What Buffalo Bills Should Have Done Differently in 2024 NFL Draft

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane invested the team’s 2024 NFL Draft capital to select Keon Coleman, Dewayne Carter, Cole Bishop, Ray Davis, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Javon Solomon, Tylan Grable, Daequan Hardy and Travis Clayton. Were those the right selections? For the fourth consecutive year, Joe Marino is joined by Bruce Nolan of The Bruce Exclusive Podcast to compare the players they would have picked if they were making the selections for the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 NFL Draft. he show is focused on the Buffalo Bills, NFL Draft, 2024 NFL Draft, Brandon Beane, Josh Allen, Sean McDermott, Joe Brady, Bobby Babich, Keon Coleman, Dewayne Carter, Cole Bishop, Ray Davis, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Javon Solomon, Tylan Grable, Daequan Hardy, Travis Clayton and more!
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[@Ray-dl5mp]

All that matters is how good Keon is compared to the other receivers taken late in first round. Everyone will remember this draft for good or bad based on what happens with Keon. I love the guy so far but it’s all hope either way.

[@bobkrause6114]

Can I mix the 2 lists? Mostly, I’m impressed that both of you appear to really like Beane’s choices, given where the board was at their picks. Neither of you bashed any of his picks. That, imo, is a very good thing.

[@chadpils1485]

I miss the Bruce Exclusive. Great show guys.

[@412emilio]

I would have gone 33. AD Mitchell 60. Jermaine Burton 95. TJ Tampa 128. Ray Davis 141. Sedrick Van Pran 160. Christian Jones 168. Mekhi Wingo 204.Myles Cole 219. Solomyn Byrd 221.Trey Taylor

[@Broadkass]

On paper, yours is better.

[@mongoosemcmongoose2786]

Question on Franklin and ad mitchell: Why did they slide so much?? Draft pundits/analysts loved them and yet every team passed on them

[@billsfan7883]

Cause the talking heads don’t know as much as they think…

[@rockutron9000]

I believe Mitchell had health issues that weren't disclosed and/or not as researched until the draft process, plus he is a bit of a body catcher like Gabe Davis. Franklin is more of a head scratcher. Some believe he didn't wow enough at the combine and that when people broke his film down, they found glaring flaws in his route running. He seems like a steal in the 4th round, can't believe Beane didn't get him.

[@michaelbrandes8586]

I think we were looking at a 2 year plan Joe. He has a lot of draft capital for next year and his cap is far lower next year. He didn't go all in this year. Next year.. we might see a different draft.

[@itsnotaus]

Maybe instead of trade with kc, take the lesser value to trade back and somehow get the 3rd anyway

[@tomsmith125]

Bills should have drafted another receiver in the draft for Josh. Signing subpar vet WR’s and all of the WR UDFA’s look a little desperate in my opinion.

[@michaell5026]

Bruce is spot on with his WR verticality response, separation, and contested catch rate. McConkey is way better than Coleman as a prospect I'd take Bruce's picks all day

[@jcZo23]

More than a few WRs they past on are superior talent

[@michaell5026]

@@jcZo23 It was really frustrating in real time.

[@timothycaver3768]

You forgot Danny Ainge in the 3rd and Greg Kite in the 5th.

[@timothycaver3768]

Watched Marino explain positional values last year and. Safety was the very LAST on the list of non- kickers. So, in this podcast, he selects Cooper DeJean, a safety who’s listed as a corner to get drafted but whom all of the experts project as a safety because of CB skill limitations. Oh, and McDermott gets high value out of low round DB’s and we need edge, DL and vertical receivers. I do not like EITHER of these picks and feel better about what Beane did than this. Joe was super high on Legette and he was right there yet he picked a safety?

[@LockedOnBills]

Legette wasn't right there. He was picked 32. My first pick was 33.

[@Schedule1ne315]

All these conversations are irrelevant for the next 2-3 years

[@davidmaly5464]

How do we not have a fast guy? Curtis Samuel ran a 4.31.... only Worthy was faster than him in this class....

[@seanguitarman5594]

Samuel and Shakir are fast enough to stretch it vertically, but I would still like to see us add one more speed piece. Otherwise we finally have a decent blend of size and speed on offense. Been waiting for this for what seems like forever now...

