Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces cornerback Stephon Gilmore (Buffalo) as the 10th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE
The 2012-2013 season is far from over, but its never too early to start looking forward to the NFL Draft. Over on the main Fansided site they put together the first mock draft of the season. If the season ended today, the Buffalo Bills would have the 8th pick in the draft, a better selection than they had last season.
With the eighth overall pick Fansided has the Buffalo Bills selecting Barkevious Mingo, defensive end out of LSU. Mingo, a junior, is known for his incredible speed. At 6’5” and 240 lbs. he has the size to be dominant as well. Although slightly raw, many believe he has the physical skill and intelligence to be a very strong NFL player. Some scouts have him projected in the top five picks. Others have him dropping a bit further than the Bills.
"Mingo may be a product of his environment and that environment may be one that sees a run on offensive lineman, but don’t mistake his falling in the draft for lack of skill. He’s a Top 5 talent and a team that needs OL help may bite on taking him, but if he falls to the Bills, he won’t make it any further in the draft."
November 10, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
In all honesty this pick doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in my eyes. With the Bills bringing in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson this offseason I do not understand the need to bring in another defensive end. There are many other positions that the Bills are dying to improve, too many holes for them to add at a position they have already invested so much money in.
What’s curious is that with the next pick of the mock draft the Detroit Lions selected Notre Dame linebacker Manti T’eo. He’s a player that would make much more sense for the Bills based on their current needs, with some huge holes at linebacker. Even if the team believed it was too early to draft a quarterback like Geno Smith there are still other options.
It may still be early, but this is just a starting point for draft discussion. Who do you think the Bills should take a look at? Is there a position that the team needs to address more than any other? Is this the year the Bills draft a quarterback high in the draft, even if the class may seem weaker than other years? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below!
Follow Fansded for the latest draft news, and keep coming back to Buffalowdown for the latest draft news that affects the Bills. We will have a weekly recap of Fansided’s mock draft and the Bills selection.