Which Position Should Buffalo Target in The NFL Draft?
The Buffalo Bills captured the AFC East for the first time in 25 years. There was incredible progress made by the Bills mafia with the improved Josh Allen under the helm.
Even though the Bills took significant strides in 2020, there’s a lot of progress that can be made. Looking at 2021, the Bills should have their sights set on reaching the Super Bowl.
There’s a few glaring needs on the Bills that need to be addressed in order to move in the right direction. Most notably, the Bills need to enhance their LB situation and bolster the pass rushing unit.
The Bills are aiming to win the Super Bowl with the talent they carry now, but they need faces on the defense that can complement Josh Allen’s presence long term. With that being stated, I’m going to project the top candidates for the Bills ascending squad.
Top 5 Draft Fits:
Gregory Rousseau
The 6’7 250 freak DE may have sat out the 2020 express, but he showed out in 2019 with 15.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Rousseau had three games with multiple sacks, which should excite scouts about his ability to stomp down on opponents that can’t handle his explosion off the edge.
The Bills have missed a dominant edge player for quite some time. Shaq Lawson hasn’t panned out to be the player that he was expected to be, while the torch of Lorenzo Alexander’s 2016 season with 12.5 sacks hasn’t been carried by any unsung hero. The veteran Jerry Hughes isn’t a long term answer and his dominant play is in the rearview mirror, which is evident by his nine sacks combined in the last two years.
Pat Freiermuth
The first Penn State TE to win TE of The Year could hear his name called off on the board at 28. Pat Freiermuth has a lot of upside with his athletic ability — 6’5/265/4.7.
If the Bills opt to add a pass rusher and focus on building their o-line in free agency, Sean Mcdermott has to roll with drafting a TE in round one. Despite having Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley, the Bills are aching at the TE spot.
Freiermuth had a season ending injury in 2020, but it shouldn’t be a huge concern on his draft stock. In 2019, the Penn State TE had seven touchdowns to go with his 507 receiving yards. There’s no mistake that Kyle Pitts is the cream of the top, while Freiermuth comes in at No. two.
Jaylen Mayfield
It appears that Jalen Mayfield is the most popular name to land with Buffalo among every NFL mock draft. If the Bills opt to go with an offensive lineman and Jalen Mayfield is on the board, it seems the Michigan G/T is the pick.
Mayfield is a superb pass blocking tackle, while his technique will continue to improve with how he uses his size. If the Bills want to protect Allen’s health for the next ten years, they should go OL and Mayfield. He’s kind of the opposite player of Mekhi Becton of last year’s draft, but more towards a pass blocker like Andrew Whitworth.
Najee Harris
The 6’2 230 lb bruising RB from Alabama may have been in the shadow of DeVonta Smith’s Heisman campaign, but there’s every reason to be in awe over his 2020 production. Najee Harris ousted 1,466 yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 5.8 YPC in the process.
The Bama RB doubled his 2019 touchdown count (13) all the way to a ridiculous 26 figure. The 6’2 230 RB has even garnered comparisons to former Alabama product Derrick Henry. But, one NFL scout Jim Nagy went all the way to say that he even has Harris graded ahead of the 2020 Offensive Player of The Year.
Rashod Bateman
The Minnesota Gophers WR put on a clinic in 2019 with 11 receiving touchdowns and 1219 yards. Bateman stood out with 20.3 YPC while putting up CFB elite numbers, too.
The 6’2 210 WR has attracted comparisons to players like Michael Thomas and Anquan Bold for his stout route running and ability to use his body to make flashy catches. If the Bills want a true No. two WR across from Diggs long term, Bateman is the answer.
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