2022 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft: Round 3

Another week, another round of the NFL’s proverbial sit and reach test. (*Awkward gym class memories intensify*) This week, the BF writers make their picks for the Buffalo Bills in Round 3.

So let’s dive right in…

Pete Rubinstein

Previous Picks

Round 1: CB Roger McCreary – Auburn

Round 2: IOL Jamaree Salyer – Georgia

Although I would prefer to bring Ryan Bates back to fill the gaping hole at guard, Jamaree Salyer is my pick. An athletic and strong guard who dominates the run game is just what the Bills need in between Dawkins/Brown and Morse.

Round 3: LB Troy Andersen – Montana State

The small school quarterback, turned running back, turned linebacker, Troy Andersen is my pick for the Buffalo Bills at #89. Linebacker is a much bigger need than most Bills fans may think. Andersen has what every coach wants: athleticism, range, versatility, explosiveness, and raw talent. Andersen has a motor that doesn’t give out and what Joe Marino best describes him as a “football player”. He even has experts like Mel Kiper arguing for him to be a first-round pick.

My only knock on him is his inexperience at the position. Having only played linebacker for two seasons in college, he may not be exactly “ready” to come in and fill a role in an elite defense. However, the Bills’ nickel defense will help him learn and feel more comfortable at the linebacker playing the role Klein had as opposed to playing the role Tremaine Edmunds has.

The Bills met with Andersen at this year’s combine, showing that they do have an interest. Nabbing Andersen in the third may prove to be a steal to aid the Bills’ defense.

Iestyn Harris

Previous Picks

Round 1: CB Andrew Booth – Clemson

Round 2: TE Trey McBride – Colorodo State

Round 3: WR Skyy Moore – Western Michigan

Wide receiver may not be as significant of a need as cornerback, but it’s definitely one we have to address. There are plenty of toolsy receivers in this class who can contribute immediately, and be coached into a larger role in 2023, and Sky Moore is one of them. Originally a cornerback himself, Moore converted positions due to the needs of his team, and struck gold. That team mentality is important for a contending roster like that of the Buffalo Bills.

He brings speed to the table, a trait that the Bills have needed for quite some time. Skyy Moore is a great route runner, moving with fluidity against all coverages, and picks up significant yardage once the ball is in his hands. He’d see plenty of action working out of the slot. In another year, he may be late-first/early-second round material, but day two of this draft is loaded with quality receiver prospects. That, combined with Moore’s limited experience, will likely have him sliding well into round three.

Alex Lucci (Thigh Doctor)

Previous Picks

Round 1: WR Jahan Dotson – Penn State

With the Bills grabbing three IDL in free agency, Jordan Davis will no longer be the guy. Also, with Treylon Burks’ hand size shrinking by the day, the Bills need to turn to another sure handed WR in the first round.

Round 2: CB Tariq Woolen – UTSA

Round 3: IOL Dylan Parham – Memphis

With the potential departure of Ryan Bates, IOL might need to be selected earlier. Even if Bates is kept, this pick is a home run. Dylan fits OL coach Aaron Kromer’s zone scheme, and can also be groomed to slide in at center. He also had a strong Senior Bowl, and with his versatility, just seems like a McBeane special.

Kent Lee Platte on Twitter: “Dylan Parham really stood out at the Senior Bowl and he’s a very good option to develop since he wouldn’t start year one. Like the long term upside here. pic.twitter.com/TugEVhp0m0 / Twitter”

Dylan Parham really stood out at the Senior Bowl and he’s a very good option to develop since he wouldn’t start year one. Like the long term upside here. pic.twitter.com/TugEVhp0m0

Jon Witt

Previous Picks

Round 1: CB Andrew Booth Jr. – Clemson

Round 2: WR George Pickens – Georgia

Round 3: LB Channing Tindall – Georgia

I know that CB is still a major need despite drafting one in round one, but the speed of Tindall is just too good to pass up. With the current style of the NFL, you can never have enough speed. Tindall was overshadowed at Georgia but was still a key member on an elite defense. He is at his best sideline to sideline and is athletic enough to pick up a slot receiver or tight end in a busted coverage. His versatility alone fits perfect with Buffalo.

Alex Spencer

Previous Picks

Round 1: WR Treylon Burks – Arkansas

Round 2: CB Kyler Gordon – Washington

Round 3: CB Cam Taylor-Britt – Nebraska

With the 89th overall pick I have the Bills selecting CB Cam Taylor-Britt. The CB out of Nebraska stands at 5’11”, 196 pounds and ran a 4.38 40. Britt displays solid athleticism and would prove to be another good addition to the secondary.

