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Our final Buffalo Bills mock draft for 2021 will include the defending AFC East champions adding to the trenches as head coach Sean McDermott and Co. look to compete for a Super Bowl title.
Buffalo’s offensive line is solid in front of stud young quarterback Josh Allen. However, it does have a need at guard. The team could address that at some point. Meanwhile, we project Buffalo go surprise the masses with its first-round pick.
Below, is our latest Buffalo Bills mock draft. A full seven-rounder heading into the 2021 NFL Draft later this month.
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Buffalo Bills mock draft: Adding elite talent
First round, 30th pick: Travis Etienne, running back, Clemson
It’s been noted recently that Bills general manager Brandon Beane would not hesitate going running back in Round 1. It makes sense with the likes of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss struggling to be effective three-down backs behind Josh Allen. In fact, the quarterback led the team in rushing touchdowns a season ago. Etienne would change this big time. The former Clemson star was downright dynamic with the ball in his hands during his college career. He’s a threat to take it the distance every time. That would add another layer to one of the best offenses in the NFL.
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Second round, 61st pick: Rashad Weaver, defensive end, Pittsburgh
This would be an ideal fit for Weaver. The former Pitt standout is about as pro-ready as they come after registering 28 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in his final two collegiate seasons. The 270-pound Weaver is also an ideal fit in head coach Sean McDermott’s 4-3 defense. That’s no small thing when evaluating this pick.
As for the need, Buffalo has Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison slated to start at defensive end in 2021. It’s one of the only weaknesses on this title contender. In fact, the two tallied a combined 9.5 sacks a season ago. That’s just not going to cut it. Weaver would help in this regard.
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Third round, 93rd pick: Deonte Brown, guard, Alabama
As of right now, Buffalo is slated to trot out Cody Ford and veteran Jon Feliciano at guard next season. While the latter is pretty solid, he’s not a long-term solution here. Meanwhile, the Bills might opt to find a potential right tackle to eventually replace Daryl Williams.
That’s where Brown comes into play. The 344-pound lineman was an absolute mauler at Alabama. He’s as physical as they come in the 2021 NFL Draft and provides surprising agility for someone his size. Brown is a plug-and-play guard, too.
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Buffalo Bills mock draft: Day 3 targets in 2021 NFL Draft
- Fifth round, 161st pick: Shakur Brown, cornerback, Michigan State
- Fifth round, 174th pick: Tariq Thompson, safety, San Diego State
- Sixth round, 213th pick: Quintin Morris, tight end, Bowling Green
- Seventh round, 236th pick: Mustafa Johnson, defensive tackle, Colorado
As with other top-end title contenders, Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft is going to be all about building depth. Buffalo needs that in the secondary. Hence, the physical Shakur Brown in Round 5. The Michigan State product is coming off a career season and fits well in McDermott’s defensive scheme.
As for Thompson, he can play both safety spots. That would come in big behind the likes of starters Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. He’d also be an initial impact player on special teams.
The Bills also need more help at tight end with Dawson Knox struggling to make a major impact. Morris was a dependable receiver for Bowling Green in 2020, tallying 20 receptions for 248 yards in five games. Meanwhile, Johnson would provide depth along the interior of Buffalo’s defensive line.