Buffalo Bills post-free agency four-round mock draft

The Buffalo Bills have been quieter than I would have liked them to be in free agency. Whether it be at receiver or safety, I would have liked to see them make more of a splash than the small ripple we've seen thus far. With that said, Buffalo's most pressing needs entering the offseason are […]

Jarrett Bailey

Mar 21, 2024 1:18 PM EDT

The Buffalo Bills have been quieter than I would have liked them to be in free agency.

Whether it be at receiver or safety, I would have liked to see them make more of a splash than the small ripple we've seen thus far.

With that said, Buffalo's most pressing needs entering the offseason are still their most pressing needs, and here is how I would address them in the NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 28: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

The Bills have done nothing to address the perimeter receiver opposite of Stefon Diggs. Curtis Samuel could be a fun player, but he is more of an inside guy, and Mack Hollins isn't a starter.

The Bills also missed out on trading practically nothing for guys like Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson. They need an outside receiver who could end up being the go-to target in the offense, and Franklin certainly has the big-play ability and speed to become that guy.

Round 2, Pick 60: EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah

Even after re-signing A.J. Epenesa, the Bills need to plan for the future on the opposite side. Von Miller is likely going into his final year in Buffalo, and was so bad in 2023 that he was a healthy scratch at one point.

Elliss had 13 sacks in 2023, as well as 24 hurries. He and Epenesa could end up being a very good 1-2 punch off the edge.

Round 4, Pick 128: CB Josh Newton, TCU

Buffalo currently has a very good trio of Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford, with Taron Johnson at nickel. However, Douglas is entering his 30s and the Bills lost Dane Jackson to the Panthers.

Newton was very good in man-to-man coverage in 2023, and allowed just one touchdown the entire year, per PFF. Having him as a rotational player before eventually becoming a starter is something that Sean McDermott has excelled at when it comes to defensive backs.

Round 4, Pick 134: S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest

The Bills signed former Chiefs safety Mike Edwards, who will be the starter at free safety. That in mind, how confident are they with having only Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin as the other two safeties on the roster?

Mustapha was very good both in coverage and as a run defender for the Demon Deacons. That type of versatility would be a great addition for the Bills' secondary.