Buffalo Bills: 5 Perfect fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Josh Allen cemented himself as the Buffalo Bills franchise quarterback. However, they still need some help from the 2021 NFL Draft.
One major 2020 offseason move saw the Buffalo Bills take a major step forward. The acquisition of Stefan Diggs proved sensational for the Bills and the growth of Josh Allen. The third-year quarterback played his way into the MVP conversation. With the help from his defense, the Bills dominated the AFC East. And road the wave to the AFC Championship.
However, the Chiefs proved the Bills are still missing a few pieces to help take them to the next level. They’ll have to rely on some talent from the 2021 NFL Draft. One place they need help is on defense.
Over their last three games, teams averaged over 400 yards of offense. Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison were their bookends. However, the Bills finished middle of the pack. 2020 second-round pick A.J. Epenesa, still needs time to develop, getting another rusher wouldn’t hurt.
The interior pass rush wasn’t much help either. Neither was their linebacker core. On the back end, they have one of the best corners in the league, Tre’Davious White. They also have three corners who’ll hit the free-agent market, Josh Norman, E.J. Gaines and Levi Wallace (restricted).
Continuing to build around their offense is one way to go for the Bills. A quarterback can never have too many weapons. Getting key defensive pieces in the 2021 NFL Drat could help the Bills repeat as AFC East champs. With that, let’s take a look at great fits for Buffalo in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills perfect 2021 NFL Draft fit No. 5: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Bills haven’t shied away from taking an interior lineman to help their pass rush. Ed Oliver hasn’t lived up to the “next Aaron Donald” hype since being selected No. 9 overall in 2019. He still has time to develop into that. Giving him a running mate could do wonders. Former second-round pick, Harrison Phillips is another young tackle but isn’t a dynamic pass rusher. Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore would make a great addition.
The redshirt sophomore began as a rotational specialist often making his presence felt on third-downs. He can do the same thing for the Bills early on in the season before taking over as a full-time starter. Barmore has powerful hands and does a great job using his length. He understands how to get skinny and exploit gaps.
At 6-5, 310 pounds, his ability to get to the quarterback was evident by his eight sacks in 2020. Thanks to his strength and powerful play at the point of attack he does a solid job against the run. If he continues to work on getting stronger and understanding leverage he could line up at the 1-tech for the Bills.
Ultimately he’s an upfield rusher as a three-technique who could help the Bills tremendously. He could be an upgrade over Vernon Butler in terms of flexibility and as a pass rusher. The No. 30 pick is the perfect spot for Barmore.