Preseason 2023 3-round mock draft for the Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills first round selection in 2023 mock draft

The Pick: Andrew Vorhees, Guard USC

Measurables: 6-6, 325lbs

This season the Buffalo Bills seemed to have the interior offensive line figured out. However, with the recent trade of Cody Ford, Buffalo is aging at a position where they are not mainly the strongest or deepest. Additionally, Ryan Bates is the only guard who is under contract past this season.
Vorhees is a redshirt senior entering his fifth year starting due to the extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. He has anchored the USC offensive line dating back to 2017. While he has spent most of his time at right and left guard, he played 45% of his offensive snaps at left tackle. Vorhees has displayed the type of versatility the Bills like, even though he likely stays strictly on the interior at the NFL level.

Vorhees’s strength lay in the passing game, where he is one of the best pass-blocking guards in all of college football. Last season, Vorhees allowed only 13 pressures and not a single sack in a fourteen-game season according to Pro Football Focus. He was able to do this by playing both guard and tackle throughout the season. What is even more impressive is that he only allowed four pressures during his 500 snaps at his natural guard position—a whopping one pressure for every 125 snaps, which essentially is two games worth of offense.

Vorhees’s strengths in the passing game stem from his strong lower body, rarely overpowered by opposing defensive linemen. He also has strong hands to gain control and leverage over players when he wins the arm battle. He can get caught trying to extend his arms and get attached to a defensive lineman and is prone to be beaten with a quickness because of it. This does not occur on film often but could be exposed at the NFL level.

As a run blocker, Vorhees has good lower body strength helping him generate some solid push on interior defensive linemen. He can get to the second level and is willing to do so. However, when he is there, he can improve on getting stronger blocks on linebackers. If Vorhees can get his hands on a defender, it is unlikely they will get free, but the key for Vorhees is getting that initial control with his hands.

In Buffalo, Vorhees would likely be a day-one starter. He fits the style of zone running that offensive line coach Aaron Kromer excels in. Additionally, he has the experience and pedigree to come in and contribute right away.

While he may not project as an All-Pro/Pro Bowl type of player, he has a high floor and will positively impact games right out of the gate. When the guy you are protecting is set to earn $258 million, there is no reason to take risks on the offensive line.