Top 30 visits [Archive] - BillsZone.com

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YardRat

04-05-2023, 08:32 AM

Buffalo Bills (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/BUF/buffalo-bills/)

TE Payne Durham (Purdue) (https://twitter.com/JustinM_NFL/status/1634353190647873538?s=20)
OL Steve Avila (TCU) (https://twitter.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1626241304979193862?s=20)
DL Gervon Dexter (Florida) (https://steelersnow.com/steelers-to-host-florida-dl-gervon-dexter-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit/)
DT Jaquelin Roy (LSU) (https://twitter.com/ErikJTurner/status/1634370631541174272?s=20)
OL O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida) (https://twitter.com/JustinM_NFL/status/1635284787341717511?s=20)
WR Tank Dell (Houston) (https://twitter.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1637864074431062025?s=20)
RB Tyjae Spears (Tulane) (https://twitter.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1639006716372058112?s=20)
OT Darnell Wright (Tennessee) (https://twitter.com/RyanTalbotBills/status/1642263827566788609?s=20)

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-30-visits-tracker-cowboys-hosting-top-wr-prospects-jalen-carter-visiting-top-10-teams/

Woodman

04-05-2023, 08:36 AM

Looks like there are a few more interested in Torrence.

O'Cyrus Torrence to visit Steelers, Commanders this week - ProFootballTalk (https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/04/05/ocyrus-torrence-to-visit-steelers-commanders-this-week/)

Guard O’Cyrus Torrence believes he is the most dominant (https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/31/ocyrus-torrence-im-the-most-dominant-interior-lineman-in-the-draft/) interior offensive lineman in this year’s draft class and he’ll make his case to a couple of teams this week.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Torrence is set to meet with the Steelers on Wednesday and the Commanders on Thursday. The Commanders have the 16th pick in the first round later this month and the Steelers have the next pick.

POTLAND PSILBYLO

04-05-2023, 11:08 AM

O'Cyrus

notacon

04-05-2023, 12:21 PM

DraftBoy

04-05-2023, 02:18 PM

Jordan Addison is visiting the Bills.

Canadian'eh!

04-05-2023, 02:30 PM

Cyrus would be a solid pick if he's still there at 27.

Little surprised there's no ILB's listed. We know the Bills recent history is to take a player they host, so these visits say a lot.

Woodman

04-06-2023, 04:47 PM

Buffalo Bills hosting OT Darnell Wright on top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/6/23672915/buffalo-bills-will-host-ot-darnell-wright-on-top-30-pre-nfl-draft-visit-jason-peters)

Buffalo Bills hosted WR Tank Dell for official top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/6/23673183/buffalo-bills-hosted-wr-nathaniel-tank-dell-for-official-top-30-pre-draft-visit)

notacon

04-07-2023, 12:39 PM

The full list of Bills “visits” (as of 4/7/23) from WalterFootball (https://walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byteam)sorted by position and emphasis by number of players in each position paints an interesting picture.

I have included the ranking of each player as supplied by ESPN Scout's Inc. (https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/rankings?year=2023) in both overall and by position and the type of interaction between player and the Bills (see the key)...

<tbody>

POS
OVER RANK
POS RANK
SCHOOL
TYPE

Jordan Addison^
WR
14
2
USC
COM, PRO

Zay Flowers
WR
31
4
Boston College
COM

Josh Downs
WR
39
5
North Carolina
COM

Jayden Reed
WR
140
17
Michigan State
COM

Nathaniel Dell^
WR
229
34
Houston
PRI, WOR

Michael Wilson
WR
240
35
Stanford
COM

Brian Branch
S
23
1
Alabama
WOR

Jammie Robinson
S
85
4
Florida State
COM

Ji'Ayir Brown
S
88
5
Penn State
COM

Christian Young
S
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Arizona
WOR

Bijan Robinson^
RB
9
1
Texas
COM, PRO

Tyjae Spears
RB
172
13
Tulane
WOR

Roschon Johnson
RB
207
16
Texas
PRO

Tuli Tuipulotu
DE
49
6
USC
COM

Byron Young
DE
62
8
Tennessee
COM

Adetomiwa Adebawore
DE
156
18
Northwestern
COM

Michael Mayer
TE
11
1
Notre Dame
COM

Darnell Washington
TE
47
3
Georgia
COM

Luke Schoonmaker
TE
92
8
Michigan
COM

Riley Moss
CB
71
11
Iowa
COM

Julius Brents
CB
300
24
Kansas State
COM

Jaquelin Roy
DT
114
11
LSU
PRI

Gervon Dexter
DT
177
15
Florida
PRI

O'Cyrus Torrence^
G
28
1
Florida
PRI, PRO

Juice Scruggs
C
223
13
Penn State
VIR

Darnell Wright
OT
117
11
Tennessee
PRI

Trenton Simpson
ILB
40
2
Clemson
COM

Nolan Smith
OLB
42
4
Georgia
COM

Key

SR - Senior Bowl meeting.

