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Leading a Bills offense that is on the rise, Josh Allen remains a wildcard among fantasy owners. Can he progress enough as a passer to increase the value of players like Stefon Diggs and John Brown? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
The Bills rode the strength of their defense to a playoff appearance in 2019. The offense played well at times but was inconsistent, much like the performance of QB Josh Allen. He graded out among the league's best in short-to-intermediate passes. But the further down the field his attempt went, Allen proceeded to struggle mightily. He finished as fantasy QB10 on the season thanks to his prowess as a runner (510 yards). His nine rushing scores led the position in 2019, even over Lamar Jackson. He will continue to be a threat to take off with the ball as his passing skills are worked on.
If there is an improvement on his 20 touchdown passes this season, Allen could move up the QB board even further. Depending on how he's viewed others in your league, Allen will likely be selected within the first 10 QBs off the board in fantasy drafts. There will be games that cause you headaches, but the upside of this young passer is enticing.
The rushing attack for the Bills played out like two different halves last season. Early on, Frank Gore handled most of the rushing load through the team's first eight weeks. He even found some value as an RB2 in standard-scoring formats during that stretch. But it was after Week 9 when rookie Devin Singletary finally began getting the lion's share of carries in the backfield, and it paid off. From Week 9 on, Singletary was ninth in the league in rushing yards and the late push vaulted him into RB3 territory to finish the year (RB33). In his 152 rushing attempts, he forced 36 missed tackles and could be one of the more elusive backs in the league. Now with Gore moving on, Singletary will be a hot commodity in 2020 drafts as an RB that will be drafted as an RB2 but could have a potential ceiling as an RB1.
As for the wideouts, John Brown turned in a very quiet 1,000-yard season on his way to a WR2 finish (WR20). The targets were there (114) but with Allen's inconsistent tendencies, Brown could only haul in 72 of those. His 14.64 ADOT was fourth among wideouts with 100-plus targets, showing that Allen does trust giving him the ball deeper down the field. Brown certainly paid off owners that were willing to take the shot on him last year. He would hold WR2 value going into 2020, but the trade for Stefon Diggs muddies the waters and dims his value down more to the low-end WR3/high-end WR4 range.
Cole Beasley found some value as a Flex play in PPR formats, but finding the right week in which to start him was the problem. He started strong over the first month of the season, had a mid-year lull, then came on strong late. Even with Diggs in town, Beasley could keep his role as Allen's security blanket and worth a look late in PPR drafts.
Diggs will be an interesting fit here with the Bills. He comes from an extremely accurate QB in Kirk Cousins to an often inaccurate Allen. Diggs will have to use his polished route-running skills to open wide throwing lanes for Allen. Look for Diggs to get drafted as a WR2, but don't be shocked if the depth of this passing attack causes for the ball to be spread around, dropping Diggs into more of WR3 fantasy value.
As the team continues to build, look for the Bills to assume more of the best player available mindset as they fill needs. The defensive line should be looked at as the team struggled to defend the run in 2019. While depth in other areas on the defense will be looked at as well to improve an already strong unit. Also, depth on the offensive line would be sound for a team that will be running the ball as much as the Bills typically do.
Buffalo Bills - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 68.2 (24th)
Defense: 77.2 (9th)
Overall: 79.2 (17th)
TEAM NEEDS
EDGE, CB, OL
First Selection (2.22)
Bryce Hall, CB Virginia
The Bills have been searching for someone to start opposite Tre'Davious White, and although the team brought in Josh Norman, his best days are behind him. Bryce Hall could give them a player that can fit right in. He has the desirable height, weight, and length for the position. He is an angular corner that uses instinctive footwork and long arms to close throwing windows.
His reactive quickness and ball skills allow him more comfort in zone-based coverages. He can handle man coverage but must have help over the top in case he is beaten on the route. Hall could fit in right away with the Bills defensive scheme and be just another piece that makes this unit one of the best in fantasy.
Second Selection (3.22)
Benito Jones, DT Mississippi State
Jones comes in and can be another rotational player for the Bills and give Ed Oliver plays off. He carries a broad, thick chest and his play strength can give teams fits. He is a beast when he is attacking the gaps and will be a problem for an opposing team's run game.
At times, he has issues with contact balance when facing double teams, but that may happen in rare instances with this defense. He has rush potential that could keep him on the field more eventually, but early on, the rotational role fits best.
Third Selection (4.22)
Kenny Willekes, DE Michigan State
Willekes is a former walk-on in college that put the work in to become a very productive player. He is a high-effort player that always seems to find the ball. He may not be the most explosive player on the field, but his understanding of blocking schemes gives him an edge in getting to the point of attack.
He rarely misses a tackle and could develop into a sound run defender at the next level. He gets his hands in on his opposition fast to get them off balance and what leads to the plays he makes. Willekes may not become a Pro Bowl-caliber player in the pros, but his never-quit mentality will draw coaches' attention.
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