Buffalo Bills The offseason begins

[HOOats]

Harmon as more of a penetration style 1T seems to fit what they have looked for at the position in the past.

If they go for a bigger space-eater type, that would be a shift in approach.

Yeah we'll see. I think Ogunjobi and even Hoecht can fill in as a penetrator on the 1 gap.

With all the versatile pieces we're assembling, I think the need is for one extra stout run stuffer that can make a difference on high-leverage short-yardage.

It may represent a shift in coaching/drafting philosophy, but plenty of fans and writers (and staff additions) are calling for just that.

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

Hamlin back on a 1-year deal...

 

[Jim Bob]

Yeah we'll see. I think Ogunjobi and even Hoecht can fill in as a penetrator on the 1 gap.

With all the versatile pieces we're assembling, I think the need is for one extra stout run stuffer that can make a difference on high-leverage short-yardage.

It may represent a shift in coaching/drafting philosophy, but plenty of fans and writers (and staff additions) are calling for just that.

If you look at DaQuan Jones and all the other DTs they have played next to Ed Oliver, they usually aren't that kind of NT type.

I think they should look for a beefier option. But, that would go against the type of guy they have gone after previously.

And on Hoecht, he played in the 260s last year. That might be a little light for the Smoot role.

 

[TehDoak]

Hamlin back on a 1-year deal...

I was hoping for a bit of an upgrade back there. Guess they are banking on Bishop taking a big leap this summer.

CB2 is now a big priority.

 

[HOOats]

If you look at DaQuan Jones and all the other DTs they have played next to Ed Oliver, they usually aren't that kind of NT type.

I think they should look for a beefier option. But, that would go against the type of guy they have gone after previously.

And on Hoecht, he played in the 260s last year. That might be a little light for the Smoot role.

Yeah like I said, I think we might be shifting philosophies a bit.

I don't think McD will be beholden to ideas the past that got is gashed in the run and left Ed to underwhelm without enough beef next to him. The staff understands something needs to change.

Give me a double-team eater to free up Bernard, Milano, and Dorian.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I’d still feel better if we add, before the draft, a veteran DT that can take up space, a second tier cheap CB that they believe in, and veteran safety depth.

I don’t expect all that, but that would be nice!

ogunjobi and hamlin knock off two of those wants! Now just get a cheap boundary CB like Dane Jackson

 

[Jim Bob]

Yeah like I said, I think we might be shifting philosophies a bit.

I don't think McD will be beholden to ideas the past that got is gashed in the run and left Ed to underwhelm without enough beef next to him. The staff understands something needs to change.

Give me a double-team eater to free up Bernard, Milano, and Dorian.

The thing is, a lot of the moves they have made so far fit with their priors when it comes to roster construction.

We shall see...

And I am all aboard the Draft Grant train, FWIW.

[I know that's not worth anything]

 

[Husko]

I'm not going to pretend to know much about Ogunjobi, but I'm just glad the Bills recognize the DL room as a serious issue and are taking significant steps to address it.

This has always been the case imo and many fans / cover 1 analysts just don't seem to accept it. The one time Beane got McDermott a big spacer easter (Linval) he barely played.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I agree, but Beane and McDermott also seem to be flexible in their philosophies and are constantly evaluating themselves and open to change.

 

[Husko]

If you look at DaQuan Jones and all the other DTs they have played next to Ed Oliver, they usually aren't that kind of NT type.

I think they should look for a beefier option. But, that would go against the type of guy they have gone after previously.

And on Hoecht, he played in the 260s last year. That might be a little light for the Smoot role.

I think it's a pretty carbon copy of the smoot role jsut in terms of being a moveable piece that can play many positions but is primarily deployed against the run. A better version, though.

 

[Fezzy126]

I'm not going to pretend to know much about Ogunjobi, but I'm just glad the Bills recognize the DL room as a serious issue and are taking significant steps to address it.


