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Buffalo Bills Links, 4/6: Ranking Buffalo’s most pressing draft needs

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In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, with the NFL Draft coming up in just over three weeks, we take a look at Buffalo’s most pressing needs heading into the draft.

Those areas of need for Buffalo include: pass rusher, cornerback, interior offensive line, one-technique defensive tackle, and an offensive playmaker. We dissect those needs and offer up possible fits for the Bills who could be available when Buffalo drafts.

We also discuss why safety is a sneaky need for the Bills and identify some prospects who could be had in the middle to late rounds of the draft. We break down the best potential defensive end prospects, examine the impact for Buffalo on the New York Jets trading away quarterback Sam Darnold, hear why Brandon Powell is ready to fill the void left by the departure of returner Andre Roberts, and more!


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2021 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills needs coming into focus following free agency - Buffalo Rumblings
Brandon Beane is the man.

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Monday: Defense dominates the discussion - Buffalo Rumblings
Most mock drafts this week have the Bills making additions on defense.

2021 NFL Draft: Drafting and grooming the Bills’ future at safety - Buffalo Rumblings
Is safety a dark horse, or long-term, need?

Circling the Wagons: Bills Draft Prospect Talk w/ Dean Kindig of Buffalo FamBase - Buffalo Rumblings
Bills Prospect Draft Talk! Listen now!

2021 NFL Draft: Late Pro Day winners - Buffalo Rumblings
Standouts from the final series of college pro days.

Injury analysis: Buffalo Bills LBs Tyrell Adams and Marquel Lee - Buffalo Rumblings
Both bring questionable injury concerns to the Bills.

2021 NFL Free Agency: Buffalo Bills hosting former Colts tackle Le’Raven Clark - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills are hosting former Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark on a free-agent visit, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

Buff Hub: Pro-Pass or Pro-Run? - Buffalo Rumblings
Steve Vega elaborates his position on what the Buffalo Bills need to do to continue evolving on offense.

All-22 Analysis: Buffalo Bills linebacker Marquel Lee - Buffalo Rumblings
More linebacker depth in WNY.

Additional Bills news from around the web

Ranking Buffalo’s most pressing draft needs

Bills’ top 5 draft needs: Kwity Paye, Greg Newsome II among potential solutions – The Athletic
Matthew Fairburn and Joe Buscaglia break down how the Bills “have the roster flexibility to go several different ways.” (Subscription required).

Mock drafts lacking consensus for Buffalo at pick No. 30

No consensus in mock drafts on who Bills might pick first - Democrat & Chronicle
Mock drafts all over the map on who the Buffalo Bills might pick in first round.

ESPN’s Todd McShay thinks draft may break Bills’ way on pass rusher | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“In McShay’s latest mock draft, he has University of Miami’s Jaelan Phillips lasting all the way until the Buffalo Bills pick at No. 30,” writes Mark Gaughan.

Which defensive ends could be targets for the Bills?

Bills' 2021 draft preview: Ranking top defensive end prospects by best fit – The Athletic
“After breaking down the games of the defensive end prospects, here is a ranking of who translates best to the Bills' situation and why,” writes Joe Buscaglia. (Subscription required).

2021 Mock Draft Watch 7.0 - BuffaloBills.com
Find out what the experts think the Bills will do with the 30th overall pick.

Impact for Bills of Jets dealing Sam Darnold to Carolina

Jets trade Sam Darnold, Josh Allen’s close friend, to Panthers: What it means for Bills - newyorkupstate.com
The Jets are all but certain to take Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Can Brandon Powell fill the void left by Andre Roberts’s departure?

Brandon Powell ready to step into Andre Roberts' shoes as Bills' primary returner | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Going into my fourth year in the league, I think that's something that I'll benefit from, going somewhere where they love to work. That's why I chose the Buffalo Bills." — Brandon Powell.

Odds and ends

Why Bills’ Stefon Diggs says he will continue wearing No. 14 even if jersey proposal passes - newyorkupstate.com
Diggs was considering changing his number to 1 or 7.

NFL draft preview: Bills don’t need a quarterback, but good year for teams that do | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“If you’re an NFL team needing a quarterback, immediately or in the future (which could always be sooner than later), this should be a fruitful draft. The Buffalo Bills can consider themselves fortunate not to be among those clubs,” writes Vic Carucci.