As the 2019 NFL Draft inches closer, the Buffalo Bills off-season plans inch closer to fruition. They started with calculated moves in free agency on both offense and defense, setting themselves up to draft the best player available with each pick. Now as pro days come to a close, teams have a more complete draft profile on the players and likely know who they’re taking. As a result, the focus now shifts from overarching draft outlooks to specific players and fit.
First Round NFL Draft Targets for the Buffalo Bills
The Bills hold the ninth pick in the first round and come into the draft looking to upgrade at several positions, while simultaneously not seeing one area of need as more glaring than the others. Operating with their “best player available” mindset when it comes to draft picks, the Bills will have many solid options in the first round. Depending on how the eight picks before them shake out, they could be looking at drafting a top tier offensive or defensive player, or trading back and acquiring more picks.
Ed Oliver
The defensive tackle out of Houston had an interesting year. He started out the season as a top-three prospect on many big boards, then had injuries and a sideline confrontation with his head coach over a coat. On the field, he possesses explosiveness and versatility along the defensive line that pegs him as a poor man’s Aaron Donald at worst. There may be some character concerns after his sideline stunt, but there may be more to the story. Plus, after attempting to trade for Antonio Brown, the Bills appear to be more accepting of players with a little dirt on them. If Oliver is still on the board at nine, he very well could hear his named called by Buffalo to fill the hole Kyle Williams left when he retired.
Jonah Williams
The offensive lineman out of Alabama comes out as the most polished and decorated offensive lineman in this class. He was the anchor of the Crimson Tide line and a standout at left tackle. The only real knock against him is that he doesn’t possess ideal size for an NFL left tackle, which is why some have pegged him to play guard in the league instead. Regardless of where he lines up, his technique and work ethic make him a surefire starter on a weekly basis. The Bills made multiple signings in free agency to bolster the line, but many of them were short term deals and veteran players. Adding some quality youth and versatility in the form of Williams could be very intriguing to the Bills.
Jawaan Taylor
The offensive tackle out of Florida has been climbing up the draft boards and is ranked by some as the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft. Whereas Jonah Williams is technique and accolades, Taylor represents potential and measurables. He possesses ideal and elite size, along with a nasty streak in the run game. His pass blocking could use some work as he’s not the most polished prospect, but his ceiling has some salivating. He might not be available at nine with how fast he’s been rising, but if he’s there he will be definitely be worth a consideration.
Rashan Gary
The defensive end out of Michigan represents another player who has the tools and potential to be an impact player in the NFL. Gary impressed scouts with his work at the combine and furthered the talk of the potential that he has. He can line up at multiple positions along the defensive line and if he can add more moves to his pass rush, he can be dominant. He did well in college because of his talent but will need more technique and consistency to succeed in the NFL. The raw tools he has are at the center of the talk around him, and he’s definitely another “high ceiling” type of player. Drafting Gary or any defensive end this early, could also signal the end for Shaq Lawson in Buffalo.
Trade Back
Based on where the Bills sit in the first round of the draft, they could be candidates to trade back. If a run on quarterbacks happens, a team may feel the need to climb up and secure their signal caller of the future and getting into the top ten would be ideal for some. Buffalo could trade back and still potentially get one of the four players mentioned here, or they could opt for a wide receiver late in the first round. D.K. Metcalf had the world talking after the combine, and you have other receivers like Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry who makes catches like this. Getting a receiver seems more likely for the second or third round of the draft given the moves the Bills made in free agency, but you never know based on how the draft can shake out.
To Sum It All Up
The Buffalo Bills NFL Draft targets outlined here represent talent and fit based on how the Buffalo Bills are looking to draft and play. With their “best player available” draft philosophy, everything really comes down to what happens the first eight picks before them. No matter what they do, they will have the opportunity to draft a blue-chip prospect in the first round if they stay at ninth overall. If they trade back, the capital they’ll acquire will allow them to add more depth to the team or even potentially trade back up if they see someone they didn’t think would fall (like Tremaine Edmunds last year). Get your tables ready Bills fans, it should be good.
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