Is Brandon Beane Overrated? A Deep Dive into His Draft History

Buffalo Bills fans love to debate. Is Josh Allen the best quarterback in franchise history? Should the team have kept Tremaine Edmunds? And one of the biggest ongoing arguments is whether general manager Brandon Beane is actually good at drafting. Some fans swear by his ability to find hidden gems, while others believe he has more misses than hits. So, let’s break it all down.

The Early Years: 2018-2020

Brandon Beane took over as the Bills GM in 2018 and immediately made his mark by selecting Josh Allen and Tremaine Edmunds in the first round. That draft alone changed the direction of the franchise. Allen just won an MVP and continues to be the face of the Bills. Edmunds, although controversial, was a solid starter for years before leaving in free agency.

Other notable picks from this era include:

• Taron Johnson (4th round, 2018) – One of the best nickel corners in the league.

• Dawson Knox (3rd round, 2019) – A key offensive weapon.

• Gabe Davis (4th round, 2020) – A fan favorite, despite his inconsistent role.

Beane’s first few drafts had some major wins, but they weren’t without mistakes. Cody Ford (2nd round, 2019) never lived up to expectations, and Zack Moss (3rd round, 2020) struggled before finding success elsewhere.

The Middle Years: 2021-2022

As the Bills became a true contender, Beane’s drafting became even more scrutinized. The 2021 draft brought in Gregory Rousseau, who has been a solid pass rusher. However, Boogie Basham (2nd round, 2021) never found his footing and was traded.

The 2022 draft may be Beane’s most underrated:

• James Cook (2nd round) – The Bills’ top running back.

• Terrel Bernard (3rd round) – A rising star at linebacker.

• Khalil Shakir (5th round) – A reliable wide receiver.

• Christian Benford (6th round) – A late-round steal who has become a key starter.

The biggest mistake? Kaiir Elam (1st round, 2022). The Bills traded up to get him, and so far, he has struggled to make an impact.

The Most Recent Drafts: 2023-2024

It’s too early to judge these classes, but Dalton Kincaid (1st round, 2023) has already shown promise as a top-tier tight end. Osiris Torrence (2nd round, 2023) looks like a steal, and Keon Coleman (2nd round, 2024) has the potential to be a star.

So, Is Brandon Beane Good at Drafting?

Overall, Beane has had his share of big hits, but he isn’t perfect. Every GM has draft busts, and Beane is no exception. However, he has consistently found starters and valuable role players even in the later rounds.

When looking at the full picture, Beane is far from a bad drafter. While some first-round misses like Elam stand out, the sheer number of successful picks—especially in the middle and late rounds—shows that he knows how to build a strong roster.

Go Bills!

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