Round 3
The first of the two third round picks is the 69th overall which was acquired in my aforementioned trade with the Bengals to trade back from the 30th overall slot. With the way the Buffalo Bills struggled to defend against the run last year, there should be a large priority placed on strengthening that area of the defense this offseason. With Star Lotulelei set to come back next year, the Bills should improve in that area, but Star is getting older and a succession plan should be in place sooner rather than later.
This draft is not very heavy on the 1-technique run gap clogging defensive tackles. The two I am most excited about are Alim McNeill out of NC State and Tyler Shelvin out of LSU. Unfortunately, McNeill was selected very early in the 2nd round, even before the Creed Humphrey selection. This is why I had to take the best 1-technique available while I still had the chance in Tyler Shelvin.
At 6’3 and about 350 pounds, Shelvin would be the ideal defensive tackle to pair with Ed Oliver. By adding Shelvin to the defensive line, he should be able to eat up more double teams and free up Oliver to pass rush in a one on one matchup with an opposing guards.
Next with the Buffalo Bills original third round pick at 93rd overall, I was targeting a linebacker due to the assumed departure of Matt Milano. Unfortunately, North Carolina’s Chazz Surratt was selected just two picks earlier by the Browns at 91. The most obvious player to select from there was tight end Brevin Jordan from Miami.
As great as the passing attack was for the Buffalo Bills in 2020, they did not get a lot of consistent production from the tight end position. At 6’3 and 245 pounds, Jordan is an extremely athletic pass catcher at the tight end position who is excellent at making plays with his legs after the catch.
Additionally, Jordan has shown improvement in his run blocking ability and willingness during his time at Miami. The Bills would be lucky to snag a versatile tight end like Jordan at the tail end of the 3rd round.
69th overall: Tyler Shelvin – LSU (Defensive Tackle)
93rd overall: Brevin Jordan – Miami (Tight End)