Do the Buffalo Bills' recent player releases change their draft outlook? I think it does and here is why. With Ryan Bates being traded and Mitch Morse released, the depth on the Bills offensive line took a significant hit. The team could look to free agency to fill that need but drafting an offensive lineman or two should still be on Brandon Beane's list. Additionally, the team released Deonte Harty and has two other receivers pending free agency Gabe Davis and Trent Sherfield.
Clearly safety and cornerback are areas of need as well, with Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Siran Neal released. I also think that linebacker is an area not many are talking about but is a need too. Tyrel Dodson is a free agent and will probably be looking for a starting gig somewhere. I hope the Bills can retain him but wouldn't blame him for leaving to start somewhere else. Lastly, defensive tackle and potentially edge could be big needs too.
Brandon Beane will do his best to fill as many holes as he can through free agency. That's how he works too, using free agency to address needs, so he and the team can focus more on the best player available come draft day. So much of all this will change over the next couple of weeks too. Free agency kicks off later this week and we'll have a clearer picture of the Bills roster, but for now, let's look at what a five-round mock draft might look like after the releases and the confirmation of the comp pick the Bills received this year.