Another draft is in the books, and it’s time to evaluate how the Bills fared. Bills Digest recently caught up with our resident draft analyst, former NFL scout Russ Lande, for his thoughts on how the Bills fared. Lande is the Director of College Scouting for the Montreal Alouettes, publisher of the GM Jr. Guide to the Draft and his draft insights can also be found on numerous national radio shows.
Bills Digest: What are your overall thoughts on the Bills’ draft?
Russ Lande: I think the Bills did a good job by getting very athletic players who display the competitiveness on the field that is often hard to find.
BD: Do you like all the trades Buffalo did to maneuver and get their guys in first three rounds?
RL: Yes, because any time a team moves around to get the players they feel fit their team best I am in favor of it. I was taught early in my football career that smart teams “make their own mistakes,” meaning it is better to be wrong about a player that you want to draft than regret not getting a player your team wanted because you sat still and waited.
BD: Was Tre’Davious White a good pick after trading down in the first round? How would you describe him as a player? Is he ready to contribute right away?
RL: White is an explosive athlete who plays better than his testing numbers even are. He caught my attention early in the 2016 season and I thought he was a slam dunk first-rounder because of his athleticism, aggressiveness, coverage ability and ball skills. I think he has everything it takes to be able to challenge for a starting job as a rookie.
BD: Is Zay Jones NFL ready right away? Can he be No. 2 receiver this season?
Esta historia es de la edición June/July 2017; Vol. 14, No. 3 de Bills Digest.
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Esta historia es de la edición June/July 2017; Vol. 14, No. 3 de Bills Digest.
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TRACKING TRAINING CAMP
Bills Digest was there for all the big moments at training camp. Here are some observations …
‘We're constantly trying to evolve'
For more on what’s happening within Buffalo’s offense, here are some highlights from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s recent press conferences.
‘On the field you must flip that switch'
Here are some highlights from head coach Sean McDermott’s recent press conferences.
ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL
Bills QB now under contract through 2028
Right back in the swing of things
It’s fair to say that this year’s Bills training camp looks wildly different from those of the past.
1st & Ten with STEFON DIGGS
Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
THE RIGHT STUFF?
Keeping two important starters is a priority as the right side of the O-line hits free agency
QUARTERBACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
