The Buffalo Bills closed out Day 3 in the same place it started on the offensive line with the selection of offensive guard Jack Anderson. He is an experienced offensive guard who started 38 games over four seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was also named to the first-team All-Big 12 team for his play this past season.
He also reportedly has some position flexibility at the center position. During an interview with The Jet Press, he told Justin Fried that he practiced at center during his time at Texas Tech and he also lined up there during practice leading up to the Senior Bowl.
Quick reaction grade for the Bills selection of Jack Anderson: C+
The positives with this selection are that the Buffalo Bills get an experienced offensive guard who stepped in as a starter as a true freshman. He was a mainstay for that offensive line for the better part of four seasons, outside of 2019 when he missed most of the year due to a shoulder injury.
The one thing that would drastically change this grade is whether or not he can be a starting center. This is an area the Bills could use some depth behind Mitch Morse. They do have Jon Feliciano, who could step in long-term, but in that scenario, it then pulls him away from right guard. This then creates a hole on the offensive line and the coaching staff is left to find his replacement at right guard.
If Jack Anderson could be that backup center and step in if Morse was to miss extended period of time, this becomes an excellent selection at this point in the 2021 NFL Draft. At a minimum, the Bills get a good backup guard but the position versatility would be a huge boost.