Buffalo Bills Mock Draft: Two trades help bolster offensive talent

This is where the Bills may end up having to replace Jordan Poyer, as much as it might hurt. But, if they are able to get their hands on Alabama safety Jordan Battle at this stage in the draft, the Bills will be just fine.

Drafting a defender out of Alabama has a great likelihood of working out, historically, and the Bills would be fortunate to snag Battle here. The versatile safety comes into the NFL as a guy who can line up at either strong or free safety, as well as the slot if he was asked to. He offers the defense a lot of flexibility, but he’s most comfortable (and lethal) when he’s allowed to play free.

Battle does an excellent job of reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the ball. He breaks quickly and possesses great closing speed, even if he’s a good 10 yards off the play.

In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Battle has accumulated 252 tackles, six interceptions (three returned for a touchdown) and 10 passes defensed. He has solid size, standing 6-foot-1 and having above-average length for the position. Battle gives the Bills the ability to breathe after potentially losing Poyer to free agency, and could end up replacing Poyer for years to come.