Buffalo Bills: Ranking the 2023 NFL Draft class by first-year impact

Number 5: Alex Austin

Similar to Nick Broeker, cornerback Alex Austin will have a tough time making an impact as a rookie. Austin was also a seventh round pick by the Buffalo Bills but the team's depth at cornerback is much better than this time last year.

The Bills top cornerback, Tre'Davious White, is not rehabbing from a torn ACL this offseason and Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford are entering their second season. The team also has Dane Jackson and Cam Lewis as backups, who have been with the team for a few years now and know this defense.

The reason that Austin is ranked just ahead of Broeker is that he could be a factor on special teams this season for the Bills. He not only can play on coverage teams as a gunner but he does have some experience as a returner. The team has a number of options for that role but Austin could serve as a backup.