On the latest edition of Billieve: A Buffalo Bills Fan Podcast, host John Boccacino is joined by co-host Anthony Marino to, among other topics, break down the biggest needs of the Buffalo Bills heading into the NFL Draft.
Boccacino and Marino both agree that the offensive line, which allowed 41 sacks and struggled to open holes for the running game (Buffalo’s running backs averaged only 3.6 yards per rush outside of Josh Allen scrambles) is the area of biggest concern heading into April’s NFL Draft.
The only guarantees to be back on the team and serving in key roles, in my humble opinion, are tackle Dion Dawkins and guard Wyatt Teller, with center Russell Bodine, guards Vlad Ducasse, Jeremiah Sirles and Ike Boettger, and tackle Conor McDermott all under contract for 2019. This is definitely not a position of strength for the Bills. The Bills could take a chance and bring back unrestricted free agent John Miller, but even if they do, look for the team to shore up the line in the draft.
The first of Buffalo’s 10 picks comes at selection No. 9, which could be a prime spot for the Bills to snag one of the talented offensive linemen in this draft class. It could also be used to upgrade Allen’s offensive playmakers, with both wide receiver and tight end a pressing need heading into the draft.
Of course, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane has been known to make a trade or two, and the Bills could always move down from No. 9 and collect even more draft capital.
After the break, our podcasters gave their thoughts on which veterans could be among the “surprise” cuts. Boccacino feels the time is right to move on from tight end Charles Clay, who has had an up-and-down four years in Buffalo and can be cut with “only” a $4.5 million cap hit. Marino points to running back LeSean McCoy or Ducasse as cut candidates, while both think the team would be wise to at least think about moving on from defensive end Trent Murphy, who carries a $8.481 million cap hit next year.
Check out our podcast for thoughts on these topics and more on the latest Billieve: a Buffalo Bills Fan Podcast.
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