Dynasty fantasy football is a year-round affair. A sharp manager will always think about all aspects of the dynasty season. Managers keen enough to look ahead will be the ones who can grab themselves an edge. This article is about the Buffalo Bills. After enduring a successful season, they massively underperformed in the NFL playoffs. Yet, they managed to play well after such an awful tragedy with Damar Hamlin late in the season, proving what a determined family the Bills have become. However, time is running out for the Bills to achieve ultimate glory with Allen getting more expensive, Von Miller older (and recovering from a torn ACL), and Stefon Diggs’ patience running out as well as getting older.
Most of the dynasty off-season will be spent discussing incoming rookies and the related topic, the NFL draft. It is easy for us to fall in love with the next workhorse running back or prototypical alpha wide receiver, but a manager in tune with the entire draft class will find themselves ahead of the game. Whether it is the next road-paving interior offensive lineman or genetic freak edge rusher, we can find ourselves at quite the advantage in April by building an entire picture of how the 2023 class will play out. Those that prepare ahead will not often be surprised at the outcomes. Look at the Chiefs or Eagles. They have a ton of depth. This allowed them to outlast the rest of the competition and compensate for any injuries.
The draft order used in this article reflects the order following the Super Bowl. Credit for the mock draft simulation goes to The Draft Network. Team needs are generated from this site.
2022 Season Recap
The Buffalo Bills had to deal with enormous stress and sadness after Damar Hamlin’s injury against the Bengals. The team never seemed to get back on the right track after that, but it was still a great season as they won the AFC East again and advanced to the Divisional Round against the Bengals. They ultimately lost that game, but it clearly showed the Bills’ needs. The team had standout years from Diggs, Josh Allen, and many other players but saw bad years from players like Gabe Davis. The team also had to deal with many injuries to key players like Jordan Poyer, Von Miller, Micah Hyde, Tre’Davious White, and others. It’s hard to overcome so many injuries to your star players. This team is only getting older and must make full use of it while their window is wide-open, even with Josh Allen on a massive deal.
2023 Free Agents
The Bills lost a lot of talent like Devin Singletary, Shaq Lawson, Jordan Phillips, Roger Saffold, Tremaine Edmunds, Crowder, McKenzie, and others to free agency. However, they still are bringing back the crucial parts of their team from last year for another shot at the Lombardi trophy. They re-signed Matt Milano and Jordan Poyer, plus many depth players. In addition, they signed Deonte Harty, Damien Harris, and Connor McGovern. Those three guys will bolster the wide receiver, running back, and offensive line rooms respectively. The Bills improved their team, but it isn’t enough for the 2023 season. There still are questions all over the squad and a lot of depth that needs to be re-stocked to give Head Coach Sean McDermott’s team the best chance at winning it all.
2023 Draft Picks
The team needs are plenty for a win-now team, including huge holes at interior offensive line, cornerback, linebacker, wide receiver, and tackle. Plus, they could use youth at safety and defensive line. The most critical need is at wide receiver, where Davis has proven not to be able to be a strong WR2.
1.27 – O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL Florida
While the Bills did get McGovern for one side of the line, there’s no denying that the Bills need far better offensive line play. Too often, late last year, Allen was pressured or sacked. They can’t risk their star quarterback to that kind of pressure or allow their run game to come to a freezing halt because they can’t block. They take a guy who could be a Pro Bowler someday in Torrence. He has strong hands and excellent size with anchor-like feet that allow him to make up for his lack of flexibility or athleticism.
He isn’t going to out-run or bend anyone, but at guard, he won’t have to. Torrence will punish the men in front of him with his explosive power and block interior rushes with his size alone. The Bills rushing and passing game needs this kind of player, a brick wall.
2.59 – Marvin Mims, WR Oklahoma
There’s no hiding the fact that Diggs needs help. He can’t run all the routes and catch every pass. Davis is nothing more than a flash in the pan that will show out for a couple of games a year. They need a more consistent guy. This is where Mims comes into play. He’s a versatile and extremely fast wideout that can work all three levels of the field. His speed and athleticism allow him to rack up yards, especially after the catch consistently. He fits in well with the Buffalo Bills offense, as he’s more of a separator compared to a contested catch guy. This allows him to stay on the field with Davis and Diggs.
Should Mims go here, he’s an excellent pick in the early second round of rookie drafts. The upside is extremely high in this pass-heavy offense and with Allen at quarterback. The sky’s the limit for Mims on the Buffalo Bills. Allen and Diggs need another wide receiver that can help open up this offense.
3.91 – Henry To’o To’o, LB Alabama
After losing Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker, the team has a gaping hole behind starter Matt Milano. Don’t forget that Milano is already in his 30s and has likely seen his best days. This is where Henry comes in. He’s got the ability to start day one and could even surpass Milano by the season’s end. Henry has all the tools but isn’t amazing at any one thing. Instead, he plays steady and makes all the tough plays without the flash or excitement. The only area he needs to improve upon is his coverage. If he can, he’ll be an IDP name to know. However, before that, let someone else overdraft him in the second. A year two breakout should be expected instead of year one to allow him time to grow into his coverage abilities.
4.130 – Chase Brown, RB Illinois
Despite the fact that the Bills signed Damien Harris to a cheap one-year deal, the team likely adds a running back through the draft. One that is better at running the ball than receiving, as the team has Nyheim Hines and James Cook for that. A few different running backs could be available, but let’s go with Brown. He’s a talented high-stamina grinder that beats down defenders as he rushes toward them. Brown impressed at the Combine with his agility and athleticism, to the point that he would perfectly fit the Bills’ rushing style. He’s not afraid of contact and will push forward relentlessly. In dynasty rookie drafts, this selection would make him an automatic late-second-round pick, especially with his touchdown upside if Allen stops rushing as much.
5.137 – Zack Kuntz, TE Old Dominion
The Buffalo Bills need a TE2 to play and develop behind starter Dawson Knox. Kuntz, the athletic freak, can be that guy. He’s got athleticism for weeks, with excellent length to make acrobatic or contested catches. He’ll have to learn to block better, but he can be an excellent red-zone threat. With some correct coaching and production, Kuntz could take over as the TE1 in a year or two, giving the Bills another cheap starter and weapon for Allen.
6.205 – Lonnie Phelps, EDGE Kansas
Phelps can become a starting edge rusher in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills had too much trouble getting to the passer last year after Von Miller went down. That can’t happen again, especially since Miller is only getting older. Phelps will start as a backup, but he could become a starter with Coach Sean’s help pretty soon. He’s agile, flexible, and has impressive power despite being a bit undersized. Lonnie has the mentality to create chaos on the line and will impress Day One on special teams.
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As always, May the Force be with you…
