Bills trade up to select Cody Ford, fortify O-line

The Buffalo Bills traded up with the Oakland Raiders to select offensive tackle Cody Ford out of Oklahoma in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 38th overall.

Oakland received the 40th pick and a fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall) in return.

Ford gives the Bills another potential starter for their offensive line, which underwent an overhaul via free agency and could feature five new starters in 2019.

Ford started 21 games for the Sooners over his collegiate career. He was an All-Big 12 first-team selection in 2018 after establishing himself as an elite right tackle helping protect quarterback Kyler Murray.

School: Oklahoma
Height: 6-4
Weight: 329 lbs

Strengths

• Great size with strength and athleticism to match
• Lower-body strength to anchor in pass protection and drive legs while run-blocking
• Mirrors opponent with good lateral movement to account for counters
• Good awareness to pass off twisting rushers and pick up others
• Plays physical with a nasty demeanor to finish blocks

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve hand placement and timing of punch in pass protection
• Doesn't really work to the second level effectively in the run game
• 10 penalties in 2018

Bottom line

Ford is a massive lineman whose physicality and aggressive style can set the tone for a five-man unit up front. His technique will need to improve, and ideally, his athleticism would better translate to effectiveness working upfield in the running game, but those are areas that can be developed. Everything else in his game is very impressive. Whether it's as a guard or as a tackle, Ford should be an impact starter from Day 1.

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