[@davidmaly5464]

@@seanguitarman5594 Justin Shorter

[@seanguitarman5594]

@@davidmaly5464 Shorter also lacks that top end speed, but I am interested to see if he can ball out, definitely an interesting prospect there...

[@mjes911]

Glad they went off script - the previous script wasn’t working to get us over the hump. 4:40 glad they are showing signs of a pivot

[@MickhaelPoloSilva]

Agreed. Like getting specialists, but doing so in R5 Solomon & R6 Hardy. No swings early like Basham. Like late round swing Clayton as it prevents one player going to practice squad just to be claimed by other team. Clayton’s roster spot is reserved full yr I believe bec he is from international player pathway program.

[@ronbeck5106]

I love Bruce’s excitement.. he is fired up

[@jamellewis1632]

I really liked Joe Marino picks. I didn't think we wouldn't take Cooper Dejean at 33.....and the double dip was nice too

[@brentburton2147]

Love when we get some Bruce in. What an exceptional content creator duo

[@billsrelectric]

Brandon Beane did NOT go Best Player Available. He went with a checklist: WR, SAF, DT, RB, CENTER, LB, EDGE, CB, OT, OL And didn't deviate.

[@dapunkyqb1679]

🎯🎯🎯

[@williamlane7677]

One of my absolute favorite episodes that I look forward to every year. To be honest I like both drafts. I do like Ladd McConkey but, I do like Joe's combination of receivers. Plus he drafted Cooper Dejean. I also would have been happy with Beane if he would have skipped drafting a running back and got Javon Baker instead. Maybe Frank Gore Jr. could fill the role.

[@kenbash2951]

Davis could beat out Cook- he is a beast.

[@ravenclaw9122]

I still dont like our class. Yes im a bills fan. And yes i can have an opinion.

[@seanguitarman5594]

The Golden Council has deliberated. You have been reassigned. You are now a NY Jets fan. You're welcome... :D

[@eugenepoon]

Bruce's first two picks are kinda exactly how I'd go But I'd be curious of Coleman slides to 60, I'd get him instead of Bishop instead but it'd be close Huge no on Franklin tho, I think he went exactly where he should have in the 4th

[@AaronKentch]

He wouldn't have gotten passed NE at 34. They traded out when we picked Keon after trying to trade with us at 33

[@mongoosemcmongoose2786]

I love Bruce! I think Bruce should make an ai /facetime avatar like when my toddler likes to look like a trex on facetime 😂😂 That would be fantastic Seriously though, I’m a huge fan of bruce, been on him separately for a while, so teaming up with you is so great

[@kriyashivajiva]

2 of my favorite bills analysts. great drafts. was bummed about cooper d swiss army knife

[@mattturley3721]

I almost wish I didn’t listen to this one cause I 100% agree with Bruce. I was pounding the. Table for Ladd. And Franklin woulda given us the ability to keep safeties back to allow the rest of offense to work much more effectively. The “jump balls” are simply an after thought perk. Not a top notch trait. The reason they are “good” at that is cause they don’t separate therefore have to get good at it.

[@seanguitarman5594]

I don't know, I was leaning toward Legette myself, and so I went back to the tape and watched Keon. After a couple hours of game tape, I can see why Buffalo went with Coleman. He is fairly raw and unpolished at 20 yrs old (has plenty of development room), and physically, his only noticeable weakness was blazing speed. Not to be confused with slow, either. You don't return punts in college if you can't outrun the coverage. His game speed checks out, he is NFL fast. Toss in the insane body-control and hands, and I have to agree with some other folk, he could be the standout in this class. I'm never sold on pure speed athletes. The Bills have reserve speed if they need it in Samuel and Shakir, who can both stretch it vertically if needed. I would add one more speed wideout, personally. But we do have a legitimate blend of size and speed for once, so it will be interesting to see where Brady decides to go this year, as far as scheme is concerned. Separation skills can be overblown, just like 40 times, but speed and contested catch ability are still 2 venerable qualities to look for in a WR. You just don't want them to be one-dimensional in that area, and Keon really is a freak-athlete of sorts, so I'm not overly worried there. If ALL he could do was "bully-ball" then I might be concerned. At the end of the day I think Keon will be a much better fit than a lot of people are believing, here's hoping I'm right, lol

[@mattturley3721]

@@seanguitarman5594 let’s hope you’re right on. I’ll say this (and many will disagree) id rather have Coleman than diggs now. Let’s hope they coach the footwork needed to be a better separator. Maybe get to the aj green ballpark.

