The NFL Draft is one of the greatest spectacles on the sports calendar, not only a three day event but by the time you read this you may or may not be fully mocked out. The NFL Draft is set to take place May 8-10 the latest its ever been because of Radio City Music Hall scheduling issues. The NFL doesnt care as they shouldnt, they have more time to promote the release of the NFL schedules and countless more hours of coverage and talk about whos rising and falling. By the time the draft is actually here those projected top five picks will fall down the draft and rise right back up to where they originally were. Heck, even the great Mel Kiper has had three different number one picks in said weeks. Mocks are supposed to be fun and exciting, for the purposes of this mock Ill try to draft based on need and who I actually think the Bills will draft this May, not necessarily who I want.
The Buffalo Bills finished their first season under a truly new regime at 6-10 which isnt anything new to Bills fans. What was different was seeing a new culture and new way of running things which bodes well for the future. Starting up top with Russ Brandon he has entrusted GM Doug Whaley with total roster control and you can already start to see it.
Trading down in the draft last season allowed the Bills to draft EJ Manual a need at QB and pick up Kiko Alonso in the second who arguably could have won the NFL rookie of the year. Other moves not to be un-noticed were trading Kelvin Sheppard for Jerry Hughes who posted double digit sacks, the signing of Nickell Robey an undrafted free agent who played extremely well down the stretch. Whaley in almost two years in control has signed Manny Lawson and Alan Branch who were solid contributors last season. Branch was resigned this offseason as well.
This season he upgraded right guard with Chris Williams who Doug Marrone should be able to help continue to mold this former first round pick. Brandon Spikes was signed on a one year deal to play middle linebacker and help stop the run which will allow Alonso to roam around and get off blocks much easier to make plays on the ball with his move to the weak side. Corey Graham may be the biggest signing this off-season, Graham is a big corner with playoff experience who can also help out on special teams as well as line up all over the defensive backfield. Keith Rivers will start for the Bills on first and second downs to help run support as well. Anthony Dixon was signed from a winning culture from the 49ers organization to provide depth at the RB position that was banged up last year but will also provide an immediate impact on the special teams which hurt the Bills in multiple games last season. The Bills made a splash, while not a sexy one they didnt sit back after losing Byrd they signed some potential starters and upgraded depth at need positions. This will help allow the Bills to draft best player available if they so choose.
Whaley didnt stop there, after being interested in Desean Jackson and Kenny Britt this offseason, Whaley traded a 6th round pick to bring in Mike Williams from Tampa Bay. Williams despertley needed a scenery change and has a troubled past but its very refreshing to see them trade a draft pick that the organization so often covets and wont part. Williams adds much needed size to the receiving corps, at 62 212 pound Williams should help bolster the 30th ranked red zone scoring offense. Williams walked out on Doug Marrone his first year coaching Syracuse however this isnt a move the Bills, Marrone or Williams would make without consulting one another first.
The Bills are allotted thirty pre-draft visits and this can help gauge who they are interested in and every year 3 or 4 players will come from this list. Below is a list of draft prospects that have visited One Bills drive this spring.
On to the Mock!
The Bills may be in the position to trade up a few spots this year if Mack, Watkins or Clowney fall, but I dont see that happening. All three should be gone within the top 5. The Bills lack depth at the defensive end position and a game breaking receiver. In order to trade up to the 4-6 range it may only cost pick 41 however I wouldnt give up a future first unless you move up to the second selection.
The Bills may also be able to pull something like they did last year. Trading down to 12-15 range would allow Buffalo to draft any tackle that falls (Matthews, Lewan) or Mike Evans, Eric Ebron should they fall a few spots. This draft is very deep within the top 15 and the Bills may be able to swing a trade if teams like the Giants, Rams or Bears want to swing up to 9. Even Dallas is a possibility at 16 if they want to leap frog the Giants. Getting an extra mid-second rounder will be vital to not only providing depth but filling a few different needs in a depth draft. Doug Whaley wont be afraid to repeat what he did last year because that certainly wasnt Buddy Nix firing those kinds of shots.
