ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. released his latest "Grade A" 2016 NFL mock draft on Tuesday, in which he assumes the role of general manager of each team and makes picks that would earn the team a perfect grade for their draft efforts.
In the mock draft, which lasted three rounds, Kiper made three picks for the Buffalo Bills. In the first round, he chose Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. The second-round choice was Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas, and in the third round, Western Michigan offensive lineman Willie Beavers was the pick.
Ogbah is a controversial draft prospect; he is a highly gifted athlete, turning in a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, a 10'1" broad jump, and a 35.5-inch vertical jump at 6'4" and 273 pounds at this year's Combine, but he has highly inconsistent tape, and has been dinged for poor technique and taking plays off. He'd likely be a situational pass rusher for the Bills as a rookie, spelling strong-side linebacker Manny Lawson on the edge for passing downs.
Thomas is a 6'3", 212-pound wideout that lacks tops speed, but who has the size, strength, and route-running ability to enjoy a long career in the NFL as a possession-type receiver. His size, hands, and run-blocking upside would appeal to the Bills' current offensive coaching staff that is looking for clarity at the No. 2 receiver position, but Thomas isn't a prospect that would draw safety help away from Sammy Watkins on the other side, either.
The 6'4", 324-pound Beavers was a left tackle at Western Michigan, but will likely be asked to kick inside to guard at the NFL level. Beavers is an athletic player with good feet and mobility, but who could also use some time to fill out his frame a bit and work on his upper-body strength. Presumably, if the Bills were to pick a guard this early, they'd be hoping for this player to compete with 2015 third-round pick John Miller at right guard.
What does everyone think of Kiper's efforts for the Bills in this mock draft?