Draft Grade: Buffalo Bills
Notable Picks
4th Overall: WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson)
Watkins is far and away the best receiver of the 2014 class, but is he worth the first and fourth round picks the Bills gave to move up and take him? Don’t expect Watkins to be the next Calvin Johnson, but he could very well be the next A.J. Green or Julio Jones. E.J. Manuel gets an elite target here for 2014 that Stevie Johnson turned out never to be in 2013.
44th Overall: OT Cyrus Kouandjio (Alabama)
Kouandjio entered the NFL with a lot of potential and also with many questions: his play in 2012 was excellent, but in 2013 he was wildly inconsistent. Which season is more indicative of what kind of player Kouandjio will be in the NFL? His knee issues are also concerning, and he will likely play right tackle for Buffalo, a position he has never played before. The Bills will hope his length (6’ 7” with 35 5/8” arms) and athleticism are enough to overcome his challenges.
73rd Overall: ILB Preston Brown (Louisville)
Brown has a wealth of experience already, being one of the few players in this draft to accumulate more than 300 tackles in his college career. He should fit in nicely alongside Kiko Alonso, who had an excellent rookie season last year.
237th Overall: OT Seantrel Henderson (Miami)
After drafting a player with as many questions as Kouandjio, it makes sense the Bills would seek insurance at the position by taking another tackle in this draft. The Bills got a steal here: Henderson’s stock took a big hit after three positive marijuana tests at Miami, and he admitted using drugs at the combine. This is a seventh round pick with first round talent. It’s easy to overlook off-the-field issues for that kind of value.
Final Grade: C+
Watkins may be a special player, but the Bills have far too many holes to be giving away future first round draft picks. Left guard, center, right tackle, both safety spots, and the nickel corner position could all use additional talent.
The Bills did a good job addressing right tackle with Kouandjio and Henderson, but those remaining positions of need are yet to be filled with quality players. But, if Manuel shows significant strides in his sophomore season, the trade up for Watkins may be worth the wait of filling out the rest of the team’s needs in later offseasons.
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