Why the Buffalo Bills must take a chance on a rookie QB in 2018

The Buffalo Bills traded Tyrod Taylor, who was serving as a bridge quarterback. The team must now invest in a top QB in the 2018 draft class.

The Buffalo Bills didn’t get into a bidding war for any free agent quarterbacks after trading Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns.

Instead, the team decided to sign AJ McCarron to what seems to be a backup deal, clearing the way for a rookie to come in and be groomed as the next franchise quarterback. Well, at least that seems like the plan.

By passing on the likes of Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, Brandon Beane seems to be over the idea of bringing someone in as the bridge quarterback. One could argue that McCarron could assume that role, but that is if he even wins the job out of camp. Signing one of the others likely would have meant a rookie coming in would automatically start as the backup.

It is important for the Bills to move past the idea of a bridge quarterback, which Taylor essentially was during his time in Buffalo. He took the team to the postseason, but it was clear the front office had no intentions of building the team around him.

The same is true for McCarron, who is not being brought in to be the guy.

Not trading up and drafting a top quarterback would just continue the same cycle of “waiting until next year” due to a fear of committing to a prospect. Some may cite fear over the past picks of J.P. Losman and EJ Manuel, but neither of the two were taken in the top 15.

The Bills can still trade up into the top five, and have the ammo to do so. However, one recent development makes things a bit tricky.

The Jets made their move to get into position to draft a quarterback. That means the Browns, Giants and Jets could all be taking top quarterbacks right away.

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The Bills either need to try to swing a trade with the Browns at No. 4, or even with the Giants at No. 2, although the former is far more likely than the latter. The Giants need to draft Eli’s replacement.

Other teams are being proactive and making moves so there is no reason why the Bills can’t do the same. On a side note, it would be interesting if all three New York teams drafted top quarterbacks this year.

However, the Bills are the one team where the rookie could start right away.

There is no reason to be passive and with the No. 12 and No. 22 overall picks in hand, the Bills have the ability to move up to take their guy.

The team needs to build upon the 2017 season and having McCarron start all year won’t do that. Drafting a quarterback after all the top prospects are gone won’t accomplish that goal either.

Next: 2018 full first-round mock draft 2.0

The Bills must take a real chance on a rookie quarterback and not wait around while other teams continue to take risks and get better.