Buffalo Bills will have plenty of options with 2 first-round picks in 2018
By Ryan Brennan
Dan Trautman with Bills Fanatics recently put out his current top-25 college players for next year’s NFL Draft. Who are you watching?
If you’re a Buffalo Bills‘ fan and don’t follow Bills Fanatics on all social media, then you’re not a Bills’ fan — sorry not sorry. What those guys are doing over there is amazing work and all for the love of BillsMafia.
For those that don’t follow them, let me wake you up real quick.
Looking ahead to next year’s draft, the Buffalo Bills will have two first round draft picks — as of right now. There’s a lot the team can do with them, but grabbing two youngsters with a lot of potential will likely be the way to go.
That’s where Bills Fanatics comes in and saves the day. On Instagram, they posted a top-25 list of college football players to look at for the 2018 draft. Although we don’t know where those two first round picks will land, you have to remember that with two first round picks you can pretty much get whoever you want.
The list contains a lot of offense, some defensive line, some cornerbacks and a lot of offense. In total, there are 16 offensive players to 9 defensive players. A staggering 12 of those players make up quarterbacks and wide receivers and another 6 for the defensive line.
Only two linebackers were on the list, but even they were listed as defensive ends as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW05F2bh4Zq/?taken-by=billsfanatics
Here’s a typed out list:
- QB Josh Allen – Wyoming
- QB Sam Darnold – USC
- DE Arden Key – LSU
- DE/OLB Harold Landry – Boston College
- S Derwin James – FSU
- RB Saquon Barkley – Penn State
- WR Courtland Sutton – SMU
- WR James Washington – OK State
- RB Derrius Guice – LSU
- QB Mason Rudolph – OK State
- DT Christian Wilkins – Clemson
- CB Tavarus McFadden – FSU
- QB Josh Rosen – UCLA
- CB Minkah Fitzpatrick – Alabama
- OT Connor Williams – Texas
- DE/OLB Tyquan Lewis – Ohio State
- OT Mike McGlinchey – Notre Dame
- WR Deon Cain – Clemson
- DE Bradley Chubb – NC State
- DT Derrick Nnadi – FSU
- QB Lamar Jackson – Louisville
- QB Luke Falk – Washington State
- WR Calvin Ridley – Alabama
- WR Antonio Callaway – Florida
- WR Christian Kirk – Texas A&M
Looking at that list, I would definitely have my eyes on the wide receivers if I were the Buffalo Bills. With all of the uncertainty at the position over the past few years, right now they should take all they can get. This would become a guarantee if Zay Jones doesn’t turn out as much as we hope, Sammy Watkins gets injured or no other depth steps up.
Obviously, quarterback could be another position looked at, but Buffalo might not even need one next season if Tyrod Taylor plays well enough. If he does and Nathan Peterman shows good improvement as a backup, the Bills could bolster another position instead.
An offensive tackle if Jordan Mills/Dion Dawkins don’t turn out. Although I hate drafting running backs in the first round, that could be an option with LeSean McCoy getting older. I still think he has several solid years left, but planning for the future is always smart.
The defensive line is the major one I think would help the Bills. Not only are they in the 4-3 scheme now and currently lack depth as it is, Kyle Williams will likely not be in the NFL next season and if he is, it might not be a starter role. Either way, the Buffalo Bills will need some bodies on that defensive line and they’re going to want players that can start right away.
The one safety on the list could be another one I’d like. Right now, the Buffalo Bills are putting their trust in two new free agents to start — one with valuable experience and the other with very little. The signing of Bacarri Rambo is a great signing in my opinion, but a young stud would be a great addition any day.
Ultimately, as far as this list goes, I have my eyes on Derwin James, Courtland Sutton, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Mike McGlinchey, Derrick Nnadi and Calvin Ridley.
Bills Fanatics did mention that the list will be updated throughout the season, so make sure you follow them for the latest!
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Who are you looking at for next year’s NFL Draft? Leave your thoughts below!