Fans of the Buffalo Bills need to hope new head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Doug Whaley ace this draft early, because they have just six picks. There’s not a lot of room for error. Luckily for Buffalo, they’ve not traded away their 1-3 picks, which means there’s a great chance they can get three starter level players out of this annual player selection.
Buffalo has been very active in free agency, addressing issues across the board, but that doesn’t mean their draft strategy should change. They also really need to think about a quarterback, but after re-signing Tyrod Taylor to more cap-friendly contract, they’ll take their time and maybe skip the position altogether. Cardale Jones continues to be a waste of a roster spot.
To see the perfect drafts for all 32 teams, click here.
Round 1, Pick 10: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
2016: 98 catches, 1,361 yards, 11 touchdowns
Yep, another Clemson wide receiver comes to Buffalo and this time they didn’t have to trade their future draft stock to land him. The Bills have shed wideout talent over the last two offseasons, losing Chris Hogan last year and Robert Woods, Justin Hunter and Marquise Goodwin this year. They managed to keep some role players in Brandon Tate and Corey Washington and added Joe Banyard and Jeremy Butler, but none of those names should get any Bills fans excited. Williams is a day-one starter and instantly makes Sammy Watkins life a hell of a lot easier on the other side.
Round 2, Pick 44: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
2016: 26 tackles, eight passes defended, four interceptions
Conley is kind of the forgotten man on an elite Ohio State defensive backfield, but at 6-0 and 195, he has the size and speed to hang with any receiver he’ll face in the AFC North. Conley won’t be Stephon Gilmore, but he’ll be a bandage on that wound and a day one starter.
Round 3, Pick 75: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
2016: 46 catches, 546 yards, four touchdowns
Charles Clay is an upper-level NFL tight end, but the Bills have absolutely no one behind him that could produce offense. Butt would allow the Bills to work some two tight end sets into the passing game while also able to punch defensive ends and linebackers out of the way in the run game. Butt catches the ball with his hands, not his body, and isn’t afraid to work the seam and face off against linebackers and hard-hitting safeties.
Round 5, Pick 156: Julie’n Davenport, OT, Bucknell
Davenport was a dominant pass and run blocker at the FCS level. He’s a guy that slipped through the cracks, which should be hard to do since he’s 6-7 and 318 pounds. He was named to a fist-full of All-American teams for his talents and should provide depth behind Jordan Mills and Cordy Glenn on both sides.
Round 5, Pick 171: Matt Milano, OLB, Boston College
2016: 59 tackles, 12 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one defensive touchdown
If McDermott is going to keep the Bills’ current 3-4 system, he’s going to need to add an outside linebacker that can rush the passer. Milano is a two year starter for Boston College and he’s consistent, putting up nearly identical numbers as a junior. At 6-1 and 221, he’s a little light for an edge rusher, but his ability in space could make him an asset if McDermott does want to convert to the 4-3 he ran with the Carolina Panthers.
Round 6, Pick 195: Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss
2016: 62.5 completion percentage, 2,758 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions
I thought a lot about this pick and even had a corner penciled in here until the last minute. But this pick just makes too much sense. It’s the Bills’ final pick in this draft and they can electrify the fanbase by adding Jim Kelly’s nephew to the squad. Kelly has some growing up to do and sitting for a couple of years might just do it. There’s the potential for a franchise QB with Kelly and the Bills will kick their own asses if he ends up becoming that guy for another team.
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
