The Case For Drafting a Quarterback

Much talk has been made of the comments Buffalo GM Doug Whaley made about his desire to draft a quarterback this year, which can be found here. However, while much of the buzz surrounding this idea has been negative, I believe it is a good thing.

In the past the Buffalo front offices have been entirely to quick in making quarterbacks comfortable after a season, or in some cases less, of good play. Think back to Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, the list could go on. None of those situations have worked out for the Bills. So, why not try things differently with Tyrod Taylor?

I believe Whaley is not knocking or threatening Tyrod Taylor at all when he says he will draft a quarterback, if anything it is more a knock on E.J. Manuel. Both Manuel and Taylor’s contracts will be expiring at the end of this season, and surely without drastic improvement Manuel will be heading elsewhere. This means the Bills will at least need a back up in 2017, if not more.

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If were being honest with ourselves, the Bills need a back up now, considering how Manuel played vs. Jacksonville. Though these comments don’t directly affect Taylor, you have to think it would keep him motivated to earn the franchise quarterback label, as well as the money that comes with it.

Another reason to draft a quarterback this season is due to the depth of the position in this year’s draft. Though there is no standout like a Luck or Winston, there are plenty of very solid prospects that could be starters after developing.

Should the Bills draft a quarterback, you would have to assume it would be a late round selection. There are much bigger needs to fill such as pass rusher, wide receiver, and offensive line. In the later rounds the Bills could find themselves with one of a bunch of decent prospects with great raw ability such as Cardale Jones, Kevin Hogan, or Vernon Adams.

None of these players will be able to play right away, which should make Tyrod Taylor comfortable knowing he is without a doubt the guy the Bills want in the future. What is the worst case scenario, the Bills waste a 6th round pick on someone who comes in and competes with Manuel for the back up job?

Drafting a quarterback should be taken seriously by the Bills, they need one, if not to start, then at least to compete as a back up, especially with the injury prone Tyrod Taylor.