Bryce’s Buffalo Bills Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is only eight days away, which means everybody and their brother will be making mock drafts. The Buffalo Bills hold the 27th overall pick, and GM Brandon Beane was open at yesterday’s press conference about the lack of first-round grades he has.

If Beane doesn’t have a player available that he likes at 27, could he trade back? Or does it mean they could trade up to secure their guy? Time will tell, as it’s going to make for some fun conversations until next Thursday.

Round 1, Pick 27: LB Trenton Simpson (Clemson)

Trenton Simpson may be one of the most versatile defenders in this class. He has the ability to play both linebacker and safety, and does both very well. Last season, Simpson totaled 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. If Sean McDermott wants to play positionless football on defense this year, that may mean drafting Trenton Simpson and not having a true middle linebacker like in years past.

Round 2, Pick 59: DT Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin)

The Buffalo Bills have a glaring need on the interior of their defensive line, considering they don’t have a single defensive tackle rostered after this season. Stacking up on the front seven will benefit them both now and in the future, depending on what they decide to do with Ed Oliver, who’s due $10.8 million this year. Keeanu Benton would likely be given the task of run stopping and filling lanes, and likely fits on a defense as a 0-1 tech.

Round 3, Pick 91: OT Warren McClendon (Georgia)

Warren McLendon has the ability to be a day one starter, but could benefit from a year behind someone. Depending on how the Bills view RT Spencer Brown, he could end up being a redshirt this year and refine his craft. However, his inconsistent mechanics could lead to him sitting on the sideline for a bit.

Round 4, Pick 130: TE Payne Durham (Purdue)

The Buffalo Bills finally get the TE2 they’ve been trying to find for a while now with their fourth-round pick. As I mentioned in my previous article, Payne Durham has been a very nice receiving threat since entering college. With his size, Josh Allen will quickly find a connection with him close to the end zone. The lack of tough catches the Bills made last year was quite concerning, and drafting somebody like Durham will help improve that aspect of the offense.

Round 5, Pick 137: WR Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss)

With their fifth-round pick, the Bills get their big receiver that they haven’t had in quite a few years. Standing at 6’2”, 225 pounds, Jonathan Mingo’s size allows him to beat defenders in man/press coverage. Mingo will also bring something to this offense the team hasn’t seen in a couple years — the ability for jet sweeps, end arounds, and more gadget plays. The Bills haven’t been able to run that since Isaiah McKenzie took over the slot duties last year.

Round 6, Pick 207: QB Stetson Bennett (Georgia)

For quite a few years now, the Bills have had one-year QBs backing up Josh Allen: Mitch Trubisky, Matt Barkley, Case Keenum, and Allen’s projected backup this year, Kyle Allen. Buffalo could look to change things up this time around with Stetson Bennett. Drafting Bennett allows them to develop a QB behind Josh where they can either use him as trade bait, or have a reliable option in case of an injury. Last year, Bennett totaled 4,128 yards, 27 TDs, and 7 INTs, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

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