We are a few days removed from the Ronald Darby trade that left Buffalo Bills’ fans in shock.
On Friday, the Buffalo Bills sent cornerback Ronald Darby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2018 third round pick and wide receiver, Jordan Matthews.
It took Bills’ fans some time to analyze this. It is never good to hear that two of your best five players have been shipped across the United States. Sammy Watkins landed with the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for E.J. Gaines and a 2nd round pick.
Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have made a splash in the NFL, and no one denies that. Ronald Darby did not fit well in the Buffalo Bills’ current defensive scheme. Coach McDermott played more zone schemes during his tenure as Defensive Coordinator in Carolina than anyone in the league. An area where Ronald Darby did not excel.
Pro Football Focus displays Ronald Darby’s decline over the past season. In his rookie year, he was given an 85.9 season grade. In 2016 his season grade fell to 62.7 while his coverage grade bottomed out at 50.0. Run defense is where Darby excels.
Sean McDermott must have seen something that he likes in E.J. Gaines. The replacement for Ronald Darby. The trade will put pressure on Tre’Davious White, 2017 first-round draft-pick, who will most likely move up into the number one CB spot. Gaines will fill in the number two spot. Here is an anecdote from PFF on Gaines’ play:
"“Gaines is coming off a poor year – his 37.0 overall grade ranked 105th of 110 qualifying CBs.”"
Okay so by Pro Football Focus’ standards, Gaines does not deserve to be a starting cornerback in this league.
Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have made it clear that they have a scheme, and if you do not fit it then you’re out.
Ronald Darby declared this trade a blessing, and that he is happy to be in Philadelphia.
The Buffalo Bills now have a plethora of 2018 draft picks including six picks in the first three rounds. Here is a description of those picks:
- Buffalo Bills 2018 first round pick
- Kansas City Chiefs 2018 first round pick (traded up for Patrick Mahomes)
- Buffalo Bills 2018 second round pick
- Los Angeles Rams 2018 second round pick (Sammy Watkins trade)
- Buffalo Bills 2018 third round pick
- Philadelphia Eagles 2018 third round pick (Ronald Darby trade)
Pro Football Talk reports:
"“Although the Bills say they aren’t throwing in the towel on this season, their trades make clear that they’re looking to build through the 2018 draft. Buffalo probably won’t be very good this year, but the Bills think they’re going to add a lot of talent next year.”"
I think the Buffalo Bills will surprise people this year.
Next: Buffalo Bills: Sammy Watkins trade means 3 big things
Do you think the Ronald Darby trade is a good move? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!