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Home , 2017 NFL Draft, Adolphus Washington, Alex McGough, Andre Holmes, Brandon Beane, Brandon Parker

Mock 1.0

By Gregory Kowalczyk

The drought is over. Read it one more time; ‘The drought is over’ after 17 long years the Buffalo Bills reached the playoffs. The Bills were actually allowed to participate in the post-season with the big- boys; they were finally invited to the adult table at Thanksgiving. What an exciting time to be a millennial Bills fan, or a fan that didn’t grow up in the heart of the 90’s. The 2018 NFL draft in Arlington, TX is set to take place April 26th-28th at AT&T Stadium; home of the . The Bills will enter the draft with tons of excitement; not only internally within the fan base, but outside as many members of the media will be following what Buffalo decides to do with their array of draft selections. The Bills will enter the draft with a lot of ammunition and flexibility including 6 draft selections within the top 96. It’ll be no surprise when the Bills trade up to get their guy. The current draft selections currently are listed below.

Bills 2018 draft picks:

Round 1 - 12 (from ) Round 1 - 22 (from Kansas City) Round 2 - 53 Round 2 - 56 (from LA Rams) Round 3 - 65 (from Cleveland) Round 3 - 96 (from ) Round 4 - 121 Round 5 - 166 (from Jacksonville) Round 6 - 187 (from Cincinnati)

The Buffalo Bills finished the 2017 season at 9-7 with a wildcard loss to the 10-3. and Sean McDermott preached ‘trust the process’ and it was hard to follow the coach-speak that was being spewed out by One Bills Drive, where the Bills wanted to win now and also the future. Culture is a big word that’s debated in the sports world, whether it matters or not can be debated forever. When a team wins, they are said to have great culture and room, when they don’t, they need to create a winning culture. It goes hand in hand, however the Buffalo Bills may have proved the 2017 change in culture was vital to their success. Letting go of talented, high draft selections like , , and Marcel Dareus and rotating in team players and relying on leaders to bring the group together; the Bills did just that. The Bills created a foundation, which will be built upon and it makes it a hell of a lot easier for guys to buy into a first year and GM tandem helping the playoff drought.

The Bills entered the 2018 offseason with some holes like most teams and some tough decisions to make. The decision came first. With a 6 million roster bonus set to take place in early March the Bills made it clear they’d pick up that option and hinted at shopping Taylor. The Browns stepped up to the plate and offered the Bills the 65th pick for Tyrod Taylor before the Bills had to decide on the 6 million dollar option. Taylor’s salary was reasonable at 16 million a season proving to be middle of the pack, perfect bridge option for the Browns. The Browns beat out the Broncos and Cardinals reportedly in offering the first pick in the third round. At the time the Bills only had on the roster who the coaching staff is high on but many Bills fans just keep replaying the five first-half in the Chargers game last season which luckily didn’t cost the Bills a playoff spot or McDermott would still be answering questions for that questionable coaching decision to bench Taylor amidst a playoff chase.

The Bills then packaged offensive , the 21st overall pick and a 5th rounder with Cincinnati to obtain the 12th overall pick and 6th rounder putting the Bills in striking distance to land their franchise . While Glenn is a top Left Tackle in this league he quickly fell out of favor with a chronic foot injury and the solid rookie season from 2nd round pick whom the Bills traded up to get last draft. According the trade value chart made famous by Jimmy Johnson and still used today for guidelines below the Bills will need to use the 12th, 22nd, 53rd, and 65th pick to get into that top 2-4 spots to land their franchise quarterback and maybe more. The Bills would still have a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round selection should this happen as Brandon Beane has been stockpiling draft selections for this very weekend.

Before free agency began Brandon Beane made it clear he will pay attention to the compensatory selection process. Compensatory selections are awarded to teams based on the players lost and gained in free agency the following season using a formula the league defines somewhere between the third and seventh rounds. In order for the Bills to be eligible for extra draft picks next season Preston Brown, , EJ Gaines and would need to sign free agent deals and the Bills remain relatively inactive spending money this off-season. The Bills signed , Chris Ivory, and Owa Odighizuwa all before free agency thus not affecting the compensatory formula. Davis will compete for a starting spot outside next to Tre’Davious White, filling the void that EJ Gaines left and saving money in the process for arguably a better player when healthy. Ivory immediately steps into the backup running back role behind Shady McCoy and has the experience to handle a workload carrying the ball on average 170+ times over the past five seasons. With both backs over 30, the Bills could be in the market for a mid- round running back prospect. Odighizuwa will provide solid rotational depth along the defensive line being able to play multiple spots and will be able to rotate with Hughes, Lawson, and Eddie Yarbrough.

The Bills made a splash early into the free agency “courting” period signing former Panthers who had his best season under McDermott. Lotulelei reportedly signed a 5 year deal and is in the prime of his career at 28 years old. The same day it was announced that Kyle Williams will be returning on a friendly one year deal worth up to $6 million after incentives. While the Bills are still thin on defensive line signing both will help shift the focus to finding some young depth along the line and not an immediate need with others to fill.

