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Home , Amani Hooker, Blessuan Austin, Brandon Beane, Cole Beasley, Conor McDermott, Daylon Mack

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft 1.0

By Gregory Kowalczyk

The followed up their 2017 playoff season with a disappointing 2018 season finishing 6-10. The rebuild that was supposed to start a year prior shifted into the 2018 season that brought many changes. The Bills played the 2018 season with the most “dead cap” space in the league, essentially paying players not to play here; as Brandon Beane cleared out the bad contracts to put the Bills in a healthy salary cap situation going forward. The Bills started over at the position with rookie and infused some young pieces on the defensive side of the ball. There is a lot to look forward to as many of the rosters younger players were evaluated and got suitable playing time to help them grow going forward. The 2019 schedule on paper is favorable and the Bills are expected by many to improve and challenge for a playoff spot and hopefully (Yes, we say this every year) close the gap with the . It’s got to happen someday right?

The 84th annual 2019 NFL draft is taking place in Nashville, Tennessee this year on April 25th-27. The Bills are in a healthy draft position where they own extra mid round picks that could come in handy should General Manager Brandon Beane want to move up in the first or second rounds.

The Bills will enter the draft with 10 draft selections. Brandon Beane will be able to use his extra draft selections in the 4th, 5th, and 7th to move up or the Bills could look to stockpiling 2020 draft picks moving down. The following draft selections are listed below:

Round 1: Pick 9

Round 2: Pick 40

Round 3: Pick 74

Round 4: Pick 112

Round 4: Pick 131 (from )

Round 5: Pick 147

Round 5: Pick 158 (from via Oakland Raiders)

Round 6: Pick 181

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Round 7: Pick 225

Round 7: Pick 228 (from )

The below 2019 trade value chart is what the Bills can expect to give up should they want to move up or down the draft. For example if the Bills wanted to move down from Pick 9 (1,350 points) pick 15 with Washington (1,050) the Bills would likely need to receive Washington’s 2 nd round pick number 76 which is worth (210) and possible and exchange of late round picks to be relatively close in value.

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The Bills entered the 2019 offseason with approximately $85 million dollars in cap space and Brandon Beane wasn’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 lessening needs come draft day. Beane was true to his word as the Bills brought in a handful of players to help fill the roster and help his young Quarterback thrive. 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.

The Bills opened up the offseason taking care of one of their own, signing impending free agent Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander to a serviceable 1 year $3.75 million dollar deal. With Kyle Williams retiring in the offseason, Alexander will be the main source of leadership on the defense and vital in helping last year’s first round pick become the franchise All-Pro Middle Linebacker the Bills envision. Alexander can still rush the passer and if the Bills coaching staff is able to manage his reps and limit his special team’s work he can chip in and be productive in pass rushing situations at a favorable cost.

The Bills continued combing through their roster before free agency opened, signing Long Snapper , Guard/Tackle Jeremiah Sirles, CB Lafayette Pitts, LB Deon Lacey and to extensions, not allowing any to hit the open market. Mostly special teams, and rotational depth, something the Bills have lacked from years prior. Charles Clay was released clearing some cap room, but created a need. Clay couldn’t stay healthy and wasn’t a fit since Greg Roman was fired during the Rex Ryan years, and not to mention a case of the drops last year.

When free agency opened for the league the Bills made a splash. They made it a point to get Josh Allen some help much like the Bears did a year prior loading up their 2nd year quarterback with pass catchers and help along the offensive line. Having a quarterback on a rookie contract for five seasons, allows you to overspend at wide-out and along the offensive line to give Josh Allen more help and options than last season. 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.

Day one into free agency the Bills first signing was 36 year old Frank Gore. Gore has been around forever and is very well respected by coaches and players around the league. Gore works out in the offseason with LeSean McCoy and are very close. Adding Gore can provide some friendly competition between the two aging backs. Gore doesn’t have the wheels he used to but has the knowledge and leadership skills to help the Bills. Gore is an excellent pass blocking RB as well. I’d hope the Bills draft a running back in the mid rounds, as being mentored by two future hall of famers on their last legs in the league will be a great addition to have. Gore’s deal is only one year at $2 million. The Bills can and should cut 31 year old and save $2.4 million, essentially Gore’s contract and draft a younger back to groom. The theme into 2019 free agency is that the Bills are adding veteran

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leadership to various positional groups on the roster. Adding competition and depth to younger players allows them to not be rushed into the lineup and learn from well-respected players on how to be a pro.

With Center Eric Wood forced into retirement and Guard going AWOL, the Bills offensive line took a big hit last year. Left Tackle took a step back with a turnstile of left guards to his right. The Bills decided this offseason to go a new direction and add competition to the group. The Bills let three starters from last year walk. John Miller, , and all won’t be back and possibly a 4th with Russell Bodine as a training camp cap causality that would save the Bills a little over $2 million. The big addition to the group was Center from Kansas City on a 4 year $44.5 million deal. Morse will slot right into the starting lineup and be vital to Josh Allen recognizing pre-snap reads and helping his young quarterback much like he did last year with league MVP Patrick Mahomes. Morse is a very athletic center who can get to the next level quick and help in the screen game, something the Bills have lacked recently with slow interior lineman. Morse is the highest paid Center in the league and the Bills were able to pry him away from many suitors. The importance of having an intelligent, talented center is needed in today’s NFL and Morse rates very well in the league in both pass protection and run blocking.

