With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Buffalo Bills find themselves in an exciting position. On paper, they have one of the best rosters in the league, with a talented mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players. However, as any football fan knows, the draft is an important opportunity for teams to address any holes in their roster and solidify their position as top contenders. While the Bills may have a strong foundation, there are still some areas that they will need to address in the upcoming draft.
Let’s take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Buffalo Bills’ current roster and the potential impact of the upcoming draft.
Offense:
The Bills’ offense had a breakout season in 2019, ranking 10th in the league in total yards and 23rd in points scored. Led by dynamic quarterback Josh Allen, the offense showed flashes of brilliance with their high-flying passing game and explosive rushing attack. The addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the offseason only adds to the excitement surrounding this unit.
However, there is still room for improvement. The Bills’ offensive line struggled at times, allowing Allen to be sacked 38 times last season. This is an area that the team will need to address in the draft to protect their young quarterback and give him more time in the pocket.
Defense:
The Bills’ defense was one of the most dominant units in the league last season, ranking 3rd in total yards allowed and 2nd in points allowed. Led by a stout defensive line and a talented secondary, this defense was a force to be reckoned with. But even with this success, there are still some areas that need to be addressed.
The departure of veteran defensive tackle Star Lotulelei leaves a hole in the middle of the line that will need to be filled. And while the secondary was impressive, adding depth at the cornerback position would give the Bills even more options to shut down opposing offenses.
Special Teams:
One area that the Bills have excelled in is special teams, thanks in large part to All-Pro kicker Stephen Hauschka. However, with Hauschka now a free agent, the Bills will need to find a reliable replacement in the draft.
Potential Draft Picks:
With the 2020 NFL Draft being held virtually, the Bills have an opportunity to add key pieces to their roster from the comfort of their own homes. And with nine picks in this year’s draft, including the 22nd overall pick in the first round, the Bills have plenty of options to address their needs.
Some potential draft picks that could help fill the gaps in the Bills’ roster include:
– Offensive Tackle: The Bills could use their first-round pick to select a top offensive tackle to protect Josh Allen and improve their offensive line.
– Defensive Tackle: With the departure of Star Lotulelei, the Bills may look to add a strong defensive tackle in the early rounds of the draft.
– Cornerback: Adding depth to their secondary would allow the Bills to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the season.
– Kicker: With Stephen Hauschka’s future uncertain, the Bills may look to draft a reliable kicker to solidify their special teams unit.
The Importance of a Strong Draft:
The success of the Buffalo Bills’ draft will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the upcoming season. While they have a strong roster, addressing their needs in the draft will only make them a stronger and more well-rounded team.
The Bills are in a unique position where they don’t have any glaring weaknesses, but rather areas that could use some improvement. This allows them to be strategic in their draft picks and fill in the gaps rather than making drastic changes.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the challenges that come with a virtual draft, the Bills’ front office and coaching staff are well-prepared to make the most out of this year’s draft. They have a clear understanding of their team’s strengths and weaknesses and will utilize their picks to make smart and impactful decisions.
As a fan, it’s an exciting time to be a Buffalo Bills supporter. While the team may have one of the best rosters on paper, their hunger to constantly improve and address any weaknesses serves as a testament to their dedication and determination. The upcoming draft will be a crucial step in solidifying the Bills as top contenders in the NFL and bringing them one step closer to their ultimate goal – a Super Bowl victory.