1st Round, 9th overall
Taylor Lewan Michigan - OT
With the 9th pick in the first round I have Buffalo going with Taylor Lewan to help bolster that right side of the line. A four year starter at Michigan, Lewan is a well-rounded reliable pass protector. A former defensive tackle in high school, Lewan has quick feet to help with speed rushers going for the corner. Lewan is a mauler something the Bills have lacked for a while at the tackle position. A mean streak is what you want from an offensive lineman and he certainly has that after receiving multiple penalties in college for personal fouls. Lewan is a leader within the locker room and has the desire to continue to be great. He can step in at either LT or RT and contribute immediately. The Bills are one of the few people not to be talking about moving Cordy Glenn to right tackle and he hasnt showed them a reason too. Glenn does his job on a weekly basis and you never really see him being beat. It seems the media is the only one saying this because they missed on this second round LT from the start.
I currently have Lewan as the second rated OT behind Greg Robinson. I have him ahead of Jake Matthews for upside. Matthews would be a solid ten year starter however Lewan has the upside to be an All-Pro 10 year starter. Matthews is rock solid dont get me wrong but hes the safe pick and you can argue thats why you want for an offensive lineman but I want the stud. One major reason Lewan is being ranked below Matthews is legal issues, pending off the field issues resulting in an assault after the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Marrones prototypical lineman is Taylor Lewan. Marrone has shown all off-season that character issues arent an issue to him. Hes confident in the leaders we have within the roster. To bring in guys like Mike Williams who hes had a history with and Brandon Spikes who had an attitude problem and fell out of good graces with the Patriots shows just that. Had Lewan come out in 2013 hed arguably be ranked higher than Eric Fisher or Luke Joekel were. It shows how deep the class is. Greg Robinson is shooting up the draft board because of skill and added potential and I feel Lewan should be the same mold. If the Bills trade down to the 12-15 range it could be to add a second round pick and target Lewan. The Big 10 conference provides many of the top defensive line teams in the country and Lewan held his own and kept his quarterback off the ground and helped Michigan rack up the rushing yards. Ran an impressive 4.87 for a 310 pound 67 man, drafting Lewan would help keep Erik Pears off the field and thats a win itself.
Other Possibilities
Mike Evans Texas A&M Wide Receiver
Mike Evans would provide the Bills a big WR its long been searching for after missing out on James Hardy in the early second round years back. Make no mistake that the only comparison is their height. 65 230 pounds Evans would allow EJ Manual to take more calculated risks with just throwing the ball up. Mike Williams was signed this off season but his contract is back-loaded and the Bills can walk away after this season if the wish. This would allow Evans a year under his belt to become ever stronger (12 reps at 225) With a 37 inch vertical, Evans would provide the Bills an added dimension in the red zone that was lacked, ranking 30th last season on touchdown conversions. A big time possession receiver Evans has what so many dominant big receivers have and thats the ability to box out defenders and shield his body to bring down jump balls. Evans has very good body control mid-air and can torque his body to make all the difficult receptions. Enjoys contact and will take on defensive backs and lower his shoulder when hes in the open field. Evans is a great downfield blocker something the Bills have also lacked with their smaller stature wide outs. Evans biggest advantage would come on his sideline work can run the back shoulder throw and work the sidelines using his body size. A big threat on third down, Evans would provide Manual a big target over the middle. Evans route running needs to be worked on and strength needs to be added to his already man-frame if he wants to consistently beat NFL defensive backs. Evans has dominated tough SEC competition the greatest conference in college football. Seven catches for 279 yards versus Alabama and 11 for 287 yards against Auburn.
CJ Mosley Alabama Linebacker
One of my favorite prospects in the whole draft, CJ Mosley is an athletic freak and his versatility will allow him to play anywhere in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Mosley, 62 234 is extremely instinctive and intelligent. Mosley was a 4 year contributor for Alabama making big plays when they needed it. Mosley is an excellent pass defender who reads quarterbacks eyes and always seems to be around the ball. A great communicator on the field Mosley would be able to start in the middle or strong side. The Bills signed Keith Rivers but is more of a depth signing whos currently penciled in as the 1st and 2nd down run stopping strong side linebacker. Mosley is able to get deep in his pass drops without losing a sense of where he is and thats important in todays NFL with tight ends being more athletic and seam breaking than ever before. Mosley is ready to be plugged in and start right away coming from Alabama. With Kiko Alonso moving to the weak side, Mosley would provide much needed stability to the line-backing core with Brandon Spikes on a one year deal. Spikes is currently penciled in the middle and Mosley would be able to play the strong side and potentially move into the middle if Spikes leaves after this season. Mosley is a three down linebacker whos versatile enough to be selected in the top 15. Mosley has been falling because of concerns with his knee but if that checks out he could be a sneaky pick for the Bills in the 9 to 15 range. Mosley might fall with concerns of his knee and the Bills could be right there and willing to move up into the late first or early second to grab him.
