Bills Film Analysis: Safety Geno Stone A Rock-solid Addition

The Buffalo Bills’ defensive revamp continues with the addition of former Baltimore Ravens and Cinicinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone. For fans who like banking on physical potential, MockDraftable has Stone’s NFL Scouting Combine results in a handy spider chart, and… it wasn’t great. No, really. Click here if you ignored the prior link.

Raw physical ability isn’t everything though, so what does the film say?

Film analysis of Geno Stone

I really like the idea of a player having a high athletic ceiling, but for me it’s more about assessing potential translation to the field. Like “that guy should be able to keep up with a fast receiver.” Everything takes a back seat to game film though, and Geno Stone’s tape is a lot more impressive than his combine results.

As a safety, your literal job is to hang back and react. Reaction time can help compensate for acceleration or speed issues. A good knowledge of geometry can lead to taking a better angle, reducing the overall distance of travel and further helping compensate. Stone film shows a player who reacts well and takes good angles.

Overall I like Stone and think he’ll do well with Buffalo. The big confound will be Jim Leonhard and his defensive coordination.

Play notes

1. This is both that reaction and angle proficiency I mentioned in one play. Stone knows who he needs to go after right away and predicts where he’s going to be. Stone barely has to adjust angle from his initial to make the tackle.
2. This isn’t a dominant pop to Dawson Knox, but it’s a draw with the much larger tight end. It allows Stone to run free after the contact too.
3. I don’t have any concerns with Stone in run support. I don’t believe this play is an anomaly in any way.
4. Stone is staring down the closest thing to having to tackle an actual Buffalo that’s possible in the NFL: Quarterback Josh Allen with a full head of steam. Stone lines up patiently, makes sure he has the best possible approach and makes a solo open-field tackle on Allen.
5. Note that I won’t claim that top-end athleticism lacks desirability, and this play highlights it. The coverage is good, but you can see a little difficulty keeping up and making cuts.
6. This is mostly a “right place at the right time” interception, but it’s a pick-six against the New England Patriots, so enjoy.