Anthony D. Macari @pfwarroom
The Bills went into the draft with 10 draft picks and a near equal number of needs. Early in the offseason, the Bills were forced to purge the roster (bills-turn-the-page) of several veterans to become cap compliant, and reset for another run behind Josh Allen with a younger, faster and cheaper roster. This weekend played a critical role in identifying and replacing the on the field talent that walked out the door, but also in replenishing the vast leadership void that was created. The Bills lost years of leadership this offseason. They seemed intent on building it back with this draft. Leadership, character, commitment and culture, but not without an edge, are common themes with every one of these picks. They care, and that corelates to winning. One pick after another, Brandon Beane and the Bills made value picks that filled every single team need with high character guys. After a shaky start on opening night, that saw Beane make a bold move by trading with the team that ended the Bills season 3 out of the last 4 years on their way to multiple AFC and Super Bowl Championships. The trade let them add the fastest prospect in the history of the combine to their championship roster. The fear is allowing them to draft Xavier Worthy, who was my number one fit for the Bills themselves to draft, will come back to burn the them. However, BB Beane moved forward fearlessly and added a completely different kind of receiver at the top of the 2nd round and then proceeded to use the extra picks gained by that trade down as well as another trade with the Panthers that dropped them completely out of the 1st Round, to reinvent the roster. Keon Coleman was lightly regarded by Bills Mafia after posting a pedestrian 40 time at the combine, but his elite athleticism, hands and size gives Josh Allena and the Bills a target unlike any other that was previously in the locker room. Toughness and leadership were the theme all weekend long, with multiple prospects boasting multiple team captaincies, character and intelligence accolades and inspirational back stories. The picks hail from vastly different backgrounds, conferences large and small and even one from a different sport and country altogether. Yet, all share an apparent high level of character, commitment and competitiveness that will preserve the winning culture that has been established at 1 Bills Drive. You can never go wrong by adding high character men committed to excellence. Now it will be up to the coaches to build a cohesiveness that blends these new pieces with the existing core to foster a team dedicated to winning a championship.
Overall, the Bills draft was solid and the intangible benefit of the players drafted may outweigh the actual talent and ability, even though the later is not to be dismissed. In our draft evaluation, where we ranked every team based on the players they selected as compared to the PFWR Big board and the Rich Hill draft value chart. The Bills ranked 27th in overall haul, 14th in Value and 25th in impact. Those scores are solid when considering they ended up not having a 1st round selection. Sedrick Van Pran-Granger was the best value pick and Cole Bishop also scored well in value. Coleman, Bishop and Pran-Granger all counted towards the impact score, with Carter just falling below the top 100 criteria.
2nd Round Pick 33: Keon Coleman WR
Overall Rank: 43 WR Rank: 10 PFWR Grade 9.20
POS | SCH | Grd | Rank | Hgt | Wgt | 40 | 10 | Arm | Hnd | Wing | RAS | |
WR | FSU | 9.20 | 43 | 6032 | 213 | 4.53 | 1.54 | 32 1/8 | 9 3/8 | 78 1/8 | 9.18 | |
G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
12 | 50 | 658 | 13.20 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 660 | 12.9 | 1 |
🏈Plays faster than timed 🙌Great Hands 🥇Great Athlete 🐶Has that Dog inside 🐱Elite Cat like athletic instinct 🏀Basketball Background 📈Unlimited Upside 🪀Ups and Downs 👻Disappears
The Bills kept fans waiting until day 2, but finally added a weapon for their attack. Perhaps not one at the top of #BillsMafia's wish list. However, he replaces much of what was lost when Gabe Davis signed with the Jaguars in Free Agency and brings a skill set unlike any other previously on the roster.
Coleman, a former basketball player, displays incredible athleticism, hands, and blocking ability on the field. His tape is filled with highlight reel catches, and runs after the catch.
There was a point this season, I thought Coleman was a sure fire first rounder, true future number one X receiver. Then he disappeared for periods, both in games and for games. He timed poorly at the combine, but displayed the play speed and hands evident on Saturdays in the position drills and other athletic tests.
He struggles to gain separation, but he may be the most talented contested catch prospect in this class after Odunze and has an elite catch radius, physicality, leaping ability and hands. By multiple accounts, he loves the game and is a relentless worker. Plays above the rim and offers a different type of receiver to the Bills room. Has the look as a rotational/big target and red zone specialist early. Only 20 and is one of the best blockers in class.
