The Buffalo Bills could look at quarterbacks in the NFL draft this year, as both Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel are entering the final years of their contracts in 2016. Players like Connor Cook, Dak Prescott, Christian Hackenberg, Kevin Hogan, Cody Kessler and Jake Coker could be potential options for Doug Whaley in the draft this year.
Taylor played well for the Bills in 2015 and ended up making the Pro Bowl and while the team likely wants to keep Taylor around, Whaley could still look at options in the draft to develop behind Taylor for the future. According to the Buffalo News, Whaley spoke about the draft at the Senior Bowl this week and said that while the team is confident in Taylor, it doesn't mean they will avoid looking at quarterbacks in the draft this year.
Whaley said that if a situation with one of the quarterbacks in the draft "presents itself, it makes sense and it's a guy we like, and we believe in, absolutely" they will consider making the selection. It's still very early in the process, so things could change over time for the Bills, but with Taylor and Manuel heading towards free agency, addressing the position is not the worst idea in the world for Buffalo.
Taylor had a solid season with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing over 63 percent of his passes, but with Manuel likely not a long-term backup or starting option in Buffalo anymore, the team has to prepare for the future whether Taylor remains with the team past 2016 or not. The quarterback class is a deep one in 2016, with players like Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook, Dak Prescott, Christian Hackenberg and Kevin Hogan potential top picks and the Bills could consider one of those players if they stay on the board through the first round.
The Bills pick at number 19 in the first round this year and Mel Kiper has the team taking defensive end Jonathan Allen with the pick. The Bills reportedly are considering cutting Mario Williams this offseason and if that happens, the defensive line would become a major need for the team heading into 2016. Taylor has dealt with injury issues in the past, so that could be one factor in whether Whaley wants to go after a quarterback or another position early in the draft this year.
The Bills also have free agent concerns this offseason, as players like Percy Harvin, Cordy Glenn, Richie Incognito and Alex Carrington are all hitting the market. NFL.com writes that Glenn could be a candidate for the franchise tag, while Whaley said to WGR 550 Buffalo that he would "love" to bring back Harvin on a new deal. Harvin dealt with injuries and only played in five games for the Bills last season and his health could be the major factor in whether the team brings back Harvin.
