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Home , Brandon Beane, Christian Wade, Cody Ford, Cole Beasley, Curtis Weaver, Devin Singletary

Buffalo Bills Mock 1.0

By Gregory Kowalczyk

The rebounded in 2019 making the playoffs with a 10-6 record and entered the post-season as the fifth seed in the conference. After a disappointing 2018 season, the Bills got back to the post season for the second time in three seasons, this time needing no outside help, as the Bills clinched themselves in mid-December with a win over Pittsburgh in primetime. and the Bills remain in a healthy cap situation, the Bills loaded up last year with a quantity of “Trust the Process” guys who gelled and fit the scheme perfectly, all while having the flexibility to get out of most contracts with no major cap ramifications. After a disappointing overtime loss to the , the Bills are ready to take the next step, the Bills feel they should have won and the fans actually feel it as well. The Wildcard game versus the Texans was an exciting roller coaster, game of emotions that has fans wanting to start the season right away. The schedule in 2020 should be more challenging then this past season but the Bills staff and roster has continuity which is rare in the NFL these days. The Bills are building a culture and while some local talk show hosts may not believe in culture and how it’s defined, it’s definitely noticeable as these players and coaching staff play for one- another. It will be interesting to see with contracts coming up and players out-performing their current deals how Beane and McDermott will manage; I’m not complaining it’s a good problem to have. It’s time to reward some of your own and get better.

The gap with New as we say every year, is closing, is actually announced he’s LEAVING New England. The signed Brady to a two-year-deal and he’s out of the AFC altogether. The AFC East division crown is officially in play for the first time in twenty years and the Bills are making moves to take over. It has been a roller coaster of an off-season amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and now it’s go-time for Buffalo. The quest for a home-playoff game (and WIN) is in our cross-hairs. It feels like the Wizard of Oz with Brady and the Patriots, “Ding-dong the witch is dead, the wicked witch is dead!” Or maybe New England with one of the best coaches of all-time, re-tool and find someone else like they always seem to do. Stay tuned!

The Bills opened up the offseason before free agency set to begin by signing former Carolina Panther and Washington Redskin . Norman will come in this season and likely platoon with fellow Levi Wallace who had an up-and-down sophomore campaign. Norman was benched last year for poor play but the Redskins employed a lot of zone coverages and at 32 years old, he frankly isn’t a one corner anymore. With Kevin Johnson leaving the Bills have openings to fill. The Bills

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generally don’t like to sign their number two corner to long-term deals. E.J. Gaines, , and Kevin Johnson were all brought in on one year prove it deals. With Tre’Davious White set to cash in big very soon, the Bills don’t like to allocate long-term funds into their second cornerback and with Levi Wallace still on a small rookie deal, the Bills can keep bringing in prove it deals and platoon the production between a few different players. Norman is set to make $6.00 million and with incentives can make up to $8 million; a low risk-high reward signing that doesn’t tie the Bills to him beyond one season. The Bills continued combing through their roster before free agency opened, picking up versatile guard Spencer Long’s option and tendering receiver Robert Foster and cornerback Levi Wallace.

The Bills entered the 2020 offseason with approximately $82 million dollars in cap space according to overthecap.com which at the time was the third most money in the league. Brandon Beane isn’t shy on giving Coach McDermott pieces to work with. Beane has been on record saying he’d like to go into the draft being able to select the best player available and being active in free agency at positions in the draft that aren’t as deep helps lessen the needs come draft day. Overpaying in free agency is a way to put yourself back in “cap hell” however Beane and crew were creative with the structuring of many of the big money signings, allowing the Bills to get out of a contract with minimal to no dead cap, should the signings not work out a year or two down the line.

Stefon Diggs was traded for on the first day of free agency. Acquiring Diggs and a 7th in 2020 draft from Minnesota for a 1st, 5th,6th and 2021 4th was a smart way for the Bills to add a young (26 years old) number one wide-receiver for , with 4-years and $48 million plus incentives left on the deal. At $12 million a year the Bills get great value when just signed back with for $20 million. The Bills likely think that the window to win with Allen on a rookie deal is now instead of selecting a receiver at pick 22 with less meeting, team structure, and time to develop amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Diggs is an instant, impact player who is an excellent route runner and wins contested balls. The Bills receiving depth chart now looks a lot better as Allen has no excuses to not thrive. Diggs, John Brown, and provide a great trio as the Bills could look to get younger in the later rounds of the draft. The 5th and 6th round selections the Bills traded were almost-free, selections they acquired last August when they dumped players they’d cut for late round picks. The Bills still have one selection in each rounds two through six. The Bills offensive line remains extremely deep and they could end up trading potential training camp causalities for late round picks again. Brandon Beane is going to Brandon Beane!

