Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) catches the ball during warm-ups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
We are coming up on week 14 this week and the Buffalo Bills are just about out of the playoff hunt. With a best possible record of 8-8 they re still mathematically still in the race but the likelihood of a wildcard team at 8-8 is probably not going to happen.
With the playoffs out of contention we turn our eyes to the draft. Fansided comes out with a mock draft about this time every year and this is what they are looking at for the Bills right now.
The Bills will have the 9th pick right now if the season ended. Josh Sanchez has the Bills taking Khalil Mack, linebacker, out of Buffalo. Here is his reasoning.
"Khalil Mack is clearly a top 10 talent that would add another impressive pass rusher to the Bills defensive front. Mack is a versatile player that can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt and he will already have a built in fan base from his time in college with the Buffalo Bulls.Buffalo didn’t pay much attention to their pass rush last off-season, but they can change that with one pick."
I disagree with Sanchez’s pick. Buffalo did address the d-line last off-season but not in a direct aspect. They brought in Jerry Hughes who has made a good impact opposite Mario Williams. Dareus and Williams, obviously have the interior well in hand and with Carrington coming back off of injury next year and Alan Branch proving to be an asset, the D-Line, I believe is set up for next year.
As for the linebacking situation, with Lawson and Bradham at OLB and Kiko at ILB, they are set for starters. Where the Bills need to look is an impact WR that will be able to be a threat out of the gates and give Stevie Johnson a run for his money, because Johnson is not getting any younger. I know Buffalo brought in Woods and Goodwin and they have not disappointed but in this league I think the Bills need someone to replace Johnson at this point. Three options for the Bills might be Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and Marquise Lee.
Another need for the Bills is going to be a TE but I don’t think that there is a TE at the 9th spot worth looking at.
You can check out the rest of the picks by Josh Sanchez and Fansided here.