The Bills DRAFT OPTIONS Trade UP, Trade DOWN or Go 'ALL-IN' + LIFE ADVICE for #GirlDads

Summary

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Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: The Bills DRAFT OPTIONS: Trade Up, Trade Down or Go 'ALL-IN' + LIFE ADVICE for #GirlDads
Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

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Overview

This episode dives into the Buffalo Bills' draft strategies—should they trade up, trade down, or make a bold 'all-in' move? With the draft just weeks away, the Buffalo Plus crew brings in-depth analysis, team needs, and philosophical debates on the value of draft capital. The show closes with thoughtful (and hilarious) life advice for soon-to-be dads of girls, submitted by a listener.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bills' Draft Approach: Trade Up, Down, or Stay Put?

• Number of first-round grades:
  • Brandon Beane rarely has 26 first-round grades (the Bills' pick); often it's 13–15.
  • Jenna (02:05): “How many first-round grades do you think if he tells us the number… Sometimes he says it. He'll just say, not 26, because they're picking 26. And I think most of you realize he means they never have that many first round grades."
• Draft capital constraints:
  • Bills don’t have a 2nd-round pick and have limited draft capital this year.
  • Trading up may require next year’s 1st.
  • Dan (02:54): “I don't think they have enough draft capital to move up using only this year's draft capital. What would it take for you to be okay to move up using next year's first?”
• Downsides to trading up:
  • Reluctance to part with future picks, especially in a supposedly strong 2027 class.
  • Mike (05:54): "The perception of why next year is a better first for a couple of reasons, is that… they believe there's going to be an influx of players who have been three years staying there… It's intended to be a quarterback heavy draft."
• Picks vs. Players:
  • Discussion on overvaluing draft picks versus the reality when picks become players.
  • Dan (05:32): “I would be okay with trading next year's first because everybody loves picks until they're players.”

2. Trade Up vs. Trade Back—Risks, Rewards, and Philosophies

• Trading back:
  • Trading back is often lauded; more picks provide flexibility, but risk losing top-tier talents.
  • Mike (10:40): "I am tired of hearing about trading back… Sometimes you make the argument that there's no one there we want… But again, it depends on how far you want to move back."
  • Concerns about moving back too far and missing impact players.
  • Examples: Prior moves for Keon at 33rd, Dwayne Carter—results were mixed.
  • Dan (10:58): “Just pick the right player. So again you can be okay with trading back and gaining the third round pick that you didn't have that year. It just the two players you've picked and Dwayne Carter and Keon Coleman just haven't amounted to… the impact that you needed them to have.”
• Position runs & draft fluidity:
  • Monitoring runs on WRs or EDGE early impacts whether the Bills should move up or back.
  • Flexibility needed depending on how the board falls.
  • Jenna (12:04): “How much do you think as well what position they're after goes into them trading back too? Because if there's a run on wide receivers… do they try to capitalize at 26 or do they try to move up…?”

3. Which Positions Should the Bills Target?

• Wide Receiver:
  • Heavy debate on prioritizing WR after big DJ Moore addition; argument for cost-controlled receivers.
  • Dan (15:16): "That's where I'm also not against this thought of giving up and moving up a little bit."
  • Jenna (17:37): “I love Casey Concepcion. I have from the beginning. My thoughts on that have not changed… it's been hard on Josh Allen… to have more help for Josh… would be something…”
• Edge, DT, and Corner:
  • Defensive needs remain significant, especially EDGE and DT.
  • Possible targets: Cash Howell (EDGE), Kaden/Katie McDonald (DT).
  • Mike (21:41): “They have needs for a lot of these players like you. They need an edge rusher, they need a defensive tackle. They need help at corner…”
• Cornerback debate:
  • Few mock drafts have them taking a corner, but some see the need for depth.
  • Dan (22:38): “…I think you can get a corner of some caliber that can make an impact play meaningful snaps… As compared to what a wide receiver at $5 million.”
• Safety future:
  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson is on a one-year deal; being “a year ahead” on a replacement makes sense.
  • Mike (23:32): “Drafted Emmanuel McNeil, Warren, Caleb Downs, Ohio State is considered a really versatile player…”

4. The Business & Strategy of Drafting

• Value of rookie deals at key positions:
  • Wide receiver, EDGE, QB are expensive positions—cheaper, cost-controlled rookies are valuable.
  • Dan (19:38): “…where you are spending a lot of your salary cap… is to just get business, right? So to sit there and say, man, we got a guy that for four or five years is going to be under value cost wise is important.”
• Context behind draft stats:
  • A viral stat: Bills are last in % of draft capital used on offense since 2020… but so are the Ravens, Chiefs, Eagles (all good teams), so context matters.

5. Pressure on Brandon Beane—New Regime

• Jenna (29:54): “Do you think that just with the changes… having a new head coach [not McDermott now]… is that a factor for Brandon Bean? Is there more pressure…?”
• Beane has more control, more pressure in this draft cycle.
• Also, Allen’s age/contract/timeframe affects team philosophy—maybe time to “push chips in.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On future picks:
  • Dan (05:32): “I would be okay with trading next year's first because everybody loves picks until they're players.”
• On “best business”:
  • Mike (15:14): “It's good business. It's better business to trade up… for certain positions.”
• On both sides being true:
  • Dan (10:27): “I'm going to steal Jenna's line for a second. Two things can be true at the same time.”
• On the new regime and pressure:
  • Jenna (32:53): “I know a lot of GMs are very, very anti, like, pushing in the chips. ...but I feel like we're… getting to [where] now is the time to think about that a lot more because of where Josh is at and what you want to see this team achieve…”
• On positional value and market:
  • Dan (22:38): “I think you can get a corner… that is $5 million like what Trey got, as compared to what a wide receiver at $5 million [brings].”

