First Round Mock Draft Buffalo Bills Select…
By Dennis Moody
20. New York Jets – Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis
The New York Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely end up coming to a deal although the sides are still far apart in negotiations. It seems like the organization has moved past Geno Smith and Bryce Petty is still being developed. Quarterback is still a very uncertain position in the future for the Jets and that’s why they are going reach a bit but should select 6’7″, 244 pound Paxton Lynch with the 20th pick.
21.Washington Redskins – Leonard Floyd – LB – Georgia
The Washington Redskins could use more help at linebacker both on the inside and on the outside. Selecting 6’6″, 244 pound linebacker Leonard Floyd at #21 would be a tremendous value for the team. Floyd is a good edge rusher with good burst off of the edge and he has a relentless motor. He would be an asset to Washington’s pass rush next year.
22. Houston Texans – Robert Nkemdiche – DT – Mississippi
The Houston Texans have selected a defensive player with 11 out of their last 13 selections in the first round. This year will be no different as they cannot ignore the top 10 talent Robert Nkemdiche. The 6’3″, 294 pound defensive tackle would have been drafted much higher if it weren’t for some red flags in his past. This includes an incident where he fell 15 feet out of a window while intoxicated. Marijuana was found in the hotel room he was staying in that night as well. While he does have a lot of character concerns, some team will be unable to ignore his potential and will take him in the first round. That team should be the Houston Texans.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Vonn Bell – S – Ohio State
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith graded out as the top overall safety in the league by Pro Football Focus. The issue for the Vikings is that they have been unable to find anyone to fill in admirably as their second safety. By using their #23 pick on 5’11”, 199 pound Vonn Bell, who is the best safety in the draft, it would assure that they don’t have to worry about either of their starting safeties for years to come.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama
Both defensive end and defensive tackle are needs for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. It’s weird to think that considering their defense has always been their strongest unit but they could use more talent and depth on the line. The Bengals get a steal at the #24 pick by selecting 6’3″, 307 pound defensive tackle Jarran Reed from Alabama.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Noah Spence – DE – Eastern Kentucky
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be keeping an eye towards the future when they select the 6’2″, 251 pound defensive end/linebacker Noah Spence with the 25th overall pick. Steelers linebacker James Harrison is 38 years old and not certain if he is going to play next year. Their former first-round draft pick Jarvis Jones is on the last year of his deal and is due for a hefty raise in the offseason. Adding Spence here would be a good way to shore up their linebacker position in case a year from now they no longer have Harrison and Jones on their roster.
26. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Doctson – WR – TCU
The Seattle Seahawks lack a true number one wide receiver. Sure, Doug Baldwin topped 1,000 yards receiving last year but that was the first time in his career that he has done that. Jermaine Kearse is also a decent receiver but not one that particularly worries other teams. Adding Josh Doctson, who is 6’2″, 202 pounds and the second-best receiver in the draft would be a good way to get Russell Wilson some better options to target in the passing game next year.
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