The 2022 NFL draft is now in the books and I begin my breakdown of each team's IDP draft class. Last week I started with the Baltimore Ravens and now I move to the Buffalo Bills where I look at who they drafted and the potential impact these rookies can have. The Bills look to get ahead of some weak spots before they become a bigger problem. I will cover every IDP drafted from the top overall pick to Mr irrelevant.
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida (1st Round 23rd Pick)
The Bills have a pretty solid defense overall but they do have a couple of aging players. And they want to get some youngsters in place when the time comes that they have to replace one of them. One of those positions is cornerback, where they do have a stud in TreDavious White but not much on the opposite side. Buffalo used Levi Wallace as the starter opposite White and he did okay but nothing special. The Bills drafted Kaiir Elam in the 1st round with the 23rd overall pick and he should slot in as the starter opposite White. Elam gives them a true corner with shut-down capabilities, like White. Having two corners that lock down receivers would allow the front four of the defensive line and linebackers to eat. Elam did just that with the Florida Gators, where he produced five interceptions and 20 PBUs over his career. In 2020 he led the SEC (3rd nationally) with eleven PBUs. He’s long and fast (4.39) with big-play capabilities that the Bills will love.
Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor (3rd Round, 89th Pick)
The Bills have run a 4-3 base defensively but stay in more of a 4-2-5 nickel scheme. They have Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano as their main starters, but the addition of Terrel Bernard could allow them to stay in the traditional 4-3 more. Head coach Sean McDermott is defensive-minded and when he has the right players he can get very creative and have one of the best defenses in the league from year to year. Bernard who they drafted in the 3rd round would not only improve the depth chart but give them some flexibility to mix and match defensively. He’s a film junkie with toughness, and a never quit attitude which McDermott will drool over. He has the speed to cover in man-coverage and does his best work in space. Could be a solid sub-package backer and special teams ace.
Christian Benford, CB, Villanova (6th Round 185th Pick)
In today’s NFL, you can never have too many defensive backs and the Bills make sure they continue to upgrade their depth at the position. They selected Christian Benford in the 6th round (185th overall) who played for D-III Villanova where he was 1st team All-Conference and All-American. Benford led the FCS in PBUs (25) and was 2nd in interceptions (7). In 36 career games, Bedford produced 14 interceptions and 47 PBUs. As you can see Bedford is a ball-hawking corner with a lot of talent, but will the jump from FCS to the NFL be too big? A great project player with potential upside. Will likely be a special teams player that could develop into a nice backup.
Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson (7th Round 231st Pick)
Buffalo addressed their two biggest needs which are cornerback and linebacker. They doubled down on both and got some quality players that will make their defense better overall. They drafted Terrel Bernard in the 3rd round and selected Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector here in the 7th (231st overall). Spector has decent size 6’0”/230 lbs but is an average athlete. He will position as a middle linebacker where he can excel as a two-down thumper. Does a very good job of finishing plays, but doesn’t offer much in the impact play department. I see him being a decent backup and special teams guy.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
