Buffalo Bills: Scouting the 2017 NFL Draft for a Running Back

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December 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Mike Gillislee (35) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, we will be examining the running back position and players the Buffalo Bills should be considering in the NFL Draft.

The Buffalo Bills have had the #1 rushing offense in the NFL for the past 2 seasons. If you’re like me and rely on national media for news on your favorite team, you may not hear that often.

We hear that the Dallas Cowboys have the ‘best offensive line’ in history. Maybe they do, but the Bills use that line and good running backs to lead the NFL in rushing.

There is some transition that will change that statistic, or put it in danger of not being a three-peat in the 2017 season. Two main reasons come to mind. First, there is no Anthony Lynn. Not only is Lynn one of the best running back coaches in the NFL, but when he became offensive coordinator, he unleashed a dynamic running attack that really pressured defenses.

The second reason the rushing attack could take a hit is the Tyrod Taylor decision. Taylor is a dynamic quarterback who accounted for 580 yards rushing last season. If the Buffalo Bills move to a more pocket-based passer, that yardage will take a hit.

Luckily, the Bills will bring back a strong group at the running back position.

LeSean “Shady” McCoy -28 years old, 3 years left on contract

Jonathan Williams – 23 years old, 3 years left on contract

Cedric O’Neal – 23 years old, 2 years left on contract

Need For Improvement – Minor

The Buffalo Bills have arguably the best running back in the NFL with Shady McCoy. One name that isn’t on the returning players list is Mike Gillislee. Known to Bills fans as ‘Touchdown Mike,” Gillislee is a restricted free agent, so there is some debate as to if he will return.

The Bills will certainly make him an offer, but as we know with the Chris Hogan fallout from last season, things can happen and other teams could offer too much for the Bills to keep him. Should that happen, the Bills will look to the draft to add depth at the running back position.

GM Doug Whaley has been very good at scouting talent at running back, by adding McCoy, Karlos Williams, Gillislee and Williams during his time as GM.

So for fun, let’s assume Gillislee walks, who will the Bills take in the draft? Could it even be at the #10 pick?

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