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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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