Tyrod Taylor’s future with the Buffalo Bills may still be in doubt. The starter last season is once again slated to start for his team, but the decision to re-up with the Bills may not be as rosy as you would think.
According to buffalowdown.com, two weeks ago, Taylor and the Bills came to an agreement on a restructured contract. The new contract cuts his pay, eliminated three years from his contract and added another team option after the 2017 season. His 2016 performance wasn’t stellar, but it wasn’t a dumpster fire. He threw 17 touchdowns, only 6 interceptions and just a click over 3,000 yards.
[DavidL]
The quarterback position may be one this team looks at in the NFL Draft. With a new head coach Sean McDermott looking to put his own stamp on this franchise, Taylor will be heavily scrutinized this season, with a chance he may be looking elsewhere in 2018.
Buffalo Bills’ new offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison, runs an offense that is molded for a quarterback like Tyrod Taylor. Play action, rollouts, more time under center and longer dropbacks will be a big part of the offense this upcoming year. For an athletic and strong-armed quarterback like Taylor, this should be a friendly system for him.
If he can perform at the same level or even better in 2017, this should not be an issue.
The Bills were a defense-first team under former head coach Rex Ryan. McDermott is a defensive-minded coach, having served as coordinator in Carolina the past five seasons. That does not mean this team won’t look at offensive help in the NFL Draft.
Here is how I see the Buffalo Bills (who have six picks this year) draft picks playing out.
Round 1, 10th overall – Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson
The first quarterback to be taken off the board. The Bills hope Watson, who led Clemson to the National Title at Clemson if every bit Russell Wilson.
Watson had mixed reviews at his Pro Day, so there may be wavering on whether he is indeed a franchise quarterback. The Buffalo Bills are willing to take the risk with the hope of a huge payoff.
Round 2, 44th overall – Fabian Moreau, Cornerback, UCLA
Moreau is a solid pick and fits nicely in their secondary. However, he is no Stephon Gilmore.
According to his scouting report, possesses the combination of size, fluidity, and open-field tackling ability scouts are looking for. He is well-versed in man coverage, often lining up on an island in UCLA’s scheme.
Playing against the Dolphins, Patriots, and Jets six times a year, this team needs a tough cover corner.
Round 3, 75th overall – Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Penn State
Godwin may prove to be one of the better pass catchers to come out of this draft.
He has good size at 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds and could be a nice complimentary receiver to Sammy Watkins. This is not a super draft class for wide receivers, but Godwin, who is familiar with playing in tough weather, might surprise some people. He is a nice option in the red zone as well.
Round 5, 139th overall – Adam Bisnowaty, Tackle, Pittsburgh
Bisnowaty is a big guy at 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds. Even so, he has a quick first step off the snap and has a build similar to an NFL tight end. By the same token, he could actually stand to gain a bit of weight.
There is no rush to move Bisnowaty into the starting lineup, so he can learn and move into the rotation slowly.
[Sean2]
Round 5, 152nd overall – Vince Beigel, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin
One of those tough linebackers from the Big Ten. Rugged at 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds. He was a team captain for the Badgers, so you know he is a leader. Beigel also reads plays well and is instinctive. He should also help the Bills on special teams and help cover tight ends over the middle.
Solid pick this late in the draft.
Round 6, 169th overall – Artavis Scott, Wide Receiver, Clemson
If the Bills are going to draft Watson, why not give him a weapon from college.
At 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, Scott could be a possession receiver in the new Buffalo offense. He could also help with the return game.
If anything, his spot on the team may make Watson’s transition to the NFL a bit smoother.
I don’t see the Bills taking a QB early with the high needs at CB and Receiver. While I could see them grabbing Godwin if available in the third, I also see them grabbing a receiver and CB early with potentially Chad Kelly in the third or fourth if he’s there.