The Buffalo Bills finished the 2016 season 7-9 and underwent some changes this offseason. Sean McDermott will be the new head coach in Buffalo taking over for Rex Ryan. Buffalo’s Interim head coach Anthony Lynn took the job with the Chargers leaving a void on the offensive coaching staff. Former Gary Kubiak apprentice Rick Dennison will take over the offensive coordinator duties as the Bills quietly have an entirely different look in 2017. After a quiet free agency approach, what can we expect from the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 NFL Draft?
The Bills hold the 10th pick in the first round and could go a number of different directions. Given the fact that Bills G.M. loves Clemson, Mike Williams could end up being the pick. Buffalo has taken former Clemson alums in the form of Sammy Watkins and Shaq Lawson in recent years. Mike Williams might be a match to be paired with Sammy Watkins. Williams (6’4″, 218) is similar to other Clemson receivers that usually wins when the ball is in the air. Williams lacks the long speed which is concerning, however. He declined to run at the combine and I have become wary into falling into a similar trap just as I did with Laquon Treadwell last year. Treadwell & Williams are eerily similar. However, if you’re looking for a guy who will make plays in the red-zone and snag catches he shouldn’t, this is the player you should select.
The Bills 2nd round pick, 44th overall, will likely be used on a cornerback. Losing Stephon Gilmore to the Pats wasn’t a welcome sight in free agency. Of course, it’s impossible to predict what cornerback could fall at 44 when the Bills select. Chidobe Awuzie from Colorado could be a good fit. Awuzie has a really great combine showing and could become a number one corner in the league in time. Watching Colorado games last year, their secondary really stood out as a whole. His 4.43 speed is a positive trait and really mirrors what I saw as a fluid corner who is quick in his breaks.
The Bills also possess the 75th pick in the 3rd round. A tight end could be a wise choice for Buffalo in this range. Charles Clay isn’t the long term answer, we all know that much. Bucky Hodges from Virginia Tech could be a wise choice. Hodges, a former quarterback, is a really athletic pass catcher. He was one of the top performers at the combine. Hodges, (6’6″, 257) caught seven touchdowns this past season and is a reliable red-zone threat. The downside to him is he is a horrible blocker at this point but that is something that can be developed.
