The Bills seem to have a full depth chart at running back, but Brandon Beane is receptive to adding a running back in the first round. Speaking to reporters, the GM revealed that the team would consider taking a running back at No. 30.
“What does his skill set have in comparison to what we have on the roster?” Beane asked reporters (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com). “Is this player going to do something … I don’t think either one of our backs are home run hitters, so is there an elite trait that this guy has and says, ‘Man, he’s got something we don’t have.’ That’s probably the conversation, versus, ‘OK, are we going to take the same type of back as Devin [Singletary], are we gonna take the same type of back as Zack [Moss]? Because even those two guys have different skill sets.”
While the Bills have used third-round picks in each of the past two drafts to select running backs (Singletary in 2019, Moss in 2020), the team still ranked in the bottom-half of the NFL in rushing yards, yards per attempt, and rushing touchdowns (with a chunk of that production coming from Josh Allen and his 421-yard, eight-touchdown performance on the ground). While Singletary and Moss (along with free agent addition Matt Breida) should be a passable grouping in 2021, it’d make sense that the team would look to add a dynamic play-maker to the bunch.
Clemson’s Travis Etienne, Alabama’s Najee Harris, and North Carolina’s Javonte Williams could all be available when the Bills are on the clock at No. 30.
Ken Simonton?
It’s 2021 and teams still draft RBs in the 1st round.
so? They have pick number 30 and few holes of their team to fill similar to KC last year when they drafted Clyde.
That didn’t exactly work out for the chiefs, arguably an OL would have helped them much more than another weapon.
Oline wasn’t an issue for the chiefs until both their starting tackles went down in the playoffs and didn’t play in the superbowl.
Helaire was ok. He was mediocre after the hot start. Nothing special.
So what if they do? Point of the pick is to improve your team is it not?
Steelers are likely drafting a RB in the 1st round this year given their lack of depth at the position. Cheap contract with a 5th year option.
Bills seem pretty set at RB on paper, Steelers could nab one at 24.
RB is the most volatile position in the sport and the easiest to find. You flat out don’t need to take a RB in round 1. Look at the history of round 1 RBs in the last 10 years, it’s anemic. Run CMC and Jacobs are probably the only two that were worth it.
Idk
Zeke Elliot
Saquon Barkley
Todd Gurley (until his knee issues finally caught up with him)
Melvin Gordon
Have turned in pretty solid results thus far.
When it comes to drafting teams are better off taking value than reaching for a need or reaching for a player. If the steelers take a RB at 24 like Harris or Etienne. There’s value there instead of over drafting a guy who’s projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. No need to reach to avoid drafting a rb.
Zeke might be the worst of them all. Not because of talent, but who they passed on. The 2016 top 10 was absolutely loaded. Jalen Ramsey was by far the consensus for that pick and they blew it. Saquon is good but #2 overall on a RB in insane. Darnold being a semi-bust takes the heat off the Saquon selection. Gurley was solid but same story, injury and contract. Rams replaced him easily with a late 2nd rounder in Akers. There are too many high quality RB’s picked after the 1st round. Its just not an area you address with your top pick.
“I don’t think either one of our backs are home run hitters…”
Wow, way to build up your team!!
That’s what I was thinking!
Tis the misinformation season…
Truth spoken, ppl would rather be lied to by smooth talkers instead of hearing the truth
It’s a business and that part of the team was not a reliable piece and needs to get better
Two ways motivating those from within or adding a different player
Thus team is not in rebuilding mode, they want results now
That’s three possible starters in your RB room plus a very mobile QB. Think your running game is fine and any rookie taken in any round of the draft isn’t going to change it drastically.
Bulls have a very good team, but they are good at RB and WR, I wouldn’t draft anyone at those spots. Considering Allen needs a big extension, I’d go get some reinforcements in the O line. They have some ageing vets in that group, if you protect Allen he will continue to run that offence well. Plus continue to upgrade the defence. It’ll be the defence which wins you playoff games mixed with a couple key possessions, but defence is key. You already have young studs but just keep adding to it.
There is an argument to be made for drafting a RB in the first round vs any other round. Especially at the 30th pick.
First round picks get a 5th year option. Most RB hit a wall and their legs fall off.
The eagles drafted miles sanders in the 2nd round two years ago. They are coming up to the point to either pay him big or lose him.
I’d rather draft a RB at 30 and get him for 5 years than draft a RB at 35 and only get him for 4 years before paying him big
That’s a really, really strong point.
Running back in top ten (fifth year option price) doesn’t make sense but you’re right late in the first round it does start to make sense.