By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The NFL Draft is arguably the most exciting time of the year for NFL franchises. The influx of new blood and the seemingly infinite potential of many of these players bolster every roster.
However, there are bound to be some losers in this exchange. For every player draft, there is a roster spot that they are competing with veterans.
The Buffalo Bills added eight players to the roster via the draft, while also signing several undrafted free agents and inviting a handful of players to mini-camp.
Let’s examine how several players and position groups are impacted by this year’s draft:
Stock up
Defensive line
First round selection Ed Oliver adds a level of talent, explosiveness, and tenacity to the interior of the line. The amazing idea about this selection is that it will most likely not take away a roster spot from a veteran, as the team lost 13-year veteran Kyle Williams due to retirement. Thus, Oliver won’t be “stealing” a spot while helping the remainder of players on the line. He may take on a few of the snaps from Harrison Phillips and Jordan Phillips, but with so many snaps available from Williams’ retirement, the players could see similar playing time comparable to last year.
In addition, Oliver will command more attention from opponents offensive linemen. This will free up ends Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy, along with any blitzing linebackers, to have easier paths to the quarterback. Oliver is a master at attacking gaps, which means opponents will need to plan for how to limit his effectiveness. In turn, offensive lines may be stretched a bit thin when facing Buffalo this year.
QB Josh Allen
The second-year quarterback was a winner in free agency with the Bills moves, and he is going to reap the benefits from this year’s draft as well. Offensive lineman Cody Ford could be the biggest catch for the Bills offense this year. The Oklahoma product has experience playing tackle and guard. Thus, Buffalo’s coaching staff can experiment with the line, as most of the players on the line have the versatility to slot in multiple places. Thus, the team can easily put together the line like a puzzle, finding the best pieces for the five-man unit. This will help with pass protection, allowing Allen to further develop his pocket presence.
TE Tyler Kroft
Buffalo drafted Dawson Knox, an intriguing prospect, in the third round. However, Knox is relatively new to the position, as he switched to the tight end spot in college. He will need some time to develop his technique as he adjusts to the pro game. Therefore, players such as Jason Croom and Tyler Kroft should be fairly safe in their pursuit of playing time. Kroft signed to the Bills roster on a three-year deal, but the contract is basically a one-year “prove it” contract.
Wide receivers room
Buffalo drafted exactly zero wide receivers during the three-day draft extravaganza. It was apparent that general manager Brandon Beane would not select a wideout for the sake of picking one. The team seems content with what they have at the position after their free agent signings. The team did sign two undrafted free agents, West Virginia’s David Sills and Iowa’s Nick Easley, after the conclusion of the draft. Sills is an interesting prospect who could make some noise. But without investing a high draft pick at the position, this indicates that the team is ready to go with their current options. Of those options, Duke Williams, the big-bodied from the CFL, might be the bigger winner of them all.
Competition
Yeah, buddy. If you’re ready to see some players battle for roster spots, the challenge starts now. The offensive line is squeezed by one position. Thus, free agent signees such as Ty Nsehke, Jon Feliciano, LaAdrien Waddle, Mitch Morse, Quinton Spain, and Spencer Long will have to battle incumbents Dion Dawkins, Wyatt Teller, Conor McDermott, and Russell Bodine for playing time and depth roster spots. The Bills will be able to find the best five out of this group.
Stock down
RB LeSean McCoy
It’s no secret that McCoy, whose 2018 was forgettable and is entering the final year of his contract, might not be on the Bills radar as part of their long-term play. With the selection of Devin Singletary in the third round, the backfield is getting pretty crowded. Buffalo also has Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon in the fold. Marcus Murphy, Keith Ford, and Senorise Perry could have depth roles/ special teams implications on the squad as well. Simply, there are too many bodies for too few roster spots.
Offensive line
While the idea of competition should bring out the best among the offensive line, it will, unfortunately, mean that some players, include recent Beane draft selections, will not make the final 53-man roster. While many are excited by the possibilities that the free agent signings bring to improving the roster, the cold hard truth is that they all will not be here in September.
QBs Matt Barkley, Derek Anderson
This one comes as a late addition. The Bills signed quarterback Tyree Jackson only moments after the NFL draft and also showed one thing, when the team says they want competition they’re serious. The QB room seemed set in stone. Allen is starter, Barkley is your No. 2 and Anderson is your three/ QB coach-type backup/ break glass in case of emergency guy.
In signing Jackson, the Bills now have a project behind their project in Allen. Both have a similar skill set and workout together in the offseason. Jackson should see a great chance at a backup job, and this team isn’t keeping four QBs. So unless Jackson is traded, something’s got to give, he’ll be plucked off the practice squad if the Bills try that.