Bills pick WR in MMQB’s latest 2020 mock draft

Buffalo Bills select Clemson WR Tee Higgins in MMQB’s latest 2020 NFL mock draft.

The MMQB has the Bills doing what many currently predict for them in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Buffalo selects a wide receiver at No. 22 overall.

But which one? In the MMQB’s latest draft guesses, the pick is Clemson wideout Tee Higgins:

22. Buffalo Bills: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The Bills signed a pair of smaller receivers—John Brown and Cole Beasley—last offseason and the duo combined for 139 catches for 1,838 yards and 12 touchdowns. Complementing Brown and Beasley well, Higgins is a big-bodied receiver with a large catch radius who attacks and high-points the football well. Higgins tied Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins for the most receiving touchdowns (27) in Clemson history.

For the Bills, Higgins makes sense. Cole Beasley and John Brown have had great seasons for Buffalo in 2019. But, moving more talent into the receiver room around them in the short term, and getting a long-term, go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen, should be a goal for the Bills this offseason.

At 6-foot-4, Higgins gives the Bills the size they lack in any receiver aside from Duke Williams. Allen does have to improve some of his deep-ball accuracy issues on his own this offseason, but if he does have a guy like Higgins in 2020 and has the same type of production as he had last season, his completion percentage of 58.2 percent could easily rise above 60 percent.

Higgins heads the Bills in this scenario as CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are all selected ahead of Buffalo’s pick. In taking Higgins, the Bills opt for him over the likes of wideouts Laviska Shenault, Brandon Aiyuk and Justin Jefferson.

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What Brandon Beane said about potential Bills coach Luke Kuechly

Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane on retired LB Luke Kuechly.

With the front office’s connection to the Carolina Panthers, the Buffalo Bills would undoubtedly love to add linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Well that’s not happening, considering Kuechly retired from playing pro football last week after eight seasons.

But as soon as he retired, the idea of the linebacker returning to the NFL as a coach surfaced. As soon as that came about, the thought of Kuechly coming to the Bills to do just that soon followed.

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane are well aware of Kuechly, having spent numerous years with him in Carolina before that duo were hired by the Bills. So could Kuechly come to the Bills to coach?

Of the two in the Bills’ current brass, Beane discussed Kuechly with MMQB and raved about his legendary work ethic.

“(Kuechly is) the rare guy who had it all,” Beane said. “He’s super smart, his instincts are a 12 on a scale of 1–10 and his work ethic’s at the same level. And it’s very rare that someone with the instincts, smarts and athleticism he had still has drive like he did. On Thursday nights during the week, I’d walk down there and he’s got every linebacker still there with them, teaching them how to watch film, what to look for.”

“I don’t know many like him. Usually people that have the talent might not have the same drive. So he had the whole thing and he wanted to help others,” Beane added.

The article doesn’t indicate that whether or not the Bills have interest in adding Kuechly as a coach or member of their front office. Plus ESPN reported this week that Kuechly would fancy staying with the Panthers organization over joining other teams despite their recent coaching staff change. However, Beane’s comment certainly bring to light an affection he has in regard to Kuechly.

Bringing Kuechly on to help the team’s young defense with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in the middle of it would be a great scenario for the Bills. Time will tell what Kuechly decides.

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MMQB respects ‘fight’ in Bills

The Bills fell to the Ravens 24-17 last week, but folks around the NFL have recognized the effort Buffalo put in during the contest. In some power rankings this week, the Bills were even on the rise.

Among those nationally recognizing the Bills was the MMQB’s Albert Breer. In his weekly Monday column earlier this week, Breer wrote about the “fight” the Bills displayed in their loss to the Ravens:

Love the Bills’ fight: down 24–9, coming all the way back against the best team in the league, and getting to the doorstep of tying the game. (Obviously, the aforementioned fourth-and-eight from the Baltimore 16 didn’t work for them.) But they were right there, and their persistence and awareness were illustrated greatly on the play before that fourth down, a third-and-8 on which a Ravens blitz caused a jailbreak. Josh Allen broke two tackles and threw the ball away. In that one fell swoop, Allen showed not only toughness and kept his head about him by avoiding a fourth-and-20 or so by getting rid of the ball. I continue to think Buffalo’s a year away from something really good. And they’re pretty good as is.

This Bills have certainly proven they’re a fourth quarter team this year. Quarterback Josh Allen has a knack for good play late in games. He’s second in the NFL with four game-winning drives this season. As a team, the Bills have also done their most scoring in the final quarter, 12 touchdowns, in total.

