Round 7: Baylon Spector
In round seven of the 2022 NFL draft, the Bills selected linebacker Baylon Spector out of Clemson. Spector played just 12 snaps on defense last season, though he was involved in special teams early in the season before being inactivated for the last half of the season.
Entering the off-season, it seemed like Spector would at least have the opportunity to compete for a more consistent special teams role due to the number of free agents the Bills had. However, the Bills have brought back players like Tyler Matakevich, and added players who have excelled on special teams like Trent Sherfield, providing increased competition entering next season.
A solid tackler, Spector may have an opportunity to compete for a backup linebacker role in 2023, but should not be more than a depth option for the Bills next season.
In all, the Bills selected eight players in 2022. Elam, Cook, Bernard and Shakir all look to have significant roles for the team in 2023. Benford will be a key depth player. Spector has a chance to earn a backup role. Only Araiza and Tenuta are not part of the Bills plans moving forward.
In the 2023 draft, look for the Bills to be opportunistic to trade if the opportunity presents itself due to where they currently sit in the draft. If their 2023 draft is as productive and successful as the 2022 crop, they will be set up well in 2023 and moving forward.