Trent Murphy was also added within the first few hours of free-agency with a hefty three year, up to $30m deal to help bolster the Buffalo Bills pass rush. Likely to lineup opposite , Murphy possesses a quick burst of the line and a knack to get to the quarterback. Murphy had 9 sacks in 2016 and 5.5 as a rookie which will definitely help the Bills struggling pass rush. who still is on his cheap rookie contract likely returns as a rotational guy whom is both versatile enough to play inside and outside the line. Murphy has experience and came into the league as a 2nd round linebacker to Washington. The Bills quickly bolstered their defensive line rotation and depth with the signings of Lotulelei, Murphy, bringing back Kyle Williams and tendered Yarbrough to mix with Hughes, Lawson, Odighizuwa, and Adolphus Washington.

AJ McCarron was brought in as Tyrod Taylor’s replacement. As the were flying off the board early in free agency it was often wondered whom the Bills would pick up to compete and help potentially fill the void until the rookie the Bills presumably draft is ready. McCarron was one of the few quarterbacks still on the market and Buffalo picked him up at a very reasonable $3 million salary this year and $7m next. McCaron has started 3 games in 3 seasons with Cincinnati and comes to Buffalo with a high collegiate pedigree winning two National Championships and some unknown NFL potential upside. In less exciting news the Bills signed exclusive rights deals with TE Nick O’Leary and , DE Eddie Yarbrough, and CB Lafayette Pitts. The Bills also added a hard hitting safety in Rafeal Bush with starting experience to provide special teams help and third safety depth behind Micah Hyde and . Linebacker was also signed to provide special teams and depth as well. The Bills added some competition amongst the offensive line with to compete at Center with . Bodine started all four seasons with the Bengals however ranks poorly among centers by Pro Football Weekly. Bodine also has experience with quarterback AJ McCarron from their days in Cincinnati. Buffalo also added journeyman offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse to the mix. Newhouse will compete at Right Tackle however also provides starting experience at left tackle and guard. Cornerback Phillip Gaines was also signed. Gaines will provide competition at the slot corner and also provides experience inside from his previous four seasons with Kansas City. Jeremy Kerley was added to the receiver room to help provide depth.

For purposes of this mock I’ll try to draft based on whom I think the Bills staff will select mixed with need, and who I may want. The Bills are allotted thirty pre-draft visits and this can help gauge who they are interested in. Every year three or four players will come from this list. Below is a list of draft prospects that have had some sort of contact this spring that have been confirmed.

• , CB, Louisville (PRI) • , QB, Wyoming (SR) • ^, RB, Arizona State (PRO, PRI) • D.J. Chark, WR, LSU (PRI) • , OT, Oregon (COM) • , CB, Western Carolina (WOR) • , QB, USC (WOR) • , CB, (PRI) • , ILB, Boise State (PRI) • , S, Oklahoma State (EW) • Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State (WOR) • David Goldsby, OT, Buffalo (LOC) • Derrius Guice, RB, LSU (COM) • Kamathi Holsey, WR, Buffalo (WOR) • , TE, Florida State (COM) • Donte Jackson, CB, LSU (PRI) • Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa (PRI) • , QB, Louisville (COM) • Jaryd Jones-Smith, OT, Pittsburgh (COM) • Jamarcus King, CB, South Carolina (SR) • Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh (EW) • ^, QB, Oklahoma (SR, COM, PRI) • Alex McGough, QB, Florida International (WOR) • R.J. McIntosh, DT/3-4DE, Miami (PRI) • , OT, UCLA (COM) • D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland (PRI) • Ryan Nall, FB, Oregon State (COM) • Kendrick Norton, DT/NT, Miami (WOR) • , 3-4OLB/OLB, USC (PRI) • Dorian O'Daniel, ILB, Clemson (PRO) • , OT, North Carolina A&T (COM) • ^, RB, San Diego State (COM, PRI) • , WR, Washington (PRO) • ^, G/C, Arkansas (COM, WOR, PRI) • , OT, Mississippi State (COM) • ^, QB, UCLA (WOR, PRI) • Mason Rudolph^, QB, Oklahoma State (SR, PRI) • Jaylen Samuels, RB, N.C. State (COM) • Brandon Silvers, QB, Troy (SR) • , OLB/ILB, Georgia (PRI) • Chad Thomas, DE/3-4OLB, Miami (WOR) • Robert Torgerson, DT, Southern Utah (PRO) • , CB, State (PRI) • Fred Warner, OLB, Brigham Young (PRI) • James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State (SR) • , QB, Western Kentucky (COM) • Ethan Wolf, TE, Tennessee (EW) • , WR, Western Kentucky (PRO)

On to the Mock!

The Bills are set to pick 12th overall in the first round.

