Buffalo takes OL Nick Broeker and CB Alex Austin with their seventh-round picks
Brandon Beane was able to move up, and down, throughout the draft to help fill out the rest of the roster. With that, the Buffalo Bills general manager received high praise for what he was able to accomplish. After trading with Washington to move down in the draft, Buffalo made yet another trade right before […]
Brandon Beane was able to move up, and down, throughout the draft to help fill out the rest of the roster. With that, the Buffalo Bills general manager received high praise for what he was able to accomplish.
After trading with Washington to move down in the draft, Buffalo made yet another trade right before their sixth-round selection. Brandon Beane traded the team's sixth-round pick (205) to the Houston Texans for their seventh-round pick (230) and a 2024 sixth. Then, Beane traded once again. This time, the Bills general manager traded their sixth-round pick (215) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for their seventh-round pick (252) and a sixth-round pick in 2024.
Buffalo added to the trend they have started throughout almost the entire NFL draft: protect and equip Josh Allen. Outside of that, Buffalo added a key depth piece to the defense.
In the busy seventh round, Buffalo selected Ole Miss OG Nick Broeker with the 230th overall pick. In 2022, Broeker was All-SEC second team and enjoyed a career that saw him as a three-year starter. Broeker also won the 2022 Kent Hull Trophy for the best offensive lineman in the entire state of Mississippi.
Next, with the 252nd overall pick, Buffalo selected CB Alex Austin from Oregon State. The cornerback had four career interceptions and was an honorable-mention All-Pac-12 player. With injuries plaguing the team last year, Austin is a valuable depth piece.
Below is The Athletic's Dane Brugler's scouting report on Broeker.
Overall, Broeker doesn’t wow with his explosiveness or power, especially in recovery mode, but he is strong and understands his responsibilities, which helps him execute when his technique and leverage stay on point. He projects as a potential NFL backup on the interior, in either a zone or gap scheme.
Dane Brugler also discussed what Austin brings to the table.
Overall, Austin is a heady cover man and uses length to never stray too far from the route, but he is an average-twitch mover and lacks the explosiveness to easily make up false steps. He projects best in a predominantly zone scheme where he can work in short areas.
With those two seventh-round picks, the NFL draft has concluded. Now, we wait to see what happens as Brandon Beane and the front office will look to undrafted players and free agents to flesh out the rest of the team.