The Bills had some March and April decisions to make as a few of their own were free agents this off-season and some bigger names coming up a year or two down the road. Defensive tops the list after having a big season posting 9.5 sacks in limited snaps compared to the rest of the league. Phillips stepped up big for the Bills when Harrision Phillips went down week one. Jordan Phillips, , and rookie Ed Oilver led the way. I anticipated Phillips not being brought back whom was going to get more than the market value of $6.1 million and he did.

The Bills opted to let Phillips walk as the signed Phillips on a 3-year $30 million deal. I agree with this decision as the rotation would work just fine. With coming back and the Bills able to get out of the Lotulelei contract next year, I’d anticipate the Bills finding another rotational guy like Jordan Phillips on a cheap one year prove it deal. The market should be deep for older defensive tackles that can be plugged in.

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Defensive End, was another free agent the Bills could have looked to bring back. The Bills DE’s are getting older and Lawson is improving every year as a pass rusher; just 25 years old and had 6.5 sacks and is rock solid in run-support. With a possible cap- casualty that saves $8.025 million, and 31 years old with two years left on his deal, it’s no secret the Bills have to get younger and more productive on the outside edges. Will this come in the draft, free agency, or both is still undetermined. Lawson decided to test the market as he didn’t appear happy with his 47% of defensive snaps, while second on the defense in sacks, and first in tackles for loss. Lawson ended up signing with the on a 3-year $36million deal. While it was an expensive deal, the Bills will need to address defensive end.

The Bills were able to replace Lawson’s production signing Defensive End and former Carolina Panther Mario Addision who has produced 9+ sacks each of the past four seasons and is very familiar with new defensive line coach Eric Washington from his days with the Panthers. Addison is older at 33 years old but will help the rotation get to the as the Bills look to get younger in the draft. The Bills over-paid here with three-years $30.45 million with $15.25 in guarantee’s, essentially a two-year contract and the Bills can get out of. The Bills better hope his past production will continue in this rotational scheme. The Bills could still cut Trent Murphy and get back $8.025 million.

Linebacker and former Panthers and most recently Saints, AJ Klein was signed to a 3-year, $18M deal with $9.7M guaranteed to step in and replace at the strong side. Klein has connections to Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane from 2013-2016, at 28 years old Klein is versatile linebacker whom can play all the positions but is better fitted on the strong side as a two- down contributor, much like Alexander, Klein can play special teams which is an asset to the coaching staff.

Tyler Matakevich a linebacker was added to the depth chart for the Bills a former Pittsburgh Steeler, who led the league in special teams tackles over the last four seasons with 37. Matakevich signs a four-year-deal for $9 million as the Bills address the back-end of the roster and special teams. Matakevich is 27 years old and has never played more than 10% of defensive snaps, so will primarily be contributing on special teams. Former Bills and (most recently of the Texans) was also brought in to help lead special teams and provide some depth at the running back position. The Bills are adding to all three groups this off-season.

The Bills continued combing free agency signing a few more former Panthers in Defensive Tackle, and Offensive Tackle Daryl Williams who can play all over the line. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, the Bills might be limited with in person practices and meetings. Brandon Beane is bringing in guys who are familiar with the scheme and system and won’t need as much coaching and teaching than the average free agent. The Bills continuity is strong and should only help this up-coming season. Defensive Tackle/End Quinton Jefferson signed a two-year deal with the club to help minimize the loss of Lawson and Phillips. Jefferson will likely sub-in for Ed Oilver and platoon a bit at the position. Butler will likely start next to Oilver and sub-in-and-out with Harrison Phillips who is coming back from an ACL surgery.

EJ Gaines was brought back after a stint to provide training camp depth and compete for a roster spot, the former Bills corner is familiar with the system (see a trend here?) and if he can stay healthy will be able to provide depth and play inside or out. The Bills added to their receiver room bringing back Isaiah McKenzie on a one-year deal and provide depth in the slot and that added jet-

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sweep gadget wrinkle in the offense to keep defenses guessing and having to play sideline-to- sideline.

The compensatory selection process likely won’t come into play next year as the Bills added more money onto the roster in free agency than players lost. The compensatory process awards extra draft picks based on players lost and gained in free agency from year-to-year.