Trade:

Buffalo Bills receive; No. 6, No. 49. (Value: 2,010 points)

Indianapolis receive; No. 12, No. 22, No. 96. (Value: 2,096 points)

The Bills trade with the Colts to move them into position to select their franchise quarterback. Trading pick 12, 22, and 96 will allow Buffalo to select their Quarterback and not have to give up the farm. Buffalo will still select 49, 53, 56, and 65 to help bolster the roster. The Bills will still have the luxury of using pick 65 with any of their seconds to move up should someone slide down the board. If Buffalo really falls in love with a player like Josh Rosen, Josh Allen; they could trade up to #2 overall with the Giants whom Brandon Beane has a previous connection with GM Dave Gettleman from their days in Carolina. The cost to move up to pick 2 is likely a ransom; 12,22,53,65 and maybe even a 2019 pick.

st th 1 Round – 6 Overall

Baker Mayfield – Quarterback – Oklahoma – 6’0 3/8 216lbs.

The moment the Bills traded back in the 2017 NFL draft led to this moment. 2018 was said by many to be the year of the Quarterback. Every move GM Brandon Beane has made was to put the Bills in position to do whatever they needed possible to get themselves a quarterback they fancy. The Bills have reportedly met with Mayfield on 4 occasions and it wouldn’t surprise me if owner signed off on hiring a private investigator to follow around Mayfield ‘leaving no stone unturned’. In Beane’s first draft as the Bills selected only seniors. I believe the Bills stick to that trend early in this draft or at least at the most important position on the field.

Mayfield possesses many qualities you’d look for in a franchise quarterback he’s tough and extremely competitive. It’s easily noticeable how fiery Mayfield is on the field and plays with a chip on his shoulder as he wasn’t heavily recruited. Mayfield’s teammates love him and he has total control of his huddle. With a quick step, Mayfield makes strong pre-snap reads and processes the field extremely fast. Mayfield is one of the most accurate if not most accurate quarterback in this class. With a strong arm and nice touch Mayfield is very accurate on deep throws. Over the past two seasons Mayfield has completed over half his throws 20+ yards down the field. With above average speed Mayfield is able to buy time within the pocket and extend plays to help his receivers get open.

The 2017 winner completed a ridiculous senior season completing 70.5 percent of his passes, while throwing 43 and only six interceptions, while chipping in 311 rushing yards with five more scores. Mayfield set a record that he set the year prior in passing efficiency with 11.8 yards per pass attempt, something the Bills have been severely lacking with the willingness to throw deep and make quick decisions with Tyrod Taylor leading the way. Bills offensive coordinator has experience at big time programs coaching up quarterbacks putting them in the best possible situations to win. Mayfield’s 2017 Heisman win was the 3rd highest percentage of voting points ever. While there are some knocks on Mayfield, one would hope the Bills staff has decided that he isn’t the punk that most seem. Mayfield has a history of incidents that some GM’s and coaches would take off their board completely while others would argue that’s a type of player they want on their roster. Mayfield planted an Oklahoma flag on midfield at Ohio State after a win causing uproar of “disrespect” from some. You can just chalk that up to a kid being ultra-competitive and creating a rivalry. The 2018 PC world didn’t like this and Mayfield was forced to apologize. That same year Mayfield was seen at a Kansas game grabbing his privates and swearing at the coach of the other team. Mayfield was also arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct and fleeing arrest in February of 2017, he was never suspended and took alcohol education classes. Aside from those hopefully correctable growing up flags, Mayfield is on the shorter size which the NFL normally passes on in early draft selections. Mayfield is more susceptible to batted passes because of his size and his spread college scheme helped minimize those. If Mayfield was 6’3 there is little question he’d be the one overall selection in this draft.

While Mayfield doesn’t seem like a Sean McDermott guy from a personality standpoint there are definitely high-end qualities and talent you’d want in your franchise quarterback. Imagine if the greats of the 80’s and 90’s were tracked via social media and judged on every step they took. Could you imagine having access to in his rebellious years? Phillip Rivers is known for his competitive nature on the field and I believe Baker possesses a lot of those same qualities. While I don’t truly feel Mayfield is the guy they want 100% he might be the 3rd or 4th quarterback taken and the Bills will do their best to convince you otherwise he’s the guy they wanted all along. The fact of the matter is the Bills might not be able to move up to number 2 and get the guy they want. Other First Round Possibilities:

*List includes a list of first round targets the Bills could go after depending on spot Bills end up selecting. If Josh Rosen or Baker Mayfield slides, Brandon Beane may be able to trade into the 8-10 range and keep the 22nd overall selection and the coveted 5th year option for first round draft picks. Per the value chart moving up from 12 to 9 would only cost pick 56 or 65.

Josh Rosen – UCLA – Quarterback – 6’4 218lbs.