EW - East-West Shrine meeting.

COM - Combine meeting.

INT - Interested.

VINT - Very Interested.

PRO - Pro Day or campus meeting/workout.

LOC - Local visit. Prospect making a local visit.

PRI - Private visit. Prospect making an official 30 visit.

WOR - Private Workout. Members of an organization working out a player in private.

STM - Some Type of Meeting.

VIR - Virtual Meeting.

% - indicates more than one meeting at an event.

^ - has met with team at more than one event.

# - indicates meeting set up outside of the 2023 Senior Bowl or the 2023 East-West Shrine Game

</tbody>

It’s very obvious the Bills are concentrating on WR, as they should be.

TigerJ

04-07-2023, 02:51 PM

Adetomiwa Adebawore is a fascinating prospect. He's built a little like Ed Oliver. His height and weight are like a small defensive tackle, but he ran an insane 4.49 40 at the combine. By comparison, he's faster than most of Buffalo's starting safeties and most of their backup cornerbacks. I don't really expect the Bills to draft him, but he could be a moveable chess piece on the defensive line.

killabuf

04-08-2023, 07:45 AM

cookie G

04-08-2023, 09:15 AM

All I know is that I get really excited watch tank dell. Hes a gamer blue chip player. Man he’d be exciting in our offense. Hope we get him at some point. But hard to ignore our online was horrendous especially when it mattered the most. LB I don’t what the f they are thinking should have had a stop gap in FA with the shortage off of the ball lb’s this year.

Dell left the Mobile practice field littered with the jock straps of DB's.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qdxr89tIJDg" title="Nathaniel "Tank" Dell Houston WR FULL Senior Bowl 2023 Highlights" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

cookie G

04-08-2023, 09:18 AM

The Bills met with Matt Bergeron, even if it wasn't an official visit. Kromer was overseeing his drills at his Pro Day.

YardRat

04-10-2023, 03:34 PM

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Top 30 scheduled with the Bills per Rappaport.

Woodman

04-11-2023, 08:51 AM

Jordan Addison slated to meet with Bills, Giants, Vikings - ProFootballTalk (https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/04/11/jordan-addison-slated-to-meet-with-bills-giants-vikings/)

Jordan Addison slated to meet with Bills, Giants, Vikings
Posted by Josh Alper on April 11, 2023, 9:09 AM EDT

notacon

04-11-2023, 01:13 PM

An UPDATED full list of Bills “visits” (as of 4/11/23) from WalterFootball (https://walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byteam)sorted by position and emphasis by number of players in each position paints an interesting picture.

I have included an UPDATED ranking (which is changed as the draft season progresses, like any good analysis) of each player as supplied by ESPN Scout's Inc. (https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/rankings?year=2023) in both overall and by position and the type of interaction between player and the Bills (see the key)...

<tbody>

POS
OVER RANK
POS RANK
SCHOOL
TYPE

Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR
14
1
Ohio State
PRI

Zay Flowers
WR
19
2
Boston College
COM

Jordan Addison^
WR
29
4
USC
COM, PRO

Jalin Hyatt
WR
42
5
Tennessee
PRI

Josh Downs
WR
56
7
North Carolina
COM

Nathaniel Dell^
WR
72
9
Houston
PRI, WOR

Jayden Reed
WR
80
12
Michigan State
COM

Michael Wilson
WR
258
35
Stanford
COM

Justin Marshall^
WR
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Buffalo
WOR, LOC

Brian Branch
S
38
1
Alabama
WOR

Ji'Ayir Brown
S
73
3
Penn State
COM

Jordan Battle
S
91
5
Alabama
PRI

Jammie Robinson
S
136
12
Florida State
COM

Christian Young
S
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Arizona
WOR

