In order to compete now, the Buffalo Bills desperately needs to upgrade their pass rush. The Bills have a solid front seven on defense, hallmarked by Ed Oliver. That said, many of the pieces to the puzzle are aging, and the team could use an injection of young talent through the draft. While the Von Miller signing was a reasonable move in the context of win-now roster building, the experiment has run its course.
Outside of Oliver, Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa are good assets, but neither offers game changing pressure off the edge. This offseason could see multiple superstar edge rushers on the move. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett requested a trade, LA’s Khalil Mack is a free agent, and rumors are swirling that Dallas’ Micah Parsons may be on the move. All are enticing, but let’s talk about the NFL Draft…
Abdul Carter - Penn State
Carter is a 6’3” 259lb converted inside linebacker who presents as one of the most enticing defensive prospects in recent memory. In his first season as a defensive end for Penn State, his production was not off the charts, but five minutes of game tape tells you everything you could need to know.
His dominance during the college football playoff was palpable, and he stands to have a Will Anderson Jr.-esque day one impact for whichever team takes him. Unfortunately for Bills fans, Brandon Beane would need to mortgage the team's future to trade up for him. Carter won’t be wearing a Bills jersey this coming fall.
Mykel Williams - Georgia
Mykel Williams is one of the most intriguing question-marks heading into this year’s draft. The Georgia product has his photo in the dictionary next to “athletic freak,” but an injury-affected junior season may leave some teams uncertain. A guy like this requires a high draft pick, and teams will hesitate with that investment if injuries are in play.
That said, Williams has a 6’5” 265lb frame and his film is riddled with flashes of greatness. Most mocks have Williams long-gone come pick #30, but he could fall into trade-up territory for Buffalo, and his remarkably high ceiling might be enough incentive for Beane to do just that.
Mike Green - Marshall
Mike Green is this year’s big time player from a smaller school: Marshall. At 6’3” 251lbs, Green shot up draft boards after a fantastic showing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He had the highlight of the week, bulldozing Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. during 1v1s. Having played in the MAC, there are questions about Green’s ability to make the jump to the next level.
The most convincing argument in his favor is found in his tape against Ohio State, where the hyper-explosive edge rusher did not waver against the national champions-to-be. While unlikely, this is the first top-tier edge rusher on the list who might just fall into Buffalo’s lap. This would be an absolute gift, and would instantly improve Buffalo’s pass rush.
James Pearce Jr. - Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is a great prospect with a ton of NFL potential, but rumors are swirling regarding possible character concerns (according to Zach Ragan, per Charlie Campbell), causing a slide in some more recent mock drafts. While Buffalo would need to do their research, Pearce Jr. falling down to board on draft day would be a good thing for the Bills, who might just be able to snag a guy previously thought to be out of reach.
At 6’5” 243lbs, he’s a bit light for his position, but his jump off the snap makes everyone else look slow. Another concern with Pearce is that his initial rush is elite, but oftentimes the counter rush isn’t quite there. These questions around Pearce are going to battle with his tremendously high potential leading up to the draft.
Buffalo will need things to fall in their favor on day one of the draft in order to secure one of these players, but all four present that immediate upgrade the defense needs to compete for a Super Bowl.