Another possibility for the Bills first round pick would be Josh Rosen. Rosen and Sam Darnold are the pro-type quarterbacks I believe Beane and McDermott would want. Sam Darnold has less upside but carries himself like someone I’d anticipate the Bills staff being very fond of. Rosen has much more upside. Rosen is a very strong armed pocket passer with rare arm talent. Rosen’s spiral and rotation on the ball is one of the best in the draft. Rosen has the knack for placing the ball into tight windows and throwing his receivers open, his arm strength helps him beat good coverage. Rosen took a beating at UCLA with not the most talent on the roster. Rosen has solid footwork and experience working under center. I’d compare Rosen physically to a however with a high level field IQ. Rosen also brings some risks which is why I think Darnold becomes a safer pick. Rosen has had two concussions in 2017 and with the growing concern in the NFL and not being the most mobile; one hit could sideline your quarterback for extended time. Rosen has also had shoulder and hand injuries during his collegiate career. Leadership has also been questioned with Rosen, it’s been reported by previous coaching staff’s that he’s a bored millennial, who needs to be pushed and really challenged scheme wise. Luckily for Rosen the NFL is a whole different animal for him to try and master. Rosen is out spoken and voices his opinion politically and in everyday life, something I don’t think the Bills will care about with McDermott and Pegula preaching family and everyone having a voice. Politics are a big part of this world and some teams will shy away from him however I think the Bills wouldn’t. If Rosen comes in, puts his head in the playbook and takes the approach in terms of his personal privacy he could be a great franchise quarterback in this league. If Rosen gets distracted or bored he could be out of the league in five years. UCLA’s pro-style system working under center gives him a slight advantage to starting right away over other quarterbacks in this class Mayfield included.

Rashaan Evans – Alabama – Linebacker – 6’3 234lbs.

Should the Bills look at linebacker in round one with one of their selections, look no further than . An instinctive linebacker who plays very fast and is able to get from sideline to sideline is something the Buffalo Bills severely lack. With Preston Brown leaving in free agency and Lorenzo Alexander aging the Bills could use some youth and athleticism to the line backing corp. Evans possesses great range and length which allows him to shed blocks and get to the next level. Evans is able to scale the perimeter and get to the edge with ease while staying in position and doesn’t get fooled with misdirection plays. Some of the weaknesses with Evans are on occasion he doesn’t trust his athletic ability in coverage resulting in delayed instincts trailing a receiver or running back. Some scouts also have concerns about his durability as he had a nagging groin injuring in 2017.

Leighton Vander Esch – Boise State – Linebacker – 6’4 256lbs.

The 2017 Mountain West player of the year and captain, Leighton Vander Esch has been on the Bills radar all year. Vander Esch was brought in for a visit and scouted multiple times throughout the season. An impressive season at Boise State resulted in 141 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 4 pass breakups and 4 forced . The Bills drafted linebacker last season from Boise State and are familiar with Vander Esch. An early NFL comparison by many scouts is Karlos Dansby who coincidently the Bills hosted on a free agent visit. The Bills really lack a middle linebacker who can fly to the ball. The of the Bills for Sean McDermott’s would be a great addition, even if it’s 75% of Kuechly. Vander Esch is big, long, and very athletic, and also ran a 4.65 40-yard dash at 256lbs. Vander Esch just performs on the big stage, winning both the defensive player of the year and his bowl game’s MVP as well. Vander Esch is a former high school basketball player which helps him excel with fluid hips and smooth in pass coverage. Some weaknesses include only having one season of starting production and still needs to put on some strength to his frame.

Maurice Hurst Jr - Defensive Tackle – Michigan – 6’2 292lbs.

Maurice Hurst would be a luxury pick to eventually replace Kyle Williams. Hurst is a smaller defensive tackle who is able to disrupt backfields with his elite quickness shedding blocks. Hurst has a constant motor and can get to the quarterback with a variety of pass rushing moves. With his quick hands, Hurst is able to shed punch attempts by interior linemen. Hurst’s fast feet allow him to bounce from gap to gap on various stunt techniques which will make high level defensive coaches like Leslie Frazier and Sean McDermott drool over. A perfect fit to be paired next to a gap closer like Star Lotulelei, Hurst would provide a nice balance of size, speed, and strength along the line and could learn all he can from Kyle Williams for a season. The only place that works for Hurst because his size is in a 4-3 system as bigger offensive guards can give him problems on occasion.

Isaiah Wynn – Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard – Georgia – 6’3 313lbs.

If the Bills end up keeping their 22nd overall pick then can be an option. It’s no surprise that McDermott and brass prefer their roster to be versatile to play multiple positions and that’s just what Wynn would provide. Wynn played left tackle for the but projects more of a guard or right tackle in the NFL and is also strong enough to play center. Wynn is a quick interior lineman who stays connected to his block and looks to always finish at the second level. Wynn’s body control and balance help him stay in position and respond to the complex schemes of the SEC conference and what the NFL will bring. With Wynn’s experience starting both at guard and tackle will make NFL GM’s salivate. At 6’3 many GM’s will feel he’s too small to play tackle but will be a good player for teams that like their guards to get out and pull.

