The Buffalo Bills were looking to build off their first AFC East Championship in over 20 seasons a year ago. The team won 11 games to capture the division once again. They would ultimately meet the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason for the second straight year. The team was ultimately knocked off in a disappointing fashion. As a result, the franchise heads into the draft looking to put the finishing touches on one of the most complete rosters in the game. Already making multiple additions during the league’s free agency period, general manager Brandon Beane inked star pass rusher, Von Miller to a six-year deal. Buffalo also came to terms with guard Rodger Saffold, wide receiver Jamison Crowder, and tight end O.J. Howard.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 25: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
This is the biggest position of need on the Bills roster. The team will be without top cornerback Tre’Davious White to open the season as the one-time first-team all-pro member works his way back from a torn ACL. Along with this, Buffalo also lost another starter at the spot in free agency after Levi Wallace inked a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Elam has all the tools to be a shutdown player in the NFL. He is known for his length, athleticism, and physicality in coverage. A starter as a true freshman with the Florida Gators, he appeared in 10 games for Billy Napier’s group last season. The 20-year-old racked up 29 tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups.
For more on Elam, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 57: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
Already home to one of the best wide receiver cores across the league, the franchise choose to make multiple changes to the position group in the offseason. They released Cole Beasley while moving on from Emmanuel Sanders. Choosing to bring in Crowder, the team also re-upped with speedster Isaiah Mckenzie. Needing another weapon on the outside, Metchie would provide the Bills with another threat in the passing game for Josh Allen. Excelling during his three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 21-year-old hauled in 155 passes for 2,081 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lauded for his ability to win downfield, he has the route running ability to play both in the slot and outside. Furthermore, he also has the game-breaking speed to run past opposing defensive backs on any play.
For more on Metchie, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 89: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
The franchise will enter next season with question marks at the linebacker position. They are set to face a tough decision on what to do with Tremaine Edmunds. Choosing to pick up the former first-round pick’s fifth-year option, he will count for $12.7 million against the cap. A staple for Leslie Frazier‘s defense over his four seasons with the team, the Virginia Tech product has over 100 tackles every year.
However, he also endured struggles in big-time moments, leading to a grade of just 50.4 from Pro Football Focus in 2021. Quickly developing into one of the best defensive players in college football last season, Chenal has the power and speed to shoot gaps and wrap up opposing ball carriers. Furthermore, he also has the potential to match up with tight ends and running backs in coverage.
For more on Chenal, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 130: Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Buffalo struggled to consistently run the ball for a large chunk of their 2021 campaign. The team ranked 25 in the NFL in yards produced by running backs at 1,343. They relied heavily on Devin Singletary down the stretch. The former third-round pick accounted for 127 of 150 touches out of the backfield during the Bills’ final seven games. He is set to enter the last year of his rookie contract in 2022.
Along with this, after two strong seasons to open up his NFL career, Zack Moss enjoyed a disappointing campaign. Amassing just 345 yards on the ground, he averaged just 3.6 yards per attempt. Williams is an all-around back with the ability to contribute on any down at the pro level. One of the best pass-catchers at his position in the class, the former high school wide receiver, possesses the ability to run an advanced route tree. Furthermore, he also has the vision and physicality to pick up and attack blitzers in pass protection.
For more on Williams, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 168: Cade Mays, iOL, Tennessee
A former five-star recruit, Mays spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at the University of Georgia. The 6’4″ tackle would then choose to transfer to Tennessee ahead of his junior season. Possessing the ability to play any position along the offensive line, he made 35 starts during his time in Knoxville, with the majority of them coming at right tackle. Crafty with his hands in protection, he is known for his ability to latch onto defenders. In addition to this, he also displays good lower body strength and physicality. Needing to add depth along the interior, the Bills battled injuries at the position in 2021, leading to too many different combinations. They also chose to part ways with veteran Jon Feliciano after he fell out of favor late in the year.
Round 6, Pick 185: Haskell Garrett, DL, Ohio State
Once the number sixth-ranked defensive tackle in his class in 2018, Garrett landed with the Buckeyes. Spending four seasons with the program, the Burlington, Vermont native earned first-team All-Pro Honors this last season. He appeared in 10 games while racking up 22 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one pass breakup. Known for his athletic ability at 289 pounds, the 23-year-old also has the technical ability with his hands to be a dangerous one-gap penetrator at the pro level. Choosing to revamp the interior of their defense in the offseason, the Bills landed Tim Settle from the Washington Commanders. They also brought back Jordan Phillips. A nice addition to the group late in the draft, Garrett can make an impact as a rotational piece from day one.
For more on Garrett, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 6, Pick 203: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Dawson Knox broke out in 2021. He finally showed glimpses of being a true number one option. The Ole Miss product hauled in a career-high 49 receptions for 587 yards and nine touchdowns. Struggling to get any production behind him, Tommy Sweeney was inconsistent all year long as the former seventh-round pick battled injuries. Looking to add depth to the position, the Bills already added Howard in free agency. However, look for them to still add to the position room via the draft. A dominant run blocker, Bellinger has the length and physicality to win at the point of attack. He also has natural hands when catching passes, making him a nice complimentary piece in a room with multiple options.
Round 7, Pick 231: Myron Cunningham, OT, Arkansas
Buffalo appears to be set at their two starting tackle spots heading into next season. Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins will anchor Allen’s blindside, while second-year man Spencer Brown should slide in at the right tackle spot after the Bills released veteran Daryl Williams. Looking to add depth at the spot late on day three, Cunningham is the perfect developmental prospect. He was a two-year starter in the SEC after landing with the Arkansas Razorbacks out of junior college. With experience facing the top pass rushers in the country, the Warren, Ohio, native has the length widen the arc on the outside. Furthermore, he has a good anchor and power against bull rush moves while also firing off the ball on run plays.
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