Bigger role for Rhamondre Stevenson could awaken Patriots’ offense

Rhamondre Steven has the potential to unlock everything for the Patriots offensively in 2023.

When the New England Patriots selected running back Rhamondre Stevenson in the 2021 NFL draft, they had hopes he would complement Damien Harris to form a solid one-two punch.

After injuries derailed the end of Harris’ career in New England, Stevenson quickly took over as the workhorse and broke out in 2022.

Stevenson rushed for 606 yards in 2021 and 1,040 yards in 2022. He added 69 catches in 2022, showcasing his ability to get open in space and be a reliable chain-mover. His emergence made it abundantly clear that Harris’ time was over in a Patriots uniform, especially as they drafted two running backs in the 2022 NFL draft in Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris.

Strong Jr. and Harris might not replace Damien’s production at his peak, but their skill sets will allow the Patriots to replicate it for cheap. Stevenson, however, has the makings to be a star, and with Bill O’Brien running the offense, there may be writing on the wall for him to have an even bigger role.

At Alabama, O’Brien’s offense utilized a running back with similar skill sets in Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is a fantastic runner first, but he was also the nation’s best receiving back in 2022. He was so good that opposing defenses treated him like a premier receiver. O’Brien moved Gibbs all around the formation—out of the backfield, in bunch sets, in the slot and in motion.

Stevenson isn’t as polished of a route runner as Gibbs, but he has the ability to be used in a similar fashion, and in tandem with backup running back James Robinson.

Having both runners with the tools to thrive as pass catchers will allow O’Brien to use both and confuse defenses. Gone are the days of Sony Michel in the backfield, which typically meant it was a run play almost 100 percent of the time. Stevenson and Robinson will allow O’Brien to also scheme up matchups, allowing there to be room over the middle for experienced YAC receivers like Juju Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne.

Space clearing was a major issue in 2022, and using Stevenson in a much larger, focal point of the offense in 2023, will alleviate this. Many may be worried with usage, but his skill set will unlock the rest of the offense, especially for Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry, who should have plenty of room up the seam.

Stevenson will likely touch the ball 300-plus times in 2023, but it ultimately will be worth it for O’Brien and Mac Jones, who should thrive in a hybrid of the west coast offense and Alabama’s offense.

This offseason has provided a glimpse into the plan, as O’Brien and the Patriots reshaped the offense playing into Jones’ three best attributes: accuracy, decision-making and processing speed. He will thrive in an offense with dynamic playmakers like Stevenson, Smith-Schuster and Bourne, who are all dangerous with the ball in their hands. They also added Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, who share similar attributes that will complement.

If the Patriots wish to have any sort of success in 2023, they need a matchup nightmare, and right now, Stevenson, is the only player that teams gameplan for on offense. So why not unlock the entire offense by dictating coverages and creating mismatches, while an improved offensive line allows Jones to thrive as a “point guard” in this potentially explosive offense?

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Bills’ Justin Shorter on Josh Allen: ‘I’ve watched more games than he probably knows’

#Bills’ Justin Shorter on Josh Allen: ‘I’ve watched more games than he probably knows’

The Bills continued to bolster their offense on day three of the 2023 NFL Draft and also continued to add talent to their receiving corps with attributes that have previously been missing from their roster as well.

After adding the top TE in a historical draft at the position in the first round, the Bills traded down in the fifth to take Florida WR Justin Shorter.

His massive frame (6-foot-4, 229-pounds) and wingspan (33 3/4-inch arms) coupled with his quickness (4.55 40-yard dash) and hands make him the biggest wide receiver on the team. 

His combination of speed and size coupled with his hands and eye for tracking the ball in the air make him a red zone and downfield threat with contested catch ability.

What’s more, he was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 rated receiver in a 2018 recruiting class that included current NFL star receivers, Jaylen Waddle and Ja’Marr Chase.

While he’s had some health issues and contested catch inconsistency, Beane selected Shorter based on his likelihood of making the 53-man roster.

“We probably could have gone either way, we had similar grade on a defensive player but felt like he [Shorter] would definitely get a jersey for sure,” Beane said to the media about his newest receiver. “He’s a four-phase special teamer, also gives us another bigger receiver we can develop. 