Michael Mayer
TE
20
1
Notre Dame
COM

Darnell Washington
TE
31
3
Georgia
COM

Luke Schoonmaker
TE
117
9
Michigan
COM

Payne Durham
TE
232
15
Pudue
VIR

Bijan Robinson^
RB
4
1
Texas
COM, PRO

Tyjae Spears
RB
93
5
Tulane
WOR

Roschon Johnson
RB
220
17
Texas
PRO

Adetomiwa Adebawore
DE
30
6
Northwestern
COM

Byron Young
DE
50
7
Tennessee
COM

Tuli Tuipulotu
DE
61
9
USC
COM

Zacch Pickens
DT
105
9
South Carolina
PRI

Jaquelin Roy
DT
114
10
LSU
PRI

Gervon Dexter
DT
166
13
Florida
PRI

Julius Brents
CB
48
9
Kansas State
COM

Riley Moss
CB
70
11
Iowa
COM

John Michael Schmitz
C
43
2
Minnesota
VIR

Juice Scruggs
C
199
10
Penn State
VIR

Nolan Smith
OLB
13
2
Georgia
COM

Derick Hall
OLB
68
10
Auburn
VIR

O'Cyrus Torrence^
G
36
1
Florida
PRI, PRO

Darnell Wright
OT
18
4
Tennessee
PRI

Trenton Simpson
ILB
40
2
Clemson
COM

Key

SR - Senior Bowl meeting.

EW - East-West Shrine meeting.

COM - Combine meeting.

INT - Interested.

VINT - Very Interested.

PRO - Pro Day or campus meeting/workout.

LOC - Local visit. Prospect making a local visit.

PRI - Private visit. Prospect making an official 30 visit.

WOR - Private Workout. Members of an organization working out a player in private.

STM - Some Type of Meeting.

VIR - Virtual Meeting.

% - indicates more than one meeting at an event.

^ - has met with team at more than one event.

# - indicates meeting set up outside of the 2023 Senior Bowl or the 2023 East-West Shrine Game

</tbody>

It’s still very obvious that the Bills are concentrating on WR, as they should be, and not so much on LB. Especially ILB, with only one contact. Sure looks like they are heading toward a high draft pick on WR.

Plus not so much on OL, which the additions in FA have already addressed the most pressing needs.

Oaf

04-12-2023, 04:21 AM

Thanks Nota. Wasn't Steve Avila on the list?

Saratoga Slim

04-12-2023, 06:10 AM

With the exception of O’Cyrus Torrence, these are all late round (in some cases very late round) prospects. :yawn:

Darnell Wright is a likely 1st rounder. Steve Avila probably early 2nd. Tank Dell 2nd-3rd.

Anyway…not the complete list of visits

Woodman

04-12-2023, 09:16 AM

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Top 30 scheduled with the Bills per Rappaport.

Buffalo Bills to host Jaxon Smith-Njigba on top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/12/23679710/buffalo-bills-to-host-jaxon-smith-njigba-on-top-30-pre-draft-visit-ian-rapoport-stefon-diggs-osu)

notacon

04-12-2023, 12:45 PM

Thanks Nota. Wasn't Steve Avila on the list?

You’re welcome. No, he wasn’t. Not on the list from WalterFootball anyway. That seems to be the most comprehensive with notations on what type of visit which are pretty interesting....no list is 100% comprehensive that I’ve seen.

I do see other sources with Steve Avila visiting the Bills. CBS sports has him and RB Kendra Miller (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-30-visits-tracker-bryce-young-texans-meet-will-levis-to-visit-with-falcons-buccaneers/) that Walter does not. But, CBS’ list is not even close to complete with only 12 players.

Another name just cropped up this morning, DL Mazi Smith from a “source” from Ian Rapport (https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-wednesday-april-12).

For my own purposes, I will add visits from other sources on my spreadsheet, that way I can compare visits to draft picks and see if there were any that they were not reported as meeting being picked.

With only two weeks until the draft, it’s to the point that ‘let’s get it over with already’ setting in. :D:

notacon

04-12-2023, 12:56 PM

BTW....the three players not on the list I presented from WalterFootball but from other sources, are ranked thusly from Scouts’ Inc....

G Steve Avila - #54 overall - #2 G
RB Kendre Miller - #150 overall - #11 RB
DL Mazi Smith - #33 overall - #3 DL

04-12-2023, 01:49 PM

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Top 30 scheduled with the Bills per Rappaport.
If the Bills do try and make a significant move up the board, I think Njigba is the player they'd be targeting. He seems like the only WR worthy of a first round pick, otherwise might as well wait until day 2. He'd be a great fit for this offense.

