Round 2, Pick 38: Cody Ford
With their second round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills addressed their other line, selecting offensive tackle Cody Ford from the University of Oklahoma.
During his time as a Sooner, the Pineville, LA., native was a part of three-consecutive Big-12 championship teams as he appeared in 30 games over his career. This, all while earning a First-team All-Big 12 selection in his final year.
Once the team finished preseason, Ford was named the starter and played alongside guard Jon Feliciano. He played in all 16 games for the Bills and was part of the 15th ranked offensive line in sacks allowed as they only gave up 40 and the eighth best in rushing yards with 2,054.
Though Ford had a quiet season, which is what you want out of an offensive tackle, he made some noise in the Bills’ Wild Card game against the Texans. During a 19-all stalemate that forced overtime, Ford was called for a blindside block which cost the Bills 15 yards and the chance at a game-winning field goal. Buffalo would go on to lose their fourth-straight Wild Card game 22-19.
Ford showed all season long that he is a solid option at the offensive tackle position but he has to be smarter when it comes to drawing penalties. The Bills rookie was tied for 10th in the NFL in penalties with 10 on the year, five of them being holdings. If Ford is able to clean up his hand placement and focus on directing his assignment rather than grabbing them, there is no doubt in my mind Ford can be an elite talent for years to come.