Guard Spencer Long was signed early in free agency leaving the , Tackle Ty Nsekhe was signed from the Washington Redskins, Guard was signed from the Raiders and Tackle LaAdrian Waddle was signed from the Patriots. Five new lineman were brought in to add to Dion Dawkins, , Jeremiah Sirles, Vlad Ducasse and Conor McDermott. Ducasse is another training camp potential cap causality that would save the Bills money. Nsekhe can play left or right tackle and graded well with the Redskins last year when he filled in. As of early April the Bills offensive line projects as left to right; Dawkins, Teller, Morse, Long, and Nsekhe with Sirles, Feliciano and Waddle providing training camp competition. Feliciano, Nsekhe, and Waddle are all on one or two year deals. While improved, this doesn’t necessarily put the Bills out of the first round tackle market. Nsekhe is older and the Bills could look into drafting a tackle in round one to really shore up the offensive line. With so many moving parts, one would hope the Bills coaching staff can identify a starting five that will gel and have continuity up front to help Josh Allen succeed. It’s a promising start having new pieces and money put into the offensive line. Last year was a train wreck both running the ball and giving Josh Allen time to survey the field.

Josh Allen got some much needed help at the position this offseason. While the Bills weren’t quite able to convince to come here in a trade that never got finalized and didn’t want to pay the hefty Odell Beckham Jr price either; they were able to add some help. The Bills were able to add some options in former Raven, John Brown signing a 3 year deal and former Cowboy, signing a 4 year deal. Both contracts were structured to give the Bills a one or two year out respectively. Beasley’s 65 receptions and Browns 715 receiving yards both would have led the Bills last season. Beasley had 672 yards and Brown had 42 catches. Brown provides a deep threat with blazing speed to complement Robert Foster who really came on down the stretch with 27 receptions for 541 yards (20.03 yards per catch). Both should provide competition and options for offensive coordinator Brian Daboll along with flexibility in the WR room with , Robert Foster, Cole Beasley, John Brown, and Isaiah McKenzie. Hopefully this group along with Andre Roberts who was

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signed will be able to provide Allen with stability. Last year’s group of Kelvin Benjamin, Jeremy Kerley, Terrell Pryor, Ray-Ray McCloud and Cam Phillips didn’t provide any separation and were all in-and-out of the lineup. This, much like the offensive line additions doesn’t totally put the Bills out of adding a true number one WR, as the positional group lacks size, but certainly not speed and we know Josh Allen can throw it over them mountains. The Bills replaced Tight End, Charles Clay with former Bengal, who provides upside; at 6’6 252lbs Kroft will provide the Bills with sound blocking but was able to chip in the receiving game. Kroft signed a 3 year deal worth up to $18.75 million with an out after year one for the Bills. The Bills also added a former offensive lineman Jake Fisher and listed him as TE potentially filling in as the Logan Thomas role of last year in blocking situations. The NFL has turned into a passing league where athletic Tight Ends are seam-breakers and there are a couple good one’s in a very top heavy Tight End class.

After adding a plethora of depth and options to the offensive side of the ball, the Bills looked to shore up their depth. was a Band-Aid last season and that gamble didn’t pay off as he retired at halftime in September. The Bills got good production on the outside from Levi Wallace an undrafted cornerback from Alabama mid-way through last year. Wallace ranked highly by Pro Football Focus in all statistical categories. It’s always helpful having TreDavious White on the other side, which allowed Wallace to get help from the backend with Hyde and Poyer. Once fellow rookie , whom showed flashes in the slot got hurt the Bills really lacked depth and it showed. The Bills were scrambling for replacements and on occasion used Phillip Gaines, Ryan Lewis, and Lafayette Pitts and just couldn’t get production. Not having a healthy rotation really tested what McDermott could do with blitzing his back-end. Fast-forward to this offseason, the Bills signed former Houston Texan, and first round pick Kevin Johnson. Johnson can play in the slot and outside, however hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his career. Johnson’s contract shows that at just a one year deal worth $2.75 million. Beane and company know that TreDavious White is going to be paid soon and in the past two seasons the Bills have treated the CB2 as bargain shopping. Perhaps the Bills strike gold with Johnson. Two years ago, Beane and the Bills traded for Rams cornerback EJ Gaines. Gaines had a productive season with the Bills and the Bills went 8-3 with him in the lineup and ultimately made the playoffs. Gaines had nagging muscle injuries and couldn’t stay healthy and the Bills didn’t want to bring him back at the price Cleveland paid him last season. When Gaines was set to hit free agency this offseason he told his agent he wanted to come back to Buffalo where he had success and was familiar with the system and is a scheme fit. The Bills showed interest too; bringing back Gaines on a 1 year $3.6 million deal. The cornerback depth chart going into the draft looks a lot better with White, Gaines, K. Johnson, T. Johnson and Levi Wallace. The Bills will likely look to add a cornerback in the draft to have someone under contract for a while, however it’s not a pressing need it once was until next year when decisions need to be made on Gaines, K. Johnson, and Wallace.

In less exciting news the Bills signed LB/S hybrid and special teamer Maurice Alexander. Alexander is familiar with new Bills player personnel rep Dan Morgan. Morgan played on McDermott’s Panthers and then later went to Seattle and worked in the front office. The Bills really show an emphasis on Special Teams this offseason adding someone who can tackle as the Bills were gashed in the special teams department last season. Danny Crossman was finally let go and the Bills are adding

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pieces onto that side of the ball and giving newly hired Heath Farwell some options. Andre Roberts made the Pro-Bowl with the Jets last season and ran all over the Bills last season.

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, Rutgers (PRO)

 A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss (COM)

 Blace Brown, CB, Troy (EW)

, WR, Oklahoma (COM)

 Brian Burns, DE/3-4OLB/OLB, Florida State (COM)

 Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan (PRI)

 Nate Davis, OT, Charlotte (PRI)

 Nick Easley, WR, Iowa (WOR)

 Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma (COM)

^, DE/3-4OLB, Louisiana Tech (PRO, PRI)

 Lamont Gaillard, G, Georgia (EW)

, DE/3-4DE, Michigan (COM)

 Kevin Givens, DT, Penn State (COM)

 Terry Godwin, WR, Georgia (EW)

 Ethan Greenidge, OT, Villanova (EW)

 Kelvin Harmon, WR, N.C. State (COM)

 Kiy Hester, S, Rutgers (PRO)

 Alec Ingold, FB, Wisconsin (COM)

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 Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo (PRO)

 Tyler Jones, G, N.C. State (EW)

, G, Boston College (SR)

 DaMarkus Lodge, WR, Ole Miss (EW)

 Bryce Love, RB, Stanford (COM)

, DT/NT, Texas A&M (EW)

 Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington (COM)

, TE, Georgia (COM)

, G, Virginia Tech (COM)

 Ed Oliver^, DT, Houston (COM, PRI)

 Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State (PRI)

 Kyle Phillips, DE, Tennessee (PRO)

, DE, Sam Houston State (EW)

 Dru Samia^, G, Oklahoma (COM, PRO)

, RB, Florida Atlantic (WOR)

 Bunchy Stallings, G, Kentucky (EW)

 Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida (COM)

 Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt (PRI)

, OT, Alabama (COM

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On to the Mock!