Woodman

04-12-2023, 03:08 PM

Woodman

04-12-2023, 03:11 PM

If the Bills do try and make a significant move up the board, I think Njigba is the player they'd be targeting. He seems like the only WR worthy of a first round pick, otherwise might as well wait until day 2. He'd be a great fit for this offense.

He had a great 2021 season.

After that there are questions.

swiper

04-12-2023, 08:04 PM

Mazi Smith in Buffalo today, with Bills among several teams showing interest - ProFootballTalk (https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/04/12/mazi-smith-in-buffalo-today-with-bills-among-several-teams-showing-interest/)

Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith is on a top-30, pre-draft visit to Buffalo today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.
Smith has drawn pre-draft interest from more than half the league.

“Smith is the best run-stopping tackle in this class,” writes ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who slotted Smith to the Cardinals at No. 41. “He is so strong at the point of attack. He’ll never rack up sacks, but he can eat up blockers in the run game.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/michigan-dt-mazi-smith-meets-with-bills-20-other-teams-ahead-of-nfl-draft/ar-AA19MNI6

Sounds like Ed Oliver's replacement.

Woodman

04-14-2023, 09:23 PM

Would love to have him.

Woodman

04-18-2023, 02:08 PM

Buffalo Bills hosting TE Luke Musgrave on top-30 visit
Buffalo Bills hosting TE Luke Musgrave on top-30 visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/18/23683009/buffalo-bills-hosting-te-luke-musgrave-on-top-30-visit-ryan-fowler-nfl-draft-network-dawson-knox)

Woodman

04-19-2023, 11:23 AM

Deonte Banks closes out pre-draft visits with Bills - ProFootballTalk (https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/04/19/deonte-banks-closes-out-pre-draft-visits-with-bills/)

Cornerback Deonte Banks has been a busy man on the pre-draft circuit and his final trip will take him to Buffalo.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Banks is meeting with (https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1648705660559802376) the Bills on Wednesday. It is the final day that teams can host prospects at their facilities.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 10:16 AM

WR Justin Shorter met with Buffalo Bills for top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23683002/wr-justin-shorter-met-with-buffalo-bills-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit-florida-penn-state)

Florida wide receiver Justin Shorter recently shared a video of the Buffalo Bills (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/)’ Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Field House on his Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jshortz_6/?hl=en) story. While that video is no longer available, the consensus is that it indicates Shorter meeting with the Bills for a pre-draft top-30 meeting.
Shorter is a tall and stacked receiver (6’4”, 229 pounds), whose physical appearance is reminiscent of DK Metcalf. His stature is the prototypical build for a modern NFL receiver, though some analysts wonder if he some teams might look to convert him to a tight end in the pros.
Beginning his college career at Penn State, Shorter struggled to contribute. Prior to his junior season, Shorter transferred to Florida and saw a significant jump in production. As a senior in 2021, Shorter caught 41 passes for 550 yards with three touchdowns. In 2022 as a fifth-year senior, Shorter made 29 catches for 577 yards and two touchdowns.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 10:18 AM

Buffalo Bills and WR Jalin Hyatt gathered for pre-draft top-30 visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23683006/buffalo-bills-and-wr-jalin-hyatt-gathered-for-pre-draft-top-30-visit-tennessee-volunteers-nfl)

Hyatt’s 2022 campaign represented a true breakout, catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 starts. That effort earned him the Fred Biletnikoff Award — presented to the most outstanding American college football receiver — as well as first-team Associated Press All-American accolades.
Jalin Hyatt is built long and lean, standing 6’ and weighing 176 pounds with 32 1/2” arms and 9” hands. At the NFL combine (https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine), Hyatt ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, a 1.5-second 10-yard split, as well a 40” vertical, and 11’3” broad jump. Hyatt’s best routes tend to be those that allow him to stretch a defense as though running a track heat.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 10:20 AM

TE Darnell Washington meets with Buffalo Bills for top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23682998/te-darnell-washington-meets-with-buffalo-bills-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit-nfl-news-georgia-bulldogs)

Per Next Gen Stats, Washington’s athleticism score was the second-highest among tight ends at the NFL combine (https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine). On the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium, Washington clocked a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, with a 1.57-second 10-yard split, 4.08-second 20-yard shuttle to go along with a 31” vertical and 10’2” broad jump.
Does Darnell Washington fit the Bills? I might as well ask you about things bears do in the woods, because Washington is the type of player any team should find reason to add. His strength and tenacity as a proficient blocker could potentially enhance the team’s blocking, especially in the run game. As a receiver, he’d bring a profile unmatched by anyone on Buffalo’s roster. Yes, many analysts believe he will need to further refine both his blocking and receiving games but, without doubt, Washington would give the Bills’ offense an incredible chess piece to mold. Unleashing Washington near the goal line and/or in play-action sets is a tantalizing prospect to consider — a true size mismatch against almost every player he’d encounter.

notacon

04-20-2023, 12:10 PM

This is the final spreadsheet of every type of contact between the Bills and draft prospects as gleaned from every source I could find. The bulk are from WalterFootball (https://walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byteam)as is the key of what type of visit. Rankings are from Scout’s Inc (https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/rankings?year=2023). last week (they change slightly as the draft gets closer). Sorted by the most visits for each position.

