5th Round 2 Picks
Jake Ryan OLB Michigan 6’3 235
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Miami (Oh) Redhawks running back Spencer McInnis (20) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The San Fransico 49ers proved that investing in linebackers can pay serious dividends down the road, this is where Jake Ryan comes into play. The Michigan product was a walk on who worked his way through the Wolverines system and has become a stand out defensive player who’s reflexes and football IQ are far and beyond his fellow piers. Ryan’s smarts are only matched by his athleticism which is easily described as some who is always around the ball. The Buffalo Bills have a history of taking linebackers with high Football IQ’s and a knack for being around the ball. Both of the backers taken in the previous two draft have worked out well for the organization and those two people would be Preston Brown and Kiko Alonso. Although Alonso tore his ACL before camp this year Preston Brown has been a rookie who’s severally flown under the radar and a player who does everything right on the field and currently leads the team in tackles at 74. Ryan would be someone who could come in excel on special teams while Brandon Spike plays out his prime in Buffalo, although Spikes only has a 1 year contract it seems that he will resign with the team. Although there are many other picks that would make sense here the Buffalo Bills are building a powerful contender and teams that are truly about the future and building for it hedge their bets and setting up one of the scarier, young, and best Linebacking cores in the NFL.