1. AHC/DC Leslie Frazier: It's not about who gets the credit
Newly promoted assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier appeared on One Bills Live this week to talk about the promotion with Buffalo. Frazier explained since he and head coach Sean McDermott arrived at One Bills Drive, Frazier has always helped outside of the defense.
"My role has always gone beyond coordinating defense, obviously that's primary for sure to make sure our defense is right," Frazier said. "We've always talked about where our offense is, where special teams is, what's going on organizationally."
Frazier said his goal, when providing guidance beyond the defense, is to make sure McDermott doesn't make the same mistakes he did as a first-time head coach. The new assistant head coach explained he can have those conversations because of the friendship between the two.
"That's the beauty of our relationship," Frazier said. "It goes back to 1999 when we both joined the staff of Andy Reid in Philadelphia. That trust that is necessary to really have those hard conversations is there based on our history together, and that helps a lot. It is fortunate to have a head coach who wants to do what's best for the Bills, it's not about who gets the credit."
Defensive assistant Jimmy Salgado also received a promotion to nickel coach. Frazier said the defense put five defensive backs on the field 70% of the time this past season which speaks to the importance of having Salgado as a nickel-specific coach.
"Jimmy has done a great job specifically working with our nickelbacks and the success that we've had with our nickels, a lot of credit goes to Jimmy," Frazier said. "This is Sean's way and our defensive staff's way of being able to recognize his contribution by being able to put that title next to his name. He has done a terrific job for us."
Directing a top-three defense in many categories last year, Frazier said he only sees his group getting better in 2020.
"We're closing the gap," Frazier emphasized. "We're getting a little bit better. We have to handle some things this offseason and take another step."
2. NFL.com delivered this assessment on Buffalo's RB situation
NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman surveyed all 32 teams’ running back situations ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft. When it comes to the Bills, Bergman said there is "much to think about" in the Bills running back room.
Buffalo experimented last summer with a veteran-heavy backfield of LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore, but neither graybeard is expected to be in Western New York this time around. 2019 third-round pick Devin Singletary was brought on slowly behind Gore and emerged as a back worth building around by season's end. He's currently flanked by T.J. Yeldon and Briton experiment Christian Wade in Buffalo's backfield. ... Buffalo can replace Gore with a thicker free agent like Melvin Gordon, Carlos Hyde, Jordan Howard or, well, Gore, if the Bills are open to another go with the 36-year-old.
In his first season in the NFL, Singletary had 969 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns.
3. This WR is now the hot prospect at pick No. 22
After running a 4.43 at the NFL Combine, LSU receiver Justin Jefferson's draft stock has jumped according to several mock drafts. In the latest mock draft from The Ringer, Jefferson is heading to Buffalo by way of the 22nd overall pick.
Jefferson has a tall, sinewy frame and boasts elite short-area quickness. He posted incredible production for national-champion LSU in 2019, breaking a program record with 111 catches while finishing second nationally with 18 touchdowns. Lining up primarily in the slot, Jefferson glides off the line of scrimmage and conjures images of Doug Baldwin as a route runner: He varies the pacing of his route stem, lulls defenders to sleep, and then unleashes a devastating series of crossovers and jab-step jukes to create separation and put corners in a blender.
In 2019 alone, Jefferson racked up 1,540 receiving yards averaging 13.9 yards per reception. He is 6'1 and 202 pounds.
