The Buffalo Bills are coming off a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Divisional Playoffs, falling short of Super Bowl expectations in the process.
Buffalo still remains one of the top contenders in the NFL heading into the 2022 draft. Adding the likes of Von Miller, Jamison Crowder, O.J. Howard and Rodger Saffold in free agency helps big time.
General manager Brandon Beane still must get to work to fill some holes and create more depth. Before we get into our Bills mock draft, let’s check in on the picks they own for the annual event in Las Vegas.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2022 NFL mock draft
2022 Buffalo Bills draft picks
- 1st round: 25th overall
- 2nd round: 57th overall
- 3rd round: 89th overall
- 4th round: 130th overall
- 5th round: 168th overall
- 6th round: 185th and 203rd overall
- 7th round: 231st overall
Buffalo Bills mock draft: Filling some key holes
Running back has become a point of contention for the Bills’ brass. It’s something Beane touched on during the NFL Scouting Combine. Devin Singletary has played well in spurts, but he doesnt seem to be a three-down back.
The trenches represent another need for Buffalo, both on offense and defense. That includes the interior of the offensive line at guard as well as linebacker and cornerback on defense.
1st round, 25th overall: Devin Lloyd, linebacker, Utah
Current weak-side linebacker Matt Milano is a fine player himself. The former Boston College standout has performed well in coverage, too, yielding a 71.9 passer rating when targeted a season ago.
In no way does that mean Buffalo can afford to pass up on Lloyd should he somehow last to 25. The dude is almost a carbon copy of All-Pro 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and boasts some of the highest upside of any defender in the draft class. He’s great in coverage, quick to diagnose plays, has an ability to call the defense and boasts elite-level athleticism. This would be a home run pick for the Bills. No doubt about it.
2nd round, 57th overall: Kenneth Walker III, running back, Michigan State
The Bills need to do whatever is possible to avoid placing as much onus in the run game on Josh Allen as we’ve seen throughout his career. As mentioned above, running back has been a major issue for Buffalo during Allen’s tenure.
Enter into the equation reigning Heisman winner Kenneth Walker III. He’s a traditional three-down back with an ability to shoulder the load. Walker boasts plus-level field vision, tremendous strength and an actual ability to hit the outside. He’d be a Day 1 starter in Western New York, providing a new dimension to Buffalo’s offense.
Related: Top 2022 NFL Draft prospects
3rd round, 89th overall: Marcus Jones, cornerback, Houston
Buffalo lost Levi Wallace in free agency, creating a major hole behind Tre’Davious White at cornerback. The team might target a veteran on the open market. But it needs a youngster to team up with White moving forward.
The 5-foot-8 Jones is primarily a slot guy but can play boundary in a pinch. Last season with Houston, he recorded 13 passes defended and a whopping five interceptions. With elite ball skills and athleticism, he translates into being a starter. Jones can also receive kicks, enabling him to make an impact as a rookie.
4th round, 130th overall: Tyrese Robinson, guard, Oklahoma
The addition of Rodger Saffold doesn’t do much to change what Buffalo needs to do in the 2022 NFL Draft. In short, adding a young guard to help protect Allen moving forward must be in the cards here.
Robinson (6-foot-2 and 317 pounds) would be a tremendous fit in this scheme. He can play both guard positions and right tackle — creating more flexibility for head coach Sean McDermott in the process.
Related: 2022 NFL Draft rumors
Rounding out Buffalo Bills mock draft
- 5th round: 168th overall: Reggie Roberson Jr., wide receiver, Southern Methodist
6th round: 185th overall: Obinna Eze, offensive tackle, Texas Christian - 6th round: 203rd overall: Tariq Carpenter, safety, Georgia Tech
7th round: 231st overall: Neil Farrell Jr., defensive tackle, LSU
Lets us know what you think about our Buffalo Bills mock draftin the comments section below.