Fun Banter & Running Jokes

• Bravo/Reality TV comparisons:
  • Amanda, Sierra, and other “first-round picks” (06:32) … breaking up a serious sports segment with a hilarious detour.
• Mock draft struggles:
  • Mike (26:19): “I haven't done my mock draft yet. I'm working on it. So by the time I get to it, I may be trading up in the top 10 to get a wide receiver…”
• Classic Dad Sayings:
  • “What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?” (25:32)
  • “Six of one, half dozen the other.” (25:43)

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Timestamp Guide for Important Segments

• [01:31–04:52] — First-round grade debate, draft capital, and trading possibilities
• [10:40–12:04] — The merits and risks of trading back
• [12:04–15:11] — Positional runs and draft target dynamics
• [19:38–21:41] — Rookie contract value at expensive positions
• [21:41–23:53] — Deep dive on defense, corner, and safety needs
• [29:54–32:17] — Impact of new coaching regime on Beane and draft philosophy
• [34:14–45:16] — Life advice for new “girl dads” (listener segment)

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Life Advice for #GirlDads (Listener Segment)

Mailbag Question: “I never pictured myself as a girl dad—what should I expect?"

(34:14 and onward)

• Dan:
  • Shares honest doubts and joy—was hoping for a girl, finds daughter enjoys many shared experiences (like going to hockey games).
  • “You will be their favorite person in the world.”
• Mike:
  • Has two daughters, three granddaughters.
  • "Especially when they're young... you are the king. And that lasts for a while, and then... you get really stupid. You don't change, but they think you're an idiot. And then it comes back to you again tenfold as they get older."
• Jenna:
  • Pointed out how daughters can be into all kinds of interests—including “dad” hobbies like football.
  • “Just because it's a girl doesn't mean that you won't still have some… experiences you were hoping for…”
• Practical advice:
  • Be open to new interests (theater, tea parties), but kids might also share your original interests.
  • Be ready for painted nails!
  • Widen your horizons and embrace everything; joy comes in many forms.
  • Dan: “I've just... It's what I know. And yeah, there's 15 princess dresses in our basement and there's 42 Barbies… and there's a soccer ball and things like that.”

Mike (37:12): “It's the best. I love being a dad of girls. I love being a granddad of girls.”
Dan (39:45): "Just because it's not what you expect doesn't mean it can't be even better than what you were hoping for."

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Final Takeaways

• Expect the Bills to be flexible and opportunistic—likely to trade back, but with an eye on WR or defensive reinforcements depending on how the draft unfolds.
• Beane is under fresh pressure—with more power, a new HC, and Allen at 30, team-building strategy is at a crossroads.
• Listener advice segment brings warmth and real-life insight, softening the hard edges of draft talk with parental humor and wisdom.

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Next Up:

• Live draft preview show, Wednesday night (pre-draft), and full draft content to follow.

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Quick Reference: Key Draft Strategy Forecast

• 60%: Trade Back
• 25%: Stay Put
• 15%: Trade Up
  (Dan, 33:56)

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This recap distills the football strategy debate, team context, and a heartwarming mailbag, capturing the Buffalo Plus crew’s personality, insight, and honest takes.

Transcript

[A]

I would be okay with trading next year's first because everybody loves picks until they're players.

[B]

If they just sit there at 26, they make a pick. It's a long wait till they pick again.

[A]

You made so many good points in all of that and none of it is usable. Jedidizer, you were cooking. You were cooking.

[C]

I know you talk with your hands, but I think. He's so fed up. With us.

[A]

Now from the Connors and Ferris podcast studio. This is the Buffalo plus podcast, right?

[C]

Welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast. Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cotrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We are here in the Connors and Ferris podcast studio. We're going through today some of the prospects we like, some of the prospects we love. My hair is crazy. What we think they will do.

[A]

I knew you couldn't get through this intro without.

[C]

My hair looks crazy. And our thoughts on the Bill's plan as the draft approaches. I'm having a bad hair day, Michael. I know that happens to you, too. This.

[B]

I think I'm good. All right, Dan, how are you? You good?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Let's get into it, though. So some prospects we like, some guys we love and where we think they'll go and what we think they'll do. Because I can't believe how close the draft. I mean, we're. We're rolling, right?

[B]

Three weeks, right? Two weeks. Excuse me. Two weeks from. Well, we're recording this Wednesday, two weeks from tomorrow. We got to figure first, like, what do we think Brandon Bean's going to do in terms of positioning now give me a number because we're going to talk to him. How many first round grades do you think if he tells us the number, Sometimes he says it. He'll just say, not 26, because they're picking 26. And I think most of you realize he means they never have that many first round grades. Yeah. Even though 32 players will get drafted in the first round, how many do you think he'll say?

[C]

13.

[B]

13? What do you got?

[A]

15.

[B]

15.

[C]

What do you have?

[B]

He'll say, not 26.

[C]

Well, I didn't know we could take that answer.

[B]

Well, I was waiting for your guys to come up with a number.

[A]

Smart ALC response.

[B]

I think he's usually around that number. And sometimes you think, well, how would you ever have a first round guy? Well, you don't know who they have a grade on. And if that player slips, they make a move. He's done it before. Trade up, trade back, stay where you are, Dan. I look at and I say, I don't slip. See a method of trading up maybe a small amount. I don't think they have enough draft capital to. To trade up and I don't think they want to dip into next year's draft, which is supposed to be a superior draft.

[A]

So why. So you don't think they have enough draft capital to move up using only this year's draft capital? What would it take for you to be okay to move up using next year's first. You know what I'm saying?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You mean if Carnell Tates at. Is on the board at a. I

[C]

was like, I don't understand.

[B]

So, yeah, you'd have to give up next year's one, probably. Right, Agreed. Yeah, that would be a big swing, especially to take a wide receiver. Meaning then you've given up this year's one, next year's one, and this year's two for wide receivers this year. So to Jenna's point, Brandon Bean hasn't been investing in wide receivers. He's had gone. He'd done the whole thing.

[C]

That would be the overkill. Yeah, I don't expect that to happen, obviously, but I do think you mentioned just the draft stock that they have right now in terms of how many picks. I agree. I feel like that means that it's probably unlikely that they will move up in the draft. But that being said too, I also think that moving back, there's the negatives that come with that as well. It's not like, oh, yeah, they move back, everything's good. It's like, you still are that much further from prospects that you have ranked highly. It's just the math of it.

