Round 2: Buffalo Bills | pick No. 54
Nick’s Pick:
OL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Ruiz saw his stock rise at the combine, but he’s still a realistic option in Round 2. The 6-foot-3, 307-pound lineman impressed in the 40-yard dash with a serious time of 5.08 seconds and a short shuttle of 4.64 with that big frame. He also bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times. What might be most intriguing for the Bills in regard to Ruiz is his versatility. They love that more than anything in their linemen, with Ruiz even displaying an ability to play center. A move like this for the Bills would signal the departure of Quinton Spain, who was solid, but not excellent. Buffalo can upgrade there and Ruiz gives them a long-term option to in the trenches with Dion Dawkins and Cody Ford.
Justin’s Pick:
EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah
Buffalo fills its next biggest need by plucking the pass-rush specialist from the Pac-12. Anae registered 13 sacks and 14 tackles for loss during his senior season. He earned third-team All-America honors this past season. During three full seasons in starting duty, Anae recorded 28 sacks and 38 tackles for loss. With Jerry Hughes entering the back side of his career, Anae will fit in as the heir apparent to the veteran. In addition, the Utah product will have time to acclimate to the league, as he will be part of a rotation for the line with Hughes and Trent Murphy. Murphy is entering the final year of his contract, so Buffalo will do well to find a player in Anae to be part of the next wave on Sean McDermott’s defense.
McKenna’s Pick:
WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
The first of the wide receivers that will be taken in this mock, is the big-bodied receiver out of Baylor, Denzel Mims. He was a three-year starter while at Baylor, during those three years he caught 28 touchdowns, and amassed 2,925 yards. Mims greatest assets are his speed and size. At the 2020 NFL Combine, he ran a blistering 4.38 40-yard dash, and stands at 6-foot-3. He’ll give Allen, and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll an explosive weapon on the outside that’s been lacking.
Kyle’s Pick:
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Though the quarterback play at Michigan rarely did Peoples-Jones any favors, he’s still a prospect that’s worth a look at pick No. 54. His production was far from earth-shattering (1,327 yards throughout three seasons). But the former five-star recruit tracks the ball well and is athletic enough to play in a variety of roles – even as a returner if need be. Though some feel as he projects as a slot receiver in the NFL, his 6-foot-2 frame would suggest that he can play on the boundary, something he did in Ann Arbor. Where Peoples-Jones plays in the NFL remains to be seen, it’s safe to assume that he’d be an interesting complementary piece in Daboll’s offense, a unit that likes to manufacture wide receiver production by committee.
Matt’s Pick:
WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
I agree highly on the Mims pick in the second round. If available, Mims is a valuable asset to this Bills offense that could always use new pieces to help with Allen’s growth. Beasley and Brown were valuable additions last offseason, this last year, and served their role as the No. 1 and slot wideout, respectively, well. The third wid receiver position was never really locked down, and Mims can help. His size, standing at 6-foot-3, is the kind of height that Buffalo lacked last year. A 4.38 40-yard dash time, while all combine results should be taken with a grain of salt, shows a speed potential that is always welcome on a football field. near must-take player, if available.