You Ask We Answer: Post-Draft Buffalo Bills Questions

Summary

Buffalo Plus: You Ask We Answer — Post-Draft Buffalo Bills Questions

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes on veteran day off)
Podcast Theme: Answering fan questions about the Buffalo Bills following the NFL Draft, covering coaching stability, the roster bubble, draft philosophy, special teams, and potential returning players.

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Episode Overview

The Buffalo Plus team, with veteran journalists Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell, dives deep into pressing Buffalo Bills questions submitted by listeners in the wake of the 2025 draft. The pair analyze the job security of GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott, debate roster bubble candidates, discuss draft priorities, analyze special teams changes, evaluate draft picks’ potential immediate impact, and indulge in some juicy speculation about free-agent and cut/trade candidates.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Job Security: Will McDermott and Beane Ever Be on the Hot Seat?

Timestamps: 01:04 – 07:46

• Fan Question: Will McDermott and Beane ever be on the hot seat, or are their jobs untouchable under Terry Pegula?
• Catalana’s Take:
  • “I would never say never because, I mean, Bill Belichick got fired with New England with six rings.” (01:37 – Mike Catalana)
  • Both McDermott and Beane are well-liked by ownership, but no one in the NFL is totally safe.
  • “If they have one of those years where it falls apart…” (05:32), pressure could mount.
• Jenna adds:
  • The job feels secure as long as the Bills keep contending, but “to say, will they ever be on the hot seat, you...hope and you think that if the Bills continue to keep building...” (03:58) it won’t come up.
  • “To do What Bean and McDermott have done…to keep winning the division, keep knocking at that door, is very difficult.” (05:32 – Mike Catalana)
• Fans & Media: The panel discusses criticism, noting everyone has opinions—even if they “don’t know more football than Brandon Bean and Sean McDermott” (06:07 – Mike Catalana), and that criticism comes with the job.

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2. Draft Strategy & Wide Receiver Debate

Timestamps: 07:03 – 09:14

• Jenna’s Position: The Bills needed both defensive overhaul and another wide receiver:
  • “Two things can be true...they did need to fix the defense. ...I just also think it would have been really nice to add a wide receiver at some point. Rounds three to six...” (07:09 – Jenna Cottrell)
• Mike on Khalil Shakir:
  • "I think Khalil Shakir, he impressed me so much this past year...I think Shakir can become their version of a number one guy. It doesn't mean it's 1500 yards...just means the guy they depend on..." (08:22 – Mike Catalana)
• Both hosts expect Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Kincaid to step up, hoping others return to form and health.

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3. Roster Bubble & Cut/Trade Candidates

Timestamps: 09:30 – 16:30

• Fan Questions:
  • Who’s on the bubble? Trubisky, Codrington, Lewis, Trey White, Logue, Hamlin, and others named.
• Safety/Cornerback Depth:
  • Mike: “They brought Demar [Hamlin] back...I think he’s one of those guys that sticks.” (10:12)
  • Trey White expected to start if healthy; Dane Jackson could be more at risk.
  • Discussion about young corners like Max Hairston, Dorian Strong, and Dane Jackson’s future.
• AJ Epenesa:
  • “He's the kind of guy that he's going to need to play well to earn his spot” (11:42 – Mike Catalana). Could also be traded during camp, depending on suspensions and injuries.
• Mitch Trubisky & Mike White:
  • Jenna: Curious if the relationship and depth chart mean the Bills pivot from Trubisky if Mike White outperforms.
• Linebacker Depth & Surprises:
  • Surprised the Bills didn’t draft a linebacker, especially given Matt Milano’s restructured contract (15:01 – 16:30).
  • Fan quote: “I would rather not see Balin Spector play again.” (15:01 – from Penn’s Creek)
  • Hosts note lack of confidence in Spector and discussion about Dorian Williams’ and Lo’s roles.

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4. Immediate Impact Rookies

Timestamps: 17:21 – 22:46

• Fan Question: Which new Bills will have an immediate impact (especially special teams)?
• Dorian Strong (CB):
  • Mike is high on his man-coverage ability and physical profile:
    • “That I’ve listened to some people post draft be really high on Dorian Strong.” (18:20)
    • Could play more press man, impacting teams like Miami.
• Landon Jackson (Edge):
  • “My favorite pick was Landon Jackson, edge guy out of Arkansas. I just think six, six. They talk about him not having great bend....but I just see a guy that has a really high motor.” (19:51 – 20:02 – Jenna Cottrell)
  • Both appreciate his work ethic and physical traits, expecting him to contribute in the defensive line’s rotation.
  • Fun side-bar about his “micro golden doodle” dog named Honey (21:52 – 22:46).

