kgun's Where do we go?--Wide receiver

[YardRat]

Possibly a few roster spots in play here.

Re-sign our own?
Free agency?
Draft?

[kgun12]

It no secret, I’m a Beasley fan, if the price is right I’d resign him for two years. I’m not sure what else is going to be available in FA but I’d look. I would also not be against looking at a trade partner for Davis. I know he’s in a contract year and probably will have a good season, but the story that Von had a talk with him and he hit the Juggs machine for a hour just leave a bad taste.
The one thing I hope is we don’t draft this position until at least the third or fourth round, we need O-linemen.

If there is an elite WR available in FA, I would spend the money here before giving it to Edmunds!

[DraftBoy]

This position has turned into a bit of a cluster and I have no idea what they are going to do here. You have questions at literally every part of the group.

Is Diggs happy?
Can Davis get his head out of his own ass?
Who the hell is playing the #3?
Can Crowder come back from his injury?
Where do you add with limited capital? Do you go for size or speed because the group lacks both.

[YardRat]

I would re-sign Beasley also, and plan on taking two in the draft, one a slot specialist.

[Night Train]

Once they free up $, Beasley is a must. McKenzie flunked the slot. Cut or keep for returns if no Hines.

Still have hopes for Shakir. Deep threat in the draft or FA ? Must be more dependable than Davis.

[Woodman]

Once they free up $, Beasley is a must. McKenzie flunked the slot. Cut or keep for returns if no Hines.

Still have hopes for Shakir. Deep threat in the draft or FA ? Must be more dependable than Davis.

Agree!


Big year for Davis

[kgun12]

Agree!


Big year for Davis

Contract years worry me for under achieving players. Most times they do well, get their money and revert to their old ways.

[Woodman]

Contract years worry me for under achieving players. Most times they do well, get their money and revert to their old ways.
Always a concern .... I'll still take the monster season though. :D

[kgun12]

I like Allen Lazard and I don’t think he’ll break the bank.

[Woodman]

Likely on our radar!

[TigerJ]

I would re-sign Beasley also, and plan on taking two in the draft, one a slot specialist.It would be nice if we had about 10 picks in the draft or no other needs.

[kgun12]

It would be nice if we had about 10 picks in the draft or no other needs.

I know it’s not Beane’s style but I would like to see him trade out of the first round if there isn’t a blue chip prospect at 27, to get extra picks maybe with a top 5-7 pick in the second round.

[Woodman]

I know it’s not Beane’s style but I would like to see him trade out of the first round if there isn’t a blue chip prospect at 27, to get extra picks maybe with a top 5-7 pick in the second round.

I'd love the trade back approach.

[notacon]

Diggs, Davis and Shakir are not going anywhere.

Davis has a lot to prove, as he showed in 2022 that he is not up to being the clear #2 WR. Maybe his contract year will improve his rout running and hands....but either way, the Bills must pay attention to WR’s in the pass happy NFL, with an elite QB on the team.

Shakir has shown some potential, and should get substantial consideration for more playing time. It would be greta if he could nail down the slot position and bring some speed there....hat was the idea with McKenzie, but, unfortunately he was not up t the task.

McKenizie should be cut. He failed even more than Davis in showing he can be a reliable WR.

Beasley should be signed to a vet minimum one year deal. He’s good depth but not anywhere close to being the answer at WR.

Crowder is probably good as gone. Kumerow, being more special teams value than WR, is probably gone too. That’s why Zane Anderson was signed. He is destined to relied on for special teams.

The Bills had six WR on the active roster to start 2022. If one assumes six for 2023, that leaves two spots open after Diggs, Davis, Shakir and Beasley.

Drafting a WR in the first two rounds is pretty critical. Depending on how the draft shakes out, no one would be surprised if they grab one in the first round. Although, if Bijan Robinson falls out of the top 20 to 22, the Bills should go after him.

Then take the best WR on their board and take him in the second round (or move up a few spots if necessary).

There will be several mid-range WR’s available in FA, and the Bills have to sign one of them. Ideally he should pressure Davis for the #2 WR spot.