Eric Ebron North Carolina Tight End
At 64 250 Eric Ebron is a projected top twenty draft selection, The Bills have been lacking a big tight end target for a long time and if they pass on drafting a wide receiver in the first, Ebron could very well be the choice. The Bills re-signed Scott Chandler this off-season and signed Tony Moeaki late last season to kick the tires. Ebron would be an immediate upgrade and help EJ Manual continue to develop as he looked to Scott Chandler often last year. Ebron has rare speed for his size running a 4.60 at the combine and sported a 32 vertical jump. Ebron thrives at the middle seam break routes and is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Ebron is a three down tight end that wont leave the field to run block like so many young tight ends do. Hes athletic and flexible enough to lineup as an H-back allowing the Bills another option. Ebron is the best Tight End prospect since Vernon Davis in 2006. I think pick nine might be high for him but its a need and he will become a game breaker and fit in nicely with the Bills mix of receiving skill set wide-outs. If the Bills can trade down to the 12-14 range and grab Ebron while getting that extra second round pick it would be a great day.
Justin Gilbert Oklahoma State Cornerback
Its no secret the Bills have been interested in cornerbacks this off-season. Missing out on Nolan Carroll in free agency they were able to sign Corey Graham who can play inside and out. Its a passing league and while the Bills didnt use a pre-draft visit on Gilbert yet I think this would be a very sneaky pick. I know what youre saying. Gilmore two seasons ago and McKelvin years prior however the NFL is shifting towards bigger corners with the success of Talib and Sherman cornerbacks over 6 feet and close to 200 pounds. The Bills will be playing a wide-9 defensive scheme that Coach Schwartz will use and that will rely more on his linebackers and defensive backs to hold up. At 60 200 pounds Gilbert will be one of the first corners taken. Gilbert is a cover corner who is capable of shutting down the opposing number one. Thrives in bump and run coverage and is extremely physical. Gilbert is fluid in the hips and has no problem turning and staying with his man. Gilbert ran a 4.37 at the combine and his 35 inch vertical was also impressive. Gilbert is not afraid to tackle larger and stronger wide receivers and tight ends as he has excellent technique. Gilbert has extremely long arms and makes plays on the ball. The Bills have brought in other top twenty corner backs and this could very well be a smoke screen. The Bills hosted Kyle Fuller and Bradley Roby other first round graded corners with their 30 pre-draft visits. 6 cornerbacks visited One Bills drive already so the coaching staff is looking to upgrade. So while this wont be a popular pick with the fans teams with big physical corners tend to do well that are able to get under the skin of the teams wide outs throwing off the timing and rhythm of quarterbacks.
2nd Round, 41st overall
Austin Seferian-Jenkins -Washington Tight End
After selecting Taylor Lewan at 9th overall the Bills will look to continue to load up for EJ Manuel by selecting Seferian-Jenkins. At 66 262 he is a load and a matchup nightmare. ASJ is extremely athletic and is the second best Tight End in the class behind Ebron. He arguably might have the most upside with tremendous leaping ability and is sure handed. ASJ will routinely win jump balls and matchups. His biggest asset is his versatility. While other Tight Ends in the second and third round can split out wide, ASJ is your prototypical TE that will lineup anywhere and thats something Nathanial Hackett will desire. ASJ is a huge red zone target that the Bills will need in helping aide Manuels development. ASJ can get down the seam and attack a defensive to allow Stevie Johnson and Mike Williams to work underneath and allow Goodwin, Graham and Woods to keep the safeties honest going deep. Seferian-Jenkins is blocking ready and would be able to help spring CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson for big gains. Hes athletic enough to drive his defender to the second level. A lot of Tight End needy teams will look to move up should he fall into round two and Buffalo might be in great position to bolster their offense with the first two picks.