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5. Special Teams Outlook

Timestamps: 22:46 – 27:24

• Chris Tabor Hired as ST Coordinator:
  • “Problem with the Bill special teams is they were disorganized...end of a game with nine players on the field.” (23:27 – Mike Catalana)
  • Expectation: Tabor’s experience should “button down” special teams.
  • Anticipate a return to “guys who are more dedicated special teamers.”
• Matt Hollins Departure:
  • Noted as a “juice guy” who brought physicality and set the tone on teams and as a receiver. (24:53 – 25:11 – Jenna & Mike)
• Tyler Bass’s Status:
  • “Is Tyler Bass still on the hot seat? No, I do not think he is...” (25:58 – Jenna Cottrell)
  • Mike notes: All kickers can be under scrutiny, but Bass rebounded after struggles, “made every kick in the playoffs.” (27:04)
  • Jenna: “He fought back...I give him a lot of credit for that.” (27:24)

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6. Hot Take: Potential Return of Gabe Davis

Timestamps: 27:30 – 31:44

• Mike’s “Hot Take”:
  • Believes Gabe Davis could return if cut or traded by Jacksonville:
    • “At some point in the off season...there's a player that has a decent possibility of getting cut or traded that could come back.” (27:30 – Mike Catalana)
    • “...listening to a reporter from Jacksonville talking about Gabe could be odd man out now...” (28:34)
    • “He is a guy that has shown he can get down the field and catch the ball…” (29:24)
    • Bills often bring back ex-players for “second tour of duty.”
• Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore:
  • Brief speculation about returning or signing receivers.
  • Amari Cooper more likely to rejoin Dallas; Cooper experiment “didn’t work for any of them” (30:24 – 30:52).
• Roster Construction Remains Ongoing:
  • Mike notes players like Rasul Douglas or Leonard Floyd signed late and can still make an impact.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I would never say never because, I mean, Bill Belichick got fired with New England with six rings.” (01:37 – Mike Catalana)
• “Two things can be true...they did need to fix the defense. ...I just also think it would have been really nice to add a wide receiver at some point.” (07:09 – Jenna Cottrell)
• "I think Khalil Shakir...can become their version of a number one guy.” (08:22 – Mike Catalana)
• “AJ Epenesa…he’s the kind of guy that he's going to need to play well to earn his spot.” (11:42 – Mike Catalana)
• On special teams: “Problem with the Bills special teams is they were disorganized...end of a game with nine players on the field.” (23:27 – Mike Catalana)
• On Tyler Bass: “He fought back...I give him a lot of credit for that.” (27:24 – Jenna Cottrell)
• Hot Take: “At some point in the off season...there’s a player that has a decent possibility of getting cut or traded that could come back.” (27:30 – Mike Catalana, about Gabe Davis)

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Major Takeaways

• Coaching & GM Stability: Beane and McDermott are well-secured for now but not immune to NFL pressures if the team regresses.
• Draft Critique: Heavy defensive focus made sense but left a wish for an extra WR, though the team believes in Khalil Shakir as a potential leader.
• Roster Bubble: AJ Epenesa, Trubisky, and possibly Dane Jackson are on the bubble; young corners will have to prove themselves with added competition.
• Immediate Impact Rookies: Dorian Strong and Landon Jackson highlighted as likely early contributors.
• Special Teams Reset: New coordinator Tabor is expected to improve discipline; Tyler Bass is safely off the hot seat.
• Free Agent Speculation: Mike’s hot take about a potential Gabe Davis return if Jags cut him; Amari Cooper return less likely but not impossible.

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Structure & Flow

With Jenna’s humor and Mike’s insider knowledge, the episode is upbeat, engaging, and honest—offering both clear-eyed assessment and playful back-and-forth. The tone is conversational, relatable, and balanced with expertise.

For More: Subscribe to Buffalo Plus on YouTube and visit their Link Tree for additional content.

Transcript

[Mike Catalana]

At some point in the off season, I think there's a player that has a decent possibility of getting cut or traded that could come back.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We'll start with this question from Robin.

[Mike Catalana]

So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo Plus Channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran day off, please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. And welcome to our latest episode of you Ask, We Answer, presented by Stellar Roofing, Windows and Siding. We're going to take a little bit some of your questions. We're going to talk it all out. A lot of questions on a little bit of special teams, any roster players, guys in the bubble that we experience respect. Tyler Bass talk as well, makes things interesting.

