Buffalo Bills Post Draft Grade

By Pat Freeman, The Mighty O’Ba

When the great draft prognosticators start handing out draft grades, I just usually shake my head. How can you grade someone’s draft based on a person’s projection? For example, when the Bills selected Kair Elam out of Florida a few years ago, most of us stated he was a solid pick. Yes, he was a solid pick for another team, but not the Buffalo Bills. Kair Elam was a bad fit for the defensive philosophy of this franchise and never fit in. That is not to say that he might become the Dallas Cowboys’ best cornerback this year, if it is a system that fits in.

My reason for saying this is for the last 30 years people have asked me how we did. My answer is consistent; we always look good on paper. Drafts are made in 2-3 years, by seeing positive on-board contributions by those drafted and, most importantly, will the franchise feel confident enough to offer an extension before their contract expires? The Bills under McDermott/ Beane have done quite well especially in the later rounds of the draft.

Some of the local media were second guessing the decision of the organization, not to draft a wide receiver in the earlier part of the draft. This writer was not one of them, because your board dictates draft decisions based on how the draft begins to develop. Most experts agree franchises will stick to their board decision and pick players they think fit their organization. The media and fans question this logic, and it only holds validity if a franchise has not been successful. I think 7-8 years in the playoffs tell me to respect the process.