NFL mock draft, needs: Bills
Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.
For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.
No. 1 Team Need: Quarterback
Silva's Analysis
Buffalo likely views journeyman Matt Cassel as no more than a short-term "bridge." It didn't take long for the Bills to conclude E.J. Manuel isn't the answer. As Buffalo's passing-game weapons largely consist of smaller short-to-intermediate run-after-catch types, the Bills could use a distributor at quarterback capable of throwing with timing and anticipation. At Stanford (Andrew Luck) and in San Francisco (Colin Kaepernick), new Bills OC Greg Roman has a history of working with athletic signal callers.
No. 2 Team Need: Offensive Line
Silva's Analysis
The Bills intend to play ground-and-pound power football under Roman and new coach Rex Ryan. Roman's rushing offenses in San Francisco were multiple, but he primarily ran a gap scheme, and Ryan has stated his intention to "build a bully" in Buffalo. The Bills need maulers up front. They could use upgrades at both right guard and right tackle. Incumbent RT Seantrel Henderson may have a promising future, but he was one of the worst right tackles in football last year. The Bills' guard play has been atrocious across the board.
No. 3 Team Need: Safety
Silva's Analysis
Aaron Williams should have free safety locked down, but strong safety will be up for grabs after the Bills lost Da'Norris Searcy in free agency. While potential in-house replacement Duke Williams did play about half of Buffalo's 2014 defensive snaps, it's unclear whether Rex will be satisfied with him as a full-time safety. At very least, he should face competition. Ryan typically utilizes his free safety in center field and his strong safety as a tone setter.
Norris' Mock Draft:
Round 2
(50): QB Bryce Petty, Baylor - I have this odd, almost sickening feeling Petty will be selected in the second round. He certainly checks boxes many teams look for: arm, athletic, and a "franchise" face. His issues arise when something breaks down around him, like pressure in the pocket or throwing to a second-covered read. Petty has not displayed the innate skills in a closing pocket that I look for.
Round 3 (81): G John Miller, Louisville - Miller is an explosive blocker who has experience on both the right and left side in Bobby Petrino's offense. He can move blockers off the ball at the line of scrimmage or get to the second level. Miller is also a personal favorite.
Round 5 (155): S Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern - This type of statement might not be well received, but if Campbell played at a different school he would receive more media attention. He will have to play close to the line of scrimmage, however, he is aggressive and assertive. He fits Rex's mentality of a head-hunting strong safety.
Round 6 (187): DL Derrick Lott, UTC - Lott tested as an above average athlete for the position and has similarities to Giants 2014 third-round pick Jay Bromley. His best role will be in sub-package sets as an interior disruptor.
Round 6 (193): LB Bryce Hager, Baylor - I've read praise of Hager's ability in coverage. After trading Kiko Alonso, this is more of a depth selection.
Round 7 (234): OL Tayo Fabuluje, Kansas State - Evan called for power, mauling and bullying blockers. Fabuluje is all strength and frame and no technique or bend. Sometimes size alone is enough for blockers to win.
Bills Current First-Team Offense
QB: Matt Cassel
RB: LeSean McCoy
FB: Jerome Felton
WR: Sammy Watkins
WR: Percy Harvin
TE: Charles Clay
LT: Cordy Glenn
LG: Richie Incognito
C: Eric Wood
RG: Kraig Urbik
RT: Seantrel Henderson
Bills Current First-Team Defense
RE: Kyle Williams
LE: Stefan Charles
NT: Marcell Dareus
OLB: Jerry Hughes
OLB: Mario Williams
ILB: Nigel Bradham
ILB: Preston Brown
CB: Stephon Gilmore
CB: Leodis McKelvin
FS: Aaron Williams
SS: Duke Williams
