Grading the Buffalo Bills 2014 Draft

By Luke Inman on Tuesday, May 13th 2014
Grading the Buffalo Bills 2014 Draft

The Buffalo Bills made the first big splash in the draft pool on Thursday night trading up five spots to grab the top receiver in the class in Sammy Watkins.  Later, after three-quality offensive lineman were selected to conclude their draft, the message was clear from the Bills front office, and that was to provide last years first-round pick E.J. Manuel the talent to succeed.  Follow along as we break down the Bills draft pick-by-pick.   

 

First Round, Fourth Pick:Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson

A hefty price to pay for Watkins, the Bills gave up next years first-rounder for the flashy play-maker.  The Bills then traded former starter Stevie Johnson to the Forty-Niners for just a fourth-rounder.  So by the time the dust settled, the Bills gave up two first-rounders (2014 and 2015) to replace Johnson with Watkins, making me question if the Bills front-office ever thought this plan out.  Still, the main goal was to surround E.J. Manuel the talent to progress from year one to year two, and grabbing Watkins certainly helps that plan come to fruition.   (Grade: B-)

 

Second Round, 44th Pick: Cyrus Koundjio, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Very early in the draft process Koundijo was considered a lock to become a first-round selection.  As time went on however, it was revealed he had giant red-flags about his knee and long term health, on top of being quick enough to be a starting left tackle in the NFL.  The Bills would be wise to throw Koundijo on the right-side where he can dominate as a run blocker with his size and strength as long as his knees hold up.  (Grade: B)

 

Third Round, 73rd Pick: Preston Brown, Iniside Linebacker, Louisville 

Pure and simple Brown is an athlete, as him being recruited to play both sides of the ball would suggest.  Brown stuck with defense and his decision payed off, as he lead the Louisville Cardinals in tackles the past two seasons.  A quiet pick that should be getting more recognition when you think about him teaming up with last years defensive rookie of the year Kiko Alonso.  (Grade: B)

 

Fourth Round, 109th Pick: Ross Cockrell, Cornerback, Duke

A coach couldn’t draw up a player much better, as Cockrell was a two-time captain for his team and a leader on and off the field.  Although a tad undersized, Cockrell is a film-junkie that has the smarts to outwit his opponent, much like Mike Evans who was held to a minimal four catches for 86 yards.  Eight-interceptions in his past two-seasons helped him earn first team All-ACC honors, and will get every opportunity to earn a starting position opposite of Stephen Gilmore. (Grade: B-) 

 

Fifth Round, 153rd Pick: Cyril Richardson, Offensive Guard, Baylor

My favorite pick for the value, Richardson was one of many highly regarded guards that slipped on draft weekend.  Richardson’s loss is the Bills gain as they acquire a massive framed mauler who has some flaws, but is too talented not to earn the starting job by week one.  If your counting at home the Bills added two starting offensive lineman with their second and fifth-round picks.  (Grade: A)

 

Sixth Round, 221st Pick: Randell Johnson, Outside Linebacker, Florida Atlantic 

A big (6’3”) long armed linebacker that played linebacker, defensive line and special teams.  The Bills likely saw a physical specimen with the potential to come in and compete for a starting job someday while contributing on special teams.  Johnson has the raw talent to make the 53-man roster, but is nothing more than a developmental pick at this point.  I don’t mind the pick, but with Jackson Jeffcoat and Jonathan Brown still on the board there was better options out there. (Grade: D+)

 

Seventh Round, 237th Pick: Seantreal Henderson, Offensive Tackle, Miami

It must be made clear, Henderson has legitimate first-round talent, and could easily have a job as a starting left tackle in the NFL someday.  Saying that, Henderson’s background is loaded with red flags concerning numerous off the field issues as well as a major lack of effort on the field, which was why he fell on draft day.  If coaches can squeeze the potential lying under Henderson’s tattoos and midsection out of him, then they will have one of the best value picks of this class.  Certainly worth the risk for a late seventh-round selection.  A potential starting left-tackle, to go along with Richardson and Koundijo, and all of a sudden the Bills have a completely new line with loads of talent, for Manuel and Spiller.  (Grade: A-)

 

When you look at this draft as a whole, the Bills made major moves on the offensive side of the ball adding three highly talented offensive linemen as well as the best receiver of the class in Sammy Watkins.  Grabbing the three lineman will help the Bills win in the trenches come December in a cold atmosphere while they get back to smash-mouth football.  Watkins gives the team a home-run threat every time he touches the ball and is an exciting move for the franchise and fan base. 

Brown and Cockrell are solid additions that will play their first years and contribute frequently on defense and special teams.  All good things to say should lead to a positive grade, however giving up Stevie Johnson for a fourth-round pick essentially means two-first rounders were given up to swap Watkins and Johnson, and that puts a bad taste in my mouth, especially considering that pick could be in the top-10 again next year.  

Final Grade:  C+

 

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