[A]

But Mike and I, I think we're joking. On their way up to Sabers, the one day that every GM that's able to trade back is viewed as like, way to go. He found a way to trade back.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Weren't you saying that, Mike, that like the GMs, that they're always applauded for moving back? Because you talk about like, the risk that that goes into trading up. But if you can assume draft capital, like, what a move. This guy was smarter.

[C]

You know why? Because picks are valued more than a lot of players. You think of the picks that you have, you're like, we got a great pick. I think of the Xavier Worthy trade with the Chiefs. Oh, the Bills picked up an extra pick that's been Dwayne Carter and it has not panned out because of injuries.

[A]

That's. That's my Big things, I always say. And that's where I kind of. I push back a little bit. The thought of, well, would you do something and give up next year's first? And you make the point and say, well, next year's draft is supposed to be loaded. It's supposed to be a good draft. Every next draft is a good draft. And no, hang on, hang on. Because. But everything. Something always happens. Nobody had Fernando Mendoza at this time last year at the number one overall. And then you see quarterbacks that you thought Christian Hackenberg and a lot of these guys that you thought were going to be great weren't end up being great.

[B]

Christian Hackenberg, man, you're going back.

[A]

I was there.

[B]

It is.

[A]

Well, I also think about Matt Barkley at usc. He was so great as a freshman. And some of these guys. And then things don't. They don't end up panning out. So as Janet comes of, beat me to it. But I did want to say it. I would be okay with trading next year's first because everybody loves picks until they're players.

[B]

I think the perception of why next year is better first for a couple of reasons. Is that the way it's worked out with players staying in school a little longer? I think they believe there's going to be an influx of players who have been three years staying there. Three. Even a fourth year or in some cases a fifth year staying. And they believe many of them are coming out. And it's intended to be a quarterback heavy draft, which that means it pushes other players back. I was going to make the comparison. I'll give you a sports comparison. So when I was a kid, I played basketball.

[C]

I'd rather have a Bravo comparison.

[A]

So it'd be like if West. Here, wait, let me. Okay, so like Amanda is like a first round. Sierra is a first round pick. Amanda's a second.

[B]

Can you take the one shot?

[A]

Did I get this? Yeah. Did I get this right?

[B]

Can you take the one shot? To me, I just wanted on the record that that was an incredible interruption by both Dan and Jenna as I began to make an eloquent point about sports.

[A]

And so Kyle's like, he's like, he was the top pick, but he's fallen. He's fallen off the map because of off the field Concerns about DJing. Mike, you know, you know Kyle and West and Amanda.

[B]

Yeah, I, I don't get the whole Amanda thing, but yes, I know what you're talking about.

[C]

Okay, go ahead.

[A]

All right.

[B]

When I played basketball, you were a point guard. You're on the break. You stopped at the foul.

[C]

I'm sorry. Your autofocus was going nuts.

[A]

You and as you made so many good points in all of that and none of it is usable. Oh, we're leaving all of this in but Jedi, you were cooking. You were cooking.

[C]

I know you talk with your hands,

[B]

but so

[A]

I think.

[C]

He's so fed up with us.

[A]

You made so many good points in all of that and none of it is usable. Oh, we're leaving all of this in but Jedi, you were cooking. You were cooking.

[C]

I know you talk with your hands,

[B]

but so

[A]

I think.

[C]

He's so fed up with us. Okay, you're good.

[A]

So bravo. So you have these two people.

[C]

Okay. Okay, go back to your take.

[B]

I want to get back in focus here and explain.

[A]

Good segue.

[B]

High school basketball. You're on the break. I'm a point guard. Stop at the foul line, look to the wings. If nobody's open, you kick it back out. That was the way the game was played. No cross court passes. Like all that. The world changes. I am tired of hearing about trading back and I understand why teams do it. Sometimes you make the argument that there's no one there we want to give a first round pick to. It's got the fifth year option. It doesn't work. Somebody's going to give us an asset. We're going to move back. Okay, I get also has to be the right move. You don't want to go so far back that you give up players that maybe you liked. And I think there's a much better chance they trade back again because they don't have a second round pick and they want to get another pick in the top 100 somewhere. But it's not always that easy to do. Honestly, I. You look, you need a team that wants to drop back into the first round and then you want to give you an asset that is worth it to move back. And I looked at one like if you move back to the Titans, you're moving back from like pick 26 all the way back to 35. I think it is. And then you add the 66 pick and you got to throw in a fourth. Like this is to get you another pick in the top 100 because they traded away the second round pick and they only have one in the third. So I don't love the idea of trading back because I do believe there should be somebody there at 26 that can help you right away. But again, it depends on how far you want to move back. When they move back For Keon twice they move to the 33rd pick. It wasn't about where they picked, it was the guy they picked.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So you got to pick the right guy. But I guess it was better to pick Keon in 33rd than picking 20, whatever they were that year.

[A]

Yeah, I think that's a good point in I'm going to steal Jenna's line for a second. Two things can be true at the same time. So. So Mike, like you said you. I'm okay with trading back. I guess I've just become reluctant to that because I'm like preparing myself for that and I'm okay with it. If you add draft capital, add the second round pick or whatever you get for it or.

[B]

Or whether it's getting a second round pick. Yeah, whatever. Well, you're getting the one second. Obviously you're moving back to the second. But.

[A]

But it goes back to just pick picking the right player. So again you can be okay with trading back and gaining the third round pick that you didn't have that year. It just the two players you've picked and Dwayne Carter and Keon Coleman just haven't amounted to what you were the impact that you needed them to have. So if you can find an impacts player and somebody that you still like and gain draft capital, I'm okay with that. Yeah, but I think you said it best, Mike of like it has to be the right player. Everybody loves the picks until they're players. So that's where it goes back to a general stealing your line of two things can be true at the same time.

