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Buffalo Bills NFL Draft: Making Moves With 5th Round Draft Picks

By Connor Price

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the draft theater during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the draft theater during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Bills have already added LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White and East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones in the NFL Draft.

With the second and third round picks now complete and the NFL Draft preparing for Day 3, the Buffalo Bills will have a few positions they will definitely have to look at on Saturday. So far, the team has filled needs at wide receiver, cornerback and offensive tackle.

With three picks remaining on Saturday, they will need to look at linebacker, safety and tight end, but could also use an extra cornerback, wide receiver and even a quarterback.

Buffalo currently has the following picks remaining:

  • Round 5, Pick 163 (Acquired from the New England Patriots in exchange for Mike Gillislee)
  • Round 5, Pick 171
  • Round 6, Pick 195

This gives the Bills the ability to move up, down and sideways still. If they really want someone in the fourth round, it’s possible. If they would rather get a couple more six or seventh round picks, that’s possible. Or, obviously, the Buffalo Bills could just stick with what they have.

Who should the Buffalo Bills target?

By the time the fifth round rolls around, most of the prime talent in the safety position will be off the board. This does not mean there will not be solid pieces to help build the Buffalo defense.

One of the names to be aware of is Auburn safety, Jonathan Ford. Ford looks to go somewhere in the fourth or fifth round, and is a solid piece that can contribute in pass coverage.

Another name is Alabama safety, Eddie Jackson. Jackson also looks to go in the 4-6 round range. Although, his last season at Bama’ was cut short due to a broken leg, he is a more versatile piece.

Gillislee’s Replacement?

The Buffalo Bills recently declined an offer sheet to match Mike Gillislee’s offer from the Patriots. Because of this, they were given a 5th round pick for compensation.

This means that they might need to have their eye on a late-round running back to take some of the pressure off of LeSean McCoy.

Of course, there is no doubt McCoy will be the starter next year, Gillislee played a key role in relieving Shady. Gillislee was a touchdown machine and was great in short yardage situations. This helped keep McCoy healthier throughout the year

Other Needs?

After Buffalo addresses its need in the secondary, the Buffalo Bills need to look to add a piece at tight end. Charles Clay is a formidable option and a nice veteran, but there is always room for improvement.

Also, you can never have enough depth at the linebacker position, a spot they will need to add some bodies to. Especially on the inside — someone athletic that can move sideline to sideline.

5th Round Pick History

The Bills selected running back, Jonathan Williams, with their fifth round pick in 2016.

The year before that? Florida State running back, Karlos Williams. 

Jonathan Williams could potentially step into the Gillislee role, but Buffalo also might stay with the trend of a fifth round running back pick.

We will have to wait until Saturday to find out.

Next: Buffalo Bills Select Zay Jones in Second Round

What do you think will happen in Day 3 of the NFL Draft? Leave your thoughts below!

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