It sure looks as though the BILLS will own the AFC East for as long as JOSH ALLEN stays in town. He is still not perfect, which is actually petty scary, but he’s clearly the top QB in the division. But like all teams they have some weak spots on the roster and it will be important to draft well this year, as it is every year.
So with more than a few position groups they would like to upgrade in talent let’s go Drafting with the BILLS.
Round 1, Pick 27 DREW SANDERS LB Arkansas 6’4/235 The team lost LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS to the Bears in VFA. So Matt Milano needs a new sidekick. SANDERS is very athletic, which qualifies him to attempt to replace EDMUNDS. He has the size to do so as well. He runs well and finds the ball, quite often in the opponents’ backfield. Coverage skills need improvement for him to be great, but that could be said of EDMUNDS who he tries to replace.
Round 2, Pick 59 SAM LaPORTA TE Iowa 6’3/245 The parade of NFL TE prospects coming out of Iowa this millennium is impressive. So welcome to the fold the next one. Don’t be fooled by his somewhat paltry collegiate stats. The Hawkeyes rely more on the running attack, and their Defense to win games than any major college football program I can think of. He’s really dependable and has good hands and after the catch maneuverability. And of course he will block in their running game. Should be TE2 as a Rookie.
Round 3, Pick 91 TREY PALMER WR Nebraska 6’1/190 The fastest WR at the Combine, posting a 4.33/40. He uses that speed to get open, outrun the secondary defenders, and as a Return Specialist. That Special Teams work will be the most likely initial role in which he can display his athleticism.
Round 4, Pick 130 EARL BOSTICK OT Kansas 6’6/310 Long and athletic player who was overlooked by many because he comes from a Kansas football program that has been bad pretty much this entire millennium. I like his chances to eventually replace DAWKINS out at LT when DAWKINS retires or slides back inside where I think he belongs. If you are a true Draftnik then you should be familiar with BOSTICK’s name.
Round 5, Pick 137 MARTE MAPU SS/LB Sacramento St 6’3/215 Call this a medical redshirt Pick most likely for the 2024 season. This kid suffered a performance camp injury right after balling out during the All-Star Game season, especially at Senior Bowl practices. He’s an athletic hybrid who could be a real find when he gets healthy. With the HYDE/POYER S combo surprisingly both back in a BILLS uniform for 2023, perhaps an eventual return by DAMAR HAMLIN late this coming season and the signing of VFA TAYLOR RAPP they can likely wait for MAPU. Big talent, great athlete and aggressive defender and Special Teamer… that’s a healthy MAPU.
Round 6, Pick 205 SHEDRICK JACKSON WR/QB Auburn 6’1/195 I only list QB as a possible position because he’s an elite athlete who went to Auburn as a QB recruit. He got a lot of attention during Auburn’s Pro Day when he was timed by some at 4.31 in his 40-yard dash. Has a chance to be that rare breed of player who has a better pro career than he did a college one. It’ll be up to the BILLS coaching staff to coach him up and find his roles best suited to his talent.
I know that for many of you this list of names will not get you excited, but I ask you to be patient. Most NFL Draft Picks after Round 4 are a crap shoot, so why not think big. They did a nice job adding solid, and affordable VFA before the Draft. This group could pay solid dividends for a team picking late in each Round.
Cheers
Pigskin
