The NFL Draft is just one piece of the puzzle for the Buffalo Bills, but with such an importance placed on next season, they’ll need to get their first few picks right. The Bills want the postseason, badly, and making the right moves in late April could be the key to the playoffs.
Each week, 7 ABC will go through and outline some of the players you should know in this year’s draft process. This week, it’s all about the players that protect the quarterback — offensive tackles.
A look at four more offensive tackles the Bills may look at come April for the 2016 NFL Draft:
[If you missed them, here is Part 1 of the series, and Part 2 of the series]
Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
6’5”, 305 lbs.
What he’s all about: There isn’t much to dislike about Laremy Tunsil, who appears to be as good of a college prospect as you’ll find in this year’s draft. Tunsil has everything a team would want: size, power, athleticism, finishing ability, and a technically sound master of his craft. If there is one critique, perhaps he could get a tad stronger to combat the bigger rushers he’ll see from time to time. However, Tunsil should be a Top 10 selection when it’s all said and done.
How he would fit the Bills: He would fit the Bills extremely well, but they have no chance at landing him. He’ll be long gone before they pick at 19.
Ole Miss LT Laremy Tunsil. No further questions, your honor. pic.twitter.com/Rhu0jRgXgi
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 29, 2016
Shon Coleman, Auburn
6’6”, 313 lbs.
What he’s all about: The first of a pair of Auburn offensive linemen in this piece, Shon Coleman is the better of the two by quite a large margin. Coleman is an imposing figure, has the strength teams covet, and has a nasty streak to finish his blocks no matter the play call. His good balance and strength helps him drive his matchup backwards. Coleman looks like an immediate starter at right tackle. The reason he is likely to be a right tackle is due to his lack of athleticism compared to other prospects. That is his biggest weakness, but going against the bigger rush ends on the right side, he could be a good starter in the NFL. Coleman is a first-to-second round talent at this point.
How he would fit the Bills: The versatility definitely limits him as far as the Bills are concerned. However, if he were to be available in the second round, he flashes the type of ability that could serve as an upgrade to the trio the Bills have on their roster at the moment (Seantrel Henderson, Jordan Mills, Cyrus Kouandjio).
Keep your eyes on Auburn LT Shon Coleman. I'd say he won the one-on-one here pic.twitter.com/5frGOaQKaE
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 30, 2016
Kyle Murphy, Stanford
6’7”, 302 lbs.
What he’s all about: One of the taller offensive tackles available, Kyle Murphy doesn’t let that become as much of an issue as some of the others that are his size. He does a nice job of lowering his pad level to not lose the leverage game, and engages quite well with the defender. He also fires off the snap, and mixed with his good feet and size, that helps him win on a consistent basis. His athleticism isn’t exactly what you want out of the position, which could make him into more of a right tackle at the next level. He lacks balance occasionally, which can lead to him to get ripped out of the way by a stronger opponent. He’s a Day Two to early Day Three selection.
How he would fit the Bills: The main thing the Bills would have to ask themselves with Murphy, likely a right tackle in the NFL, is whether or not he’d be an immediate upgrade at right tackle. If they don’t believe so, and the third round is where you’re considering him, then it might be wiser to pass. If he’s available on Day Three, you could do far worse than that selection, because there are some definite tools to work with.
Stanford LT Kyle Murphy fires out and does *just* enough against DeForest Buckner so his team can get the first pic.twitter.com/hznSKu5uqP
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 29, 2016
Avery Young, Auburn
6’6”, 305 lbs.
What he’s all about: Avery Young declared early for the NFL Draft this January, but it was a bit of a surprising choice. He has the size teams love, and a thick lower half would indicate that he isn’t able to lose his ground. Except, he does. Young can get pushed back off the snap, which puts him in a tough position to catch back up. He’s not the best mover, and leans a little too much for my liking. He’s likely a Day Three selection for some team that will hope he develops over time. He’s nowhere near ready to start right now.
How he would fit the Bills: With Greg Roman’s scheme, they need an offensive lineman that can at least move a little bit. That’s not Young’s strong suit, and even though it’s a late round selection to get him on the roster, it would probably best to look elsewhere for offensive line help, since he likely won’t have a strong chance to make the roster out of training camp.
Another draft prospect from Auburn... right tackle Avery Young. Finishes his run block here in impressive fashion pic.twitter.com/Kz8B2fym1C
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 30, 2016
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