Mason Rudolph – Quarterback – Oklahoma State – 6’5 235lbs.

Should the Bills not get their quarterback early in this draft, Mason Rudolph is a guy I like that is all over the projection boards. While I don’t believe the Bills will take him at 12, Pick 22 or moving down could help the Bills fill holes and still get their QB they desire. Rudolph is the prototypical pocket passer with great size and has improved throughout his collegiate career at Oklahoma State. Rudolph has good arm strength and creates a clear throwing lane using his size. Rudolph will slide around the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield and gets rid of the ball fast and cut down on his sacks this past season. Rudolph likes to attack deep down the middle of the field and throws in front of safeties and over the using the whole football field. Rudolph was also a threat in the red zone rushing for 17 touchdowns in his collegiate career. You could ask multiple GM’s their opinion on Rudolph and get a bunch of different answers. Rudolph sometimes will sail his throws when he has an open receiver and is a system quarterback who didn’t have to progress through many reads and has a history of fumbling as a starter.

Josh Jackson – Cornerback – Iowa – 6’1 192lbs.

One of my favorite players in the entire draft Josh Jackson is a lanky ball-hawking cornerback who uses his length to bat down balls. In 2017 Jackson defensed 27 passes. Jackson came in with a slower 4.56, 40 time speed but, in the Bills zone scheme his length will more than make up for it. In 2017 Jackson only allowed a 3% completion percent largely because of 25.7% of the passes thrown his way, Jackson was able to get a hand on. With a 38 inch vertical and impressive length, Jackson is able to high point the ball and makes big plays in big time games. Jackson had three interceptions in an upset win versus Ohio State and two returns versus Wisconsin. Jackson possesses a positive attitude on the field something McDermott will love and has the ability to return punts if need be. Jackson may slide down in the first round because of only having 14 career starts, but whomever selects Jackson are going to get a premium cornerback and a 5th year option on a low rookie deal at one of the highest paid positions on the field.

On the radar: (QB) Josh Allen, (WR) DJ Moore, (OT) Connor Williams, (CB) Isaiah Oliver, (C) Billy Price, 2nd Round – 49th Overall (from Colts)

Frank Ragnow – Center/Guard – Arkansas – 6’5 309lbs.

With the 49th pick in the 2018 draft the Bills use the pick acquired from the Colts to select Center Frank Ragnow. Ragnow is a three-year starter and team captain in a tough SEC conference. His physical play and size helps him defend the interior. At 6’5, Ragnow is athletic enough to bend and drive block to the next level. The Buffalo Bills lost long-time center this offseason due to a surprising retirement and guard also decided to retire after restructuring his contract and finding out some bad health news himself. The Bills currently only have Russell Bodine at center on a two-year deal and weren’t happy with their guard play last year on the right side with John Miller and Vlad Ducasse. Ryan Groy has experience at guard and center for the Bills and likely will compete with Bodine for center. Groy only has one year left on his current deal. Ragnow would be a perfect fit for the Bills roster to add youth to an offensive line that really only has tackle Dion Dawkins as it’s only piece. In 2603 career college snaps, Ragnow only allowed 35 pressures while not giving up a sack. Ragnow could come in and compete at guard and eventually move to center. The Bills held a private workout this April with Ragnow and will be in the market for interior offensive line help early in this draft. 2nd Round – 53rd Overall

Mike Gesicki – – Penn State – 6’5 247lbs.

With the 53rd overall pick in the 2018 draft the Bills add to help bolster the roster with some receiving options. While the Bills do need wide receivers, Mike Gesicki’ s athleticism will be too hard to pass up here. Tight End Charles Clay boasts a $9 million cap hit and is signed for 2 more seasons. If the Bills were to walk away after 2018 from Charles clay that $9 million will cut in half. Clay is approaching 30 years old and is constantly battling hip and back injuries which tend to really slow tight ends down. Gesicki is just an athlete playing football, basketball, and volleyball in high school. Gesicki won’t really help in the run game and isn’t the best blocker but if you are just looking for a receiving threat he’s your guy. Gesicki has the ball skills to go up against any linebacker or safety. With his smooth release he’s able to get vertical in a hurry and out run most linebackers. Gesicki is also a great route runner and has the best hands in the class. With his background as a basketball and volleyball player Gesicki was able to post a 41.5” vertical at the combine, add that to his 6’5 frame and Gesicki is open even when he’s covered. Gesicki is able to torque his body mid-air and come down with the ball and his vision while tracking it and catching the ball at its high point really separates him from the other pass-catching tight ends. Some knocks on Gesicki are that he’s not the best blocker and needs to add more strength which will come, and on occasion has trouble getting off the line of scrimmage. The Bills could line him up all over the field to create mismatches and give their quarterback of the future a safety outlet that can be paired for years to come. 2nd Round – 56th Overall

Donte Jackson – Cornerback – LSU – 5’11 178lbs.