<tbody>

POS
OVER RANK
POS RANK
SCHOOL
TYPE

Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR
14
1
Ohio State
PRI

Zay Flowers
WR
19
2
Boston College
COM, PRI

Jordan Addison^
WR
29
4
USC
COM, PRO, PRI

Jalin Hyatt
WR
42
5
Tennessee
PRI

Josh Downs
WR
56
7
North Carolina
COM

Nathaniel Dell^
WR
72
9
Houston
PRI, WOR

Jayden Reed
WR
80
12
Michigan State
COM

Justin Shorter
WR
196
26
Florida
Syrcuse.com

Michael Wilson
WR
258
35
Stanford
COM

Justin Marshall^
WR
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Buffalo
WOR, LOC

Michael Mayer
TE
20
1
Notre Dame
COM

Darnell Washington
TE
31
3
Georgia
COM

Luke Musgrave
TE
49
4
Oregon State
N/A

Sam LaPorta
TE
63
6
Iowa
WOR

Tucker Kraft
TE
81
7
SD State
COM

Luke Schoonmaker
TE
117
9
Michigan
COM

Payne Durham
TE
232
15
Pudue
VIR

Brian Branch
S
38
1
Alabama
WOR

Ji'Ayir Brown
S
73
3
Penn State
COM

Jordan Battle
S
91
5
Alabama
PRI

Jammie Robinson
S
136
12
Florida State
COM

Christian Young
S
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Arizona
WOR

Marte Mapu
S
Not Ranked
Not Ranked
Scramento State
Sacramento Bee

Deonte Banks
CB
26
5
Maryland
N/A

Julius Brents
CB
48
9
Kansas State
COM

Riley Moss
CB
70
11
Iowa
COM

Jartavius Martin
CB
104
7
Illinois
PRI

Darrell Luter
CB
190
23
S. Alabama
N/A

Bijan Robinson^
RB
4
1
Texas
COM, PRO

Tyjae Spears
RB
93
5
Tulane
WOR

Kendre Miller
RB
150
11
TCU
CBS Sports

Roschon Johnson
RB
220
17
Texas
PRO

Mazi Smith
DT
33
3
Michigan
PRI

Zacch Pickens
DT
105
9
South Carolina
PRI

Jaquelin Roy
DT
114
10
LSU
PRI

Gervon Dexter
DT
166
13
Florida
PRI

Adetomiwa Adebawore
DE
30
6
Northwestern
COM

Byron Young
DE
50
7
Tennessee
COM

Tuli Tuipulotu
DE
61
9
USC
COM

John Michael Schmitz
C
43
2
Minnesota
VIR

Juice Scruggs
C
199
10
Penn State
VIR

Nolan Smith
OLB
13
2
Georgia
COM

Derick Hall
OLB
68
10
Auburn
VIR

O'Cyrus Torrence^
G
36
1
Florida
PRI, PRO

Steve Avila
G
54
2
TCU
CBS Sports

Darnell Wright
OT
18
4
Tennessee
PRI

Anton Harrison
OT
39
5
Oklahoma
PRI

Trenton Simpson
ILB
40
2
Clemson
COM

Drew Sanders
ILB
57
2
Arkansas
Buffalo Rumblings

Key

SR - Senior Bowl meeting.

EW - East-West Shrine meeting.

COM - Combine meeting.

INT - Interested.

VINT - Very Interested.

PRO - Pro Day or campus meeting/workout.

LOC - Local visit. Prospect making a local visit.

PRI - Private visit. Prospect making an official 30 visit.

WOR - Private Workout. Members of an organization working out a player in private.

STM - Some Type of Meeting.

VIR - Virtual Meeting.

% - indicates more than one meeting at an event.

^ - has met with team at more than one event.