This has always been the case imo and many fans / cover 1 analysts just don't seem to accept it. The one time Beane got McDermott a big spacer easter (Linval) he barely played.

Linval was a regular in the DT rotation and helped improve the run defense quite a bit (Average yds per carry went from over 5 Y/A to under 4 Y/A after bringing him on):

I don't know their feelings, but I've always felt that they've needed a 1DT type of player next to Oliver.

 

[buffalowing88]

First impressions based on immediate FA signings (caveat: I'm sure there will be many more signings, this is just a rapid reaction):

• QB - Set, although could potentially release MT and/or add developmental prospect
• RB - Set, but could add late round pick or UDFA
• FB - Set
• WR - Mostly set, still would like to add a speed guy in the draft
• TE - Set, could add late round pick or UDFA
• OL - Set, could add late round pick or UDFA
• DE/Edge - We're OK... But could use a difference maker (unfortunately most of those in FA are gone now, not sure we'll find one in the draft at our position), and depth is non-existent. Could also address post 7/1.
• DT - Needs major attention, priority need in the first two rounds of the draft, as well as either a double dip later in the draft or a FA signing.
• LB - Mostly set, maybe keep taking mid-round shots at athletic guys
• CB - Needs major attention, priority need in the first two rounds of the draft, as well as either a double dip later in the draft or a FA signing.
• S - Needs major attention, right now there's no depth and if CB doesn't take a step there's a serious problem
• ST - Set

So if we don't sign anyone else, First three picks in April are going DT, CB, and S for me. WR and DE fall in behind those three and may be more luxury than critical need.

We should literally just draft exclusively for secondary and D-Line at this point. We have young depth-pieces on OL and our WR core is honestly not going to be a huge barometer for our offense since Josh just makes these things work.

If we want any chance of beat

Linval was a regular in the DT rotation and helped improve the run defense quite a bit (Average yds per carry went from over 5 Y/A to under 4 Y/A after bringing him on):

View attachment 992120

I don't know their feelings, but I've always felt that they've needed a 1DT type of player next to Oliver.

And for what it's worth, Star was productive when he played, as well. It's just that he didn't seem capable or interested in playing half the time.

 

[Jim Bob]

I think it's a pretty carbon copy of the smoot role jsut in terms of being a moveable piece that can play many positions but is primarily deployed against the run. A better version, though.

One way that he will be unique is how he was used against 12 personnel with the Rams and if the Bills try to do some of that stuff.

He played a lot of SLB/EDGE flex stuff where he could either drop in coverage with a TE or play downhill and kept offenses guessing.

With as much 12 personnel as the Bills saw and how bad they were against it, this will be a really interesting chess piece to watch how they use him.

 

[Jim Bob]

We should literally just draft exclusively for secondary and D-Line at this point. We have young depth-pieces on OL and our WR core is honestly not going to be a huge barometer for our offense since Josh just makes these things work.

We have plenty of time between now and the draft for needs and priorities to shift.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Linval was a regular in the DT rotation and helped improve the run defense quite a bit (Average yds per carry went from over 5 Y/A to under 4 Y/A after bringing him on):

View attachment 992120

I don't know their feelings, but I've always felt that they've needed a 1DT type of player next to Oliver.

Seems like it'd help our undersized LBs as well.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Seems like it'd help our undersized LBs as well.

It all starts with the defensive line! Some things never change. LBs, CBs, Ss all benefit a ton from a strong front four. Love that we are addressing it, and have to continue to address it in the draft

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

Ed Oliver's contract has been re-structured to give them a little more than $10M in cap space...

 

[Jim Bob]

Sal had an interesting tidbit on today's Gameday pod.



He checked in with someone in TB and they said that Jake Camarda was doing great as the punter with the Bucs until their STs coach messed with his head before they cut him. And they cut like 3 more punters after they cut Camarda.

So, I won't be surprised if they are all in on Camarda as their punter.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[Ace]

I think they’re being smart. One year deals to cover positions while you look for long term solutions. Much better than committing to the wrong people with term.

