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Initial Free Agency Frenzy Draft: Bills Edition

AFCE

Initial Free Agency Frenzy Draft: Bills Edition
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Initial Free Agency is gone and the Bills made some big moves and have a pretty good idea where to go in the draft.

2nd) Laken Tomlinson OG from Duke

Bills offensive line was horrible last year mainly due to the incompetence of Doug Marrone and the other reason was lack of actual talent. Laken Tomlinson is big at 6’3 323 and is pretty good run blocking where he is aggressive and effectively uses his lower body strength. His biggest concern is in regards to pass game where quicker rushers sometimes get by him but this is more of a technique problem than anything. He is very coachable and would probably be able to start at RG right away. The Bills need to improve the line and Tomlinson is a good start.

3rd) Ali Marpet OL from Hobart

The fastest riser in this draft process, was an unknown before the Senior Bowl before he showed good technique and held his own pretty well against the competition. He had the best Combine by any offensive lineman and went from a nobody to a potential Day 2 pick. He played tackle in college but his size means he will end up inside. He has really good technique and is good in pass protection and run blocking. The only real question mark is the level of competition as he played against Division 3 players his whole career. He could play every position in the interior of the line and would mean Kraig Ubrik is finally gone. He might even push Incognito for a starting job and gives the Bills at the very least a solid flexible lineman.

5th) Joey Mbu DT from Houston

With the change to the 4-3 Under, the Bills need another DT/DE to play the 5 technique. Mbu is a developmental guy who might be able to start on run downs but struggles in passing downs. He senses screens really well. He isn’t an elite talent by any means but he can hopefully develop into a key contributor on the defensive line.

6th) Darren Waller WR from Georgia Tech

Waller is huge at 6’6 240 and ran a 4.46 40 in the Combine. His size is his best attribute as in college he really struggled to gain separation. Inconsistencies are a big problem as for a guy his size, he really struggles in 50/50 balls. He is that big redzone guy the Bills are looking for and might be a guy who could be a big threat in that area. He is still super raw but he is worth a 6th round pick.

6th) MyCoyle Pruitt TE from Southern Illinois

Scott Chandler is gone and right now the Bills have only 3 TEs on roster (if you include Big Play Clay). Pruitt fits the mold of the Bills TEs of a very athletic tight end who can move around and make stuff happen happen after the catch. He is very fast for a TE (4.58 40) but not the biggest (6’2ish 250 pounds). He probably is a backup to Gragg and Gray who might be used in jumbo sets or if the guys ahead of him suffer from injury.

7th) Chris Bonner QB from CSU-Pueblo

Bills will be looking for a developmental guy to replace Tuel and Bonner is a good choice. Huge at 6’7 235 he has a howitzer for an arm and can make any throw with ease. He is still super raw as a QB and seemed to lock onto his 1st read each play and just let it rip. He will be a good candidate for the Practice Squad and has the long-term upside that teams find intriguing.

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