Round 4: Buffalo Bills | pick No. 118

Nick’s Pick:

WR John Hightower, Boise State

The receiver class in this draft is deep. At this point, we all know it. With that in mind, there’s no reason the Bills shouldn’t try to double-dip into it with the nine total picks they have entering the draft. Hightower is a receiver prospect who has a bit more of a size edge on those around him at 6-foot-3, but he doesn’t lack speed, either. Despite his frame, Hightower still put up the exact same 40-yard time as Jefferson, a 4.43-second time. He also finished in the top-10 in the vertical leap (38 inches) and 3-cone drill (7.07 seconds) and top-five in the 20-yard shuttle (4.21 seconds). He did only play in the Mountain West with Boise State, recording 51 catches for 943 yards and eight touchdowns, but Allen also played there, and he’s got some potential, I’d say.

Justin’s Pick:

CB Troy Pride, Jr., Notre Dame

Pride gives the Bills some depth at the cornerback spot. With Kevin Johnson hitting free agency, his spot as a depth corner opens up for competition. Thus, the Bills find a player who can compete with Levi Wallace and provide a competent player who can fill-in when necessary. While the Fighting Irish senior only had four interceptions in his career, his 16 pass break ups is a solid number showing he has no problem battling receivers. 

McKenna’s Pick: 

Troy Pride Jr, Notre Dame 

Ending this mock draft with a standard Beane and Sean pick, defensive back Troy Pride Jr. The former Notre Dame corner has the height and athleticism to make an instant impact on the Bills roster. Pride excelled at Notre Dame when playing in zone coverage, which is a hallmark of McDermott’s defense. Pride was a two-year starter at Notre Dame, where he had three interceptions and 16 pass break-ups. The Bills have drafted well in terms of defensive backs since McDermott and Beane took over, and Pride would be no exception. 

Kyle’s Pick:

WR Collin Johnson, Texas

After adding a slot-boundary hybrid wideout in Peoples-Jones, Buffalo adds a pure X-receiver in Johnson. He’s one of the Longhorns’ all-time wideouts, recording 38 catches, 559 yards and three scores last season in only seven games played. In a full year in 2018, Johnson had 68 catches for 985 yards and seven scores. The 6-foot-6 playmaker sat out many drills at the combine due to a hip injury, though. 

Matt’s Pick:

OL Ezra Cleveland, Boise State

The most discussed and debated position for the Bills last year was the offensive line. It took some shuffling around to finally find its groove, but as the position(s) becomes harder to maintain, a guy like Cleveland will be a good pickup here. Cleveland is a large man, with some athleticism, and could compete for a starting job in the revolving door of offensive lineman on this Bills squad. Cleveland had a great combine with a 3-cone drill of 7.26 seconds and 4.93 40-yard dash time as a 6-foot-6, 311 pounder.

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