Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: Will the BILLS go BIG in NFL DRAFT for a WIDE RECEIVER or is RB an option
Date: April 16, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ first-round options in the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing mainly on whether the team should make a bold move for a playmaking wide receiver or address the running back position. The trio analyzes top receiver prospects who could be game-changers for Josh Allen’s offense and debates the wisdom of drafting a running back early. Expect lively banter, passionate takes, detailed player profiles, and a few memorable food analogies throughout.

Key Discussion Points

1. Jenna’s Big Podcast Upgrade

• [01:12] Jenna debuts her brand new microphone setup, to the delight of Mike and Dan, joking, “I want to thank God, the Academy, my credit card, which I’m afraid to look at the bill…”
• The gang has some fun about Jenna finally being "a real sports reporter/podcaster."
• Lighthearted start and inside jokes set a friendly, conversational tone.

2. Bills' Draft Needs: Receiver vs Other Positions

• The Bills have the 25th pick (should have been 32nd, they joke), which leaves their options open but limits access to top talents.
• Possibility of addressing cornerback or defensive end remains, but the WR group generates the most excitement.

3. Wide Receiver Deep Dive

Jameson Williams (Alabama)

• [04:12] Mike floats the bold idea of trading up for Jameson Williams:

  “This would take a little Bean magic, because I think this guy is going to go early… He can fly.”

• Dan’s insights:
  • Describes Williams’ elite speed: “He said, ‘I’ve got speed you can’t teach’” [04:44].
  • Praises his personality: “He was charismatic, fun. That was my vibe. I think he’d add a ton with him and Diggs.”
• Jenna’s concern:
  • Worries about his recent ACL tear:

    “For some players, they don’t return how they used to… speed can be affected long-term after an ACL tear.” [07:40]

  • Hesitant about trading up valuable picks for someone with medical uncertainty.
• Discussion about whether Brandon Beane has the appetite to make an aggressive trade-up for a high-risk/high-upside player.

The Tyreek Hill Comparison

• [10:04] Mike & Dan note the Bills’ obsession with Tyreek Hill–type speed and lament their lack of a true “run-after-catch” threat.
• Dan: “Josh Allen had the fewest yards after reception in the NFL… That’s comical.” [10:27]

Traylon Burks (Arkansas)

• [14:49] Dan dismisses criticism of Burks’ 40-time.
  • “Traylon Burks is making catches flat-footed and running away from Alabama defensive backs. This guy is different.”
• Mike:
  • Notes his size and physicality: “Six foot three, 225… Lance Zierlein said he’s AJ Brown with more sizzle.” [15:03]
• Dan:
  • Loves Burks’ versatility: “He’s like Isaiah McKenzie on steroids. Not Deebo Samuel, but a guy who could do a lot of those things in a tight end body.” [15:58]
  • “He is built different, as a Bills hoodie would say.” [18:24]
• Jenna:
  • Emphasizes the value of varied receiver skill sets and having a player who can contribute immediately.

Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Skyy Moore, Jahan Dotson, John Metchie

• Rapid-fire analysis of other possible first-round options, each offering different combinations of size, athleticism, and “playmaker” potential.
  • Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson (both Ohio State): High-end route runners and likely first-rounders.
  • Drake London (USC): Big-bodied, ex-basketball-player, “freak of nature.” [23:58]
  • Skyy Moore (Western Michigan): Slot guy, compared to “Edelman/Welker.”
  • Jahan Dotson (Penn State): Smaller, shifty, comped to Emmanuel Sanders.
  • John Metchie (Alabama): Another high-upside guy recovering from ACL surgery, “very composed route runner, loves to block.” [24:45]
• Emphasize WR class depth but warn there’s a drop-off after the early names.

4. Philosophy: Playmaker vs. Nice Piece

• Jenna’s Food Analogy:
  • “[Devin] Singletary is a nice piece, like a good appetizer. But when your dinner’s coming, your full-on entree, you aren’t giving that up.” [27:56]
• Dan expands: Bills’ roster is deep, but they need special talent—difference-makers, not just depth.

5. Running Back in the Draft?

Breece Hall (Iowa State)

• [33:34] Mike stirs the RB debate: “What do you think of Breece Hall?”