[cookie G]

Davis really needs to just work on the dropsies. Considering its a contract year for him, he'd do well the spend all of his time doing so. He could probably talk to Andre Reed, who was always doing things to improve his catch ability.

As far as the draft, its probably not going ot be the year for true speed people like last year, where the WR class set a record at the Combine for WRs running a sub 4.4.

Hyatt from Tenn. is probably the WR I'd consider in the 1st, just because his speed pops out at you. Ask the Bama safeties how fast he is. They didn't know it before the game, but they know it now. But even he has question marks. slight build, might have trouble getting off the line. And he didn't have to run many routes at Tenn. But speed is something we don't have too much of, and you can't teach it.

Other than that, there are others in the draft that can contribute in different ways.

-Perry from Wake Forest is 6'5" with good hands;
-Tank Dell from Houston is small and skinny;, but no one could cover him in the Senior Bowl practices, the separation he was getting was impressive;
- Jayden Reed from Michigan St. was another thy couldn't cover at the Senior Bowl, he was getting open short, medium and deep.
-Iosivas from Princeton didn't look bad,but not as fast as he's bene advertised. (rumored to run a 4.2 40). But he's still fast, and is 6'2" and around 200.

talent is there, even in the mid rounds, and idk...I don't hate our WR corps as is.

Just give SHakir more time on the field and targets.

[kgun12]

Davis really needs to just work on the dropsies. Considering its a contract year for him, he'd do well the spend all of his time doing so. He could probably talk to Andre Reed, who was always doing things to improve his catch ability.

As far as the draft, its probably not going ot be the year for true speed people like last year, where the WR class set a record at the Combine for WRs running a sub 4.4.

Hyatt from Tenn. is probably the WR I'd consider in the 1st, just because his speed pops out at you. Ask the Bama safeties how fast he is. They didn't know it before the game, but they know it now. But even he has question marks. slight build, might have trouble getting off the line. And he didn't have to run many routes at Tenn. But speed is something we don't have too much of, and you can't teach it.

Other than that, there are others in the draft that can contribute in different ways.

-Perry from Wake Forest is 6'5" with good hands;
-Tank Dell from Houston is small and skinny;, but no one could cover him in the Senior Bowl practices, the separation he was getting was impressive;
- Jayden Reed from Michigan St. was another thy couldn't cover at the Senior Bowl, he was getting open short, medium and deep.
-Iosivas from Princeton didn't look bad,but not as fast as he's bene advertised. (rumored to run a 4.2 40). But he's still fast, and is 6'2" and around 200.

talent is there, even in the mid rounds, and idk...I don't hate our WR corps as is.

Just give SHakir more time on the field and targets.

Good post, informative.

[TigerJ]

I'm in favor of a trade back. Of course, that depends on finding a willing partner.

[Mace]

Re sign Beasly...Davis = hope + juggs machine....use Shakir....draft Puka Nacua in 3rd

[kgun12]

Re sign Beasly...Davis = hope + juggs machine....use Shakir....draft Puka Nacua in 3rd

I agree the third round or later for other positions, the first to need to go after O/D line help unless they can address them in FA which I doubt.

[Mace]

I agree the third round or later for other positions, the first to need to go after O/D line help unless they can address them in FA which I doubt.

Interested in Nacua. Can play slot or outside...can jet sweep with an eye for holes and no blazing speed. Did well at senior bowl...great hands...agility..contested catches....motor...competitive...and loves to block. Projected as early day 3 pick...worth the 3rd if he's there imho.

[kgun12]

Interested in Nacua. Can play slot or outside...can jet sweep with an eye for holes and no blazing speed. Did well at senior bowl...great hands...agility..contested catches....motor...competitive...and loves to block. Projected as early day 3 pick...worth the 3rd if he's there imho.

Agreed. With so few picks, this is the kind of players we have to hit on in the later rounds!

[sukie]

Agreed. With so few picks, this is the kind of players we have to hit on in the later rounds!

Meh, McD won’t play a rookie.







I kid, I kid.

[kgun12]

Meh, McD won’t play a rookie.







I kid, I kid.

Good point!

[YardRat]

I like Hyatt a lot. If we could snag him in the first and then pick up Downs or Rice for the slot I'd be OK with that.

