Round 4, Pick #109: S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
The Bills took their safety of the future last year in Cole Bishop, now they get his future running mate in Billy Bowman Jr. If Bowman were a bit bigger, 5’10” 192lbs, he would go much earlier in the draft. The Bills had a dinner with him before his pro day and also held a virtual interview.
He’s a hard-nosed player who ran a 4.42 forty-yard dash with a 35.5” vertical, and 10’3” broad jump. The former Sooner appeared in 49 career games, registering 199 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 11 interceptions, three pick-sixes, two forced fumbles, and 14 passes defended. Bowman gets to learn behind Taylor Rapp, who plays a similar style and could be a cap casualty next offseason.
Round 4, Pick #132: LB Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., Ole Miss.
The Bills continue to reload their defense completely, this time adding some much-needed linebacker depth. The team reportedly is very interested in the former Ole Miss. Rebel. At 6’1” 222lbs, Paul is undersized, but that has never deterred the Bills before. Matt Milano is a free agent after this season and there isn’t any trusted depth after Dorian Williams.
Paul, a Third-Team All-American, Second-Team All-SEC, and finalist for the Butkus award, Paul gives them nice depth and the potential to become an impact player in the future. Last season, he had 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 4 pass breakups.
TRADE: Round 5, Pick #152: WR Dont’e Thornton, Tennessee
The Bills finally go offense here and get a blazer. To do so, they deal picks No. 169 and No. 173 to the Cardinals, who are running low on picks, for No. 152. Thornton has the extremely rare combination of size and speed, at 6’5”, 205lbs, the former Volunteer can fly. He ran a 4.3 flat forty-yard dash at the combine with a 33” vertical.
The Bills finally get a true vertical field stretcher, who averaged 21.9 yards per catch in his career. The team held him on a pre-draft visit, so the interest is there; however, in the real draft, they might have to go up further to get him. While he’s far from a polished prospect, Thornton’s speed alone immediately makes the Bills offense better.
Round 6, Pick #177: CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas
The Bills stay put the rest of the draft and complete the double-dip at cornerback. Bryant has been a First-Team All-Big 12 selection for three straight seasons. The potential is there, and he gets to work with defensive back guru Sean McDermott. Bryant provides depth and special-teams play immediately.
Round 6, Pick #206: OL Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
The Bills' offensive line is fully intact and one of the best in the league. They take a flyer here on a massive tackle prospect in Jack Nelson, at 6’7”, 315lbs. A four-year starter at Wisconsin who’s worth taking a look at this summer.