This or That: Comparing Buffalo Bills 2022 NFL Mock Draft Selections

Buffalo Bills’ This or That: My selections

Now, this is kind of doing a mock draft on easy mode since it’s just picking between two completed mock drafts.

But, since this was somewhat of a pick your own adventure, let’s see how different your picks are from mine– if different all.

Round 1, Pick 25: Kaiir Elam, CB (Florida)

This wasn’t an easy choice, picking over Nakobe Dean, but Kaiir Elam fits the biggest need for the Buffalo Bills, while also being a high-ceiling player. Elam succeeds most in zone coverage, so he could be a very valuable asset to this Buffalo Bills defense.

His play against some of the best receivers in the upcoming draft– considering they played in the same conference– is telling that Kaiir Elam is ready to play in the NFL, and there are not many better mentors than Tre’Davious White.

Yes, Dean would be a nice insurance linebacker if Edmunds doesn’t re-sign, but when weighing out value, Elam fits better. Either way, whether you pick Nakobe Dean or Kaiir Elam, the hypothetical Buffalo Bills you’re controlling will be happy.

Round 2, Pick 57: Jalen Tolbert, WR (South Alabama)

While Kenneth Walker III is a very good running back, the Bills have shown that their offense doesn’t need a running back to succeed. Since 2020, the Buffalo Bills have ranked 2nd (2020-21) and 3rd (2021-22) in points per game, and they’ve done that with limited production from the running back.

That being said, Jalen Tolbert would be a perfect slot receiver to pair with Josh Allen and his cannon of an arm. A starting wide receiver group of Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Jalen Tolbert/Jamison Crowder could be a very entertaining offense to watch. While Tolbert is a “small school product,” look out for him once he’s drafted– whether to the Buffalo Bills or not. He’s going to do damage in this league.

Round 3, Pick 89: James Cook, HB (Georgia)

Going against my statement a little in round two, this is a good position to get James Cook. When watching Georgia’s running attack, James Cook was essentially a receiver in the half-back position. While Deebo Samuel is obviously not a commodity for teams, James Cook could absolutely come into the NFL and develop himself into a Deebo-type player.

The Bills’ offense not really showcasing their running backs– considering the production Josh Allen can produce with his arm and legs alone– is why running back fell a round down this draft. The Bills have two running backs on their roster under the age of 25, so it’s not like if they don’t draft a starting running back this draft, they’re toast.

It’d probably be nice to get a Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker III, but with the need for corner and considering the picks Buffalo has, it makes the most sense to go after the tier-two/three running back in round three after addressing some other areas first.

With all of that said, Leo Chenal will likely be an incredible, incredible linebacker in the NFL. He fits most of the criteria for what it takes in terms of measurables, so if he can put it all together in the next league, whatever team takes him will be happy they did so.

Round 4, Pick 130: Bo Melton, WR (Rutgers)

While there was already a receiver taken with the second-round pick, Tariq Castro-Fields is just much less valuable than Bo Melton. This was more of a “best available” pick, as I’m not over the moon about getting another receiver.

That being said, Melton does have return-man capabilities, so if they can get that with Melton, a fourth-round pick isn’t the end of the world. However, there are other positions that could’ve been attacked here potentially, like interior defensive or offensive line.

Bo Melton is a very talented receiver, regardless of his Rutgers alma mater. As mentioned earlier, Melton went to Rutgers because his parents went there, not because he didn’t have offers from anywhere else. Now, if the Bills miss out on Jalen Tolbert in the second round, picking up Bo Melton in the fourth would be a very good selection. The same goes for if they miss Melton but get Tolbert. Both of these receivers are going to do well in the NFL– barring a terrible fit or situation.

Round 5, Pick 168: Alex Wright, EDGE (UAB)

Alex Wright, if available at 168, would be an absolute steal. His abilities are far and away better value than most fifth-round selections. Not to jab fifth-round selections, but Alex Wright is a high-ceiling edge rusher, and getting him in the fifth round would be very good value.

Not that Michael Clemons wouldn’t be a good edge rusher in the league, but they’re in two different tiers. Michael Clemons might’ve gotten more shine– and could be more NFL-ready– because of playing in the SEC against top-level competition, but the competition of others isn’t necessarily controllable by the player.

Sure, if they were at a better school, they’d play better opponents, but not every good football player has been recognized as such. There are plenty of examples of players at “small” schools going on to be some of the best in the league. For example, Khalil Mack went to Buffalo. Not Alabama, not Georgia, he went to Buffalo.

So, if the player has the talent and is willing to put in the work to refine the skill day in and day out, the sky is the limit. Alex Wright might not be Khalil Mack-level– or maybe he is– but he’s an edge rusher that could absolutely help the Buffalo Bills.

Round 6, Pick 185: Noah Elliss, IDL (Idaho)

While Smoke Monday is a first-round pick to the 2022 All-Names team, he’s simply just not as big of a need as Noah Elliss is. That being said, if Jordan Poyer and the Buffalo Bills don’t agree on a contract extension, Smoke Monday shoots up the board for needs.

However, at this point in time, there’s not a need for another safety. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are one of the best defensive back pairings in the NFL, so if there’s a way to keep that around, the Bills should make sure to do it.

As for Elliss, he’s a mean, tough interior menace. While his early career could be more of a goal-line or special teams presence, if there’s an opening at some point on the Bills’ interior defensive line, Noah Elliss could end up being a great player for this team.

He’s likely in need of an NFL strength and conditioning coach, as he’s somewhat slow and also a very big human, so shedding some weight and getting a bit quicker could propel Elliss into being a true NFL stud.

Round 7, Pick 203: Matt “Punt God” Araiza, P (SDSU)

This pick is rather simple. Matt Araiza is an athletic freak with a cannon for a leg. Simple as that. Draft Matt Araiza with the 203rd pick, and there won’t be any regrets.

Round 7, Pick 231: Ja’Tyre Carter, IOL (Southern University)

With the Buffalo Bills’ final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Bills select Ja’Tyre Carter from Southern University. As somewhat of an unknown name to casual NFL fans, Carter was one of the highest-ranked HBCU players in college football.

Now, there aren’t that many teams under that umbrella, but the players in HBCUs are some good athletes. They might not be SEC-level, but there’s talent nonetheless. If Carter is available at pick 231, the Bills won’t be sorry if they draft Ja’Tyre Carter. The main reason he bears out Jalen Nailor is the fact that there were already two receivers drafted in this mock. Considering two receivers is on the fringe of being too many receivers drafted, a third would’ve been ridiculous.

So, there it is. What a journey it’s been. And who knows if any of these players will even be drafted by the Buffalo Bills. It would be pretty sweet to have predicted all of this correctly. We shall see, starting Thursday, April 28th. It should be a fun time.