Buffalo Bills Consensus Draft Grades

[Coach Tuesday]

1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I give it a B- to C+. I liked the 1st couple of days. I thought that it represented pretty good value and fill some needs. I would have been at B to B+ through Friday.
 

I didn’t love the job yesterday. Walker is huge but flawed. If his lousy 2024 was because of a back injury only, cool. I don’t suspect that though. For as big as he is, he is top heavy and plays high. It’s not a bad gamble at that point but he isn’t a lock to even make the team IMO. He’s a high ceiling low floor guy. 

 

They brought something like 11 WRs in that ran sub 4.4. McDermott and Beane both have said, they need to be able to threaten the field vertically. Yesterday was the perfect chance to do that with most of those guys still on the board. They had the ammo, and had already addressed their other 3 needs (starting caliber CB, rotational DT, and another rotational DL regardless of position). They didn’t accomplish that.

 

There were a few times that it felt like they got sniped yesterday (Tory Horton and Pooh Paul come to mind). With the amount of draft capital yesterday and lack of available roster spots, that shouldn’t have happened. They should have overpaid, if needed, to fill the remaining needs or get players that we know they liked (ie Paul). They didn’t need to preserve picks to draft a Lee Smith clone or a 3rd corner. I would have rather taken a punter for example.

 

It was an okay draft IMO. It was better at the top than as it went along which I normally don’t think of with Beane drafts. If those 3 can play it has a chance to be better than b-/c+. 🍻

This is where I’m at.  I like the haul, but question the Day 3 strategy.  They simply lack the same urgency on offense that they have with the defense - the times when Beane aggressively “goes and gets his guy” are nearly always for a defensive player.  I know he traded up for Kincaid but they need to do more of it.  They just lack urgency and proactivity when it comes to the offensive side of the ball and I think it’s because how they’re structured as an organization - they are a defense-focused group and they trust their ability to evaluate players on that side of the ball.  But it’s frustrating.

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

Love the first 3 picks, but other than Hawes, I didn’t see much I really like after the 3rd rd.  
 

I hate that we didn’t get a speed receiver to take the cover off the D especially with so many sitting there in the 4th rd.  Also don’t like missing on a real safety with 3/4 of our safeties on one year deals.  
 

Drafting 3 CB is a pretty big indictment on the quality of our depth beyond Johnson and Benford.  Dane Jackson and Ingram aren’t surviving camp.  
 

Grade A for the first 3 picks.  
Grade C- for the rest.  Overall a B.

Ingram has survived 4 camps if memory serves and is a good depth CB.  He’s not a starter, but wasn't asked be a starter.  Just break in terms of emergency.

 

Overall I was relatively happy in the draft, minus no speed WR that could’ve helped, but then again as The Rolling Stones once sang, you do t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need.

[Billzgobowlin]

I liked the draft.  I think drafting a receiver just for drafting one was probably not worth it.  This draft wasn't good with the positional talent there.  I'm a little disappointed not trading up for Malaki Starks, he was that much better than what we have at the position.  I would have traded the first round next year for him to make it happen.  I like that defense was addressed, especially since there was a strong draft for CB and DT.  This draft will be defined good or bad by Landon Jackson imo.

[Lost]

I can only grade this draft relative to the teams we are competing with and the Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles all drafted equally well or better.  

 

B- for me

[Billzgobowlin]

9 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

This is where I’m at.  I like the haul, but question the Day 3 strategy.  They simply lack the same urgency on offense that they have with the defense - the times when Beane aggressively “goes and gets his guy” are nearly always for a defensive player.  I know he traded up for Kincaid but they need to do more of it.  They just lack urgency and proactivity when it comes to the offensive side of the ball and I think it’s because how they’re structured as an organization - they are a defense-focused group and they trust their ability to evaluate players on that side of the ball.  But it’s frustrating.

They traded up for Josh Allen and I believe Torrence.

[SirAndrew]

I gave it a B. There were a lot of positives along with some question marks. The Hawes pick dropped it from a B+ because that one confused me. I like the idea of someone with athletic upside in that spot. Plenty of fifth round skill position players have gone on to great careers. A pure blocking tight end with very little athletic ability is someone I’m finding in the seventh round, or as an UDFA. Sometimes McBeane fall a little too in love with their philosophy. 

[eball]

I’m not giving a grade because we won’t know for at least 2-3 years how these guys pan out, but if there is ONE thing I’ve been consistent about it’s that we needed to get more speed and athleticism on defense — and Beane absolutely addressed that with the first five picks.  I went into this draft looking for at least two DL and two CBs, and those boxes were checked.  The strategy is sound — now we see if the players and coaches make it work.

 

I am not worried about the offense at all.  Palmer is an upgrade and I expect Coleman to improve/develop.  I also expect a jump from Kincaid, who played hurt much of last season.

