The Bills are Super Bowl contenders, but taking a cornerback in the NFL Draft could be their smartest move
The Bills might have the NFL’s unquestioned best team for the first time in years. Led by Josh Allen, Buffalo has a roster loaded with game-breakers, including Stefon Diggs, Von Miller, and Jordan Poyer.
Indeed, Buffalo might not have a fundamental fatal flaw. They’re a squad that, on paper, could make them a Super Bowl contender. But for as good as the Bills are, if they want to virtually guarantee a shot at the Lombardi Trophy, they should be sanding over any potential problems in the 2022 Draft. Like, say, their second cornerback — or lack thereof.
Even with the return of former All-Pro Tre’Davious White, the departure of Levi Wallace to Pittsburgh leaves the Bills in an awkward spot in their secondary. If you’re an opposing offense, why even attempt to throw at White, especially when you’re worried about his All-Pro safety teammates in Poyer and Micah Hyde, when there’s a gaping, inexperienced hole on one boundary?
Currently armed with the No. 25 overall pick, here are some potential names for Buffalo to consider who could be there late in the first:
Kair Elam, CB — Florida Kyler Gordon, CB — Washington Roger McCreary, CB — Auburn Andrew Booth Jr., CB — ClemsonAmong that group, two-year Clemson starter Andrew Booth Jr. could be Buffalo’s top man if he’s available.
One of this draft class’s top corners, Booth Jr. was a core piece for the Tigers throughout his college career. A lengthy and physical corner with excellent ball skills (five picks in the last two years), Booth Jr. is an ideal fit for Sean McDermott’s attacking zone defense.
In what I assure you isn’t a complete coincidence: Our Christian D’Andrea agreed and sent Booth Jr. to Buffalo at No. 25 overall in his final mock draft of the off-season. Great minds do think alike!
The Bills have lost potential shots at the Super Bowl over the last two years because they couldn’t stop the Chiefs and Pat Mahomes when it mattered. Even without Tyreek Hill, Kansas City isn’t going anywhere. If the Bills want to Chiefs-proof themselves — which would probably also work on the AFC’s other top quarterbacks — they’re going to need to add help at cornerback.