The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable as Pittsburgh prepares to host this year's event. The Buffalo Bills are gearing up with seven picks, including a couple in the 5th round.
Missing a second-round pick due to their trade for D.J. Moore, the Bills are set to make strategic moves to bolster their roster.
With Brandon Beane continuing as the general manager and Joe Brady stepping in as the new head coach, it's a fresh chapter for Buffalo. Since 2017, Beane has been working alongside Sean McDermott, but now the focus is clear: every decision centers around maximizing Josh Allen's potential.
Allen is in the prime of his career, and the Bills' Super Bowl aspirations are very much alive. However, the urgency is real-each year without a championship narrows that window.
Let's dive into a 7-round mock draft that aims to equip Allen with the tools he needs both now and in the future.
Round 1, #26: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Despite acquiring D.J. Moore, the Bills are still on the hunt for another dynamic receiver.
Enter KC Concepcion from Texas A&M, a player with deep ties to the Bills as his father's favorite team. Born in Rochester, NY, Concepcion had a standout season with 919 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per catch.
This pick immediately elevates Buffalo's receiving corps.
Round 3, #91: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
With a shift to a 3-4 defense under Jim Leonhard, linebacker depth is crucial. Deontae Lawson from Alabama fits the bill perfectly. Known for his speed on blitzes and ability to shed blocks, Lawson can also drop into coverage, making him a versatile asset for the Bills' defense.
Round 4, #126: OT Tristan Leigh, Clemson
As Dion Dawkins continues to excel at left tackle, the Bills must think about the future. Tristan Leigh offers great size and extensive college experience, making him a smart investment for the offensive line. Developing Leigh could ensure a seamless transition when the time comes.
Round 5, #165 (via Chicago): DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Buffalo's defensive line got a boost last year, but adding Dontay Corleone from Cincinnati would further strengthen it. At 6'1", 335 lbs, Corleone is a force in the trenches, capable of taking on double teams to free up his teammates. Improving the run defense is a priority, and Corleone fits the bill.
Round 5, #168: OG Anez Cooper, Miami
Following the selection of Leigh, the Bills add more depth with Miami's Anez Cooper. Compared to current Bills guard O’Cyrus Torrence, Cooper excels in pass protection and has a keen eye for picking up oncoming rushers. With Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett on one-year deals, Cooper adds valuable competition.
Round 6, #182 (via Raiders): EDGE Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Nadame Tucker, a transfer from Houston to Western Michigan, has been a standout with 14.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. Buffalo still needs depth at edge rusher, and Tucker could provide a spark during training camp.
Round 7, #220: LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Rounding out the draft is Bryce Boettcher from Oregon, a linebacker who has shown consistent improvement throughout his college career. Coming off a 100+ tackle season and with 9 pass deflections over the past two years, Boettcher adds depth and potential to Buffalo’s linebacker corps.
This draft strategy is all about giving Josh Allen and the Bills the support they need to make a serious run at the Super Bowl, both immediately and in the years to come.