Scouts raved about Coleman in the Go Long series. “Receivers that ran slow include Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Davante Adams. He’s got as good if not better body control than those guys do. He just goes up and gets it. This guy’s so talented as an athlete he could have gone to Kansas and played basketball.” “If you can’t find that true ‘Z’ you can go with a big ‘Z’ that might not be speed-speed but can always be open downfield and win jump balls,” a third scout said. “That’s a Keon Coleman-type player or Tee Higgins.” “We knew he wasn’t going to run good in the 40. On Labor Day night Keon Coleman might have been the best player on the field against LSU. Then he runs one 40 and he’s gotten just destroyed. He had three touchdowns that night and looked uncover-able. His game is elevated. I’m not going to say he’s going to be Anquan Boldin but it’ll be a similar experience.” Destroyed my Orange and I knew right then he'd probably be a Bill just as Robert Woods did in 2012. Beane on Coleman: "He has physicality, playing above the rim. He can win & has a really good release package for a kid who is 20. He'll have to improve playing tougher CBs. Josh will work with him & the coaches will too. We all know we need him, so we'll get him up to speed"
Coleman's first day as a Bills went viral, with him exhibiting a unique, light hearted and almost innocent perspective. Yet, looking beyond the comical conversations about his coat that he bought at Macy's for $79.89 or his Waffle House secret menu orders, shows a young man who is focused on being great and loves the game. Among his first calls, was one to Bills legend and Hall of Fame WR, Andre Reed. That speaks to his respect for the franchise history as much as his desire to succeed here, in Buffalo. At 20 years old, with his level of elite athleticism, hands and attitude, there is no limit to his potential. Already, he seems to have swept in a huge breath of fresh air to the organization at a time when it was desperately needed to begin another run to that elusive Super Bowl.
2nd Round Pick 60: Cole Bishop Safety Utah
Overall Rank: 51 Safety Rank: 1 PFWR Grade 9.18
Height: 6020 | Weight: 206 | 40: 4.45 | 10: 1.52 | Arms: 29 3/4 | Hand: 9 1/2 | Wing: 73 | RAS: 9.81 |
💥Explosive Playmaker 🃏Versatile 📈Unlimited Upside 👿Athletic Freak 🔨Hits Like a Hammer ⛷Downhill Player 🐃Buffalo Bills Fit
Cole Bishop is a versatile and extremely active Safety that hits like a hammer, has exceptional speed and athleticism and will be a perfect fit in the Bills defense. A leader on Utah's exceptional defense, he was all over the field and excelled at every responsibility he was given, be it as a sure tackler, blitzer, deep or in the box safety. He takes great angles and takes being the last line of defense seriously, making sure to lower the boom and wrap up. Also has the size and athleticism to match up in coverage vs receivers and TEs. Could slip in and be a day one starter at either safety position for the Bills and soon could be expected to take on a leadership role as the QB of the Secondary. While no rookie can be expected to fill the huge void left by Hyde and Poyer's departure, adding Cole Bishop could be a great first step for the future.
3rd Round Pick 95: DeWayne Carter DT Duke
Overall Rank: 113 DT Rank: 12 PFWR Grade 8.25
Hgt: 6023 | Wgt: 302 | 40: 5.01 | 10: 1.72 | Arm 33 | Hand: 10 1/4 | Wing: 79 1/8 | RAS: 7.73 |
🦏Sheer power 🏋️♂️Elite Strength 👋Good use of hands 👨✈️Multiple time captain
Carter is big powerful 3 tech DT who wins with a great burst, leverage, hands and sheer power. A 3 year starter and 3 time captain. Finalist for the academic Heisman and a strong leader in the community. Will step in day one and work in rotation behind Ed Oliver and provide valuable depth and insurance. He will also serve as a positive leader in the locker room. Started all 13 games (41 tackles, 3.5 TFL with 1 sack, 4 PBUs). First 3-year team captain in school history.
4th Round Pick 128: Ray Davis RB Kentucky
Overall Rank: 129 RB Rank: 8 PFWR Grade 7.655
Tough between the tackles back with a good burst, great hands and exceptional balance through contact. Has three down potential, but would be a great complimentary back in Buffalo who can be trusted in pass protection. While he lacks elite speed, he has enough juice to make chunk plays as both a runner or receiver. Compact, powerful style helps him move the pile in short yardage situations.
Davis was one of my favorite backs in this class and can be a perfect complimentary contributor in rotation behind James Cook for the Bills. His elite hands, power, vision and balance makes him a plus player on every down. Scouts takes on Ray Davis: “He runs hard as shit,” “He’s a f------ load. He’s productive, and Kentucky never have an O-line. Never... every time I saw him on tape he was making yards.” “Tough, tough, determined, competitive, strength, explosiveness.” Grew up in the San Francisco foster care system after his parents were both incarcerated when he was 12. His perseverance is a true inspiration and has provided him with a wisdom and maturity far beyond his years.
