade up into the 3rd for Josh Farmer to be your DT. I’m not saying that this will happen or even be available, but something like this IS possible (insert whatever names you want). The point being that the Bills are not forced to draft just this position or that position. They have needs but can address them in whatever order depending on the board.

KJ, I’m not saying a fast separated WR wouldn’t be great, but the needs at CB, DT, and DE are greater.

 

its possible they can get in the mid rds a WR.  For example DIGGS was a 5th rd pick.

[gonzo1105]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Are you against WR in the 1st? I think he’s suggesting that the value may be there in the 1st but not likely to be in the 2nd. Burden/Egbuka/Golden all have a chance to be there at pick 30. Each would be considered decent value there. The guys at the end of round 2 wouldn’t be considered great value. I don’t want to speak for @OldTimer1960 but that’s how I read it. Basically, you can consider WR at 30 but probably not with those late 2’s.

 

The way that I’ve always viewed it is, “take care of what Josh needs first and fill out the rest of the team from there.” They may not have that luxury this year with a starting CB spot open. I do firmly believe that the Bills have a bigger need at 1T than at WR. With that being said, I think a WR will have a bigger impact on the Bills getting over the hump.
 

My draft philosophy, with this particular group is: 1) Address any positions without a starting option if the value is there (CB2). 2) Get more weapons for Josh if the value is there (really talking WR). 3) Get bigger and nastier on the DL. 4) Get another guy to compete at the S position. 5) Look for a P and long-term backup QB. The depth of these positions and how the board falls will determine when each of these is addressed. You probably have to take a CB in the 1st 2 rounds if you don’t sign a viable stopgap or starter before the draft. Otherwise, you can let the board play out INCLUDING DT. You COULD do something like: Egbuka, Landon Jackson, Thomas (if the board broke your way) and then trade up into the 3rd for Josh Farmer to be your DT. I’m not saying that this will happen or even be available, but something like this IS possible (insert whatever names you want). The point being that the Bills are not forced to draft just this position or that position. They have needs but can address them in whatever order depending on the board.

I don’t think they go WR at 30 and I believe that the strength of this WR class is in the 3rd to 5th round. Lots of different body types with upside. I personally  like Tai Felton but I believe that there are a lot of guys that with the right development could be solid contributors down the road 

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Are you against WR in the 1st? I think he’s suggesting that the value may be there in the 1st but not likely to be in the 2nd. Burden/Egbuka/Golden all have a chance to be there at pick 30. Each would be considered decent value there. The guys at the end of round 2 wouldn’t be considered great value. I don’t want to speak for @OldTimer1960 but that’s how I read it. Basically, you can consider WR at 30 but probably not with those late 2’s.

 

The way that I’ve always viewed it is, “take care of what Josh needs first and fill out the rest of the team from there.” They may not have that luxury this year with a starting CB spot open. I do firmly believe that the Bills have a bigger need at 1T than at WR. With that being said, I think a WR will have a bigger impact on the Bills getting over the hump.
 

My draft philosophy, with this particular group is: 1) Address any positions without a starting option if the value is there (CB2). 2) Get more weapons for Josh if the value is there (really talking WR). 3) Get bigger and nastier on the DL. 4) Get another guy to compete at the S position. 5) Look for a P and long-term backup QB. The depth of these positions and how the board falls will determine when each of these is addressed. You probably have to take a CB in the 1st 2 rounds if you don’t sign a viable stopgap or starter before the draft. Otherwise, you can let the board play out INCLUDING DT. You COULD do something like: Egbuka, Landon Jackson, Thomas (if the board broke your way) and then trade up into the 3rd for Josh Farmer to be your DT. I’m not saying that this will happen or even be available, but something like this IS possible (insert whatever names you want). The point being that the Bills are not forced to draft just this position or that position. They have needs but can address them in whatever order depending on the board.

 

My view on pick #30 is they should take the guy they think has the best chance to be a high end difference maker at a premium position - Edge, WR, CB - within 2 years. I think elite talent is a bigger need on this team than any single position. 

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 12:54 PM by GunnerBill

[FireChans]

Am I crazy or do I see a little Sammy Watkins in Luther Burden?

[Solomon Grundy]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Are you against WR in the 1st? I think he’s suggesting that the value may be there in the 1st but not likely to be in the 2nd. Burden/Egbuka/Golden all have a chance to be there at pick 30. Each would be considered decent value there. The guys at the end of round 2 wouldn’t be considered great value. I don’t want to speak for @OldTimer1960 but that’s how I read it. Basically, you can consider WR at 30 but probably not with those late 2’s.

