McKenna’s mock
Round 2 | No. 54: CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State
Round 3 | No. 86: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Round 4 | No. 128: RB Zack Moss, Utah
Round 5 | No. 167: S JR Reed, Georgia
Round 6 | No. 188: LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
Round 6 | No. 207: WR John Hightower, Boise State
Round 7 | No. 239: K Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia
The philosophy going into my mock draft is simple, instant impact with the first three picks, and then building for the future with the last four. Cornerback Damon Arnette could challenge Levi Wallace for the No. 2 spot. His familiarity with zone defense and natural playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for Sean McDermott’s defense. Receiver Chase Claypool‘s 6-foot-4 frame, and 4.4 speed would round out the Bills wide receiving corp. Claypool could give the Bills an obvious red zone threat and a playmaker who can win 50/50 balls downfield. Rusher Zack Moss is the perfect complement to running back Devin Singletary. Moss is a brutal downfield runner who looks to run through would be tacklers, not around them.
The likes of safety JR Reed, linebacker Jacob Phillips, and receiver John Hightower would likely have to fight for their spots on the roster, but they can all contribute if they make the team. Reed’s size gives him the ability to cover tight ends and bigger wide receivers. His willingness to play at the line of scrimmage and stop the run will help his cause to make the team. Phillips would be a situational linebacker who would come in during an obvious rushing down. Hightower is speedster who has breakaway speed and the potential to be a gadget player in Brian Daboll’s offense.
Though the Bills have kicker Stephen Hauschka on their roster, he’s become a liability in the past two seasons. The addition of Rodrigo Blankenship would perhaps mean the end of Hauschka in Buffalo, but the former Groza winner would bring a thundering right foot to Western New York.
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