You can never have enough in the NFL and with the 56th overall selection this Bills will add Donte Jackson. LSU is DB University and adding Jackson who is a similar build to Tre White will provide the Bills depth at the cornerback position. The Bills currently only have five cornerbacks on the roster and only one (White) played meaningful snaps with the Bills last season. Free Agent acquisition Vontae Davis is only signed on a one year $4.32 million deal and was banged up last season. Phillip Gaines was added to compete for slot duty. Adding Donte Jackson to the slot mix will be beneficial. Jackson is extremely fast, and ran a 4.32 40-yard-dash at the combine. He’s another track star who helped LSU win conference titles in the 4x100 relay. With his elite athleticism, Jackson is one of the faster players in the entire draft. Jackson is always around the football using his fast closing burst. His ability to bait quarterbacks into interceptions by trailing the receivers will help in zone coverage but is also quick enough to blitz of the edge or cover the slot. LSU is a hotbed from corners and Jackson has started his since sophomore year learning from defensive backs , and Tre’Davious White. What hurts Jackson is his smaller frame and ability to support the run, and might not be able to handle a full 16 game slate, but with the Bills zone scheme and linebackers getting downhill it shouldn’t be a problem should the Bills select him. Other Possibilities: (Bills 2nd round selections)

James Washington – – Oklahoma State – 5’11 213lbs.

Should the Bills pass on tight end at any point in round two they will be looking for their deep threat receiver. James Washington has produced at Oklahoma State his whole career, as a true freshman he had 27 catches and six touchdowns in five starts. In 2015 he was awarded the teams Thurman Thomas MVP award chipping in 53 receptions, 1087 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Production continued in 2016 with 71 catches, 1,380 yards, and nine touchdowns, ranking 11th nationally and finally as a senior Washington was a Fred Biletnikoff finalist posting 1,549 yards on 74 receptions (20.9 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns. With , , , and Kaelin Clay as your projected top-four wide-outs for next season the Bills will be looking to add pass catchers. Benjamin is a free agent after next season and the Bills have lacked a depth threat for a while. Washington is able to take the top off a defense and has sneaky vertical speed at his 4.54 forty time. Washington has a history of hitting home runs with his exceptional vision and ball tracking. Washington is the perfect WR2 a team is looking for depending on the quarterback’s deep ball skills. Washington was rarely challenged by press coverage in the Big 12 because most offenses ran a spread , so his ability to get off the line and run a variety of routes will be challenged.

Will Hernandez – Offensive Guard – Texas El Paso – 6’2 348lbs.

Compared to Richie Incognito by many scouts, would immediately come in and compete at guard for the Bills. Hernandez has started all 37 games UTEP has played at LG. Hernandez is a big-boy and has a combination of balance, power, and athletic ability. Hernandez is a very good run blocker and can also hold his own in pass protection. He’s not the tallest or longest but is extremely strong and fast for his size. Hernandez seems like a guard the Bills would want, aggressive, fluid hips, and great lateral quickness. Hernandez is a student of the game and his work ethic has been noticeable over his career at UTEP, he loves the game of football and will gel with a room. If anyone seems like a “trust the process” guy its Hernandez. Should the Bills look at interior line help in the 2nd round Hernandez may be a guy they are targeting.

Harrison Phillips – Defensive Tackle – Stanford – 6’4 308lbs.

The Bills could look to address defensive tackle depth in the second round of the draft. With Kyle Williams’ age and not much depth to the side of Star Lotulelei, only Adolphus Washington is on the roster, and he isn’t the best fit for Sean McDermott’s 4-3 system. is a former wrestler who has a way of getting his nose to the football. Phillips isn’t the greatest athlete but has the ability to plug gaps and slither into holes to stop the run. Phillips is what Buffalo looks for from their defensive tackles, able to push the pocket, not necessarily have flashy sack numbers but do enough to get the quarterback off his spot and force quick throws that allow the linebackers and defensive ends to get home. Phillips 42 reps on the bench press was tops at the NFL Scouting Combine. As a senior he led Stanford in tackles with 103, 17 for a loss with 7.5 sacks which really shows you that Phillips doesn’t give up on a play and will do the dirty work. Kyle Williams would be a great mentor to a player like Phillips even if it’s for one season with the Bills.

Nick Chubb – Running Back – Georgia – 5’11 228lbs.

