Michael82 (03-21-2024)
I think the Bills are quietly replacing the worn out parts on the engine with new old stock.
Michael82 (03-21-2024)
Which is precisely why drafting 11 players is complete bunk. There is no room for 11 rookies. At very best 3 of them see the field, and the practice squad isn't going to be all rookies. Bills have to maximize their draft equity and get players who are real day one starters regardless of cost. I don't care if they trade 6 of the 11 picks away, get players who will see the field. McD can barely start 1 rookie. and quite frankly if we have 3 low draft round rookies starting we're screwed.
Lou Saban: You can get it done, you can get it done. And what’s more, you’ve gotta get it done.
Jeff1220 (03-21-2024)
Realistically I can see 2DTs, 1 DE, 2 Safeties, 1 CB drafted to make the team on defense.
On offense, 2 WRs, 2 O-Linemen, 1 RB.
That's 11 already. Ideally we get a starter from WR, DT (rotation), DE (rotation), safety. But probably unlikely that many.
Last edited by ghz in pittsburgh; 03-21-2024 at 10:08 AM.
Yes. There is literally no one behind Oliver and Jones. Almost nada in FA market. It is a safe gamble they will get 2. They will count on at least 1 being involved heavily into rotation, so one might be drafted high. Reminds me of a McCargo, Kyle Williams draft year. Hope we get one outstanding starter out of that.
DE is a premium a position. I see Beane continue to swing there, especially with Von Miller situation. I admit this one may not start that much because I can see them go to them prototypical raw talent route to shoot for an eventual star.
Safety wise, I think they will let Hamlin walk next year, and they really need someone now. On CB, not extending Douglas beyond this year tells me that they'd prefer to draft a guy this year.
Receiver wise, without saying they will be looking for talent, preferable X type receivers. I think they will double dip. O-Line, Morse, Bates are gone. Did we replace them with any new signings (not someone that was on the roster last year)?
tomz (03-21-2024)
I agree with pretty much all of this.
I can see the draft going something along these lines:
WR--starter this year
Safety--Starter this year
DT--Starter next year/heavy rotation this year
Center--Starter possibly this year, if not next
DE--Backup this year, possible future starter
Corner--same as DE
I also think they will draft multiple DTs and probably a RB at some point too
notacon (03-22-2024)
Generally agree. The thing is, some of the positions (interior OL, for example) do not require early rounders unless you think they need to plug and play. Rotational DTs, possibly the same (thought I do like the big dude from Texas). Note that they are also covered for a couple years with Jones. Safety is another non-premium position and they do seem to know their DBs. RE: Miller, they see him every day and may have a different view but, yes they do take lots of swings at DE.
I
I’m thinking WR in R1 if they see a real talent they like. But with all of the other QBs, WRs, DEs and OTs going, who’s to say they might not take the attitude that ‘hey we can get the best in the draft at this other position”? Like C or S or DT.
In the Bills D system, D Line play is very important, especially now we have small-ish linebackers across the board. Daquan is 32, not an age you can count on performance and quick recovery. Last year when he came back, you are looking at a different player from the early season. I'd not be surprised that internally fro the Bills, purely from a needs perspective DT might rank very very high, even #1.
FSU WR K. Coleman #33
Utah DB C. Bishop #60
Duke DT D. Carter #95
Kentucky RB R.Davis #128
Georgia C S.VanPran-Granger #141
Washington LB Edefuan Ulofoshio #160
Troy DE J.Solomon #168
UCF OT T.Grable #204
Penn ST. CB D.Hardy #219
England OT T.Clayton #221
In other words the usual churn of players relying (mostly) on the draft to become starters or quality backups.
Like the 15 starters that have been the result of the drafts since 2017.
Although I disagree on...
"Safety--Starter this year" - signing S Mike Edwards and extending Rapp has made the need to draft a S to start right away much less critical. The best scenario is to draft a S in round 3 or later and maybe he can be an instant success like Benford was.
I was of your mind UNTIL they signed Mike Edwards.
I also believe that McGovern as starting C is almost cast in stone for 2024. Although they will spend some draft capital on IOL depth and maybe a guy that can show enough promise to compete at C for 2025.
I think DE and DL are higher priorities than S & C.
We all agree on the need for a quality WR that can step into the #2 position form day one. That will depend on how the WR class falls in round one.
NO ONE will be surprised if the Bills use some of those 11 draft picks to move up to grab the guy they value.