It's been apparent since the Buffalo Bills released Micah Hyde, Mitch Morse, and other long-time Bills players a couple of weeks ago that the plan is to get younger on the defensive side of the ball. Brandon Beane has done a masterful job thus far in relieving some cap space, and now they have plenty to spend additional money on free agents if they so desire. I believe they aren't done in free agency yet but it has slowed down.
With the 224 NFL Draft fast approaching, Buffalo will need to evaluate the existing talent on the roster, as it compares to the draft prospect's value. Beane has always said the goal is to solidify the roster in March through free agency, to allow them to approach the draft with the best player available mentality. Buffalo will have "needs" but they won't reach in the draft to fill those needs. Some positional needs I see are related to long-term solutions, such as defensive tackle. Yes, the team needs to add depth there but they also need to find DaQuan Jones's eventual replacement.
Likewise with the receiver position. Stefon Diggs will need to be replaced within the next couple of years as the team's number one receiver, and this draft may be the best opportunity to do that. I'm also looking at safety, where I think the Bills could help themselves beyond 2024, by adding another safety that can focus on learning and developing in year one, to be able to insert him into the starting lineup in 2025. So, let's get into my latest four-round mock draft.