If the Bills look for a defensive end in Round 2, Preston Smith would be a good fit. (Photo: Spruce Derden)
BBD Contributor: Brian Krosky
Now that the 2014-2015 NFL season has officially wrapped up, the Buffalo Bills enter the offseason looking to further improve on their first winning season since 2004 and continue to chase their first playoff birth since the turn of the millennium.
Although free agency has yet to begin and players can leave the Bills or sign with them, this year’s draft is vital to continue their progress in the fight to dethrone the New England Patriots atop the AFC East.
After trading up to select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins in last year’s draft, the Bills find themselves without a first- or fourth-round pick this year. Despite Watkins’ rookie success, the deal has been scrutinized due to the production that wide receivers selected later in the draft have had, as the 2014 class of wide receivers could end up being one of the best ever.
That said, the Bills are in possession of an extra fifth-round draft pick that they received in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from whom they received that pick and a 2014 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2014 fifth-round pick.
Not having a first-round pick could hurt the Bills, especially if they wanted to try to make a move and trade up to select one of this year’s top quarterbacks in Oregon’s Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s Jameis Winston. But nonetheless, the Bills should be able to select players this year that can fill positions of need and be developed to contribute.
Pick 1.19: Traded to Cleveland
Pick 2.19 (No. 50 Overall): Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
By hiring Rex Ryan as head coach and letting go of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Bills are back to running a 3-4 defense. Marcell Dareus will occupy the nose tackle position, but the Bills could use another defensive end to play opposite Kyle Williams, as Stefan Charles and Corbin Bryant are the only other interior defensive linemen on the roster.
While the Bills offense has needs, Rex Ryan’s team will more often than not draft defense over offense. The Jets drafted a defensive player with their first pick in each of his final five seasons with the team.
Preston Smith played multiple positions on the Bulldogs defensive line and projects best as a five-technique. His best asset is that he’s a facilitator on defense and can take up multiple blockers to allow defensive playmakers around him to make impact plays. Smith has a great swim move and plays with a great motor.
Pick 3.19 (No. 81 Overall): Clive Walford, TE, Miami
Scott Chandler is a good run blocker and was a good security blanket for Kyle Orton this past season, but the Bills starting tight end graded out with a -7.5 in the passing game according to Pro Football Focus. Chandler deserves a spot on the roster, but the Bills should look for a future replacement with more receiving ability.
Walford isn’t the top tight end in the class, but he would provide good value for any team in the third round. He can be a proponent in the passing game and provide help over the middle of the field.
Pick 5.1 (No. 129 overall): Quinton Spain, OG, West Virginia
Offensive guard was one of the Bills’ biggest problems area this past season, and was a big reason why Bills went from second in rushing yards in 2013 to 25th this year. Kraig Urbik and Erik Pears both graded well below zero, according to PFF. Although the Bills drafted Cyril Richardson and Cyrus Kouandijo in last year’s draft, they need immediate upgrades at the position, and Spain could provide.
Related: Bills sign Richie Incognito to one-year deal
Spain is a big blocker, listed at 6’4″ and 332 pounds by West Virginia’s official athletics website, and does a great job of keeping himself in front of defenders and containing them.
Garrett Grayson could be a developmental quarterback pick for the Buffalo Bills on Day 3 of the draft. (Photo: John David Mercer — USA Today Sports)
Pick 5.19 (No. 147 Overall): Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
Quarterback is the Bills’ biggest need. Having benched EJ Manuel in favor of Kyle Orton last year, they still finished with a winning record, but Orton’s retirement after the season leaves the Bills’ quarterback situation up in the air.
Grayson had an excellent senior season and gained recognition as a potential second-tier quarterback in this class. He possesses a strong arm and is a true pocket passer. He could potentially challenge Manuel for a starting spot this year, or replace him in the future.
Pick 6.19 (No. 178 Overall): Levi Norwood, WR, Baylor
After getting almost no value in return from the Mike Williams trade, the Bills front office should look into a tertiary receiver behind Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods, and someone with more potential to stretch the field than slot receiver Chris Hogan.
Norwood made many big plays in Baylor’s explosive offense, and he offered tremendous value on special teams with his return skills too. He could offer immediate impact down the field for Buffalo and contribute on special teams.
Pick 7.19 (#209 Overall): Ibraheim Campbell, FS, Northwestern
The later rounds aren’t often used to draft players to fill immediate needs, and are mostly used for teams to draft the highest-rated players on their boards. This pick would just be used for overall value.
Campbell is an intelligent safety who has good downfield speed and plays with a physical demeanor. He could potentially replace Da’Norris Searcy if he leaves via free agency this offseason.
