With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin
the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made.
The Buffalo Bills were a team that made waves during the draft process as they essentially
controlled the board with the immense draft capital they possessed. Everyone
knew the playbook for Brandon Beane in that his primary goal was to finally
secure a franchise quarterback for a team that hasn’t had a viable long term starter
for many years. As Beane maneuvered the board, some interesting outcomes
followed, let’s review…
Buffalo Bills 2018 Draft Class Review:
Round 1 – Pick 7 (7)
Josh Allen (QB)
Drafting a quarterback wasn’t the surprise for the
Bills, but the shock to some was that it was former Wyoming prospect Josh Allen.
Watching the draft board move in the direction it did, Beane was able to stand
firm until he saw his opportunity to jump the board trading up to the seventh
overall selection saving draft capital and still taking his player. While ADF
has reviewed much of Allen’s college tape and has heard a multitude of reports
from the best NFL scouts giving opinions that greatly vary, we believe that we
could have the answer to what the Bills saw/see in the young Josh Allen.
First and foremost, Allen has the complete package when
it comes to the size that any team would like from their starting quarterback -
measuring in at 6’5” tall and weighing in at 237 pounds. Second, Allen
possesses a trait that views to be generational with unquestionable arm talent
and strength. Josh is a student of the game and is known to be a film-rat which
got him comparisons to the likes of Carson Wentz in that regard. Also, Allen is
a much better athlete then some give him credit for and it should translate in
the NFL. In watching his game film and witnessing the arm talent where Allen
was able to fit passes into the tightest of windows with extreme zip on the
ball with perfect placement was a thing of beauty to watch.
With all that said, and all these positives noted,
Allen has a list of negatives that could cause great concern moving to the NFL.
Allen has never reached heights of a great completion percentage failing to see
60% in his entire college career, huge negative grade. Like all quarterbacks
that possess strong arms, they believe in their ability (maybe a little too
much) trying to force throws into areas other passers wouldn’t dare throw. One
aspect were Allen struggled the most was with anticipation causing him to be
late on throws and not giving his receivers the best opportunity to make a play
on the ball.
Finding a comparable quarterback who suffered low
completion percentages throughout his college career and turning things around
to have success at the next level, you don’t have to look further then the
great Brett Farve, a great comparison. While Allen has a boat load of upside,
he equally possesses red flags that could make a young career derail quickly if
he’s unable to correct his shortcomings.
ADF Prediction: High potential, low floor.
Round 1 – Pick 16 (16)
Termaine Edmunds (LB)
While the jury is out on the Bills first selection in
the 2018 draft, no one will argue the talent level of potential super-star line
backer Tremaine Edmunds. General Manager Brandon Beane showed his skill in the
first round as he was again able to move up the board when he saw a coveted player
fall to a level that he could afford without mortgaging the future. With
Edmunds still on the board at pick sixteen, the Bills knew they would have to
jump the LA Chargers to secure the top-ten talent.
Edmunds has freakishly great size for a middle line
backer measuring 6’5” tall, weighing 253 pounds and still being able to run a
blistering 4.54 40 time, very impressive. Anyone that has followed Bills Head
Coach Sean McDermott throughout his career would know he requires a top flight
MLB to make his defense work, much like the great Luke Kuechly in Carolina. Well
look no further Bills fans, Buffalo now has one of the best in the class and
will provide unbelievable playmaking ability for this defense, a true captain
in the middle.
ADF was a huge fan of Edmunds before the draft, and
now being teamed up with Sean McDermott should only bring out more positives
with greater instruction. Edmunds has the potential to be a natural superstar in
the NFL. Fantastic move up and selection by Beane and company.
ADF Prediction: Future NFL All-Star.
Round 3 – Pick 32 (96)
Harrison Phillips (DT)
As the Bills had no second round picks after moving up
the draft board in round one, selecting late on day two saw Buffalo choose an
intriguing player in defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. The strength of this
Bills squad is on the defensive side and it’s hard to argue them adding to that
with players of this caliber. Knowing that fan favorite Kyle Williams is essentially
on his way out after a long fantastic career, Phillips was pegged after the
draft as baby-Kyle Williams, not too shabby.
ADF would like to see Harrison live in the weight room
this summer to add much needed weight to a frame that could use an extra 20
pounds. Simply when it comes to this selection, I know the Bills fell in love
with the type of person his is. This man is a grinder that won’t quit on the
field which showed as he continuously made plays at Stanford. He will start his
career as a rotational player learning the game in hopes to take over the same
position held by Kyle Williams in the future.
ADF Prediction: Potential solid starter in
the future.
Round 4 – Pick 21 (121)
Taron Johnson (DB)
While the Bills were looking to receive an A+ grade
for the work they did thus far in the draft, this pick selecting Taron Johnson
was quite premature especially with viable higher talent sitting on the board.
Coach McDermott is very keen and believes in his system so much that he knows
what players it takes to make it work. Primarily running a zone scheme, Johnson
should fit in very well as his biggest strength is operating in zone coverage.
His playing speed might show better than what his 40 time suggested, but he’ll
have a lot to learn to make much of an impact other than another rotational player.
ADF Prediction: System
player, moderate to low upside.
Round 5 – Pick 17 (154)
Siran Neal (DB)
The trend of the Bills draft continues as Buffalo
selects another player that is extremely versatile being able to play both
corner and safety. Neal does have good size and rather above average athleticism
that should allow him to compete for playing time this season. This pick reeks
of more system situational purpose rather than selecting the best player on the
board. But yet again, Neal will have a great room of defensive backs to learn
form in Buffalo. True wait and see on Siran Neal.
Round 5 – Pick 29 (166)
Wyatt Teller (G)
With the retirement of Guard Ritchie Incognito and the
injury forced retirement of Center Eric Wood, it was clear the Bills would have
to address the offensive line at some point in this draft. They indeed did that
in the fifth round selecting former Virginia Tech Guard Wyatt Teller. This
draft was very deep in terms of offensive line talent and the Bills potently
got a future starter late in the draft. Wyatt has great size but will need to
add more weight and refine his skills to be assured of a starting role.
Projected to be selected as high as the third round, Buffalo might have hit
gold on this one.
Round 6 – Pick 13 (187)
Ray-Ray McCloud (WR)
Perhaps one of the most confusing selections in the
Bills draft class was the pick for Clemson Tiger Ray-Ray McCloud. An undersized
receiver that doesn’t possess great speed but does have reliable hands is the
take on McCloud. Having the ability to be a punt returner could’ve been the
reason the Bills chose to bring him to town.
Round 7 – Pick 37 (255)
Austin Proehl (WR)
If the Bills didn’t surprise
you with their sixth round pick, they again left you scratching your head in
drafting an even smaller receiver in the 5’9” Austin Proehl. If the name looks familiar,
it should, Austin is the son of former NFLer Ricky Proehl and he possesses
world class speed being clocked at 4.41 in his best 40 time. Buffalo is a town
of hard working people and Proehl should fit in perfectly in that regard. The odds
are against him from day one.
2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Matt
Boeson, LB/TE, TCU
Robert
Foster, WR, Alabama
Levi Wallace,
CB, Alabama
Gerhard de
Beer, OL, Arizona
Ike
Boettger, OL, Iowa
Ryan
Carter, DB, Clemson
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