[C]

Yeah, well, you like to steal lines when they are good for you. No, I'm kidding. I do think though, how much do you think as well like what position they're after goes into them trading back too? Because if there's a run on wide receivers, it's like do they try to capitalize at 26 or do they try to move up or if there's in terms of the edge or other positions like that where it's like, oh, okay. I'm looking at how the draft board is falling and a lot of guys are not getting picked. So maybe we have the flexibility to go back because we like X amount of these guys at X position.

[B]

I'm fascinated by the wide receiver thing in this year's draft because they did spend a lot on DJ Moore. Okay. He's going to be probably their number one receiver right this year. So now you're sitting there in the draft and you're waiting and there's Casey Concepcion still on the board in the 20s. There's Omar Cooper Jr. Denzel Boston. These type of players, are they in a position where one of those guys is worth it for them? One, is it Two, is it Three, is it? None of them they want to take like this is what we have to look at. And also if you are Jim Leonard, you're sitting there going, okay, fellas. Now, by the way, I don't know. You saw the Warren Sharp put out that chart. I did. I don't think that's a negative against the Bills at all. About.

[C]

Can you explain the chart?

[B]

So the chart was about how what percentage of draft capital were you using

[A]

for offense since 2020?

[B]

And the Bills were last.

[A]

Dead last.

[B]

But the other teams in the bottom five were the Eagles, the Ravens and the Chiefs.

[A]

And the Rams.

[B]

And the Rams. And there was one bad team. Correct.

[A]

Well, the Rams have not drafted, well,

[B]

a lot offensive and they haven't. Right. But they did. You know, they got Puka in the fifth.

[A]

They've got Puka and Kyren Williams.

[B]

Right. So they got guys later. But I'm looking and going. Well, there's. There's different reasons behind it with the. The Eagles have an older offense and they had already drafted many of those players. Yeah. By that point of time. And they have their quarterbacks.

[A]

And the Bills also traded their first round pick in 2020. So there is a little bit of context in that. But I mean, we have been saying for a while that they haven't used a ton.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

For offense, especially the skill position.

[B]

Well, especially at wide receiver. At wide receiver. Because they have spent decent draft capital on running backs through the years. They haven't spent it on wide receivers. So it puts them in that spot. And they've been a very productive offense. The concern is getting those players at that point. Look, I'd love a receiver. I just don't know if he's going to sit there at 26 and take a receiver unless it's somebody that they love in that spot. Because I think, God, I hate to say this, I think their needs are bigger at other positions.

[C]

Well, we know what positions are we expect now.

[B]

Look, he's giving me the.

[C]

What?

[B]

I want a young wide receiver. I want Keon somewhere else. That's what I want them to do. I would love them to do that. But I'm worried about them not getting enough help for Jim Leonard and this defense for what they're going to be this year.

[C]

I agree.

[B]

Unless they have really high hopes for some of the guys they picked last year.

[C]

Would I love for them to get a wide receiver in the top round. Yes. But also, I think with some of their other needs, it makes sense to address the defense.

[A]

It's also, I mean, we know we go back to this and we're going to hear a lot about it.

[B]

Like, it's good business.

[A]

It's cap, you're right. It's good business. And that's where I'm also not against this thought of giving up and moving up a little bit. And we also have to understand this time of the year is speculation.

[C]

Smoke season.

[A]

Smoke season, all of that stuff that is going on because you're hearing more and more that this guy has actually bigger injury concerns. This guy like the medicals. This team doesn't like this about some player. And the one we're hearing a lot about, at least wide receiver wise, is Jordan Tyson. Yeah. So stud from Arizona State.

[B]

Hamstrings. Right. It's been a problem for him.

[A]

Right. So I guess my thought is a guy like JSN fell more than we thought.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

For one reason or another. Justin Jefferson fell for one reason. Oh, Justin can only play in this. You know, Jefferson can only play in the slot or he can only be in these kind of things. And I guess I sit there and I go, you've talked about the value also in trading up.

[B]

Oh, I. I agree with you. That's. That's why I would have loved them to have more draft capital. More draft capital to be able to move up. And they don't. They didn't get the extra picks.

[A]

And that's why I'm sitting there going, I don't care about next year. I don't. I don't. I. I'm not worried about how good next year's draft is. I'm sitting there because at some point I. Bean has done a really good job for the most part of not putting so much on the credit cards. I think at some point you're going to have to do it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And whether it is with draft capital or a big. Another big wide receiver signing. But those guys, as we've learned, are expensive and they cost you draft capital. So if somebody is there at 20 again, I'm starting to get my antennas up. And I would like to think there's a possibility.

[B]

Would you move up for.

[A]

I'd move up for Tyson. What would you do? Would. And again, it also goes into. There are needs. I'm not dismissing the needs of this defense.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Those are apparent. I also feel like it's a lot Easier. And maybe it's just made up in my head to piece together a defense with some cheaper value free agent signings than it is to sign a number one or number two wide receiver.

[C]

That's fair. I also do think I love Casey Concepcion. I have from the beginning. My thoughts on that have not changed. I think it would be. He would absolutely help this offense. And that's one of the things, like, I feel like for the last couple of seasons, it's been hard on Josh Allen, like, just in terms of the wide receivers and the options there and kind of how much they've struggled on the outside of the offense to move the ball. And so just to have more help for Josh. I just think that, like, you're right. It's so funny listening to you guys talk. I'm like, defense, they need to help Jim Leonard. And then listening to you talk, I'm like, gosh, wouldn't it be something to have Josh Allen get the help that he really needs in terms of the pass catchers?

[B]

And we, we don't know what Jim Leonard thinks of TJ Sanders. What does he think of Dwayne Carter? Like, you know what I mean? Like, these are players who, you know, one's coming back. What, what does he think he has?

[C]

Or what does. What will Michael Hoyt be this season?

[B]

Right.

[C]

Guys like that.

[B]

Yeah, and they did because they went obviously very heavy on defense last year and what they have. So, hey, look, I am not going to be, I'm saying this, I'm not going to be upset if they take a receiver because they have needed one. Not going to sit there and go, I cannot believe they did that because they have not invested enough in that position in the draft.