 

The way that I’ve always viewed it is, “take care of what Josh needs first and fill out the rest of the team from there.” They may not have that luxury this year with a starting CB spot open. I do firmly believe that the Bills have a bigger need at 1T than at WR. With that being said, I think a WR will have a bigger impact on the Bills getting over the hump.
 

My draft philosophy, with this particular group is: 1) Address any positions without a starting option if the value is there (CB2). 2) Get more weapons for Josh if the value is there (really talking WR). 3) Get bigger and nastier on the DL. 4) Get another guy to compete at the S position. 5) Look for a P and long-term backup QB. The depth of these positions and how the board falls will determine when each of these is addressed. You probably have to take a CB in the 1st 2 rounds if you don’t sign a viable stopgap or starter before the draft. Otherwise, you can let the board play out INCLUDING DT. You COULD do something like: Egbuka, Landon Jackson, Thomas (if the board broke your way) and then trade up into the 3rd for Josh Farmer to be your DT. I’m not saying that this will happen or even be available, but something like this IS possible (insert whatever names you want). The point being that the Bills are not forced to draft just this position or that position. They have needs but can address them in whatever order depending on the board.

I believe what Josh needs most is better defensive play. Josh showed that he can produce offensively. What Josh can't do is play defense (tongue and cheek)😎. I do agree that a deep threat, big WR can help the offense(Donte Thornton), but that DT that can help against the run and push the pocket from the interior is the bigger need for Josh. Bosa/Groot/AJ can bring it from the edge. I'm good with DT, DT, CB in the upcoming draft 

Edited Tuesday at 01:26 PM by Solomon Grundy

[OldTimer1960]

58 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I don’t think they go WR at 30 and I believe that the strength of this WR class is in the 3rd to 5th round. Lots of different body types with upside. I personally  like Tai Felton but I believe that there are a lot of guys that with the right development could be solid contributors down the road 

Agree - I wasn’t saying that I think WR is likely at 30.  I was simply arguing that is where you might be more likely to find a WR that is roughly “worth” taking at that spot compared to the end of round 2.  

[Kirby Jackson]

52 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

KJ, I’m not saying a fast separated WR wouldn’t be great, but the needs at CB, DT, and DE are greater.

 

its possible they can get in the mid rds a WR.  For example DIGGS was a 5th rd pick.

Sure and Tom Brady was a 6th. Maxx Crosby was a 4th. Christian Benford was a 6th. You can find stars anywhere but that isn’t a good strategy. You HOPE that you’re 5th becomes Diggs. You don’t plan on it.

The Bills need dudes not guys. Josh is a dude. He may be the ONLY one on the team. They have some close and Benford probably rises to that level (the OTs as well). They don’t need another Mack Hollins. They NEED another guy that wins because he’s better than the guy in front of him, not because of scheme but because of talent. When the scheme gets stopped you need to have the talent to make plays. I think 1T is a bigger need than WR. I think an elite WR makes a bigger impact on this team than an elite 1T. 
 

Again, I’m not against taking any position, at any point (except early QB). I am 100% against taking need over talent at a more impactful position. They made mistakes in the top of the last 3 drafts. That’s why they have a lot of guys and not enough dudes. 

1 hour ago, gonzo1105 said:

I don’t think they go WR at 30 and I believe that the strength of this WR class is in the 3rd to 5th round. Lots of different body types with upside. I personally  like Tai Felton but I believe that there are a lot of guys that with the right development could be solid contributors down the road 

Totally fair and I’m fine with that. I’m not opposed at 30 though if the right guy is available. 

42 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

My view on pick #30 is they should take the guy they think has the best chance to be a high end difference maker at a premium position - Edge, WR, CB - within 2 years. I think elite talent is a bigger need on this team than any single position. 

 

 

[SectionC3]

1 minute ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Sure and Tom Brady was a 6th. Maxx Crosby was a 4th. Christian Benford was a 6th. You can find stars anywhere but that isn’t a good strategy. You HOPE that you’re 5th becomes Diggs. You don’t plan on it.

