The free agency period has changed the mind of ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. in a big way.
In his first two mock drafts ahead of the 2024 event, Kiper has sent a receiver to Buffalo. In his most-recent predictions, it was LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr.
Now we see two different thought patterns from Kiper in his third mock of the spring.
First, Thomas is off the board much earlier. Kiper mocked the LSU product to be taken No. 20 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Buffalo is on the clock at 28.
Second, the new pick is a cornerback in a surprise.
The new player mocked to Buffalo is Iowa State’s TJ Tampa. Here’s how Kiper explains the selection:
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Buffalo has turned over its safety position, with Jordan Poyer signing in Miami and Micah Hyde still unsigned, but it also must find a way to add talent at cornerback. The organization is up against the salary cap, so the draft likely will be the best way to do that. Kaiir Elam, a first-round pick in 2022, was a healthy scratch at times last season, and he ended up playing in just three games. Could they find a starter this late in Round 1? I think so.
Tampa leveled up in 2023, allowing only one touchdown as the nearest defender in coverage. Recovery from a hamstring injury prevented him from working out at the combine, but I see really solid speed and traits on tape. If the Bills decide to go offense with this selection, a wide receiver to replace Gabe Davis could be the play.
The Bills have had losses in their secondary. With 11 total picks at the 2024 draft, it’s very likely a defensive back or two is selected. But in Round 1? That seems unlikely.
While Elam hasn’t worked out, Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford have. While talented and potentially a first-round prospect, Tampa doesn’t appear to be a realistic player for Buffalo at this time unless there are further changes.
Instead, pass rusher or still taking a wideout feels more likely at this time, even with the addition of Curtis Samuel in free agency. In fact, Kiper still has first-round grades on the likes of receivers Xavier Legette (South Carolina) and Adonai Mitchell (Texas) as those two are taken after the Bills are on the clock.
For those still curious on Tampa, a collect of his college highlights can be found below: