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2017 NFL Draft: 5 First Round Options for the Buffalo Bills

By Tyler Olson

Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs the ball after a catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs the ball after a catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs a touchdown ahead of Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs a touchdown ahead of Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. O.J. Howard, TE – Alabama

The man playing against Williams this past January for a National Championship is top tight end prospect O.J. Howard. Howard isn’t the flashiest player on the field, but what sets him apart is both his ability to catch the pass and dominate in the running game.

Over the course of junior and senior seasons, Howard caught 83 passes for 1,197 yards and five touchdowns. Numbers you won’t drool over, sure. But when he has the ball in his hands, he’s fun to watch.

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Charles Clay needs a running mate on offense. Howard is effectively another offensive lineman in the running game and wide receiver when the ball’s in the air. Down the road, Howard would be the replacement for Clay, who’ll ultimately be a cap casualty.

3. Marshon Lattimore, CB – Ohio State

The Bills drafted a stud at cornerback 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. That cornerback was Stephon Gilmore. He played out his rookie contract in Buffalo and, after Whaley chose not to offer the contract he wanted, he went to New England.

Sitting with the 10th pick again this year, Whaley and McDermott need to come to a decision: Are they comfortable with Kevon Seymore, a 2016 sixth-round pick, playing opposite Ronald Darby in 2017? Or do they think we can find a starting corner in round two or three? If both answers are no, then they can’t afford to pass on Marshon Lattimore if he’s available when they pick the night of April 27.

Lattimore would be a Day 1 starter if drafted by Buffalo. He had a great senior season starting for the Buckeyes, in which he intercepted four passes and finished with 41 tackles. What highlights his collegiate tenure, though, are the hamstring injuries that plagued him to miss the entire 2014 season and much of 2015. He says he’s 100 percent now, per CBS Sports.

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