Buffalo Bills focus on offense early in the latest 7-round mock draft

5th Round

P Matt Araiza, San Diego State

Measurables: 6-2, 200lbs

Sure a punter in the fifth round may be a little early. However, the Bengals had luck picking a kicker in the fifth round last season, right? Additionally, after the season Matt Haack had, the Bills should exhaust their options to improve the position.

Matt Araiza has one of the biggest legs in college football and recently broke the record for most yards per punt in a season as he averaged just over 51. Araiza also kicked field goals and college. While accuracy was a bit of an issue as a kicker, he could fill in for a team if their kicker went down.

If you want to know just how good Araiza is, check out this.

Obviously, there are different factors of the returners and coverage players being lower quality in college. Still, the fact he is ahead of every punter in the NFL is quite remarkable. It may be bold to think that Araiza is available in the fifth round as more and more teams are placing a premium on special teams.

Not only would Araiza compete with Matt Haack for the punting job, but it would be effortless to see him winning it very early in camp. The Buffalo Bills were not fans of Haack’s season, as seen when his contract was restructured to the minimum. If drafted, Araiza would have to really struggle to not make the Bills roster.

Also Available in the Fifth Round

IOL Thayer Munford, Ohio State

Essentially copy and paste the reason for drafting an IOL from the previous players mentioned. Munford played both guard and tackle at Ohio State and has four years of starting experience. Munford has some technique and athleticism questions, but he is big and strong with tons of experience.

IDL Haskell Garrett, Ohio State

Hop to the other side of the line for Ohio State, and Haskell Garrett could provide some depth for the Bills. The Bills replaced Harrison Phillips and Star Lotulelei with Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, and DaQuan Jones.

Still, they could potentially attempt to add some more young depth inside. Garrett is super competitive and athletic but lacks the pass-rushing prowess to be drafted high. His strength and skills could translate as a solid backup in the league, which is something the Bills could be after.