[A]

But, and again, as we continue, like, like comment, subscribe, appreciate all the support. I think we did the one time. Can we do it here?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

We'll pause for five seconds and let everybody. It gives them a second to everybody to make sure that they, like, comment and subscribe. Appreciate it. Awesome. Great job. And let us know what you guys would like them to do, what you would want and what you think would happen.

[B]

Do you think in that five seconds you could, like, comment and subscribe?

[C]

Well, they've already.

[A]

But it'd be tough to comment.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Now comment.

[B]

Or it's nice to make, because sometimes people just write comment.

[C]

Yes, yes, I do. I'm not gonna lie. That makes me giggle every time.

[A]

So again, because I think there's a big differ difference between, like I said, I want them to add more wide receivers at a cheaper value when it comes to the salary cap, which isn't real. But to at least have that cost controlled aspect of one of the most expensive positions in the game. It's quarterback, it's wide receiver, it's edge rushers. That is where you are spending a lot of your salary cap and you know, allotting the percentage of it too. So to just get business, right? So to sit there and say, man, we got a guy that for four or five years is going to be under value cost wise is important. And because they haven't done it now, does that mean I think they're going to do it? No, I think they're going to trade back or I think they sit there and they take an edge rusher. And Chase Howell is another guy that's been mocked the Bills quite a bit from Texas A and M. He's got short arms.

[B]

Cash is how.

[A]

Cash is how I was like. So I think that's a big possibility. Or the other one that would be a little bit of a surprise because it's not something I see as a direct need for this team. But a defensive tackle, Kaden Mc. Katie McDonald.

[B]

McDonald, Ohio State.

[A]

So I think that's another one that you're starting to see kind of pop up. Schrager only does two mock drafts. He does one at the beginning of the month and then one right before the draft. He's a big run stopper. He can play the nose tackle position. We don't know to what extent Jim Leonard wants that. That's one of those things, like in theory, what you would want for a 3, 4 defense. Like, okay, how many snaps does that guy add to you per game as compared to a wide receiver or an edge rusher? Like, do they need more speed because you have Chubb and Rousseau. Are you looking for something like that? It is a very interesting dynamic because we have talked at length on here about what will a Jim Leonard defense look like. And we're still. We haven't heard from him since his introductory. We don't know what his thoughts are. I think we'll get more of an understanding after the draft of what we think they're going to want to do.

[C]

Do you like Kaden McDonald?

[B]

Yeah, I think he's. I mean, look, they have needs for a lot of these players like you. They need an edge rusher, they need a defensive tackle. They need help at corner though. I see all these mock drafts that haven't taken a corner in the first round. Yeah.

[C]

Can we talk about that?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Do you think that's just I. Because I see that and I'm like, what am I missing? Are they not. But you got to be plugged in if you're doing these drafts, these mocks, right?

[B]

Yeah, I, I think I just don't see it with them unless there is a belief around the league that they don't like Max Hairston.

[C]

You're saying the Bills, the spec. Your.

[B]

That I'm saying is if there's a belief and they're talking to people and I mean the bill should talk to corners. You never know when somebody slips and

[C]

they get an opportunity.

[B]

Right. Because they need another corner. They only have really have two outside corners. I just would be very surprised if they invested in a corner.

[C]

But how that would be.

[A]

But see, I guess that's where I look at it and I understand like the need for all of the things on defense. But I sit there and I go, I think you can get a corner of some caliber that can make an impact play meaningful snaps. That is A. That's $5 million like what Trey got.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As compared to what a wide receiver at $5 million.

[C]

No, I agree.

[A]

I'm just saying like that's where that's like you just kind of explained my logic of like, yeah, they need a corner. It's like I think you can find a serviceable corner in the free agent market in a veteran as compared to finding a wide receiver that makes an impact.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

As a veteran on the free agent market.

[B]

By the way, the other position agreed is safety. And C.J. gardner. Johnson is going to be probably be the starter this year. But he's on a one year deal because he's always a one year deal.

[C]

And he played on like three teams last like Right.

[A]

And he's on like a week to week deal.

[B]

Drafted Emmanuel McNeil, Warren, Caleb Downs, Ohio State is considered a really versatile player,

[A]

but he hasn't ran the 40.

[B]

Yeah, like, I mean those type of players would be like, wait a minute, we're taking a safety. I do think, boy, it's good to be a little bit of a year ahead on those guys.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Where you're bringing them in, there's a veteran already there and you get him on the field and you figure out ways to use them. Yeah, I'm all for that too. But listen to me, I've wanted them to pick a wide receiver like you the whole time. I just think they've already made a pretty major investment in wide receiver for this year and yeah, but it is better business. It's better business to Trade up. Yeah, it is. And again, better business for their certain positions. And that's correct.

[A]

And you keep taking shots of the defensive line. Yeah, I just think. I just think you keep shooting.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

They've shot a lot though. And I get it. This is a new scheme. It's going to look different, but there's been a lot that they've invested and haven't gotten.

[B]

I will say if they just sit there at 26, they make a pick. It's a long wait till they pick again. It's late on Friday.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Before they pick again. So, you know, that's the thing for this draft and that's. And look, they got a really good player and that's what it cost them. I saw that one report that the, that somebody had said the Bears were ready to cut. They were not going to cut DJ Moore. They were going to trade him. I just. There was a question of the value. I mean, they make it seem like he was going to go right out the door. I don't think they needed to trade him, but I mean needed to cut him. But I think they.

[C]

I think it was apparent though that Chicago was going to move in a different direction.

[B]

Right.

[C]

I think that's reading between the. The leaves. What is it?

[B]

Tea leaves.

[A]

Tea leaves. Reading the tea leaves.

[C]

Yeah. I really like.

[A]

Different than. What does that have to do with the price of tea in China, which is one of my dad's all time favorite.

[C]

I had never heard that saying until I started working with you guys.

[A]

Same with six of one, half dozen the other.

