Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills will draft a quarterback this year. That is a bold statement considering Bill’s management has already said they will not draft a quarterback in the first round. What makes me so sure they will use one pick in the next six on this position?
Quarterback is the most important position on the field. If the Buffalo Bills walk on to the field with what they have on hand right now, they are staring at another season deprived of the playoffs. Don’t misunderstand me; EJ Manuel is the starter on this team. I just don’t have the faith that he will start all 16 games this season and a capable backup is a necessity.
Luring a free agent quarterback to Buffalo is hard, but luring a free agent quarterback to be a backup in Buffalo is even harder. The draft is the only option. So who is a potential target for Doug Whaley and company to consider?
Tajh Boyd is an option. He has his flaws (height and accuracy), but has value in being a backup. He would also be a great option as a wildcat quarterback in certain situations. He is fast and character is not an issue with him. Lots of upside, but can he take over an offense for three games while EJ is recovering?
I don’t know how long AJ McCarron will be on the board, but all this guy does is win. He ran a pro-style offense at Alabama. He is strong and accurate. I imagine the Bills would have to use a second round pick on him, if he is still on the board. If the Bills trade down in the first round like they did last year, I can see them picking up McCarron with an extra second rounder. Otherwise I just don’t see it happening.
If Zach Mettenberger slips a couple rounds, I would love to see him in the red, white and blue. He has the arm strength to throw in The Ralph. He is big and ran a pro-style system at LSU. He is coming off an ACL injury and the potential is there for a draft day slide. Would the Bills grab him in the 3rd or 4th round?
I would love to see McCarron in Buffalo, but Mettenberger could also push Manuel a bit. The most important aspect of any quarterback drafted is the ability to run the offense when EJ goes down without the Bills losing a step. Do any of these guys merit a draft pick?
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