2014 NFL Draft grades: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are coming off a 6-10 season in which their first round rookie quarterback, EJ Manuel, failed to take any considerable leaps forward while dealing with injuries.  Buffalo has had to answer questions of relocation and future since the passing of owner Ralph C. Wilson in late March.  While the storm of uncertainty may be over, Bills fans were definitely looking at the 2014 Draft as the next opportunity to propel the team forward.  A team that has not made the playoffs since the 1999 season, the Bills, backed by seven picks, were looking to gain the necessary pieces to complete the puzzle.

Best Pick: Cyril Richardson

In the fifth round, and the 153 pick overall, the Bills nabbed Richardson, the guard out of Baylor.  A guy many saw going as high as the first round, and almost certainly no lower than the third, the Bills got at an extreme value pick. Richardson has some of the best power in this draft, and on the inside, can be a huge asset to a Bills team with a strong two-headed rushing attack.  He worked hard in the offseason to get to a respectable playing size and the work ethic was not to be ignored.

Worst Pick: Sammy Watkins

Before the fire and brimstone come beating down, let’s clarify, Sammy Watkins is the top-tier wide receiver in this draft; the guy is in a league of his own.  That being said, the Bills just traded away two first round picks hoping that would be the case.  Manuel severely needed targets to help take the pressure off him.  Stevie Johnson is gone (traded to the 49ers the day after Watkins was picked) and while Robert Woods looks good, the jury is still out.  With Watkins coming in at the fourth overall pick, he is going to be heavily leaned on to be everything the Bills need to propel them to the next level on offense.  While Watkins can almost assuredly handle the load, Buffalo bet against what could end up being another top ten pick in 2015.

Buffalo ended up with big names pick all across their draft board.  With Watkins early, followed by tackle Cyrus Kouandjio in round two, they started off big.  Kouandjio was a top 5 pick at points during the season, and at other times, he looked like a 3rd rounder at best.  If he can get back to the way he looked in 2012, this could be a great pick.  Preston Brown should be a nice help to Kiko Alonso on the outside and help to establish a strong linebacking core.  Ross Cockrell, the cornerback out of Duke, comes in a little undersized but with better than good ball skills, could factor in at safety if he is able to add to his body.  The Bills went with two fliers in the seventh round.  Randell Johnson has the physical prowess and athleticism to compete, but is going to need to refine his game.  At pick 237, Buffalo selected once number one prospect, Seantrel Henderson, tackle out of Miami.  Henderson has all the ability in the world, but for the last four years, he has shown absolutely zero desire to showcase any of it.  The upside makes this pick great, but does Henderson want to live up to it?

Final grade: B

With Doug Marrone entering his second year, the Bills really aren’t all that far away.  The addition of Watkins immediately gives the offense a home run type playmaker.  If both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller can stay healthy, the additions on the offensive line and defensive backfield should help push this team forward.  The Bills also picked up Bryce Brown on a draft day trade, furthering the notion they are looking to compete sooner rather than later.