I usually agree with you, but you don't trade away a talented 23 year old corner and a talented 24 year old wide receiver for average players and picks. The only thing i can think is a lack of confidence with regards to their health. They're trading a dollar for 4 quarters at best. Now the pressure is on to at least get solid NFL starters with those picks and they won't know that for 2-3 seasons AFTER they draft them. It reminds me of the Jeff Ireland tactic of trade the assets you do have for picks and ask for patience as you collect a paycheck and "rebuild" for 11 seasons. It didn't work for us and the Saints are in year three of a "rebuild" since Mr. Ireland got to town.
The health concerns can't be overstated. They had already announced they refused to pick up the 5th year option because of Watkins foot. I'd find this trade to be a lot more disagreeable had Watkins stayed healthy and was making an Odell Beckham Jr type of impact.
But more to your central point, the difference between the Bills and Jeff Ireland is Jeff would trade his own drafted players after a year or two, the Bills traded the previous regimes players that didn't align with their future. While i vehemently argue talent over scheme fit, the fact of the matter is they've already made solid progress shoring up that unit with Tre'Davious White. McDermott has shown he can get results with his scheme. I was nervous when Adam Gase came in and started tweaking things but i remained patient because he had a proven track record of success.
The Bills have a good roster. But as another poster pointed out: good rosters don't win Superbowls. So what's the point? With contracts expiring and LeSean McCoy's career winding down they were on the clock to either start getting results or making tough decisions. The results weren't going to come given their wild-card-at-best roster, so it was decision making time. As it was they were able to recoup tremendous value. The previous regime made a mistake giving up 2 first round picks for Watkins in a deep receiver class, but holding onto him at this point would have been doubling down on a mistake. Watkins, at this stage of his career, isn't irreplaceable. And getting a solid number 2 receiver plus a high pick is a damn good start.
Yes, this will rely on hitting on draft picks and that won't be known for a couple of years. But these guys were hired to hit on draft picks. And they showed they can do a fairly decent job with this last draft. Handcuffing them out of concern they might fail just guarantees failure.
Ultimately though, this comes down to what it always comes down to: every team needs a franchise quarterback and they don't have one. We Dolphins fans know this dance better than most. You just can't **** around with that position. Either you have a quarterback capable of bringing home the trophy or you don't. Tyrod Taylor is a good enough player but he is no franchise quarterback. A team has to do
whatever it takes to get one. Looking at what it cost the Rams and Redskins to try and grab one and the Bills moves are a no brainer.