[B]

We were talking about that yesterday.

[A]

That one took me.

[B]

That was a Carmen Catalan, a big one.

[A]

That one took me a long time to figure out. Well, I did that with.

[B]

You understand it now.

[A]

I do understand it now. I actually pulled that one with Renee the other day and she didn't get it.

[B]

Also, if they get in the second round, if they moved back. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas A and M. I do love him.

[A]

First round mustache.

[B]

He does.

[C]

He won like every first round. College.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

First round dude.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Power couple.

[C]

I also really like Emmanuel McNeil. Warren. Yeah, I really like him. Yeah.

[B]

The only thing I'm going to say is I haven't done my mock draft yet. I'm working on it. So by the time I get to it, I may be trading up in the top 10 to get a wide receiver. Like I. I'm just thinking them sitting there with just 26 and it just seems like a lot to move up.

[C]

But what do you mean?

[B]

Well, they only have 26. They don't have second round.

[C]

Yes. Sorry.

[B]

To move up in the first round normally would cost you a two.

[A]

And that's where. That's where it's hard for me to like. Jenna hates this time of the year.

[C]

I do.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

She has. Of the NFL.

[A]

Correct. And you have gotten. You've done so much more prep this year. You're all the things that helped us go to the combine, like, good job, good effort.

[C]

No, I'm sorry.

[A]

You're doing great, sweetie.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

But that's where there are so many players that I like. And I go, it's. They're too early to take in the first and they won't be there when they're on the board again in the third. And that facts like, that's where, you know, you're not taking Rodriguez in the first round and he will probably will not be there in the third. So now, again, we saw Cyrus Torrance. He was a guy that. Here's a guy that a lot of people had mocked to the Bills possibly at the end of the first round, and they were able to get him in the second. And you were like, that's a steal. What a great pick. And it has ended up being exactly that. So to say there was also that case with Epanessa. So, like, you will see these things. And that's where you're talking about the smokescreen season, like, trying to sift through the BS to see what teams really need, what they're saying they need. That's why I think sometimes people, right now, maybe the national people look and see the Bill's corner depth chart and go, well, they need to corner. So let's, let's mock them a corner. It's like, I don't think it's that black and white. I think there's so much more nuance to it.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

If they had a ton of picks, maybe you just say, best player. He's the best player. You know, if Benford was older, if Max had played and looked terrible last year, maybe that would be different. But no, you can't. You can't really judge Max on last season enough to say, you know, we're going to draft a corner again in the first round. I don't. I don't.

[C]

Or if it. If it would be that, then you'd be like, wow, that's some major concerns.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Which you're right. I don't think that there's been enough evidence to show that that is the case.

[A]

And so that's why I think we look, we all look at safety as something they need because we mentioned there's

[C]

a lot of good safeties too.

[A]

Correct. And we mentioned CJ Garner Johnson on the one year deal. Jordan Hancock was just drafted last year and that a little bit of that. Follow not what they say, follow what they do. Because I remember it was Spencer Brown coming off that terrible year, his second or third. Second year. Second year. And he was bad and was like, hey, if they draft a tackle in the first two days, they're, they're thinking it's more than just the back. They're telling us it's the back. But do they really believe that? And then they didn't draft anybody. I remember us going on and doing like the post draft recap and I was like, one of the bigger winners is Spencer Brown. Like, they have faith in him, they believe and he has bounced back in a big way. So that's just. So Jordan Hancock is just another interesting one where was on the field at times. I thought he showed some things in training camp, in the preseason where you went, all right, this could be a guy fifth round pick. So if they draft a third round safety.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

What's Jordan Hancock's future?

[C]

Yeah, yeah. Follow what they do, not just what they say.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Before we get to life advice real fast, do you think that just with the changes that have gone on with like replacing Shawn McDermott and having a new head coach, how much is that a factor for Brandon Bean in this circumstance with the draft? Do you feel like he might feel more pressure because of that? Do you think that frees him up? Do you think there's any effect on what that change meant for this team now moving forward as they approach the draft?

[B]

Well, it's a, the big effect is it's a, I mean, saying it's a different scheme. So it opens up more possibilities. It also, you know, puts a little doubt into what they've done in recent years because they were drafting. I mean, look, they had a full defensive draft last year for a different scheme than they're going to play this year. But to some extent, some guys can adjust and play and, and can. It can, can handle a new scheme. But this, this draft, make no mistake, this draft is Brandon Bean's draft.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So he's got a, you know, he's, he made the decisions on the trade so far. And I think in the past they have looked.

[A]

Come on.

[C]

I thought you turned your phone off.

[B]

I did, but it was on my MacBook. And. Yeah.

[A]

Another fine.

[C]

Another fine.

[B]

So bad. How did I not turn that down?

[A]

So, yeah, I interrupted you. Yeah, well, your laptop interrupted you.

[B]

Yes, it did. I was like, wait a minute, how did my phone beep?

[C]

It wasn't my phone, it was your laptop. Do you think it adds pressure?

[A]

Yeah, I definitely think it does. I think we've talked about the mounting.

[C]

Do you think it changes, though, your approach?

[A]

I think it has to. I think you'd be numb not to think about the human element of you were with Sean McDermott, going through the process with him knowing what for a decade knowing what to expect and you don't know what you don't know. And now whatever, to whatever extent you want to put credit or blame on Sean McDermott, he is not there. And not only that, we mentioned it. Not new news. The fact that Bean has been elevated. So now Bean has more pressure with more control with just the straight up elevation of his position.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

To the importance of, hey, you got to get this right. And a little bit. It's kind of like when a player gets a big contract. Okay.

[C]

Were you worth it?

[A]

Right.

[C]

I feel like too, it's. It's the changes, but also to me, it's like, it's also where Josh Allen is at. The fact that he is now 30 years old, the fact that you've had him within your system for so many years. This team has not been able to get over that hump. And we've talked about it so many times, but I feel like, I know a lot of GMs are very, very anti, like, pushing in the chips. And I get that from a standpoint of like, longevity. But also I feel like we're this. This team is getting to. It's like now is the time to think about that a lot more because of where Josh is at and what you want to see this team achieve and the fact that they have fallen short of that.

