Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: BILLS pick WR KEON COLEMAN to help JOSH ALLEN, BUFFALO'S DRAFT DAY 2 RECAP
Date: April 27, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes off this episode)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth wrap-up of the Buffalo Bills’ activity on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. With analysis centered around the drafting of wide receiver Keon Coleman and safety Cole Bishop, hosts Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell discuss team strategy, fit, and the broader narrative of Buffalo’s approach at this critical juncture. The show covers draft tactics, player traits, Brandon Beane’s choices, and a candid look ahead to Day 3.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on Round 1: Trading with Kansas City

• Trepidation Over Trading with a Rival: Jenna expresses discomfort with trading draft picks to the Chiefs, Buffalo’s postseason nemesis:

  “I still will say with my chest that I don’t love trading with Kansas City... you're trying to overcome the team that has ended your season four out of the last five seasons.” (01:13)

  • She points out the risk of seeing “their guy,” Xavier Worthy, scoring against Buffalo in a big game.

• Narrative of Trade Decisions: Mike questions the logic of downplaying Kansas City’s urgency:

  “If the Chiefs were so confident they were going to get Worthy, why were they calling the Bills to trade up?” (03:03)

2. Keon Coleman: The New WR in Buffalo

• Initial Reaction & Traits: Jenna admits mixed initial feelings but is swayed by Dan Orlovsky’s endorsement and Brandon Beane’s praise of Coleman’s “above the rim” ability and confidence:

  “He’s a Hooper... He has that kind of — Brandon Beane said — bravado. And I could see it. That’s a guy... classified as a dog. And the Bills need dogs.” (04:48)

• Concerns About Speed: Jenna shares direct insight from a question about Coleman’s purported lack of speed:

  “What does he say to those people? ...He showed off some of that bravado... saying, like, ‘I’ve never been caught from behind.’” (06:08)

• Skillset and Fit:

  • Mike emphasizes the value of contested catches and Coleman’s “outside” WR presence, especially in the red zone:

    “When Josh is running around, a 40 yard dash, time does not matter... find the spot and go up and get the ball.” (07:09)

3. Safety Cole Bishop: Versatility and Leadership

• Pick Value & Traits:
  • Bishop is praised for toughness, positional versatility, and leadership—plus his experience covering Dalton Kincaid in college:

    “He said, you know, I’ve gotten a lot better at covering tight ends because going up against Dalton Kincaid..." (12:45)

  • Mike notes Bishop’s physical traits — bigger safety build with possible “big nickel” utility — and calls him “a guy McDermott’s gonna love.” (13:31)

4. DT Dwayne Carter: Reinforcing the Line

• Quick Hit: Carter is described as a durable, undersized three-technique, drafted as depth and a developmental option behind Ed Oliver (16:18). Leadership is noted by his multi-year captaincy at Duke.

5. Roster Construction, Day 3 Expectations, and Larger Draft Trends

• Wide Receiver Draft Philosophy: The hosts reflect on Buffalo’s rare use of premium picks on WRs:

  “128 was the highest pick they've ever used in the Beane-McDermott era on a wide receiver [before Coleman].” (23:29)

  • Mike expresses intent to research how Buffalo compares to the rest of the league in this area.

• Day 3 Needs & Approach:

  • Jenna believes more WR help and a running back are likely on Day 3.
  • Mike discusses the value and risk in later draft rounds, illustrating with examples like Matt Milano’s fifth-round selection versus failed mid-round picks elsewhere (22:53).

• Notable Football Quotes on Draft Value:

  “People love picks. People don't always love players.” — Reflecting the risk inherent in draft projections and the emotional attachment fans have to the idea of upside (17:23).

• The Search for “Dogs” & Playmakers:

  “Josh Allen is a Lamborghini of a quarterback. Do not surround him with Subaru Outbacks.” — Jenna, on the importance of matching talent to quarterback potential (22:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Keon Coleman’s Confidence:

  “I’ve never been caught from behind.” — Keon Coleman (recapped by Jenna, 06:08)

• On Drafting for Need vs. Value:

  “No, you brought in players to potentially fill those needs.” — Mike, on the distinction between addressing needs and solving them (16:57)

• On WR Pick Philosophy:

  “They keep giving Mahomes weapons, or at least trying to.” — Mike, comparing Kansas City’s and Buffalo’s approaches (25:03)

• Humorous Aside on Team Cars:

  “Josh Allen is a Lamborghini... Don’t surround him with Subaru Outbacks.” — Jenna (22:53)
  “Khalil Shakir drives a Subaru, which—they’re very dependable cars!” — Jenna, jokingly (23:05)

• On Press Room Anxiety:

  “I stood there for probably—I’m not kidding you—five minutes just like, just do, just get it over with, Jenna... It was not great. I hate that. It’s so embarrassing.” — Jenna, on doing on-camera news hits in front of peers (28:52)

Key Timestamps

• Chiefs Trade and Draft Strategy: 00:37 – 03:39
• First Impressions of Keon Coleman: 03:39 – 06:43
• Coleman’s Response to Speed Critique: 05:34 – 06:32
• Coleman’s Role and Red Zone Use: 07:09
• Cole Bishop Pick Discussion: 10:52 – 13:54
• Draft Philosophy, Day 3 Outlook: 20:01 – 22:53
• On WR Picks in Buffalo’s History: 23:29 – 24:26
• League Trends & Pat Mahomes Comparison: 24:28 – 25:25
• Press Room Anecdote: 28:31 – 29:07

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is honest, witty, and characteristically conversational, reflecting a mix of fan and insider perspectives. The hosts balance critique with optimism, especially around Coleman's upside and Bishop's fit. They maintain skepticism about some philosophical aspects of the Bills’ draft history, but give credit for addressing pressing needs with higher-upside players. Regular playful banter, late-night weariness, and acknowledgment of draft “roulette” keeps the tone lively and relatable.

If you’re looking for a thorough, boots-on-the-ground perspective of Buffalo’s 2024 Draft Day 2 moves, this episode delivers everything from nuanced pick breakdowns to the real talk of covering the Bills for a living.