Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: A Bills HALLMARK movie, DIGGS return to BUFFALO and D-LINE draft PREVIEW
Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Overview

This episode delivers a lighthearted yet insightful discussion on three key topics affecting Buffalo Bills fans:

• The announcement of a Hallmark Christmas movie featuring the Bills and Buffalo.
• The impending return of Stefon Diggs to Buffalo as a member of the New England Patriots.
• A detailed preview and debate regarding the Bills’ defensive line needs and targets ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The hosts balance Bills-focused football analysis with Buffalo culture, giving listeners a taste of locker room banter, behind-the-scenes info, and the fan perspective at every turn.

1. Buffalo Bills Get a Hallmark Christmas Movie

(Segment starts: 01:17)

Key Points & Discussion

• Jenna Cottrell expresses her unabashed love for Hallmark movies, despite acknowledging their formulaic cheesiness.
  • "Are they terrible? Yes. Are they cheesy? Absolutely. Are they horrific? Usually, yes. But I still love them." (01:21)
• The group playfully theorizes what a Bills-themed Christmas Hallmark movie’s plot might be:
  • Rival chicken wing businesses, enemies-to-lovers storyline, city-to-small-town return, and of course, being snowed in around Christmas.
  • Guesswork on which players might cameo: Dion Dawkins, Khalil Shakir, Damar Hamlin (who helped announce the film), possibly Josh Allen, and even Coach Sean McDermott delivering Christmas presents.
  • The role of local Bills personalities, such as “Brother Bill” and possibly local media, is discussed.
• Reflection on recent Chiefs-themed Hallmark movie – fans didn’t like it due to overexposure, but now it’s Buffalo’s turn.
• Will the Bills win the Super Bowl in the film? Consensus is they might allude to it, but probably won’t show it.
• The movie is expected to weave Highmark Stadium and authentic Buffalo culture throughout, casting real players in “playing themselves” roles.

Notable Quotes

• "There is nobody, I think, that hates Hallmark movies. You like them. I think you like them ironically." – Mike Catalana (03:44)
• "It’s enemies to lovers. I’m calling it right now." – Jenna Cottrell (03:16)
• "If you’re gonna make a Hallmark movie and talk about the Bills, you gotta have Josh Allen in it...is that what he wants, his acting debut?" – Jenna Cottrell (04:26)
• "Even if they're playing themselves, it's still acting, because you're reading lines." – Dan Fates (04:49)

Fun Moments

• Banter about which Bills would be best or worst actors.
• The prospect of local Bills fan personalities making cameos.
• "Players are gonna have their favorite spots. So it’s gonna be like: oh, Dion Dawkins says he loves Betty’s Wings." – Jenna Cottrell (02:42)

2. Stefon Diggs Signs with Patriots & Returns to Buffalo

(Segment starts: 09:09)

Trade Analysis & Impact

• The Bills “won the trade” with Houston, scoring a second-round pick, while Diggs is now on his third team in two years, landing with New England on a substantial contract despite coming off an ACL injury.
  • "It’s probably a pretty smart move for New England…Diggs did. He's getting paid more than I think he normally would coming off the ACL at his age. So good for him that he got more money." – Dan Fates (09:34)
  • "He was productive in Houston for those seven and a half games...he didn’t fall off a cliff." – Mike Catalana (10:25)
• The Patriots’ locker room may appeal under new coach Mike Vrabel, but the main draw is the money for Diggs.
• Discussion on whether fans will boo or cheer Diggs when he returns to Buffalo:
  • Football fandom is less personal than in other sports; the animosity isn’t expected to match that seen with Jack Eichel’s return to Buffalo as a Sabre, for example.
  • Some Bills fans were “sick and tired” of Diggs by the end, but most will feel it’s “beneath them” to boo him, especially since the team improved post-trade.
  • Analytical comparison to Eichel, noting the very different circumstances for both players.
• The panel expects some boos, but mainly a mixed reaction if Diggs is healthy and playing—and more if he is producing for the Patriots.

Notable Quotes

• "He wants to win. He wants to win. He went to New England. That team stinks...He wanted the money. I don’t begrudge him the money, but...there’s a lot of better circumstances he could have gone to, football-wise." – Dan Fates (15:01)
• "Bills fans don’t forget a lot. And I think you’ll see a lot of 'You sure?' signs." – Mike Catalana (22:21)
• "The impact Diggs had was positive until it wasn’t." – Jenna Cottrell (15:51)
• "I think the people that hate him despise him, but I think most people..." – Jenna Cottrell (17:07)

Noteworthy Segments

• Comparison of Diggs’ departure to that of Jack Eichel, and the dynamics of fan reactions to returning players.
  • "When Sabres fans boo Jack, they're almost booing the front office." – Mike Catalana (23:11)
• Speculation on when the Patriots-Bills games will fall on the 2025 schedule and how/if the NFL will “play up” the Diggs storyline.
• Discussion of possible jersey-wearing among fans and social media fallout.
• General consensus: Bills fans grateful for Diggs’ past, even more grateful he’s not part of the current team.

