The Buffalo Bills should have lots of fun in this year’s NFL Draft. Considering that last year was considered a “step back year” yet they made the AFC championship game, goes to show just how great the Bills are and if they can hit on their draft picks, they can become even more dangerous.
Their Super Bowl window is wide open as long as Josh Allen is under center. Now the big question is which direction the Bills go in both free agency and in the draft. There’s no doubt that they need some more wide receiver help. However, their defense is what needs the most attention.
Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have to find a way to improve a defense that has given up too many big plays in big games that ultimately costs a potential Bills win. In this 3-round NFL mock draft, the Bills make defense their main priority, especially on the defensive line.
Bills make defensive line main priority in 3-round mock draft
Round 1, No. 30: DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
An edge rusher that has a lot of upside to become a top talent in the NFL is Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M. It’s no secret that the Bills need help creating a consistent pass rush. It has been their biggest weakness for a long time. There is hope with Greg Rousseau, but it’s not enough. That’s where Stewert helps out.
In 2024, Stewart led the Aggies with seven QB hurries which helped him earn All-SEC Third Team honors. He has the speed and athleticism to help elevate Buffalo’s defense both immediately and long-term. Buffalo goes ahead and drafts another defensive lineman in the first round, just like they did with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau.
Round 2, No. 56: DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
The Bills opt to stick with helping their defensive line by drafting Kentucky defender Deone Walker. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has Bills’ defensive tackle Jordan Phillips as Walker’s NFL comparison. Phillips is beloved in Buffalo and he was a great run-stuffer for the middle of the line. That’s exactly what Walker can be along with Ed Oliver.
Standing at 6’7” and 331lbs, Walker has a huge frame and has the ability to take on double teams. He had a fantastic 2023 season with 7.5 sacks and 55 total tackles. However, his production declined in 2024 and it more than likely hurt his draft stock. This would be perfect for the Bills if Walker fell to the later part of the second round.
Round 2, No. 62: CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
That’s right, the Bills are going heavy on defense with their first three picks and now they decide to address their secondary with Azareye’h Thomas out of Florida State. The Bills usually don’t have their corners press their opponents, but Thomas has shown to be a great press-man corner.
He’s a bigger corner who can heavily benefit with the development by the Bills led by Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich on defense.