Kevin Siracuse

Previous Picks

Round 1: CB Andrew Booth Jr. – Clemson

Round 2: WR Christian Watson – North Dakota State

Now that the Bills signed WR Jamison Crowder to a 1-year deal, I think they can shift their focus to adding a different type of receiver to their already dynamic offense. (Crowder, Isaiah McKenzie, Marquez Stevenson and Skyy Moore are all shorter than 5’11” and weigh less than 195 pounds.) Enter Christian Watson.

Standing at 6’5”, 208 pounds, Watson is a freak athlete and has scouts raving after running a 4.36 40-yard dash. Not only does he use his length and speed to be a huge deep threat, he also uses his elite physical traits and athleticism to line up as a slot receiver, in the backfield and as a kick returner. Watson can essentially become a bigger version of Deebo Samuel while immediately solidifying the Bills wide receiver room of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Crowder and McKenzie.

Stats: Watson finished his college career averaging 20.4 yards per reception and 26.4 yards per kick return.

Round 3: OL Jamaree Salyer – Georgia

The Bills still need some help at offensive guard as Roger Saffold, Cody Ford, Jacob Capra and Greg Mancz are the only guards on the roster. We still don’t know if they will lose the versatile RFA Ryan “Rick” Bates to free agency, so I took Jamaree Salyer with the 89th overall pick.

Salyer is just like Bates in that he can play all over the offensive line and be the stereotypical swing lineman. Though he has experience at tackle, scouts are saying he will be an interior lineman in the NFL. The three words I’ve heard used to describe Salyer are versatility, consistency, and strength. At 6’4”, 325 pounds, PFF says that Salyer has some of the strongest hands in pass protection as he only allowed four pressures in 2021.

Bryce Martino

Previous Picks

Round 1: WR Treylon Burks – Arkansas

Round 2: CB Roger McCreary – Auburn

Round 3: G Ed Ingram – LSU

The 6’3” 317 pound Ingram was a starter for LSU throughout his entire career, with his best seasons coming in 2020 & 2021. Ingram fits the “project prospect” criteria we’ve seen Brandon Beane take throughout his tenure here. If developed right, he could become a very good guard. Overall, he may need a year or so to develop to his full potential, and that full potential will be fun to see.

Trish Patel

Previous Picks

Round 1: G Zion Johnson – Boston College

The Buffalo Bills have made some good choices during free agency thus far. But one position that is still lacking is offensive line. If Zion falls to #25, the Bills better pick him up. He’s agile, quick on his feet, and has really good technique. A great addition for the Bills.

Round 2: CB Josh Jobe – Alabama

Round 3: WR John Metchie – Alabama

Jamison Crowder is a good replacement for Cole Beasley. But the Bills WR room still needs depth and Metchie can provide help. He can play across all WR spots, and his route running is elite. He reminds me of Lil Sexy, but just needs more refinement. With a bit of help, he can thrive in this offense.

Zach Vaughn

Previous Picks

Round 1: G/C Zion Johnson – Boston College

Round 2: CB Roger McCreary – Auburn

Round 3: LB Troy Andersen – Montana State

While the Buffalo Bills could use another RB to compliment Motor, I believe they are content with him as RB1, Duke Johnson as RB2/receiving back, Zack Moss as RB3/inactive, and Taiwan Jones as ST gunner/emergency RB. (Though this wouldn’t preclude them from taking a flier on one of the talented late-round prospects.)

Meanwhile, they have a more pressing need at LB. With A.J. Klein’s release just over a week ago, they have a short-term need at backup LB. With Tremaine Edmunds playing on the fifth-year option in 2022, they have a potential long-term need at starting LB. Enter Troy Andersen.

Justin M on Twitter: “Montana State LB Troy Andersen had formal interviews at the combine with the #Bills, #49ers, #Commanders and #Eagles. Andersen is the most unique playmaker in the 2022 #NFLDraft. He played QB/LB/RB for the Bearcats. He ran the fastest 40 (4.42) among all LB’s at the combine. / Twitter”

Montana State LB Troy Andersen had formal interviews at the combine with the #Bills, #49ers, #Commanders and #Eagles. Andersen is the most unique playmaker in the 2022 #NFLDraft. He played QB/LB/RB for the Bearcats. He ran the fastest 40 (4.42) among all LB’s at the combine.

The Montana State product has great athleticism, tackling ability, and coverage range. (Doesn’t this sound similar to Matt Milano?) The one downside is that Andersen is relatively new to the LB position, having played his first two seasons at QB and RB. Though that hasn’t stopped Brandon Beane from drafting inexperienced, athletically gifted players before (i.e. Dawson Knox, Greg Rousseau).

This season, Andersen can serve as Milano’s backup (LB4 behind Tyrel Dodson) and play on ST. Then – after learning the position more – he can either compete for the other starting LB spot or primary backup LB role in 2023, depending on what happens with Edmunds.

What do you think the Buffalo Bills will do? Leave a comment below!!