Buffalo could take another Clemson Tiger with a possible 4th overall pick.
By Nick Wojton / Billswore.usatoday.com
It’s never too early to look toward the future, right?
Well, maybe July is a tad early…
Even MMQB writer Albert Breer admitted as much in his recent column on the 2019 NFL draft. In his story, published on Wednesday on the 2019 NFL draft, Breer goes as far as writing a mock draft.
There was little faith in the 2018 Buffalo Bills shown in it. Breer has the Bills on the board at fourth-overall. No record is predicted for Buffalo’s season, however, the Houston Texans (traded to Cleveland), landed in that slot in the most recent draft with a 4-12 record.
Ouch.
In that spot, Breer has the Bills taking an interesting player. Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell. Here’s Breer’s analysis on the pick:
Part of the question with Ferrell is centered on his measureables, but he has an incredible knack for beating tackles and getting to the quarterback. And yes, the Bills have a checkered history with drafting Clemson players, but Ferrell is where fit meets need and both meet position value.
At 6-foot-5 and 260-pounds, Ferrell has the frame for the position. In 2017 with the Tigers, the sophomore racked up 66 tackles, including 18 for loss, with 9.5 sacks.
Breer is likely referencing previous first-round picks Sammy Watkins and Shaq Lawson in his analysis, but the Bills shouldn’t be hesitant because of that. Ferrell is an interesting selection because of Buffalo’s current offseason, where they made it a point to address their defensive front-seven.
The Bills signed Trent Murphy to a three-year, $21 million contract in March. Jerry Hughes will still have another year left on his contract after the upcoming season. Lawson will also likely have one more, but if he improves in 2018 and 2019, Buffalo will have the ability to pick up his fifth-year option.
With a rookie quarterback in Josh Allen selected in 2018, it seemed much more likely the Bills would like to start building around him soon. Probably at the 2019 draft.