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4 players who could be surprise first round picks for the Buffalo Bills

By Caleb Holfoth

Nov 20, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Zion Johnson (77) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Zion Johnson (77) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Could Zion Johnson be the Buffalo Bills pick in the first round? (Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Buffalo Bills are nearing draft day, and the topic of discussion is who they will spend the 25th overall pick with come draft night. Buffalo does have a couple of needs on the roster, most notably at cornerback and running back.

Still, we have seen several other position players as potential fits for Buffalo. The Bills are in a position where they can pick based on the best player available on the board regardless of position. So, could we be surprised on draft night by Brandon Beane? Absolutely. Here is a look at some players who could be surprising first-round picks for the Buffalo Bills.

Zion Johnson, G (Boston College)

Zion Johnson is consensus one of the best guards in this draft class. He was a standout performer at the Senior Bowl and could go anywhere to any guard needy teams in the first round. This offseason, the Bills revamped their guard position by signing Rodger Saffold, a former All-Pro and Pro Bowler, at guard. The Bills also brought back Ryan Bates after matching the Chicago Bears’ offer in free agency.

You would think that the Bills have solidified their offensive line for next season but let’s not be sure. First, the Bills let Jon Feliciano go to save cap space, meaning that the depth at the guard position is minimal. Additionally, Saffold is only in the mix for one year as he signed just a one-year contract and will play this season at 34 years of age. Johnson could be a good bridge option as a depth piece this year and a starter next year. He even could beat out Ryan Bates for a starting job in camp, making Bates the go-to backup interior offensive lineman.

What would Johnson bring to the Bills? Johnson is a very physical run blocker who has the finesse to deal with excellent quick interior pass rushers. Johnson does not show any glaring weaknesses when watching his reps. Some of the small things he could work on are his lateral movement when dealing with creative defensive line blitzes and stunts. Johnson has excellent footwork, which aids his great movement skills. Johnson may not be a generational top-10 talent. Still, he certainly has the opportunity to be one of the most consistent guards in this draft class.

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