The 85th annual NFL draft scheduled for April 23rd-25th this year, will still be held but virtually with all General Managers creating a “War Room” from home, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’d anticipate the smart GM’s trading out of late round picks and moving them for 2021 picks if possible or moving up as well. I’m not sure how this is going to work and if we’ll see more or less trades than years past but it’ll be interesting TV and thankful for the NFL for giving us something to watch sports wise while the country tries to get on the same page and defeat this virus.

The Bills will enter the draft with seven draft selections.

Round 2: Pick 54

Round 3: Pick 86

Round 4: Pick 128

Round 5: Pick 167

Round 6: Pick 188 (From )

Round 6: Pick 207 (From )

Round 7: Pick 239 (From )

The following table represents a trade value chart. The Bills head into the draft with less selections than years past as they traded for receiver . The Bills might be able to trade back should someone fall to acquire an extra selection or two. The Bills could slide down 10 spots with Seattle in the second round and acquire an extra third round selection and the value remains even. The Bills 54th selection is worth 360 points and Seattle’s 64th selection is worth 270 points. If the Seahawks liked someone, they’d in theory have to give up their third round pick worth 96 points to close the gap.

Table on next page:

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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 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic it was cut short. Teams are now allowed to have phone call meetings, however many of the Pro-Day workouts and visits were canceled. Every year three or four players will come from this list. Below is a list of draft prospects who have had some sort of contact this spring that have been confirmed. Skype and Zoom meetings were the new normal in 2020 so this draft will be harder to mock than any other as tracking down those are basically on the prospect to divulge.

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On to the Mock!

The Bills are set to pick 54th overall. Though I don’t anticipate them trading back into the first round this season, I could see Beane trading down in the second if he likes the value and acquiring an additional pick next year. Beane could also take a page out of last year and trade up a few spots in the second round should they really like someone. The Bills likely won’t use all the day three picks they have. With the COVID-19 Pandemic if I were the Bills, I’d trade as many late round picks as possible to move up in the 2020 draft or exchange this years’ for picks in the 2021 draft where the NFL off-season will hopefully back to normal. It’s a lot to ask of these kids coming out of college to be able to step into the league, let alone step in and produce with a reduced number of meetings and time in the facility.

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2nd Round – (54th Overall)

Curtis Weaver – EDGE – Boise State – 6’2 265 lbs.

It’s no secret the Bills need to develop an edge rusher on a rookie contract. One of the highest paid positions in the NFL next to Quarterback; the Bills need to groom one of their own at the defensive end position. With Shaq Lawson leaving; the Bills replaced him with a 33 year-old on a two-year deal. Trent Murphy is on the last year of his deal and Jerry Hughes is getting up there in age. The defensive end grouping only has last years 7th round pick Darryl Johnson as one of the younger one’s left. The Bills also signed Quinton Jefferson from Seattle this offseason, however Jefferson is likely to move all over the defensive line.

Curtis Weaver is a great fit for the Bills grouping that needs to add to the long-term depth of the position. Weaver was an All-American as a freshman at Boise State, ranking 6th in the country with 11 sacks. In 2018, Weavers production continued as he had another All-American season. He got into the backfield often with 15 tackles for loss and another 9.5 sacks. In 2019 Weaver was once again on the nations radar as he was a second-team AP All-American and his conferences player of the year. Weaver finished his final season with an outstanding 18.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

Weaver is a natural pass-rusher who will have to develop in the NFL at stopping the run, but with the age and depth currently at the position, Weaver coming in as a situational guy where he can thrive in down-and distance scenario would be huge for the Bills, who weren’t the best at getting to the QB last season. Weaver is able to get off the ball with quick lateral cuts, and above average agility. When using his hands and dipping into a low arc he’s able to get past the best of offensive tackles. Weaver has a high football IQ and very instinctive with getting off the ball and finding leaks in the line to get into the backfield. Weaver lacks the ideal size in the NFL to be an every-down run-stopping defensive end but McDermott has a tendency for rotating his ends anyways.

Brandon Beane and McDermott seem to like these rugged guys who have multiple years of high end production, no matter what college you went to. An anonymous scout said “Watching Curtis Weaver was a treat. He’s a strong man with a mentality of ‘I’m better than you are,’ he’s an alpha-dog and I think he’ll translate his successes to the next level”

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Other Possibilities (Round 2)

*List includes a list of second round targets the Bills could go after depending on spot Bills end up selecting.

Damon Arnette – Cornerback – Ohio State – 6’0 195lbs.

