Buffalo Bills 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) runs against Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sammy Watkins, Clemson
6′, 211
The Player
Watkins has been one of the most electric players in college football during his career at Clemson. He has speed to burn and is a very strong runner with the ball in his hands. He has soft hands and has the ability to take the ball to the house from anywhere on the field. I think there is going to be a learning curve for him due to his limited route tree and having difficulties with physical coverage but Watkins has one of the highest upsides of any of the wide receivers in the class.
The Pick
The Bills gave up a future first rounder to move up to grab Watkins. I don’t believe Watkins is an elite prospect that he is getting portrayed as and the insane depth at wide receiver in this class makes this move and pick very strange. If the Bills thing Watkins is an elite prospect, more power to them, I just don’t see the sense in this pick.
The Fit
Watkins may be raw, but he has plenty of other weapons in Buffalo to help open things up for him. Watkins adds to the bevy of speed the Bills have on their offense and gives EJ Manuel a bevy of weapons to throw to. The Bills may move him around to make him more effective, but regardless, he should be able to make an impact with ability alone.
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
6’7″, 322 lbs.
The Player
Kouandjio is a huge, powerful lineman who can absolutely destroy defenders with a violent punch and great length. However, his quickness is bad and he has issues with his footwork. Not to mention, there is a concern with his knee.
The Pick
I think this is a bit of a reach considering Kouandjio’s physical limitations and possible injury concerns.
The Fit
Kouandjio is a mauler and while he may not have the leverage to play at guard, he, if healthy, could be a monster right tackle to give the Bills two big road-grading offensive tackles.
Preston Brown, LB, Louisville
6’1″, 251 lbs.
The Player
Brown is a downhill thumper who attacks the line of scrimmage, sheds well and makes plays against the run. He isn’t a good athlete and can get lost in coverage, but if he improves his instincts, he could be a well balanced linebacker.
The Pick
This is a big reach for a limited role player. It looks even worse when this is the same team that has Kiko Alonso and Brandon Spikes starting at inside linebacker.
The Fit
Brown is a depth player at the beginning of his career, but he is likely going to fill Spikes’ role down the road as the thumper at inside linebacker.
Sep 14, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Preston Brown (2) celebrates against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Ross Cockrell, CB, Duke
6′, 191 lbs.
The Player
Cockrell is a tough, instinctive corner who is willing to press at the line but is also fluid enough to flow to the ball in zone coverage. He is not a great ahlete and could stand to bulk up a bit, but he is smart enough to have success in the NFL.
The Pick
This is a solid player at decent value. Good pick.
The Fit
Cockrell is a very good special team player and that will likely be his primary role. However, he could absolutely push for time his rookie year at corner and may be starting by year two.
Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Ross Cockrell (6) breaks up a pass intended for Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports
Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor
6’5″, 329
The Player
Richardson is a gigantic player with quick feet and is a smart run blocker. However, he lacks the strength that is desirable in a guard, especially at his size and he really needs to improve his motor. If he can increase his strength and improve his stamina, he could be a very good guard.
The Pick
This is good value for a higher upside player like Richardson.
The Fit
The Bills obviously want to punch people in the mouth on offense and I love that philosophy. Richardson could start one, but it is to be seen if he can improve on his strength and motor.
Randell Johnson, OLB, FAU
6’3″, 242 lbs.
The Player
Johnson is a very raw, but tremendously athletic, linebacker. He shows good movement skills and has even flashed pass rushing skills. He is a big project, but with big upside.
The Pick
The late rounds are for players like Johnson. High upside and at good value.
The Fit
With the Bills’ stacked front seven, it is doubtful that Johnson sees the field much. However, his tools are ones that can be honed and he can play special teams. Maybe he becomes a contributor down the line.
Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami
6’7″, 331 lbs.
The Player
Henderson is one of the most naturally gifted players in this class. He has great size, strength and foot quickness. He shows an ability to be a very good pass blocker and run blocker. There are huge lapses in his on field effort and he has some well documented character concerns off the field. It is about keeping his head on straight, but Henderson could be very good in a strong locker room.
The Pick
Henderson has as much ability as anyone in this draft and this is a low risk pick for a guy with his issues.
The Fit
Buffalo adds another monster to their trenches. If Henderson has a fire lit under him, expect him to be starting at right tackle.
Nov 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Seantrel Henderson (77) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Miami won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports