Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Before last week it looked like the Buffalo Bills were most likely going to look at wide receiver with the 9th overall pick. However, a week can change a lot of things. Buffalo traded a 2014 6th round for Mike Williams. Williams isn’t the big physical wide receiver many fans were hoping for, but Williams production is very similar to Stevie Johnson’s and for a 6th rounder I don’t think the fans can be mad at that.
After the Williams pick up it now seems Buffalo can focus on other aspects of their team. There are plenty of needs such as OT, TE, DE, and LB. Many of us don’t know the true plans of the defense yet and if Buffalo decides to go defensive player at 9th, it may shed some light on what the team is truly trying to do. My thoughts are Buffalo will still focus on the offensive side of the ball though.
EJ Manuel didn’t actually have the rookie season everyone was hoping for. With multiple injuries, bad passes and poor decisions it seems that the rookie still needs some time. Well I believe Buffalo is going to try to help him out more. We already talked about the addition of Mike Williams, which now gives Buffalo many threats at wide receiver. Their wide receivers are Stevie Johnson, Mike Williams Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham (which I would imagine he gets cut). That is a very talented group of young wide receivers and they will certainly help Manuel, however, I still believe they are going to be looking to add more weapons.
With the 9th overall pick I now believe Buffalo is going to look at TE, Eric Ebron. Ebron would join Scott Chandler as Buffalo’s starting TEs. He is much different than Chandler, why Chandler has the height to separate from his defenders, Ebron uses speed. He has amazing balance, agility and speed for a kid his size. Ebron is an instant mismatch for many defenses when on the field. Having Ebron would allow the Bills to do so much more with their offense.
If Buffalo would select Ebron, I believe that Manuel would have no excuses this year why he didn’t preform well. As long as he can stay healthy, Manuel will have every weapon possible and should be in for a good 2nd year. Now, like I said before Buffalo could go with a defensive player such as Khalil Mack, Anthony Barr or even an offensive tackle. Anything is possible and the new front office seems to be a lot bolder and unpredictable compared to years past.