The Bills are set to pick 9th overall in the first round.

Trade:

Buffalo Bills receive; No. 25, No. 53, No. 57 (Value: 1,420 points)

Philadelphia Eagles receive; No. 9, No. 110 (Value: 1,420 points)

One scenario I like for the Bills is trading down similarly to what they did in 2017 when the Bills moved down from 10 overall and Kansas City moved up from 27, and gave pick 91 and a 2018 first. This year, the Eagles move up and select a pass rusher that the Bills decide to pass on to acquire two extra- second round selections to help bolster the roster this season. I believe the Bills have interest in Defensive Tackle, and Edge rusher, Josh Allen who are projected both to go before selection 9. I wouldn’t put it past Beane to trade up for either one. Another trade partner to watch out for is Cincinatti in the 11 spot. The Bills would only move down two spots and gain an extra early-fourth round selection which would allow the Bills to trade up into the second or third rounds later in the draft. The Bengals would want to make sure Washington in the 15 spot doesn’t trade up for a Quarterback. Should the Redskins trade up with Buffalo, the Bills may be able to land one second round pick, likely a third. The Bills will have three- 2nd round selections to play with 40,53,57 and flexibility with selections 74, and two- 5th round selections to move up or down as players fall.

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1st Round – (25th Overall)

Noah Fant – Tight End – Iowa – 6’4 – 249lbs.

Mark Cambell, Kevin Everett, Tim Euhus, Derek Fine, Jim Dray, Mike Caussin, Derek Schouman, Michael Gaines, Joe Klopfenstein, Lee Smith, Chris Gragg, Nick O’Leary, Scott Chandler, Charles Clay. The list goes on and on. The Bills have ignored the Tight End position for a decade and only on occasion get average production, significantly less often than the rest of the league. The league is playing chess at the tight end position and the Bills are still playing checkers. The days of Pete Metzelaars, Keith McKeller, and Jay Reimersma are over. The NFL aerial attack has really taken off in the last ten years and the Tight End position has grown even more. This isn’t your parents hand in the dirt tight end any longer.

Since 2010 there have been 85, 60 plus catch TE seasons. The Bills haven’t had one since Metzelaars in 1993. In that same time span there have been 97 seasons of 650 plus receiving yards. The Bills, again only contributing one when Scott Chandler had 655 yards in 2013. Last year alone, (1,377 yards), Travis Kelce (1,336) and Zach Ertz (1,163) all had more yards in a season, than the Bills have accumulated in 2-3 combined seasons at the position.

The 2019 NFL draft is deep at TE and the Bills added pieces this off-season to help Josh Allen in the receiving game. Tyler Kroft was added to help, however it may be a trial year for the Bills to see what they have as they can get out of the contract after this season.

This brings us to . The former Iowa Hawkeye comes into the draft with a lot of buzz in deep TE class. At 6’4, 249lbs, Fant posted a blazing 4.5 second, 40 yard dash at the combine, to go with his 39.5 inch vertical jump. Fant finished the 2018 season with 39 receptions for 519 yards and 7 TD’s, the year prior he had 30 receptions for 494 yards and 11 TD’s. Fellow teammate T.J. Hockenson had 49 receptions for 760 yards and 6 this past season. With a long of 60+ yards both seasons Fant’s explosiveness running up the seam would only help John Brown, Robert Foster, and company get where Allen can shine with the deep ball. Having Fant bust open the seams will also create space for Cole Beasley and Zay Jones underneath. Fant runs a pretty diverse route tree, can create space and sets up his routes well. Fant has exceptional hands and can adjust and high point the ball in contested situations. There’s no limits with Fant, he can line up out-wide, in the backfield, put in motion, or in tight. His exceptional leaping ability poses problems for defenders to play through him and attack. Once the ball is in Fant’s hands he’s explosive. Fant can run away from safeties and corners with his 4.5 speed. Fant looks like a wide-out on his routes and absorbs contact well. While not the best blocker compared to his fellow teammate Hockenson, Fant can hold his own. Some NFL GM’s will prefer Hockenson for his all-around receiving and blocking, however Fant is more the mold of George Kittle and

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Zach Ertz. Does anyone care how well they block? Fant should be a high volume receiver at the next level and a nightmare in open space.

The Bills would be wise to acquire a TE early in this draft to surround their investment with early round draft selections for them to grow together. Trading down with the Eagles isn’t a guarantee to get someone like Fant, a consolation prize may be Irv Smith Jr, from Alabama whom offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is familiar with.

Other First Round Possibilities:

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

Andre Dillard – Offensive Tackle – Washington State – 6’5 315bs.

