The Buffalo Bills have who they are hoping is their new franchise quarterback in Kevin Kolb. Now with the NFL draft under two weeks away, they are looking for some big time offensive weapons to place alongside him. Prior to signing Kolb, the Bills were rumored to be targeting a quarterback with their first pick, however now they are showing interest in wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
The Bills will make their first selection at No. 8 overall. While there are not many wide receivers being targeted as first round options, Patterson is considered one of the best of the bunch. Buffalo will not make another selection until No. 41 and the former Tennessee receiver is expected to be gone by then. In order for Kolb to succeed, he will need a deep threat receiver, something Patterson excels at.
While Patterson only has one year of major college football under his belt, his 6-foot-2, 216-pound body makes him a picture perfect All-Pro receiver. He was not necessarily a marquee name while at college, but that is not stopping him from impressing scouts. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest receivers in the draft and recorded a 37 inch vertical jump. He is a little raw coming out after just one successful season, but his athletic abilities make him a true NFL talent.
In his one year at Tennessee, Patterson recorded 46 catches for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He split most of the receiving load with teammate Justin Hunter. Before Tennessee, Patterson played two years at Hutchinson Community College, putting up solid numbers. He earned a starting role at Tennessee after Da'Rick Rogers was kicked off the team.
While the Bills are considering one Tennessee player with their first round pick, another Tennessee player could be an option in a later round. The Bills brought in quarterback Tyler Bray for a workout. He would be an option to backup Kolb. Last season, Bray threw for 3,612 yards and 34 touchdowns. He is considered to have good arm strength and accuracy, but still needs work on being a decision maker. At best, he is a late round option for the Bills and would probably sit at No. 3 on the depth chart.
