The Buffalo Bills should already have their top draft choices in mind, so here are some guys that will be drafted late with the potential of being solid.
I have already written about six prospects I feel the Buffalo Bills will look to target early in the draft. It is time to show some love to lesser known prospects.
Let us take a deep dive into the NFL combine pool. All the analysts love to talk about the first round and sometimes the second, but rarely do they touch on Day 3 prospects. Day 3 (fourth through seventh rounds) of the draft is filled with players that lack one thing or another. If put in the right circumstance, they can turn into productive football players.
Productive players include:
2017 Notable Day 3 draft picks- Tarik Cohen, Samaje Perine, Jamaal Williams, George Kittle, Jake Elliott, Desmond King.
2016 Notable Day 3 draft picks- Joe Schobert, Blake Martinez, Jordan Howard, Tyreek Hill, Alex Collins, Jalen Mills.
2015 Notable Day 3 draft picks- Kwon Alexander, Jay Ajayi, Jamison Crowder, Trey Flowers, Shaq Mason, Grady Jarrett, Stefon Diggs, Trevor Siemian.
I believe the late rounds are where teams win drafts. In order to be successful in these rounds, the front office must watch hours of tape on guys that can fit their system and help the coaches understand what the players are capable of. All draft picks are valuable. Let’s look at some prospects that can help the Bills for years to come.
NFL Combine on-field drills begin March 2 on NFL Network.
» Friday, Mar 2: RB, OL, PK, ST
» Saturday, Mar 3: QB, WR, TE
» Sunday, Mar 4: DL, LB
» Monday, Mar 5: DB
Michael Gallup (WR) Colorado State, Senior
6-foot-2, 202 pounds; Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
The Butler Community College transfer helped take the Colorado State offense to new heights. He gave them a true number one receiver that can run the whole route tree. His physical skills are some of the best in this draft.
During his time at Colorado State, he had to overcome some poor throws and had to readjust regularly to deep balls. More often than not, he showed the ability to come down with the tough grabs with defenders draped all over him.
Gallup would be the perfect complement to Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones (big possession receivers). He has a great burst that allows him to get deep quickly on defenders and is elusive enough to get open on short crossing routes and screens.
Whoever plays quarterback for the Bills in 2018 will need more weapons than the team had this year. Depending on how Gallup does during the combine he could end up going as high as the second round. I believe this is a weak WR class so his price may be driven up by the lack of talent in this year’s draft. If he is available in the fourth round, the Bills should sprint to the podium and take him.
Mason Cole (C/OG) Michigan, Senior
6-foot-4, 303 pounds; Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Cole is a rare breed in today’s college game. He came into the program as a true freshman and started at left tackle for the Wolverines. He did not miss a game throughout his four years at Michigan.
Like many big-time programs, players left for the NFL which forced him to move along the offensive line. He truly shined during his time as a center. He showed the ability push defenders downfield and cut off a majority of the interior pass rush.
The combine will allow him to showcase his ability to move. I’m sure his time as a tackle will only help him showcase his footwork and explosive first step. The move inside will allow him to hide his lack of arm length.
The void at center is obvious due to the sudden retirement of Eric Wood. Drafting Cole, a four-year starter, will allow the Bills to move along without much of a learning curve.
Cole faced many talented pass rushers and run stoppers in the Big Ten. Many of his opponents are now in the NFL so the culture shock should not be as immense. If Buffalo decides to wait on drafting offensive linemen, getting Cole in the fourth round should be on the Bills agenda.
Darius Phillips (CB) Western Michigan, Senior
5-foot-10, 190 pounds; Draft projection: 4th-6th round
Phillips is not your typical late round corner prospect. He started his career at Western Michigan as a WR/Returner and it wasn’t until his sophomore year he was converted to the defensive side of the ball.
During his time in the MAC, he terrorized opposing coaching staffs with his ability to break on routes and beat the receiver to the ball. This is evident by his 12 interceptions since he made the transition to cornerback.
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Phillips is at his most dangerous when he is a ball carrier. He has a total of 11 touchdown returns (five interception return and six combined punt/kick returns).
Due to his size and quickness, he would be best suited as a nickel corner. His explosive hips and smooth footwork will allow him to keep up with speedy slot receivers on crossing routes. He has enough strength to jam at the line to throw off timing routes.
Darius Phillips will be a prospect that thrives in the on-field drills at the combine.
He would be a great value pick for the Bills if they decide to take a chance on him. He would match up well with the Jarvis Landry/Julian Edelman-type receivers the Bills have to play twice a year.
Drafting Phillips would solve two roster issues the Bills currently have. They would get an athletic nickel corner and they would gain a potential gamebreaker as a return man.
Justin Jones (DT) North Carolina State, Senior
6-foot-2, 312 pounds; Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Let me start by saying…NC State knows how to coach up their defensive linemen. There is a legitimate chance that they will have all four of their starters drafted in this year’s draft (Chubb, Hill, Jones, Street). That is an amazing feat, but obviously will lead to a dip in production next year for the Wolfpack.
Back to Jones….
During his senior season he was effective against the run and demonstrated a pass rush. I don’t think he will make waves at the combine during the drills. I believe he will demonstrate a competitive fire throughout his experience there and help garner some attention away from his fellow college teammates.
Jones would be a great fit for McDermott’s team. He is explosive off the ball, demonstrates toughness fighting through double teams, and shows the ability to chase down ball carriers. His high motor will be respected around the league and garner fans because of his work ethic.
He will not make the same impact on and off the field that Kyle Williams has for the team. I believe he will be a great backup for the 4-3 scheme and will remain in the league for many years.
Next: Six prospects to watch for at the NFL Combine
Are there any late round guys you like? Do you think the Bills will trade all their picks to move up? Feedback is always welcome!