Should the Bills stay at 9 or move down slightly with the Redskins or Bengals, another possibility for round one would be with Offensive Tackle, . It’s no surprise the Bills wanted to get better on the offensive line, adding a plethora of new bodies into the lineman room this offseason. After this season, former second round draft pick and current Left Tackle, Dion Dawkins has one year remaining on his contract. Dawkins took a step back last season, partially because he lost his guard Richie Incognito and Center, Eric Wood but also because he was just flat out beat on multiple occasions. Nobody really knows how the Bills offensive line will shake out. Yes, we can pencil in Mitch Morse to center, but outside of that there can be some shuffling and competition. Outside of Morse, not many of the lineman the Bills signed this offseason are signed long-term. Brandon Beane created a lot of wiggle room within the contracts allowing himself an out after one or two years. The Bills could slide Dion Dawkins over to the right side and see what they have there as newly acquired Ty Nsekhe, though signed as a Right Tackle, has had success in the league recently as Left Tackle for Washington. Nsekhe could jump over at LT until Andre Dillard is ready to step in. Nsekhe will be 34 this season and was only signed for two seasons, he could be the swing tackle and mentor to the younger Dawkins and Dillard. Dillard is a quick mover with very active feet and recovery quickness. Dillard is a better pass protector than run blocker and can torque his body to handle stunts and twists. With good footwork, Dillard is able to reset his angles as the rush forms. Sometimes Dillard’s hand placement gets him in trouble with bull rushers can overpower power him. Dillard has elite upside and the Bills will need to make sure their franchise Quarterback is protected long term. Yes, the line got vastly better this season, however some pieces seemed to be a stop-gap to ensure he doesn’t take a beating in year two and have to rush decisions.

Quinnen Williams – Defensive Tackle – Alabama – 6’3 303lbs.

It’s no secret that Brandon Beane isn’t afraid to trade up. While I’d generally only trade up for a Quarterback, the Bills have a plethora of draft selections this year to go get a player I think they really covet. Last season Beane was able to trade up for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to fit their defense and it only cost them a third round pick, and even received a 5th back. Should Williams slide to pick 5-7 overall range in the draft, I wouldn’t put it past Beane to offer their third round selection, pick 74 to move up a few spots, considering the Bills come into the draft with two, fourth round selections, should they need to get back in the third. Williams would be a perfect three-technique in a 4-3 defense to replace Kyle Williams. Plugging in Williams, next to the space-eater will allow the Bills LB’s to roam free. The Bills could use some interior pressure with Kyle Williams and his five sacks retiring. Williams would immediately step in and use his explosive burst to fire off his stance and disrupt the neutral zone. Williams would do well at any spot along the line, however is best served as a penetration

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style dominant play maker in a 4-3 scheme. Williams does everything very well, from pass rushing, to run stopping. Williams would allow to come off the bench and keep the rotation fresh, something McDermott likes to do. A knock on Williams could be that he only dominated for one year at Alabama, however that can be said for many Alabama players who produce at the next level. At 300- plus pounds, Williams ran a 4.83 40 yard dash, this will help him explode past guards and help the Bills front-seven stay strong.

Ed Oliver – Defensive Tackle – Houston – 6’2 – 290lbs.

If the Bills wish to stay at 9 and see where the chips fall, they could be staring at defensive tackle, Ed Oliver. While undersized, Oliver is able to produce with his rare athletic gifts. Oliver is very explosive, strong, and wins with leverage often. Oliver was once heralded as a potential, first overall selection but a down junior year mixed with some arguing with a coach in a game he missed might have Oliver slide down a bit. Oliver played a lot of nose at Houston, where he wouldn’t have to in Buffalo with Star Lotulelei, he’d be able to focus on disrupting backfields and playing to his strength’s. Oliver won’t back down physically and is tough, loves a challenge and plays up to competition, something he hasn’t gotten much of playing for Houston. Oliver does tend to miss some tackles here and there coming out of control in his stance. Oliver is able to get sideline-to-sideline quickly and flash his quickness, but he tends to be beat on zone plays where he doesn’t stay in his gap-assignment and chases the ball, something that will have to be coached. Oliver will require an aggressive system, something McDermott will employ, creating stunts and edge blitzes to help Oliver get to the passer with ease. Oliver missed 4 games with a knee injury last season, but other than that projects highly as an interior disrupter in a 4-3 defensive scheme.

Jonah Williams – Offensive Tackle – Alabama – 6’5 301lbs.

Jonah Williams is another option for the Bills somewhere between the 9-20 range. Williams is a strong and smooth footed technical lineman who uses his mobility to play positional sound football. Williams would likely slot into the RT role and possibly guard. Williams has gotten better each season at Alabama and started for three seasons. Despite ideal size, Williams uses his technique and strength to compensate for his shorter arms which will likely prevent him from playing LT at the next level. Williams is an amateur chef, so may find it difficult to keep weight on to be a tackle in the . Brian Daboll is familiar with Williams, and should the Bills decide to peruse him, they’ll know exactly what they are getting and where he’s capable of lining up to help protect Josh Allen.

Irv Smith Jr – Tight End – Alabama 6’2 242lbs.

If the Bills do In fact trade down to acquire more day-two selections, they could be looking at Tight End, Irv Smith Jr from Alabama. Smith Jr, ran an impressive 4.6, forty at the combine and has former NFL pedigree as his father was a first round pick for the Saints, something Beane and McDermott covet. Smith isn’t the best run-blocking and is pretty raw in route-running but has a bunch of talent to grow in both areas. Smith Jr has enough speed to also cause chaos downfield. At Alabama he was asked to run many routes and was able to gain separation using his hand strength and route running. Averaging 16.3 yards a catch, 710 yards, and 7 touchdowns, Smith Jr was vital in Alabama’s offense. Smith Jr, has the speed to win vertically which will help at the next level with the new age of tight ends that offenses are employing. If the Bills aren’t able to land Fant or Hockenson, Smith Jr is a nice addition to help the offense be versatile.

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Montez Sweat – Defensive End- Mississippi State 6’6 260lbs.

Montez Sweat is another option for the Bills in the 9-15 selection range, who projects as a 4-3, defensive end. Sweat ran an impressive 4.41 forty yard dash for a man at 260lbs is unheard of. With a 36 inch vertical jump, Sweat is explosive off the ball and chipped in with 53 tackles, 14 for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2018 earning him second-team All American honors. Sweat has above-average length and will grow into his 6’6 frame and be an every down NFL player. Sweats first step covers a great deal of distance and uses his quick hands to gain separation. While better in the run game, Sweat is still developing as an edge rusher but will immediately improve the pass rush and alternate with in run stopping situations. The Bills would be wise to address their edge rushers in this class with the unknown of , Shaq Lawson, and Trent Murphy.

