The Buffalo Bills are starting to change things around in free agency. After releasing, I mean trading, slot corner Taron Johnson, the Buffalo Bills were in the market for a replacement. Enter cornerback Dee Alford, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons.
What does Alford bring to the table? Let’s take a look.
The Film
Unlike Taron Johnson, Dee Alford didn’t see the field nearly 100% of the time. For my two cents, I can understand why as Johnson to me has the stronger tackling and run-support resume. The consensus
seems to be that Johnson had lost a step last season, but Alford does not appear to represent an upgrade. Alford does have some upside as seen in the film, and as Bills fans, we want him to achieve that.
You likely noticed the familiar team I chose to use for the clips, which should give Bills Mafia a good handle on what they’re seeing. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir got the better of Alford on some routes, but Alford was able to hang with him well on others. A new defensive system and new players means maximum volatility for the Bills this season, but I have some hope that Alford will work out.
Play notes
- Alford’s film is off to a good start, with tight coverage on James Cook III. Contact with an eligible player is fine as long as it’s not disruptive, so this is a good play to keep coverage close. Alford looks for the ball and if this came Cook’s way, Alford has good odds to stop it.
- This is less good. Alford is beat quick. Additionally, if the pass is thrown so it can be caught in stride, it’s possible that Alford can’t catch up for the tackle.
- I like the discipline helping corral Cook to the sideline as well as the little movement to stay outside of Dion Dawkins’ grasp.
- Nothing against Alford here, but with such a commitment to the blitz and Buffalo’s inability to pick it up, it’s more about who gets there first not “if” someone gets there. Alford did get the credit.
- Khalil Shakir is trying all he can to shake Dee Alford, and Alford isn’t having it. This was one of my favorite reps from Alford.
- Shakir looks like he has a step on Alford, but the ball from Josh Allen isn’t a laser and Alford is able to catch up and run under the route for a pick.
- Alford commits to the hit and makes the tackle. I prefer to see wrap-ups whenever possible, though admittedly this isn’t a bad time to take out a running back with nothing more than a collision. But we’ve seen enough players keep going after the contact to make this a bit worrisome.
