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2017 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills Early-April 7-Round Mock Draft

By Tyler Olson

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft
Oct 29, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) runs with the ball during the first quarter against Connecticut Huskies at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 44: Zay Jones, WR – East Carolina

The Bills need to fill a whole left by Robert Woods in the 2017 Draft Class or they won’t have a chance to even sniff the postseason next year. They might go wide receiver in Round 1, but in this scenario replacing Stephon Gilmore is a bigger need.

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Woods proved to be a reliable option for Tyrod Taylor in 2016 catching 51 passes for over 600 yards. However, he only scored one touchdown while having to play No. 1 receiver role with Sammy Watkins in and out of the lineup. Regardless of the lucrative contract he received from the Los Angeles Rams, Woods never was a number one receiver in his time in Buffalo.

Zay Jones, college football’s record holder for most career receptions, could be what Woods was and then more. Tabbed more as a possession receiver, Jones would be a perfect fit opposite Watkins, taking the pressure off of Taylor with some underneath routes.

If Buffalo ever says “enough is enough” with Watkins, then Jones would need to fill that role. With a couple years under his belt in the NFL, he could do just that.

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) celebrates as Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks on following a defensive stop during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) celebrates as Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks on following a defensive stop during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 75: Duke Riley, LB – LSU

After failing to become a full-time starter at LSU his first three seasons, Duke Riley finally hit the field as a starter this last season. His patience paid off leading the Tigers defense in tackles in 2016 which ultimately turned into an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.

The man with an Elvis tattoo on his torso will get drafted at the end of the month but experts are torn on how high he could go. At just 6-0 and 232 pounds, he’s projected as a will linebacker at the professional level.

Right now, Buffalo could go with either second-year man Reggie Ragland or Preston Brown on the weak-side, but their natural positions are inside. After his strong season last year, Lorenzo Alexander is expected to continue holding down the strong side of Sean McDermott’s defense.

Riley will need time to develop but he’s a fast linebacker (4.58-second 40 yard dash) with great upside as he continues to gain more experience.

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