Only a few days remain until the 2019 NFL Draft begins. As we approach the big night, we take a look at another prospect whom the Buffalo Bills may be targeting by reviewing the background of former Washington State pass protector Andre Dillard, an offensive tackle expected to be taken within the draft’s first round.
Bloodlines are important for prospects, and in Andre’s case, his father was also an offensive lineman for the Cougars. It was an easy choice for Andre to come to WSU, and after redshirting his true freshman year, he managed to play in three games as a reserve in 2015. His sophomore year was pivotal, as he became the full-time starter at left tackle for the Cougars, starting 13 games and eventually being named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team by Pro Football Focus. Dillard never looked back after that season, eventually starting the next 26 games in both 2017 and 2018, garnering All-Pac-12 Conference selections, as well as earning All-America honors.
Coming from a Mike Leach offense, it was always assumed that Dillard would test well in any of the movement and explosion drills at the combine, and his performance definitely did not disappoint. His 40-yard dash, broad jump, 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle were among the best at the event. For his position, he compares favorably to other athletic movers at the position, such as Garrett Bolles, starting left tackle for the Denver Broncos. However, it should be noted that his weight and arm length are a bit sub-par for the position.
Dillard’s stock has been on a slow rise throughout the offseason. Immediately following the college season he was seen as a second-rounder with starting upside, but the more analysts watched his tape, the more they came to respect his elite ability to move and slide in pass protection. Now, just days away from the 2019 NFL Draft, many draft outlets have him being selected in the top fifteen or even top ten picks.