[Mike Catalana]

And I've got a hot take for you on a player that I think, yeah, could find his way back to Buffalo.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Mike has not told me this hot take yet, so we will all be learning this together. I want to start with a question that is bigger picture. It is from Tommy D. O Hopley 768. Do you guys think McDermott and Bean will ever be on the hot seat? It seems to me Terry loves both of them and they will always have jobs here. No. What matter what happens. Your take on that.

[Mike Catalana]

That is big, big picture.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That is.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That is very much zoomed out.

[Mike Catalana]

I would never say never because, I mean, Bill Belichick got fired with New England with six rings. Okay. A lot of things going on with Bill.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He said it was. It was mutual.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, that's right. Yeah. But you never know. No, I would never say never because things happen in the NFL, Right. Not in the near future with both of them for different reasons. I guess it. You know, one of them could always decide they wanted to leave. Right. I mean, listen, both of them would have jobs in five minutes, correct, if they were out. Okay. I. I also want to establish something here. I really like Brandon Bean and I think he's a very good general manager.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

There's just a lot of wild stuff going around. And we did a video this week.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

About the whole idea of the draft pick and the conversation on wgr, which has gotten so blown out of proportion for what was actually said and not said. We have one of the comments that said maybe Brandon was just, you know, it's a long weekend, he's a little cranky, gets up, hears some of this stuff, and boom, goes into it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I could see that.

[Mike Catalana]

I could relate to that. Totally understand it. He hears something he doesn't like, doesn't want to hear anymore. He's got some receipts about last year.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

The wide receiver room performed ahead of what? Well, let's be honest, performed ahead of what he thought.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because he went out and tried to trade for Amari Cooper and gave up a third round pick for him and Cooper didn't do much. So I think Bean's done a really good job. Is it perfect?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, no.

[Mike Catalana]

Same with Sean McDermott.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I like Sean McDermott, too. We criticize a lot of things that he does.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And a lot of fans also criticize.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. So we've heard from some people and listen to the. Answer that question. At some point. Sure, it could happen. Like, this team has been really good, very successful, but, man, they are flying close to the sun here. You are so close to getting it done.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But it adds pressure to both of them. So could something at some point happen? But the question, Tommy, was phrased the right way because they both report to Terry.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I do think Terry and the Pegula family does have a lot of love for both of them as well. But this is the NFL and I think for as secure as it seems their jobs are in western New York, to say, will they ever be on the hot seat, you. You hope and you think that if the Bills continue to keep building, to keep getting long playoff runs, hopefully February playoff runs, hopefully Super Bowl Lombardi trophies in western New York, that that will help keep the group together. But in terms of ever being on the hot seat, I think what that would mean is the Bills are continuing to fail, and you hope that's not the case.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And. But they're failing. Like, it is tough to do what they're doing. And believe me, I lived through a team, and some of you did, too, that went to the super bowl four straight years.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's. That to me is so. I can't even imagine that.

[Mike Catalana]

And one, none of them. So it was so difficult to come back.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

By the way, they got. There's a job to do next year because Kansas City could equal that.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

With four in a row. But that aside, I think it's tough to do what they're doing because, listen, San Francisco took a step back. You know, I follow the Eagles. They won a Super bowl, then they were in the playoffs, then they took a dive, then the coach got fired, then they came back and they won a Super bowl. And then they fell apart again. And then they came back again. So it has been really up and down with very high highs.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

To do What Bean and McDermott have done, obviously, with Josh Allen, to keep winning the division, keep knocking at that door, is very difficult. If they have one of those years where it falls apart for one reason or another for a year, then you start looking at things like that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But even that, I think it would take multiple years.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. But I think that at least opens the door a little bit.

[Unknown Guest]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

But, hey, the goal is history and hiring coaches, honestly.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah. I mean, yeah, you could say, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

They'Re pretty pleased with the coach and the GM that they have.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

In Buffalo. I just wanted to make the point about criticism. You know, it's not like. It's not like we think we know more football than Brandon bean and Sean McDermott.

[Unknown Guest]

No.

[Mike Catalana]

But all of you guys sit at home. Sean goes for it on fourth down, you're screaming, you're an idiot. Right.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, because it didn't work, or they ran the ball too much, or Joe Brady doesn't know what he's doing at all because it's football. We all have an opinion. Even though these people have way more knowledge and experience in the game, doesn't mean they don't make mistakes. So that argument. I don't love that argument.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The results are just so much more instant.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, for the coach.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Absolutely.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It plays out so much faster. The one thing I will say, and we don't need to beat a dead horse. My point was, and I think it got lost kind of in everything was just two things can be true. And I know a lot of you make fun of me for saying that.