# - indicates meeting set up outside of the 2023 Senior Bowl or the 2023 East-West Shrine Game

</tbody>

What is glaring is the one player that has been mentioned quite a bit by many Bills fans, Jack Campbell, apparently has had no contact with the Bills whatsoever.

Also interesting is the emphasis on WR’s & TE. This years crop of TE’s is supposed to the one of the best in years up and down the draft board. WR’s, not so much with very few prospects truly worthy of a first round pick (although they still will go there) much less a top 15.

Some NFL scouts are saying it’s the worst WR crop in 30 years, with no real #1 WR’s “out of the can” there.

The Bills don’t need a #1 WR. They will be well served with a #3 slot receiver or one who can compete for the #2 WR spot going forward. The Bills don’t need a #1 TE either, but a solid #2 could probably be had in the middle rounds.

It’s going to be very interesting to compare the final draft selections with this list. Will the Bills draft players they had no (known) contact with??? Inquiring minds want to know.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 01:57 PM

Buffalo Bills and DL Gervon Dexter Sr. engaged in top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23678261/buffalo-bills-and-dl-gervon-dexter-sr-engaged-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit-florida-nfl-combine)

Dexter is a 6’6”, 310-pound interior defensive lineman projected as a Day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft). A three-sport athlete in high school (basketball, track & field discus throw, football), Dexter entered the college realm as one of the nation’s top high school prospects. In three seasons, Dexter made 125 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Dexter ran a blistering 4.88-second 40-yard dash, 1.81-second 10-yard split, 7.5-second 3-cone drill, 31” vertical jump, and 9’2” broad jump. His bench press was a disappointing 22 reps.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 06:52 PM

Buffalo Bills brought in DT Jaquelin Roy for top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23678267/buffalo-bills-brought-in-dt-jaquelin-roy-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit-nfl-lsu-tigers)

Jaquelin Roy is a decently sized DT, standing 6’3” and weighing 305 pounds. He put together a decent resume with LSU, totaling 97 tackles (13.5 tackles for loss), four sacks, one forced fumbler, and three fumble recoveries over the course of three seasons.

Roy appeared in 30 games, though the 2022 season was his only as campaign as a full-time starter. As such, Roy will need to further develop his role on the defensive line, both as a run defender and pass rusher. It’s likely he just needs more experience and reps to bring out his full potential, because his intangibles paint the picture of a player who should find success in the NFL.

Woodman

04-20-2023, 06:54 PM

DL Zacch Pickens met with Buffalo Bills for top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/20/23683008/dl-zacch-pickens-met-with-buffalo-bills-for-top-30-pre-draft-visit-nfl)

In four years with the Gamecocks, Pickens played 1,764 snaps in 47 games, making 135 tackles (16 tackles for loss), seven sacks, 21 quarterback hurries, 14 quarterback hits, five quarterback knockdowns, and 36 quarterback pressures.

At this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, Pickens ran a 4.89-second 40-yard dash, 1.74-second 10-yard split, 7.45-second 3-cone drill, and 4.62-second 20-yard shuttle. He added a 30.5” vertical jump,

Does Zacch Pickens fit the Bills? The team needs to add prospects at the position, either through one of their six selections or after the NFL Draft (https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft) ends. There’s reason to be encouraged by Pickens’ potential as a pro. He’s a versatile and experienced defensive lineman, which are two traits the Bills’ current regime values. Pickens possesses enough qualities to eventually become a starter in a system that offers scheme versatility.

POTLAND PSILBYLO

04-20-2023, 08:57 PM

I'm hearing good things about Squamuselle O'Muskelunge

POTLAND PSILBYLO

04-20-2023, 08:59 PM

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Top 30 scheduled with the Bills per Rappaport.

https://www.brucewelton.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/eastwest.png

Woodman

04-21-2023, 07:33 AM

Will McDonald IV had top-30 pre-draft visit with Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/21/23690763/will-mcdonald-iv-had-top-30-pre-draft-visit-with-buffalo-bills-iowa-state-edge-rusher-nfl-combine)

At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, McDonald measured 6’4” and weighed 239 pounds, with 34 7/8” arms and 9 1/2” hands. McDonald only participated in two events at Lucas Oil Stadium, the vertical jump (36”) and broad jump (11’) At his pro day, McDonald stole the show running 4.62- and 4.66-second 40-yard dashes, a best of 6.60-seconds for his 3-cone drill, and 4.21-second short shuttle.

