Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Buffalo Bills NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Buffalo Bills from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills, check out our 2021 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Database.

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

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

20. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Wade played slot between CBs Jeffrey Okudah and Damon Arnette last year amid Ohio State's fabulous troika of cover men. He has ceiling left for further development as a pure cover guy. But it's clear from film that Wade is a fleet, explosive athlete, and he's already proven to be an exceptional tackler who'll improve a team's run defense by crashing down consistently with purpose. The versatile playmaker is also one of the country's best returning corners when sent on the blitz – he posted two sacks and four TFL last year, with a sterling 92.8 PFF pass-rushing grade.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

22. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

While Wade's proficiency as a press-man corner on the outside remains to be seen, the skills he's shown in the slot should translate nicely to a zone-heavy defense like Buffalo's. He's a physical corner who has been a terrific tackler in his career, with only six misses on 70 career attempts.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

22. Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

The Bills currently have Josh Norman aligned to play opposite Tre'Davious White and, despite coach Sean McDermott's track record of modest CB2s, Buffalo's roster looks fairly complete otherwise -- so another SEC cornerback it is! Campbell is a physical freak who, under McDermott's direction and White's tutelage, could become a stud.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

20. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Buffalo Bills gave up capital to secure quarterback Josh Allen a reliable target in Stefon Diggs in the off-season, before adding further receiving talent in the draft. The Bills could continue building around Allen by securing players across the offensive line. Also, expect finding a cornerback to play across from Tre'Davious White to be a main priority in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In becoming the first big name player to opt-out of the 2020 college football season, Caleb Farley has already garnered a lot of attention in the 2021 NFL Draft process. Expect him to receive even more attention in the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most productive cornerbacks in the class. Size, speed, and ball skills (he came to Virginia Tech as a wide receiver) combine to make him a first-round prospect.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

23. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Stefon Diggs gives Josh Allen help outside, but what about the tight end position? Dawson Knox had flashes in his rookie season, but Buffalo still has a long way to go in seeing what it has in its 2019 third-rounder. Even if Knox pans out, adding a versatile matchup piece like Pitts to the mix would be huge. He should continue to get bigger and stronger as a blocker, but his combination of length, speed and route running makes him a first-round talent. Pitts, who led the Gators with 54 catches last season, is the most dangerous seam-stretching tight end in the country.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

20. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

It was really hard not to go corner or edge rusher here, but adding Leatherwood on the Bills is an ideal fit. Brandon Beane has performed an admirable job with building one of the better rosters in the league, but he's patch worked the guard spots. Quinton Spain was a pleasant surprise last year and he signed a three-year, $15 million extension. However, the deal is, in essence, a one-year contract, as the team can get out of the deal after next season. Recently signed Brian Winters is expected to receive reps at right guard, but his struggles while with the Jets are evident.

After gaining experience at guard during his first two seasons at Alabama and now having one year of experience at offensive tackle, Leatherwood's versatility will be something that works in his favor. Opinions remained mixed as to what exactly he is on the next level, but he could prove to be an immediate fix at guard for the team, but also has the versatility to kick out to offensive tackle if needed.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

20. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

I love this pick for many reasons. The first being that Bateman is my WR2, and Buffalo is getting him as the fourth receiver off the board. The second being how well Bateman would complement Stefon Diggs in Buffalo.

Bateman has a large frame and does a great job catching balls away from his body, a skill that will prove useful with Josh Allen. He can work vertically or produce yards after the catch, making him an ideal X for an offense that lacks one.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

20. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Defense, particularly passing defense, has been the strength of the Bills under head coach Sean McDermott and a big reason why Buffalo has boasted a top-three unit in each of the past two seasons. With that said, the team can use an upgrade across from superstar Tre White.

The Bills are banking on either Josh Norman or Levi Wallace to lock down the CB2. Both have their own limitations and are playing on expiring contracts. Buffalo needs "its guy” across from White, a position that is likely to be a favorite to challenge from opposing quarterbacks. Surtain has all the traits needed to become an outstanding starter at the next level and could get drafted much higher than No. 20 when it's all said and done.

Previous update: Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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