The Buffalo Bills need a quarterback. In other news, human beings breathe oxygen and 2 + 2 = four. Groundbreaking stuff, I know.
Bills head coach Rex Ryan does not want a repeat of his tenure with the New York Jets. In that time, Ryan always managed to coach up a fearsome defense but the team was held back and then eventually undone by its lack of competent quarterback play. Six years of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith would get any coach canned. This time around, Ryan is hoping to avoid that same mistake.
Bills 2013 first-rounder EJ Manuel will compete for a starting job though Buffalo's previous regime quickly lost faith in him. He was benched after just 14 career starts. Ouch. Ryan is hoping to find an eventual starter at the position in this year's NFL Draft despite not having a first-round pick. That is why ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Bills to select Colorado State QB Garrett Grayson in the second-round.
"I don't think he'll compete to start right away, but we need a developmental prospect with upside out of this draft and Buffalo actually doesn't have a ton of needs, though I still think the O-line needs help."
The O-line absolutely needs help as they were one of the poorest run-blocking units in the league last year. But overall, this Bills team is close to contention. They finished with the fourth ranked defense overall last year, surrendering just 312.2 yards per game. Buffalo also notched the most sacks in the league (54). The offensive additions this offseason (LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin, Charles Clay) should also make life easier for whoever is under center.
ESPN ranks Grayson as the fourth best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class. He threw for 4,006 yards with 32 touchdowns and just seven interceptions last year. Grayson definitely needs some seasoning but scouts do like his raw ability. If the Bills really are interested in him then they may have to compete with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
The NFL Draft kicks off on April 30.
