In his latest 2016 NFL mock draft released at ESPN.com today, Todd McShay has projected Mississippi State defensive lineman Chris Jones to the Buffalo Bills with the No. 19 overall pick.
"One of the ultimate boom/bust players in the 2016 class, Jones has the potential to develop into a highly disruptive inside presence if he remains focused," McShay wrote of the pick. "He has a rare combination of length, strength and athleticism."
Jones is, indeed, a highly intriguing athlete, blending his 6'6", 310-pound frame (he has long, 34.5-inch arms, as well) with impressive workout numbers, namely his 5.03-second 40-yard dash time and his 1.69-second 10-yard split. His unique physical dimensions, plus solid tape defending the run, have made him one of the hottest names in the draft one week from Round 1, despite his only having started for one season at Mississippi State, and despite his lack of refinement as a pass rusher.
As far as we are aware, Jones was not one of the Bills' pre-draft visitors - though it's entirely possible that the Bills did bring him in, and nobody ever reported it. The same is true for another player that McShay believes the Bills could be interested in: Clemson pass rusher Kevin Dodd.
"Another player to keep an eye on here: Kevin Dodd from Clemson," McShay writes. "The Bills love ACC guys, and while this would be too early for him based on my board, they do have a bigger need for a perimeter rusher."