The Buffalo Bills, at this moment, look to be set to take a quarterback with their first pick in the 2013 NFL draft. The team's current No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart is Tavaris Jackson who may or may not be able to lead the team to success. While the quarterback draft class is relatively weak, there are a few solid options for teams. With Geno Smith getting all the attention, USC's Matt Barkley deserves a look as well. The Bills see him as a valid option alongside Smith.
The Bills have their first pick at No. 8 overall. There are exactly four teams ahead of them that are rumored to be looking at drafting a quarterback. Geno Smith is projected as the No. 1 overall quarterback. The question becomes, will the Bills be able to trade up to get him? It is likely the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to make a strong run at Smith which could leave the Bills on the outside looking in. This would leave Barkley to fall right into their laps.
If this were the 2012 draft, Barkley would be the No. 1 overall player. He would likely be taken with the first pick. But this is 2013 and Barkley decided to stay in school another year, see his stats drop and then promptly get injured. In 2011, Barkley threw for 3,528 yards with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2012, he threw for 3,273 yards with 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He went from being a locked in top-5 pick to possibly dropping out of the first round. Not to mention he injured his shoulder in the team's loss to UCLA and was unable to throw at the NFL combine.
While many are questioning whether or not he has next-level talent and whether he is durable enough to make it through an entire season, Marrone seemed interested in the quarterback. After having face Barkley in college, he believes the quarterback has some talent.
"If he doesn't like what's going on when they (take away) the deep vertical threats, he can come right back to the backs. That's one of the things you see with the top guys in the NFL," Marrone said.
The Bills have taken a visit to Smith and given him a private workout and are expected to do the same with Barkley once his Pro Day is complete. Despite the injury, Bakley still possesses a great deal of arm strength, athleticism and leadership. If the Bills are unable to make a successful run at Smith, then he is the next best option for a team that has to draft a quarterback.
