Buffalo Bills are desperately attempting to move up again in draft
By Paul Taylor
Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills are reportedly doing everything possible to move into the top five of this year’s NFL draft.
We can all agree the Buffalo Bills are hell-bent on finding their next franchise quarterback in this year’s draft. Recent moves confirm this.
First up, the Bills traded Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns, after being their starter for the last three seasons. Despite helping ending the longest standing playoff drought in the NFL, they determined he is not the long-term answer under center.
Shortly after, the Bills traded Cordy Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals. As part of the deal, Buffalo moved up from 21st to 12th in the first round of the 2018 draft.
However, if you now think the Bills are finished dealing, think again. As previously rumored, they are still trying to move into the top 10 of this year’s draft, which will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The latest speculation comes via CBS Sports. Jason La Canfora writes:
"“Brandon is trying like hell to get up and get a quarterback,” said one general manager who has spoken to Beane recently. “I’m convinced he’ll trade up twice more if he has to. It reminds me of (Eagles general manager) Howie (Roseman) a few years ago (when he was moving up to land Carson Wentz).”"
The question is, who will Beane attempt to trade with? For example, despite his relationship with Giants general manager Dave Gettleman from their time together in Carolina, no one believes New York would give up the second overall pick to move all the way down to 12th.
With this in mind, La Canfora suggests the Bills could first attempt to move up inside the top 10. At that point, the Giants might be more willing to make a deal with the Bills.
Of course, this then leads to the question of how far the Bills would have to move up, in order to entice Gettleman? The general manager Beane apparently spoke to recently told La Canfora: “If Beane gets the five, I know he can get to two.”
In theory, this makes sense, but in reality, it may not be nearly as straightforward. Consider that the fifth pick in the draft is currently held by the Denver Broncos.
People will understandably point to the recent signing of Case Keenum, who enjoyed an excellent 2017 campaign in Minnesota. However, there are no guarantees he will repeat this success, given his previous production in the NFL.
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Now throw in the fact Keenum recently turned 30 and only signed a two-year deal. Given that a certain John Elway is the Broncos general manager, he will conceivably be thinking about finding a long-term successor in Denver.
Mirroring the famous QB class of 1983 which Elway was a part of, this year’s draft has plenty of highly touted options. Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen are all projected to go in the top 10.
If the Bills are unable to move up significantly in the draft, they may still be in a position to draft a playcaller with potential. More specifically, Baker Mayfield.
In that respect, Robert Klemko of Sports Illustrated is extremely high on Mayfield, who won the 2017 Heisman Trophy. Speaking to Schopp and the Bulldog last Friday on WGR 550, Klemko said:
"“One of the things that stands out in his personality is how much he is motivated by criticism. This guy reads everything that’s written about him, and he uses it when he’s working out. A lot of guys are motivated that way.”"
Further, the Bills will perform their due diligence and meet with Mayfield this month. However, question marks remain regarding his height, personality and ability to have success in an NFL-style offense.
The Bills would arguably feel more confident with Darnold, Allen or Rosen. As such, you can appreciate why they are trying to move up again in the draft.
The first round of this year’s draft takes place on Apr. 26. It figures to be an interesting few weeks between now and then, for both the Buffalo Bills and their fans.
Next: How much does LeSean McCoy have left to offer?
What’s your best bet for where the Buffalo Bills will end up in the first round of this year’s draft? And based on that, who do you predict they will select? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.