Josh Allen, Sean McDermott and Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
The Bills must execute a perfect 2021 NFL draft if they are to close the gap with the Chiefs. So Buffalo can do that with any selection.
Josh Allen deserves credit for leading the bills into a memorable 2020 campaign that overthrew the Patriots for AFC East supremacy. Unfortunately for Buffalo, they came across a saw in the form of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the playoffs. The loss to Kansas City showed Buffalo how far they have to go to make it to the Super Bowl next year.
Given that the Bills are currently roughly $ 7 million above their planned salary cap for next year, it’s clear Buffalo has to do most of her off-season work on draft. They’ll find a way to create enough room to land a meaningful free agent or two, but multiple newbies will have to play a huge role if this team is to take a step forward in 2021.
The good news for Brandon Beane and his front office is that the squad already has the bones of a championship contender. Landing a few strikers in the draft could push the group over the top in the AFC. Bills fans should keep an eye out for the following outlook for Buffalo in April.
30th
Teven Jenkins
Offensive tackle Oklahoma State
The scouts disagree on whether Jenkins will be attacked or guarded in the NFL. The bills need not be overly concerned with this distinction. They need help on either side, and a strong blocker like Jenkins could help relieve Josh Allen for years to come.
Jenkins doesn’t have a long range of attack position, but the fact that he was a real assailant in the Oklahoma state airstrike is a good sign of his ability to get past the next level block. In the worst case scenario, he can step inside in his first or second season and become an above average starter. At best, Jenkins can become an inexpensive starter for the next decade.