[Mace]

I like Hyatt a lot. If we could snag him in the first and then pick up Downs or Rice for the slot I'd be OK with that.

Have to admit...I want Torrence bad in the 1st at guard.

[YardRat]

Have to admit...I want Torrence bad in the 1st at guard.

I just don't see Beane using a #1 on the oline...maybe if Torrence drops to us in the second, but that's unlikely.

[Mace]

I just don't see Beane using a #1 on the oline...maybe if Torrence drops to us in the second, but that's unlikely.

I don't either...but I feel he'd better....and start telling McDermott how to use the process instead of asking. They won't play rookies enough and need to stop throwing junk in front to protect Allen because he's going to get damaged bouncing balls on concrete hands while fleeing. We're too deep into program shelf life to think we can finesse this any more....imho.

[BLUTO]

Get Beasley back - Josh trusts him 100%

[BLUTO]

The HC has a defensive mind and I don't think our young OC has much input in player/roster decisions. It's kind of a mess.

[Woodman]

The HC has a defensive mind and I don't think our young OC has much input in player/roster decisions. It's kind of a mess.
Huge mess.

[Woodman]

Get Beasley back - Josh trusts him 100%

Gotta have Beasley that's for sure.

[Woodman]

Have to admit...I want Torrence bad in the 1st at guard.

If he's there I think he's got a great shot at being our pick.

[kgun12]

I don't either...but I feel he'd better....and start telling McDermott how to use the process instead of asking. They won't play rookies enough and need to stop throwing junk in front to protect Allen because he's going to get damaged bouncing balls on concrete hands while fleeing. We're too deep into program shelf life to think we can finesse this any more....imho.

I’m not sure what the process is! Think about it we draft a RB in the second round, we trade for Hines which is pretty much Cook with a couple more years and then we abandon the running game in almost every game. This offense revolves around Josh and the passing game. Forget RB and draft OL and or WR preferably in that order!

[Mr. Pink]

In FA I like DJ Chark. Unfortunately it's a weak FA WR class so he might command more money than we can afford to give him. We need someone who has speed and can stretch the field. Chark would provide that. All depends on what kind of money he's looking for.

Draft wise - Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee. Legitimate track speed. Wouldn't be surprised if he runs the 40 sub 4.3. Problem is the way he was used in TN there's no way to know if he can beat press coverage or a jam. If you can't get off the line, it doesn't matter what kind of speed you have. But you can't teach the kind of speed this dude has. He's likely a round 1 or 2 prospect and I don't know if he'll still be on the board when our pick in round 2 comes up.

[notacon]

In FA I like DJ Chark. Unfortunately it's a weak FA WR class so he might command more money than we can afford to give him. We need someone who has speed and can stretch the field. Chark would provide that. All depends on what kind of money he's looking for.

Draft wise - Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee. Legitimate track speed. Wouldn't be surprised if he runs the 40 sub 4.3. Problem is the way he was used in TN there's no way to know if he can beat press coverage or a jam. If you can't get off the line, it doesn't matter what kind of speed you have. But you can't teach the kind of speed this dude has. He's likely a round 1 or 2 prospect and I don't know if he'll still be on the board when our pick in round 2 comes up.

FYI....Joe Buscaglia has published his “pre-combine Bills-only mock draft, along with the breakdown of The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler on some of the class (https://theathletic.com/4214163/2023/02/22/bills-nfl-mock-draft-2023/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983)"....



Round 1, Pick 27 – WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

If there’s one thing we know about Bills general manager Brandon Beane and his drafting style in the first round, it’s that he’s looking to swing for the fences. He wants a prospect and person he believes in, one who will put in the necessary work. That’s Hyatt, who, although he only has the one breakout year in 2022 under his belt, would give the Bills a skill set they don’t have — a potential instant impact and high ceiling as he develops his route tree to complement Stefon Diggs (https://theathletic.com/nfl/player/stefon-diggs-lPTtUiEJUgmoQukD/) into the future.

