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.
Buffalo Bills build their defense beyond 2024 in this four-round mock draft.
R1:28 - Ladd McConkey - WR, Georgia
Brian Thomas Jr and Ladd McConkey are my favorite wide receiver targets late in the first round. However, I think the Bills will need to use some draft capital and move up in the first round to select Thomas, but McConkey may be there at 28, where the Bills currently sit. The decision that Beane will have to make here is whether to move up and grab Thomas, or he may be in a position to drop back a few spots or even early in the second and still get McConkey.
The knock on McConkey for many fans is the lack of size, and what they perceive to be a lack of skill to be an outside receiver. Physically, he is very comparable to both Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir, but I don't have an issue with the size and I do not buy into the notion that you need a big, physical receiver. I just want guys that can get open and catch the ball when thrown to them and McConkey is the best route-runner in this class and recorded a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. He can play on the outside just fine.
R2:60 - Jonah Ellis - Edge, Utah
Not a lot of Bills fans will get very excited about this pick, but the Bills need to look to the future. I've said this over and over, Beane and McDermott have to have eyes beyond the 2024 season, to continue success. I believe they are both smarter than me, so I'm sure that is exactly what they are doing. Ellis fills a need on the edge, where I don't think Von Miller will be on the roster after this season, and no one else on the team has shown they can be that pass-rush threat that opposing teams have to game plan for. Buffalo needs that guy.
Ellis is 6'2" and 248 pounds. He has solid strength to push the pocket but also has a good array of pass-rush moves. He's not a one-move-and-done type of pass rusher. The one concern I have with him is he does not possess elite bend, with many scouting reports calling this skill "average". Regardless, he has the tools to be a solid pass rusher and could develop into a double-digit sack artist and brings excellent run-defense skills as well.
R4:128 - Cole Bishop - Safety, Utah
Cole Bishop has surfaced as a fan-favorite over the past week or so and when completing this mock draft, he was there for the taking at pick 128. Next Gen Stats rated his athleticism an 80 overall, which was fourth among all safeties at the NFL Combine. He also recorded an excellent 4.45, 40-time and brings terrific size to the position at 6'2" and 206 pounds. He put on a show at the NFL Combine, as evidenced by his athleticism scores, which is why he's been climbing draft boards as of late.
When I read through some of the various scouting reports, there were a few things that stood out to me. One was his ability to cover tight ends, which in today's NFL is becoming more and more a vital part of defenses. Secondly, he's a hard hitter and wants to make sure receivers are aware he's in the neighborhood and does not like them in his zone. And thirdly, he's another high-motor, non-stop, no brakes kind of player.
R4:133 - Khristian Boyd - Defensive interior, Northern Iowa
Bills fans are going to get tired of me saying Khristian Boyd's name, but there is something about this kid that gets me fired up. I have a feeling he's going to be a terrific player in the NFL and I want that for the Bills. Buffalo will need to look for DaQuan Jones's replacement sooner rather than later and I think Boyd can be that player. He is 6'4", weighs 317 pounds, and is capable of playing either the one or three-technique positions.
Boyd played his college ball at Northern Iowa, a small Division II school but he was dominant. As I mentioned previously with Cole Bishop, Boyd is another high-motor athlete and those types of players are what Beane and McDermott look for. It was also recently reported that Boyd was invited by the Bills for one of their top 30 visits. I'll continue to pound the table and beat that drum for Boyd until day three of the draft, when hopefully the Bills call his name.