Buffalo Bills focus on secondary, defensive front in final 7-round mock draft

After emerging as an AFC contender, the Buffalo Bills will try to use the 2021 NFL Draft to fill out the margins and get them over the hump. 

The Buffalo Bills silenced a lot of doubters in the 2020 season. Josh Allen went from an inaccurate project to an MVP candidate as Buffalo rode the big quarterback’s big arm all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

While they came up short, it is clear that they are the biggest threat to the Chiefs atop the AFC. If all goes well, the 2021 NFL Draft will be the beginning of Buffalo getting over that hump in Kansas City.

Let’s take a look at the Bills’ haul in our final 7-round mock.

Buffalo Bills 2021 mock draft: Final Edition

Round 1, Pick 30: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

There are a lot of people expecting Caleb Farley to slip in the draft due to his injury history. While the injuries can be concerning, talent-wise, he is arguably the best cornerback in the draft. He is so good at man-to-man coverage and sticking to his man.

As long as he stays healthy, pairing Farley with Tre’Davious White would give the Bills an incredible duo in the secondary.

Round 2, Pick 61: Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh

The Bills have a clear need off the edge. If they want to beat the Chiefs, they need to be able to put pressure on Patrick Mahomes. Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison will be 33 and 34 years of age, respectively, before the first month of the season is complete.

Rashad Weaver has great size, a really quick first step, and a solid arsenal of pass-rushing moves. He would be an instant factor in the edge rotation and a starter by 2022.

Round 3, Pick 93: Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame

Tommy Tremble may not have gotten a ton of catches at Notre Dame but let’s remember the scheme he was in at Notre Dame; they weren’t exactly a pass-heavy offense. Regardless, he is a good blocker and with time, can become a really good receiving option.

While it may not be Zach Ertz like many Bills fans were hoping, Tremble, along with Dawson Knox and Jacob Hollister, would make for a very good tight end trio.

Round 5, Pick 161: Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

The Bills had Ed Oliver fall into their laps in 2019 and now they get a mid-round steal by adding Marvin Wilson. Wilson would be a great complement to Oliver in the run game. He’s very explosive out of the gate and he’s a hustler.

In a matter of two rounds, the Bills could give their front four great depth, and also plan for the immediate future as both players could be starters sooner than later.

Round 5, Pick 174: Damar Hamlin, S, Pittsburgh

The Bills grab another Pitt Panther defender, this time at safety. While Buffalo has one of the best safety duos in the NFL, Hamlin could add something on special teams and as a depth safety. He may be on the skinnier side, but he is scrappy and not afraid to get his nose dirty and make tackles.

He’s good against the run, so putting him in the box in certain packages could benefit him, and the defense as a whole. A multi-talented guy who can serve a big role on special teams and give the Bills defensive snaps, Hamlin would be a good pick here.

Round 7, Pick 213: Rakeem Boyd, RB, Arkansas

The Bills have taken running backs in the last two drafts. Zack Moss and Devin Singletary are solid contributors and Buffalo also added Matt Breida to give them a solid running back room. Rakeem Boyd can be a depth guy that can earn carries as the season rolls on and come in should an injury occur. Adding another running back can’t hurt.

Round 7, Pick 236: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo

The Bills stay local with their final draft pick. Malcolm Koonce is a versatile edge rusher who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. Koonce would give Buffalo a special teams contributor, as well as more edge depth along with staying home in Buffalo.