Buffalo Bills The offseason begins

[misterchainsaw]

Obviously it would only impact last year and not the three before, but I wonder how much of a role being in a Greg Roman offense deflated Palmer's numbers last year. His second year was 107 targets, 72 catches, 769 yards, and then year three was trending similar but only 10 games played. Last year took a step backwards, but we know Greg Roman offense are famously WR unfriendly.

Bills could be banking on there being more there.

Will be interesting to see if they try to bring back Hollins or they keep that spot for a vertical threat. Also not sure how Samuel plays into everything as well. I doubt they roster 6 WRs this season, think they'll do 5 like last year and PS elevations when needed.

To be honest this offense probably isn't much better for WR numbers - particuarly outside. There's only so many targets left once you take into account Cook's touches, Shakir, Knox, and Kincaid (especially if the latter is healthier and takes a step this year)...not to mention Coleman. It's at least partially why Diggs saw the writing on the wall and wanted out.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

 

[ValJamesDuex]

 

[Zman5778]

Benford's market is pretty clearly establishing itself.

3-5 year deal with a $20-25M AAV.

 

[Ace]

Interesting. I hope he elaborates cause I don’t know anything about Rams players.

 

[Krieger Bot]

I'm good with Palmer. Admittedly, it wasn't my first choice. I figured the prices for WRs in FA would be bonkers, and it seems like there's a million decent WR prospects who will be available in the second round. I would've rather used FA to grab a couple journeyman veteran types for the second and third levels of the defense. Then, we could've just drafted a receiver instead. I also had a preference for a speed burner/deep threat type.

That said, there's plenty to like about Palmer's game. He's a true boundary WR who excels at getting open against man, which will be very helpful given the amount of man coverage we see. Plus, by signing a WR, now we can just use the draft to go BPA on defense with all of our premium picks (though, I still wouldn't hate getting a Dion apprentice if we can find one). And we can fill any leftover roster holes in later waves of free agency. So on the whole, I'm good with it.

 

[Zman5778]

Pats sign Mack Hollins

 

[Ace]

I’ve now seen Hoecht listed as DE, DT, DL and LB so I’m going to guess he’s a matchup piece that can provide different looks

 

[TehDoak]

Pats sign Mack Hollins

I love Mack....this is probably double his value as a WR5/ST

 

[NotABadPeriod]

To be honest this offense probably isn't much better for WR numbers - particuarly outside. There's only so many targets left once you take into account Cook's touches, Shakir, Knox, and Kincaid (especially if the latter is healthier and takes a step this year)...not to mention Coleman. It's at least partially why Diggs saw the writing on the wall and wanted out.

Absolutely, but it might suggest Palmer is a better receiver than the raw numbers indicate, which is what's more important for us.

 

[Zman5778]

I’ve now seen Hoecht listed as DE, DT, DL and LB so I’m going to guess he’s a matchup piece that can provide different looks

Apparently he's also super good at blocking kicks from the interior.

 

[Husko]

Fun skill set

I wonder if I finally got my wish to bring back the Lorenzo Alexander role

 

[Husko]

Here’s the athletics writeup. Seems like a super charged version of Smoot:

Prev. team: Rams Age: 27 Ht: 6-4 Wt: 267


Hoecht's transformation from undrafted free agent to depth defensive tackle to multitool outside linebacker/pass rusher over the past four seasons has been impressive to witness. He played a situational role in the Rams' "Cheetah" package in 2024, recording three sacks, 56 tackles, two pass breakups and six quarterback hits.

While Hoecht likely won't be a fit for every team, in Vic Fangio-style or similar defensive systems, he will find work, always be a core special teams player. He also stays healthy, not missing a snap because of injury since becoming a regular starter/rotational player in 2023.

 

[Ace]

A quick twitter glance tells me that Rams fans loved him. Also he’s Canadian. So we’re two for two on that today. Which has to be statistically nearly impossible to pull off

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Some preferred Slayton (and his speed), but he's likely even more epensive and the more I thought about that drop rate...

Slayton just re-upped with the Giants for the same top-line numbers 3 years / 36 M, though obviously the real devil is in the details.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I’d liked to have Hollins back as I was interested in the status quo with this offense. But the Bills clearly want to add another receiver that is a legitimate catching threat, and that seems to mean Hollins’ spot

I’m now expecting a speed/deep threat in our top 5 receivers, whereas I wasn’t before today

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Another Canadian kid


Michael Hoecht is an interesting prospect. A 6'4, 310 pound outside backer/DT who clocked a 4.65 forty, 7.05 3Cone, and 4.21 shuttle. In the explosion drills, he recorded 33.5” in the vertical, a 9' 2” broad, and pushed 23 reps on the bench.
-NFL Draft Diamonds

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Dlt

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Another Canadian kid


Michael Hoecht is an interesting prospect. A 6'4, 310 pound outside backer/DT who clocked a 4.65 forty, 7.05 3Cone, and 4.21 shuttle. In the explosion drills, he recorded 33.5” in the vertical, a 9' 2” broad, and pushed 23 reps on the bench.
-NFL Draft Diamonds

I think he’s down to around 260 now. Good little video on him. Looks very versatile.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ixfA1hDeGyk

 

[buffalowing88]

Benford's market is pretty clearly establishing itself.

3-5 year deal with a $20-25M AAV.

Man, on the one hand I want to lock him up and don't care about the AAV at this point, he's that good.

On the other hand, his injury history is starting to get alarming.

I just don't know how we let him potentially walk next year AND lose Douglas this year and have nothing at CB in the cupboard.

 

[Ace]

Man, on the one hand I want to lock him up and don't care about the AAV at this point, he's that good.

On the other hand, his injury history is starting to get alarming.

I just don't know how we let him potentially walk next year AND lose Douglas this year and have nothing at CB in the cupboard.

You can wait and franchise him if you have to.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I’m a big fan of the 3-3-5 as a change up D.

Connecting the dots. Coaches that don’t exactly fit the “bland McDermott” D are added. Bills add a player like Hoecht.

I think McDermott is going to go a little multiple this season. It’s a natural maturation.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Benford's market is pretty clearly establishing itself.

3-5 year deal with a $20-25M AAV.

Byron Murphy just got 3yr, 22M AAV.

Really wish Beane could have gotten Benford done before these deals. Always best to be the first mover.

 

[Zman5778]

Byron Murphy just got 3yr, 22M AAV.

Really wish Beane could have gotten Benford done before these deals. Always best to be the first mover.

Eh. Rousseau just took less even with his market fairly well established.

 

[whiplash]

I’m a big fan of the 3-3-5 as a change up D.

Connecting the dots. Coaches that don’t exactly fit the “bland McDermott” D are added. Bills add a player like Hoecht.

I think McDermott is going to go a little multiple this season. It’s a natural maturation.

Late bloomer...at least re: playoff performance. And still need a true space eater to make everything work. That said, I really like the Hoecht signing, agree it's a sign McDermott is adjusting/adding, and think he can be a really fun piece to move around the lineup