Buffalo Bills Draft Countdown: Making the Case for Tre' Jackson

On the first day of last year's draft, Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley made an extremely bold move by trading away a 2015 first-round draft pick in order to move up and snag Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins.

In this year's draft, however, the Bills' best move may be to take a more conservative approach and go after the type of player who has an every-down impact but seldom receives the spotlight.

The Bills have brought plenty of flash to their offseason so far. The hiring of outspoken head coach Rex Ryan was followed by the acquisition of running back LeSean McCoy, quarterback Matt Cassel, tight end Charles Clay, wide receiver Percy Harvin and guard Richie Incognito.

Adding to the offense made perfect sense for Buffalo, even with the defensive-minded Ryan now at the helm. The team ranked fourth in the NFL in both scoring defense (18.1 points per game allowed) and total defense (312.2 yards per game allowed). That side of the ball is already playoff-ready.

What Buffalo has done over the past couple of months is create a roster that puts Cassel, or former first-round pick EJ Manuel, in a position to succeed. Remember that Ryan used his formula of tough defense and strong running to take Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets to the AFC title game in 2009 and 2010.

The Bills have the pieces to ride a similar formula straight into the postseason this year. They can add another piece by drafting former Florida State guard Tre' Jackson with their first pick (Round 2, 50th overall) in the 2015 draft.

Height	Weight	40-Yard Dash	Vertical Jump	Broad Jump
6'4"	330 LBS	5.52s	25.0"	96.0"

Jackson certainly wouldn't be a flashy selection, but he has the potential to make an immediate impact. This is potential that cannot be ignored on Day 2 of the draft.

The Bills have the need for an upgrade along the offensive line. Pro Football Focus rated the team 22nd overall in pass protection and dead-last in run blocking.

Last year's primary starter at left guard, Kraig Urbik, ranked just 53rd overall among guards, per Pro Football Focus. Starting right guard, Erik Pears, is no longer with the team. Pro Football Focus ranked him just 76th among guards, anyway. 

For a coach like Ryan, this cannot possibly be acceptable.

Ryan, in a recent interview with WGR 550-AM in Buffalo, via the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle:

"

We prefer to ground and pound it, we’re going to run it 50 times if we can on you. We can spread you out and create some nightmares in coverage. If you want to stop our run by keeping all the big guys in there, then so be it, we’ll be able to hurt you in a lot of different ways outside.

"

Ryan clearly wants to set everything up with the run offensively, and Jackson is the type of player who can make that happen.

At 6'4" and 330 pounds, Jackson is the type of physical trench-player that can punish opposing defensive fronts. He brings plenty of starting experience (42 starts) as well as the mindset of a winner (one BCS Championship and two All-ACC awards).

Bleacher Report Lead Draft Analyst Matt Miller had the following to say of Jackson in his NFL Draft 400 series:

"

He’s experienced and started for three years in a pro-style offense. Jackson has the body to play left or right guard. He gets out in space well and shows patience when engaging defenders. He has a strong, hard punch and will stand up to defenders and chicken fight for position. He’s able to pull, trap and can close down on defenders in a hurry. He’s a mauler who can play with toughness for four quarters.

"

Jackson's ability to play either left or right guard should be a major selling point for Buffalo. Incognito may be able to lock down one side of the line, but upgrading both guard spots should be on the agenda. Urbik is serviceable and 2014 draft pick Cyril Richardson showed some promise but neither is elite.

At worst, Jackson would step in and upgrade one guard position. If Incognito proves to be the right fit in his second Buffalo stint, then the interior of the Buffalo offensive line could become a team strength.

Toss in the fact that Jackson is a prospect that has drawn interest from the division-rival New England Patriots, and it is fairly easy to see why he would be an attractive option for Ryan and Co.

While Jackson isn't exactly the type of player fans are likely to get excited about, he would be the type of addition that could help spark a deep postseason run.