On the radar: (TE) T.J Hockenson, (RB) , (WR) A.J Brown, (DE) Brian Burns, and (DT) Rashan Gary.

2nd Round – (40th Overall)

Dalton Risner – Offensive Tackle/Guard – Kansas State – 6’5 312lbs.

With the 40th pick in the 2019 draft the Bills use the pick to draft a versatile guard/tackle, Dalton Risner from Kansas State. Risner not only fits the Bills from a playing standpoint but also a culture standpoint, something McDermott will love. Risner runs his own foundation called Rise Up, which aims to share his story, faith, and passions as a means of inspiring others. Rise Up is a camp for kids battling cancer, which gives them an outlet to just be kids and not think of everyday life. McDermott will fall in love with this guy, as he just seems to “get it.”

“You know, man, the big thing I found at Kansas State was just making an impact, making an impact on someone that’s 70 years old or 5 years old” Risner said. “I love to make an impact, and if I can make an impact on someone through my faith, and the trials and tribulations I went through, or just my story or the stories of my friends, that’s what means the most to me.”

I’m spending a lot of time just talking about the person Risner is, because I really think he’s the poster- boy of a player McDermott and Beane want to infuse in their locker-room to create a family, team bond. Risner’s body is a canvas, of constant reminders of where he’s came from and where he wants to go. Risner embodies faith, football, and family something the Bills look often into infusing to their locker-room.

On the field, Risner is a mauler; one of my favorite prospects in the draft, at 6’5, 312lbs Risner was a four-year starter at Kansas State, something the Bills coaching staff will love, a captain for three of those seasons. Risner is best suited to lineup at right tackle at the next level but is versatile enough to

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kick inside to guard and even has played some center. With the Bills starting their draft with TE, Noah Fant, selecting Risner to groom into a right tackle role will be vital for the growth of Josh Allen. Risner has a high football IQ and eats, sleeps, and breathes football. Extremely competitive, Risner uses his strength and well-rounded technique’s to ward off pass rushers. Risner doesn’t quite have the length to play left tackle from wide edge rushers but makes up for it with his balance and hand techniques. Risner’s best trait is his power at the point of attack, he’s able to latch on to defenders and stick using his short area quickness. Risner lacks proper footwork on occasion, however makes up for it with his nastiness and tenacity in the trenches, this guy won’t quit, plays every snap as hard as possible, often looks to finish his defender and isn’t happy until he’s on his back. Risner is tough, played through injuries to both shoulders and high ankle sprains, he feels guilty leaving the field and is always there for his teammates. If the Bills select Risner, It will allow a lot of roster flexibility as they try to figure out who plays left and right tackle with Dion Dawkins contract looming and Ty Nsehke an aging stop-gap.

2nd Round – 53rd Overall (Via Eagles)

Jaylon Ferguson – Defensive End- Louisiana Tech – 6’5 271lbs.

With the 53rd overall pick in the 2019 draft the Bills add another senior with defensive end, Jaylon Ferguson. The FBS record holder with 45 career sacks, Ferguson ended his senior season with 17.5 sacks leading the nation, 26 tackles for loss, 64 tackles, 3 pass breakups and two forced all in 13 games. Ferguson is an extremely productive pass rusher who has also grown every season in disrupting the run game. In the NFL, Ferguson projects to be a 4-3 defensive end and the potential to wreak havoc in a few years. Ferguson was a high impact player in college, 27% of his tackles were for a loss, got bigger and stronger in one year’s work, stout at points of attack and unhinges from blockers using his violent hands. Ferguson is always charging forward using his fury of hand moves to do whatever it takes to chase down the QB. Ferguson will need some work at the next level, but going to a 4-3 team with a defensive minded head coach and an experienced defensive coordinator in will speak volumes for his development at the next level. Ferguson lacks bend and flexibility when rushing the passer and often relies on his hand usage with a speed-to-power conversion and low pad level, his cross chops are able to toss around right tackles with ease. If Ferguson is able to develop a second move and fine-tune his body, he’d be a great rotational player in year one behind Lawson, Hughes, and Murphy. Ferguson may slide down the draft because of a fight at a McDonald’s as a freshman and a public intoxication charge while in college as well. The Bills have done their due diligence with Ferguson, using one of their thirty allotted pre-draft visits on Ferguson. Ferguson wasn’t invited to the combine because of prior incidents in college, however at his pro-day was able to clock in with a respectable 4.75 forty yard dash, and 24 reps on the bench press. With Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson to become unrestricted free agents after the 2019 season, getting a pass rusher is a top priority for the Bills.

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2nd Round – 57th Overall (Via Eagles)

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside – Wide Receiver – Stanford- 6’2 ½ 225lbs.

The Bills round out their receiving depth chart using their extra second round selection from Philadelphia on J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Arcega-Whiteside enters the draft as a redshirt junior, who had a strong senior season catching 63 passes for 1,059 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns which ranked in the top-five nationally. In his bowl game, Arcega-Whiteside scored three times against TCU. Arcega- Whiteside is a big, and strong target which will compliment and round out the Bills depth chart perfectly. The closer to the red-zone you are the more dangerous Arcega-White is. As both parents were professional basketball players in Spain, he is great at boxing out opponents, and also has a knack for high-pointing the ball and coming down with it. While not the fastest, Arcega-Whiteside possesses great quickness and body control to be able to shield defenders and come down with back-shoulder throws. With John Brown the primary deep ball threat, and Robert Foster developing and a deep ball threat, the Bills could use a bigger receiver on the roster to make contested catches to pair with Zay Jones and Cole Beasley underneath. If the Bills are able to add Fant and Arcega-Whiteside in this draft, they will have a stable of pass-catchers that all do something different and will allow Josh Allen to throw the ball downfield and take what’s underneath for him. With Arcega-Whiteside’s size and technique he’ll project nicely to the (X) receiver role in the NFL where he’s able to release from the line of scrimmage with ease, use his ball skills to stack defenders versus press coverage and win at the point of attack. Having a big target on third down will only benefit the Bills and Josh Allen’s progression. Allen isn’t the most accurate, so having a big target he can toss it up to and trust he’ll be able to come down with it, is something the Bills will benefit from, as they have lacked this type of player for years. Arcega- Whiteside projects as a dominant possession receiver, who won’t demand the ball often but will always need to be accounted for because he often finds space and is able to make some pretty spectacular catches and be a pest in the red-zone.

