Between the state of the Sabres, and the holiday slow down, I'm watching lots of past CFB games, with who the Bills could take in mind.
There's a variation of the Steeler's Iron Curtain D which most 40 front zone defenses have not used. It's the Jim Bates D. A lot of folks remember Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor. But they don't remember why they were freed up to be so dominate. Bates had Tim Bowens and Daryl Gardener at DT, and the Dolphins did what they could to maintain two 1T DTs during Bates' time.
Think Tampa 2, Wannstedt's spillage defense, Jimmy Johnson's Cowboys, or McDermott's Bills. Then put in two NTs. That's Bates defense. The DTs allow smaller DEs and LBs to fly around the field because the DTs eat up blockers. This type of defense is what I'd hope McDermott considers.
Looking at players who Buffalo could pick, here's who I like currently. This is based on current projections of where the Bills will pick, the Bills current needs, and who's projected to be available. Eg: I'm not spending time watching Travis Hunter or Cam Ward.
1st round, picking around 30. The player I really like here is Tykeik Williams, the DT from Ohio State. He reminds me of a young Pat Williams. He's big but can move. He can play NT, 1T DT, or 3T DT. I think he'd be a great add.
2nd round, looking at two players around pick 62. Players who I like:
- Jared Ivey, DE, Mississippi. Can play LE and RE, so he would work with Rousseau. Power end who can drive OTs back.
- Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame. Former WR with athleticism, high IQ, and a knack for big plays. Almost seems like a too-perfect McDermott pick.
- Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas. Poor man's Xavier Worthy who can stretch defenses.
- Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky. Immovable NT or 1T DT.
- Jalen Royals, WR Utah State. Big, fast, and explosive. Would be a good vertical option.
- Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary. Looks like the second coming of Jason Peters to me.
4th round, around 110:
- Barrett Carter, LB Clemson. Fast flowing LB. Bills break a lot of LBs so they'll always be looking for more.
- Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State. Hammer of a back who would compliment the current runners as a short yardage option.
- Rod Moore, S, Michigan. Another smart S with zone experience.
- Connor Colby, IOL. Developmental C/G from a program that produces a lot of linemen.
4th round, picks 130 and 138, so 2 players in this range:
- Harold Perkins, LB, LSU. Same comment as Carter.
- Jonah Monheim, OL, USC. Played every position well at USC. Smart.
- Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame. Extremely poor man's Josh Allen, but same type of skillset so Brady wouldn't need to change the overall concepts much if Allen is out. Developmental pick; Green Bay used to do this all the time.
- Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State. Playing lower than expectations, could be a buy low on a CB talent, and the Bills have an excellence track record of coaching CBs.
5th-6th round, picks 173, 179, 184 so three players from this range:
- Lander Barton LB Utah. Same comment as Carter.
- Jack Nelson OT Wisconsin. Depth and developmental player.
- CJ West DT Indiana. Developmental interior DL.
- Tony Grimes, CB UNLV. Same comment as Burke.
- Cam Horsley DT Boston College. Developmental interior DL.
6th round, pick 206:
- Jason Marshall, CB, Florida. Same comment as Burke.
- Raheim Sanders, RB South Carolina. Same comment as Gordon.
- Nazir Stackhouse, DT Georgia. True NT who is in buy low status.
- Bryce Foster, C Kansas. Buy low developmental C.