Buffalo’s problem this season isn’t scoring in the fourth quarter, it’s having to. The Bills have had a knack for bad third quarter play, putting themselves behind the eight ball. Good teams do find a way back, but most would prefer to already have an opponent put away by then.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Lions heading towards the bottom of the league

The Week 13 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions are headed to the bottom of the league.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) appear to be nearing rock bottom and their Week 13 national NFL Power Rankings reflect that. After yet another disastrous loss — this time to a bad Washington team — the current situation in Detroit has left a sour taste in the mouths of analysts.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 30 (Previous: 28)

“Why wouldn’t they shut down Matthew Stafford? Maybe that comes next week, when they’ll likely be officially eliminated from playoff picture.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 27 (Previous: 22)

“In NFL history, only one non-strike team has held the lead in each of its first 11 games, and won three or fewer — the 2004 Chiefs. That Chiefs team started their season 3-8 and wound up with a 7-9 record, so we suppose head coach Matt Patricia could tell his team that the 2019 Lions, who have now joined that short list, are capable of going on a nice run. However, the opposing arguments are comprehensive. Backup quarterback Jeff Driskel was completely lost against the Redskins’ defense (which is a severe indictment in and of itself), completing 20 of 33 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Detroit’s run game is nonexistent, and its man-based pass defense has fallen apart in a relative sense this season. This franchise fired Jim Caldwell as its head coach after the 2017 season because two straight 9-7 seasons weren’t good enough. What does the Ford family make of Patricia’s 9-17-1 mark through almost two seasons?” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 28 (Previous: 25)

“A season that begin with promise has descended into ugliness. A 19-16 loss to the lowly Redskins is the seventh defeat in eight games for Detroit, which has gone into a nosedive with Matthew Stafford out of the lineup with a back injury. Jeff Driskel had some positive moments early in his stint as Stafford’s understudy, but he had a bad game against Washington, throwing interceptions in each of Detroit’s final possessions to seal the loss. And while the defense wasn’t the culprit on Sunday, this remains a unit that has given up nearly 29 points per game over the last eight games. Throw in some poor special teams, and Matt Patricia appears to be in a fair bit of trouble. The second-year coach probably needs a strong finish for a chance at another season on the sideline. A playoff stakes-free Thanksgiving matchup against the Bears is up next.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 22 (Previous: 21)

“What they’re thankful for: WRs Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. Even in a lowlight of a season, Golladay and Jones are showing to be a potent receiving duo. Both receivers have a chance to top 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019 — remarkable considering Matthew Stafford has been out the past three weeks. The Lions have both players, as well as Stafford, under contract in 2020, so there is something to build on offensively in Detroit, even in a season going nowhere.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 29 (Previous 23)

“Without Matt Stafford, they just aren’t good team. Is Matt Patricia safe? Should he be?” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 28 (Previous: 24)

“Remember when this team was “better than their record indicated?” Yeah, sorry about that. No Stafford didn’t help, backup Jeff Driskel threw three picks, the defense went home halfway through the fourth quarter and Matt Patricia’s bunch is officially punched out for 2019.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 26 (Previous: 23)

“The Lions can think about what could have been the past three weeks had Matthew Stafford been able to continue his career-best play, but as they’ve found something with their defense and running game, they’ve been let down by Jeff Driskel’s play. Will that be enough to give Matt Patricia a free pass in Year 2?” — Vinnie Iyer

NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Lions hold steady in the early twenties

The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

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The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 28 (Previous: 27)

“Did they find gem in former Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough, who ran for 55 yards in debut? No other Detroit back averages 55 rush yards per game in 2019.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 22 (Previous: 23)

“The Lions faced an interesting question in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Would they stick with their primary man coverages against a Dallas passing offense that has been highly effective against that kind of tight coverage this season? Only Seattle’s Russell Wilson has a higher passer rating this season against man coverage than Dak Prescott’s 110.5. So in the end, it was fairly predictable that a defense that wants to play man coverage most of the time and isn’t very good at it — Detroit has allowed seven touchdown passes to just one interception in man coverage this season — would find itself at Prescott’s mercy. Dallas’ quarterback completed 29 of 46 passes for 444 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 35-27 win. Detroit’s offense couldn’t quite keep up, though backup Jeff Driskel played decently in place of Matthew Stafford, who could miss several weeks with a back injury. What becomes apparent is that Detroit’s desire to align itself with a specific defensive philosophy, and the abilities of their players to execute that philosophy, are at a distinct impasse.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 25 (Previous: 24)

