Beane moves back to double dip in the 3rd round.
In my first mock I had Bills taking CB Kaiir Elam from Florida and WR Jameson Williams as another option. But since then it seems like Williams stock has risen despite the ACL injury and Elam still remains strong at pick 25. But after talking with Bills GM Brandon Beane this week gave me the idea that he would move back rather than move up. Reason being, I think it will cost the Bills too much to move up, Plus Beane said there wasn’t that many that carried a 1st round grade this year. So with that being said I give you my Bills Mock 2.0
BILLS PICK No. 32 1st Round ( VIA TRADE DETROIT) Breece Hall – RB -IOWA STATE
I understand the Bills have lack of depth at cornerback but that doesn’t mean they have to draft one at pick 25. Dane Jackson played very well in Tre White absence that teams still targeted Levi Wallace more. So the need doesn’t supersede the value. So Bills could send pick 25 to and maybe A.J. Epenesa to Lions in exchange for pick 32 and Detroit’s 66th pick in 3 round. For Hall who is a dynamic back that will complement what Devin Singletary & Duke Johnson does best, with both running backs with one year left under contract and with the inconsistent play Zack Moss Bills add another weapon on the offense side of the ball that will help give them more balance.
PICK No.57 2nd Round Tariq Woolen- CB -UTSA
Just about all the tier 1 cornerbacks will be off the board. But at 6’4 210 pounds with an 42-inch vertical and 4.26 speed. Tariq Woolen could be another Richard Sherman type in the making after converting over to CB after starting out at WR, Woolen has the potential to be a nice fit in Coach Frazier scheme. Team speed is something that’s lacking in the Bills secondary and now with Tyreek Hill in the division with this pick the Bills will someone that will be able to keep up with him.
PICK No.66 3rd Round (via DETROIT) Alec Pierce- WR- Cincinnati
Pierce has the height and speed. At 6’3 and with 4.41 speed that can stretch the back end of a defense and Pierce has a big catch radius that will help him win any 50/50 matchup especially in the Red Zone. And a easy target for Josh Allen to see down field. This pick replaces Emmanuel Sanders now that Gabriel Davis has solidified himself has the No.2 WR.
PICK No.89 3rd Round Nick Cross-S- Maryland
Cross would be a steal if he falls here but on some mocks have him anywhere to mid 2nd to late 3rd. He has speed and a the physicality that’s needed not sure what Jordan Poyer future holds heading into the 2023 season.
PICK No.130 4th Round Spencer Burford- OL- UTSA
Has NFL pedigree with cousins Sam Hurd, La Adrian Waddle. Burford was a four-star athlete in high school. Burford is a quality depth piece at a need right now.
PICK No.168 5 Round Brandon Smith- LB Penn St.
6’4 255 ran a 4.55 at combine, has good ball skills and can cover tight ends and running backs out of backfield. This can be a great development project down the line and could become a potential starter if Milano starts to fade.
PICK No. 185 6th Round Jaylen Armor- Davis- CB Alabama
PICK No. 203 Jordan Stout P- Penn St.
Beane continues to make competition at every position. Matt Haack did restructure, but that doesn’t mean his spot is safe. Bills Offense converted a lot of 4th downs and some games Haack didn’t even attempt a punt. Stout can kick Field Goals and Punt very effective.
PICK No.231 7th Round Noah Elliss DT- Idaho
Bills could always use a big run stuffer with a motor. Elliss definetly has that plus the NFL pedigree.
This will be an interesting draft class, there is certainly enough quality depth at positions the Bills need. Beane & Co. can move back early and move up late, there are plenty of scenarios. I’m guessing team speed should be the point of emphasis enjoy the draft!
-MUKI HAWKINS