[@seanguitarman5594]

@@mattturley3721 I'm definitely excited to see what this guy can do with some technique improvements and some skill tweaking. Working with Andre Reed is a great start, if this kid gains real separation skills, look out man is all I can say...

[@starlordsdad1995]

I love both your drafts way better than Bean's. I think Beane gets to caught up with character,personality,and life experiences than a players talents,performance, and physical gifts. Great show guys and enjoy both your views each and every week. GO Bills!!

[@stlsportscity]

bruces draft was fucking immaculate

[@Joe-uw6rk]

I like both of yours better than Beane's

[@Qwartsinju-ft1yh]

Would’ve loved both these drafts, and it’s great to hear you guys opinions on the draft

[@billsrelectric]

I would have drafted Johnny Newton at 33. Then Roman Wilson at 60, and best available Safety at 95. The rest of the picks were good, but because CB Hardy is so small, 5'9" 179lbs, I might have taken MJ Devonshire instead.

[@hilljoy6710]

I like both of these drafts better than Beane

[@willdowney9322]

Bruce pick of Ladd McConkey is great but I loved Joe’s draft

[@dalebechtel8904]

I’m gonna be so pissed if your draft would have been better than beanes 😂

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

Keon is not the answer and neither is KJ Hamler. I’m not convinced that Keon is better than Gabe after watching film on Keon. It’s the lack of getting separation that is extremely disturbing. As for Hamler, dude is always hurt and lacks strength.

[@MichaelMcCormack-o8d]

He absolutely is much better than Gabe. Just the hands alone is way better.

[@billchriswell2925]

Of course he's gonna better than Davis...they shoulda cut him loose a year earlier

[@Akoz1988]

It was nice hearing Bruces voice again. Hopefully, he decides to continue with podcasting. He's been sorely missed. I also have to side with his draft. I don't think I could have handled the Bills picking DeJean after trading back twice.

[@Deandre-gq6mg]

Bruce don't count yourself out. I think your draft will be more productive in the nfl even if it's only by a little or a lot

[@IntroducingMrLucci]

Guys very knowledgeable, sounds just like Andre the Giant & Anigo Montoya's Boss from the Princess Bride.

[@brucenolan9012]

This made me chuckle. Thank you.

[@jf13579]

Inconceivable!

[@Rick081808]

What happens with contested catch wr ? INTERCEPTIONS !! Defender gets a hand on it and goes up in air aka interception! So I’m predicting Keon Coleman will have more interceptions involving him than any other Wr in the league !

[@wesleyoneil6905]

This was really great, showed me how double dipping could have looked. And I think double dip is sacrificing balance to overreact to losing Diggs. I like just Coleman and see what these other guys can add.

[@davidmaly5464]

Fun.... But a little cherry picked .... For example you now know all the safeties available at 95... and can compare them to Cole Bishop

[@rikusl1]

Joe's Draft >>> Bruce's Draft if only because he addresses EDGE a lot sooner and with a much better player. EDGE way too big a need to not draft someone until the 7th round.

[@bretthaller2096]

I loved Coker kid from Holy Cross too. Has size and speed. Surprised Bills didn't sign him instead of signing a bum like Claypool

[@billchriswell2925]

Coleman and Franklin woulda been mine...like Joes WR duo, but no DT....fun exercise😊

[@bretthaller2096]

I totally love Tyrone Tracy. He is bigger version than our current RB. Guy is a total stud!!!

[@bretthaller2096]

I love Jaylan Harrel to from Mich. He has a huge long arms. Coach him up could be a total gem !!!!

[@calebwithak]

No offense to anyone but I like Joes draft the best. Go Bills and hopefully Keon turns into Terrell Owens or Calvin Johnson…

[@luloffadam]

Love the idea of Wilson and Baker. Not a fan of McConkey injury wise.

[@scottblakely4419]

Nice job guys! That was fun.

