I Hate Mel Kiper's Bills Mock Draft and I Like Todd McShay's

I Hate Mel Kiper’s Bills Mock Draft and I Like Todd McShay’s

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay recently released their final mock drafts on ESPN.com and after taking a look at both of their picks for the Bills I immediately realized that I hated Kiper’s pick for the Bills and I liked McShay’s. Let’s take a look at who they picked and I’ll explain my reasons.

I’d like to end this article off on a happy note, so let’s start with the mock draft that I hate first. Mel Kiper’s. Kiper had the Bills taking wide receiver Corey Coleman from Baylor at number 19. In Kiper’s mock Coleman was the first receiver off the board. Below is what Kiper had to say about the pick and then I’ll explain why I hate his choice of player.

"They need another talented weapon in the passing game, and this is a little early for the next pass-rusher I’d have coming off the board. I know the Bills need defense, but Coleman would also fill a clear need."

My first problem with Kiper’s pick is that I don’t believe that Coleman is the best wide receiver in the draft. I would prefer Josh Doctson or Laquan Treadwell who are both 6’2″ over Coleman who is only 5’11” and the Bills could use more height in their receiving corps.

Secondly, the Bills have other positions of need besides another wide receiver. Pass rusher is a need but their most desperate need is at linebacker. They could use a right tackle or safety as an insurance policy against some of their players with health concerns. All of these positions are bigger needs than another receiver.

Lastly, he has two Alabama defensive tackles who would be a great fit for the Bills going after this pick in his first round. Those tackles are A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed. He even has Robinson going two picks after the Bills so his comment about a little two early for the next pass rusher seems a bit odd unless he that was only in reference to a defensive end or outside linebacker.

Now on to McShay’s pick and why I like it. Cheer up, this article only gets happier from here on out :-). I have let the hate out of my heart and now I’m in my happy place. McShay had the Bills taking Ohio State outside linebacker Darron Lee at number 19. Below is his reasoning.

"The Bills got gashed against the run last season, allowing 4.4 yards per carry (25th overall). Lee’s ability to get sideline to sideline with his incredible athleticism would help in that regard. He also can match up one-on-one in coverage against RBs and TEs."

Lee would be a great fit for the Bills as an outside linebacker. That’s the Bills biggest position of need and Lee is a terrific player. I do happen to think they have a bigger need at inside linebacker but general manager Doug Whaley seems to be convinced that newly signed Zach Brown can handle the inside linebacker spot next to Preston Brown.

Lee was linked to the Bills in a pre-draft visit earlier this month which we wrote up here. He would be a great pass rushing complement to Jerry Hughes as the other outside linebacker in their 3-4 base defense.

Mocks are just analysts best guesses and it’s impossible to predict what’s going to happen in the NFL draft. The reason why I hated Kiper’s mock was because his reasons for his pick just didn’t add up for me while McShay’s pick made perfect sense considering the Bills needs and the players that were available in his mock at the time.

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