 

[oldmanfan]

Incomplete as I would grade any draft until you see how guys pan out.  But a draft is supposed to shore up weaknesses and our D has been the issue.  So it was good to focus there.

[LyndonvilleBill]

47 minutes ago, Billzgobowlin said:

I liked the draft.  I think drafting a receiver just for drafting one was probably not worth it.  This draft wasn't good with the positional talent there.  I'm a little disappointed not trading up for Malaki Starks, he was that much better than what we have at the position.  I would have traded the first round next year for him to make it happen.  I like that defense was addressed, especially since there was a strong draft for CB and DT.  This draft will be defined good or bad by Landon Jackson imo.

So it'll be defined as an AWESOME draft.😉😇😁

[stlbills13]

They got 2 starters and added depth in the areas that are either depleted or don't show up in late January. That's a big win for me. 

 

It wasn't a perfect draft but I'm pleased 

[SoCal Deek]

Overall: They addressed defensive position needs. Period. Nothing more. 

 

I’m praying that one of those top three or four guys becomes way, way more than that. We desperately need a few truly elite players on defense. 

[Ralonzo]

10 hours ago, MasterStrategist said:

Grades are irrelevant, and just flat out bias at this point.  Nobody knows who will be a draft day steal, homerun pick, etc-- so many variables.  

 

Better vote/question, should be based on draft strategy and/or position target for each round, based on who was available- giving more weight to more premium picks.

 

I loved the strategy, and also felt the quality of players at those positions aligned well with exactly what we needed.  So from that perspective, I give Beane an "A" for the vision and execution.

 

I am convinced the Bills just flipped a coin at 170 to decide which order to draft the guys they liked for 170/173/177. Trouble is everyone in the world knew they LOVED Chris Paul. They took Hancock first as a project to backup safety/nickel, and the Rams snaked 172 to steal their guy. Hindsight, blah blah, but with the CB's taken in this draft, LB is now officially the weak group on the roster as it seems there was no plan B there. Bernard is extended but is always an injury risk at that size. Milano is near the end. Dorian hasn't taken the reins. Spector is all of the injury trouble of the first two combined, but all of the coverage ability of grass. Eddie O looks like a spindly-legged safety. They must love them some Andreessen, I don't know. I can see any bad luck at that position and you're back to flipping to Rolodex to 'K' for Klein or something.

[Ralonzo]

1 hour ago, Billzgobowlin said:

They traded up for Josh Allen and I believe Torrence.

 

They traded up for Cody Ford. Torrence came to them as the top-rated G in the class dropping to the bottom of the 2nd round, which the Bills had a huge need.

[RichRiderBills]

I give it a C

 

The merit is in the addressed need positions, but filled them with awkward scheme fits or longer term projects that have me wondering. 

 

A couple picks we have not done well with similar players. DT for example the Bills have a poor track record coaching up low effort or unrealized potential players we drafted 2 DTs who fit this mold. 

 

My two favorite picks are Jackson and Hawes. 

 

Late, in the draft we failed to add any LB depth or ST helps of note, doubling, tripling down on some team needs. I was surprised we didn't go for a Punter as well. 

 

I thought going OL was just silly seeing our current depth. 

Edited 12 hours ago by RichRiderBills

[H2o]

Leading up to the draft, I believe a lot of us thought the Bills would go heavy defense. Pretty much all of us were hoping for two or three DT's, myself hoping for three and two of those were true 1-Tech's. The Secondary, though addressed with ghosts of Bills' teams past, needed another long term boundary solution. One that is scheme versatile, and could excel in either Zone or Man. After that, we as fans, saw a need for a field stretching, deep threat WR. Here's what we got: 

 

30. Maxwell Hairston / CB / Kentucky - This is our versatile boundary CB who will become a stalwart in our defense (imo). Speed, instincts, and he's a real ball hawk. (Grade - A)

 

41. TJ Sanders / DT / South Carolina - He is a powerful 3-Tech who will operate in heavy rotation, AND combine with Oliver on obvious passing situations to make a fearsome duo rushing from the interior. He has lateral quickness to shake from his would be blocker and collapse the pocket from the middle. Some people didn't like the trade up, but hey, this is a good pick. (Grade - A-)

 

72. Landon Jackson / DE / Arkansas - This is a LARGE human being who gets after the QB. He has athletic traits, even at his size, which cannot be taught. A good first step, good strength, bend you don't see in too many guys his size, and a good closing burst once he beats his would be blocker. He is also good against the run. He and Groot will be as formidable a duo moving forward as we have seen. (Grade - A) 

 

109. Deone Walker / DT / Kentucky - Walker is another massive human being at 6'7" and 335lbs. He has almost 35" arms and still put up 22 bench reps at his Pro Day. He's our 1-Tech from this draft and the Bills are banking on traits here. If they can coach him up to keep his pad level lower, not playing so upright at times, then he has the ability to be dominant. In 2023 he had 8 sacks. (Grade - B)

