Head coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills missed out on the playoffs after their 8-8 campaign in 2015. A much ballyhooed offseason casted high expectations for the Bills as Ryan took over the team, LeSean McCoy became his starting running back, and the defense appeared to be on the verge of being one of the best in the league. Prior to the draft, the team saw veteran defensive end Mario Williams depart, the hiring of Rex’s brother, Rob, and a growing number of questions regarding the roster moving forward.
With only seven picks, including two of those compensatory, Ryan and GM Doug Whaley had to make the best of what was in front of them. With holes at defensive end, linebacker, while also being in need of a deep threat receiver, Whaley addressed majority of the team needs prior to the draft. Buffalo got their elite pass rusher (Shaq Lawson), a new captain at middle linebacker (Reggie Ragland), and a QB that can very well be the starter in 2017 (Cardale Jones). Here is a complete breakdown and draft grade for the team out of Orchard Park, New York.
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