The Buffalo Bills are counting on each of their top-three draft picks to contribute immediately. Two of those three picks, CB Stephon Gilmore and WR T.J. Graham, have been among the team’s standouts this preseason. Second-round pick Cordy Glenn is the favorite start at LT, but his play has been more inconsistent.
Here’s a look at how Buffalo’s top-three picks have performed:
Top pick: CB Stephon Gilmore (first round, No. 10 overall) -- The selection of Gilmore addressed value and need for the Bills. Gilmore has fit right in working with the starters since his first practice, and he has quickly become the team’s top CB. He looks comfortable in coverage and doesn’t yield much separation in the passing game. He’ll likely endure some growing pains given the nature of his position, but so far it looks like a wise pick. Grade: A.
No. 2 pick: LT Cordy Glenn (second round, No. 41 overall) -- Glenn appears to have the upper hand on second-year pro Chris Hairston for the starting LT job, but that’s more a matter of circumstances than anything else. With RT injuries at camp, the more experienced Hairston was called upon to fill in on the right side and has seen less time at left tackle recently. Glenn is a big body with good athleticism but has had problems in pass protection. Left tackle remains one of Buffalo’s biggest concerns on offense heading into the season. Grade: C-
No. 3 pick: WR T.J. Graham (third round, No. 69 overall) -- The Bills drafted Graham for his speed, and he’s delivered. In Friday’s preseason game against Minnesota, he sprinted past the Vikings secondary to catch a 64-yard pass from Vince Young. Graham has shown great improvement from the spring, when he appeared to be a long way from contributing. He’s improved with his routes and knowledge of the offense but isn't a finished product. But his speed is a major plus. Grade: A-
For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and@MarkLud12.
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