3. Bills Defensive Line State and Draft Preview

(Segment starts: 25:43)

Current State of the D-Line

• Roster includes Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa (recent addition), DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, plus recent picks Javon Solomon and Dwayne Carter, and veterans A.J. Epenesa.
• Key concern: the need for more difference-makers and reinforcements, given age, health, and recent suspensions.
• Bosa expected to play more snaps than initially assumed—a likely starter at end.
  • "His...the way that he sounded was definitely being more of a...he's expecting to be a starter and to have an impact on all three downs." – Mike Catalana (27:45)

Draft Considerations & Prospects

• High probability they take at least one defensive lineman in first three picks.
  • "They have three picks in the top 60...They have to take one somewhere in those three picks. I don't think...it's guaranteed at 30, but they have a need." – Dan Fates (28:42)
• Discussion of fit is critical—what kind of player pairs best with current lineup (Ed Oliver, Rousseau, etc).

Defensive Tackle Prospects Discussed

• Kenneth Grant (Michigan):
  • 6'3", 340 lbs, massive “block eater”; slimmed to 332 at Combine.
  • "He’s a guy that I think of...first and second down player that will tell you, I can be a three-down guy." – Dan Fates (33:39)
• Deone Walker (Kentucky):
  • 6'7", 331 lbs, “enormous human with elite size and length”; considered more of a project.
• Alfred Collins (Texas):
  • 6’5”, 332 lbs, concerns with pad level due to height, probably a later-round option.
• Derrick Harmon (Oregon, formerly Michigan State):
  • NFL comp: DaQuan Jones; “blend of size, length, strength that makes him tough to move.”
• Darius Alexander (Toledo):
  • Noted as potentially older (turning 25), but a physically dominant presence.
  • "He just appears to be the type of player that's been in that system, plays that way...he might be there [at pick 30]." – Mike Catalana (39:55)
  • Jenna adds, "Darius Alexander – wrestler," highlighting the team's affinity for former wrestling standouts. (40:17)
• Great, funny quote from Harrison Phillips:
  • "A defensive tackle is like a fire hydrant at a dog show. You've got a role. You're the guy who's gonna get pissed on." – Mike Catalana recounting Harrison Phillips (37:54, 38:04)

Edge Prospects & Others

• Mike Green (Marshall):
  • NFL comp: Alex Highsmith; 17 sacks in 2024, “plays with violence” but potential character red flags with off-field accusations.
• James Pierce Jr. (Tennessee):
  • Highly athletic, first-round talent, but flagged for “uncoachable” and “had one foot out the door.”
• Others mentioned: Shamar Stewart, Mason Graham (another wrestler), Jack Sawyer (Ohio State; likened to A.J. Epenesa), Tyleik Williams (Ohio State), and Walter Nolan.

Strategic Draft Thoughts

• Emphasis on need for “large humans” to plug run gaps and provide Ed Oliver with a stout, space-eating counterpart.
• Hosts are in favor of doubling up on DL picks—swing on two if value and opportunity present.
• Historical reference to previous second and third-round swings (e.g., Basham and Rousseau).
  • "So the last time they swung, the two of them was Basham and Rousseau. You hit on 50% of it." – Mike Catalana (49:17)
• Banter about trading up, late draft chaos, and the unpredictability of the Bills’ draft board approach.

4. Notable Quotes & Fun Moments

Hallmark Movie Plot Theories

• "At some point, there will be somebody stuck in snow...and the guy gets her out. They get into an argument. Enemies to lovers.” – The crew.
• "Dion Dawkins says he loves Betty’s Wings. Dion’s in it.” – Jenna Cottrell (02:50)

On Diggs’ Return

• "I think a lot of fans are just like, okay, yeah...you’re so hungry to win, you sign with a team that’s obviously rebuilding—again.” – Jenna Cottrell (17:32)
• "Bills fans don’t forget a lot. And I think you’ll see a lot of 'You sure?' signs." – Mike Catalona (22:21)

On Defensive Tackles

• "A defensive tackle is like a fire hydrant at a dog show. You've got a role. You're the guy who's gonna get pissed on.” – Harrison Phillips quote via Mike Catalana (37:54, 38:04)
• "You want your D-line, you want guys that'll get after—right? This close to getting arrested." – Mike Catalana (31:05)

5. Key Timestamps

• 01:17 – Hallmark movie segment begins
• 09:09 – Stefon Diggs to Patriots analysis
• 25:43 – Defensive line draft preview starts
• 33:39 – Deep dive on Kenneth Grant
• 37:54 & 38:04 – Harrison Phillips fire hydrant quote
• 39:55 – Darius Alexander draft breakdown
• 49:17 – Final thoughts on defensive line draft strategy
• Throughout – Banter about wrestling backgrounds as a Bills draft plus

Conclusion

This episode was classic Buffalo Plus—equal parts playful, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable about Bills culture and football operations.

• The Hallmark movie is already sparking speculation and local pride (with plenty of jokes).
• The Diggs conversation offered fresh perspective on NFL fandom and the limits of sports grudges.
• The D-line segment gave listeners a working board of the best, biggest, and most “violent” draft prospects for Buffalo.

For listeners or readers, this is an engaging way to stay caught up on Bills news, roster moves, and draft talk—while feeling like you’re hanging out with friends in Western New York.