After making the Play -Offs again last season, it looks as though the Bills are truly on the right path to being a regular contender for the Super Bowl hunt. The leadership tandem of BRANDON BEANE and SEAN McDERMOTT seems to be clicking on building a steady, improving roster. They clearly see their window of opportunity widening with Mr. BRADY moving to of the AFC East. JOSH ALLEN seems to be progressing as a pro QB, and more help around him should only hasten that development.
The team lacks a Round 1 Pick after trading for STEFON DIGGS from the Vikings. I am not aware of very many, if any, BILLS fans who are upset over that transaction. Neither is JOSH ALLEN, I am told.
Round 2, Pick 54 ANTONIO GIBSON RB/WR/KR Memphis 6’1/223 (PP#62) Talking about a weapon here, who has multiple ways to find the end zone. I am thinking that he lines up most often in the backfield, but he could be just as valuable catching the ball as taking hand-offs from ALLEN. His 4.39/40 time speed, which he actually plays at, fits in nicely with some of last year’s offensive acquisitions like JOHN BROWN in particular. But here’s the mystery, which is a bit concerning: How can a guy with his size, speed and versatility have only touched the ball 71 times last season? That remains to be explained and rectified, but he looks like a dynamic weapon to add. He can compliment the talents of the receiving group and beef up the RB stable.
Round 3, Pick 86 BRYAN EDWARDS WR South Carolina 6’3/221 (PP#89) There is a lot of buzz around his name recently. He was nagged off and on with injuries that kept him out of action last season. From a pro career standpoint, having to bow out of the Senior Bowl invitation was the biggest blow for him. However, even with missing time, he caught 71 balls for 816 yards and 6 TD’s last season. He makes his living catching jump balls and tapping toes on sideline throws. He is not a speedster, but can move and get open. Scouts have also been impressed with his blocking effort and effectiveness downfield. He will give his team some size in what is a fairly small WR group right now. I am currently under the impression that he has been medically cleared from his meniscus injury last season.
Round 4, Pick 128 KENNY WILLEKES DE/ER Michigan State 6’4/264 (PP#136) BILLS fans are gonna luv the energy with which WILLEKES plays. He’s a former walk-on for the Spartans. By the time he left them, he was a double-digit per season sack master. He is a heck of a lot more athletic than he’s given credit for. He has also bulked up enough to be effective in setting the edge against the run, not just rushing the QB. His 4.87/40 is just fine for his size, especially with a 1.69 10-yard spilt. He’s also quite strong in the upper body as evidenced by his 32 reps in the Combine Bench Press. His 2019 Spartan stats show his ability and versatility: 78 T’s- 16 TFL- 10.5 S’s- 17 QBH’s- 2 FF’s and 1 FR. He plays with lean and bend, while staying in balance. Bills fans are gonna luv his all out effort and intensity on every down.
Round 5, Pick 167 NIGEL WARRIOR S Tennessee 6’0/197 (PP#160) I have previously profiled him in another Mock, but will remind you that he is the son of former Pro Bowl CB/KR Dale Carter. He is also a hard charging Special Teamer and a tackling machine, with some decent cover skills.
Round 6, Pick 188 JON RUNYAN OG Michigan 6’4/306 (PP#187) Played LT last season for the Wolverines, but a lack of foot speed and less than ideal arm length for a pro OT (33 1/4″) have led him to transition his game to that of an OG. He was at the Shrine venue and got coaching tips from his ex-NFL dad, of the same name. He’s embracing the change of position, and it fits best just to say that he is a born and bred football player. I expect his transition to go well, and figure him to be a versatile backup until such time as he can win an OG spot with them. His 5.08/40 at the Combine is very acceptable, especially for an Interior spot. Look for him to be groomed as a less expensive OG than SPAIN.
Round 6, Pick 207 TERENCE STEELE OT Texas Tech 6’6/312 (PP#221) Once upon a time, I had this young man knocking on the door of my Top 100 prospect list. His numbers just make too much sense for the way he played at the Senior Bowl, where he just got beaten like a drum every day. It didn’t matter which side of the OL he played on. His guys were getting into the pocket on almost every passing rep. But looking at numbers, you can’t quite give up on him… yet. He ran a 5.03/40 at the Combine, while measuring in with 9 1/2″ hands and 35 1/8″ arms. Mark him down as the biggest project for the coaching staff from this group of Draftees. He is now looking like a boom or bust player.
Round 7, Pick 239 AMIK ROBERTSON CB/NB LA Tech 5’8/187 (PP#238) This little guy is an absolute ball hawk. His size will limit him, but with teams playing 6-7 DB’s the majority of the time, he should be able to carve himself a niche out on the grass in obvious passing downs. This is the kind of guy that I believe you take in the late rounds. He has a good skill set, was productive with takeaways, and has the heart of a much bigger guy.
The door may be wide open to wrest the AFC East title from the Patriots. And believe it or not, the BILLS are the most likely team to walk through that door. They appear to be well ahead of both the Jets and Dolphins in their roster retooling. Now, can they coax another year of improvement out of JOSH ALLEN? The supporting talent is looking better every year.
Pigskin
