Buffalo Bills 7 Round Mock Draft Version 2
By Nate Gerst
Dec 27, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (88) is defended by BYU Cougars linebacker Uani
9th – Trade with Baltimore Ravens (Buffalo now has the 17th pick in the first round and received 48th pick)
The Ravens are in need of a safety and with the Rams and Cowboys both in front of the Ravens and looking for safeties, I believe the Ravens may want to trade up.
17th – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Buffalo could have easily drafted Jake Matthews with the 9th overall pick, however, after looking at the draft board I believe Taylor Lewan who is just as good as Matthews will be available at the 17th pick. Buffalo made a smart move and moved down the draft board and still got a starting right tackle. Lewan is a nasty player who gets after it in the trenches. He may look nasty on the field, but in the locker room he is a true leader. He has a long arms to keep defenders away and has a great first step. Lewan has somewhat of a penalty problem and that could be due to his physical play but this would be a great pickup to help protect EJ Manuel.
41st – Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
In the first round Buffalo decided to pass on Eric Ebron. Many will find that to be a bad option but I believe Buffalo got the guy who fits their offense. Seferian-Jenkins is 6’6” 262 lbs. and is a beast on the field. Right away anyone who knows football knows this guy is a miss match to defenses. He has great hands, has a quick first step, and for a guy his size he can control his body. Buffalo has had trouble in the red zone and this guy is a huge target for Manuel and should help that issue. He is a decent blocker but his main role in this offense would be going up and getting the ball. He has had some troubles off the field, he was convicted of a DUI, but as we know Marrone and company are willing to give people second chances.
48th – Kyle Von Noy, OLB, BYU
Von Noy is one of the best all around 4-3 OLB in the draft. No he doesn’t have the elite size or physically dominance but this guy is a solid pickup for Buffalo. With Jim Schwartz changing the defensive scheme once again, Buffalo has many options that don’t fit a scheme. In addition, Buffalo has to know that Keith Rivers is not a long term option. Von Noy shows great instinct by locating the ball quickly and can change direction instantly. He is good at shedding blocks and getting to the ball carrier behind the line and he is also good at dropping back in coverage. Von Noy, Spikes and Alonso would be an excellent linebacker group.
73rd – Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford
We all know about Jarius Byrd leaving and we have all heard Russ Brandon say they are looking to replace him in house first. Well I believe the best way to replace Byrd is by creating competition. Reynolds would add to the competition at FS. He is a taller safety at 6’1” and is slightly slower than some of the other options but he is better at diagnosing plays. He is a sure tackler who can play well in coverage and also can come up to the line and help in run support. Reynolds does have a problem with leading with his helmet which could get him in trouble in the NFL.
109th – Jon Halapio, G, Florida
Buffalo went out and signed Chris Williams to help the offensive line at, however, I am not sold on him. Jon Halapio is a solid pick in the 4th round. He is a nasty, physical guy when it comes to blocking. In an interview Halapio said “I love going against the biggest, baddest D-tackles we see. That’s why I love playing in the SEC.” He can certain back up his talk, he has pancaked defensive lineman time and time again. He is a good run and pass blocker (not great), he does struggle at getting to the second level and blocking the quicker faster guys like linebackers. I believe he would push Williams for a starting spot and if not he is provides solid depth in case of an injury.
149th – Kelcy Quarles, DE/DT, South Carolina
Buffalo has changed their defense again and needs depth. Quarles will most likely play a DT in a 4-3 defense but can play DE as well. He has a strong first punch when hitting the linemen and has impressive awareness of what is going on. He stays low and provides good leverage to move defenders around. He has some room for improvement, but he provides Buffalo with versatility and that is important. His stats look great but remember that many teams were overlooking other players and focused their efforts on Clowney, thus why is projected as a late draft pick.
224th – Jerome Smith, RB, Syracuse
Buffalo needs a bruising back and Smith is just that kind of guy. With an aging Fred Jackson and a quick speed back in C.J. Spiller, Buffalo lacks the physical presence in backfield. I know they picked up Anthony Dixon this year but Smith is younger and punishes the opposition when it comes to moving the sticks. Smith had 12 touchdowns in 2013 and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. He is a running back that won’t wow the crowd with his speed but he will let the other team know he is in the game. Smith’s best year came under Marrone and company when he posted 1,171 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He would be primarily used to moved the chains and short yardage plays.