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Other Possibilities: (Round 2)

Rock Ya-Sin – Cornerback – Temple – 6’0 192lbs.

If the Bills are true to their word with drafting best-player available, they could be looking at cornerback, Rock Ya-Sin. You can never have enough versatile corners in the NFL and the Bills used one of their thirty pre-draft visits on this former two-time state champion wrestler. Perhaps McDermott wasted a pre-draft visit just to wrestle the guy, or maybe there is real interest. The Bills appear set in the secondary with Tre White, Levi Wallace, EJ Gaines, Kevin Johnson and Taron Johnson however Johnson and Gaines were signed for one year deals and you may be able to have Ya-Sin back-up Poyer in the secondary, as they are identical builds and Ya-Sin lined up all over at Temple. Ya-Sin was a first-team conference selection as a senior, posting 12 pass breakups and 47 tackles, two for loss, and two . Ya-Sin only has one season of FBS production but was able to step right in and be a tough corner who isn’t afraid to tackle, another trait McDermott loves. The Temple Owls give out single digits to their toughest players and Ya-Sin wore number-six proudly. Someone like Ya-Sin is a coach’s best- friend, an eager to learn young-man with toughness and grit with all the physical tools to make a leap year-to-year. Primarily a man-cover corner Ya-Sin is a great project to become a starting cornerback fairly quickly in this league. Ya-Sin’s wrestling background and discipline are characteristics the Bills covet.

Kaleb McGary – Offensive Tackle – Washington – 6’7 317lbs.

Kaleb McGary is an option for the Bills, should he be available in the second round. McGary is a giant human being at 6’7 and started 3.5 years at Washington at right tackle. McGary may benefit from a move inside to guard as he tends to get beat by quicker edge rushers. McGary is more of a project that scouts will fall in love with. His size can’t be taught and there is some untapped potential for McGary who was the Pac-12’s offensive lineman of the year. He will need coaching on proper NFL techniques as he relied on his size to bully defenders at the collegiate level and will need to learn how to widen his base and snatch-and-secure with his hands as he tends to get whipped at the point of attack when his weight shifts from side-to-side. McGary is mentally tough and has overcame a lot of adversity in his personal family life. Additionally, some heart issues popped up in high-school but has since been medically cleared, however this might shy some teams away.

Tytus Howard – Offensive Tackle –Alabama State – 6’5 322lbs.

Should the Bills could look to address the O-line in the second round, and Risner is not available, a different option for them could be . Howard is rising up the draft ranks and will require work in the weight room to truly realize his potential. Howard is a gifted athlete who is very quick and fluid at the point of attack. Howard didn’t play against the best competition at Alabama State, however was able to hold his own when he faced Auburn in 2018. Howard is athletic, and was a former high school quarterback. He is better at pass-protection than run and was able to lock down Auburn’s edge rushers for most of the matchup. With proper coaching Howard, who is still new at the right tackle position, can be a starter in the league and offers left tackle upside as well. The Bills offensive line is another grouping that on paper appears set with depth, but again there’s a lot of short-term contracts and competition to sort itself out. Adding Howard, whom can sit a year and really learn how to use his size and strength, would be ideal for Buffalo going forward.

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Zach Allen – Defensive End- Boston College – 6’4 281lbs.

Sean McDermott loves his lineman who aren’t afraid to tackle and chase down the play, which is why they could be looking at “high motor” defensive end Zach Allen. Allen had 100 tackles in 2017 joining former Stanford Cardinal, Harrison Phillips as the nation’s only triple-digit defensive lineman. Allen is a team guy, chipping in wherever needed, in 2018 he had 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one , seven pass breakups and two blocked kicks. Allen is a hard-nosed defensive end who uses his counter moves and football IQ to diagnose plays and make the right jump to make up for his athletic deficiencies. Allen gives relentless effort each play and his first burst off the snap often, his double digit tackles for loss in three straight seasons show how smart he is and able to get a read for snap counts. Allen has NFL ready strength to handle tackles and has batted down 19 passes in three years reading the quarterback’s eyes. Allen will be able to slide down the defensive line and stunt to help get to the quarterback by matching up with guards as well as tackles. Allen fits better in a 4-3 style defensive front where he can engage in blocks and allow his linebackers to make plays but also able to collapse and chase down ball-carries sideline to sideline.

Damien Harris – Running back – Alabama – 5’10 216lbs.

It’s no secret the Bills are old at running back with McCoy over 30 and Gore over 35 years old; what better way than to add an early draft pick in the second round (if you have multiple picks) or third round on a running back to learn under two future Hall of Famers for a year? The Bills have used a few visits on running backs and are primed to add one to the RB room this draft. Harris lead the Crimson Tide with 876 yards and nine scores on just 150 carries. Harris also chipped in with 22 receptions for a 9.3 yard per catch average. Brian Daboll has familiarity with Harris from his days with Alabama, and he should know that you’d be getting a model of consistency, a powerful runner with great vision, balance, and control. Learning from Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy on pass protection will be helpful for a young running back to stay on the field for three downs which Harris is capable of. Harris is more of a volume rusher that will wear down tacklers late in games and has enough burst to move the chains but likely not break off any long runs. The NFL is shying away from 25+ touch backs, and Harris would be better off being the 1A to a 1B in an NFL offense.

On the radar: (OL) Chris Lindstom, (DT) , (WR) Parris Campbell, (CB) Julian Love, (WR) Kelvin Harmon, (DL) , (WR) Hakeem Butler, (OG) Erik McCoy, (WR) Andy Isabella, (WR) N’Keal Harry

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3rd Round – (74th Overall)

Khalen Saunders – Defensive Tackle – Western Illinois – 6’1 322lbs.

With the 74th overall pick, the Bills look to bolster their interior depth with Khalen Saunders. Jordan Phillips was signed on a cheap one year deal to rotate in and out of the lineup and may not be in the Bills future plans. Coming from a FCS school, Saunders will need to show he can play against top competition. As a senior, Saunders had 57 tackles, 12 for a loss and a team high 7.5 sacks coming from the interior. Saunders is an active lineman with incredible agility for his size. During the Saunders showed flashes of disruption against higher level competition, thus elevating him into day two draft consideration. When working in the A-gap, Saunders is able to split double teams and win off the snap. Conditioning will need work at the next level, but the way the Bills employ a rotation on the defensive line getting the most out of Saunders snaps shouldn’t be an issue. Saunders has unteachable physical upside that is worth investing in, as he can hopefully learn how to process and get off blocks effectively. Saunders has three down ability and while he’s never going to be a pass rushing specialist he can be a key-cog in the front-four, doing his job so others around you can make plays. Learning a year or two would only benefit Saunders as his technical game and stamina don’t measure up to his athletic ability. If you can limit Saunders to one gap penetrating and focus on beating his guy this is where he’ll be most productive at the next level.

Other Possibilities:

Jace Sternberger – Tight End – Texas A&M – 6’4 251lbs.

Jace Sternberger would be an option for the Bills should they pass on Noah Fant or Irv Smith Jr, early in the draft. Jace comes from an athletic family where his father played football at Southeastern Oklahoma and his mother was a two-time All-American basketball player. Sternberger had a productive year with Coach Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies resulting in 48 receptions, 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sternberger is a talented route runner and doesn’t lose speed in or out of breaks which allows him to play like a larger receiver. Sternberger is best used lined up in the slot and not with his hand in the dirt as he lacks blocking skills. He won’t wow you but can be a very productive TE in the league because of his route running.

Miles Sanders – Running Back – Penn State 5’11 211lbs.

Sanders is flying up draft boards and may go early to mid-second round but if the Bills are staring at him 74 overall, they should look long and hard and bringing him in. Sanders wowed at the combine with 4.49 speed, a 36 inch vertical and 20 reps on the bench press. In his one season replacing Saquon Barkley, Sanders didn’t disappoint rushing for 1,274 yards and nine scores on 220 carries. Sanders also contributed with 24 receptions for 138 yards. Sanders is well built, has great footwork and agility to get to the next level and tough enough to lower his pads and create contact and

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extra yardage for himself. Sanders doesn’t have much mileage on his body which is good for collegiate running backs as the shelf life is shorter than most positions. Sanders has good vision and is able to process information quickly using his footwork to weave in and out of traffic. On occasion he’ll get too cute and try to dance behind the line of scrimmage and lacks pass blocking skill, which can be learned from LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore.

Other Possibilities:

Dawson Knox – TE - Mississippi

David Montgomery – RB – Iowa State

JoeJuan Williams – CB - Vanderbilt

Trysten Hill – DT- UCF

Amani Hooker – S/CB – Iowa

Terry McLaurin – WR – State

Joe Jackson – DE – Miami

Oshane Ximines – DE – Old Dominion

Chase Winovich – DE – Michigan

Emanuel Hall – WR – Missouri

th 4 Round (123rd Overall)

Trade:

Buffalo Bills receive; No. 123 (Value: 49 points)

Baltimore Ravens receive; No. 147, No. 181 (Value 52.8 points)

Devin Singletary – Running Back – Florida Atlantic - 5’8 203lbs.

The Bills continue to add youth into experienced groupings on the roster and trade up to get one of the mid-round running backs they like. The Bills have 10 draft selections and are likely to move up in the draft at least once. With LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore on their last NFL legs and the Bills cutting Chris Ivory from presumably third string, the Bills are in need of a RB they can groom for a year to see if they have anything before next season’s draft. The NFL is all about creating miss-matches and

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while Singletary isn’t the ideal RB size he’ll be able to provide a bunch of spark to the offense. Singletary lead Conference USA leading the league with 1,348 yards on 261 carries and 22 touchdowns. The 2017 season was even better with 1,920 yards on 301 carries and a ridiculous 32 touchdowns, Singletary has a knack around the goal line. He was a three down back at Florida Atlantic with toughness to squeeze every yard per carry he could. While he was asked to run less routes out of the backfield at Florida Atlantic, he’s a capable pass catcher. Singletary comes into the draft one of the better pass blocking running backs which will really help a young back stay on the field. With 600+ contact touches over the last two seasons, a limited work-load in year one would be beneficial as the undersized back adjusts to the league. With exceptional lateral agility and the ability to make defenders miss, Singletary is a very intriguing prospect with excellent vision, patience and balance.

4th Round (131th Overall)

Mike Edwards – Safety – Kentucky – 5’10 205lbs.

The Bills add a young piece into the secondary with Mike Edwards from Kentucky. With only Rafeal Bush, Mo Alexander, and behind starters and Micah Hyde, the Bills may want to add some competition to the roster with Bush’s contract set to expire. Edwards is a versatile defensive back with good awareness and toughness. Edwards has the potential to become a starter in the league at safety, but may be better suited to play some slot against larger receivers and tight ends. Edwards enjoys tackling which is something the Bills look for when selecting their defensive backs. Tre White, Taron Johnson, EJ Gaines, Kevin Johnson, and Levi Wallace won’t shy away from it and McDermott’s defense needs his secondary to come up and make plays in open space and they have. Edwards is an aggressive slot blitzer, something the Bills did often last year with Poyer and Taron Johnson. With 10 career interceptions and two off former Heisman Trophy winner , Edwards shows great ball skills. He is able to scan the field, anticipate patterns and get jumps on early throws. On occasion Edwards will miss some tackles and get beat in coverage as his burst is just average, however if he’s able to gain some muscle he could make a full-time move to safety or be versatile enough to play in multiple schemes within McDermott’s defense. Edwards’s best trait is man-coverage which will be key with McDermott. Edwards never missed a game for the Wildcats and started 44 of his 51 games showing smarts, toughness and versatility to be a force for the Kentucky Wildcats defense.

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Other Possibilities:

David Sills – WR – West Virginia

Issac Nauta – TE – Georgia

Bobby Evans – OT - Oklahoma

Daniel Wise – DE - Kansas

Terrill Hanks – LB- New Mexico State

Blake Cashman – LB - Minnesota

Sean Bunting – CB- Central Michigan

Saivion Smith – CB - Alabama

Mecole Hardman – WR – Georgia

Nate Davis – OG – Charlotte

5th Round – 158th Overall

Ben Powers – Offensive Guard – Oklahoma – 6’4 – 312lbs.

The Bills continue to add depth and competition to a crowded offensive line-room with Oklahoma guard, Ben Powers. Powers was a former high school and junior college wrestler and has been quoted as saying “I love taking a grown man’s dreams and crushing them.” McDermott loves his wrestlers; toughness, discipline and work ethic are traits wrestling brings out in young men. As a junior college transfer, Powers had a productive three years with the Sooners, earning second-team all-conference as a junior and first-team as a senior, grouping that with the ‘Joe Moore Award’ as the top offensive line in all of . Powers started all 14 games at left guard with the Sooners. Powers best is suited as a back-up to learn and grow with the position on a team that values toughness and power in the run- game. Powers doesn’t have any great traits that translate to the NFL, but does everything else above average, is coachable, and has a strong work ethic. Guys like Powers are who you target in the late rounds in hopes that 2-3 years down the line, they can be a serviceable asset to your roster.

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Other Possibilities

Anthony Johnson – WR – Buffalo

Gary Jennings – WR – West Virginia

Bryce Love – RB –Stanford hah

Trevon Wesco – TE – West Virginia

Dru Samia – OG - Oklahoma

David Long Jr – LB- West Virginia

Khalil Hodge – LB – Buffalo

Saquan Hampton – SS/CB - Rutgers

Daylon Mack – DT – Texas A&M

Dontavius Russell – DT – Auburn

7th Round – 225th Overall

Ben Burr-Kirven – Linebacker – Washington – 6’0 230lbs.

This Bills continue to fill out the depth in the last round adding some linebacker help with Ben Burr-Kirven. Burr-Kirven has climbed up Washington’s depth chart and was a very productive college player. In his senior season, Burr-Kirven led the country with 176 tackles to go with his two sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, three recoveries and four forced fumbles. Burr-Kirven is a small linebacker who plays very instinctive using his vision and has a knack for getting to the ball. Special teams is a big part in drafting in the later rounds and Burr-Kirven can be a monster on special teams. Burr-Kirven doesn’t get fatigued and just loves playing football. 94 of his 176 tackles were solo and he is unafraid to take on multiple blockers. Burr-Kirven’s lack of size will lower him on many draft boards as he doesn’t disrupt backfields much as a penetrator, but a sound tackling linebacker in the last round who can be a pro’s pro and do a bit of everything is someone who McDermott should look at. With a strong front four, Burr-Kirven can back up and attack ball carries downhill with a few years seasoning. The odds are definitely against Burr-Kirven to succeed at the next level because of his size, but with a smart defensive coordinator and creative scheme he could stick around an NFL roster because of his special team’s skills.

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7th Round – 228th Overall

Blessuan Austin –Cornerback – Rutgers- 6’1 – 198lbs.

The Buffalo Bills close out their 2019 draft by selecting Austin Blessuan. The Bills likely won’t make all 10 selections this draft as the roster is pretty full. Don’t be surprised if the Bills trade up a few times and even considering moving out some late round selections to 2020 future late round picks. As a sophomore, Austin had a great season with 14 pass breakups, 41 tackles, one sack, and one interception in 11 starts and was on many peoples radars for his next season however four games into his junior season he tore his ACL. Austin’s 2018 season didn’t start better with another blown out knee in the season opener which ended his season with three tackles, one sack, and one interception. Austin is a taller cornerback with good length and change of direction with short-area quickness to be in good position often.

Other Possibilities

Anthony Johnson – WR – Buffalo

Gary Jennings – WR – West Virginia

Bryce Love – RB –Stanford

Trevon Wesco – TE – West Virginia

Dru Samia – OG - Oklahoma

David Long Jr – LB- West Virginia

Khalil Hodge – LB – Buffalo

Saquan Hampton – SS/CB - Rutgers

Daylon Mack – DT – Texas A&M

Dontavius Russell – DT – Auburn

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Undrafted Free Agents:

Tony Pollard – RB -Memphis

Ty Johnson – RB - Maryland

Jamal Custis – WR - Syracuse

Deonte Harris – WR- Assumption College

DeAndre Thompkins – WR – Penn State

Easton Stick - QB- North Dakota State

Jacob Dolegala – QB – Central Connecticut

Jesse Burkett – OL - Stanford

Jackson Barton – OL - Utah

Derick Roberson – DE- Sam Houston State

Darryl Johnson – DE – North Carolina A&T

Tevis Bartlett – DE/LB - Washington

Curtis Akins – LB - Memphis

Kiy Hester – S/CB – Rutgers

Tyree Kinnel – S/CB - Michigan

Mitch Wischonwsky – P - Utah

 Gregory Kowalczyk

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