With Tre’Davious White set to cash in on an $18-22-million-dollar contract extension very soon, the Bills need to also get a cornerback on a cheap rookie contract. The Bills have been allocating their second cornerback money to free agents over the last few years to platoon with Levi Wallace. Josh Norman and EJ Gaines were brought in to help provide depth with Levi Wallace having an up-and-down sophomore campaign. has been good for the Bills in the slot, but has been playing banged up for his first two seasons. It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Bills address the cornerback position early in the 2020 draft.

Damon Arnette is often the forgot about man from Ohio State with fellow cornerback set to be a top five selection in the draft. Arnette would thrive on the Bills roster as he’s very good in press coverage and can jam routes at release, something McDermott will love. McDermott and really prefer that won’t shy away from anything. Arnette is very active and disruptive to the receivers he’s covering. Ohio State employs a very complicated defensive scheme and Arnette was able to conquer that which should translate well to the next level. Arnette only has four in three season as a starter but that’s always a tough statistic to project. For being 6’0 tall his arms only measured 30-inches at the NFL Scouting Combine. Arnette is a late bloomer who looks to have matured a lot over the last year and could be great value for the Bills at pick 54. In 2019, Arnette had 35 tackles, eight passes defended, and one for a 96-yard . The Buckeyes were the number one ranked pass defense in the nation and Arnette was a second-team All-Big Ten corner. I don’t anticipate being available here, but would be an interesting proposition considering having his brother Stefon and his production at Alabama.

JK Dobbins- Running back – Ohio State – 5’9 209 lbs.

With a deep Wide-Receiver class, the Bills may be able to wait a-round before taking a receiver and bolster the run game. With leaving, the Bills will have to shoulder the load with handing the ball to who performed well as a rookie last season. TJ Yeldon is a guy who offers some pass protection and hands as a third down receiver however, General Manager Brandon Beane talked up Yeldon often this offseason which could be a smoke screen. The Bills might be looking at Clyde Edwards-Helaire from LSU because he’s more ready to come in right away and pass protect. With the COVID situation, some players may go higher this season on the ability to come in and help right away, with the lack of off-season schedule.

I like JK Dobbins more because of his home run-ability. The Bills could use some more explosive plays and with Stefon Diggs in the mix adding a home-run threat at the running-back position as well could be huge for an offense that’s ready to flourish. Dobbins gained 2,003 yards on the ground for the Buckeyes in 2019 to go with his 21 on his 301 attempts (6.7 YPC). He was set to fly up the draft boards but a hamstring tweak at the combine slowed the train down and pushed back his workout till his pro day, which was eventually canceled due to COVID-19. The Bills spoke with Dobbins on a video call, so there is some interest there. How many running backs will likely be available at 54 is what many are asking and if Dobbins, Hyde, or Swift are there the Bills will have a tough decision to make whether or not to add the offense. Dobbins, paired with Singletary, and Yeldon will offer some added

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dimensions to the Bills offense in 2020 or the Bills can wait and draft one later at a deep positional group.

Michael Pittman Jr – – USC – 6’4 223 lbs.

If the Bills are looking for a sexy pick and decide to go receiver in the second round it could be Michael Pittman Jr, someone who I think goes a lot higher than the mocks are presently showing in the third round. With Stefon Diggs in the mix now at receiver to pair with John Brown and Cole Beasley the Bills are still lacking size at the position, they tried a couple years ago trading for which shows Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott still covet having a big wide-out on the depth chart. John Brown is only signed through 2021 and with Diggs locked up long term, the Bills may be looking for an eventual second receiver that can come in and add fire power for a couple years in the red-zone and on third downs. Outside of the top three receivers the Bills are an open competition. Andre Roberts may have a leg up on one of the spots because his special team’s ability. Isaiah McKenzie, Duke Williams, and Robert Foster round out the depth chart. It’s likely the Bills will come away with a receiver or two this draft and possibly more if they go the undrafted route.

Pittman Jr exploded during his 2019 season racking up 101 receptions, 1275 yards (12.6 average) and 11 touchdowns in 13 starts. Pittman Jr was a Biletnikoff finalist, second-team AP All- American and first team All-Pac-12. Pittman Jr comes from an NFL background where his father played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals and Buccaneers at running back. The Bills lack a big-time receiver. They tried using Duke Williams often in the playoff game versus the Texans, but it was an up- and down game for him with some drops and poorly run routes. Fans were clamoring for Duke Williams all season and there was a reason why it took so long for him to see the field. Pittman Jr is big, smart, and reliable receiver who moves the chains. He is able to use his body to shield off cornerbacks and is able to gain separation with a quick first step and great strength. With an NFL bloodline and maturity level, Pittman Jr will be able to step in and help the Bills when they go into spread formation sets and help create size miss-matches and help open up routes for the smaller Bills receivers. Making contested catches is a big part of Pittman Jr’s game and he can run a full route tree and work back to the football on back-shoulder, timing throws. Pittman Jr isn’t afraid to run block and will be an added addition to the offense. Some area’s that Pittman Jr will need to work on is that bigger, stronger corners can slow him down, some of his routes take time to develop and he needs to learn to catch footballs in even tighter windows which are commonplace in the NFL.