The WR averaged 19.9 yards per catch last season and only had three drops in his three seasons with the Gators. That he has good hands is worth noting, as the Bills led the NFL in drop percentage in 2022 (6.2%). Brandon Beane and company appear to be addressing just that by drafting players like Shorter and Kincaid who combined to only drop three total passes over the last two seasons.

Shorter is motivated to validate their decision.

“I literally watched every single pick and saw who went before me, and feel like it was just fueling my fire up,” Shorter said via video conference. “I got that phone call and I was just super excited, just started screaming and thanking God.”

The receiver was on a top-30 visit with Buffalo before the draft and he also met with Buffalo’s WR coach Adam Henry after his Pro Day for a private workout, and now he finds himself a Bill.

“I’m very competitive by nature,” he added about what he brings to Buffalo. “I just know every single wideout that went before me and know all the teams that picked them, and I definitely know when I get my opportunity I’m gonna definitely tear this league up because I’ve been working for a long time and it’s going to pay off.”

Shorter expressed excitement about reuniting with former Florida teammates Kaiir Elam and O’Cyrus Torrence in Buffalo as well.

“I can’t wait to go up there and just use those guys and just be able to lean on them, and just be able to get better because I feel like me and Kaiir once I get up there we’re probably going to start doing one-on-ones and working out,” he said. “I’m just blessed to know those guys already.”

He even noted a special observation about Torrence.

“He’s a very strong guy and serious guy, he always puts in work. He’s just so consistent with what he does, with his work ethic and everything that he does on the field. I always said to other people that he has ‘typewriter feet’,” he shared. “He’s super fast and quick, so I can’t wait to see what he does up there with me.”

The rookie receiver also had high praise for his new QB Josh Allen when asked about him, calling him a “Great quarterback,” and noting “I’ve been watching him for a long, long time.” 

“I’ve watched more games (of Josh Allen) than he probably knows, and I definitely know a lot about him,” the excited receiver said. “Once they called me I asked them for that playbook immediately, so I’m ready to get to work.”

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Bills’ Alex Austin ready to help ‘wherever they need me’

#Bills’ Alex Austin ready to help ‘wherever they need me’

The Bills capped off an eventful day to conclude their 2023 NFL Draft by selecting CB Alex Austin, who brings athleticism, a competitive mindset, good field awareness, speed (4.55 40-yard dash), and size (6-1, 191-pounds 32” arms) to the Buffalo secondary.

“Austin at the end, you’re kind of coming down to ‘who’s got the best chance to help?’,” Beane said to the press. “We just hadn’t had a defensive back, so we liked him and what we think he can add to the team.”

The young corner feels up to the task.

“I’ve never been to New York so this is going to be my first time out there, I’m just ready to go out there and get to work,” Austin shared via video conference. “Just be ready to make plays for the defense and special teams, wherever they need me to be a valuable piece on this team.”

Austin fits the Bills mold in what they typically look for in a corner in terms of versatility, and could be a special teams contributor early on. He also has starter potential down the road as well.

“I’m a DB that can play inside, outside, wherever they need me to.”

He also mentioned that his football IQ may have had to do with his being selected.

“We had a great meeting at the combine,” Austin noted of the Bills. “We went over some defensive scheme things and they tried to pick my brain a little bit. Just being able to show them my football smarts I think is what got me picked here.”

He also described his gratitude for the Bills picking him.

“Extremely, extremely, blessed.” 

As a college student, Austin used his NIL money to establish a scholarship for high school students helping them overcome adversity. That type of character mirrors the character off the field that Buffalo often looks for in its players as well.

One member of the Bills defense is especially familiar to the team’s newest defensive back who played his college ball at Oregon State, and that is fellow alum and Bills safety Jordan Poyer.

“Jordan Poyer, he’s a Beaver legend, I’m excited to be able to get up there and work with him, beside him and be able to learn some things from him,” Austin added. “I know he’s been in the league for a very long time and he’s a veteran, so I look forward to just taking on the little bro role and getting to learn and soak up as much knowledge as I can from him.”

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Bills’ Nick Broeker: ‘Hoped for Buffalo’ during 2023 NFL draft

#Bills’ Nick Broeker: ‘Hoped for Buffalo’ during 2023 NFL draft”

The Bills addressed the offensive side of the ball with four of the team’s first five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the fifth one saw some fireworks out ahead of it.

