General manager Brandon Beane was busy over the past week addressing a number of roster needs for the Buffalo Bills. They improved the pass rush, strengthened the interior of the defensive line with three defensive tackles.
On the offensive side of the ball, they found Cole Beasley’s replacement in Jamison Crowder, added a backup tight end, two backup quarterbacks, and a pass-catching running back. At the time, it looked like Buffalo could take a step back and re-evaluate with a focus towards the NFL Draft with not many glaring needs.
When looking at the roster it likely came down to cornerback and interior offensive line but Buffalo likely could have gone with the best player available in the first round and let the board fall to them. However, that focus should change after the Miami Dolphins traded with the Kansas City Chiefs for Tyreek Hill. The cornerback position has to be a top priority that should be addressed before the NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills need a veteran cornerback as a backup plan for Tre’Davious White
If the Buffalo Bills knew that Tre’Davious White would be ready at the start of the season, the need wouldn’t be as great. However, the All-Pro cornerback is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered on Thanksgiving Night.
During the NFL Combine last month, general manager Brandon Beane mentioned that White was “on schedule” according to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. However, he didn’t provide a target date or what that schedule might look like.
If Buffalo doesn’t have White to start the season, as it stands right now Dane Jackson and Cam Lewis or Olaijah Griffin would be the starting cornerbacks on the outside. This is why it will be important to add a veteran cornerback, like Joe Haden, who could step in as the number one corner until White is able to return and then become an excellent number two corner.
Even with the addition of a veteran like Haden, he is not a long-term answer so Buffalo should look to add another cornerback early in the NFL Draft. This would give the defense depth at the position but eventually the starter that can pair with Tre’Davious White that settles this position for the next few years.
The Buffalo Bills almost certainly would have addressed cornerback this offseason but the need has become greater after the recent trade by the Miami Dolphins.