Was the 2015 Draft a Sign of Things to Come for the Buffalo Bills?
- Alex Rugile
- May 5, 2015
- 3 min read
The 2015 NFL Draft was, for the most part, free of any drama and surprises. For the Bills, not having a first round pick may have worked to their advantage. Having filled most of their needs through free agency and trades, the Bills were able to take the best available player on their draft board for each of their six picks over the weekend. While there are many people saying the Bills reached for certain players in this year’s draft, one thing seems to be apparent; the Bills are loading this roster with plenty of talent. Furthermore, the Bills selected several players that were on the same team as EJ Manuel.
That could mean that Rex Ryan and the Bills front office may be putting all their chips into EJ’s basket. Or it could also mean that Jimbo Fisher runs a great program at Florida State University. In my opinion, the Bills are putting their faith in EJ Manuel, and adding weapons he’s familiar with from college will only help improve his gameplay to the next level. And that’s something that has one Bills fan in particular very excited to get this season underway.
With their first pick in the Draft, the Bills selected cornerback Ronald Darby. Darby was a track star in high school and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the Combine. Some people say the Bills reached for Darby at 50, noting that he has small hands and he doesn’t catch as many balls as he should when they’re thrown his way. Ronald Darby does, however, have plenty of quickness and athleticism, and is one of the better cover corners to come out of this draft class; which is something the Bills could use to their advantage thanks to their elite pass rushers.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills drafted running back Karlos Williams and tight end Nick O’Leary, both from Florida State as well. O’Leary was one of EJ’s favorite targets during his time at FSU, and with the new Greg Roman run offense, we could see multiple Tight End formations on gameday. O’Leary has great hands and YAC ability, and will compliment Charles Clay nicely on offense. Nick O’Leary may also get lined up as a fullback or wide receiver, depending on what Rex and Roman have in mind for him on offense.
Karlos Williams may be one of the most underrated RB’s in this draft class. While the Bills traded for LeSean McCoy and also have Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown, and Anthony Dixon, Williams could perform well on special teams and maybe even as a situational runner. While McCoy will likely be the main back, don’t be surprised to see Williams on the field either. Williams is a bruiser who likes to initiate contact at the line of scrimmage, and he even played linebacker during the 2012 ACC Championship Game, where he had 11 tackles.
With all these moves, it appears the Bills are ready to make a move in the AFC East this season. They have added depth in several positions while also adding quality to both sides of the ball. If everything pans out, EJ Manuel can take the reins of this offense and feel comfortable thanks to not only Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, LeSean McCoy, and Percy Harvin, but also thanks to his old teammates Karlos Williams and Nick O’Leary. Having all those weapons at his disposal will certainly help EJ’s confidence.
Add in their seventh round pick, Dezmin Lewis, and there’s plenty to look forward too. Lewis is a monster athlete. At 6’4”, Lewis has the ability to high point the ball and gets separation form his defenders due to his lanky arms and subtle quickness. Many experts have compared Lewis to Pittsburgh Steelers wide out Martavius Bryant, a comparison that would make Bills fan happy if they can get any type of production from him. Finding a way to get all these weapons the ball is going to be something to watch as the season progresses. One thing is for sure; it’s going to be interesting this season in Western New York, no matter who the quarterback will be, thanks to the bevy of talent on the Bills’ roster.
Alex Rugile @alexrugile
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