Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Wide Receivers in the NFL Draft
By Ryan Brennan
Juju Smith-Schuster – USC
Juju Smith-Schuster is seen as the sleeper pick of this group. He will likely fall to the second round on draft day, so if the Buffalo Bills decide to address another position at No. 10, this is the guy they should target.
Smith-Schuster rose onto the scene his freshman season when he finished with 54 catches, 724 yards and 5 touchdowns. He followed that up with 85 catches, 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015 and 90 catches, 914 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016. He’s been a force ever since he started college.
He is drawing heavy comparisons to Laquon Treadwell, who was selected 23rd overall last season. He didn’t see much action last season, only catching one ball for 15 yards.
Let’s take a look at Smith-Schuster’s frame:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 215 lbs.
Arm Length: 32 7/8”
Hands: 10 1/2”
Let’s take a look at his combine results:
40-Yard Dash: 4.54 seconds
Bench Press: 15 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.5 in.
Broad Jump: 120.0 in.
Here’s a look at what NFL.com’s draft profile says his strengths are:
"Outstanding size and a very available target. Shows no concern working over the middle. Known for his competitive spirit and alpha demeanor. Hyper-aware of defenders around him in space. Works back to the ball as aggressively as he needs to when defenders are attempting to ball-hawk. Searches and sinks into the optimal openings against zone coverage. Plays to his size and has plus route strength. Shows effective uses of frame to shield cornerbacks from contested catches. Plucks it way out front of his body with strong, confident hands. Tremendous ball tracker with ability to search, find and follow the pass in over his shoulder. Has body control to twist and contort in mid-air to pull the throw in. Plays with sideline awareness and consistently drops feet in-bounds on boundary catches. Rugged, aggressive runner after the catch with a stiff-arm to hurt feelings.. Has field vision after catch for maximum YAC yardage. Reliable blocker who can help spring a big run. Able to sustain blocks with power."
If the Buffalo Bills decide to go a different position in the first round, this is who I think the team will need to hope for in the second round. He would be a great addition alongside Sammy Watkins.
Next: Grading All Bills' Free Agent Additions This Offseason
Which wide receivers are you looking at in this year’s NFL Draft? Leave your thoughts below!