Buffalo Bills mock draft after re-signing Matt Milano and Daryl Williams

Round 2 – 61st overall

Edge Rusher Payton Turner – Houston

Even with the recent news that the Buffalo Bills and Mario Addison agreed to terms on a pay cut, there is still a need for the Bills to get younger at the edge rusher position. The best way to get younger while still getting a good return on investment is by hitting on a draft pick.

Evidently shown by their interest in J.J. Watt, the Bills clearly would like to improve their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Furthermore, the interest in Watt also suggests that the Bills are looking for a more powerful edge rusher that can also set the edge in the run game.

Meet former Houston Cougar Payton Turner, at 6’6″ and 270 pounds Turner has the collegiate production and potential to check all of those boxes for the Buffalo Bills in 2021 and beyond. With the recent news that the Bills met with Turner at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, this further suggests that the Bills are interested in an edge rusher with this kind of skillset.

Turner had an extremely efficient season in 2020 with 5 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 4 quarterback hurries in just 5 games played. In addition to those pass rushing stats, Turner also recorded 25 total tackles and an additional 5.5 tackles for loss on top of the 5 sacks he recorded. These stats show he is a dual-threat that can both rush the passer from and set the edge against the run.

What might be most appealing about Turner’s game to the Buffalo Bills is his ability to reduce down to a 3-tech interior defensive lineman on passing downs to rush the passer from the interior. After releasing Quinton Jefferson, the Bills are certainly looking for someone to fill that versatile role in 2021.