[Mike Catalana]

I love that phrase. I've stolen it and not credited you with other people.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But, I mean, I don't. I didn't come up with the phrase.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, you did.

[Jenna Cottrell]

To me, there's two things can be true that they did need to fix the defense. And I'm not sitting here and saying that they didn't need to do a massive overhaul. I completely agree with that. I just also think it would have been really nice to add a wide receiver at some point. Rounds. I think rounds three to six would have been nice. That would have been what I was asking for. So that is all I'm saying. We don't have to say anything else about it.

[Mike Catalana]

Hey, my mock draft, I had them taking one wide receiver and seven defensive. Eight defensive players.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Like, I expected them to go defense heavy.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I wanted them to do that because that has proven to be a point in the playoffs. But to say that that is the only goal of the draft. I. I think it. I think we can have a discussion about how it is important and it is cost effective to add guys to the draft. Because if you get a, you know, a top tier wide receiver, that costs more money than I think the bills would be willing to pay at this point. And you're also in Josh Allen's prime, like we. You want to maximize. You've invested a lot of money in that. Don't you want to maximize the amount of impact he can have as well and also fix the defense?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And by the way, you said that about receivers. I'm looking for a receiver. I think Khalil Shakir, he impressed me so much this past year.

[Jenna Cottrell]

My dude.

[Mike Catalana]

He. Your dude. You were the one all over saying he's going to be the guy. Yeah, his numbers were good. 800 plus yards, I think with the right amount of help around him at the wide receiver position. And look, I hope it's Curtis Samuel this year. He's the guy I really like. Yeah, I hope. Yeah. Come on, Curtis, let's go. Year two.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's right. I forgot.

[Mike Catalana]

I hope Keon comes back better healthy, all those things. Kincaid's back. All this is great. I think Shakir can become their version of a number one guy. It doesn't mean it's 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. It just means the guy they depend on and I think his numbers can go up. It's going to need some help around him, though, with the wide receiver positions.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah, that's.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And they. I was about to be so petty.

[Mike Catalana]

Go ahead.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And they drafted him in the fifth round. In the fifth round.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah. Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. We're going to continue on. I can. I can hear the keyboards are going.

[Unknown Guest]

Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. So this is the next question. It's from EEL 1378 and it kind of goes in tandem with Thanos. At Thanos go 13. Which returning players are on the roster bubble? I have a hard time seeing Trubisky coming back. Codrington, Lewis, Trey White, Logue, Hamlin, all seem like possibilities to me. And then Thanos. Thanos go. What current players do you feel like are at risk of being cut? So I feel like these are kind of roster bubble and being cut. Is there a guy that kind of jumps out to you?

[Mike Catalana]

First of all, you're the Greek. You should know how to pronounce that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's like Marvel.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, I'm not.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm not as versed in that. I'm dipping the toe in.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm not. Listen, it's Thanos also.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

All right. When you say who's in danger of being cut, I mean, I think, honestly, they brought Demar back. I think if they would have drafted a safety.

[Unknown Guest]

Yes. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

That might have been different. I think they like demar. He plays teams. I think he's one of those guys that sticks. I do look around, you know, a guy like jamarcus Ingram, who they like, but they drafted two corners. They signed Trey White. Now, again, Russell Douglas left, but they. Well, at least we think he's gone. Like, he hasn't signed anybody.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Number 31 is now Max Hairston.

[Mike Catalana]

So, yes, he has his number. And they, you know, and they also brought back Dane. Dane Jackson at corner. So in that case. But those are young guys. Honestly, quite honestly, might, even if they did move on, might end up on the practice squad. Like, that's the way that kind of goes. I do wonder about AJ Epanessa. And I. I like aj. I like it. I think he is a good football player. Did not get the pass rush that they needed, I think, because Michael Hoyt is suspended. Excuse me. Vaughn is gone. I didn't know they brought other guys in. I don't really think AJ's going anywhere, but I think if. If Hoyt was around to start the year, I don't know what happens with AJ in the last year of his contract. I think he's the kind of guy that he's going to need to play well to earn his spot.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Do you think he could be a trade candidate?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I think he's one of those guys during camp, you know, they make a move depending on the needs, you know. Yeah, those suspensions are really. I won't say troublesome because it's cumbersome. Yes. Because, you know, those guys are there and they will be back and somebody's like, that's great. You get them back in six weeks. You have no idea what happens in that six weeks in terms of injury and trying to bring other players in. So I don't know. Do you have other guys? Because they've already moved on from some other players that were free agents, you know, like Austin Johnson and guys like that, that. I think they've opened themselves up that way.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I mean, to me, like, Trubisky is interesting to look at because they have Mike White still on the roster. And I think Trubisky is very close with Josh, and so I think that plays a factor. But also, I don't have a ton of confidence in him. And I. I Do think that Mike White is a little bit more. What's the word I'm looking for? I think he has a moxie.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know. I just. I'm. I'm curious with Will that relationship between the Bills and Mitch Trubisky kind of turn in another direction? Trey White, I mean, they brought him in one year deal. You know, they brought in Dane like we talked about. I think they obviously drafted a lot of corners as well with Trey White. I don't. I guess we need to see what he looks like and how he is in terms of his health. He was a guy that could be out there.