Zack Baun – Outside Linebacker – Wisconsin – 6’3 238lbs.

The Bills are going to have to make some hard contract decisions in the future and one they might not be able to afford is starter . Milano is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season and Spotrac cap website projects him as someone who will get around $8-12 million per season. With the Bills having to eventually pay Josh Allen, Tre’Davious White, , and eventually , Milano could be one of the few odd-men out. Drafting Zack Baun to get in the mix at linebacker would be a fit as he’s an athletic, versatile linebacker who can get downfield quick and is very aggressive in run support. Baun is diverse enough to be moved around and Leslie Frazier will be able to find a fit for him and possibly even line him up on the edge from time to time. As a senior Baun had a great season with 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks, among his 76 tackles earning him second-team AP honors and first team All-Big-Ten honors. Baun has speed to cover both running backs and tight ends and plays very similar to Milano in how he would shoot gaps and stop the run. Baun’s aggressive style tends to get him in trouble sometimes as he relies on his athletic ability a lot.

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Baun likely won’t be able to be on the field for 90% snaps but a fit in a hybrid role would be a great addition to the Bills roster. The Bills likely have one spot open on the depth chart with Edmunds, Milano, A.J. Klein, , and one of , , and Corey Thompson.

Lucas Niang – Offensive Tackle – Texas Christian University – 6’6 315 lbs.

An intriguing options I like is if the Bills address the Offensive Tackle position at 54 overall. The only tackles on the Bills roster currently are Dion Dawkins, , Daryl Williams and in which the jury is still out where he fits on the line. The Bills also have a couple guards that can play tackle in emergency situations. Should the Bills address tackle, I could see Nsekhe being a sneaky cap- causality at 34 years old and with his injury history of last year. Cutting Nsekhe would hit the Bills with $2 million in dead cap, but will still save a net of $1.7 million. Daryl Williams was signed from Carolina on a one-year deal as well. The Bills will need to address tackle at some point and it could be here at 54 with Niang.

Niang has starting NFL talent, good agility for such a large man and a high football IQ. Niang fits best at RT, so should the Bills move Ford into guard long term, Niang would be a great replacement at right tackle in the future should Nsekhe and Williams move on. Niang had his senior season cut short after seven games with his hip surgery but in 2018 started all 13 games and was an All-Big-12 selection. Some area’s which Niang needs to improve on are his short area quickness and in the run game.

On the radar: (WR) K.J. Hamler, (WR) Laviska Shenault Jr, (EDGE), Julian Okwara, (RB) Clyde Edwards- Heiaire, (RB) , (ILB-OLB) Malik Harrison, (DT) Justin Madubuike, (CB) Jaylon Johnson, (DT) , (OT), Ezra Cleveland.

3rd Round – (86th Overall)

Antonio Gandy-Golden – Wide Receiver- Liberty – 6’4 220 lbs.

One of my favorite receivers in the class, the Bills add Liberty’s Antonio Gandy-Golden. In an extremely deep receiver class the Bills may have their pick of their own personal favorite anywhere from round two to five. As I said above, with the possibility of taking Michael Pittman Jr in round two, the Bills have room on their depth chart to add a receiver that can help out a bit in situations this year and project long term should the Bills let John Brown walk after the 2021 season. The Bills also lack bigger receivers on the depth chart after acquiring their number one in Stefon Diggs earlier this off-season.

Gandy-Golden is a tough prospect to dive into because playing for a smaller school in Liberty, the numbers he put up have to be taken with a grain-of-salt. With back to back seasons of 1,000 yards

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and 10 touchdowns Gandy-Golden is a big receiver who can jump-ball anyone. With 31 ¾” arms he’s a long wide out and can catch inaccurate passes outside his frame. Gandy-Golden doesn’t have a fully developed route tree just yet but his ability on comeback routes, and jump ball situations may help open up the Bills offense even further. Gandy-Golden showed up at the combine with a 36.0 vertical, and under 4.6 forty-yard dash, impressive at his size. Some of Gandy-Golden’ s best traits are his build up seed and ability to find holes and sit down to avoid contested catches in zone, while also able to track the ball using his long catch radius and elude defenders. While many are projecting Gandy-Golden as a 4th or 5th round pick, I also think he climbs the board with extreme raw potential. Gandy-Golden is more of a luxury pick right now where he can come in and learn the route tree from some of the best in Diggs, and Beasley and fine-tune his deep ball routes with John Brown he should be able to help out in the red- zone or jump ball scenario’s. Gandy-Golden is a former competitive gymnast and at his size should win a bunch of jump balls in the NFL. Gandy-Golden could be a future Kenny Golladay in years to come.

