2023 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft: Round 2

We are another week into the 2023 offseason and the Buffalo Bills signed three more offensive free agents (WR Trent Sherfield, RB Damien Harris, and OG David Edwards). While the signing of Sherfield wouldn’t preclude Buffalo from drafting another pass catcher, I think bringing in Harris and Edwards all but crosses the running back and guard positions off Brandon Beane’s April “honey do” list.

With that said, the BF Writers and I are on the clock for Round 2.

“With the 59th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select…”

Iestyn Harris

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	WR Zay Flowers (Boston College)

Round 2: DT Siaki Ika – Baylor

This defense has been in dire need of a space-eating DT for a long time. The Buffalo Bills thought they had it in Star Lotulelei, but they’ve finally found what they’re looking for in Siaki Ika. The Baylor product weighs in at 335 lbs and brings surprising speed and athleticism for his size. He tracks down the ball well in the run game and closes gaps, effectively limiting opposing playbooks. His length is a limiting factor, but it won’t stop him from doing damage in the interior and freeing up LBs to make plays. With this pick, the Bills snag one of the top big bodies in the draft.

We acknowledge the lack of longevity on the interior defensive line and address it. No, it’s not a flashy pick, but the theme of this draft will be maintaining a Super Bowl-caliber roster, not rebuilding it. It’s what we did by getting a solid rookie receiver under contract in Round 1, and it’s what we do here. Locking down the interior defensive line for now, and for the future, with a solid starter and rotational DL who can eat space is a must.

Bryce Martino

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	LB Jack Campbell (Iowa)

Round 2: OT Darnell Wright – Tennessee

The Bills tried the Spencer Brown experiment for the last couple of years and it hasn’t really worked. Brown allowed four sacks and committed six penalties on 845 snaps played last year. Drafting Wright at pick 59 gives the Bills some great flexibility at RT, and they don’t have to force Brown to work. Wright stands at 6’5”, 333 lbs, the perfect Brandon Beane pick for the offensive line, considering the number of ginormous linemen they’ve drafted in recent years.

Trish Patel

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	WR Josh Downs (North Carolina)

TE Darnell Washington – Georgia

Washington is a BEAST of a TE, standing 6’6” and 264 lbs with a wingspan of 83.75 inches. Basically, he’s massive. And it translates well into his play, as he boasted 454 yards and two TDs on 28 receptions (averaging 16.2 yards per catch) in his last season. But what is even more impressive is his blocking ability. That wingspan sure comes in handy (😉) at the LOS. Not to mention, his size allows him to outmuscle his opponent without losing a shred of balance. If he falls this far in the draft, the TE-starved Bills sure as heck need to pick him up.

Andrea Simon

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	WR Zay Flowers (Boston College)

Round 2: RB Bijan Robinson – Texas

As the Buffalo Bills continue to look to build up their offense, it seems evident there is still a need for a talented RB. My choice for Buffalo’s second-round pick is Bijan Robinson out of Texas. Standing at 5’11”, 215 lbs, his size is ideal. He can break tackles at an impressive rate, and can even pass as a WR if needed. The 21-year-old has shown tremendous capability throughout his college career. He finished last season with 104 broken tackles. Robinson may just be the talent the Bills need to add to their offense this coming season.

Kevin Siracuse

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	LB Jack Campbell (Iowa)

Round 2: WR Cedric Tillman – Tennessee

The Bills need another dynamic weapon in their WR room behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. That could be coming with a potential DeAndre Hopkins trade. But for now, I’ll take Cedric Tillman here. Tillman is a big receiver, as he stands at 6’3”, 216 pounds. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 1,081 yds and 12 TDs on 64 receptions as a redshirt junior. With Davis set to be a free agent next season, Tillman could potentially replace him as the Bills’ WR2 with his big frame and big play abilities.

Zach Vaughn

Round (#)	Selection
1 (27)	LB Jack Campbell (Iowa)

Round 2: Trade Down

Team	Picks Received (Round (#))
Buffalo	3 (75), 4 (113), & 5 (159)
Atlanta	2 (59)

Unlike Round 1, where Brandon Beane addresses a need so glaring, it’s being telegraphed by an elephant in a Western Union office, the Buffalo Bills could go about anywhere in Round 2. They could take a right tackle to push Spencer Brown (though I think they won’t, at least not that early). They could draft a wide receiver to help Josh Allen. (But I don’t think they will take one this early because they’d likely want to see what Khalil Shakir, Deonte Harty, and/or Trent Sherfield can do.) Buffalo could even select a safety to kickstart the long-term succession plan for life after Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. (But second-rounders are usually expected to contribute more right away.) All this said… when in doubt, trade out.

Brandon Beane is no stranger to trading down in the second round. (He did it last year… twice.) The difference here is the Bills trade out of the round completely, gaining an extra third, fourth, and fifth-round pick in the process.

What do you think the Buffalo Bills should do in the second round #BillsMafia? Let us know on Twitter (Zach/@zvaughn2712, Kevin/@kevin_siracuse, Andrea/@heyitsandreah, Trish/@savage__trish, Bryce/@BillsByBryce, Iestyn/@IestynTHarris)!!

Featured Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports