INDIANAPOLIS - The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine winds down this weekend in Indianapolis, with the Bills decision-makers getting a chance to measure, weigh, time, and generally assess the 300-or-more prospects headed to the draft in seven-and-a-half weeks.
Also being assessed: the Bills and every other team as they gear up for the 2020 offseason. And in general, the Bills received positive reviews and interesting advice from NFL observers assembled in Indy this week.
Here's a sample of some of the opinions expressed about Buffalo's fortunes from guests on One Bills Live at the combine:
1. FOCUS ON SCORING POINTS, NOT PREVENTING THEM
The Bills averaged 20-points per game in 2019 and were the league's 24th ranked offense. It's clear most observers think that's where Buffalo can improve the most this offseason through free agency and the draft.
Matt Miller, NFL Draft Scout for Bleacher Report says adding speed should be a priority for the Bills.
"I would focus on offense, "he says. "And let's add speed throughout the offense. Devin Singletary is going to be a good running back in the NFL. But let's add speed at running back and speed at wide receiver, so that those throws that Josh Allen makes can become explosive plays."
Scroll through to view photos of some of the top prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine that some draft analysts have projected the Bills to take in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson | 6'4" 200lbs
Higgins is a big-bodied receiver out of Clemson that many analysts think would be a nice fit with John Brown and Cole Beasley at WR, and give Josh Allen a larger target than his other receivers.
Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama | 6'0" 183lbs
Ruggs III is one of the fastest players in football, and had the best 40-yard dash time of any player at the combine so far with a 4.27.
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama | 6'0" 183lbs
Ruggs III is one of the fastest players in football, and had the best 40-yard dash time of any player at the combine so far with a 4.27.
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama | 6'0" 183lbs
Ruggs III is one of the fastest players in football, and had the best 40-yard dash time of any player at the combine so far with a 4.27.
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
D'Andre Swift | RB | Georgia | 5'9" 215lbs
Swift was one of the best running backs in college football, and can truly do it all out of the backfield. Some analysts think a pairing with Devin Singletary would take the offense to another level.
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift speaks to the media during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
D'Andre Swift | RB | Georgia | 5'9" 215lbs
Swift was one of the best running backs in college football, and can truly do it all out of the backfield. Some analysts think a pairing with Devin Singletary would take the offense to another level.
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
D'Andre Swift | RB | Georgia | 5'9" 215lbs
Swift was one of the best running backs in college football, and can truly do it all out of the backfield. Some analysts think a pairing with Devin Singletary would take the offense to another level.
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado | 6'2" 220lbs
One of the more physical receivers in the draft, some think that his combination of run after the catch ability and route running skill would make him a great fit in Buffalo's offense.
Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado | 6'2" 220lbs
One of the more physical receivers in the draft, some think that his combination of run after the catch ability and route running skill would make him a great fit in Buffalo's offense.
Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. behind the scenes during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado | 6'2" 220lbs
One of the more physical receivers in the draft, some think that his combination of run after the catch ability and route running skill would make him a great fit in Buffalo's offense.
Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor | 6'3" 215lbs
Another bigger receiver, analysts think Mims would give the Bills offense another type of player for defenses to have to match up with. Mims is regarded as a well-rounded WR.
Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor | 6'3" 215lbs
Another bigger receiver, analysts think Mims would give the Bills offense another type of player for defenses to have to match up with. Mims is regarded as a well-rounded WR.
Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor | 6'3" 215lbs
Another bigger receiver, analysts think Mims would give the Bills offense another type of player for defenses to have to match up with. Mims is regarded as a well-rounded WR.
Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU | 6'3" 192lbs
With a large frame and great athleticism, some analysts think Jefferson would be a great addition to the Bills offense and provide Josh Allen with a lethal red zone target.
LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU | 6'3" 192lbs
With a large frame and great athleticism, some analysts think Jefferson would be a great addition to the Bills offense and provide Josh Allen with a lethal red zone target.
LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU | 6'3" 192lbs
With a large frame and great athleticism, some analysts think Jefferson would be a great addition to the Bills offense and provide Josh Allen with a lethal red zone target.
LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU | 6'3" 192lbs
With a large frame and great athleticism, some analysts think Jefferson would be a great addition to the Bills offense and provide Josh Allen with a lethal red zone target.
LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson catches the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
A.J. Epenesa | DE | Iowa | 6'5" 277lbs
A productive pass rusher in the Big Ten, Epenesa is regarded as a very "pro-ready" prospect, which means he might be able to step in on a great Bills defense and contribute right away.
Iowa defensive lineman A. J. Epenesa speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
A.J. Epenesa | DE | Iowa | 6'5" 277lbs
A productive pass rusher in the Big Ten, Epenesa is regarded as a very "pro-ready" prospect, which means he might be able to step in on a great Bills defense and contribute right away.
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU | 5'10" 199lbs
Might the Bills look for a young CB prospect for Tre'Davious White to mentor early in the draft? Some analysts think so, and think another LSU CB would be the perfect fit. Fulton is extremely rangy and has great awareness on the field, much like Tre'Davious White.
LSU defensive back Kristian Fulton speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU | 5'10" 199lbs
Might the Bills look for a young CB prospect for Tre'Davious White to mentor early in the draft? Some analysts think so, and think another LSU CB would be the perfect fit. Fulton is extremely rangy and has great awareness on the field, much like Tre'Davious White.
LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Yetur Gross-Matos | DE | Penn State | 6'5" 262lbs
With a large frame and crazy athleticism, Gross-Matos might be a good candidate to add some depth at defensive end for the Bills this offseason.
Penn State defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos listens to a question during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Yetur Gross-Matos | DE | Penn State | 6'5" 262lbs
With a large frame and crazy athleticism, Gross-Matos might be a good candidate to add some depth at defensive end for the Bills this offseason.
Penn St. defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
K'Lavon Chaisson | LB | LSU | 6'4" 238lbs
An extremely versatile defender, Chaisson could step in and fill the role that Lorenzo Alexander did last year as a rookie.
LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
K'Lavon Chaisson | LB | LSU | 6'4" 238lbs
An extremely versatile defender, Chaisson could step in and fill the role that Lorenzo Alexander did last year as a rookie.
LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
2. BILLS HAVE TO IDENTIFY THE "KEEPERS" FIRST
We're two weeks away from the start of free agency. And if they haven't done so already, Field Yates, NFL Analyst at ESPN, says Buffalo first have to identify which of last year's free agent signings should come back.
"There were a lot of investments made on the offensive line last year," Yates told One Bills Live."A lot of them were of a one-year, or short-term in nature. So, you have to figure out which guys are keepers and which guys do you start to budget for the long term."
Yates says the top priority for the Bills, in free agency and the draft, should be finding offensive difference makers.
"This is a simple way of putting it," he continued. "Can we find difference-making players among the skill group. And many of those guys hadsome difference-making moments, but consistent difference-makers from the wide receiver group seems to be one of the highlights of this class."
3. ALL EYES ON ALLEN
Bills quarterback Josh Allen, two years from being under the microscope at the combine, is now the focus of attention for outsiders looking at the Bills. They're looking for continued development from the talented passer.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst, a former scout for the Ravens, Browns and Eagles, identified Allen's strongest assets to us at the combine.
"To me, I always look at the triangle that you have to have to play quarterback—accuracy, decision-making, and poise. Everything funnels through those three things," Jeremiah said. "And I've added a fourth—play-making. Play-making can overcome some of the deficiencies in those other three areas, and that's what Josh does."
Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner is looking for another offseason of improvement from the Bills signal caller.
"The best thing to me is that he's gotten better each year," he said. "We knew he was a little bit of a project coming in. He needed to grow. He grew this year. But his bottom line is consistency. And I think it's two-fold."
"It's consistency A., with his technique," Warner continued. "He's got such a big arm and he's used to getting away with so much…if you allow technique to get away from you…it will come back to bite you. And the second thing is growing in his ability to see and understand how to play the quarterback position. But I love the fact that he's found ways to win."
4. THE JOSH PROJECT IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
One Bills Livetalked with Josh Allen's personal quarterback guru at the combine. Jordan Palmer has several prospects working out in Indy, including expected first-overall pick Joe Burrow.
As for Josh Allen, Palmer has him at his QB Summit Camp in Southern California for the third consecutive offseason. And Palmer says they're spending considerable time on Allen's ability to hit the long ball, with concentration on a mental approach to connecting deep downfield.
"One of the things I do with guys is I use the analogy of you want to drop a pin on Google Maps," Palmer told us. "I want to tell him where to go with this throw."
"What I try to get guys away from is throwing in front of the guy, or leading the guy," he continued. "You are the one who's looking downfield. The receiver is running full speed looking back at you. You're the one that sees the field. Tell him where to go with the ball. Drop a pin—meet me right here. That's not a mechanical thing. That's a psychological thing. So 'Drop a Pin' is a thing this offseason. Just thinking about telling him where to go with the ball."
Based on the last two years, Jordan Palmer is confident Josh Allen will fix this issue and be much better at the long ball in 2020.
"Last offseason, the theme was anticipation—throwing guys open," he said. "I think he took major strides in that area. And now, when I think about Josh Allen throwing the deep ball, I think, 'yeah, he'll solve it.'"
The 2021 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, Indiana. Click through to see photos of current Bills players from when they performed at the Combine.
Jerry Hughes at the 2010 NFL Combine.
Safety Jordan Poyer at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.
Poyer (Oregon) measured in at 6-0, 191 pounds, with a 31 3/4-inch arm length and 9 3/4-inch hands. He recorded a 11.51 seconds 60 yard shuttle, 118-inch broad jump and a 30.5-inch vertical jump.
Safety Micah Hyde at the 2013 NFL Draft.
Hyde (Iowa) measured in at 6-0, 197 pounds, with a 31.48-inch arm length and 9 3/8-inch hands. He recorded a 4.56 40 yard dash, 6.78 3 cone drill and a 33-inch vertical jump.
Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Cornerback Tre'Davious White at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.
White (Louisiana State) measured in at 5-11, 192 pounds, with a 32 1/8-inch arm length and 9 1/8-inch hands. He recorded a 4.47 40 yard dash, 32.0-inch vertical jump and 119.0-inch broad jump.
Tackle Dion Dawkins at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.
Dawkins (Temple) measured in at 6-4, 314 pounds, with a 35-inch arm length and 9 7/8-inch hands. He recorded a 7.30 3 cone drill, 26 reps on the bench press and a 106.0-inch broad jump.
Linebacker Matt Milano at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
Milano (Boston College) measured in at 6-0, 223 pounds, with a 32-inch arm length and 9 3/8-inch hands. He recorded 24 reps on the bench press, a 126.0-inch broad jump and 35.0-inch vertical jump.
Quarterback Josh Allen at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
Allen (Wyoming) measured in at 6-5, 237 pounds, with a hand measurement of 10 1/8 inches. He recorded a 70-yard throw.
Cornerback Taron Johnson at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
Johnson (Weber State) measured in at 5-11, 192 pounds, with a 30 7/8-inch arm length and 9 1/8-inch hands. He recorded a 4.5 40 yard dash, 33-inch vertical jump and 118-inch broad jump.
Safety Siran Neal at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
Neal (Jacksonville State) measured in at 6-0, 206 pounds, with a 31 1/8-inch arm length and 9 7/8-inch hands. He recorded a 4.56 40 yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical jump and 122.0-inch broad jump.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
Edmunds (Virginia Tech) measured in at 6-5, 253 pounds, with a 34 1/2-inch arm length and 9 3/8-inch hands. He recorded a 4.54 40 yard dash, 19 reps on the bench press and a 117.0-inch broad jump.
Stanford defensive lineman Harrison Phillips runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver does the bench press drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford runs the 40-yard dash during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Friday, March. 1, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Florida Alantic running back Devin Singletary runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mississippi tight end Dawson Knox participates in the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Miami defensive back Jaquan Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College tight end Tommy Sweeney runs a passing drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday, March. 2, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Central Florida wide receiver Gabriel Davis runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Pittsburgh defensive back Dane Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah running back Zack Moss runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
5. DEFENSE REMAINS A STRENGTH FOR THE BILLS
It's a given now, after another finish in the top five in the league defensively—the Bills are built on defense. That's expected to be a strength again in 2020, and former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, now with ESPN as a 'Front Office Insider,' says that should produce more close games for Buffalo.
"You look at Buffalo this past year, they won a lot of close games," Tannenbaum said. "And the way they're going to play, especially with Coach McDermott, they're going to be in a lot of close games. For them to get over the hump and sustain winning records, they're going to have to win that handful of close games."
Tannenbaum, former GM of the Jets and VP of Football Operations for the Dolphins, says Buffalo's leadership, especially Coach Sean McDermott, make them a tough opponent.
"Coach McDermott is a great leader, and Brandon Beane has done a really good job as well," he said. "But when you think about Sean—it's really hard to play against that Bills defense. You're banging your head. Especially when you go up to Buffalo—it's a hard place to play. It's starting to get an identity."
