Buffalo Bills comp pick, player releases and a 5-round mock draft

R5:159 - Michael Barrett - Linebacker, Michigan

I've talked about this a few times. I think the Bills need linebacker, as well as every other position on the defensive side, but the value was there with Barrett with the 159th pick. This selection addresses a need for depth, and he won't be expected to play any extensive time right away, allowing him to learn the NFL game and develop. He'll have some terrific linebackers to learn from behind Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, and if we're lucky Tyrel Dodson.

Barrett is 5'11" and weighs 233 pounds. His Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 78 ranked him ninth among all linebackers at the combine. Barrett is a solid tackler and plays with a physical edge. He has all the skills to be an outstanding special teamer as well, which would help him stick on the Bills roster and grow over the next couple of years. His senior year at Michigan he recorded 65 total tackles while adding three sacks too.