Oct 26, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Jake Matthews (75) warms up against the Vanderbilt Commodores before the game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL draft is just around the corner and speculation is heating up. Buffalo has many positions they would like to fill in the draft and has been linked to some pre-draft smokescreens. They have been linked to several players already and it’s time to see what the fans think. So here are some players Buffalo has already been linked to. So let’s see who the fans like the most, with the 9th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills should select?
Sammy Watkins – WR – Clemson
Sammy Watkins is by far the most explosive and talented wide receiver in this draft class. I don’t see this guy making it all the way to when the Bills pick but crazier things have happened. As a fan I can’t even imagine having Flash Goodwin, Sammy Watkins, and C.J. Spiller on the field at the same time. Drafting this kid would be a great move. He creates many mismatches and can be used all over the field, much like Percy Harvin.
Mike Evans – WR – Texas A&M
Mike Evans has been my favorite choice for Buffalo since December. He is 6’5”, has some good speed for his size, and is the big body receiver Buffalo needs. At Texas A&M he proved to many why he is considered one of the best receivers in the draft. After his pro day, Gil Brandt said, “Mike Evans has the best hands I’ve seen since Calvin Johnson.” Now I don’t know if it is fair to put Evans in Johnson’s shadow just yet but I do like the sound of it. Drafting a guy like Evans would certainly help the progress of Manuel as well.
Eric Ebron – TE – North Carolina
Ebron is the best tight end in the draft, he is 6’4” and 245 lbs. Ebron has already been compared to Jimmy Graham and then again I don’t know if anyone can truly say that just yet. He brings the size Buffalo needs in the red zone and all over the field. In addition, he brings great speed for a tight end his size and he is very physical at the line of scrimmage. Some have questioned his work ethic but I don’t think Marrone will have an issue motivating this kid. Ebron brings all the same things that Evans does and I don’t think Buffalo can go wrong if they pick this kid.
Jake Matthews – OT – Texas A&M
Matthews was once ranked as the top tackle in this draft, however, he his stock has slipped a little. Many analyst don’t see this kid falling out of the top 10 and Buffalo has been linked to him more times than not. He is quick off the snap, physical and would help sure up the offensive line for Buffalo. After last season we all know protecting Manuel is going to be a key concern this season. Matthews would start at right tackle and would allow Buffalo to have two good tackles. Not only is this kid a good pass blocker but he is also terrific run blocker.
Khalil Mack – LB – Buffalo
I would hate to see Mack leave Buffalo. He was the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bulls last year and would be a huge addition to the defensive line in Buffalo. Just imagine Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Khalil Mack rushing the quarterback. Mack’s draft stock has risen since the combine and I truly don’t see him being available at the 9th overall pick but the draft has so much talent this year. This kid would bring the physical play the defense needs, a non-stop motor and would just add to an already scary front 4.