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Buffalo Bills 7-Round 2016 NFL Mock Draft

By Chase Ruttig

Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of a Buffalo Bills helmet on the turf prior to the game against the Denver Broncos Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of a Buffalo Bills helmet on the turf prior to the game against the Denver Broncos Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) and Mississippi Rebels linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche (4) tackle New Mexico State Aggies quarterback Nick Jeanty (12) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) and Mississippi Rebels linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche (4) tackle New Mexico State Aggies quarterback Nick Jeanty (12) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1: Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss DT

Before we touch on Robert Nkemdiche’s marijuana citation and his fall from a balcony that led to his Sugar Bowl suspension as well as a fall in his draft stock, we should focus on Nkemdiche’s scandal being a perfect opportunity for the Bills to capitalize on a Top 10 talent who could fall to the middle of the draft come Draft Day in 2016.

Nkemdiche is one of the most enticing defensive line prospects in the 2016 class, and after declaring early despite the marijuana headlines that led to his suspension for his final game at Ole Miss, it appears that he is confident he will still be picked relatively highly in the first round. But the hope here for the Bills is that he can slide just enough outside of the Top 10 that Buffalo are ready and waiting to get a value pick with immense talent to bypass their middle of the pack status.

With explosive players on offense and a defense that has struggled throughout the first season under Ryan, a cornerstone piece on the defensive line could help give the Bills the type of presence they need to begin to change their defensive identity. Something that is sorely needed based on the on-field results that have transpired this year as the Bills have exited the playoff race.

There are other options on the board that could be potential cornerstones, but Nkemdiche is a special talent that could be available at a value due to his controversy. If that is the case then the Bills would be wise to take advantage and get an impact player who can make a difference in the trenches for years to come, even if it comes at a slight risk due to the red flag of the balcony incident.

Other Round 1 Options: Reggie Ragland, MLB. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE. 

Next: Round 2

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