Buffalo Bills: 2016 7-round NFL mock draft
By John Buhler
If USC Trojans junior outside linebacker Su’a Cravens falls to the Bills in the third round at No. 80, don’t think for a second than Ryan would pass up this type of pass rushing potential on the outside. Cravens may have a second round grade, but the Bills could get a big boost at outside linebacker by taking him at No. 80.
Scouts like Cravens’ versatility to play in an outside linebacker/strong safety hybrid. While the 46 defense of Ryan’s father Buddy while with the 1985 Chicago Bears is antiquated in the modern passing game of the NFL, could the younger Ryan find a use for a STAR hybrid player like Cravens in his defensive scheme? Absolutely.
Perhaps more than ever, the NFL values players that can do several things at many positions. Cravens has the length and the speed to both effect the passer on a blitz, as well as the ability to drop back into coverage as an oversized strong safety.
With NFL defense more than ever needing a player to appropriately cover the tight end and slot receiver position, perhaps going with an outside linebacker/strong safety hybrid like Cravens would be a wise decision for the Bills to make at No. 80.
He should go in the No. 50-60 range, but if Cravens falls to the Bills at No. 80, Ryan will target him and take him in the middle of the third round, regardless of the Bills having a more pressing issue at inside linebacker entering the 2016 NFL Draft.
Next: 117. Kenny Lawler, Wide Receiver, Cal