Every NFL Team's 2017 Draft Needs Based on Analytics
Buffalo Bills
Top Needs: WR, OT, OLB, S
More than anything, the 2017 Buffalo Bills need health. A lot of their concerns will be solved when players like wide receiver Sammy Watkins come back healthy, but some positions are still bare. Though the Bills’ wideouts earned the 16th-most team Reception NEP per target, they had the 3rd-fewest total Reception NEP, and Robert Woods could leave in free agency. There is no one else behind Watkins to step up right now.
Perhaps more precarious for the passing game: the in-flux right tackle spot helped the team allow the league’s 12th-most Sack NEP, so the Bills need to iron that out in order to move to the next level as a total offensive force.
Because they’re converting to a 4-3 defense once more, the Bills could use an outside linebacker to play the weak-side with range and coverage if they can’t retain Zach Brown. Safety Aaron Williams had a scary neck injury that could jeopardize his career, and Corey Graham is going on 32. The defense ranked 20th in both Adjusted Defensive Passing and Rushing NEP per play.