5th Round Pick 141: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger C Georgia
Overall Rank: 76 IOL Rank: 7 PFWR Grade 9.05 RAS 7.83
Height: 6041 Weight: 298 40: 5.20 10: 1.77
👋Violent Hands 🏋️♂️Play Strength 🥊Scrappy fighter ⌛NFL Ready🪀Has ups and downs when he gets too upright.
A mauler with great balance, hands and a nasty disposition. Finish blocks with violence. Has the size and athleticism to fit any scheme. Allowed only one sack. Will provide instant competition or depth as a swing IOL. Will eventually be a starter and allow McGovern to return to his natural position as a Guard.
The Bills got an absolute steal grabbing SVPG in the 5th. Ranked 76th on the PFWR board, his selection at pick 141 scored a +47 net value on our draft value chart, by far the best score among the Bills selections and 21st best value overall in the draft. If not a Day 1 starter, he will soon find his way on the field to anchor the Bills line for a decade plus. He has some similar traits to last years 2nd round selection and current starting RG, O'Cyrus Torrence, and along with Connor McGovern, the Bills have a young nucleus of interior lineman to pave the way for their backs and keep the pocket clean for Josh Allen. The Bills needed to find an heir apparent for Center for life after Mitch Morse, and now may have found one.
5th Round Pick 160: Edefuan Ulofoshio LB Washington
Overall Rank: 173 LB Rank: 12 PFWR Grade 7.39
A true thumper who was a tackle machine and leader for the Huskies playoff team. Downhill player who will need to earn his way on Specials, but could provide valuable depth. Fits the mold of Bills Linebackers and has the toughness and flexibility to be a valuable contributor in multiple ways. Another one of my pre-draft favorites who I had projected to the Bills. Without giving up anything in speed and athleticism, he provides a run stuffing ability unlike the other LBs on the Bills roster. He will provide valuable depth, seeing as both Milano and Bernard lost time last season, and the lack of depth proved fatal in their elimination from the playoffs. Edefuan will also make an immediate impact on special teams and could soon be a leader on those units.
5th Round Pick 168: Javon Solomon Edge Troy
Overall Rank: 185 Edge Rank: 16 PFWR Grade 6.91
Height: 6010 Weight 246 Arm 33 7/8 Hand 10 3/4 40: 4.72 10: 1.66 RAS 7.12
Lacks prototypical size, but highly productive registering an FBS leading 16 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Explosive off the edge giving relentless pursuit and offering multiple tools. Will struggle against longer NFL Tackles, but has enough tools to compete for a rotational role if he becomes a ST contributor early. Has flashes that give him a chance to develop into an elite pass rush specialist, and spending time learning from Von Miller could prove beneficial.
6th Round Pick 204: Tylan Grable OT UCF
Overall Rank: 230 OT Rank: 25 PFWR Grade 6.48
Height: 6060 Weight 306 Arm 33 5/8 Hand 10 1/8 40: 4.95 10: 1.69 RAS 9.83
An exceptional athlete still learning to play Tackle. Offers positional versatility. Offers unlimited upside but may need to redshirt on the practice squad for a season. Bills covet freakish athletes on the o-line and his 9.83 RAS speaks to his upside potential as a developmental prospect.
6th Round Pick 219: Daquan Hardy CB Penn State
Overall Rank: 267 CB Rank: 32 PFWR Grade 5.91
Height: 5093 Weight 179 Arm 30 Hand 8 1/8 40: 4.38 10: 1.50 RAS 8.62
A scrappy water bug who's tape is filled with plays made against bigger and taller opponents. His sub 4.4 speed and quick twitch keeps him glued to receivers in coverage, but his lack of size and strength leaves him vulnerable to physical receivers. He'll have to earn his way as a returner and a core 4 specials contributor, where he shined at Penn State. Bills needed to get younger, faster and cheaper across the board, and Hardy will check all of those boxes. Could develop into a valuable situation slot corner, and has the speed, quickness, instincts and toughness despite the lack of size. to match up with the elite speed receivers the Bills primary rivals are stacked with.
7th Round Pick 221: Travis Clayton OT
Overall Rank: NR OT Rank: NR PFWR Grade NR
Height: 6070 Weight 301 Arm 35 40: 4.81
International program prospect who will get a practice squad exemption. The English Rugby player is the ultimate traits based selection offering intriguing upside potential as a massive athletic mountain of a man. Everything is a projection since he has not played a down of football/ The leap will be tremendous, but worth the risk at pick 221, and provides a free roster position to provide some camp depth.
Comments