DALLAS - There have been 17 quarterbacks that have started for the Buffalo Bills since Jim Kelly retired.
Not so coincidentally, the Bills just ended a 17-year playoff drought.
If you want to be competitive on a consistent basis in the NFL, you have to have a franchise QB. Bills GM Brandon Beane would be first to admit that, and he's now face with one of the most difficult decisions in his first NFL draft in Buffalo.
The Bills have nine picks in this year's draft, six in the first three rounds including numbers 12 and 22 in the first round. They are in a position to try to trade up and draft one of the top four quarterbacks. At the same time, they have significant needs at linebacker, offensive line, and receiver among other positions.
Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield is not in Dallas for this draft, the other three are and appeared at an NFL Play Football event ahead of the draft on Wednesday.
SAM DARNOLD (USC)
Darnold is considered the most complete quarterback in the draft, but faces questions about hand size and thus ball security.
"I mean I've thought about a lot of teams. You know there's a lot of teams out there that could possibly trade up or something like that. I'm just excited to see what happens first of all, because anything could happen at the draft."
JOSH ROSEN (UCLA)
Strong talent who is considered perhaps the most ready to transition to the NFL. Much of that has to do with his intelligence that translates to an ability to read defenses. But he faces questions about durability coming off two concussions last season.
"I mean I don't think you can ever be fully prepared. It's impossible because I don't really know what's on the other side. I'm just as prepared as I can possibly be with regards to people talking about my football IQ and stuff...that's my edge... a lot of people have certain things that put them above the rest, and my edge is my ability to process information and make decisions."
JOSH ALLEN (WYOMING)
Terrific size, arm strength, and big hands that make him a solid all-weather quarterback. Accuracy is a big question. He completed 56-percent of his passes at Wyoming.
"Not a problem. Going back on film and watching when I missed was large part due to my feet and now going to the senior bowl, combine, and pro day, me and Jordan Palmer worked on it and it's not a problem.. When my feet are set, I'm right on time and as accurate as anybody."
BAKER MAYFIELD (OKLAHOMA)
What he lacks in size (6'1") he makes up for in athleticism and the ability to make a wide range of NFL throws. But his attitude and off the field issues raise red flags for many.
If the Bills don't trade up, Louisville's Lamar Jackson, and Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph could be available as the first round progresses. Jackson told 2-On-Your-Side's Adam Benigni that he has had not contact with the Bills since the usual interview at the NFL Scouting Combine. Rudolph visited Buffalo ahead of the draft.