The Buffalo Bills have much to consider before the 2018 NFL Draft. With two picks in the first round, will they trade up for a franchise quarterback?
On the surface, the Buffalo Bills 2017 season looked like a success. The franchise made the playoffs for the first time in nearly 20 years and it seemed like they were heading in the right direction.
However, after getting bounced in the first round, the Bills had to take a hard look at their future. Buffalo’s general manager, Brandon Beane shipped Tyrod Taylor to Cleveland after a tumultuous season with the team. Beane was also able to secure two first-round draft picks (Nos. 12 and 22). Clearly, a rebuild is on the horizon.
Due to all the changes, the Bills must consider trading up in the draft to grab a franchise quarterback. With Taylor gone, Buffalo is left with free-agent signee AJ McCarron and Nathan Peterman. They are certainly not the best options going forward. If they are able to trade up to the top-10 in the draft, Buffalo can set themselves up for years.
While Buffalo could keep their wealth of draft picks and still get a quarterback of the future, there could put themselves at risk. With three quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first three picks of the draft, waiting could be dangerous for the Bills.
It’s likely that teams with picks inside the top-10 would be willing to make a deal with the Bills. However, Buffalo would need to give up their first-round pick this year or next year. For example, a team like the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns would rather have the Bills’ 2019 first-round pick than the 22nd this year.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds
The Bills may regress and miss the playoffs next season, making their first selection next year more valuable than the 22nd pick this year. Either way, the Bills could trade one or the other to move up and get their quarterback.