Other Possibilities: (Round 3)

Jeremy Chinn – Safety – Southern Illinois – 6’3 221 lbs.

If the Bills are true to their word with drafting best-player available, they could be looking at safety, Jeremy Chinn should teams decide to pass up on him due to his small school status. Chinn is a big, long, safety prospect who was dominant at a lower level FBS school in Southern Illinois which earned him invites to the and NFL Combine where he had two great showings. When you watch Chinn, you’ll quickly notice how fluid he is with his size and speed and how he’s able to track down the ball and make his reads. Chinn is able to blitz from the safety position, which is something McDermott and Frazier like to have and on occasion Micah Hyde do. Some negatives on Chinn will always remain that his production was at a lesser school and he isn’t fully developed in diagnosing plays which will eventually come with proper coaching. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Bills move him all over the field playing him at big nickel as a cover linebacker who can handle tight ends or as a safety. In the Bills scheme the nickel spot needs to be able to cover and contribute at stopping the run and someone like Chinn could be an intriguing prospect to develop. At the combine Chinn’s 11’6” broad jump led all defensive backs a ran an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash at his size. Chinn would start his career with the Bills as a gadget guy, a Swiss-Army knife so to speak and hopefully develop into a high percentage snap guy.

Zack Moss – Running Back – Utah – 5’9- 223 lbs.

Should the Bills look to address the running back position in the third round, they could be looking at Utah’s . With just Devin Singletary and T.J. Yeldon on the roster (no I’m not counting; nor will be counting BillsMafia’s darling ) the Bills will be looking for their Frank Gore replacement. Moss spent four seasons at Utah combining for 4,000 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. Moss has NFL bloodlines as well, the cousin of Santana Moss. Moss is a bruising runner with a strong lower body with great contact balance. Should the Bills draft Moss they could have their thunder to their lightning. Drafting Moss would help shore up the third and short game and hopefully take away having Josh Allen absorb as many hits on designed runs on his end. Some negatives on Moss are his upright running style makes him appear like he’s tight, and is a hit your gap runner who doesn’t tend to pick his running lanes. Moss lacks long speed, with a 4.65 official 40-yard dash. It’s unknown what type of running back the Bills want to pair with Singletary, will it be a home-run hitter? or more of a compliment “bruiser”? in the mid-to-later rounds.

Jonathan Greenard – Edge/OLB – -6’3 263 lbs.

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Jonathan Greenard out of Florida is an intriguing prospect the Bills have sniffed around. Greenard has lineup up at both linebacker and at defensive end in his time at Florida and his versatility is something the Bills will potentially covet. Greenard was a first-team, All-SEC selection with 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 12 starts. NFL.com labels Greenard as a “worker-bee” off the field; something McDermott and company will love. Greenard is an athletic, smart, edge defender who is above average at stopping the run and on occasions shows pass rushing ability. Some concerns with Greenard are a severe wrist injury, which cost him all of the 2018 season, as it will be difficult to get a medical check during the COVID pandemic, the Bills will only have the medical reports they are given.

Robert Hunt – Guard/Tackle – Louisiana-Lafayette – 6’5 323 lbs.

Robert Hunt was a four-year starter for Louisiana Lafayette, playing all over the line from guard, left tackle, and right tackle. Despite playing in only seven games his senior season because of a groin injury, Hunt’s play still earned him first-team All-SBC at right tackle. Hunt is compared to last year’s Bills selection Cody Ford, a big athlete who could play guard or tackle. Hunt has a rare combination of bulk with athleticism and is able to carry his weight on his frame easily. Being able to play all over the line is something Beane and McDermott really covet as a majority of their depth chart is able to slide over to another position. Hunt helped his school rank third nationally in yards per carry, fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns, and fifth nationally in sacks allowed. One game the Bills scouted the Ragin’ Cajun’s earlier this year they ran for 316 yards as a team.