Draft analysts rave about McDonald’s explosiveness, agility, and his “active hands” — which provide him the ability to fight off would-be blockers and create important separation. He plays with a palpable intensity

Woodman

04-21-2023, 07:35 AM

Edge rusher Byron Young a top-30 pre-draft visitor of Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/21/23690764/edge-rusher-byron-young-a-top-30-pre-draft-visitor-of-buffalo-bills-nfl-tennessee-von-miller)

Young has made the absolute most of every opportunity along the way. In his short stint with the Volunteers, he became a decorated defender. The 2022 season was especially fruitful for Young, with him earning All-SEC First Team (Coaches) and All-SEC Second Team (Associated Press), in addition to multiple weekly defensive awards last season.

Certainly, there are concerns about how raw a prospect Young is as he enters the draft — and that means he has his fair share of flaws. But with such a strong character, Young could become a very impressive NFL pass rusher with the right coaching.

notacon

04-21-2023, 12:26 PM

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Top 30 scheduled with the Bills per Rappaport.

Here is what some NFL scouts had to say (https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-1-wrte-hallelujah-its-the-year?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email) about Jaxon Smith-Njigba....

“He’s one of the most overrated players in the draft,” said a fourth scout. “He’s got good hands, not great hands. He’s got good vision and run after but he doesn’t run away from anybody and he’s not particularly elusive. He can find holes in zones, and he’s tough. He’ll take a hit to make catch. I don’t see special traits. Has to be a slot. Not fast enough to play outside. I’d rather have (Zay) Flowers because he’s really fast and really good after the catch. Sounds like he might be a solid second-round pick, and I didn’t see that.”

Not very encouraging for who most mock drafts have going as the first WR off the board.

Woodman

04-21-2023, 04:41 PM

WR Justin Marshall met with Bills for pre-draft local visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/21/23693222/wr-justin-marshall-met-with-bills-for-pre-draft-local-visit-louisville-buffalo)

Marshall is a 6’2”, 205-pound receiver who spent three seasons at Louisville before transferring to Buffalo as a redshirt senior. That final season with Buffalo, Marshall had a career-best season that was better than all three of his previous seasons combined. In 2022, Marshall started all 13 games and led the team with 64 receptions, 837 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named the Camellia Bowl MVP for hauling in 11 receptions, 127 yards and one touchdown when Buffalo topped Georgia Southern. He appeared in just 20 games total with Louisville from 2019-21 and finished with 36 receptions, 544 yards and one touchdown.

The Conyers, GA native is projected to hear his name called in the seventh round, but he will likely become an undrafted free agent (UDFA), per Pro Football Network (https://www.profootballnetwork.com/justin-marshall-wr-buffalo-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/). Although he didn’t attend the NFL Scouting Combine, Marshall did attend UB’s pro day on March 16 — running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, 1.58-second 10-yard split, along with a 38” vertical jump and 10”6” broad jump.

Woodman

04-21-2023, 04:45 PM

Buffalo Bills were final top-30 team visit for CB Deonte Banks - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/21/23690761/buffalo-bills-were-final-top-30-team-visit-for-cb-deonte-banks-maryland-nfl-draft-first-round)

Deonte Banks has been projected as a late first-round or early second-round prospect, and nearly every NFL team has prioritized speaking with him in some capacity. With Buffalo scheduled to pick at 27, he could be an option for general manager Brandon Beane and company. Cornerback may appear of less concern having drafted both Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford last April. But, depending how the draft falls, their options and thoughts about trading up or down, and where they find the best value with their initial pick — yes, Banks could be on the Bills’ radar.

At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Banks ran a blistering 4.35-second 40-yard dash, and a 1.49-second 10-yard split. He added a 42” vertical jump, and 11’4” broad jump at this year’s combine.

In four seasons with the Terrapins, Banks made 83 tackles (half a tackle for loss), half a sack, two interceptions, and defended 11 passes in 28 games.

Woodman

04-21-2023, 04:47 PM

Jartavius “Quan” Martin meets with Buffalo Bills on top-30 pre-draft visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/21/23690766/jartavius-quan-martin-meets-with-buffalo-bills-on-top-30-pre-draft-visit-hybrid-nickel-corner-nfl)

At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Martin measured in at 5’11” and 194 pounds. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, 1.47-second 10-yard split, and had a 44” vertical jump to go with a broad jump of 11’1”. Those scores highlight Martin’s athleticism and potential as an aggressive and proficient slot defender.

In 50 games at Illinois, Martin made 225 tackles, (10.5 for loss), one sack, with 22 passes defended, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 2022 season marked a profound jump in production, with Martin making 64 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 passes defended.