On the third day of selections, Brandon Beane demonstrated his draft maneuvering abilities yet again by trading the Bills late-round picks three times to move back, which netted two additional 2024 sixth-round picks in the process. This now gives Buffalo 10 picks in 2024.

The dust had barely settled when the GM continued his quest to fortify the teams’ offensive trenches by adding 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman Nick Broeker, a three-year starter out of Ole’ Miss.

The Bills prioritize versatility when evaluating linemen, and they have that in Broeker, who also played right guard at the Senior Bowl.

“Played left tackle and left guard at Ole’ Miss, played right guard at Senior Bowl,” Broeker shared with ease via video conference. “Snapped all through my time at Ole’ Miss, snapped a bit at Senior Bowl, snapped a bit at Pro Day.”

“Really thrilled with the guys we’ve added some beef up front,” Beane said in his post-draft press conference. “Broeker was clearly the best player on our board when he went.”

The GM also noted Broeker will start off as a guard for the Bills, and will also get some practice time at tackle

Like the Bills second-round pick O’Cyrus Torrence, Broeker did not give up a sack in 2022, and he was durable not missing a single game in college. But did have 13 blown run blocks last season which was tied for sixth most in the FBS, and will be an area he’ll need to work on as he develops behind the current starters.

Among those starters on offense, is a familiar face that he’ll be joining as a teammate for the first time.

“I know Dawson Knox pretty well, so that’ll be cool to get back with him as well,” “I actually played with his younger Brother Luke at Ole’ Miss, and Dawson would come back and visit, and some of the guys I played with were really good friends with Dawson.”

Broeker even said that he really hoped Buffalo would take him off the board.

“Yeah, definitely really kind of hoped for Buffalo, just seeing all the success they’ve had lately and how many games they’ve won, definitely on the Super Bowl trend so definitely a really cool call to get.” 

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Bills’ Brandon Beane: Dorian Williams is a ‘tackling machine’

#Bills’ Brandon Beane: Dorian Williams is a ‘tackling machine’

With the 91st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in the third round, the Buffalo Bills added to their pass rush and run defense, selecting linebacker Dorian Williams out of Tulane in the third round.

A player that could thrive at the next level, in time, due to his many talents, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane said one aspect of his game stands out the most. Williams does the simply things very well.

“He’s a tackle machine, he’s very athletic,” Beane said of the speedy Williams. “We’ll start him outside, we like to make them somewhat interchangeable. This system is more complex than the one he’s coming from. Mentally from a football foundation, he’s got more ground to cover here. Year 1 we’ll probably keep him outside.”

Beane sounds like he has something in mind, after all, it was inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds who departed in free agency leaving a hole in the Bills starting defense.

Picking Williams adds more speed in the third round, a theme in the wake of Matt Milano’s success that was evident in the selection of fellow linebacker Terrel Bernard in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. It does strengthen the Bills linebacker rotation and improve their pass rush as well.

It would appear the Bills front office has a type it likes at the position. Like Milano and Bernard, his speed is one of the things that stands out most, as he clocked a 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

So while the Edmunds-replacement question remains, the Williams edition is one that could potentially have some immediate impact on the field this season for Buffalo, even if it’s as a backup or rotation player.

Still, it’s not his speed or physical abilities that the linebacker hangs his hat on.

“I feel like I’m a high character guy, for my play on the field I feel like the film speaks for itself, going sideline to sideline, making plays in coverage and getting guys on the ground, and making plays to get the ball back for the offense, and that’s what this is all about,” Williams said.

He’s also excited to play alongside fellow speedy linebacker Matt Milano.

“I love how versatile he is as a player, I love how he uses his hands to get off blocks, I love how he plays sideline to sideline and how he does in coverage as well,” Williams shared about Milano. “I’d love to learn from him.”

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2023 NFL draft: Bills’ O’Cyrus Torrence looking forward to blocking for Josh Allen

2023 NFL draft: #Bills’ O’Cyrus Torrence looking forward to blocking for Josh Allen

Bills GM Brandon Beane made protecting QB Josh Allen a priority this offseason and has been true to his word.

