Buffalo Bills Draft Targets (2022): Cornerback

The NFL combine is over and most pro days have been completed. Barring any surprises, the draft stage is set and rosters have a much clearer picture. The Buffalo Bills are in dire need of a cornerback, especially with White put of commission until at least November. So, after watching countless hours of film, I present to you the top 10 CBs I think McBeane should target this NFL draft.

1.) Trent McDuffie, Washington (5’11”, 193lbs)

McDuffie might be on the smaller side, but he moves with the speed and strength of a damn bullet. His body control is phenomenal; the quick turning of his hips, even at full speed, makes it easy for him to keep up with receivers. It’s even easier when he’s chasing down a back. If he falls, I want the Bills to use pick #25 on this cornerback. It may even be smart to trade up for him.

2.) Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson (6’0”, 194lbs)

Booth’s awareness and ball tracking is excellent, allowing him to crowd the receiver the second the ball reaches them. He is great in coverage, but also just as productive in run defence with an incredibly physical and aggressive playing style. If McDuffie isn’t available at #25, then Booth is the guy to get. In fact, he may even fall due to his recent injury status. But fear not Bills fans, according to our very own Thigh Doctor, it may not be an issue heading into the season.

Thigh Doctor on Twitter: “8 week recovery Roughly* https://t.co/UltUu5LiL1 / Twitter”

8 week recovery Roughly* https://t.co/UltUu5LiL1

3.) Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State (6’3”, 195lbs)

Williams is one of my favourite prospects this year. He is a gangly boy, but uses it to his advantage, breaking up passes effortlessly. Also, his back-peddling is just pretty to watch. He played weaker competition at the D2 level, so he may not be pro-ready straight away. However, he’s been soaring up the boards, and for a good reason, his lack of readiness doesn’t reflect how great of a CB he really is.

4.) Roger McCreary, Auburn (5’11”, 190lbs)

McCreary plays well in coverage, with agility and fluidity. He’s an aggressive tackler with quick feet. However, he lacks speed and the ability to make quick changes. He may not be a day one starter, but he can come close to it with some work during camp. He could be a decent backup cornerback for the Bills.

5.) Kaiir Elam, Florida (6’2”, 191lbs)

An aggressive tackler with some really nice speed and length. Elam isn’t afraid to challenge a ball and get physical. However, he sometimes has to chase down receivers as he leaves too much space and is stiff when changing direction.

6.) Tariq Woolen, UTSA (6’4”, 205lbs)

Woolen is a former WR and only converted to CB in the last couple of years. It’s a given that he still has work to do at this position, but his talent so far makes him very impressive. He has great strength and length which he uses perfectly as a tackler. His previous experience at WR makes ball tracking easy for him. He’s a work in progress, but he can start eventually.

These next few players can be taken in later rounds, as I believe that BBB and McDermott are going to double-dip at this position and pick up a future star CB.

7.) Jalyn Armour-Davis, Alabama (6’1”, 197lbs)

Armour-Davis is great at pressing at the line of scrimmage and isn’t fooled with fancy footwork. Like Williams, he is gangly and uses every inch of his height. He is also very fast and can keep up with any receiver. He can develop into a starter, but it may take time.

8.) Coby Bryant, Cincinnati (6’1”, 193lbs)

Bryant plays smart football and has the ability to track the ball like a receiver, which shows in his 10 career interceptions. Bryant isn’t starter ready but, like a lot of these cornerbacks, he can become a starter.

9.) Tariq Castro-Fields, Penn State (6’1”, 193lbs)

Castro-Fields has speed, length, and athleticism that is very desirable and could be moulded. He also can be used on special teams. Tariq doesn’t have the aggressiveness to be a strong tackler though; he could be overpowered by a stronger receiver and can be a liability.

10.) Josh Jobe, Alabama (6’0”, 182lbs)

Had Jobe entered the draft last season, he would be higher up on this list. However, an injury hampered his final season and dropped his draft stock. If he can return to the cornerback he was in his first couple seasons, then he can be great in the NFL.

I want two of these corners drafted in April. All possess a skillset that can be useful on this Buffalo Bills defence and, at the very least, provide some much needed depth whilst White recovers. The Bills’ Super Bowl window is wide open right now, and I am firmly in the belief that they are one solid CB away from that elusive Lombardi. Get it done McBeane.

What do you think? Am I a future GM? Leave a comment below!!