The Buffalo Bills seem to be continuously on the cusp of greatness, but can never get over the hump. Years of close losses and false hope have taken us fans through the stages of grief more times than is healthy. For the past three years the Bills have been among the highest-performing teams in the NFL (National Football League), but heartbreaking losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Cinncinati Bengals in the playoffs have kept them from reaching the Super Bowl.
The release of star middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, starting running back Devin Singletary, and wide receiver Isaiah Mckenzie leaves the Bills with extra cap room and a dire need for talent on both sides of the ball. The following are trade, draft picks, and lineup decisions that I believe can guide my team to the championship this coming year.
1. Trade for Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL for the past decade, with nine straight one thousand-yard seasons, four pro bowls, and a Super Bowl ring. While the Bills possess the dynamic Stefon Diggs as wide receiver one, other weapons are in short supply. The young Gabriel Davis has shown signs of improvement but a more veteran playmaker could turn Buffalo’s wide receiving room into an elite squad.
Evans is likely to be released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and while trading for such a star would be costly, I firmly believe that it would be worth the price. Bills quarterback Josh Allen has sorely lacked a downfield target with jump-ball capabilities, and Evans would fit well in that niche. His six-foot-five frame gives him a huge catch radius and an advantage over smaller cornerbacks on downfield throws.
2. Draft Peter Skoronski in the first or second round of the NFL Draft
NFL.com rated Skoronski as this year’s highest-value incoming offensive lineman. He lifted two-hundred and twenty-five pounds for thirty repetitions during the NFL combine and has been described as a talented run blocker. Due to the loss of Singletary, Buffalo possess a younger and more untrained running back group than last year. More help on the offensive line would definitely take some pressure off of second-year running back, James Cook (if he is allowed to start).
3. Draft Andrew Vorhees in the second or third round.
While Skoronski will be a welcome additions, the Bills will still need additional support on the offensive line. While Vorhees lacks elite mobility, he tested as the strongest prospect in the entire country at the NFL Combine. His size and strength could make him a centerpiece of the offensive line, but he may require a few years to hone his skills. This is somewhat of a long-term investment, but I believe that Vorhees will make an impact even as a rookie, especially in the run game.
4. Make James Cook starting running back.
James Cooke performed very well on his limited carries last season. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry on the way to rushing for more than five hundred yards, both good marks for a rookie. However, the Bills currently have placed him as the second-string running back behind recent trade acquisition Damien Harris. Harris had a worse season last year and lacks Cook’s speed and explosiveness. The Bills should reverse this decision immediately and make Cook the day-one starter, providing the team with its first electric running back in years.
5. Draft a middle linebacker in one of the last few rounds.
As previously mentioned, the loss of Tremaine Edmunds is devastating and the Bills front office must find a replacement fast. Tyrel Dodson has been named a starter but he is untested and with no backup option, the Bills must select a linebacker at some point in the NFL Draft.