[Mike Catalana]

He would have to be shot.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It would have to be pretty dire.

[Mike Catalana]

And I don't think they believe that's the case. I think they believe he can help them right away. I think Dane Jackson maybe is in more of that spot. Obviously, they have more of an investment.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Even with Trey, it's funny. He has two salary cap hits this year from his cut.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

As a. So he's like two different players on the roster now. I. I don't. I think. I think. I think Trey starts out as the starter, even though they won't say it until. Yeah, they see.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I think that's a way to also ensure that you are not like, it's the NFL. You have to earn your starting role, all that stuff, and also take maybe a little bit of pressure. And now, look, I would expect Max Darson as a first round pick to get meaningful playing time in year one, but how early on that is, I don't know. You would hope it's very early on because he's just that much of a stud that they're like, we got to get this guy on the field.

[Mike Catalana]

Sometimes they say it. I don't know if they will say it, but they are rooting for him to be the starter.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Absolutely.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

To earn that right. To be the starter. Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Right out the gate. Because again, it's. The NFL is a meritocracy.

[Mike Catalana]

And I love when you're using my phrases and I'm gonna use one of yours here because we.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We are around each other.

[Mike Catalana]

You say, don't pay attention to what they say, pay attention to what they do. So, like running backs, a good example. Let's just assume James Cook is back and playing. He's going to need to. I. I don't know what kind of mess that could be. It could be none at all. He could come back, play his way through the year, and then we see. But they didn't draft a running back. Yeah, right.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

They didn't draft a linebacker.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Excuse me. That is something I was kind of surprised by.

[Mike Catalana]

I was a little bit too.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And this actually brings up a great point at Penn's Creek saying, CB got better, D line got better. What about linebacker depth? I would rather not see Balin Spectre play again.

[Mike Catalana]

I was not a fan of him on the field. First of all, he gets. He gets hurt a lot.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't know how much fate. For a lot of reasons. It felt like they kept thinking he was going to be better and I just don't think it was. I don't know if Milano is healthy and Dorian Williams, you got that. Could they be in the market at some point for a veteran? You know, I mean, Balon Spectre was.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Also a seventh round pick.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So I don't. I don't know if it's like, hey.

[Mike Catalana]

Buffalo Joe played special teams and he can be a backup.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So at linebacker they have Joe Andreessen, Terrell Bernard, Matt Milano, Balin Spector, Eddie Laosio and Dorian Williams.

[Mike Catalana]

It'll be interesting with Lo because he was injured too, and I don't know. Not the building, what they think. There are guys, they come in, they like them to a point. But you know, players a lot of times come back like a different guy too.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And healthy and understanding the defense a little bit more. So we will see. But there's still tweaks to the roster, but that is a spot. I was a little bit surprised they didn't draft somebody.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I definitely thought so too. Especially with what they did to Matt Milano's deal.

[Mike Catalana]

Not that I'm questioning the draft.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But what they did with Matt Milano's deal, essentially negating the final year. It appears that they would like to be in a position to move on next season.

[Mike Catalana]

And. And what are they doing with Dorian Williams?

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's. That's a great question.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, because this is what happens as guys are waiting like that. Contract keeps moving.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So it's just a question.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, I gotta. I gotta sneeze.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, I'm over here. Coughing. Bless you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I've never sneezed on air before. Wow. Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

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[Jenna Cottrell]

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[Mike Catalana]

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[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, let's Go to the next question. So a lot I, I mentioned it earlier. Some, definitely some special teams questions. I'm going to start with this one and I'm going to just tweak the end of it a little bit because I think we'll address this later on. But Hollywood Paladin4021 says, who out of the newest Bills do you think will be capable of making a meaningful impact? He put on special teams on day one. But I'm going to say just overall, who is a newest guy that you think would make a meaningful impact on day one?

