Thursday, September 8, 2022

Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Buffalo Bills from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Bills:

CBS Sports - Wilson (9/7)

31. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

The Bills have very few needs. Perhaps depth along the offensive line, but instead we go with Johnson, a versatile safety for the Aggies. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are both 31 years old, and Poyer's contract expires after this season.

The Draft Network - Crabbs (9/5)

31. Henry To'o To'o, LB, Alabama

The big question of whether or not the Bills retain LB Tremaine Edmunds is the motivating factor for this selection to end the first round of this NFL mock draft. Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard are locked in, but is Bernard a long-term answer as a top-two linebacker for the Bills or is he the third linebacker for certain gameplan weeks? Henry To'o To'o is highly instinctual and well-rounded as a linebacker and would be a complement to Milano.

Sporting News - Iyer (9/3)

27. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Bills also should think about a developmental tackle behind Dion Dawkins and new right tackle David Quessenberry was signed to only a one-year deal. Johnson is a natural pass protector who can blossom into a nasty run blocker, too.

SI - Hanson (8/31)

31. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the 2022 and '23 seasons, respectively, and both safeties are on the wrong side of 30. Adding Branch here would make sense for a team with Super Bowl expectations and few holes on the roster. The Bills appreciate versatility in their safeties, and Branch has a versatile skill set that has allowed Nick Saban to use him in a variety of roles on the back end.

The Athletic - Baumgardner/Tice (8/31)

32. Layden Robinson, IOL, Texas A&M

Our current projection has the Bills winning it all this year (or finishing with the top record, at least). So, congrats, Bills fans!

The offensive line is still a bit of concern in Buffalo — 34-year-old Rodger Saffold is starting at left guard this year. GM Brandon Beane could decide to address it in the 2023 draft with Robinson. It's never sexy to draft a guard in the first round, but QB Josh Allen is special enough to make whatever weapons are around him several tiers better, and the Bills already have Stefon Diggs and an emerging Gabe Davis in their receiver room.

The Bills' defense is a strong unit, too, but another option could be to start looking for a safety (or safeties) of the future next offseason.

The Draft Network - Weissman (8/29)

31. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Buffalo is a team that seemingly has no holes. They are loaded at just about every position and it's tough to envision a rookie making an impact on this roster. Because of that, I am forced to look toward the future and where a need may arise for this NFL mock draft. Jordan Poyer is on an expiring contract. Should he leave, safety will become a need.

Jordan Battle is an experienced player who is excellent in both pass coverage and against the run. Battle's instincts, toughness, and versatility are enough to get Sean McDermott excited.

Pro Football Network - Fragozza (8/27)

31. JL Skinner, S, Boise State

JL Skinner is a rocked-up 6'4" and 218 pounds, and it shows in his playstyle. He is an enforcer over the middle of the field and can daze running backs when he meets them in the hole.

Downhill thumpers are becoming a rare breed, but the Boise State safety is a throwback to the likes of Kam Chancellor. Although he isn't elite athletically or in coverage, Skinner will make a positive impact in the secondary.

ESPN - Reid (8/25)

31. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

Johnson is a do-it-all safety who can play at multiple spots, including nickel cornerback. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are stars, but both will need new contracts within the next two years, so the Bills could look to find an heir apparent for one of them. This roster is already loaded, and Johnson would give Buffalo another versatile playmaker in the secondary.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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