2014 Bills Mock Draft Prospect Breakdown Part 2 Round 2
After the drumming of Miami, the Bills have moved back a bit in the draft. However, in round 2 of the draft is where we can hit pay dirt on golden prospects that may be just the people to get this team over the top. Last year the Bills did a great job in this round finding talent, Robert Woods and Kiko Alonso have done well this season and show extreme promise- both second round draft selections.
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OT Taylor Lewan Michigan rSr 6’7 515 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 10:15 pm- Quick bit about Lewan, why he wasn’t included in the first round mock was that scouts are split on where he will go. I decided to put him in the second round just because where he will go is dependent on how his workouts, both private and at the combine, pan out.
Strengths- Big, strong frame which he uses extremely well in both pass and run protection. Lewan is a beast at OT and would be an instant starter at the NFL. On the Bills he either would take over Cordy Glenn’s spot at LT and Glenn would be moved to guard, or Lewan would battle Pears for the RT spot. His strong first punch and ability against best pass rushers in the nation (see last year’s Outback Bowl) make him an ideal fit for any team looking to upgrade their tackle position.
Weakness- He looks rigid at times in his movement, and his lack of flexibility does not bode well with scouts. During his senior season he has had some injuries but football is a physical game and that is to be expected. He also has a lack of elite foot movement, which makes this author think he is more likely to play RT rather than the LT he plays now. However, moving Lewan to RT would allow the Bills to have someone who is great against elite pass rushers on both sides of the line.
OG Cyril Richardson Baylor rSr 6’5 340 Fiesta Bowl Jan 1 8:30 Strengths- Richardson is big mauler type guard who a few seasons ago protected RGIII’s blindside at LT, but moved back to LG for his last two seasons. This Baylor product is extremely well versed in pass coverage and the screen game from his time at Baylor. Great footwork with a quick first step into holes that allows him to get out into the second level and into the screen game. His large frame and strength project well into the NFL game and could be a great addition to any offensive line.
Weakness- At times, Richardson shies away from holes, which is something that is a bit of concern for a team thats so heavy in the run game like the Bills. Another thing that is concerning is his weight (340 pounds), and although he is surprisingly quick, it is still concerning because this can lead to slow foot speed and lack of agility. Once hitting the pro level he would probably be asked to cut some weight, which with the right diet and nutrition coach could easily turn him into a super star. The Bills would instantly upgrade their offensive line with the addition of Richardson and he would fit well with our system and be an anchor on the inside of the line.
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins Washington Jr 6’6 266 Fight Hunger Bowl Dec 27 9:30pm
Strengths– A big and strong tight end who uses his body and pure athleticism to challenge defenders down field. This prospect is also extremely good at blocking. His true gifts are his hands and speed allow him to be a match up nightmare. If teams stick a linebacker on him, his speed allows him to beat the linebacker deep, and against a safety or corner his size and strength allow him to get leverage and out muscle them for the ball. Adding him would immediately give EJ not only a big target at TE, but also would create space for other receivers underneath because of the threat of a deep ball.
Weakness– Their have been some off-field issue with Seferian-Jenkins including an arrest for DUI. Character issues have turned some teams off to players especially after last year’s off the field tragic events for teams like the Chiefs and Patriots. However, this does not seem like that should be a giant red flag. If the Bills picked Seferian-Jenkins it would not be the first time that the Bill’s had drafted a player from the pacific northwest who had the same questions asked about them by talking heads- he is currently paying dividends for the Bills right now at middle linebacker . If the Bills do not see a poor decision made by a 20 year old as too much of a red flag, then they will have a great prospect on their hands who is someone that could have an immediate affect on the field.
CB/S Lamarcus Joyner 5’8 190 lbs FSU National Title game Jan 6 8:30pm
Strengths- Joyner is a throwback of a previous time in football. He is a hard nosed, hard hitting safety/corner who has great instincts and amazing reads on the ball. He’s a ball hawk who goes for ball- both through the air and on the ground. His instincts are what put him in the second round. This Florida State product plays with is head up and goes downfield hard. His versatility is another thing that makes him a standout, he has the ability to play both CB and either safety spot; which in Pettine’s defense would allow him to walk up to the line in man to man coverage or the ability to sit deep in zone.
Weakness– His size is truly his biggest weakness. At 5’8 190 pounds he not prototypical size for a defensive back. Joyner’s height would allow receivers to out jump him for a ball, and may inhibit his ability to press receivers in coverage on the line of scrimmage. However, as it is with Nickell Robey, size isn’t everything. And with Joyner, his size won’t hinder his future in the NFL.