[B]

I will say this. Usually it's bad teams or dumb teams that trade future ones not for a specific player. When the Bills traded for Diggs, you were getting a guy you knew was an NFL player. If you were trading Max Crosby deal. When they trade up, it's like the Atlanta Falcons gave up their one was Atlanta and the Rams got it. And It's a top 15 pick. It's like, what is it? Like 11 or whatever it is that they're picking.

[A]

They drafted the wrong player.

[B]

Yeah, I know. I'm not. I'm not big on using extra ones. I go back to Sammy Watkins when they gave a second one to move up to get Sammy Watkins. Like, I don't love that giving up that one for like next year's one. You never know what happens in a season. But it's also, you know, good ammunition to have going forward.

[C]

So do you think there's a big swing?

[B]

No, but I can change my mind.

[C]

We all can.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm 60. 40. Trade back. 60. Trade back. 20. 25%. Stay put. 15. Trade up. I think that adds up to 100.

[B]

Yeah, I think it did. Yeah, that did. It did.

[C]

All right, let's do a little life advice. Reminder to send in your questions to heybuffaloplusgmail.com. we'll do our part to answer. We have a question coming in. Hello, Mike, Dan and Jenna. Long time listener here and huge fan of the Bills. Living in the Rochester area. Just watch the latest POD and the life advice about baby names really hit home as my wife and I are currently expecting our first child and just found out we're having a girl. Very exciting. While we were truly excited and blessed to become parents to our new baby girl, my wife and I were both hoping for a boy. And I realized that I never pictured myself being a girl. Dad, what should I expect as a new girl? Dad, should I get ready for princesses tea parties and doing makeup and hair or. Or can I still expect to bond over things of my own interests like football, fishing and sports? Thank you for reading this. Go Bills. Okay, first off, congratulations. And Dan, you didn't know because you, you.

[B]

You've got like seven girls now.

[A]

Yeah, three. It's very fitting that I wore this shirt today.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I was always. I think you always wanted to like have somebody that as a dad that like did what you wanted to do. So I, I agree to the sentiment of like, is my daughter going to want to watch football games with me or fish and things like that. Shane has blown me away in the sense of she loved to go to Amherst games. She loves because it's just something she gets to do with you. And Mike, you were the one that. When I was the first one and my wife and I were actually hoping for a girl. My brother has two boys. My wife's a twin and she had the first two were boys. So we wanted like just some softness in the family. And so that is exactly what Shane is. And then getting to Ryan and Taylor. But like, you were the one that was like, be prepared to be like, you will be their favorite person in the world.

[B]

Yeah, there's no doubt. I. I guess I probably at a time as I have two daughters and now three granddaughters.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So I'm girl granddad, too. At the beginning, I was, like, probably thought, like, I have a son, and, you know, obviously we love sports, and so you think of that now. By the way, this. You know, I don't know. There are girls who really like sports. From what I've been told, my daughters were not those people. Yeah. Like, it just was different. But at that age, when they're. Especially when they're young, like, you are the king. You are the king. And that lasts for a while, and then. Well, then you get really stupid. You don't change, but they think you're an idiot. And then it comes back to you again tenfold as they get older and you're with your. Your adult or even young adult daughters. It's the best.

[A]

You're gonna cry.

[C]

No.

[A]

Okay. I thought you were tearing up.

[B]

No, it's the best. I love being a dad of girls. I love being a granddad of girls.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's the best. If I would have had a boy, it'd be awesome.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I did have one moment. I think I was covering a high school football game, and I did have that moment where I was like, oh, like, I'm never gonna have a son that plays football.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And then I literally went to it going, well, if my. One of my daughters has a boyfriend that is the quarterback of the high school football team, then I'll be there to root on. Like, I will be there next to my daughter with any step of the way.

[B]

Well, yeah. And she could be just maybe not playing football.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

I saw a guy playing golf with his son the other day.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm like, I used to play with my dad.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it was fun. Like, we used to go all the time. My daughter's just not really.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But to the point of him saying, what do we do? You know what I did? People are like, oh, to your daughters, and you go to these things. My daughters liked shows, especially, like, Broadway. Exactly. That's what they loved. We took them to that all the time. Honestly, it was. I. And enjoyed it. It's what they really liked.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

They went to a few games with me. Sometimes they would ask me about the games, but it. I. I highly recommend it.

[C]

I feel like it's a way for you to broaden your horizons because you talk about your daughters and them loving theater and, you know, things that maybe you weren't originally something you would be interested, but I think it's a way to see something new and have it be through a lens of, like, this. This little person in your life loving it. And I think that's, like, really exciting.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That being said, also, like, I have a sister and a brother. My sister and I both really like football. We both played sports growing up. We both will go fishing with my dad. Like, that's not what my brother likes to do. So it. Just because you're going to have.

[B]

That's a great.

[C]

A daughter doesn't mean necessarily that. That is completely, like, not in the equation.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Mean, my dad and I talk football all of the time.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So it's. And it's really fun because we bond over that. So I think it's a way to expand your horizons. But also, just because it's a girl doesn't mean that you won't still have some of the. The experiences that you were hoping for as well. Like, there's just so much unknown.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But I also feel like it's such a. It's so exciting either way that, like, maybe it's not what you expect, but, like, there's so much beauty in it regardless.

[A]

Yeah. That's what we were like. It was always like, are you hoping for a boy or girl? And you're always like, healthy.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And then, and then you go through it and then I had no idea that, like this little person could be like your everything. And like my wife's now like, hey, remember, like, you were with me first, like before you were actually like, you know, like being daddy and things like that. But it was the fact of, you know, I can do a couple of hairstyles now. Now I'm not as good at it as Renee. But you also have. Shane is girly girl to a tee. And both of you guys have been around her. And then I have a two year, two and a half year old. And I think she could be a middle linebacker right now on a high school football team.

[C]

Flag football.