“Same old story for the Lions, who can score points (with or without Matthew Stafford) but have a defense that’s a total liability. The unit was unable to get any pressure on Dak Prescott, who roasted the Lions for 444 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas’ 35-27 win over Detroit. The Lions’ issues are manifold: They can’t rush the quarterback, they can’t cover in the secondary and they don’t force turnovers. They’re on pace for their worst defensive season, from a total yardage allowed standpoint, worse even than the winless 2008 team. It’s a shame, too, because Jeff Driskel showed us once again that he has some ability. The backup quarterback — starting in place of the injured Stafford for the second straight week — made plays with his arm and legs, and he even had Detroit on Dallas’ side of the field in the final minutes with a chance to tie. The kid gives them a shot … the defense doesn’t.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 21)

“Most underrated player: Marvin Jones Jr. wide receiver. It might sound weird that a known quantity would be underrated, but Jones has been a consistently strong presence since signing with Detroit in 2016. He is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with eight and has had four or more catches in eight games this season. He has been playing under a reasonable contract and people know who he is, but his overall value to the Lions often goes unnoticed because of the presence of Kenny Golladay and the team’s collective struggles.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 23)

“Why would Matt Stafford play again this season? Shut him down. This season is over.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 24)

“A full week of prep helped Jeff Driskel (15-of-26, 209 yards, 2 TDs, 109.3 rating), but Detroit couldn’t stay in it late without their trusty starter, especially since Driskel almost lead the way on the ground with eight rushes for 51 yards and a touchdown.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 23 (Previous: 22)

“The Lions are showing plenty of offensive fight with Jeff Driskel filling in for Matthew Stafford, but their defense takes turns being destroyed by the run and the pass, much to the chagrin of Matt Patricia after the team’s big offseason investments.” — Vinnie Iyer

NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Lions drop to bottom third of the NFL

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings, the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11.

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings and the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11 more than the loss to the Bears did.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 27 (Previous: 18)

“Is Kenny Golladay most dangerous deep threat we don’t discuss? Back to those Next Gen Stats, no player averages more targeted air yards than his 16.5.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 23 (Previous: 20)

“It’s going to be easy to blame Matthew Stafford’s back injury for Detroit’s 20-13 loss to the Bears, as Stafford had to sit while backup Jeff Driskel took the field. But Driskel wasn’t horrible; he completed 27 passes in 46 attempts for 269 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses. When assigning blame for this loss, and for the collapse that has seen the Lions lose five of their past six games, one must look squarely at a defense that allowed four touchdowns to Oakland rookies in Week 9 and followed that up by making things all too easy for Mitchell Trubisky on his three touchdown passes. This looked like one of the NFL’s better pass defenses at times early in the season, but that narrative has completely fallen apart. Per Pro Football Focus, Detroit’s secondary has allowed 15 touchdowns to just three interceptions this season. No team is going to win that way consistently, no matter who their quarterback is.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 24 (Previous: 19)

“Here’s a hot take: The Lions really need Matthew Stafford. The quarterback, whose iron-man starting streak ended on Sunday due to a back injury, was sorely missed in a loss to the Bears that put Detroit’s playoff hopes on life support. Jeff Driskel stepped in for Stafford and had a few moments — his best being a pretty, 47-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay that gave the Lions a spark in the fourth quarter — but this simply isn’t a balanced enough team to survive the absence of its best player. The typically overmatched Lions defense started off well, holding the Bears to just 20 yards on four fruitless drives to start the game. But Mitch Trubisky threw touchdown passes in the next three Bears possessions, putting Detroit in a 20-6 hole that was simply too deep with Stafford on the sideline. Now we wait to see how long the quarterback has to stay there.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 18)

“Most important game left: Sunday vs. Cowboys. It’s cliché to say the next game is the most important because it’s the next one, but based on what’s happening with the Lions, it really is. Detroit has lost five of six games. Its defense doesn’t appear to be improving, and its offense might or might not have Matthew Stafford. The Lions get the Cowboys at home, and if they can’t beat Dallas, their season will be all but over considering the state of the NFC and that of the NFC North.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 20)

“If Matt Stafford is out for a while they are done. They are probably done anyway.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 16)

“Matthew Stafford has been this team’s most important player since Megatron pulled the plug, and predictably the Lions couldn’t squeeze enough out of Jeff Driskel to take advantage of two late fourth quarter drives. Detroit has underdelivered on the early season promise they flashed in those tight losses to the Chiefs and Packers.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 22 (Previous: 18)

“The Lions did their best to hang with the Bears, with Jeff Driskel doing his best Matthew Stafford impression at times. But the injury-related uncertainty of their usually durable leader during his best NFL season has to be a big emotional blow.” — Vinnie Iyer