Detroit, Mich. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills go defense again with their second-to-last pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Penn State University cornerback Daequan Hardy with the 219th overall pick in Round 6.
Hardy played primarily special teams with the Nittany Lions in his senior season at State College. Hardy earned Second-Team All-America honors from CBS Sports as a punt returner, named Second-Team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media as a return specialist, was a Third-Team All-Big Ten honoree as a cornerback voted by the coaches and an honorable mention selection voted by the media.
The 22-year-old was tied for fourth with the most punt return touchdowns in a season with two, and seventh in punt return average (14.6). Hardy also played 13 games, making one start his junior season at nickel cornerback, registering 13 tackles, a half sack, a forced fumble, an interception and four pass breakups.
Here is what NFL analyst Lance Zierlein had to say on the Bills' sixth-round pick:
"Finesse nickel cornerback with above-average ball skills to help make up for average speed and explosiveness. Hardy will need to play with better route anticipation in man to make up for his average acceleration and recovery when beaten. He plays with excellent positioning and timing to disrupt catch attempts down the field and in tight quarters, but handling the physicality of the NFL could be a steep challenge for him. Hardy is a solid punt returner and can compete for gunner reps but might not have the suddenness and size to stand out in those respective roles."
The Bills have one more selection in the 2024 NFL Draft at Pick 221, which is the first selection of the seventh round.
