Mocking The Bills: Trading down has some advantages

With each edition of Mocking The Bills, I will take a look at some different scenarios for the team in an effort to keep things fresh on a weekly basis. General manager Brandon Beane has not been one to trade down in his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, but there is a first time for everything when it comes to the NFL Draft.

Laviska Shenault Jr. has been a popular mock draft target for the Bills, as well as the Green Bay Packers. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has Shenault as a fit for the Packers in his recent mock, setting the stage for the possibility of a trade down.

Buffalo receives from Green Bay

Pick 30 (first round)
Pick 62 (second round)

Green Bay receives from Buffalo

Pick 22 (first round)
Pick 125 (fourth rounder)

With Shenault still available, the Bills opt to move back eight spots in the first round. For making the move, Buffalo is able to swap their fourth-round pick to add another second rounder. This mock draft was once again conducted using the mock draft simulator from The Draft Network.

First Round - Pick 30 - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Jefferson fills an immediate need in Buffalo, as an ultra-productive receiver in his time at LSU. Standing 6’3”, he would provide the size that is currently lacking in Josh Allen’s arsenal of weapons. It will be interesting to see how fast Jefferson runs at the combine, and the impact it may have on his draft stock. I was happy to see him available at pick 30 as part of this trade down in the first round.

Second Round - Pick 54 - Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Cornerback is an underrated need for the Bills, and I would not be surprised if the team addressed the position early in the draft. Kevin Johnson is an unrestricted free agent, and the jury is still out on Levi Wallace as a full-time starter. Diggs was the highest-rated corner on the board, and could be an immediate starter opposite of Tre’Davious White.

Second Round - Pick 62 - Joshua Uche, LB, Michigan

Uche is a bit of a tweener, which is likely why he is available at the end of the second round. A strong week at the Senior Bowl makes him an interesting prospect, especially as a potential replacement for the recently-retired Lorenzo Alexander. According to Ryan Talbot of NYup.com, the Bills met with Uche in Mobile, which makes this a logical choice.

Third Round - Pick 86 - Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Devin Singletary. I am also a fan of adding playmakers on offense for the Bills’ offense. As more of a power runner, Akers would be a great complement to Singletary. I realize some may not like it, but I remain a fan of drafting a back in the third or fourth round.

Be sure to share your thoughts on the latest mock in the comments section below. Feel free to share your own mock draft picks as well, and if you like the idea of trading down in the first round.