Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Draft Target: O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida)
O’Cyrus Torrence is a 6’5” 330 pound guard from Florida. He was a four-year starter in college, with the first three seasons being with the University of Louisiana. He has both the size and strength to be an immediate starter, and in the Buffalo Bills scheme could develop into a special player.
Torrence is rightfully considered the top-ranked guard in this year’s draft class, and as such will likely cost the Bills their first-round pick. The last time the Bills drafted an offensive lineman with their first selection was Ruben Brown in 1995, so taking Torrence would be highly out of character for them. However, Torrence has a unique blend of size, athleticism, measurables and technique that could make him a worthy exception.
The decision for the Bills is not whether Torrence is worth a first-rounder, but rather whether there are play-makers available at that draft slot that they prefer.
If Bijan Robinson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Zay Flowers is still available when the Bills select at pick #27 (or if they trade to move up and draft a pass-catcher) they may have to settle for a guard who is more of a developmental project. Thankfully there are several of those types of guards available this season who the Bills should be interested in.