Buffalo Bills fans often engage in heated debates about the team’s general manager, Brandon Beane, particularly when it comes to his draft selections. While some praise Beane for finding hidden gems in later rounds, others argue that his draft history has more misses than hits. These discussions have led to a closer look at his drafting performance over the years, beginning with his tenure as GM in 2018.
Brandon Beane’s Early Drafts Shaped the Bills’ Success, Despite Some Misses
Brandon Beane’s first drafts as GM were transformative for the Bills franchise. In 2018, he selected quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in the first round, both of whom played pivotal roles in turning the team into a playoff contender. Allen, in particular, became the face of the franchise after winning an MVP.
Other standout picks from these early drafts included Taron Johnson (4th round, 2018), who developed into one of the league’s top nickel corners, and Dawson Knox (3rd round, 2019), a key offensive weapon. However, not all selections were successful; Cody Ford (2nd round, 2019) and Zack Moss (3rd round, 2020) failed to live up to expectations, with Moss finding more success after leaving Buffalo.
Brandon Beane (NFL)As the Bills evolved into Super Bowl contenders, Beane’s drafting decisions became even more important and under scrutiny. In 2021, he selected pass rusher Gregory Rousseau, who became a solid contributor. However, Boogie Basham (2nd round, 2021) failed to make an impact and was eventually traded. The 2022 draft, on the other hand, featured several promising players, including James Cook (2nd round), who emerged as the Bills’ top running back, and Terrel Bernard (3rd round), a rising star at linebacker.
Khalil Shakir (5th round) proved to be a reliable wide receiver, while Christian Benford (6th round) became an unexpected key starter. However, the 2022 draft also featured a major disappointment: Kaiir Elam (1st round), who has yet to make a significant impact despite being a highly-touted pick.
Brandon Beane’s Recent Drafts Show Promise, But Full Impact Remains to Be Seen
While it is too early to make definitive judgments about Beane’s 2023 and 2024 draft classes, some early returns have been promising. Dalton Kincaid (1st round, 2023) has shown potential as a top-tier tight end, and Osiris Torrence (2nd round, 2023) looks like a steal. Keon Coleman (2nd round, 2024) also has the potential to be a breakout star. These picks suggest that Beane’s drafting continues to yield valuable contributors, although it will take time to fully assess their long-term impact.
Overall, Brandon Beane has demonstrated a strong ability to find talent, particularly in the middle and later rounds of drafts. While there have been some notable first-round misses, such as Kaiir Elam, Beane has consistently managed to draft players who contribute to the team’s success.
From franchise-changing players like Josh Allen to reliable role players, Beane has proven that he knows how to build a competitive roster. While no GM is perfect, Beane’s overall track record suggests that he is more than capable of making smart draft decisions for the Buffalo Bills.