Other Possibilities
Ryan Shazier Ohio State Linebacker
Shazier is a possibility in round two for the Bills however his stock is really raising, a 4.45 40 yard dash at 240 pounds for an outside linebacker is ideal. If the Bills want him theyd most likely have to trade up. In 2013 Shazier was all over the field recording 143 tackles and a whopping 22.5 for a loss, 4 forced fumbles. Is the perfect 4-3 outside linebacker that can get in the backfield and hold his own with his amazing speed in pass coverage. Shazier is that sideline to sideline backer that paired with Kiko Alonso would help form one of the best outside Duos in the league.
Scott Crichton Oregon State Defensive End
Outside of Mario Williams the Bills lack depth at the defensive end position in a 4-3 scheme. Jerry Hughes is a free agent after this season and did most of his damage last season standing up. Crichton is a productive rusher that has a variety of skills and moves to get to the quarterback and be productive. His size allows him to be on the field all three downs and is extremely physical at the point of attack. 63 272 pounds Crichton has the motor you want and very active with his hands and dips his hips low enough to turn the edge with ease. Crichton could use to learn another move in his repertoire to help him get to the quarterback consistently.
Morgan Moses Mississippi State Offensive Tackle
If the Bills pass on drafting their RT at 9 they could very well grab him in the second with Moses. Moses is better suited to play on the right side and you wouldnt have to move Cordy Glenn who has been fine on the left side. Moses is 66 325 pounds with long arms and great balance for such a large man. Moses is a better run blocker than pass but is physical enough to sustain blocks and keep his quarterback clean. Moses is better suited for a man blocking scheme that doesnt require much help. Cyrus Kouandjjio would also be an upgrade at the RT position should the Bills look at him.
Donte Moncrief Ole Miss Wide Receiver
Moncrief dominated the combine and elevated his stock immensely. Moncrief is a big receiver at 62 221 pounds and ran a 4.34 forty. With a vertical of 39.5 inches Moncrief will sky-rocket up the board on measurable alone. Moncrief is able to track the ball well and gain separate with double moves. Drafting Moncrief would allow the Bills to have a cheaper Mike Williams or Stevie Johnson should they decide to release one next season as both are scheduled to max in the six million ranges. Moncrief would add size and speed to the Bills receiving corps and explosiveness. TJ Graham and Marquise Goodwin lack size to be every down players and Moncrief would make the Bills depth rock-solid.
Allen Robinson Penn State Wide Receiver
Robinson is another big receiver the Bills could be targeting in the second round, at 63 220 the difference between Robinson and Moncrief will come down to production. Robinson is more suited to be a teams possession receiver who is able to work the sidelines and use his vertical jump to help make plays. Robinson posted 97 catches for 1,432 yards in 2013 setting several Big Ten conference records. If the Bills opt for production versus upside with this pick Robinson could be it. The Bills need to look at the Stevie Johnson situation and decide if his production 70 catches for 1,000 yards and 6 touchdowns is worth the investment, injury history and price tag.
3rd Round, 73rd overall
Bashaud Breeland - Clemson Cornerback
The Bills have brought in six cornerbacks for pre-draft visits and its no secret its a passing league and the Bills want to bolster their cornerback depth. McKelvin is in his prime and will be over 30 in no-time. The Bills need to keep adding depth here outside of Gilmore and Graham. Breeland is 511 close to 200 pounds but long and athletic. The Bills look to pluck Breeland from Clemson where they have had solid recruiting in years past. Breeland finished his junior season with 74 tackles and 4 interceptions. Breeland has the size to become a starting cornerback in this league but has to get better in his run defense and his consistency. His speed is also a question mark as he didnt run particularly well at the combine posting a 4.57 40-yard dash. Breeland tends to play faster than the time indicates and he held his own in a very tough conference.