LeSean McCoy will be 30 when the season starts and has a lot of tread on his tires. With just two years left on his deal, the Bills may look to bring in a running back at some point in this draft. If it’s in round two with multiple picks it may be . The Bills may likely add one with their late round draft picks as they have been linked to many “Day Three” prospects. Chubb would be a fit for what offensive coordinator Brian Daboll likes to employ in his backfields, a big, one cut, running back who can wear out a defense. Chubb likely would have been a first round pick had he not torn up his knee in 2015 but did come back strong in 2016 and 2017, but wasn’t as explosive as he was pre injury. Chubb is a bowling ball type runner, and gets his pads low to rack up yards after contact. Chubb’s quick feet and patience help him a lot around the goal line finding creases to score. While he won’t likely be on the field much on third downs in the NFL, Chubb still is still worthy of a 2nd or 3rd round pick in this draft because of his vision, patience, and power. Chubb isn’t the fastest with his 4.52 speed but, the upside is there should he slowly start to regain his form pre-knee injury.

Quenton Meeks- Cornerback – Stanford – 6’2 197lbs.

Quenton Meeks would be a great addition to the secondary, with the receivers getting bigger and bigger and Tre-Davious White on the smaller side the Bills may look to Meeks. At 6’2 197lbs and a 39 inch vertical, Meeks would bring a ton of athleticism and size to the defensive backfield. Meeks is strong enough and physical enough to matchup with the top receivers in the league. Meeks 15 pass deflections and 5 interceptions over the past two seasons is something McDermott’s secondary was accustomed to last season. While not the fastest, Meeks is better suited for a zone where he can use his length to trail and have safety help. Meeks is a very strong tackling cornerback and is a film-rat; he wasn’t penalized in 2017 which is unheard of in the pass happy Pac 12 conference. McDermott prefers his corners to be technically sound tacklers and Meeks tackles the chest first and wraps up. Meeks may fall in the draft to the Bills while teams shy away from how he bites on play action fakes and isn’t fluid turning his hips once he gets beat early in a route. With the right scheme fit, Meeks could be a steal in round two.

On the radar: (RB) Ronald Jones II, (SS) , (CB) Carlton Davis, (OG) , and Dallas Goedert (TE), D.J. Moore (WR), Uchenna Nwosu (OLB)

rd 3 Round – 65th Overall

D.J. Chark – Wide Receiver – LSU- 6’3 199lbs.

With the 65th overall pick, the Bills use the pick they received for Tyrod Taylor on a wide-out that can help really take the top off a defense. LSU not only produces defensive backs, but they also have sent 15 receivers into the league in the past decade. D.J Chark is a tall, slender reciever, with just game breaking speed. A straight line reciever who doesn’t offer much more from a route running perspective will fit in nicely to the Bills receiving corps that lack a true deep threat that will back off safeties at the line of scrimmage. Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones both will benefit from having someone to have the secondary back off. With his 4.34 40-time, Chark is one of the faster recievers in the class and can easily run away from people. Chark also posseses a great double move where the cornerback bites and Chark is able to catch the safety flat-footed. On just 86 career touches, 10 of them went for scores and 36% of them went for 25+ yards. Chark is also able to return punts and take big hits with his size. What may limit Chark to nothing more than a WR2 in this league is that he’s easily pressed off the line and doesn’t have expierence running complex routes. The consitency in college is why Chark will fall down the board, but teams will fall in love with his size, speed, and his play action over the top blazing speed.

Duke Dawson – Cornerback – Florida 5’10 204 lbs.

Duke Dawson would be an option for the Bills here if they wanted to add to the secondary. Dawson is strictly a slot corner who can use his strength to press and really make it hard for a receiver to get off the line. Dawson is a perfect fit in both man and zone coverage which will come in handy for Coach McDermott. Dawson isn’t the fastest but has great instincts and can blanket receivers across the middle. With Dawson’s on field intelligence he’s able to digest route combinations quickly and stop slants and drag routes. Dawson did a great job at the stopping Christian Kirk who is said to be one of the better slot receiver’s in this class.

R.J. McIntosh – Defensive Tackle – Miami – 6’4 286lbs.

McIntosh is a 4-3 “three technique” defensive tackle who may slide down the draft as many 3-4 teams won’t touch him. Should the Bills pick with their 96 overall selection, McIntosh could be on their radar. McIntosh had an impressive 2017, finishing with 52 tackles, 12.5 which were behind the line of scrimmage. A solid athlete with a good first move to penetrate the backfield, McIntosh could be another fit next to Star Lotulelei after Kyle Williams retires. McIntosh is flexible for his size and very good at getting sideways and getting into the backfield, he won’t be asked to plug a hole. McIntosh is also versatile enough to play defensive end in pass rushing situations. The athleticism showed during his 2017 season when he batted down 7 passes from the defensive tackle position and blocked two kicks will make many teams fall in love. Like many prospects, McIntosh will have to work a little in the weight room to help against the run more. In 2018, McIntosh may be more of a rotational player, in pass rushing situations until he puts on some strength but again that would be fine with Kyle Williams still here.

Other Possibilities:

Kerryon Johnson – RB- Auburn

Dante Pettis – WR – Washington

Holton Hill – CB – Texas

Tyrell Crosby – OT – Oregon

Darius Leonard – OLB – South Carolina State

TH st 4 Round 121 Overall

Dorian O’Daniel – Outside Linebacker – Clemson – 6’1 223lbs .

