It was Brandon Beane’s inaugural draft as the head of an NFL franchise, and he certainly made an impact. The Buffalo Bills appointed Beane, formerly an assistant general manager with the Carolina Panthers, as their top executive in May 2017, just after the 2017 NFL Draft.
Teaming up with first-year head coach Sean McDermott, Beane wasted no time in reshaping the roster, trading notable players like wide receiver Sammy Watkins and cornerback Ronald Darby to stockpile picks for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Initially criticized by some for seemingly “tanking,” Beane’s strategic moves paid off handsomely. Despite positioning themselves for a top quarterback pick in 2018, the Bills exceeded expectations in the 2017 season, ending a 17-year playoff drought with a 9-7 record.
With about a year to prep for his first Buffalo draft, Beane faced challenges. To secure key players, especially a franchise quarterback, he had to maneuver the draft board extensively. And maneuver he did, executing trades that continue to shape the team.
Beane traded up to nab Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen at No. 7, along with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at No. 16. The draft also brought defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, cornerback Taron Johnson, and others, solidifying the roster.
While Allen’s success stands out, Beane’s other picks were laudable too. CBS Sports ranked the Bills’ 2018 draft as the fourth-best since 2010, acknowledging the franchise-altering impact.
Fast forward, Allen is a star quarterback, while other picks like Johnson have become defensive stalwarts. Despite some misses, like guard Wyatt Teller, who thrived elsewhere, Beane’s draft legacy is strong.
