It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick him. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results, and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The Buffalo Bills are on the clock.
It’s Year 2 of the Doug Marrone era and general manager Doug Whaley has some needs to address.
While they shored up some holes on defense in free agency, the Bills offense still lacks a little firepower. The organization must decide where they’d like to invest: in the trenches or on the outside.
The Bills lack depth on the offensive line. Left tackle Cordy Glenn exceeded expectations and showed off his tremendous pass-blocking skills. Left guard Chris Williams agreed on a four-year deal despite having a subpar season in 2013 and center Erik Wood is a consistent force in the middle of the line. They can still get better, though. So, who should the Bills select with the No. 9 overall pick?
1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles
4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel
5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M WR Mike Evans
8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State QB Derek Carr
Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews
If the Bills are looking to play it safe, they should opt for Matthews. After playing four seasons in College Station, the 6-foot-5, 308-pound tackle appears to be the most steady selection at No. 9 overall. On top of that he’s a natural athlete, coming from the Matthews bloodline.
North Carolina TE Eric Ebron
A tight end in the top 10? Ask San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis how that worked out. Ebron, who averaged 17 yards a catch during his three-year career in Chapel Hill, has the size and speed combination to excel in the league. Adding Ebron would give EJ Manuel a big target in the middle of the field.
Michigan OT Taylor Lewan
Lewan had a decorated career in Ann Arbor, including being named a two-time All American. The 6-foot-7, 309-pound tackle has very good balance and tremendous length. Lewan can easily be a 10-year starter and has been compared to Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder.
Notre Dame OT Zack Martin
Martin started 52 games at Notre Dame, which is a school record. He’s light on his feet and is very athletic for his 6-foot-4, 308-pound frame. Adding Martin would give the Bills a very dependable lineman.
UCLA OLB Anthony Barr
The Bills solidified their defensive line via free agency, but could use another pass rusher. Barr would thrive in a system that has him rushing the passer every down. He has the natural bend and athleticism to play multiple positions on the field.