The Bills continue to fill holes in the 2018 draft with their 4th round selection of Dorian O’Daniel. The Bills desperately need to add some athletic youth to the linebacker room. Athletic linebackers are hard to come by as they need to be able to stay on the field in passing situations and O’Daniel led the Clemson Tigers with 103 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 5 sacks last season. O’Daniel will be able to start right away on special teams, finishing his collegiate career with 48 special teams tackles. O’Daniel is able to hold his own in pass coverage when matched up in the slot and uses his strength to disrupt route timing. O’Daniel is better suited for the zone and was able to bat down seven passes in 2017 and returned two for touchdowns. With just one season in the starting lineup, O’Daniel is more of a hybrid linebacker, safety type who will need to be put in position to succeed on the field from a creative defensive minded coach. One of Daniels NFL comparisons by scouts is Julian Stanford who also the Bills signed in free agency this off-season. O’Daniel will have a lot of work to put in, if he wants to be an every down starter as he tends to get blocked along the line of scrimmage on short yardage run plays. If you give O’Daniel time and space he will seek out the ball carrier.

Other Possibilities

Mike McCray – MLB - Michigan

Equanimeous St. Brown – WR – Notre Dame DeSean Hamilton – WR – Penn State

Bradley Bozeman – C - Alabama

Scott Quessenberry – C - UCLA

5th Round 166th Overall

J.C. Jackson – Cornerback – Maryland – 5’11 – 193lbs.

Another corner, another with the last name of Jackson. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, you can never have too many corners on a roster. The NFL is a pass happy league and you need as many as you can to compete and make plays. J.C. Jackson started his collegiate career with the but was quickly dismissed after some legal troubles. Jackson was found not guilty and played a year at a Community College before ultimatley transfering to Maryland. Jackson had a solid 2017 season, with 40 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Jackson is a very physical cornerback with plus- size and very strong at press coverage. While not the fatest, Jackson is able to use his strength to disrupt routes and handle the different zone schemes a defense will install. Jackson will fit in well with White, Davis, Gaines, and whomever the Bills select in this draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bills draft two corners within the first-four rounds. Jackson isn’t afraid to attack the ball-carrier, which is something Sean McDermott will love as his first pick last season in TreDavious White doesn’t shy away from contact either. One downfall for Jackson is he tends to clutch-and-grab, resulting in nine pass interference calls, and four holding calls his past two seasons as a starter. NFL teams value physical cornerbacks and if he can find a home in a cover-2, cover-3 zone, schemed team with proper coaching and with expierence Jackson could become a starter in this league.

Other Possibilites:

Kelvin Toliver II – CB- LSU

Malik Jefferson – ILB – Texas

Jordan Lasley – WR – UCLA

Durham Smythe – TE – Notre Dame Mason Cole – OC/G – Michigan

Justin Jackson – RB – Northwestern 6th Round – 187th Overall

Fred Warner – Linebacker – BYU – 6’3 227lbs.

The 2018 Buffalo Bills draft wraps up with senior team captain, linebacker Fred Warner from BYU. Warner was one of the Bills first “official visits” this April and is someone I think McDermott will like to plug in and move around the field depending on down and distance. As a senior, Warner started all 13 games and led BYU with 87 tackles, nine for loss, one interception and five pass breakups. Warner is fast and moves like a safety, he’ll be a chess piece in a creative scheme. The days of the plodding middle linebacker are over. Linebackers need to be able to be on the field for passing situations and Warner will be able to play outside linebacker but in a hybrid role in sub-packages, where he can roam around the secondary creating confusion. Warner possesses solid size and experience in pass coverage using his length athletic ability. Warner has a knack for being around the ball, in his last three seasons he recovered five fumbles, and had six interceptions. Warner is able to diagnose routes quicking using strong instincts and gets downhill fast. Warner reads quarterback’s eye’s and is very fluid with space. On occasion Warner doesn’t wrap up and has a tendency to arm-tackle and isn’t always consistent and resulting in some questioning his effort.

Other Possibilites

Taron Johnson – CB – Weber State

Martinas Rankin – OT – Mississippi State

Jester Weah – WR - Pittsburgh

Avonte Maddox – CB – Pittsburgh

Darius Phillips – CB – Western Michigan

Perry Nickerson – CB - Tulane

Undrafted Free Agents:

Alex McGough – QB – FIU – TE – Stanford

Brian Allen – OC/OG – Michigan State

Jayrd Jones Smith – OT – Pittsburgh

Jaylen Samuels – RB – NC State

Kamathi Hosley – WR – Buffalo

Deon Yelder – WR – Western Kentucky

Peter Kalambayi – OLB – Stanford

Ja’Whaun Bentley –MLB – Purdue

McKay Murphy – Weber State

Justin Lawler – DE - SMU

Keion Crossen – CB – Western Carolina

Dominick Sanders – SS – Georgia