With the 10th Pick in the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills Select…
By Erik Smeal
Wide Receiver: Corey Davis, Western Michigan
Davis has been suggested to be the best overall receiver in the draft. At 6′ 3″, his size allows him to line up outside and his route running ability could allow him to do damage in the slot. If the Buffalo Bills select Corey Davis, they could provide a significant challenge to defenses having to defend Sammy Watkins, Andre Holmes and Corey Davis at the same time.
That would give the offense two big targets and a speedster to provide some mismatches and potentially improve a passing attack that was near the bottom of the league in 2016.
Despite the Bills passing rankings, they still averaged 26 points per game in 2016. If the Bills add Davis to a new offensive scheme that is supposed to be more beneficial to Tyrod Taylor, it could bring some balance to an offense that had the NFL’s best running attack in 2016.
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Quarterback: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
After deciding to keep Tyrod Taylor, could the Bills take a chance on a quarterback class that at one time was suggested to be the weakest since 2013? Keep in mind that was the year the Bills drafted EJ Manuel.
I believe these quarterbacks are better than the 2013 class, but it is considered to be a weaker class of quarterbacks among scouts.
With that said, Tyrod Taylor turns 28 this August and with Cardale Jones being the only other quarterback on the roster, the Buffalo Bills need to address the future of the quarterback position. Tyrod Taylor’s new contract is essentially a two year deal that gives the Bills an out at the end of next season. Keeping Taylor gives the Bills continuity at quarterback, the first time in a while the same quarterback has started three straight seasons.
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Taylor still has to answer some questions on his legitimacy as a starter. Coming off of surgery to repair his groin, will it be an issue going forward? Part of Taylor’s ability to make plays comes from his mobility, escaping pressure in the pocket to keep passing plays alive or taking off and running to move the chains and keep drives going.
Could the new offensive scheme be more beneficial towards Taylor’s progression? More play-action passes and bootlegs are suggested in the new system and moving Taylor around in and out of the pocket could create more opportunities for Taylor to find open receivers downfield, stretching defenses and opening up the running game as well.
I ended up selecting Watson based on his play in the college football national championship game, in where he lead Clemson on a comeback to defeat the favorite and powerhouse, Alabama. Watson showed a lot of poise on a huge national stage. If the Bills draft Watson, he could have a couple years to learn and develop under a coaching staff with plenty of experience.
This wouldn’t be an immediate impact pick, but if it works out the Bills could accomplish something they haven’t done since Jim Kelly — draft and develop a true franchise quarterback.
Now, let’s move on to some defensive players with the linebacker and cornerback positions.