 

170. Jordan Hancock / DB / Ohio St. - He's played CB. He's played Safety. He's like a Swiss Army knife for McD and Babich. Ultimately, I think his position will be more of that Micah Hyde Safety role. And the clay they have to mold here is more athletically gifted than Hyde was. Let's hope McD can work his Secondary magic with this guy. (Grade - B+)

 

173. Jackson Hawes / TE / Georgia Tech - We needed a 3rd TE, and got one who is one of the better blocking TE's in the class. It's hard to evaluate him as a pass catcher because of his limited opportunities (only 20 targets and 16 catches), but he seems to have good hands and can find a soft spot in a Zone. (Grade - B- )

 

177. Dorian Strong / CB / Virginia Tech - Another CB selected trying to get the talent level of our Secondary up. In my opinion, this could be our diamond in the rough. He can play in Man or Zone, and is extremely disruptive. In 2023 he allowed an 11.8 passer rating. He only gave up 83 yards on 9 catches while playing 700+ snaps and being targeted 33 times for an entire season. That's solid. His tackling needs work, but the coverage abilityis there. (Grade - A-)

 

206. Chase Lundt / OT / UConn - He's a depth OL piece with some potential. He allowed 0 sacks in 450 pass blocking reps this year. He's also as durable ad they come. Decent pick at this spot. (Grade - B)  

 

240. Kayden Prather / WR / Maryland - Decent speed, decent quicks, but nothing special. That is why he was available here. He's a Camp body and potential ST's guy. (Grade - C)

 

Overall, I am extremely happy with this draft. I think we are building a defense that wins Championships. I especially like our top 3 selections. I also like the Strong pick more than most. If Deone Walker pans out at 1-Tech and lives up to his potential, being a mammoth disrupting force, and the other picks turn into what I think they will be, this is the draft that will cement Beane and McDermott's legacy as the guys who brought a Lombardi to western NY. Ladies and gents, we got some players out of this one. Overall Grade - A-. 

 

Edited 9 hours ago by H2o

[K D]

If it's trending as a B+ on our own fan forum what do you think it would be on a more objective forum? I'd say B-. I don't think any of our rivals are scared about who we added like we were when the Chiefs got Worthy last year for instance or when the Jets got like 3 top guys a couple of years ago. Just some depth players at positions of need. No weapons. Nothing too exciting.

[finn]

11 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

Love the first 3 picks, but other than Hawes, I didn’t see much I really like after the 3rd rd.  
 

I hate that we didn’t get a speed receiver to take the cover off the D especially with so many sitting there in the 4th rd.  Also don’t like missing on a real safety with 3/4 of our safeties on one year deals.  
 

Drafting 3 CB is a pretty big indictment on the quality of our depth beyond Johnson and Benford.  Dane Jackson and Ingram aren’t surviving camp.  
 

Grade A for the first 3 picks.  
Grade C- for the rest.  Overall a B.

I agree with this analysis, except I think they should have picked a free safety in the fourth round, Billy Bowman, for example, instead of waiting until the sixth round. The Walker pick seemed like a luxury they couldn't afford with needs at safety, WR, and LB. Still, Walker might end up being a stud if he gets in shape. 

[MrEpsYtown]

35 minutes ago, Ralonzo said:

 

I am convinced the Bills just flipped a coin at 170 to decide which order to draft the guys they liked for 170/173/177. Trouble is everyone in the world knew they LOVED Chris Paul. They took Hancock first as a project to backup safety/nickel, and the Rams snaked 172 to steal their guy. Hindsight, blah blah, but with the CB's taken in this draft, LB is now officially the weak group on the roster as it seems there was no plan B there. Bernard is extended but is always an injury risk at that size. Milano is near the end. Dorian hasn't taken the reins. Spector is all of the injury trouble of the first two combined, but all of the coverage ability of grass. Eddie O looks like a spindly-legged safety. They must love them some Andreessen, I don't know. I can see any bad luck at that position and you're back to flipping to Rolodex to 'K' for Klein or something.

 

Respect, but Eddie O is jacked up

[JP51]

12 hours ago, Victory Formation said:

I wouldn’t call Sanders a reach.. He was probably the last DT that had a top 50 grade left on the board.

 

I also love the compensation that Beane got in all of his trades. His timing was perfect, not just with Sanders but with Walker and he somehow got a 3rd out of Chicago that we used on Landon Jackson.

 

This may turn out to be a better draft than our 2022 class..

I hated giving up the extra 2 until we got Landon Jackson with the 3 we got back ... it was like losing your wallet and then remembering you left it in the car and ran out and got it... like oh sh/t oh wait... Ok... 

[Since1981]

B. relative to other top 8 teams. 

Attempting to get past the two hurdles to SB:

Pat. Derrick. 

Bills brought Miller/Elam to get to Pat and missed
2025 draft/FAs is swing #2…focus on DL and DB