The Buffalo Bills have rumored interest in Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, but it would have to involve trading down in the draft.
As many of you know, the Buffalo Bills own the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft — which will take place from April 27th-29th. As of right now, a lot of analysts are predicting a receiver/tight end or a defensive back for Buffalo, but some still seem to think drafting a QB (like Deshaun Watson) is the way to go.
With Tyrod Taylor returning as the Bills’ starter next season and E.J. Manuel signing with the Raiders, Buffalo has Cardale Jones as their backup. Jones has a lot of potential, but will likely need several more years to develop.
The team has hosted veteran free agent quarterback T.J. Yates, who would fill the backup role perfectly, but no one knows what the front office is really thinking.
In my opinion, if the Buffalo Bills were to draft Deshaun Watson, it would be a solid pickup. Tyrod Taylor’s restructured contract gives Buffalo a way out after this season if things don’t go as planned. Everyone is hoping things pan out, but having insurance is never a bad thing.
If things do go sour, having Deshaun Watson waiting in the background would make every fan a little less worried about the upcoming season.
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However, I do want to note that if they were to draft Watson, it would have to happen under certain circumstances. The most important of them all would be trading down in the draft. I simply wouldn’t be happy if Buffalo were to select him with the 10th pick.
The trade would have to allow Buffalo to grab him in the first round because I believe he will be taken by the time the second round begins. The Bills would also have to gain a second round draft pick, giving them two in this year’s draft.
With those two second-round draft picks, a wide receiver, cornerback or linebacker would have to be drafted. Whichever position isn’t addressed in the second round would have to be addressed in the third round.
The Buffalo Bills would gain a security blanket at quarterback with their first round draft pick and then quality depth at WR, CB and LB. That doesn’t sound like too bad of a plan for me, especially considering that the draft is stocked with receivers and cornerbacks.
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With E.J. Manuel, Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Stephon Gilmore, Nickell Robey-Coleman and Zach Brown all finding new teams this offseason, those positions need to be addressed first in the draft.
Going this route would allow the Buffalo Bills to better prepare their roster for the 2017 season.
With Deshaun Watson projected to be a late-first round draft pick, or even an early second-rounder, it’s definitely possible they go this route. Is it the route I would go? Well, if Reuben Foster, Marshon Lattimore, O.J. Howard, Corey Davis and Mike Williams were off the board at No. 10, then I would most likely consider trading down.
Ultimately, I think the Bills decide to sign a veteran free agent, pass on Watson and wait until next year to make a QB decision. I also think Tyrod Taylor will earn a starting role for several more years after this season.
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Would you trade down in the NFL Draft to select Deshaun Watson if you were the Buffalo Bills? Leave your thoughts below!