Former Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib dropped to the 4th round. (Photo Credit: CBSsports.com)

The best move by the Buffalo Bills at the 2013 NFL draft was the move they didn’t make:  Drafting Ryan Nassib.  The Bills have received a lot of heat for drafting quarterback E.J. Manuel at 16.  Although some draft experts, like ESPN’s Todd McShay, view Manuel as a project; I view Ryan Nassib as a step back in time.

Nassib’s arm strength and down the field accuracy has been called into question.  Nassib has been known to excel with short passes.  Nassib has also demonstrated that he doesn’t know how to slide.  Does this sound like anyone Bills fans are familiar with?  Maybe a former Ivy League QB with a terrific beard?

It’s hard for Bills fans not to recall the countless criticism former Bills quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, received after signing his monster contact.  Let’s face it, it was fair, but maybe over the top.  I truly like Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he was never worth the money the Bills were paying him.  He’s a solid backup, and if he can accept his role with the Titans, he will work out well.

As for Nassib, he will serve a similar fate to Ryan Fitzpatrick:  standing on the sideline holding a clipboard.  The giants took Nassib in 4th round; trading up to draft the former orange.  New York Giants General Manager, Jerry Reese, told reporters that if Nassib “doesn’t ever play, that’s great.” To read in between the lines:  Reese hopes Eli Manning never gets hurt.

Yes, I know that Ryan Tannehill had a decent rookie season with his former head coach as his offensive coordinator.  However, immediate red flags had to go up on Nassib after Marrone, his former college head coach, elected to take Manual over the former Syracuse product.  It was obviously a red flag to many NFL General Managers.  Some experts, including the above mentioned McShay, had Nassib going as high as 8th (to the Bills), yet he managed to fall to 110.  Yes, Manual may be a project, but in the long term I think Bills fans will enjoy the benefits that he will bring.  If they elected to take Nassib, then they might as well have told Doc Brown to pull Ryan Fitzpatrick out of the DeLorean.

I like what the Bills did in rounds 2 and 3.  I question not drafting any offensive linemen, leaving one to wonder if they will address this in free agency.  Yet, the best move the Bills made at this year’s NFL draft, was the move they didn’t make:  Drafting Ryan Nassib.

Buffalo Bills General Manager, Buddy Nix

Optimism is the one of the only things that Bills fans have.  We don’t have a recent division title.  We don’t have recent winning record.  We have optimism that things are going to get better for Western New York’s pro football team.   We can be optimistic about our ground game; which includes two very capable running backs.  A wide receiver who’s on field performance is almost as good as what he posts on twitter.  A defensive front that includes a former pro-bower (Kyle Williams), a top 5 draft pick (Marcell Darius), and top tiered linebacker/defensive end (Mario Williams).

Add E.J. Manual to an optimistic future for the Buffalo Bills.  He’s a capable quarterback with a strong arm, accurate down the field presence, and strong pocket awareness.  What’s the kicker?  The Bills didn’t have to use the number eight pick on him.  Granted, Tavon Austin would have looked nice opposite Stevie Johnson, but Nix and company knew that the most pressing need was quarterback.

What does E.J. manual at 16 get you?  Not only the attributes mentioned above, but an additional 2nd round draft pick, moving up in the 3rd round, and a seventh round draft pick.  Remember, Stevie Johnson was a seventh round selection.

Let’s face it, if the Bills decided to draft a quarterback at number eight, the thought would have been almost laughable.  Call me crazy, but isn’t Ryan Nassib a younger more hyped Ryan Fitzpatrick?  A guy who doesn’t have a strong arm, isn’t accurate down field, and doesn’t know how to slide.  The thought of the Bills drafting Nassib in the first round was enough for me wail on a punching bag.

Buddy, thank you for sparing my anxiety and knuckles.  Not only did you manage to draft a quality quarterback in the first round, but managed to bolster the Bills amount of draft picks.  Manti T’eo is still on the board, and would help the Bills major needs at linebacker.  How about Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter or USC’s Robert Woods?  Maybe they fills the holes left at guard with Kentucky’s Larry Waterford?

Fact:  Buddy Nix and company used their first round pick wisely, and were able to acquire additional draft picks by trading down.  Call me a optimist, but at this point Nix and company deserve an “A.”