[@LockedOnBills]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@sethschaefer2158]

Cannot believe we didn’t move up 5 spots for btj biggest disappointment of the draft

[@raheimphillips1224]

Bills mafia 👑

[@bubrub23]

Bruce your camera wasn't working again 😢

[@sauldemize9998]

love the concept. appreciate you guys putting your pics out instead of just criticizing others. im only a casual Bills fan so i would have loved a discussion of if you stick and pick at 28 opposed to move down twice, but that has probably been covered in a different episode. keep up the good work I enjoy getting my Bills info from you and Sal

[@TonyaWhite-t6y]

Love the show my thing is this what happens after Allen

[@Snappynappybullpen]

Almost feels like they’re going 3-4😮

[@jd229]

I mean was fairly successful with gabe davis and he was of a similar type to keon. Like i dont really understand its not that Allen didn't work well with the kelvin benjamin type, KB just sucked as a player. Allen threw plenty of balls to both diggs and davis that were not "flashed open". The one td to Q morris last year into triple coverage, there was no separation there, just 3 defenders with backs turned and he put it in. Allen will do just fine with keon.

[@seanguitarman5594]

I remember "plenty" of drops last year that Keon likely comes down with a majority of, lol. Keon will do fine here, especially with JA17 Winter Soldier at the helm... 🦬🦬🦬

[@giovanni7856]

Bills 2024 prediction 13-4

[@Rick081808]

Rice Nolan’s draft picks are fire 🔥

[@rockutron9000]

I liked both drafts more than the real one.

[@MaxDense]

Worthy and Franklin are the two fastest receivers drafted, but both are too slight for the NFL.

[@seanguitarman5594]

If Franklin wasn't such a damn pole he would have been much higher on my board, lol

[@Rick081808]

Keon contested catch % is 33.3 is so bad

[@Low196]

I would like to see the earlier episodes from years past. Just to see how your picks turned out. Lol

[@bubrub23]

Last year I think they went over all of the prior ones so you really only need to find that one.

[@michaell5026]

Great draft by Joe too

[@erivej]

Im ok with chalk with a couple of mods. I would have kept the pick traded to Chicago and gotten Booker. Then taken Malik Washington as the double dip WR in place of Solomon. The Bills are getting another 5th in compensatories so not a lot of need for another 5th next year. But definite need for an edge like Booker.

[@upstatenydude8322]

This was a fun one. My only issue would be Javon Baker. Seems some of the talk about attitude might be substantiated. He's already putting workout videos out where he's claiming to be a top 10 receiver in the NFL. OK, cockiness and confidence come with WRs, but c'mon now.

[@Deandre-gq6mg]

So i made my draft picks just before each bills pick was announced. I would chosen on the spot: 33. johnny newton (knowing johnny needed another surgery I woulda took Ruke Orhorhorho instead) 60. Cooper Beebe 95. Devontez Walker 128.jaden hicks 141. Sedric van pran 160.javon solomon 168. DJ James 204. Brendan rice 219. Curtis jacobs 221. Josiah ezirim Only thing I would change after the fact is drafting the UK Tackle since he doesn't count against the roster Would have tried to signed gabriel murphy, dwight mcglothern, tyler owens, curtis jacobs, cody schrader, kendall milton as udfa's,

[@nicholas_2509]

i love you joe

[@ralphgaver7071]

Beane stated there was not 28 first round draft picks on his board so unless one of the so called big three dropped to them they were not gonna use that pick 28 on a player because then they would be reaching and then would get roasted for that if the player they reached for didn’t work out.

[@millerrit]

How about a podcast looking back on the players you guys would have chosen last year?

[@jasoncrandall73]

Joe needs a Krusty the Clown avatar for guests that don't have a camera. 😉

[@seanguitarman5594]

I strongly second this genius suggestion!!!

[@matthewowlett2792]

I’m worried that not taking Franklin after his fall is going to be our 2024 regret.

[@seanguitarman5594]

Maybe so. Every team will have their regrets in differing degrees. I was leaning toward Legette, but Coleman's grown on me since I dipped back into his tape. I can't help but think there has to be some reason Troy slid so far down on EVERYONE's boards, lol. Wonder what happened there...

