Buffalo Bills: Major Overhaul Expected After Draft
By Paul Taylor
According to a report from Pro Football Talk, most — if not all — of the Buffalo Bills scouting department will be fired after the conclusion of this year’s NFL draft.
If recent speculation is to be believed, the Buffalo Bills‘ scouting department better make the most of this weekend’s NFL draft. That’s because they may not have a job in Western New York for much longer.
According to a report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the Bills will apparently make significant moves in the front office once the draft concludes. Quoting a league source, Florio writes that the team’s scouts are bracing for a major overhaul.
In fact, one scout is expecting the worst: “We are all getting fired next week.”
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Understandably, some people may question the timing of all this. After all, a lot of NFL teams often make front office moves once the season finishes.
However, this makes sense, due to how much time and effort has already been put into preparing for the draft. As Florio points out, the majority of the work ends next week.
Further, it stops scouts from going to new teams and sharing draft information relating to their previous employer. As such, any moves will likely be announced some time after the draft concludes on Saturday.
Pro Football Talk contacted the Bills regarding the claim of major changes in the front office. Their response was what you would expect:
"“Right now, our focus is on the preparation for this week’s draft. Like every year, evaluations of our player personnel staff take place following the draft. And this year will be no different.”"
Tied in to this report, you have to imagine general manager Doug Whaley is becoming increasingly nervous. Speculation has been rife that he will be shown the exit door sooner than later.
A big part of the reason for this, is the apparent growing influence of new head coach Sean McDermott. His drive, work ethic and attention to detail is winning everyone over at One Bills Drive.
As Tim Graham of The Buffalo News notes, many of the Bills’ scouts have been around since before Buddy Nix returned to the team in 2009. It is perfectly understandable for McDermott to want to bring in his own staff, i.e. people he trusts.
Overall, again assuming this report is true, it is hard to argue with such an extensive overhaul of the front office. McDermott has a vision and the Pegulas seem prepared to do whatever it takes to help it come to fruition.
Next: Top 10 All-time Bills 1st Round Draft Picks
Do you agree with the apparent move to fire most — if not all — of the scouting department? Further, what has been your impression of McDermott since he took over as Bills’ head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments section.