We have our first concrete 2017 NFL Draft rumor for the Buffalo Bills, one day before the draft, thanks to a report by WGR550’s Sal Capaccio.
In his article, Capaccio mentions several important details:
The Bills are targeting a shortlist of two to three players. However, they know that it’s possible none of those players will be available. So they’re discussing a trade-down possibility with teams. Those trades are contingent on the player Team B wants being available, of course, but the Bills have started that process.
Capaccio also reports that the Bills might have an itchy trigger finger. He says that, if the price is right, the team might be willing to trade up two or three picks in order to secure the services of someone they consider an elite player. This is consistent with Doug Whaley’s past tactics, which saw the team trading up a few spots to draft Reggie Ragland in 2016.
Finally, Capaccio speculates somewhat about Buffalo’s intended targets. His belief from the discussions he’s had is that Ohio State safety Malik Hooker and LSU safety Jamal Adams are two of the players Buffalo targets. Both are considered elite talents in this draft, but they play a position that doesn’t usually get drafted in the top five picks. They would be massive upgrades to Buffalo’s defensive backfield if available, and their relative talent may outweigh the traditional positional needs for Buffalo.
Previously, the only player rumors connected to the Bills came from Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting, who believes the Bills are targeting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.