[@jclark4088]

Why does everyone act like Allen never throws any contested balls and only throws to wide open recievers? Its just not true. He throws plenty of contested passes where reliable hands and contested catch ability will be nice to have, for a change. Saying size and contested catch ability is overrated just doesn't do it for me personally. Anyone remember Diggs getting outmuscled by a 5'9" DB in London? I dont think it would be considered overrated if Coleman comes down with that ball lol

[@seanguitarman5594]

I don't think Coleman will be as overrated when people find that Josh trusts him enough to 50/50 him in advantageous situations all day long. And the speed thing is a bit overblown. Keon may not be a blazer, but he is NFL fast. He can run verticals, and if he's in isolation, he won't need to separate, just dominate. Also, ...you don't return punts in college if you can't outrun the coverages, lol. He is developmentally raw and 20 years old, pairing him up with Josh, kid could become a monster sooner than later. Kid is definitely a freak athlete type, and he can do plenty more than simply jump-balling. Will definitely be fun to watch the "Keon-Allen Connection" lol

[@IntroducingMrLucci]

Actually preferred both Drafts here better than the Bills actual Draft..

[@Rick081808]

Man I wish I can call Beane and just yell at him ! Did he even watch tape on these guys. Keon was the worst wr to pick nice kid but damn. They draft these guys that have no dawg in them. Like Greg Rousseau with his size if he had a dawg in him omg! Dwight Carter is kinda a nerd 🤓. The Solomon kid does not fit in this defense literally a pass rusher only no run D and he’s small small small. 3-4 D only. we have a 4-3 D. Still have no back up for the most important player on D Taron Johnson. 🤦🏼 wtf is Beane thinking 🤔 I’m so man. Joe and other podcast should be saying this so it gets Beanes attention. Once the picks are made these podcast become boot 👢 lickers for the bills front office. Josh Allen is now Mike trout of football ruined by management 🤦🏼

[@andrewbeakman4316]

Much happier with Beane’s picks. I’m looking forward to the Javon Baker train crashing off an embankment this year

[@Crimsonbat]

It's easy to do a perfect draft after it's happened and you actually see where the other guys go, LOL

[@Deandre-gq6mg]

one of my favorite video's that you do Joe. keep up the good work.

[@LockedOnBills]

Thank you!

[@timothycaver3768]

Verticality, verticality, verticality. “And with first pick in the 2024 draft, the Bills select Ladd McConkey, slot receiver who does exactly what Khalil Shakir does”.. 😝

[@billbenz8032]

How about Bruce get a camera

[@LockedOnBills]

It's his choice not to and we should all respect that

[@billupstateny9151]

Hearing him is painful enough !!!

[@todddambrosio2819]

@@billupstateny9151why? The guy had good points and very intelligent. You’re a hater.

[@danno7466]

It’s his jam. Where you been?

[@dalebechtel8904]

@@LockedOnBillswell said

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

Joe is a knowledgeable guy and a nice guy, obviously. But he is also a guy who was saying last fall that Joe Brady was running the offense just like Dorsey. Bruce Nolan can go have another cup of coffee and vent into the mirror for all I care about his take on the draft.

[@JohnPhilipps-e7v]

Love be the content, however Bruce must not understand statistics. A higher than average contested catch rate will have a positive impact on their overall catch rate. Contested catches happen in the NFL. So his statement that 52% ccr is bad is ridiculous. He makes linear connections that are not proper

[@brucenolan9012]

I don’t think you’re understanding the math. Being good at contested catches is good. But even people who are good at contested catches should still be avoiding them. A “good” contested catch rate is 52%. If 100% of your catches were contested and you posted a “good” contested rate of 52%, that would still be a terrible overall catch rate. Therefore the goal should always be to avoid contested catches whenever possible A higher than average congested catch rate WILL result in a better catch rate yes. But it won’t result in as good of a catch rate as limiting the overall number of contested catches you have.

[@JohnPhilipps-e7v]

@@brucenolan9012 so based on this, we actually agree … and I think what you do is hard. You made one comment during a podcast and I’m arm chair quarterbacking. BTW - I took advanced Stats and Math in college, so I do get the math.

[@brucenolan9012]

@@JohnPhilipps-e7v cheers and Go Bills!

[@billupstateny9151]

We know why nolan is NOT a nfl GM 🚽💩

[@stosh64]

I'm glad Beane is building the team, but I get it. Modern sports 'journalism' and all. Opinions matter

[@LockedOnBills]

It's ok to have some fun!

[@bill-465]

We Are A Team On Fire kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ29Y4xsZZ6mlas