Buffalo Bills: Should they draft tight end Maxx Williams?

With the NFL draft quickly approaching, the Buffalo Bills still have some needs they must fill. There is no doubt the Bills will be active during free agency this coming Tuesday; however, they won’t be able to fill all their needs. Without a first round selection, it is essential that Buffalo hits on their 50th overall pick.

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) catches the ball in front of Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Browns 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

A glaring need that the Bills have had on the offensive side of the ball for years has been the tight end position. Scott Chandler has been a decent option over the years, but it’s time for an upgrade. That being said, one of the best available tight ends in April’s draft is Minnesota product Maxx Williams. Will the Bills finally pull the trigger on an elite tight end?

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During the 2014 season, Williams hauled in 36 catches for 569 yards and eight touchdowns. He has solid size at 6’4” and 250 pounds. Last month at the combine, Williams recorded a 4.78 in the 40 yard dash, and jumped a 34.5 inch vertical. After a very impressive outing at the combine, Williams showed that he is arguably the best tight end in the 2015 draft, and one the Buffalo Bills should seriously considering drafting.

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

What makes Williams such a dynamic player is his ability to get open. He possesses great speed throughout his routes, which makes it difficult for linebackers and safeties to cover him. He is an exceptional route runner, and knows how to get open and find holes in opposing defenses. Williams is also very effective after the catch, as he has great footwork and can make defenders miss. Last year at Minnesota, Williams was even thrown some screen passes, as a tight end, and was able to turn some into big plays.

Another reason as to why Williams is ranked as one of the top tight ends, is his ability to make big plays. Last season, 82% of his catches were either first downs or touchdowns. This is an incredible number, as it shows that Williams is a true playmaker, and possesses a special skill set. He doesn’t give up on plays, and has the potential to be a special player at the NFL level.

A big concern with Williams is his weight. Despite standing at 6’4”, he only weighs 250 pounds, so it’s evident that he will have to bulk up. He also needs to improve in the blocking game. Although he is primarily a receiving tight end, he must improve his flexibility in his hips in order to be a more effective blocker. Especially with the Bills being a run heavy team, Williams must learn to be a better blocker.

Could the Bills sign Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay to an offer sheet? Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With free agency set to start this coming Tuesday, the Bills are rumored to have serious interest in Dolphins free agent Charles Clay. There is no question that Clay is one of the best up and coming tight ends in the NFL, but will he be worth the money?

If the Bills want to land Clay, they will most likely be spending around eight million dollars per year. Clay was given the transition tag by the Dolphins meaning they can match any offer the player receives. Although Clay is a good player, it’s best for the Bills to draft a young tight end of Williams’ skill set, and spend money in free agency elsewhere.

The only two tight ends the Bills have on their current roster are Chandler and Chris Gragg. It is yet to be seen whether or not the Bills will be bringing back Lee Smith, who is one of the league’s best blocking tight ends. Either way, the Bills lack a playmaking tight end, who can stretch the field and be a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.

When it’s time for the Bills to select in the second round of the draft, expect general manager Doug Whaley to be leaning heavily towards taking an offensive player. Currently, the Bills lack a weapon at the tight end position, so drafting Maxx Williams makes a lot of sense. He will be a viable weapon on the offence that opposing defenses will have to account for. Only time will tell who the Bills will elect to draft, but this coming Tuesday will have a big implication on which direction Buffalo decides to go in.

Next: Buffalo Bills Free Agent Predictions

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