While the Buffalo Bills did have the NFL’s best defense in terms of yards and points allowed in 2021, consider ESPN’s NFL draft insider Mel Kiper Jr. amongst those who think that side of the ball should be addressed with the team’s first-round pick at the upcoming draft
As the 2022 NFL scouting combine gets underway this week, Kiper dropped his latest 2022 mock. In it, the Bills address their defensive line with their first selection for the third-straight draft.
However, this time it’s for a defensive tackle, not an edge defender. Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt is the move.
Here’s how Kiper breaks down the pick:
25. Buffalo Bills
Devonte Wyatt, DT, GeorgiaHere’s the third member of Georgia’s defense in my first-round mock, and that doesn’t even include massive nose tackle Jordan Davis, who has a chance to go in Round 1 to a team that runs a 3-4 D. Wyatt is a hulking 310-pound tackle who really impressed NFL teams at the Senior Bowl last month. He could play next to Ed Oliver and eat up blockers, allowing the linebackers more space to get to the ball. Wyatt, my new top-ranked defensive tackle, went a little under the radar in college because of the talent around him, but he’s a really promising prospect.
While early in the 2022 draft process, Wyatt appears to be firmly on the Bills’ radar–at least as far as mocks are concerned. He’s been a popular pick for the Bills to this point and ESPN adds to that.
Wyatt is for good reason. In the middle of their defensive line, Buffalo might end up losing Harrison Phillips via free agency while Star Lotulelei himself is aging. In a pick like Wyatt, a tandem with Oliver could be in the making for years to come.
That will rely on his fit, though. Some analysis on Wyatt such as those at The Draft Network peg Wyatt as a three-tech tackle that can rush the passer. That’s Oliver’s spot.
However, plenty also note Wyatt is a versatile player. Some such as Pro Football Focus say he can essentially play anywhere in the middle of the D-line, including at one-tech, which is where the Bills would need someone without Phillips.
As one can tell, much of a potential Wyatt pick in Round 1 would depend upon Phillips’ status. If he’s back, Phillips would likely be the starter so the Bills would likely use this selection elsewhere.
We’ll find out that answer about Phillips in the coming weeks. Free agency is slated to begin in mid-March and Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane did express a desire to get Phillips back.
That will depend upon dollar… regarding both a contract between Phillips and the team and Buffalo’s ability to get back under the 2022 salary cap and make space for Phillips’ addition.
[lawrence-related id=97781,97763,97759]