Buffalo Bills: Draft Possibilities on the Last Day
By Andrew Mills
The Buffalo Bills have gone defense with their first three selections in this year’s NFL draft. With an influx of talent at Rex Ryan’s disposal, it’s now time for the team to find value on the offensive side of the ball.
The Buffalo Bills have four picks remaining in the 2016 draft: Nos. 139 (4th round), 156 (5th round), 192 (6th round) and 218 (6th round). Based on pre-draft chatter and their depth chart, I’d expect at least two of those picks to be spent on quarterback and wide receiver.
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Quarterback
Connor Cook, a prospect that I thought the Bills may target in round two, is still on the board. Cook, a senior from Michigan State, brings a strong arm and four years of starting experience but his detractors will speak to questionable accuracy and leadership acumen. Cook has been touted as a quarterback who could grow into a sold starter so it is somewhat surprising that he is still on the board. Projected Round: 4
Dak Prescott, a senior from Mississippi State, brings a great mix of athleticism and arm-talent to the table. Prescott led his team in both passing and rushing in both his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating the ability to move the chains in detrimental situations. His accuracy on deep throws leaves a lot to be desired, but he could be a great project quarterback for the Bills to develop. Projected Round: 5
Stanford’s Kevin Hogan is a four-year starter at quarterback, who Bills’ General Manager Doug Whaley called, the most pro-ready “for us” in the 2016 draft. Lacking both pin-point accuracy and a huge arm, NFL teams are intrigued by Hogan’s experience and decision making. Hogan’s familiarity with the Bills’ offense, and starting experience are indicators of a connection that could make Hogan the pick for Buffalo. Projected Rounds: 6-7
Wide Receiver
Rashard Higgins, a 6’1″, 196 lb wide receiver from Colorado State, may be a good fit for the Bills in the 4th round. Higgins’ strengths are his route running and strong hands, while he is anything but a speed wide receiver. He leaves Colorado State as the most productive wide receiver in the program’s history. He most likely would fit into the middle of the Bills wide receiver depth chart. Projected Round: 4
Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett, a 6’3″, 220 lb wide receiver fits the profile of what the Bills may be looking for opposite Sammy Watkins. Garrett’s size and ability to high-point the football would make him an intriguing red-zone target for the Bills while his speed certainly leaves something to be desired and drops have been a concern for him as well. Projected Round: 6
One of the most intriguing late-round wide receiver prospects in this class is BYU’s Mitch Mathews. Mathews towers over corners at 6’6″ and 222 lbs and his 4.49 40 yard dash (at BYU’s pro day) is impressive for his size. A good route runner, Mathews does not have to be strictly a red-zone target and seems to have room to grow into an all-around wide receiver. Despite his size, he is not the most physical wide receiver and could benefit from an NFL weight room and conditioning program. Project Round: 7
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Today may be one of the most important days in Doug Whaley’s career in Buffalo. The Bills have had an impressive draft thus far but hitting on at least two of their late-round picks could elevate this draft class from good to great and secure Whaley’s future for years to come.