Buffalo Bills: Long-term build in 2021 NFL Draft could have big payoff

The Buffalo Bills have built a strong contender over the past few seasons. Like other up-and-coming teams, they have done it through strong drafting and key adds in free agency. There is one difference with this Bills team though.

They aren’t an organization that dives heavily into the SEC in the draft. Take the 2021 NFL Draft for instance. Their first two selections, Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr., both played in the ACC, a conference that general manager Brandon Beane and his scouts have focused on for several seasons now. Then, the Bills dove in to smaller schools, selecting Spencer Brown from Northern Iowa and going back to Houston, selecting wide receiver Marquez Stevenson.

The approach to draft players from other conferences than the SEC has proved to work out just fine. Josh Allen came from Wyoming, they have two great linebackers from the ACC, and have dabbled in the Pac 12 and Big Ten along with the group of five.

The 2021 NFL Draft class is a bit different than ones in years’ past.

It’s a bet on long term potential, but it’s one that could have a huge payoff for the Buffalo Bills.

No, this isn’t the first time the Buffalo Bills have bet on long-term potential (looks at Allen’s 2020 season), but it is the case early and often in the draft.

It starts with Rousseau, who brings a lot of potential to the table as a pass rusher. His 15 sacks as a sophomore in 2019 was eye-popping, but contextualizing that saw a lot of wins from the interior and winning purely off of his athleticism. Another season playing with the Hurricanes would’ve likely eased concerns, but Rousseau opting out was totally understandable considering the circumstances.

Rousseau is a player who will receive plenty of attention from head coach Sean McDermott. If he can slowly come along in his development as a pass rusher, learning a plan of attack and a set of counters, he can develop into a three down stud on the edge. The “Calais Campbell potential” is there, but it could take a couple seasons before things materialize.

Brown is the same way. As a third round pick, Brown likely won’t receive the expectations that Rousseau will, but the Bills do have some things to sort out on the offensive line. At 6’8″, Brown brings excellent size and length to the position. His experience at tight end is seen through his unreal athleticism (hitting 10 on the RAS).

That toolbox is an excellent one to work with, but working on knee bend, establishing leverage, and maintaining good hand placement take some time. Brown will be given time to develop, and could become a bookend for the Buffalo Bills at some point down the road.

It’s important to mention Tommy Doyle’s name as well when it comes to this Bills draft class. Doyle is another lineman with some favorable tools who needs time to develop.

The Buffalo Bills made the conscious effort to attack the trenches in the draft, and while Basham’s name wasn’t talked about as much, he will get a chance for meaningful snaps in year one. He didn’t fall into the category of long-term development.

Drafting players like Rousseau, Brown, and Doyle show that the Bills are comfortable where they are at and will take chances on players with a high ceiling who need time to develop. If these guys work out, the payoff will be massive, which could include a Super Bowl berth.