Other Possibilities
Stanley Jean Baptiste CB Nebraska
Keith McGall CB Utah
Jackson Jeffcoat DE Texas
Phillip Gaines CB Rice
Jeremy Hill RB- LSU
4th Round, 109th overall
Terrance West Townson RB
At some point in the 2014 NFL draft the Bills will address runningback and itll annoy most of the fan base but lets face it, Spiller has one year left on his deal and Fred Jackson doesnt have a lot left. While the 4th may be early for a runningback dont be surprised if the Bills land one in the 5th or 6th. Terrence West has been gaining steam latley and is a small school runningback with a lot of production. At 59 225 West is built and has a lot of muscle in his smaller frame. Great vision and patience and able to break tackles at the line of scrimage. Will remind a lot of people of Fred Jackson. West catches the ball well and produced 2,509 rushing yards in 2013 and 41 touchdowns. Like many small school runningbacks a weakness of his will be his blocking and awareness but with Jackson, Spiller and Dixon on the roster, West would have a year to learn and contribute on special teams. West is one of the rare small school athletes to leave school early.
Other Possabilities
Walt Aikens- Liberty - CB
Lanche Seastruck Baylor RB
Preston Brown Louisville LB
James Gayle Virgina Tech DE
David Yankey Stanford OG
Dion Bailey USC - FS
5TH Round, 149 Overall
Ross Cockrell Duke CB
Cockrell is another big corner 60 close to 200 pounds that the Bills have been focussing on a lot this off season. Cockrell would be able to provide a lot of depth to the position if they select another defensive back in the top four rounds. Much like taking safteies in rounds 4 and 5 last year, the cornerback position is very deep and the Bills would be wise to pull a couple out. Cockrell has broke up 53 passes in his Duke career to go along with his 12 interceptions. He might go a round higher but if the Bills end up with Cockrell he could become a starter in a year or two and contribute on special teams in the near future. Cockrell was the heart of the secondary at Duke.
Other Possibilities
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif OT Canada
EJ Gaines Missouri CB
Brandon Coleman Rutgers WR
Boseko Lokombo Oregon - OLB
Gabe Ikard Oklahoma Center
6th Round, 185th overall Traded to Tampa Bay for Mike Williams - WR
7th Round, 224th Overall
Ed Stinson Alabama Defensive End
Stinson would provide the Bills ideal depth on the defensive line whose able to kick inside to defensive tackle or be a quality run stopping depth back up. Is athletic enough to slide down the line and react quickly to the ball and slip off blocks. His biggest weakness is his size, small for a defensive tackle and big for a defensive end.
Possesses an ideal frame for the defensive line with broad shoulders, long (32 3/4") arms, a trim middle and a thick lower half, including wide hips and a big bubble. Stinson is powerful and tough to move at the point of attack. Stinson also locks out would-be blockers with good arm technique. A big weakness is his size, too small to play tackle and large for a defensive end. Stinson will fit best in a rotation. Stinson has provided four years facing tough competition in the SEC.
Undrafted Free Agents
C- Tyler Larsen Utah State
CB- Bennett Jackson ND
CB Brandon Dixon Northwest Missouri State
DE Kerry Wynn Richmond
FS- Pierre Morgan Jacksonville State
LB Devekeyan Lattimore South Florida
OG Ryan Groy Wisconsin
OG Spencer Long Nebraska
OLB Jayrone Elliott Toledo
OT Garrett Scott Marshall
QB Stephen Morris Miami
RB David Fluellen Toledo
WR Cody Hoffman BYU
WR LDamian Washington Missouri
WR Alex Neutz Buffalo
1ST ROUND MOCK DRAFT
1. Johnny Manziel
2. Greg Robinson
3. Jadevon Clowney
4. Kahil Mack
5. Sammy Watkins
6. Jake Matthews
7. Mike Evans
8. Blake Bortles
9. Taylor Lewan
10. Justin Gilbert
11. Zack Martin
12. Aaron Donald
13. Darqueze Denard
14. CJ Mosley
15. HaSean Clinton-Dix
16. Anthony Barr
17. Kony Ealy
18. Eric Ebron
19. Calvin Pryor
20. Cyrus Kouandjio
21. Kyle Fuller
22. Odell Beckham Jr
23. Marquise Lee
24. Bradley Roby
25. Xavier Sua-Filo
26. Teddy Bridgewater
27. Ryan Shazier
28. Brandin Cooks
29. Louis Nix
30. Dee Ford
31. Morgan Moses
32.