• Dan’s analysis:

  • Hall is “steady, nothing he doesn’t do well… but he doesn’t scream playmaker.” [34:07]
  • Compares to Matt Forte: “Smooth, nothing seems difficult… I never saw Matt Forte break a guy’s ankles.”

• Jenna:

  • Wants more “explosion” at RB.
  • “They turned out to have pretty similar skill sets… you just want someone different.” [37:01]

• Consensus:

  • First-round RB seems unlikely, especially given value and roster construction.
  • “If you draft Breece Hall, you’re drafting a better version of Zach Moss, and I don’t know if that’s even all that dynamic and special.” —Dan [41:34]

• Alternative RBs:

  • James Cook (Dalvin Cook’s brother), Kyren Williams (Notre Dame): Mentioned as potential later-round flyers with different skill sets.

• Saquon Barkley trade idea:

  • Mike: “That could be the kind of thing that happens… a deal like that could be after the draft, could be on draft day.” [38:49]
  • “At the right price, maybe it makes more sense.”

6. Buffalo's Talent vs. the Competition

• Mike:
  • “I do not think the Bills' talent level as a group is that superior to the other contending teams. What makes them better is 17 [Josh Allen].” [29:56]
• The Bills’ “complimentary talent” is good, but they rely on Allen; adding real playmakers could change the dynamic.

7. Memorable Banter & Food/Restaurant Analogies

• [26:47 & 27:51] Wide receivers compared to appetizers and entrées; Tremaine Edmunds compared to olives (“You either really enjoy olives or you’re out.”).
• Quote:
  • “Tremaine to me is more about, is this going to be in your regular rotation? Am I investing Saturday night on this place, or is it like Dan and I at Chili’s?” —Mike [44:56]
  • “Chili’s sometimes looks like an oasis, depending on what town you’re in, but are you investing big time?” —Mike [45:26]
• Playful jabs about Jenna’s mic purchase and future car purchase.
• F1/racing tires as RB metaphors: “I want racing tires…I want speed.” —Dan [40:02]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Jameson Williams’ swagger:

  “I’ve got speed you can’t teach… whoever runs the fastest 40, I’m faster than them this week.” —Jameson Williams via Dan, [04:44]

• On ACLs in modern sports:

  “It’s a rather routine procedure… kind of like getting an oil change at this point.” —Dan, [11:57]

• On rookie WRs contributing early:

  “If he’s picking anybody in the first couple rounds, he’s got a plan that that player is gonna be on the field.” —Mike, [20:06]

• Wide receiver need:

  “I am team wide receiver in the first round — getting a guy that can come in, take this offense to the next level.” —Dan, [25:26]

• On RBs:

  “Matt Forte had seven good years. But Matt Forte also caught a hundred passes one season and I don’t think Breece Hall is doing that.” —Dan, [36:23]

• On depth vs. talent:

  “The Bills’ 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd players are probably maybe some of the best in the league… But there is a big difference between depth and talent.” —Dan, [31:13]

• General Bills talent:

  “If you take 17 off the roster and give the team a good starting quarterback, I don’t think the roster’s that superior.” —Mike, [29:56]

High-Level Takeaways

• The hosts strongly lean toward the Bills drafting a wide receiver—preferably one with elite traits to immediately upgrade the offense (Williams, Burks, Olave considered prime).
• Medical risks (like ACL recovery for Williams) and prospect depth could influence decision to trade up or stay put.
• Running back in the first round is viewed as an underwhelming, unlikely move barring an exceptional talent or value; more likely, RB will be addressed in later rounds or possibly via trade for a proven veteran like Saquon Barkley.
• The Bills’ current offensive arsenal is “good”—but bringing in a true playmaker could unlock a new ceiling for Josh Allen and separate the team from its rivals.
• The crew’s signature banter and analogies (food, cars, racing) make for entertaining, accessible football breakdowns.

For those who missed it:
This episode provides a thorough exploration of the Bills’ roster needs, focusing on wide receiver prospects, an honest assessment of running back value, and a fun, insider look at the personalities covering the team. It’s a perfect primer for fans wanting to understand what could unfold for the Bills on draft night.