1. NFL.com analyst: Bills can make a push in 2019
NFL.com analyst Gregg Rosenthal appeared on WGR 550 Schopp and the Bulldog to discuss the Bills and his article naming Josh Allen one of the players that benefitted most from free agency. Because of Buffalo's moves this offseason, Rosenthal believes the Bills have a true chance to compete.
"I love Bills fans because they're always optimistic. Whenever you say the Bills are going to win six games they always come up with reasons as to why they'll be better and this year I agree with them,"Rosenthal said. "If I was picking one of the three teams between the Dolphins, Bills and Jets to make a push this year to be in the mix it would be the Bills."
Rosenthal wrote in his article that "surrounding a young quarterback with pieces is vital." Rosenthal also thinks the Bills have the right coach to build the team and get them back over .500.
"It's largely because of McDermott," Rosenthal said. "I really think he brings a real value to the defensive side of the ball. He has an identity and you can see what he's trying to do and it's been established that he brings something there on defense."
Rosenthal was impressed by the flashier moves the Jets made compared to the Bills but still sees Buffalo as the top contender in the AFC East if the Patriots fall off.
2. Bills offseason workout dates announced
The NFL released the offseason workout program dates for the rest of the offseason on Monday. The first day of voluntary offseason workouts begin on April 15 with activities limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only the first two weeks.
The next three weeks include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practice conducted on "separate" basis. No live contact is allowed. The final four weeks of the program allow teams to conduct 10 days of organized team practice activity, or "OTAs" still with no live contact.
Offseason workout start date: Monday, April 15
OTA offseason workouts: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31 June 3-4, June 6-7
Mandatory minicamp: June 11-13
3. Bills trade back in latest mock
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter took a different path to his most recent four-round mock draft. Reuter predicted trades for multiple NFL teams while looking at the 2020 free agency period as a factor in selection. The Bills no longer have the ninth pick and trade back to number 13.
The Bills and Dolphins executed a trade allowing Miami to move up and draft their quarterback of the future. While it is possible the Dolphins do move up in the draft its unlikely a division rival will execute the move to allow them to draft their future QB.
Buffalo gets the 13th pick but still end up with a player previously mocked to them at nine. The Bills pick Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
Oliver's a top-10 talent despite his average size, and the Bills could use another body on defense. Don't be surprised if they ask him to stand up to rush the quarterback. The Bills should gain at least a third- and fifth-round pick in this trade, as the Raiders did when they dropped from 10 to 15 last year so the Cardinals could move up for Josh Rosen.
Reuter also has the Bills selecting edge Jaylon Ferguson at No. 40, cornerback Corey Ballentine at No. 74, tight end Alize Mack at No. 78, running back David Montgomery at No. 112 and guard Tyler Jones at No. 131.
