Buffalo Bills: 4 Non-QB First Round Draft Prospects

Mike Hughes

With only six cornerbacks on its roster, the Bills are on the lookout for an addition via the draft. They are pretty much set with their starting backs, signing Vontae Davis to a one year deal and TreDavious White returning from a very successful rookie campaign. They also brought in Phillip Gaines in free agency to bolster their depth.

Outside of Davis and White, the rest of the corners are best in specialist and depth roles. With Davis signed to only one year deal entering his 10th year, his tenure in the Nickel City may be brief.

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That being said, this position isn’t one where the team is in a desperate need for an immediate impact player. The Bills can focus on other areas with the first two picks, grabbing Mike Hughes out of the University of Central Florida in the second round.

With Denzel Ward and Josh Jackson most likely being taken in the first round, there’s a good chance the Bills grab a nice play-making cornerback with tremendous athleticism. Hughes fits the prototype of a very good nickleback with his great instincts, decent hands, a nice ability to recover, and a very good zone coverage defender. Initially, he can be a nice change of pace bank to plug and play in his first professional season.

Hughes’ weaknesses all can be worked on with some time. His undersized frame can be bulked up without sacrificing his lightning speed; his tendency to not finish plays (by opting for the big hit, as opposed to wrapping the receiver up), can be coached.

Let’s not forget the valuable experience Davis can provide in grooming the kid. Lastly, he can solidify the return game. His explosive, elusive bursts of speed, along with his vision, will be a highlight reel waiting to happen for years to come.

From draftdiamonds.com: “His return ability makes him a threat to score when the ball touches his hands as he has three returns for touchdowns this past season on a total of 34 returns including both kick and punt returns….”

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There you have it…my takes on four possible draft prospects not named Darnold, Allen, Rosen or Mayfield. These prospects can fill some much-needed holes on both sides of the ball, and would be great assets for years to come.

Things most likely will change, with reports of the Bills trying to move up,. However, it makes more sense to fill two or more holes, rather than pushing all the chips in the middle on a crap shoot.

Next: Bills' Top 10 1st Round Draft Picks of All Time

Let’s hear it, Buffalo Bills’ fans; are you all in on a QB, no matter what it would take to move up further in the draft. Or are you intrigued by our alternate approach/options? Please share your opinions in the comments section.