The Buffalo Bills finished the 2013 season with a 6-10 record. While the team has made off-season improvements such as signing Brandon Spikes and Corey Graham, there is still work to be done. Here are the positions the Bills need to address during the 2014 NFL Draft.
Offensive Line
The Bills say they are happy with Cordy Glenn at left tackle, but the team could still use some offensive line help. Jake Matthews from Texas A&M is considered one of the safest prospects in the draft. He can play both right and left tackle positions as spent his first three years playing right tackle. In Matthews’ senior season, he moved over to left tackle to replace 2013 number two overall draft pick Luke Joeckel.
If Matthews isn’t on the board at number nine, then Zack Martin from Michigan is another viable option. Some believe he has the makings of a standout tackle, while others argue he’s better long term at guard. No matter your opinion, most would agree he is an excellent prospect who has a bright future in the NFL.
Tight End
I know what you’re thinking, the Bills have already re-signed tight end Scott Chandler to a two-year contract. While that’s true, I wouldn’t completely rule out the team drafting Eric Ebron from North Carolina.
Sure the Bills have Chandler, Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods and the newly acquired Mike Williams, but they lack a game-changer. Just the presence of Ebron would create mismatches as he has the speed to stretch defenses, which would create more opportunities for Chandler, Johnson, Woods and Williams. Ebron is too big at 6’4 250 pounds for cornerbacks to handle at the line of scrimmage, but he’s quick enough to blow past linebackers and safeties.
If Bills’ Head Coach Doug Marrone wants to make quarterback EJ Manuel’s job a lot easier, then the Bills should draft Ebron.
Linebacker
The Bills added linebacker Keith Rivers this off-season, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations throughout his career. Expect the team to look for another linebacker during round two and three of the draft. Chris Borland from Wisconsin, Telvin Smith from Florida State and Christian Kirksey will all be options the Bills could consider.
Running Back
Don’t be surprised if the Bills draft a running back at some point during the draft. The team still does have C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson on their roster, but both are scheduled to become free agents after the 2014 season. Carlos Hyde from Ohio State, Lache Seastruck, or Bishop Sankey could all be options later on in round two or three of the NFL Draft.
