With the 10th Pick in the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills Select…

Erik Smeal

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) reacts in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

buffalo bills nfl draft — Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of the 2017 Cotton Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2017 NFL Draft just under a month away, there are many directions the Buffalo Bills can go with the tenth overall pick.

There are many roster needs to be filled and only six picks to address those needs. This has to be a smart draft for the Buffalo Bills, noting the previous four drafts haven’t produced much for the team.

Only three consistent starters (Sammy Watkins, Ronald Darby, Preston Brown) have been added in the last four years through the Draft. The Bills could add at least three more names to that list (Shaq Lawson, Reggie Ragland, Kevon Seymour) if they are able to earn starting roles for the upcoming season.

Here is a link to the Buffalo Bills draft history via Pro Football Reference.

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There has been a lot of changes this off-season and hopefully producing better results from the Draft will be among those changes. Rumors are swirling that Coach McDermott is running the show and most of the moves the Buffalo Bills have made so far this off-season suggest those rumors to be true.

If that is the case, then maybe the Bills will see better results from the draft after all.

One example of this is only having six picks in the draft with so many roster needs to fill. The Bills need to make the most of these picks, especially with the tenth pick overall. They can’t afford to miss on another first round pick.

Between injuries and lack of production, you would have to go back to the 2011 Draft when they picked Marcell Dareus, to find a consistent starter who is currently on the roster taken in the first round. That could change if Sammy Watkins and Shaq Lawson can stay healthy this year and have a bounce back season.

There are several positions that need to be addressed (wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, quarterback, offensive line, as well as other roster depth). I will take a hypothetical look at some potential impact selections (if these players are still on the board) with the tenth pick of the draft.

We will go two at a time, starting with wide receiver and quarterback.

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.

MUST READ: Chad Ochocinco Gives Opinion on Sammy Watkins

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.

Linebacker: Rueben Foster, Alabama

Drafting Foster could help address another significant need on defense at linebacker. Lorenzo Alexander and Preston Brown are the only remaining starters from 2016 left on the Bills roster. Foster could bring the speed and overall total package at linebacker, the Luke Kuechly type player Coach McDermott is looking for.

Foster is listed as an inside linebacker, but he could shift outside with his speed and coverage skills.

If all goes well you could see a solid linebacking core of Rueben Foster, Preston Brown, Reggie Ragland and Lorenzo Alexander. Combine that with a more player friendly scheme and there could be a big improvement on the defensive side of the ball that needs to see better pass and run coverage from the linebacker position.

MUST READ: Zach Cunningham Could Be Answer at Linebacker for Bills

Cornerback: Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills have a severe need at cornerback. As of right now, Ronald Darby and Kevon Seymour are penciled in as the starting corners after losing Stephon Gilmore to free agency. Darby is coming off a disappointing season in 2016, but a new defensive scheme could be beneficial to him.

Seymour showed some potential when he saw some starting time in 2016, which was his rookie season.

If the Bills draft Marlon Humphrey — providing he is still available — he could be an instant starter alongside Darby, with Seymour gaining more experience in the slot. With Ronald Darby having the most experience going into his third season, this would be a pretty young group of cornerbacks.

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There has been a big shake-up in the defensive backfield this off-season with Ronald Darby and Kevon Seymour being the remaining two players who saw consistent playing time for the Bills in 2016.

A new defensive scheme could also be beneficial to the secondary and help with the progression of these young players.

Coach McDermott has said he believes in molding his scheme to fit his player’s strengths, pretty much the total opposite of what Rex Ryan was trying to do which was trying to make the players fit his scheme. A more player-friendly scheme could get the defense playing back to the caliber they were a few years ago under Jim Schwartz.

Many believe it was the defense that kept the Bills out of the playoffs in 2016 and the evidence is there to prove it.

The Bills need a big improvement on defense if they want to have any chance in competing for the division against the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, who added a deep threat in Brandin Cooks to an already dangerous offense. The Miami Dolphins also pose a threat, coming off a playoff season in 2016, in which they swept the Bills and had over 200 yards rushing in both games.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the offensive tackle and tight end positions in this draft.

Right Tackle: Cam Robinson, Alabama

Robinson would be an interesting pick. He played left tackle throughout his career at Alabama, but some scouts suggest Robinson may be a better fit at right tackle in the NFL. With Cordy Glenn in place at left tackle, the Bills need to address right tackle.

The Bills re-signed Jordan Mills, but his struggles last season suggest that may have been a move made to fill some depth. Seantrel Henderson is in the middle of his second suspension (10 games) and Cyrus Kouandjio is recovering from hip surgery in January.

Robinson could solidify the line at right tackle and give the Buffalo Bills some options and youth moving forward. The Bills have a couple starters on the line over 30, Richie Incognito turns 34 in July and Eric Wood just turned 31.

Hopefully they can both turn in a few more seasons, but the Bills still need to address the future of the offensive line.

MUST READ: Bills’ Offensive Line Looking Stronger Than Ever

Tight End: OJ Howard, Alabama

As crazy as it seems to draft a tight end with the tenth overall pick, drafting Howard could be well worth the risk. If the Bills line up in a double tight end set, OJ Howard and Charles Clay could provide match-up nightmares for opposing defenses and give the coaches some play calling flexibility.

Having two tight ends on the field at the same time, who can block and make plays in the passing game, would make the league’s best running offense even more dangerous.

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Howard could also give the Bills a long term starter at tight end if the Bills eventually decide to move on from Charles Clay, who recently turned 28, has lingering knee injury concerns, and is averaging a $7 million per year salary.

The Buffalo Bills have their work cut out for them in the draft. There are many roster needs to fill and only 6 picks to fill them with. In an off-season full of changes, one change I would personally like to see is a reversal in draft futility.

The Bills have the lowest draft retention rate in the league and that needs to change, starting with this year’s draft. So far I like the moves that have been made this off-season and the seeming change in culture coming to One Bills Drive.

There are many different directions the Bills could go in the draft. If this trend of smart off-season moves continue, they could take a big step in the right direction. Success in the draft is still one of the most important keys to building a championship team.

Next: O.J. Howard a Sensible Pick in the First Round

Which position do you see the Buffalo Bills addressing in the first round of the NFL Draft? Leave your comments below!

Erik Smeal

Buffalo born and raised. Die hard Bills and Sabres fan.