With this jam-packed free agency news cycle in full tilt, there are still developments pertaining to the Buffalo Bills and the NFL Draft. According to Justin Melo of the Draft Network, the Buffalo Bills met with former Houston Cougar edge rusher Payton Turner at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. It’s uncertain how interested the Bills are in Turner because just about every team in the league met with him at the Senior Bowl. However, if news breaks that the Bills are meeting with Turner for a second time, I would consider it a high possibility that the Bills target him in the draft.
At 6’6″ and 270 pounds, Turner wins primarily with power and even with the recent pay cut that Mario Addison just agreed to, the Bills need to find a young edge rusher that wins with power. During his four years playing for Houston, Turner was productive in terms of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. For him, it isn’t always about getting sacks, but rather disrupting the opposing quarterback’s process.
In 2020, Turner had an unbelievably efficient season with 4 hurries, 2 quarterback hits, and 5 sacks in only 5 games played. In addition to the quarterback pressure statistics, Turner is adequate in run defense with 25 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2020.
Additonally, Turner provides value in the form of versatility as his big 270 pound frame could be reduced down to interior defensive line on passing downs where he can use his long arms, play strength, and natural athleticism to pass rush. After cutting Quinton Jefferson, the Bills could use someone on the younger side to be the power rusher on the edge, but also have the versatility to reduce down to 3-tech and pass rush.
Payton Turner is currently projected to be selected on day two of the NFL Draft. It is uncertain whether or not Turner will be a second or third round selection, but day two is currently the sweet spot for where he is projected to be picked. Applying this to the Buffalo Bills, anywhere on day two would be a good spot to target an edge rusher. There is a chance that they address this need at pick 30, but if they don’t day two is a good area to target.