2019 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos lock up quarterback, Eagles land corner

9. Buffalo Bills: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

It is evident that the Bills need to surround their future franchise quarterback Josh Allen with some new toys, as their leading receiver in 2018 was second-year receiver Zay Jones, who managed only 652 yards. While Jones did score seven touchdowns, Allen and the Bills need another target who can take the top off of the defense as well as win the middle of the field, and 32-year old tight end Charles Clay failed to provide that for Buffalo with only 21 catches for 184 yards in 2018.

Noah Fant, considered by many as the top tight end in this draft class, is competing for that honor with teammate T.J. Hockenson. While Hockenson may be the better all-around prospect, Fant is the more explosive and exciting prospect. Scoring 18 touchdowns over his final two seasons for the Hawkeyes, Fant has exhibited his ability to be a red zone threat for his quarterback, and as he prepares for the Combine, he is expected to outperform most top-tier wide receivers.

While the receiving class has some high profile prospects, Fant figures as a safer and more versatile prospect than names such as N’Keal Harry and D.K. Metcalf. Following in the footsteps of Eric Ebron, O.J. Howard, David Njoku, Evan Engram and Hayden Hurst as tight ends to be selected in the first round over the past few years, Fant lands in Buffalo in this NFL mock draft.