The 2016 NFL Draft is under a month away and the Buffalo Bills -- unlike last year -- have a first round selection to try and find themselves an impact starter. With a pair of selections on Day Two, the Bills could even two more starters to the roster.
General manager Doug Whaley has continued to say the Bills will look for the best player available and won't draft based on need, which makes them fairly unpredictable up until they make a selection on April 28. With so many positions that they could go after, the Bills have a great deal of names to keep an eye on -- as long as you know what you're looking for.
Leading up to the start of the draft, WKBW.com will be going through potential names that the Buffalo Bills could select in the 2016 NFL Draft:
OT Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech
Big fan of Texas Tech LT Le'Raven Clark. Working against Oakman, he absorbs the rush and anchors down pic.twitter.com/YpAZ5W7rQg
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 31, 2016
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 316
Why he’s a fit
- The Bills spent quite a bit of offseason resources on their offensive line, bringing back both Cordy Glenn and Richie Incognito to help the rushing attack this season. Because the Bills did that, they are unlikely to utilize their first pick, 19th overall, on bringing in another right tackle to compete with Jordan Mills and Seantrel Henderson. However, the Bills could certainly be enticed by the second wave of offensive tackles that will be available in the second or third round. Although still rough around the edges, the athleticism and long-limbed build of Le’Raven Clark makes him an intriguing option if he’s available in the second round.
Why the Bills may shy away
- Because the Bills did so much along the offensive line this offseason, perhaps they feel good enough about what they’ve built up to this point. They seem to like Jordan Mills quite a bit, and he’s got a great shot to start for them after having so much experience playing for Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. And with Clark, even though the potential may be great, there isn’t a real guarantee that he’ll be able to win that right tackle job straight away for the Bills. If they’re looking for impact and immediate starters, a defensive player or a different offensive tackle might be a better option.
Joe B. Verdict
- Le’Raven Clark is a fascinating prospect. The opinions on him are wide ranging, but there’s enough there to justify taking a swing on him on the second day of the draft. In today’s NFL and how they treat athletic offensive tackles, he may end up going long before the Bills get on the board at 49th overall. However, if he’s there, he would be one of the few exceptions I would make in taking an offensive player in the second round, as opposed to doubling down on defense over the first two rounds. The long-term potential, along with Cordy Glenn’s uncertain contract status past 2016, makes it a compelling debate on Day Two.
