1. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper makes this three-round draft prediction for the Bills
Mel Kiper put on his general manager hat and released hist ’Grade: A’ three-round mock on Wednesday. Kiper made picks for the first 102 slots but didn't project them, instead he made three rounds of picks based on what's best for each team at that slot.
The Bills have a pick in each of the first three rounds; No. 9, No. 40 and No. 74. Kiper addresses some needs the Bills have after the majority of free agency has passed.
Round 1 (9):T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa _Round 2 (40):N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State Round 3 (74):Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech_
I'm going a step further and getting Allen some more weapons. That means Hockenson, the best tight end in the class and a true upgrade as a blocker and pass-catcher, and that means Harry, a big target (6-foot-2) with great hands. Let's see how Allen can progress in Year 2 with upgraded players around him.
Ferguson set the NCAA record for sacks in a career with 47 and had 17.5 this past season. He "doesn't wow you with his measurables" but he has an "advanced arsenal of pass-rushing moves," Kiper said.
2. This Bills free agent signee was named the biggest sleeper addition in AFC East
NFL.com took a division-by-division look at where things stand across the league heading into the 2019 NFL draft. The Bills significantly upgraded the roster with the number of signings they've made this offseason but one under-the-radar pickup can be the most impactful.
The other interesting aspect with Nsekhe is that, while he's logged 56 NFL games, he's only started 16, spending most of his time as a swing tackle. In Buffalo, he'll get his first opportunity to start, likely at right tackle. While he's graded out pretty well according to PFF, particularly as a run blocker, Nsekhe will have to prove himself in protectingJosh Allen's front side. With Nsekhe signing on the first day of the free agency frenzy, the addition was completely lost in the shuffle. But he could wind up being a crucial piece in Buffalo's O-line overhaul.
With most free agent signings done, the Bills focus shifts mainly toward the NFL Draft and initial workouts when players return on Monday. The Bills will have 10 picks in the upcoming draft and there will certainly be an abundance of new faces in the locker room.
No. 9 overall might be too rich for any of the corners in this draft class, but there will be plenty of intriguing front-seven defenders available at that juncture. Buffalo quietly ranked second in total defense last year, but just 26th in sacks. This unit needs more firepower up front, especially given the retirement of cornerstone DT Kyle Williams.
3. These Bills receivers stand out in this category according to PFF
The Bills added two new receivers already this offseason with the additions of John Brown and Cole Beasley. According to Pro Football Focus, the two receivers jumped into the top three of yards per route run of all Bills receivers based on last year's stats. Robert Foster leads the pack at 2.06 yards per route run.
Yards per route run doesn't look at the total yards players had last season but the opportunity the players had to collect those yards. If you collected 1,000 yards while running 500 routes it would be deemed less impressive than someone who collected 600 yards while only running 100 routes.