The Bills need dudes not guys. Josh is a dude. He may be the ONLY one on the team. They have some close and Benford probably rises to that level (the OTs as well). They don’t need another Mack Hollins. They NEED another guy that wins because he’s better than the guy in front of him, not because of scheme but because of talent. When the scheme gets stopped you need to have the talent to make plays. I think 1T is a bigger need than WR. I think an elite WR makes a bigger impact on this team than an elite 1T. 
 

Again, I’m not against taking any position, at any point (except early QB). I am 100% against taking need over talent at a more impactful position. They made mistakes in the top of the last 3 drafts. That’s why they have a lot of guys and not enough dudes. 

Totally fair and I’m fine with that. I’m not opposed at 30 though if the right guy is available. 

The OTs are dudes.  All day long. Benford is close.  As is Cook (AFCCG was a different level for him).  Otherwise I agree. 

[Kirby Jackson]

14 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I believe what Josh needs most is better defensive play. Josh showed that he can produce offensively. What Josh can't do is play defense (tongue and cheek)😎. I do agree that a deep threat, big WR can help the offense(Donte Thornton), but that DT that can help against the run and push the pocket from the interior is the bigger need for Josh. Bosa/Groot/AJ can bring it from the edge. I'm good with DT, DT, CB in the upcoming draft 

We disagree here. McDermott needs a better D. There’s nothing worse than Josh off the field with the game on the line. Give me Josh Allen with elite wr and the game on the line vs. Sean McDermott with an elite DT and the game on the line. 

2 minutes ago, SectionC3 said:

The OTs are dudes.  All day long. Benford is close.  As is Cook (AFCCG was a different level for him).  Otherwise I agree. 

Fair and don’t disagree with any of those (part of why I’m in the camp of signing Cook).

Edited Tuesday at 01:38 PM by Kirby Jackson

[BuffaloBillyG]

9 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I sincerely hope the plan is not to roll into next season with our WR core being Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Tyrell Shavers.

 

I remember watching Joe Marino's Mock Offseason before FA started and he had us signing Joshua Palmer before it went down and Drafting a WR with one of our 2nd Round Picks. I commented saying I'd hope for a little more than that. If we don't at least do that, it would be an injustice to Josh.

 

It's one thing to *hope* for improvements in Year 2 and 3 of Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, after publicly calling them out. And for Curtis Samuel to be more this year than last year. It's another to *rely* on it, with the only (perhaps) slight improvement to the core being replacing Mack Hollins with Joshua Palmer.

 

This scenario feels like what we went into the season with last year before realizing it wasn't enough and making a move for Cooper.

As I stated further up post from the comment you quoted me on....I'm in the camp that the Bills still need a WR and early. So on that we agree.

 

I wouldn't say the "plan" is to go into next season with what we have. But plans this time of year go sideways quickly. Maybe they planned on getting Godwin or Adams and we're told "thanks but no thanks." Maybe they plan on drafting a WR early, but the draft falls a way that negates that. Point is stuff happens. 

 

In that scenario I could see a legitimate thought process that Palmer isn't the Hollins replacement. Palmer replaces Cooper. Shavers steps in for Hollins. And I think an argument could be had that a Palmer/Shavers combo upgrades Cooper/Hollins or at least breaks out the same. And then from there logic would dictate that at least one of the three things you mentioned (better health and improved play from Samuel, Coleman and Kincaid) is very possible. Not the dream scenario and not what I'm hoping for but whatever will be will be 

[Pete]

If Grant is gone, and Mathew Golden is available at 30, if hes BPA on Bills board, make the pick. Golden-Samuel-Shakir-Palmer-Coleman- very nice WR group and everyone has a useful skill set

[The Jokeman]

2 minutes ago, Pete said:

If Grant is gone, and Mathew Golden is available at 30, if hes BPA on Bills board, make the pick. Golden-Samuel-Shakir-Palmer-Coleman- very nice WR group and everyone has a useful skill set

Until your playing defense and forced to stop Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and Rasheed Rice with Christian Benford, Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson. Until our defense can show it can stop KC in the playoffs we're playing catchup which isn't the easiest way to win, the easiest way to win is consistently stop your opposition and score as many times as you can offense. 

[FireChans]

6 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Until your playing defense and forced to stop Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and Rasheed Rice with Christian Benford, Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson. Until our defense can show it can stop KC in the playoffs we're playing catchup which isn't the easiest way to win, the easiest way to win is consistently stop your opposition and score as many times as you can offense. 

Historically, it’s not a good idea to say “we need a CB so we are going to draft one.”