On the radar: (WR) Chase Claypool, (OLB) Jordyn Brooks, (WR) Bryan Edwards, (EDGE), Alton Robinson, (Edge) Bradlee Ana, (G) Kevin Dotson, (S/LB) Kyle Dugger, (OG/OT)

4th Round – (128th Overall)

Terrell Burgess – Safety/Cornerback – Utah – 5’11 202 lbs.

th With the 128 overall pick, the Bills look to bolster their corner back depth with out of Utah. Teams will fall in love with his versatility and ability to play in the slot and corner as well as safety. Burgess plays with good burst and can work the middle of the field and help chip in run support. Burgess will have an opportunity as a rookie to see the field in a variety of different roles. Burgess is a “trust the process” guy that prepares as a backup and ready to go in at all times. According to one anonymous scout, “Burgess lives for his preparation and has all the tools as an interchangeable safety with nickel ability.” In 2019 Burgess jumped onto the scene as a senior with 81 tackles, 7.5 for loss, one interception and five pass breakups which earned him honorable mention all-conference. With Josh Norman, E.J. Gaines, and the jury still out on Levi Wallace, the Bills might want to add a versatile defensive back to pair on the depth chart with who can also be moved all over. With a 4.46 forty-yard dash, Burgess and his speed, intelligence, versatility, and toughness is something the Bills will covet in their defensive backfield.

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Other Possibilities:

Antonio Brooks Jr- S-

K.J. Hill – WR – Ohio State

Dalton Keene – TE –

Kenny Willekes – DE – Michigan State

Darnay Holmes – CB – UCLA

Antonio Gibson – RB – Memphis

Collin Johnson – WR – Texas

Thaddeus Moss – TE – LSU

KeShawn Vaughn – RB – Vanderbilt

Michael Ojemudia – CB – Iowa

John Simpson – OL - Clemson

5th Round (167th Overall)

Darrynton Evans – Running Back – Appalachian State – 5’10 203 lbs.

The Bills likely will make some kind of trade in the middle rounds. I wouldn’t be surprised if they move up into the late fourth or fifth round to take the running back they like. Darrynton Evans is the back I’d pair with Singletary and Yeldon. Evans is fast enough to be a home-run hitter with his 4.41 forty-yard dash speed. I’d prefer to pair a fast back with the more patient Singletary. Evans would bring big-play ability to the Bills who lack explosiveness at the running back position and offense in general outside of Diggs and Brown. Adding a heavier workhorse, short yardage back is not something I would do if I were Brandon Beane. Swing for the fences with Evans, a smaller school back much like Singletary was last year. Evans ranked in the top 10 nationally with 1,480 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019 and was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year. Toting the rock 255 times for a 5.8 average, Evans was also able to chip into the receiving game with 21 receptions and 198 yards and five scores. Evans is also able to chip in as a kick returner who produced a 25.7 average in three seasons doing it, something Beane may like and something that may have Evans jump up into the 4th round. Evans may be dubbed as a change of pace option in the NFL but has the skill set to be a three down back if need be. Not many NFL teams employ a bell cow back and the Bills certainly limited Singletary’s touches with

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Frank Gore last year. Evans is best suited as a one-cut back in outside zone runs. Ball security was never an issue in college as well recording zero in 428 career carries. Evans won’t wow you with his inside runs and is on the smaller side for pass protection as well, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t be able to do it. One anonymous NFL scout has said “This is a deep draft for running backs. He’s one of those guys you can fall in love with and just hold tight to take running back until it’s time to take him”

Other Possibilities:

Lavert Hill – CB – Michigan

Lynn Bowden Jr – WR- Kentucky

Cam Brown – ILB – Penn State

Lamar Jackson – CB - Nebraska

Juian Blackmon – FS/CB - Utah

Yasir Durant – OT – Missouri

Lamical Perine – RB – Florida

Tony Pride Jr – RB – Notre Dame

D.J. Wonnum – EDGE – South Carolina

Terrence Steele – OT – Texas Tech

6th Round (188th Overall)

James Morgan – Quarterback – Florida International – 6’4 229 lbs.

