Buffalo Bills add several Senior Bowl standouts in 7-round mock draft

Feb 5, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; American squad cornerback Alontae Taylor of Tennessee (6) and the defense celebrate after an interception in the second half against the National squad at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; American squad cornerback Alontae Taylor of Tennessee (6) and the defense celebrate after an interception in the second half against the National squad at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Calvin Austin III, Memphis (Syndication: The Commercial Appeal) /

127th Overall: Calvin Austin III, WR (Memphis)

Measurables: 5-7, 162lbs.

2021 Stats: 75 Touches, 1218 scrimmage yards, 10 total touchdowns

One of the smallest players in this year’s draft Calvin Austin III almost reminds you of a college player who shares a last name in Tavon Austin. While Tavon Austin’s career did not pan out due to the mishandling of his skillset and other reasons, Calvin Austin III shares some potential that has made other smaller players successful since then. I will add that this weight is from sports reference for consistency purposes and that Austin has put on some weight in the pre-draft process.

Austin III is fast, like really, really fast. And one of the things Brandon Beane emphasized in his end-of-the-year press conference was that he felt Buffalo needed more speed and yards after catch ability on their roster. Austin III was just that at Memphis, averaging over 16 yards per touch.

While speed is his best trait, I watched some of his plays from Memphis that surprisingly showed impressive route-running ability. I was super impressed with this route he ran in senior bowl practice this past week.

Calvin Austin III can fill a need that Brandon Beane has stated the Buffalo Bills have with a lack of speed and yards after the catch. Austin III returns punts and had two punt returns for touchdowns in college as an added bonus. Buffalo has some space on their roster for a playmaker like Austin III. While he will not be a superstar early on as a fourth-round pick, Austin III can be used as a weapon all over the field because of his skillset.