Following the Combine, have draft analysts changed their mock drafts?
With the 2019 NFL Combine in the books, it’s time to re-examine some mock drafts and see where members of the Draft Intelligentsia™ have the Buffalo Bills targeting with the ninth overall pick. About a month ago, a consensus seemed to be building among the members of the media that the team would be targeting prospects along the offensive line. Jawaan Taylor and Jonah Williams were the top choices there. Now that we’ve seen prospects run around a field in compression shorts, has that view changed? Keep reading below to see who the experts have the Bills drafting at the moment.
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: WR D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss)
“Metcalf was the darling of Indianapolis with the body of a superhero action figure and unfathomable testing numbers. The Bills need some talent on the offensive line, but they’re in desperate need of playmakers. With his speed and ability to go up and high-point the football, Metcalf would be a perfect fit for Josh Allen.”
Todd McShay, ESPN: WR D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss)
“He’s an absolute monster at 6-foot-3 with ridiculous strength and 4.33 40 speed. Metcalf specializes in running the 9 route, and Josh Allen has the big arm to get him the ball. It has been a while since Buffalo had a real receiving talent like Metcalf, but don’t sleep on the offensive line here, either. A good chunk of that unit will enter free agency.”
Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic: OT Jonah Williams (Alabama)
“The biggest knock on Jonah Williams seems to be the argument over whether he’s a guard or a tackle. Well, the Bills are in need of starters at both guard and tackle, so that shouldn’t be an issue for them. Williams has experience working with Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, met with Buffalo at the combine and was one of the players Bills General Manager Brandon Beane saw live this season. He has the football IQ and work ethic to be a natural fit in the Bills’ locker room plus a mean streak that Buffalo desperately needs up front.” Note: Metcalf was off the board at 4 overall.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: WR D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss)
“Metcalf is an athletic freak at 6’4”, 230 pounds. He is extremely explosive.”
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: OT Jawaan Taylor (Florida)
“As more teams stack their NFL draft boards, evaluators say Florida’s Jawaan Taylor is the consensus top tackle in the 2019 class. Taylor, who played right tackle at Florida, is seen as a plug-and-play protector on the right side. Now that Khalil Mack and Von Miller are rushing off the right-hand side of offensive lines, there is value in that. Much like Mike McGlinchey going at No. 9 overall last year, Taylor could go in the top 10 as a right tackle. The Buffalo Bills have a number of needs and could prefer a wide receiver, tight end or pass-rusher here, but protecting quarterback Josh Allen has to be atop the front office’s list of priorities this offseason.” Note: Metcalf was off the board at 7.
Luke Easterling, Draft Wire: OT Jawaan Taylor (Florida)
“This draft has to be all about giving Josh Allen everything he needs to succeed as the team’s franchise quarterback, and with the top receiver already off the board, that means improving his protection. Taylor is an athletic, physical blocker with the versatility to play either tackle spot.” Note: Metcalf goes 6th to the Jets after a trade.
Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network: WR D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss)
“Metcalf blew the roof off of Lucas Oil on Saturday by tearing apart his jumps and runs. The issues with Metcalf now stem from his agilities, but I really wouldn’t worry about it. Metcalf shows enough functional play strength and lateral mobility to defeat press coverage and I think he’s got plenty working for him as a route runner. His potential is through the roof good and his speed/vertical skills are a great match with QB Josh Allen’s game.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss)
“Metcalf owned the combine -- he put up 225 pounds 27 times, he ran a 4.33 40 and he cemented his place as the No. 1 wide receiver. The Bills and quarterback Josh Allen desperately need a deep threat and Metcalf checks all those boxes and then some.”
Ben Standig, NBC Sports: DT Ed Oliver (Houston)
“The Bills landed their quarterback of the future in Josh Allen. With this pick they can add needed help for either line or receiver. The 2017 Outland Trophy may slip outside the top five selections because of concerns with his size, but the sub-300 pounder with impressive speed won’t be on the board for long.” Note: Metcalf goes 13th to Miami.
If you want to see what sort of consensus is building around teams, check out SB Nation’s Mock Draft Database. It collects data from dozens of mock drafts.
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