[A]

Yeah. And she wants to play soccer. So we're getting her into soccer. And we always ask Pumped and we always ask Shane, do you want to play sports? Daddy, I do not like sports. Like, awesome. But. But I have videos of the Braves in the postseason and her in my arms. And I have, I've been to hockey games with her and she's watches football games and looking for me on the sidelines. So, like, that's still on on Sundays. And so all of that goes into it. It's just an interesting dynamic.

[C]

Just because it's not what you expect doesn't mean it can't be even better than what you were hoping for.

[B]

I. I Think it is because look, you're a new dad. It's awesome. You really have no idea.

[A]

No idea.

[B]

None.

[A]

Nobody ever does.

[B]

You aren't prepared. No one is ever fully prepared. You can be, you know, anticipate the unexpected because that's what's going to happen. But it is, It's. It's awesome. And, and you're right. You find yourself opening your mind up to things was like not going to force my daughter to go do what I want to do.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

In that case, I never had to, though, because I was just like another thing I think I was really good at. In this case, I'm an elite shopping companion.

[A]

Oh, see, that's why I got to get better.

[B]

My daughter.

[A]

I'm horrendous.

[C]

Zach is really good.

[B]

And I. This is the pre phone days. I would find a spot that I could hang out. My dad was good at this too. He would just take. Especially when he'd take my daughters. They would go, he would just hang out. He'd go find a place to hang, let him shop, go do whatever. Come on, dude, you got the phone. You can hang out anywhere. Every once in a while, slip off to a bar, have a beer while they're shopping with their, you know, with their, you know, whatever. And, and, and that part too is like it. They would be like, are you sure? And I'm like, doesn't faze me because I'm spending time with them.

[A]

And you talk about the shows, like we now make it a thing to go to Disney on Ice.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Every single year. And like to see the excitement you think about like, oh, I want my son to be excited to go to a baseball game.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, you're going there for your kids excitement. Like, you want to see that look in their face and to go to Disney on Ice. And like my oldest daughter, Shane, she dances. I know nothing about dance. Which is very funny because your two daughters also grew up dancing and my wife danced. And so my wife would be trying to like, help her with steps and things of that. And I'm just sitting there like, Renee, she's crushing it. What are you talking about? Because I know nothing about what's going on. It's just you have those proud moments as a parent to see your kid have the courage to get up on stage and do these things and all that stuff. So again, by the time we had our third kid, it was like, I've just. It's what I know.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And yeah, there's 15 princess dresses in our basement and there's 42 Barbies in a bin in the basement. And there's not action. Action figures, but there's a soccer ball and things like that. So.

[B]

Yeah, it just.

[A]

It's the best.

[C]

Yeah. Should I get ready for princesses tea parties and doing makeup or hair?

[A]

Yes. Yeah, all of those things.

[B]

Yeah. And you, you may be very surprised. And look, you having your first. Like, my two daughters were different in the way they did things. You're already explained. They're just different. And even my two granddaughters are very different. Gemma seems to really like the bills. She's go bills, she'll say to me when she's, you know, and she's two years old and they sort of watch the games. Yeah. You know, they. They go that way. But now it's. You'll have us. You know, it would be awesome with, you know, boy or girl. But I. I love the fact of

[A]

having girls when it is funny because people be like, all of your girls names are technically boys names. Shane, Ryan and Taylor. It's like, what? Did you really want a boy, Dan? It's like, no, I swear, I was. I'm totally happy, you know, I've got all the girl dad stuff.

[C]

I remember asking you before Taylor, Taylor was here. And I was like, are you hoping for a boy? Which I thought was an honest question because you have two girls and you're like, honestly, this was your response. You're like, I really think I'm crushing this girl dad thing. And I was like. I was like, wow. That was like, really?

[A]

We had all the clothes and the toys and like, we didn't need to go get action figures and fill up more bins. It was. And again, the three of them are as thick as thieves. And the other thing you will have to know, get ready to have makeup put on and your fingernails and toenails painted.

[C]

I think that's so cute though, that.

[A]

That's very.

[C]

We painted my dad's toenails.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No free feet picks. But it was. The fact of. It was the fact that there were so many. There were so many times when I'll be somewhere or I'm at the gym and I'm going in the sauna or something like that. And I'll look down and be like, there's a pink and purple toenails.

[B]

Like, if you didn't know I dropped away.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you did.

[A]

If you didn't already know I was a girl dad, that's. You definitely do now.

[B]

So.

[C]

Yeah. Well, very excited.

[B]

Well, congratulations.

[A]

Yeah, that's all the bracelets. These, they've made them for me. Like it's just everything about it.

[C]

Yeah. I think you embrace it and you're best of luck. Yes. Congratulations to you and you rest up now.

[B]

And if you other people watching have other life advice questions, send it to us. Hey buffaloplus gmail.com.

[C]

these are fun.

[B]

Yeah, they really are a lot of stuff. We have. We've lived a lot of life.

[C]

We've covered the gamut.

[A]

We have seen some.

[C]

All right, let's wrap up.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Good.

[C]

All right, that'll do it for us. Please be sure to like comment and subscribe. Comment in the Bills draft plan. What you think of it. If there's a guy you really love, what you expect.

[B]

Can I add one thing? We are going to do a live draft preview show from here in the Connors and Ferris podcast studio the night before the draft Wednesday night. The plan is seven o'. Clock. We will be live brought to you by White Claw. From here in the studio we will get you ready for the draft that begins on Thursday and then we'll be live and having content during the draft and wrap up show that Saturday night after the draft is over. So but be ready for that Wednesday night seven o' clock right before the day before the draft.

[C]

We are closing in.

[A]

Shout out White Claw.

[C]

Yes, yes, absolutely.

[B]

And we're gonna going to do something special with White Claw too. Pre show.

[C]

I'm excited.

[B]

That'll be good.

[C]

All right. Please be sure to like comment, subscribe and share. We'll catch you next time here for Mike and Dana, I'm Jenna. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus podcast.

[A]

Buffalo plus.