1st/27 Tre’Davious White, CB
Ht.: 5’11 Wt.: 192 School: LSU
After moving down from the 10th pick, Buffalo was able to accumulate picks and find their replacement for Stephon Gilmore. White is a quick twitch athlete who thrives using his instincts to fly up and disrupt the ball at the catch point. His ability to play off coverage fits right into Head Coach Sean McDermott’s zone based scheme while having the versatility to play either outside or in the slot.
2nd/37 Zay Jones, WR
Ht.: 6’2 Wt.: 201 School: East Carolina
The addition of Zay Jones fills a major need as the Bills lost four of their top five receivers from the 2016 season. Jones compliments the explosive Sammie Watkins well as he provides Tyrod Taylor a big receiver who catches everything in sight to help move the chains. Having Jones also gives the Bills another top flight receiver to provide some insurance since Watkins has never played a full season.
2nd/63 Dion Dawkins, OG
Ht.: 6’4 Wt.: 314 School: Temple
For a team that wants to run the ball Dion Dawkins is going to fit in perfectly with his strength and nasty demeanor. Dawkins moves well for his size and plays with good pad level and hand usage. He projects to move inside to guard as he’s better in a phone booth, but with Dawkins’ 35” arms Buffalo could use him outside at tackle which is the Bills biggest weakness along the offensive line.
5th/163 Matt Milano, LB
Ht.: 6’1 Wt.: 223 School: Boston College
Linebackers are a huge part of Sean McDermott’s defense in Carolina where had success with undersized players like Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson. Milano is not going to be confused with those players but he has the speed and quickness to run and chase while sneaky power to come up and make plays.
5th/171 Nathan Peterman, QB
Ht.: 6’3 Wt.: 226 School: Pittsburgh
Playing in a pro-style offense under center Peterman was considered to be the most pro ready of any the quarterbacks in this class. He will compete with Cardale Jones for the backup job and depending on how Peterman performs in practice it could make their decision on Taylor next off season much easier.
6th/195 Tanner Vallejo, LB
Ht.: 6’1 Wt.: 228 School: Boise State
After taking the undersized Milano in the fifth round the Bills double back with their final pick adding another undersized linebacker that fits their scheme. Vallejo excels in space using change of direction skills and the acceleration to attack the ball. Special teams is where Vallejo will make his mark while filling a coverage role on defense.
Best Pick
Dawkins (second round)
Upside Pick
Peterman (fifth round)
Overall Thoughts
The first draft with Sean McDermott as head coach has to be considered a success as the Bills were able to move back to accumulate future draft picks while still finding impact need fits. Day three allowed them to get prospects that really fit their specific scheme.
Grade: A