First by adding talent to the guard rotation in free agency, and then by selecting offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence out of Florida in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The big, 6’5″ 330-pound consensus All-American who many draft analysts projected as a late first-round pick met with the Bills twice during the pre-draft process, A number of said analysts projected Buffalo to select with the 27th selection, and they still got their guy with the 59th overall pick in the second round.

The OL noted that he experienced good meetings with Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane during his visit to Buffalo.

“It was a lot of interaction for me and Buffalo, I had a formal interview with them at the combine, met them at the Senior Bowl, and took a day to visit them and it was just a lot of meeting with the coaches and just getting a feel for the environment and culture they built over there,” the new rookie shared via video chat. “We definitely built a good relationship in this process.”

Torrence also sees an opportunity with the Bills offense to make an immediate impact while also continuing to develop.

“I feel my game, just the progression of how I play coming off the ball, my explosiveness and speed coming off, and seeing how this offense is, the variety of offense ranges a lot,” he noted. “So I feel like I’m going to fit in pretty well with that. It’s also the guys I’m going to be around I feel like are going to help my game. The guys playing next to me, the guys I’m blocking for, I feel like all this is going to help me play even better and just raise my ceiling even higher.”

The interior lineman also noted some special intangibles off the field that stood out about the organization he is joining.

“I learned they have a very special culture there, they’ve been working on it for a while with coach McDermott,” he added. “The way their whole organizational shift over the past few years is something I’ve noticed in this process.”

Torrence is a likely starter and immediate contributor who had no penalties last season. He brings power and the ability to move opposing players which is something the Bills interior offensive line needs, both in terms of protecting the quarterback as well as opening up lanes for running backs.

And there’s a teammate the Bills new lineman is particularly looking forward to playing with in that offense.

“I’m really looking forward to blocking for Josh Allen, of course,” he shared. “The first thing that came to mind was blocking for Josh Allen. I mean, what offensive lineman don’t want to do this, so yeah that’s probably the main thing.”

Brandon Beane wouldn’t say where Torrence slots as a right guard or left guard but did speak to where he sees the value the OL adds.

“We got some really go D-tackles in this division, and so having a guy who can anchor versus power, you know that’s probably what he does best and he’s got length to get on guys and hold them off… Sometimes you go from a lower level to SEC, which is probably the highest level in college football, and it wasn’t too big for him,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “I expect that same transition here. It’s not going to be easy, he’ll have to come in here and earn the role, we’re not going to give him anything, but size, strength, power, those would be his top attributes.”

‘I think we’ll start him at guard, right now I see his best chance to help us would probably be inside.”

Torrence started out on the 3rd team after transferring to Florida and worked his way into being a starter by the opening game. He did not give up one single sack during his entire college career of 46 starts between Louisiana and Florida.

“Not a lot of players have that on their resume,” Beane noted, pointing out Torrence has a “desire to be great every single play, no matter whether you’re playing Alabama or you’re playing the Sisters of the Poor.”

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Bills’ Brandon Beane on Dalton Kincaid: ‘A great fit in our offense’

#Bills’ Brandon Beane on Dalton Kincaid: ‘A great fit in our offense’

For the second consecutive year, the Buffalo Bills traded to move up in the first round of the NFL Draft to select their player.

And in 2023 that selection was Utah TE Dalton Kinkaid at 25th overall.

If you’re wondering what caught the Bills attention about the 23-year-old, GM Brandon Beane took the press podium to talk about just that after making the selection.

“We just really liked him and felt he would be a great fit in our offense, he’s a tight end but he’s a receiving tight end, and we think he’ll pair well with Dawson [Knox] and give us another target in the middle of the field,” Beane said. “When him and Dawson are in the game, you’re in ‘12′ (personnel), but it’s quasi like ‘11′ anyway. He’s not your standard ‘Y’ tight end. He’s going to be flexed out a lot more than necessarily you would do with Dawson.”

That the Bills planned to trade back if Kincaid or a top receiver weren’t available says a lot, and it was his tools and skill set that made him worth the trade-up.

“Elite hands,” the GM continued. “Really good route runner, good feel setting up guys inside. There’s always the card telling you as a player what to do, eight yards here or there, but sometimes the defense changes and this guy’s got great feel, great instinct.”

