Buffalo Bills: Player Profile Cyrus Kouandjio

Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Arie Kouandjio (77) battles Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Gabe Wright (90) n the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills addressed a need of bringing in a potential number 1 wide receiver for the EJ Manuel and company.  With their second pick in the 214 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills addressed another need on their offense.  They brought in OT Cyrus Kouandjio out of Alabama.

Kouandjio was projected as a first round prospect but with injury issues he fell back to the beginning for the second round.  At the 44th pick, this is a great value for the Bills.  Kouandjio, as long as he is healthy, will be able to step right in and start at right tackle.

"“Last night, the Bills traded up to get Sammy Watkins. The Bills circled back in Round 2 to fill their other major need at offensive tackle. Kouandjio slipped to the second round mostly because of a knee injury and the rumors surrounding it. He is a big, powerful tackle; think Phil Loadholt from Minnesota. He’s so long that not many can get by him in pass protection.” — Mike Mayock"

Cyrus is a big guy, he stands at 6’7 and weighs in at 322#s.  He uses his long arms to push pass rushers to where he wants them to go.  Kouandjio will be a great right tackle for Manuel and the Bills.  His weaknesses will play into his strengths for them.  He lacks the foot quickness and has slower legs where that type of quickness is needed for a blind side tackle.  Placing him at right tackle or the front side tackle, Kouandjio will provide the needed protection for Manuel and should allow Manuel the time to make a play, whether it be with his arm or his legs.

NFL.coms bottom line on Cyrus Kouandjio is

"Bottom LineMassive, long-limbed, inconsistent, overhyped college left tackle whose sheer dimensions, raw tools and high ceiling are far more appealing than his snap-to-snap performance at this stage of his development. Has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side, though he will never be a dancing bear, and he projects more ideally as a bulldozing right tackle in a power scheme."

As I said above, I believe that Kouandjio will be able to come right in and make an impact.  I like this need-filling pick at 44.