[Mike Catalana]

Well, look, you expect the top picks, right?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes, that is. Yeah, that's the hope.

[Mike Catalana]

The one guy I got right in my mock draft, Dorian Strong and I actually said in the draft that I thought his measurables looked like a guy that could convert to safety. I don't think that's in their mind at all. I think they look at him as a outside boundary corner press man kind of guy.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

That I've listened to some people post draft be really high on Dorian Strong.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Almost feels like that kind of Kair Elam, Christian Benford. Not saying we don't know if that's the same situation but it kind of felt like that vibe of a guy Dorian Strong being a seemingly a Bills pick.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Like just with his intangibles, his production, the way he goes about playing the game, things like that.

[Mike Catalana]

It would be great for the Bills if they were both Christian Benfords.

[Unknown Guest]

Yes. Right.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, yes, yes. And listen that and that is a listen. I think Hairston has a chance to be really good and a dynamic player. But if you hit on a guy like Dorian Strong just by his skill set, it does also lend itself a little bit to this thought that this team will play more man coverages this year. Yeah, I think that's a league wide thing too. I think you are seeing more and more teams try to play press man and while we talk about pressure and that's great, sometimes that press man coverage changes what an offense does. I think if you can play it well it can really impact the timing of certain offenses. The Dolphins being one of them that you go against and it's just more of a mindset that they would do. So let's see. But I, I just, I liked him coming out. I like that they got him and let's see if he has that kind of impact.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I've talked about him before but my favorite pick was Landon Jackson, edge guy out of Arkansas. I just think six, six. They talk about him not having great bend.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm not going to sit here and say that I crunched every tape ever of his, but I just see a guy that has a really high motor.

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And just he. It seems like he has got a lot in his tool belt. So I. That's someone I'm excited. And, I mean, they've obviously thrown a ton of resources in at the D line in this draft, so I would like to see a couple of those guys obviously pan out, if not all of them. But Landon Jackson, to me, just seemed like a guy that felt like a Bill in terms of when they drafted him. And the skill set, to me, I think could be really, really pop in Buffalo.

[Mike Catalana]

And look, as you're mentioning there, we are talking about defensive line. We talk about this all the time. With the rotation that goes on, guys are going to get opportunities and you show yourself you're going to play. And Bosa is a good signing. A guy who has been at a high end. I don't think they're going to want to run him out there 50 plays a game.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I agree.

[Mike Catalana]

So they're going to want to get the best out of what he does. The best.

[Unknown Guest]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

I love the fact that, like, with Landon Jackson, his teammates called him the dog. Obviously, is good. Called him crazy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The crazy thing to me is. Yeah, it's funny.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And he's a worker. He's all those things. And he's big. Like, he's. He comes across a little bit lanky, but you watch his movements. It's a. It's an odd mix to me. Like, you seem. He's big, rangy. But I like the way he moves in short spaces when you watch him, and I think that's why he has been productive in his college career.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I also do think, like, making a meaningful impact. I'm not expecting him to, like, light the world on fire. Like, I don't think he's gonna be like, oh, my God. In terms of production, just like, far, in a way, the best guy in that. In the edge grouping. But I do think that he will make an impact. You hope again, because of how much has been put on the D line and retooling things.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But he was someone that I really liked, and he was. He was funny. After his afternoon getting drafted, zoom. He's like, I got my wife. I got my dog. His dog's name is Honey.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, well, you love that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I was gonna say, I love that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So I was like. He's like, I got that. I got my wife. My Dog. And I love football, and that's all I care about. It's like.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, I was gonna say something stupid.

[Unknown Guest]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

Calls his dog Honey. Calls what?

[Unknown Guest]

Oh, my God.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You're insane.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm not sure.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I wonder how he spells honey.

[Mike Catalana]

Probably like you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I spell H, U, N, N.

[Mike Catalana]

I, E. Now his is honey. H, O, N, E, Y. I think.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It'S a. I think it's a doodle or some sort. Something like that.

[Mike Catalana]

That's kind of funny, isn't it? It's kind of funny that this 6. 6 behemoth of a guy, this is little. This is little doodle named Honey.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So cute. Oh, yeah, that's true. Okay, so let's go to the next question. This is from Jeremy Spencer. 3,000, 374. How do you guys feel about the change in special teams with no coaching and the. Will the Bills rise up the ranks this year after last year's low special teams ranks?

[Mike Catalana]

Chris Tabor, new special teams coach. Listen, Smiley was a good dude.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He was a micro golden doodle, Honey.

