Three offensive tackles that could fit the Bills at pick No. 54

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

You know the saying. You can never have too many offensive lineman. The quarterback is the most important position on the field, and his protection may be the second-most important. 

Three of five positions on the Buffalo Bills' offensive line are locked in with quality starters moving forward. Left tackle Dion Dawkins, left guard Quinton Spain, and center Mitch Morse will be a part of this offensive corps for the foreseeable future.

On the right side? The future isn't so clear. 

The Bills drafted Cody Ford with their 2019 second round pick to be the long-term starting right tackle. Although the rookie started in 15 of 16 games last season, the results were inconsistent. 

Adding another offensive tackle in the second round this year would make a lot of sense. If Ford continues to struggle at right tackle, Buffalo is going to need a Plan B. Even if Ford does okay on the outside, adding another prospect would give Buffalo optionality as Ford was also used as a guard last summer. Depth up front is a big need. The Bills' top backup offensive tackle, Ty Nsekhe is going to be 35 by next fall. 

There is a very realistic possibility Bills general manager Brandon Beane continues to bolster the line in front of Josh Allen. If he does, three prospects would make sense:

 

  • Lucas Niang - TCU

Looking for the prototypical size and build for a tackle? Lucas Niang has it.

The TCU product's combination of power and length is ideal at the next level, where so many edge rushers have long wingspans and violent rushes. 

Niang is a patient, fundamentally sound pass protector with a violent punch of his own. 

Niang isn't the most explosive lineman getting to the second level, but he has enough speed and athleticism to lead blocks down the field in the run game. He played in a high-tempo offense as a member of the Horned Frogs, where lineman needed to be able to move in space. 

Former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is expected to be the second overall pick as the best defensive player in the 2020 NFL Draft. When asked who his toughest opponent was in college? He chose Niang. 

Chase Young on toughest opponent:“The TCU tackle (Lucas Niang), my sophomore year, he was pretty good. I was a younger guy, that’s when I was really figuring out technique. Playing that game I definitely had to find out that I needed technique to win beyond my physical skills.” pic.twitter.com/f8NOjSXyOw

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) March 7, 2020

Pretty high praise from the best defensive prospect in the draft. 

 

  • Isaiah Wilson - Georgia

There is a lot to like about Isaiah Wilson's game. The former Georgia Bulldog stands at a towering 6-foot-7, while weighing 340 pounds. Wilson has a longer way to go at the next level compared to a player like Niang, but the upside is going to be tempting for teams to take a shot on. Depending on who you ask, Wilson could even be considered in the first round.

For a guy his size, Wilson can really move. This is a player that has the ability to get his hands on athletic defenders when blocking down-field. 

In 2019, Wilson allowed pressure to the quarterback on just 2.5% of snaps. 

With the right coaching, Wilson could develop into a star. 

 

  • Austin Jackson - USC

Love the quick, lateral movement from Austin Jackson. There are a lot of pass rushers in the NFL that are as athletic and fast as some skill position players. At times, it requires an offensive tackle to mirror that explosive movement on the edge.  

The physical evolution of offensive lineman is a bit behind, but Jackson fits the new mold of a tackle that can go back and fourth with the bendy speed rushers of the league. 

Pro Football Focus liked Jackson's potential enough to name him to the all-upside team of 2020.