Using a draft pick on a quarterback is something I think could be a sneaky fill for the Bills. is in the last year of his contract and the Bills will have some tough contract decisions to make in the future, while I like Barkley, perhaps he signs a one-year extension and the Bills will be fine with rolling with just Josh Allen in 2021 or 2022, because the Bills have as their quarterback’s coach an extension of Matt Barkley on staff. The Bills tried adding to the quarterback room last year grabbing local University at Buffalo, QB Tyree Jackson who was cut late August and not brought back to

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the . If the Bills keep all their day three selections Morgan is an interesting proposition to bring and groom as a potential back up. Morgan has a big arm much like Allen however lacks accuracy at times completing 65.3% of his passes in 2018 but then only 58% in 2019. In 12 games Morgan put up 2,585 yards with a 14 to 5 touchdown to interception ratio. Morgan offers nothing from a running stand point. The Bills may fall in love with the rugged Green Bay, Wisconsin kid who is a tough ball player and gutted out a knee injury in 2019 which slowed down his production. Morgan is willing to take a hit to make a throw all while avoiding taking sacks. Morgan has been labeled a fast-ball pitcher lacking some accuracy and touch on short passes and throws them as hard as any quarterback ever. One NFC scout said “His 2018 tape is better because he was healthy and not forcing it as much. I thought he helped himself a bunch during the Shrine Bowl week.” In 2018 he put up 2,727 yards with a school record 26 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Bills have been sniffing around Morgan with a few meetings over the past few months. Morgan is expected to be a 5th to 7th round selection.

Other Possibilities:

Raequan Williams – DL – Michigan State

Joe Bachie – LB – Michigan State

Shaquille Quarterman – ILB - Miami

Kalija Lipscomb – WR - Vanderbilt

J.R. Reed – S –Georgia

Jon Runyan Jr. – OG/C - Michigan

7th Round – 207th Overall

Chris Williamson – Cornerback/Safety – Minnesota – 5’11 191 lbs.

The Bills continue to add depth and competition to a crowded cornerback room. Williamson is a feisty slot corner who is comfortable in zone coverage, but also willing to disrupt over the middle route timing. Williamson is quick at diagnosing screens and quick hitters. McDermott will fall in love with how physical he is which he put on display in the Shrine game playing press coverage. Williamson may be another guy who best be suited at converting to safety. Williamson will have to make the roster on special teams while Josh Norman and EJ Gaines are on short term, one year deals. As a senior Williamson had 36 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and four tackles for loss. The Bills will have to trust their scouting without seeing Williamson be able to participate in his Pro Day or combine.

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Williamson tends to get himself in trouble by often going for the big hit and over pursuing some plays to help his team make a play.

Other Possibilities

Raymond Calais – RB – Louisiana Lafayette

Victor Binjimen – WR – Ohio State

Breiden Fehoko – DL – LSU

Jacob Breeland – TE – Oregon

Evan Weaver – LB –

Cameron Clark – OT – Charlotte

7th Round – 239th Overall

Chris Orr – Outside Linebacker – Wisconsin – 6’0 224 lbs.

This Bills continue to fill out the depth in the last round adding some linebacker help with Chris Orr. After tearing his ACL as a sophomore it really took Orr close to two seasons to get back to the play the Badgers have hoped for when they recruited him. In 2019 Orr showed up and shed some pounds and was able to play at 225 and his production showed while finally healthy. Orr had 78 tackles, 14 of which were for a loss, and 11.5 sacks. Both Orr and fellow prospect Zack Baun were one of the nation’s best duo’s at the linebacker position. Orr had a solid pro day which was held on March 11th before everything shut down because of COVID-19 running a 4.65 forty. Orr is a very effective at blitzing and a very instinctual as a player which always has him in the right place at the right time. Orr will be able to come in and play special teams right away and compete at both outside linebacker spots where there are openings due to the retirement of Lorenzo Alexander. From a contractual standpoint the Bills aren’t married to projected starter A.J. Klein and Matt Milano is an upcoming free agent. The Bills only have Tyler Matakevich and Tyrel Dodson as depth linebackers so look for the Bills to address linebacker at some point on day two or three. Orr will have to get bigger in the weight room and maintain his speed and strength to see the field to be anything more than situational pass rusher or strong side linebacker depth.

Undrafted Free Agents:

Michael Warren II – RB – Cincinnati

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Patrick Taylor Jr – RB- Memphis

Maurice Ffrench – WR – Pittsburgh

Trishton Jackson – WR – Syracuse

Luke Farrell – TE – Ohio State

Jared Pinkey – TE - Vanderbilt

Gage Cervenka – OC/G - Clemson

Trystan Colon-Castillo – C- Missouri

Evin Ksiezarczyk – OT – Buffalo

Branden Mann – P – Texas A&M

Jake Hartbarger – P – Michigan State

Justin Houston Jr – OLB – USC

Carter Coughlin – OLB – Minnesota

Parnell Motley – CB – Oklahoma

DeMarkus Acy – CB Missouri

Josiah Scott – CB – Michigan State

Jordan Fuller – S – Ohio State

Josh Metellus – S – Michigan

Blake Ferguson – LS – LSU

 Gregory Kowalczyk

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