Buffalo Bills 2018 7 Round Mock Draft
RD 1: DT Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
RD 1: LB Malik Jefferson, Texas
RD 2: HB Royce Freeman, Oregon
RD 2: OT Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
RD 3: CB Nick Nelson, Wisconsin
RD 4: WR DaeSean Hamilton, Penn St.
RD 5: OG Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin
RD 5: C Mason Cole, Michigan
The Bills made the playoffs for the first time in over 2 decades this season and will look to build on that. With two first round picks they have the opportunity to get younger and stronger on defense. With Marcel Dareus gone, they need to fill a whole in the middle of the defense. Payne has the potential to be a great player. He just needs to get motivated. He takes plays off and doesn't always flash. If the coaches can get him motivated, then he has All-Pro potential.
Jefferson gives them a rangy linebacker to add some youth to one of the oldest linebacker corps in the league. Lorenzo Alexander is a great linebacker, but he will be 35 years old. Jefferson has speed and great tackling, which will only help this defense to get stronger. Freeman is the perfect change of pace back for Lesean McCoy. He is big and runs with power, but also has great vision. He will be perfect to develop behind McCoy. Crosby blocked for Freeman in college and was a force. He should be able to come in and compete for a job right away. With Cordy Glenn getting more expensive he could be a starter in the near future.
Nelson can come in and compete at nickel right away. He is great at man coverage and blankets receivers. He also brings return ability as an addition to special teams. Hamilton may be gone by this pick, but if he lasts till here, he will be a huge steal. He has been one 0f the most celebrated players of the Senior Bowl and Shrine Game. He has great hands and is tailor-made for underneath routes as a possession receiver. He will be a perfect security blanket for whoever starts at quarterback for the Bills.
The last two picks are used to add depth and some projects to the interior of the offensive line. Both can bring power and great footwork to the line. They will be projects for the coaching staff to develop with Eric Wood retiring and Ritchie Incognito getting older. These picks will get to develop their game until they are ready.
