Buffalo Bills: Offseason Needs

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Draft Picks:

Rd 1, Pick 3 (3)
Rd 2, Pick 2 (34)
Rd 3, Pick 4 (68)
Rd 4, Pick 3 (100)
Rd 4, Pick 25 (122)
Rd 5, Pick 2 (133)
Rd 6, Pick 4 (169)
Rd 7, Pick 3 (206)
Rd 7, Pick 42 (245)

Needs:

1. Left Tackle: The Bills have been looking for a blindside protector for a couple of years now, and need to find a solution this season. Unfortunately there isn’t an option at the top of this draft meaning the Bills will either need to find someone in rounds 2 and 3 or look towards free agency.

2. Outside Linebacker: The Bills made the transition to the 3-4 last year, but unfortunately they haven’t found found the pass rushers to make the switch effectively. Adding a top tier pass rusher like Von Miller is a key priority for them in the top 2 rounds.

3. Defensive End: The Bills released Marcus Stroud this offseason which leaves them pretty thin along the line. The Bills could look to add a 3-4 end in the mid-rounds and strengthen their front 7.

4. Right Tackle: While their LT need is greater, the Bills need to find a long term solution at RT as well. Buffalo has allowed quite a bit of pressure off the edge, and that simply has to change if this team is going to get out of the basement. The Bills could look to the mid-rounds to find a potential starter at RT.

5. Quarterback: Ryan Fitzpatrick showed that he is a capable starting quarterback in this league, but he really isn’t Buffalo’s longterm answer. While I think the Bills will forgo taking a signal caller at the top of round 1 they could look for an option in rounds 2 or 3.

6. Guard: When Chad Rienhardt is penciled in as one of our starting guards, it might be time to find a better option. The Bills might try some various internal options, but if they find good value with a guard in the mid-late rounds it would make a lot of sense for Buffalo.

7. Cornerback: Buffalo has decent starting corners, but they lack depth and elite talent. If for some reason Von MIller is off the board in round one, they could consider going after Patrick Peterson. You can never have enough corner back depth when you play in the same division as Tom Brady.

8. Wide Receiver: Steve Johnson emerged as a pretty good number 1 receiver, but the Bills might look to release veteran Lee Evans as his contract is getting pretty pricey. Buffalo has good depth, but it is a lot of fairly young unproven talent. Adding a veteran could be the best option for Buffalo.

9. Tight End: The Bills have gotten zero production from the tight ends of late and that is something that simply has to change if Buffalo wants to take their game to the next level. Look for a mid-late round TE pick, with an emphasis on finding a pass catcher.

10. Inside Linebacker: The Bills have injury or free agency concerns with the majority of their inside backers meaning, this position should be addressed at some point during the draft to ensure there is some depth there.

Summary:

Buffalo showed a lot of promise down the stretch last season, and found some emerging young talents to build around. The Bills need to find some quality offensive linemen, and a couple playmakers on defense, but otherwise they are looking pretty good for the future. I don’t think Ryan Fitzpatrick will lead Buffalo to a SB trophy, but I think he can keep the seat warm as the build up a good team, and develop a future starter.