National Analysts Like What Bills Did in NFL Draft

Maxwell Hairston (UK Athletics Photo)

How did national analysts grade what the Buffalo Bills did in the draft after taking two Kentucky players — Maxwell Hairston in the first round and Deone Walker in the fourth round — of last week’s draft?

Overall, the grades were high and the Bills were praised for taking the two Wildcats.

Rob Rang, Fox Sports: “Sometimes, it isn’t just the positional fit that warrants a high grade but the specific prospect chosen. I love Buffalo’s bet on the speed and playmaking of cornerback Maxwell Hairston, as the Bills needed more game-breaking ability on the defensive side of the ball. GM Brandon Beane could have stuck to the ‘same old’ Bills formula of drafting good, physical players, but Hairston is a gamble that could be the finishing touch needed for a Super Bowl run.
“Following the early investment made in Hairston — the fastest player at the Combine this year — the Bills returned to the “black-and-blue” strategies of prior drafts, dedicating their first five picks on defenders, including a trio of former SEC tough guys on the defensive line in T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson and Deone Walker.”

Chad Reuter, NFL.com:  “Hairston’s speed and feisty coverage skills should bolster the Bills’ secondary. Walker is a massive body in the middle but trading up a second time for a defensive tackle didn’t maximize the team’s draft capital, in my opinion. Buffalo added corners with the versatile Hancock and tall, experienced Strong. Hawes can contribute in two tight end sets and Prather made enough downfield plays at Maryland to provide value.” — Chad Reuter

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:  “I loved their first pick of corner Maxwell Hairston. They had to get an upgrade at that position and he should start as a rookie. He excels as a man-cover player, which means maybe the Bills will play more of it this season.
The Bills had to get a corner, a young edge and inside player for their defense. They got all three in the first four rounds. That’s good drafting. Hairston will be a star. He plays with an attitude that you love at the position. Third-round edge Landon Jackson is a power player who did some good things against fourth-overall pick Will Campbell when they faced off. Fourth-round defensive tackle Deone Walker could be a steal and he’s a monster inside — if he stays in shape.
“It’s realistic to think that possibly three of Beane’s picks will be Day 1 starters, and another five to six could develop into useful tools for the Bills. That’s a pretty good draft.”

Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report:  “The Bills ranked just 19th in yards allowed per carry last season. That’s a big reason why adding prospects like Landon Jackson and Deone Walker to the defensive front in the middle rounds was logical.
“Overall, this was a defensive draft for the Bills, which was largely expected. Ideally, it’ll now have a chance to finally stop Patrick Mahomes and the rival Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason.”

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: “The Bills absolutely needed help in the secondary and Hairston, a very competitive and physical corner at 5-11, 183, is fast enough and competitive enough to hold up on the outside or in the slot in Buffalo. Hairston is an absolute burner who ran a 4.28 at the combine and despite his smallish weight, is a very long corner with near 32-inch arms. This is a quality pick and right about where I figured Hairston would go.”