Hyatt has unbelievable speed and deceptive nuances to his movements to get behind any defender. He would give the Bills a receiver who could take advantage of Josh Allen (https://theathletic.com/nfl/player/josh-allen-9zLTUSPpy6pFa4xs/)’s arm while drawing attention from defenders whenever he’s on the field. Hyatt has experience both on the boundary and as a slot receiver, readying for an immediate top-four role in 2023 while eventually becoming a locked-in top-two receiver who can line up wherever they want him. He also has reliable hands, which receivers not named Diggs struggled with during the 2022 season.

His work ethic and underdog mentality (https://theathletic.com/3734378/2022/10/27/jalin-hyatt-tennessee-football/), captured by The Athletic’s Andy Staples earlier this year, also show the wiring Beane and coach Sean McDermott usually gravitate toward with their top pick. It remains to be seen if Hyatt rises up draft boards over the next two months. But if he’s available when the Bills are on the board, he should be in the conversation.

Brugler on Hyatt: “For teams looking for a polished route runner who can uncover quickly in the short-to-intermediate part of the field, Jalin Hyatt won’t be valued this high. But for those coveting field-stretching speed, tracking skills and reliable hands, the Tennessee product will have value in the top 25.”


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Other mock draft picks.....


Round 2, Pick 59 – G/C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin<o:p></o:p>

Round 3, Pick 91 – S Jammie Robinson, Florida State<o:p></o:p>

Round 4, Pick 130 – RB Roschon Johnson, Texas<o:p></o:p>

Round 5, Pick 139 (from Arizona) – DT Karl Brooks, Bowling Green<o:p></o:p>

Round 6, Pick 205 – TE Payne Durham, Purdue<o:p></o:p>

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[Woodman]

I’m not sure what the process is! Think about it we draft a RB in the second round, we trade for Hines which is pretty much Cook with a couple more years and then we abandon the running game in almost every game. This offense revolves around Josh and the passing game. Forget RB and draft OL and or WR preferably in that order!

:10: Let's protect and weaponize !!

[jamze132]

Hodgins would have looked nice…

[Woodman]

Hodgins would have looked nice…

That was DaBoll's exit kick in the nuts.

[notacon]

Hodgins would have looked nice…

Maybe as the fifth WR. The reason the Bills had him on the practice squad was because he was not good enough to crack the depth chart at WR of Diggs, Davis, McKenzie, Crowder and Shakir. If he had an ounce of value on special teams he would be on the opening day roster instead of Kumerow as the #6 WR.

He got his chance and was active for a couple of games, he was just not good enough to maintain a roster spot.

The Giants picked him up because their WR room is one of the ****tiest in the NFL. And Hodgins is a OK WR., known by Daboll and Joe Schoen.

He may even stick on their roster, mainly because he’s cheap as dirt....he was signed for 2023 for only $870K. One year contract.

One of the Giants major points of emphasis is to improve their WR room. It will be interesting to see how that go about doing that. I wish Hodgins all the best of luck, but it will not surprise anyone if he falls on the depth chart on the Giants as they target WR’s in the draft and FA.

I will certainly not cry in my milk about not having Hodgins on the Bills. We need much better WR's that he is.

[swiper]

Maybe as the fifth WR. The reason the Bills had him on the practice squad was because he was not good enough to crack the depth chart at WR of Diggs, Davis, McKenzie, Crowder and Shakir. If he had an ounce of value on special teams he would be on the opening day roster instead of Kumerow as the #6 WR.

He got his chance and was active for a couple of games, he was just not good enough to maintain a roster spot.

The Giants picked him up because their WR room is one of the ****tiest in the NFL. And Hodgins is a OK WR., known by Daboll and Joe Schoen.

He may even stick on their roster, mainly because he’s cheap as dirt....he was signed for 2023 for only $870K. One year contract.

One of the Giants major points of emphasis is to improve their WR room. It will be interesting to see how that go about doing that. I wish Hodgins all the best of luck, but it will not surprise anyone if he falls on the depth chart on the Giants as they target WR’s in the draft and FA.

I will certainly not cry in my milk about not having Hodgins on the Bills. We need much better WR's that he is.

As usual, you don't have a clue what you're talking about. Go away.

[sukie]

I also don’t mind Hodgins being a Giant.