Couch Scouting: Offseason Preview

Unfortunately Bills fans, its this time of year again where we all start looking towards next year. I wish I wasn't writing this as of right now, but sadly this is the reality. Being that the draft is my favorite time of year, I devote an unreasonable amount of time to watching college football as well as replays and film of players I like potentially for our Bills. At this point, this collection of players is just a dream scenario of mine as draft positions are still projected at this point. But these 9 young men I think would be a great addition to our team.

So, as I sift through my notes (yes I actually take notes, I'm a nerd) here is a look at the players I would like to see in a Bills uni come next Spring.

Round 1: Quinton Coples DE North Carolina 6'6 272lbs

It's unfortunate that the Bills would be drafting high enough for a shot at Coples, and he very well could be long gone before our pick. But Coples has cooled off a bit this year, and as a result might see himself slide (originally projected to be a top 3 pick) just a bit down the board. The great thing about Coples is that he's the whole package. A great pass rusher, Coples can win with power or speed. After watching multiple UNC games I'm consistently impressed by his hand usage. For a man his size, he shows excellent athleticism and change of direction skills and is adept at keeping OT's out of his pads with excellent hand usage. He also has excellent strength to set the edge, and can collapse down the line to the ball on interior runs. Projects best as a 4-3 DE, but also has the strength and length to play end in a 3-4 (by my estimation that is). The Bills are a hybrid defense based out of a 3-4, and Coples can play in either alignment. But the thought of a front featuring Coples, Williams, and Dareus is one that any D-coordinator would jump at.

Round 2: Dwayne Allen TE Clemson 6'4 255lbs

Here it is folks, the answer to our Tight End problems. As much as I like Lee Smith and Scott Chandler, the reality of the situation is that the position is still a weakness for the Bills. I think, as Der Jaeger previously stated, the addition of a true dual threat TE who can truly open up the middle of the field would do wonders for Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense. Dwayne Allen is arguably the best TE in the country. He shows excellent speed for his size to get down the seam, as well as great strength when blocking. I see Allen as being in the mold of a Jermichael Finley, a perpetual mismatch for LB's and safeties and an asset in the run game, also. We all know what Rob Gronkowski has done for the Patriots, its time for the Bills to get a real playmaker at the position.

Round 3: Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College 6'1 195lbs

A little bit overlooked in a deep corner class, Fletcher possesses the size and physicality that Nix and Gailey seem to covet in their corners. A converted safety at Boston College Fletcher has taken to his role as a lockdown corner for the Eagles quite well. Displays good ball skills, and has better than average athleticism for a corner his size. Shows fluid hips, and great recognition skills. Speed is a bit of a question though, will have to see how he runs at the combine. A great combination of size and athleticism to pair with Aaron Williams would give the Bills a solid cornerback tandem for years to come.

Round 4a: Brian Quick WR Appalachian State 6'3 209lbs

Quick has the size that Nix and Gailey covet in their players, and at 6’3 he possesses plenty of speed to get behind the defense and make big plays. I personally haven’t seen much of Quick, but the one game I did see he ran very smooth crisp routes and showed plenty of big play ability. Good size/speed combo and provides the offense with another playmaker who could possibly start from day 1.

Round 4b: Keenan Robinson OLB Texas 6’3 240lbs

Extremely athletic, Robinson can do it all. Robinson, a two-time all big 12 honorable mention has the speed and strength to hold up on the outside as well as be a difference maker in the pass rush. Lots of upside here.

Round 5: Mychal Robinson ILB California 5’11 242

An aggressive tackler, Robinson flies around the field. Consistently among conference leaders in tackles and sacks, he is an aggressive downhill thumper who can provide quality depth behind Nick Barnett.

Round 6: James Brown OT Troy 6’4 320

James Brown isn’t exactly well known around the country. Playing at Troy, he doesn’t get much national exposure. But watch the game against Clemson when Brown owned both Andre Branch and Cory Crawford in pass protection. An extremely good athlete, he has good upside as a developmental LT. Needs to add some bulk and improve strength, but he should rise up draft boards when the film is put on.

Round 6b: Taushaun Gipson CB Wyoming 6’0 208

Another big corner to add to the mix as Buffalo continues to rebuild its depth chart at the position.

Round 7: Blair Walsh K Georgia 5’10 192lbs

The best kicker in the country, the Bills move on from the Rian Lindell era and grab the best young leg available.

Well there ya have it Bills fans. I know mocks are just pure speculation, and I absolutely love it. Draft season is my absolute favorite, so much so that I’m considering contacting the front office about a possible internship position of some kind with the scouting department of the Bills. Might as well chase your dreams right? All that aside, comments suggestions and everything in between is absolutely welcome.

Have at it Bills fans.