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The Buffalo Bills try not to go into any NFL draft with needs.
The 2022 one might be a little different.
With top corner Tre’Davious White still sidelined due to a knee injury, his position might need to be fortified at the upcoming draft. USA TODAY sees that being the move for the Bills at the end of April.
In USA TODAY’s latest mock, Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth is the selection.
Here’s the breakdown:
If the Bills want to keep new division rival Tyreek Hill from flashing the peace sign as he races past their secondary, they’ll have to count on someone other than the officials to stop the Dolphins’ speedy receiver. Booth, who just underwent core muscle surgery but still has a strong case for the first round, could step in to address one of the unit’s few remaining shortcomings as Tre’Davious White returns from a torn ACL. His long speed isn’t his calling card, but his strength, nimble footwork and ball skills will help Buffalo’s top-ranked defense keep pace with high-powered passing attacks.
The Bills likely won’t take Booth solely with Hill in mind–but his arrival in the AFC East does make one pause and think.
But regardless, Buffalo needs a cornerback addition this offseason. After losing Levi Wallace to the Pittsburgh Steelers via free agency, numbers there are thin.
Booth is considered a defender with a ballhawk mentality. Buffalo’s coaching staff would probably like Booth’s size as well. At 6-foot tall, Booth has solid size for the pro game.
Despite that, The Draft Network wrote on Booth: “he can clean up some missed tackles and improve in zone coverage.”
The Bills run a heavy zone defensive scheme. Buffalo has to be confident Booth’s skills can translate to their defense if he’s the pick.
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