Oct 19, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Marion Grice (1) runs through Washington Huskies defenders during the second half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft right around the corner it’s time for my first full Buffalo Bills mock draft.
1) Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Okay, so many of you know I have been on the Mike Evans train, however, with the addition of Mike Williams Buffalo is not going to go wide receiver. I believe they are going to look to add more weapons to help EJ Manuel out. Ebron will help Buffalo in the middle of the field and where they need it most the redzone.
2) Kyle Von Noy, OLB, BYU
Von Noy had an amazing combine and was extremely impressive in his pro day. Now many of you expected a flasher pick, but when you look at his number Von Noy is an all around 4-3 outside linebacker. He is 6’3” and 240 lbs. with quick speed off the edge but also can drop back and provide excellent pass coverage. He had seven batted passes and two interceptions his senior year. Buffalo is moving Kiko outside and with the addition of Brandon Spikes in the middle, Von Noy only makes this linebacker corp. that much better.
3) Joe Bitonio, OT, Nevada
One of the other Buffalowdown writers did an article about him today and I looked into him a little more after that. Bitonio was most likely a 4th to 5th round pick before the combine. Bitonio had an outstanding performance at the combine and increased his stock. He showed quickness and looked fluid in all the field drills. Some say he might be a guard at the next level but I believe Buffalo will give him a shot at right tackle. He is a very balanced blocker and is good at run blocking as well as pass blocking.
4) Marion Grice, RB, Arizona State
I wanted to go with Terrance West here but I believe he will be gone in the 3rd round after an impressive pro day. I believe Buffalo is going to look at running back early. Many of you will say well we have Freddy and Spiller, both could be gone from Buffalo next year (you can read more here). With Freddy aging and not knowing if they are oging to resign him, Buffalo is going to look at a talented running back that can provide speed and power. Grice is 6’0” and 208 lbs. He had 14 touchdowns his senior year and was on pace for 1,000 yards but fell just short due to an injury. Grice would be a nice complement to Spiller in the coming years, lets just hope they keep Spiller.
5) Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA
Marsh had a great 2012 season and had a minor slow start in 2013 but picked it up mid way. He had 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for losses and six sacks his senior year. He is an up-and-down player and a 5th round pick, Buffalo would have found a very nice depth player. He still needs to development work and a lot of his production came because teams had to worry about Anthony Barr, however, Marsh would be a nice choice for Buffalo. If he can develop in 2014, I would imagine he could push to start in 2015 opposite Mario Williams.
6) Traded away to Tampa Bay for Mike Williams
7) Caleb Lavey, ILB, Okalhoma State
Lavey is my sleeper of the draft. Lavey had a good 2013 season where he made 93 tackles, had four interceptions and three forced fumbles. He didn’t get a chance to take part in the combine but this kid is just as good as some of the 3rd and 4th rounders. Buffalo only has Brandon Spikes for one season as of now and Lavey would get a chance to learn from one of the better 2 down linebackers in the NFL. He is very good at dropping back in coverage. He isn’t the fastest player on the field and he does need some work to shed blockers to get to the ball but as a 7th round pick I believe Buffalo got a steal.
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