Also on Ogunjobi…I read that he was great in a 4-3 then played in a 3-4 the last few years and it wasn’t as good. We play a 4-3. Or a 4-2-5 mostly

They’ve been taking smart, short term risks. Hamlin isn’t a world beater but he can play. Ogunjobi has had great years in similar systems. Bosa is great if he stays healthy. And there is no commitment beyond this year to any of them if the gambles don’t work. And there weren’t great options to commit money and term to in this phase of the offseason.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Unsurprisingly, the Bills are methodically addressing their needs. My offseason wish list after two days of free agency:

Quarterback

• I’d like to take a developmental QB in the middle rounds.

Running Back

• Consider investing a decent draft pick in a starting RB and potentially moving on from James Cook, either this year or next. I’m not extending cook.

Offensive Line

• Would like to extend McGovern.
• A mid-round pick on a guard or tackle is always a smart investment, but overall, not much needs to be done here.

Tight Ends

• Either bring back Morris or sign a TE3 in free agency.

Wide Receivers

• A boundary speed guy to go along with Palmer, Shakir, Coleman, and Samuel. This does not have to be a big investment

Defensive End

• A high draft pick on a pass rusher to develop as a long term solution.

Defensive Tackle

• A high draft pick on a DT as a longterm core piece between Groot and Oliver.

Linebackers

• Use a mid-round pick on a prospect with potential OR a lower-tier veteran depth piece.

Cornerbacks

• Extend Benford
• Ideally, bring in a second-tier starting CB (via free agency or trade) to pair with Benford. Someone like Dane Jackson.
• a late round draft pick on the position always seems like a good idea.
• A relatively high draft pick on a player that can be a long term solution at CB2

Safeties

• Consider using a relatively high draft pick to ultimately replace Rapp. But this could wait a year if no such player is available or we prioritize other positions.

 

[Zman5778]

Like the Ogunjobi move. He should be a quality depth piece along the line, with positional flexibility. With the way McBabich like to rotate D-linemen, he'll get plenty of work.

Hamlin move was expected. If Bishop ain't it (I think he will be, but you never know).....we at least have a plug-and-play guy ready.

CB2 seems all that's left to do.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Hamlin back on a 1-year deal...

Initially a bit surprised, keeping emotions out of it his play was below average and a bit all all over the place. But as a backup that knows the system, its fine. He becomes your Mike Edwards and can play special teams.


As I said that we signed another Safety. Beane definitely does not like to leave any roster holes going into the draft.

 

[Ace]

Like the Ogunjobi move. He should be a quality depth piece along the line, with positional flexibility. With the way McBabich like to rotate D-linemen, he'll get plenty of work.

Hamlin move was expected. If Bishop ain't it (I think he will be, but you never know).....we at least have a plug-and-play guy ready.

CB2 seems all that's left to do.

I know it’s reported they’re after Samuel Jr. Maybe that’s real…but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they went another one year veteran in that spot. They have 3 picks in the first two rounds where they can get guys who can take spots this year…but they’ll have to earn them over a proven vet. DB, DE, DT all seem ripe for high picks. If any of them grab the starting job next year you’ve solved a problem long term. S and WR also options. But they may be hoping Bishop can do it and it feels like they’ve settled firmly into having types of WRs for packages and no one who moves the needle in terms of individual production…so I would expect a mid round pick on a field stretcher and not much else there.

I do have concerns about the number of draft picks they have. You’re cutting half of them if you make them all. Trade ups or trading picks for future picks seems like it’s inevitable

 

[Zman5778]

Initially a bit surprised, keeping emotions out of it his play was below average and a bit all all over the place. But as a backup that knows the system, its fine. He becomes your Mike Edwards and can play special teams.


As I said that we signed another Safety. Beane definitely does not like to leave any roster holes going into the draft.

Safety room is now filled up. We'll see if they add anyone in the draft for competition.