If you are familiar with my work this Spring, follow me on Twitter, or saw my mock drafts, then you know I’m a huge proponent of building the offensive line. I became a fan of the Buffalo Bills in 1988 and remember those Bills team’s dominating opposing defenses.
I love the selection of O’Cyrus Torrence and can say I’ve never been more excited about a rookie lineman being selected. I wrote about Torrence weeks ago and cannot be more thrilled with a pick.
He doesn’t have the speed or quickness of a Broderick Jones but he’s bigger, at 6’5″ and 337 pounds. He will make a great option inside at right or left guard and will challenge for a starting spot on the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line.
There are those that think Torrence could play at the tackle position as well, but he didn’t play much at the position throughout his collegiate career. If a move to tackle is something the Buffalo Bills want to do, there is a belief he can succeed there but what does that learning curve look like?
Beane says O'Cyrus Torrence will start off at guard with the #Bills. He doesn't totally close the door on him working at tackle at some point, but that doesn't sound like the plan right away.
— Jay Skurski (@JaySkurski) April 29, 2023
Torrence played almost exclusively at right guard, which would be perfect for the Bills because current right guard Ryan Bates could move back to left guard, where he was far better two seasons ago; however, with McGovern in the mix, someone will be left on the bench.
Beane on where Torrence pick leaves Ryan Bates: We're going to still have him there at guard working, but he can get us out of a game at tackle and he'll probably back up Mitch at center. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) April 29, 2023
Buffalo Bills get great value with the selection of O’Cyrus Torrence in the second round
The one stat with Torrence that really sticks out though, he played a total of 3,065 snaps at the collegiate level as a four-year starter and has never given up a sack. This is a guy that was mocked in the first round on multiple occasions, including the 27th pick to the Buffalo Bills. Brandon Beane was able to wait till the 59th pick and got a steal.
Last offseason the Bills signed an offensive lineman via free agency, which I was thrilled with, and at that time thought the Bills might have the best offensive line of the McDermott era. I was clearly wrong. I love this draft selection and love the signing of McGovern and Edwards; however, I’m not saying a thing about how good this line could be as I don’t want to jinx anything.