With The First Pick
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NFL Team Needs: Buffalo Bills Team Needs

By Jon Dove

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws a second quarter pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at EverBank Field on January 7, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws a second quarter pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at EverBank Field on January 7, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The Buffalo Bills were a surprise playoff team this past year and could get back there by filling a few key team needs.

Heading into training camp nobody expected the Buffalo Bills to make a playoff run. They had just traded away Sammy Watkins and looked prepared to start a rebuild. However, Sean McDermott did a masterful coaching job and helped lead the team to the playoffs.

It’s not a given that the Bills will be back in the playoffs again next year as they have a handful of team needs to fill.

Buffalo is projected to have around $29 million in cap space to attack free agency. They are also slated to have 8 draft picks including 5 in the first 3 rounds of the draft. The amount of draft capital they have should help them add some major contributors.

Figuring out the long-term plan at quarterback is the team’s top priority, but I don’t necessarily count the position as a need. Tyrod Taylor is more than serviceable and proved capable last season.

The problem is that the Bills have shown no indication that they plan on giving him another shot. However, I’m going to keep quarterback out of the team needs for this article.

Below are the Buffalo Bills top-3 team needs:

1. Defensive Tackle

The Bills are painfully thin along the interior of their defensive line. Adolphus Washington is the only key member of last year’s rotation under contact. Buffalo needs to add a space-eater who can hold at the point of attack.

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They really struggled to stuff the run last year– especially after they traded away Marcell Dareus. Luckily, this year’s draft has several players capable of filling this need.

Washington’s Vita Vea would be an ideal candidate for the Bills to target. The problem is that he is likely to be off the board when they are on the clock at No. 21. However, Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne should be available.

Stanford’s Harrison Phillips could be someone they target in the 2nd round. Phillips is a rising prospect who excels at stuffing the run.

2. Cornerback

Buffalo recently brought in Vontae Davis for a visit, but even if he signs they’ll need help at cornerback. They are fortunate that Tre’Davious White  has quickly established himself as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league.

The Bills are likely to look for a bargain free agent like Davis and add some youth in the draft.

3. Center

Eric Wood‘s unfortunate retirement has created a major hole in the middle of the Bills offensive line. He had been one of the teams more steady performers and leaders. Buffalo needs to make finding his replacement a priority.

Again, the 2018 NFL Draft has several intriguing options a the center position. Iowa’s James Daniels is my top rated center and is a plug-and-play prospect. Other options include Ohio State’s Billy Price, Arkansas’ Frank Ragnow and Michigan’s Mason Cole.

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