Brandon Beane's tenure with the Buffalo Bills has been a rollercoaster of strategic decisions, some of which have shaped the team into a formidable force. His knack for identifying talent brought in key players like James Cook, Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford, all of whom became starters. However, like any GM, Beane's journey hasn't been without its bumps.
As the NFL Draft approaches, it's a good time to revisit some of Beane's less successful draft picks and understand what went awry.
Cody Ford (2019)
Back in 2019, the Bills made a bold move by trading up in the second round to snag offensive lineman Cody Ford from Oklahoma. The goal was clear: bolster the protection for Josh Allen, who had endured a rough rookie year behind a struggling line.
Unfortunately, Ford's tenure in Buffalo was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and he couldn't solidify his spot, whether at guard or tackle. Meanwhile, other potential stars like Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf were still available.
Ford's journey took him to the Arizona Cardinals and then to the Cincinnati Bengals after the Bills traded him for a future draft pick.
Zack Moss (2020)
The Bills' quest for a dynamic rushing attack led them to draft Zack Moss in the third round of 2020. Yet, Moss struggled to break out, never surpassing 500 rushing yards in a season and scoring just 10 touchdowns over two years. His time in Buffalo ended with a trade to the Indianapolis Colts, a move that brought Nyheim Hines to the Bills.
Boogie Basham (2021)
In 2021, the Bills doubled down on edge rushers, drafting Boogie Basham after already selecting Greg Rousseau. Basham, however, remained a rotational player and couldn't carve out a significant role. After two seasons, he was traded to the New York Giants, marking a missed opportunity in the second round for Buffalo.
Kaiir Elam (2022)
With Tre’Davious White sidelined by injury, the Bills eyed a cornerback in the 2022 draft. They traded up to select Kaiir Elam, but the fit wasn't ideal.
Despite showing glimpses of potential, Elam struggled to outshine teammates like sixth-round pick Christian Benford. After three seasons and 29 games, Elam was traded to Dallas, highlighting a mismatch in expectations and reality.
Justin Shorter (2023)
Drafted in the fifth round of 2023, Justin Shorter never saw regular-season action for the Bills. Released after just one season, his selection stings when considering that the Rams found success with Puka Nacua in the same round.
Dane Jackson (2020)
A seventh-round pick in 2020, Dane Jackson found himself thrust into action due to injuries in the Bills' secondary. While he had moments of significance, he often proved more of a liability. After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, Jackson returned to Buffalo but was released following a crucial playoff lapse against the Broncos.
Beane's track record, while impressive in many respects, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and challenges inherent in NFL roster construction. As the draft looms, the Bills and their fans hope for more hits than misses in the coming years.