In the second round of the draft, the DE Vinny Curry narrowly edged out the competition with 28% of the vote (35% for DE). In second place was WR Alshon Jeffery with 24% of the votes. In third was OLB Shea McClellin with 17% of the vote. Given that Bills fans have taken defensive ends back to back, I am closing off this option until the seventh round so as to address other areas of need. Here's the mock so far.
1. DE Nick Perry – USC
2. DE Vinny Curry – Marshall
Other needs include strong-side linebacker, a wide receiver (#2 or speed slot), a left tackle (if Demetrius Bell is not re-signed) and a corner-back. Other areas the Bills may wish to address is to add depth at safety, add a second tight end to complement Scott Chandler and another linebacker for depth or potentially a developmental long-term QB.
I shall be taking results from the NFL combine and use rankings/information on players from sites including Walter Football, CBS Sports and Drafttek. Statistics are courtesy from CFB Stats. Now I know some players could be off the boards now or may not go until the fourth round. Even at draft day though some prospects stock inexplicably rise or fall. Just remember to vote and use the comments to support your choice below.
QB Brock Osweiler - Arizona State [6-7, 242, 4.83]
The Bills could seek out a developmental QB in the early rounds to be the long term successor of Ryan Fitzpatrick down the road. Osweiler is the the biggest option, with a strong arm and surprising mobility. However, between not partaking in the combines and the fact that Osweiler has only had one full (mediocre) year as a starter, having Osweiler as a late day 2 pick at the earliest seems prudent. In 2011 Osweiler completed 326 of 516 passes (63.2%) for 4,036 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 picks.
OT Brandon Mosley - Auburn [6-6, 314, 5.21]
Mosley had a strong combine outing despite his limited experience on the left side. At the combines Mosley notched 30 reps on the bench press and has a big frame. Mosley was one of the better blockers in the SEC in the run and pass game.
OT Nate Potter - Boise State [6-6, 303, 5.36]
Potter is noted for being a reliable left tackle for Kellen Moore's passing game and being a force in the run game featuring Doug Martin. Potter is a little raw in technique but has long arms and added some weight for the combines.
OT Mitchell Schwartz - California [6-5, 318, 5.45]
Schwartz was one of the most dominant PAC-12 left tackles not named Kalil or Martin. Schwartz had a strong outing in the senior bowl, looking sharp in drills and benching 23 reps at the combine. Schwartz has a good frame, but can overextend himself on plays.
TE Ladarius Green - Louisiana Lafayette [6-6, 238, 4.53]
Green wowed scouts with his speed in the combines, but only managed 16 reps. Green needs to work on blocking and improve in upper body strength but also has the longest arms of tight ends in the combine with 34.5". As a pass catching tight end, Green has caught an impressive 95 receptions for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
WR Juron Criner - Arizona [6-3, 224, 4.68]
The Bills may look for a #2 receiver in the draft if they are not set with Easley, Jones or Hagan. Criner's sock has fluctuated over past injury concerns, but seems to be set heading into the pros. Criner was slow in the combines but posted a 38" vertical and has 10.5" hands. Criner made 158 receptions for 2,200 yards and 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons as a starter.
WR Tommy Streeter - Miami [6-5, 219, 4.40]
The Bills would love to grab Stephen Hill, but would have to trade into the lower first to get him. A receiver with similar size and speed is Tommy Streeter. Streeter's biggest drawbacks is that he only has one year of serious playing time having notched 46 receptions for 811 yards and 8 touchdowns.
WR Nick Toon - Wisconsin [6-2, 215, 4.54]
Another receiver the Bills could consider is Nick Toon. Toon had a quiet combine outing but did notch a 37.5" vertical. Additionally Toon showed some promise with a 4.38 40 during his pro-day. Toon's stock slips to the third round due to infrequent use of the pass game in favor of Montee Ball's ground attack. Still over the last two seasons, Toon has notched 100 receptions for 1,385 yards and 13 touchdowns.
LB Nigel Bradham - Florida State [6-2, 241, 4.53]
Bradham is seen as a late day 2 selection given his good performance in the ACC and ability to defend the pass. Additionally, Bradham had a strong combine showing with fast speed, a good vertical (37") and 24 on the bench press. Over the last two years, Bradham made 183 tackles (15 for loss), 7 sacks, 2 interceptions and 10 passes defended.
LB Demario Davis - Arkansas State [6-2, 235, 4.53]
One outside linebacker with a fabulous combine was Demario Davis. Davis had a blazing 40 yard dash speed while also notching a 32 on the bench press and a 38.5" vertical. Davis can overrun on plays, but if the Bills are looking for a good physical tackler, here's your guy. In the last two seasons Davis made 132 tackles (13.5 for loss), 4 sacks, 3 interceptions and had 5 passes defended.
CB Brandon Boykin - Georgia [5-9, 182, 4.44]
Boykin did not participate in the combines, but has been a solid starter in the SEC. In the last two seasons, Boykin has made 99 tackles (17.5 for loss), 6 interceptions and 12 passes defended. Additionally Boykin had 14 punt returns for 180 yards and 1 TD in his senior year, which given Parrish's free agent status, the Bills could look for a new punt returner as well.
CB Jamell Fleming - Oklahoma [5-11, 206, 4.43]
Fleming could go sometime in the late second round after a strong combine performance, but for the sake of this mock, I have him escaping into the third round due to a sluggish start to the year. Fleming had a fairly fast 40 time and also had 24 bench press reps. Over the last two seasons Fleming has made 131 tackles (12.5 for loss), 7 interceptions and 24 passes defended.
Go Bills!!