What’s more, Beane elaborated on how he views Kincaid as an edition that will dictate opposing defenses.

“He pairs well in our offense, he’s something we don’t have. Generally, when we’re in 12 [personnel with 1 RB and 2 TE] if you got two wide tight ends you’re going to get base defense. When he’s in the game, we’re going to get Nickle as if we’re an 11 [personnel set.]”

There were several players at other positions of need for Buffalo available, but the Bills had the young playmaking tight end graded highest among the remaining talent.

“Us trading up tells you how we valued him, There were defensive players around but he was the best player on our board by our opinion,” Beane said.

The GM wasn’t the only one who sensed the value that the move-up demonstrated, as the newest acquisition by Buffalo expressed a similar sentiment as well.

“It’s awesome,” the Bills newest tight end shared via video chat. “You know trading up to get me goes to show they wanted me that much more so definitely just gonna go in, be the best rookie I can, and just do whatever I can and help the team.”

The rookie was quick to acknowledge his new teammates and fanbase as well.

“Josh Allen’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Dawson Knox is right up there with the tight ends as well so it’s going to be awesome to learn from him and learn from Josh,” he continued. “I think just joining Bills Mafia is going to be one of the coolest things.”

While the move cost the Bills a 4th round pick to swap positions in the draft order and move up to pick the tight end, it sounds like it was worth it by Beane’s measure of Kincaid’s value.

“I didn’t want to have to give up a pick, but I would have been more disappointed with him that close to not be able to get him.”

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Buffalo Bills could double down on Alabama RBs in 2023 NFL draft

In a recent mock draft, the Buffalo Bills select Jahmyr Gibbs. This would make for an all-Alabama backfield.

Jahmyr Gibbs may have only spent one season as a member of the Crimson Tide, but his impact on the offense will be something fans remember for a very long time. Gibbs was the leading rusher for the Alabama offense and also led the team in receptions. His versatility and ability to excel as a ball carrier or pass catcher will make him a successful player in the NFL.

With the 2023 NFL draft just days away, mock drafts are beginning to get a clearer picture as to who will be drafted where.

In the latest mock done by Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire, Gibbs is off the board at pick No. 27 to the Buffalo Bills.

“Our second running back comes off the board to the Buffalo Bills, who are looking to give Josh Allen some help on offense. He provides an impact in three phases of the game as a returner, runner, and receiver out of the backfield.”

What makes this pick interesting is that the Bills recently signed a running back in free agency. Damien Harris made the intra-division move from New England to Buffalo. Harris, like Gibbs, was drafted out of Alabama.

The running game has been a big thorn in the side of a very talented offense in Buffalo. Harris is a strong back that can easily work his way into the end zone or to the first down marker.

Gibbs would be a perfect pairing with Harris, as he is an agile speed back that can also run routes and catch passes out of the backfield, a safe, last-resort option for Josh Allen if you will.

There’s no telling what Buffalo will do with the pick come Thursday, April 27, when the 2023 NFL draft gets underway.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Gibbs and other former Alabama players as draft day approaches.

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Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on Twitter @SpurrFM.

Ranking the Bills new free agent signings by PFF grades

All the PFF grades for the #Bills’ free agent signings (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills were selective in free agency this year, as the club had limited salary cap space to bring in free agents.

While the organization did not make a big splash in the free agent market, Buffalo did find a few valuable pieces to pad the depth on the roster.

The Bills free agent signings earned a wide variety of grades from Pro Football Focus. PFF’s grades indicate that the Bills definitely scrounged for some value and second-tier players on the free agent market.

Here are the Bills free agents ranked by their 2022 Pro Football Focus grades, ranked from lowest to highest.

Highlight reel for new Bills RB Damien Harris

Here’s what the #Bills are getting in new RB Damien Harris (video):

Damien Harris is familiar to the Buffalo Bills. Formerly of the New England Patriots, he decided to bring his talents to western New York this offseason.

Harris, 26, signed a one-year deal in Buffalo. The good in that outweighs the bad.

Harris has a strong set of skills. He’ll take those with him to the Bills. Really, there’s only one bad part: In his highlight reels, Harris has plenty of them to offer… while he was previously facing Buffalo.

If you can manage to ignore that, check out some of Harris’ highlights from his past seasons below to see what the Bills are getting: