The NFL mock drafters have arrived at a consensus: the Buffalo Bills are going defense in the first round.
Unlike previous years, the Bills aren’t desperately drafting for need. Their core is intact and ready for a Super Bowl run. As general manager Brandon Beane said this week, Buffalo’s goal with the No. 30 overall pick is more long-term than short-term.
Looking at the defense, that could mean the Bills will target a pass-rusher, since Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are both entering the final years of their deals. With that in mind, Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network predicts Buffalo will select University of Washington edge rusher Joe Tryon.
“Tryon, to me, is like that -- he’s right in the fairway,” Jeremiah said recently in a conference call. “I think he’ll be there when they pick. I think he fits. I think he’s a really good player.”
Tryon opted out of the 2020 season, but recorded eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2019. He’s also big, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 292 pounds.
In addition, Jeremiah mentioned Miami’s Gregory Rousseau could be an option for the Bills at No. 30. He also opted out of the 2020 campaign, but recorded 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss during his last season. While he’s slipped since his pro day, his raw talent is undeniable.
“Around the league, I think he’s somebody that’s going to fall towards the back of one and maybe into the top of two,” Jeremiah added. “So he could be there in the mix for Buffalo.”
Over the last two years, Beane has selected two defensive players in the first round, defensive linemen Ed Oliver and A.J. Epenesa. Notably, ESPN NFL Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay also think the Bills will go with defense again.
In their new mock draft, they project the Bills will select Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins at No. 30 -- along with defense players in Rounds 2 and 3.
“Collins can cover, shoot gaps in run defense and rush the passer,:” they write. “He’d fit nicely next to Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano at the second level and help shore up Buffalo’s middle-of-the-pack pass rush.”
With Milano and Edmunds only in their mid-20s, the Bills don’t have an immediate need at linebacker. But they could have an opening at cornerback, with Levi Wallace currently slotted as the No. 2 guy. NFL Network's Peter Schrager thinks the Bills will grab Asante Samuel Jr.
Overall, these mock drafts show the Bills are in a beautiful position. For once, they can focus on grabbing the best player, and worry about fit later.
