Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft Review

This was a huge draft for the Bills as they were targeting a future quarterback and had the second most picks in the entire draft. They got their quarterback and a couple other picks. Our Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft Review takes a look at how the Bills did.

Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #7: Josh Allen QB Wyoming

While Josh Allen has plenty of flaws, the one team that I felt was the best possible situation for him was the Bills because they are modeling their offense like what the Panthers built early in Cam Newton’s career. Allen will never be a pin point accurate thrower but the Bills have Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones who are both good contested catchers who can win 50/50 balls and bail Allen out. Add in Allen’s size, arm strength and mobility and he’s built to play in the cold Buffalo winters.

 

1st Round, Pick #16: Tremaine Edmunds LB Virginia Tech

Edmunds was my favorite prospect in the entire draft and our 6th overall prospect. So for the Bills to get him with the 16th overall pick was a tremendous steal in our opinion. Edmunds is a freak of an athlete for his size and the fact that he is still 19 years old means his ceiling could be limitless. Bills head coach Sean McDermott has had a lot of success with linebackers and could have his latest good one here. Expect Edmunds to play the middle linebacker role and the Bills could use him in more of aggressive type role like McDermott did when he was with the Eagles.

 

3rd Round, Pick #32: Harrison Phillips DT Stanford

Phillips is a stout run defender who at a minimum will be a good run stuffer in the middle of the Bills defense. Phillips is never going to be a good pass rusher but he does have the lateral agility to get around defenders and at least apply pressure. Phillips should be able to push Adolphus Washington and could be the eventual starter across from former Panther Star Lotulelei.

 

4th Round, Pick #21: Taron Johnson CB Weber State

In Carolina the Panthers routinely drafted cornerbacks in the mid rounds and did like to take small school prospects. With this regime coming over from the Panthers that practice has continued with Johnson who lacks the size and athletic ability to be a man corner but has the short area quickness to react to the ball in the air. Those are the traits that McDermott prefers and hopes that Johnson can be their next Josh Norman or Bene Benwikere.

 

5th Round, Pick #17: Siran Neal CB Jacksonville State

After taking Johnson in the fourth round the Bills come right back and take another cornerback to add more players to fit McDermott’s system. Unlike Johnson, Neal may end up moving back to safety where he does have experience playing. Neal has a similar type skill set to Micah Hyde who exceled this past season as the Bills starting safety. At a minimum Neal should contribute on special teams with his tackling ability.

 

5th Round, Pick #29: Wyatt Teller G Virginia Tech

Teller isn’t the greatest athlete but plays with good knee bend and leverage to hold the point of attack and show some power to move defenders. Buffalo is in desperate need of offensive line help and with Richie Incognito abruptly retiring it leaves an even bigger void. Teller will complete with Vlad Duccasse at right tackle and very well could win the job.

 

6th Round, Pick #13: Ray-Ray McCloud WR Clemson

Looking to add more weapons to the offense the Bills took a shot on McCloud who shows good quickness out of the slot. Injuries have slowed McCloud’s career at Clemson, but if he can stay healthy and contribute on special teams, he has a chance to make the roster. But for as weak as this receiving core is, he still has an uphill climb to make a roster spot.

 

7th Round, Pick #37: Austin Proehl WR North Carolina

With their final pick the Panthers went with some familiarity by adding the son of Ricky Proehl who use to coach with McDermott in Carolina. Austin is your typical slot receiver who chances direction well but he lacks a good catching radius and is undersized. This may be a little bit of a favor if anything.

 

Overall Grade: A

Best Pick: Tremain Johnson

Biggest Reach: Taron Johnson