[Mike Catalana]

How small of a dog?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, when they start out with micro.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, now I'm gonna Google this.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, while I am pontificate here. Look, the problem with the Bill special teams is they were disorganized. I mean. Yeah, the end of a game with nine players on the field.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That is a cute dog. That is a cute dog. I don't know, like, not really small, like a. I don't know, probably like £30. Sorry, I. I'm gonna get so many targeted ads, and Zach's gonna be so mad. Okay, Sorry. We did.

[Mike Catalana]

They were disorganized. I mean, they had issues on teams, and, you know, they weren't ready for a fake kick. Like, there were multiple things, and this is where. And it is a difficult job. But look, that's the job. Like, there's changes. Guys are injured, players in and out. Your job's got to be ready for that. I think Chris Tabor has a lot of experience in this league coaching special teams. I think they wanted that button down. I also think Sean McDermott made the point, and I think some of these draft picks will come into play or other players of. I think they want to get back to a couple of guys who are more dedicated special teamers. I think they, you know, they used to be that way. Very heavy into the special teams role. Specific role. Listen, a guy's got to be able to play usually, and then teams is the additional thing. But when a guy like Matt Collins comes in and is effective on special teams. Still playing 60 some percent of the snaps.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Big juice guy.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Yeah. Maybe she was still there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I. I was just thinking in my head, wow, I think the Bills are really gonna miss Matt Collins in a way that. Who would have thought, Erica? We would have said that.

[Mike Catalana]

But the personality, all that stuff. Great. I think they miss him as a wide receiver and as a special.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, that's what I'm saying. Like all three. Yeah, just what he added. And on the field, off the field, everybody eats. Like all that mantra, all that stuff. And you're right, he was a phenomenal player on special teams. And the physicality that he brought, he really did set the tone. So we'll have to wait and see and talk to Chris Tabor and just see what the, the vibe will be for special teams this year. But I do agree. I think the Bills for a long time were very like, these are our, our teams guys. They kind of got away from that, but I expected them to get back into that. Okay. At Bobby Hz 5530 says. Is Tyler Bass still on the hot seat? No, I, I do. I agree with you. I do not think he is on the hot seat.

[Mike Catalana]

What do they have three punters right now?

[Jenna Cottrell]

They let me because they have. Yeah, let me look it up. So they have Jake Kamarda and Brad Robbins currently on the roster.

[Mike Catalana]

So two punters but only one kicker.

[Unknown Guest]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Are you okay?

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Unknown Guest]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

No, I don't think he's on the hot seat.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I agree.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, could you get. He's a kicker. You could always get back on it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Going into last season, absolutely on the hot seat. We talked a lot about having confidence in him and what Tyler Bass would look like, especially after that mix miskick against the Chiefs. But I think he did enough in this last season to kind of quell some of those concerns.

[Unknown Guest]

And.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I think he can be a guy that, you know, went through the trials and tribulations, is now on the other side and he seemed like he did get his confidence back. And I think a part of last season was feeling out the yips a little bit, but then kind of correcting course and getting back on track.

[Mike Catalana]

Made every. Made every kick in the playoffs. Right.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And like that's he pressures on all that stuff. So I don't think that Tyler Bass is a storyline and a narrative and a guy that we're going to watch going into this.

[Mike Catalana]

And I think in the long term it helps him to have had that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I agree.

[Mike Catalana]

Stretch battle tested and he did he fought back?

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And I give him a lot of credit for that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, absolutely, I agree. Is there anything else you want to touch on?

[Mike Catalana]

You want my player?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah, I forgot about your hot take. Dan's not here. We got to make sure we.

[Mike Catalana]

So listen, the Bills are. I know we've talked a lot about wide receivers. The Bills are still in the market, right? Because from Cleveland, Elijah Moore. Elijah Moore in for a visit. We'll see where that goes. Sometimes these things end up. Sometimes it's boom. They turn around, they sign them the next day. Sometimes they wait it out and they see what happens. I'm not talking about today or tomorrow. I'm talking about at some point in the off season. I think there's a player that has a decent possibility of getting cut or traded that could come back.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Who? Oh, Gabe Davis. Yeah. You talk about Jacksonville and what they did. He looks like he's the odd man out.

[Mike Catalana]

Like they have receivers, first of all. Wow.

[Unknown Guest]

Oh, my God.