Does Quan Martin fit the Bills? One-hundred percent, yes. Martin has the versatility that Buffalo’s coaching staff craves and, at minimum, he’d slot in behind Taron Johnson as a solid nickel cornerback. Adding depth behind Taron Johnson is a wise move, and teams can never have too many defensive backs — especially when those players bring a wide skill set to operate out of man or zone alignments. Martin’s ceiling is NFL starter, and he should find plenty of opportunity early in his career as he adapts to the speed and physicality of the pro game. With Martin expected to go early on Day 3, it wouldn’t surprise to hear his name called when the Bills are on the clock in the later rounds.

swiper

04-21-2023, 05:28 PM

It would be easier just to read Buffalo Rumblings directly. :assclown:

Woodman

04-21-2023, 05:31 PM

Darnell Wright is a likely 1st rounder. Steve Avila probably early 2nd. Tank Dell 2nd-3rd.

Anyway…not the complete list of visits

I'd take all 3.

Woodman

04-22-2023, 07:43 AM

Buffalo Bills brought in S Jordan Battle for top-30 visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/22/23683005/buffalo-bills-brought-in-s-jordan-battle-top-30-visit-alabama-damar-hamlin-jordan-poyer-micah-hyde)

In four years playing for the Crimson Tide, Battle played 52 games and made 252 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss), one sack, six interceptions (3 touchdowns), one fumble recovery, and defended 10 passes.

Battle’s 2023 NFL Scouting Combine numbers support his potential as a starting safety in the NFL. With Battle’s size and athleticism, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein made the comparison of Justin Reid for Battle. On the Lucas Oil Field turf, Battle ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, and 1.56-second 10-yard split.

Woodman

04-22-2023, 07:45 AM

Buffalo Bills and S:LB Marte Mapu met for top-30 visit - Buffalo Rumblings (https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2023/4/22/23683010/buffalo-bills-and-s-lb-marte-mapu-met-for-top-30-visit-nfl-draft-sacramento-state-hornets)

Last month, the Sacramento Bee reported that Mapu was to officially meet with the Bills (https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article273831330.html) as part of a tour involving 14 NFL teams. Buffalo’s focused scouting of Mapu has likely involved in-depth investigations into the injury that’s sidelined him since February. While engaged in pre-draft bench-press training, Mapu suffered a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery and relegated him to the sidelines during Sacramento State’s pro day.

Prior to that training injury, Mapu was viewed by scouts and analysts as a mid-round prospect likely to be drafted later during Day 3 of the NFL Draft (https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft).

Mapu is a large prospect as a safety, measuring 6’2 1/2” and 217 pounds, with 33 3/8” arms and 9 3/8” hands at the Senior Bowl (http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl). As a linebacker, however, Mapu is very undersized — and there’s enough history involving the struggles of undersized NFL linebackers to question his efficacy in that role. Additionally, Mapu turns 24 in November, and is a redshirt prospect who played six seasons in college. Mapu lost a season due to COVID-19, then chose to return to the Hornets for his redshirt senior season in 2022.

YardRat

04-22-2023, 08:42 AM

Mace

04-22-2023, 04:36 PM

According to Cover1, these are the players from the lists of Top30 official visits that the Bills drafted from 2017-2021...

LB Vosean Joseph
QB Josh Allen
TE Dawson Knox
DT Ed Oliver
LB Tremaine Edmunds
QB Nathan Peterman

So basically one per year, 6 out of 37 total picks, and all six were in the first three drafts of the regime ('17, '18, '19)

Darn shame they misused and ruined Peterman by putting him out on the field and making him play in regular season games.

I think the higher pct is players they've had combine meetings with ?

YardRat

04-28-2023, 05:20 PM

So Kincaid wasn't only not a Top 30 visit, he wasn't even on the list of any kind of meeting at all.

Woodman

04-28-2023, 05:24 PM

So Kincaid wasn't only not a Top 30 visit, he wasn't even on the list of any kind of meeting at all.

Great job of covering our intention.

notacon

04-29-2023, 12:14 PM

So Kincaid wasn't only not a Top 30 visit, he wasn't even on the list of any kind of meeting at all.

Same with 3rd round pick Dorian Williams.

We’ll see the final tally when the draft is over, but it sure looks like visits are not necessarily a reliable indication of who they will actually draft.

What this year’s visits did show is that they were laser focused on adding skill offensive weapons, specifically pass catching. Out of the 49 total contacts of all types, 17 were with WR or TE’s.