The first round of the 2018 NFL Draft was everything we anticipated as football fans as we witnessed trades, tears, and boos. The Bills drafted key pieces in the first round to the applause or displeasure of Bills fans. With the addition of QB Josh Allen and LB Tremaine Edmunds, the Bills filled holes on their roster. Drafting QB Josh Allen did not come cheap as the Bills traded the 12th and 53rd pick for the Buccaneers 7th and 225th. Allen was selected seventh which begs the question of who were the winners and losers of the Buffalo Bills post 2018 round 1.
Winner: Jeremy Kerley
With the Bills not selecting a receiver in the first round of the draft (and with no picks currently in the second), this gives Jeremy Kerley a chance to flourish and get looks on the field. Kerley now will receive attention in the offense as the projected number three option. During the 2016/17 season, the 29-year-old Kerley had 217 yards with a single touchdown. The absence of a 1st round pick will allow Kerley to get the eyes of QB AJ McCarron or Allen come preseason.
Loser: Nathan Peterman
Nathan Peterman has not been been accepted by Bills fans after throwing five interceptions in his first start. With the addition of Josh Allen, Peterman now finds himself lower on the depth chart. Peterman will have a lot of work to do on the field if he wants to be presented with a jersey on Sundays come the start of the season.
Winner: Zay Jones
Much the same as Kerley, Zay Jones dodged a bullet with a receiver not being taken in the first round. With the attention Jones brought upon himself with the bizarre video released a month ago, Jones could have been in the dog house. Again, with the absence of a 1st round receiver, Jones will be able to put a character-challenging situation behind him and cement himself as a top receiver for the Bills.
Loser: Ramon Humber
With the Bills adding linebacker Termaine Edmunds, Ramon Humber may be a little less comfortable with where he stands on the Bills depth chart prior to the draft. Humber had the best season of his 10-year career in 2017 as he amassed 60 solo tackles in the campaign. With the addition of Edmunds, Humber may now have to kick it into next gear to secure his playing time this season. The now-30-year-old will have to duke it out with Edmunds and second-year player Matt Milano over time at linebacker. For Humber to secure his spot as an unquestioned starter, he will have to really show his experience come mini camp.
Loser: O-Line ability
The Offensive line has been a leaking pipe the Bills have had to take a look back on and identify just where the leaks are. With this, no anchoring players were selected in the 1st round to plug these holes. This now leaves some work to be done in the next rounds to really identify who the Bills will select to groom to fill the need for a center with the retirement of Eric Wood. For Allen or AJ McCarron to be successful this season, they need to be protected to allow their receivers such as Jones and Kerley to get open.