[Mike Catalana]

So I was listening to a reporter from Jacksonville talking about Gabe could be odd man out now, based on the contract and all. I think he's a difficult guy to trade. I think it. Sometimes it ends up being where they just have to eat it. Can you not. This is just me. I think a lot of positives between the Bills and Gabe even going out the door. He left. He got paid. Have at it. This is what it was. I'm just throwing this out there. He is a guy that has shown he can get down the field and catch the ball. Right. Even though it wasn't always perfect. But you know how much teams like to if they can, especially the Bills. There's a lot of guys who come back for a second tour of duty.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, yeah, definitely.

[Mike Catalana]

I am just putting that out there.

[Unknown Guest]

Hold on.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm going to put on my Dan Fates hat.

[Mike Catalana]

No, listen, if you're bringing him in as another guy. Here's a guy, there's a guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm just interesting. I think it would be too cost. I don't think it would work out well in terms of that.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, no, I'm saying is if he's cut. So if he's cut, then that's on them. And then the Bills sign him to a.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, no. I'm saying for the Jags, I think it's like the cost would be too high.

[Mike Catalana]

They may need to do it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The debt. Like the cap hit would. Okay, yeah.

[Unknown Guest]

I don't know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We'll see. You think Amari Cooper comes back? I'll add a lot of people in my mentions asking, asking that.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean that's. That's always possible. Doesn't feel like it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Saw some reports saying that he might go back to the Cowboys.

[Mike Catalana]

I could see that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I could. I could see that as well.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think did Dallas. I don't know if they drafted a wide receiver.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You know, I don't know if the top.

[Mike Catalana]

He was really good for the Cowboys. That's a few years ago.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

It still is odd to me that it didn't work with the Bills. I think he's a pro as a receiver. I think he works hard. You would think he and Josh would make it work. It is funny, you know, you had Devonte Adams with the jets, you had Hopkins with the Chiefs and you had Amari Cooper with the bills. 3 Pros Pro wide receivers. It didn't work for any of them.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Different reason.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You're right. Pretty perplexing. I mean considering the both had early.

[Mike Catalana]

Touchdowns like Hopkins had two in a Monday night game and they went out of their minds that this was going to reinvent the league. They never really did anything. By the end, he was doing nothing.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And Adams with the whole Rogers thing. That was bad and then. And doesn't mean he still can't play because he's. Where'd he go? Out west. Chargers. Now where Devonte Adams go?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I thought he went to Rams.

[Mike Catalana]

Did he go to Rams? I should know that.

[Unknown Guest]

That.

[Mike Catalana]

So. So could it be Amari Cooper?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Rams.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, him on the Rams because they, you know, because. Because it's Puka and him. It's pretty good combination. Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Interesting.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I would be. I would be more surprised than not if they brought back Amari.

[Mike Catalana]

I would be too.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But that's. Who is to say what they will do. I do expect them to add a receiver, if not more at some point because they continually add.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

At every position.

[Mike Catalana]

Other teams too. You know, it's like you sit here and think like, oh my God, where are they going? And then we know from the Bills like a guy like Rasul Douglas is out there.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

If another team is sitting there going, we need a veteran corner. And especially if you play a lot of zone, Rasul could be your guy. This guy started a lot of games in the league and he's played pretty well.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm trying to think of. I'm picturing the guy who injured Aaron Rogers.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, Leonard Floyd.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Leonard Floyd. They didn't sign him till the summer.

[Mike Catalana]

No, he went back to. He went to Atlanta. He's from down there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, like, he.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, he'll get 10 sacks again. Make 10.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But I'm saying a guy like that, like, there is the possibility of adding someone that can be impactful.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's just usually guys that have the market for it have already signed by.

[Mike Catalana]

A certain point, and some of them, like Leonard Floyd, I'm surprised he signed quick. But, like, sometimes I think they're like, yeah, I don't really want to do any of this minicamp stuff. I'll show up later.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's fine if I'm a veteran.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't. I don't blame guys.

[Mike Catalana]

You would definitely be that kind of veteran. You would be like, yeah, I'll show up later.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I mean, you're not wrong. Depends on what is happening in my life.

[Mike Catalana]

Do we break the news that I broke, Hear about Gabe to Dan?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No.

[Mike Catalana]

Let's wait to see if he hears it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He'll listen.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, he listens. He listens to everything.

[Unknown Guest]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He'll hear it.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And then we'll get the caps lock text message for sure. All right. Thank you so much for joining us here on this edition of you ask, we answer. Presented by stellar roofing, windows and siding. For Mike Catalana and Dan Fates, who has a veteran day off, I'm Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe, and share. We always appreciate it. Know how much we love you all. So thank you for tuning in. That'll do it here on Buffalo plus, presented by Connors and Ferris. We'll start with this question from Robin.

[Mike Catalana]

So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in.