Buffalo Bills full 2019 NFL mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – Pick 40
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
As mentioned in the previous slide, surrounding Josh Allen with talent should be the number one priority of this draft. Allen’s got a long way to go to be an elite passer but the arm talent is there and giving him better skill positions will make that trek easier. The good news for the Bills is that this is an extremely deep wide receiver class. There will be great value for them atop round two.
The best of the bunch that was left in this mock draft is Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler. Butler actually carries a first round grade on my big board, which made it surprising to see him slip here. In the real draft I expect him to be the second receiver off the board after D.K. Metcalf.
Butler has the size and skill set of a true No. 1 receiver on the next level. Evident by the picture above, his best trait is winning with his massive frame and in contested catch situations. His run after the catch prowess was on display in many occasions at Iowa State. At the combine, Butler opened some eyes with a solid time in the 40 (4.48). That sub 4.5 time certainly helped his stock despite not doing the agility drills, an area where his long frame would have hurt him.
Another reason that Butler would fit in Buffalo is that he is an active run blocker with excellent strength. Even with his insane length and 35.25 inch arms, he was able to put up 18 reps on the bench press.
This fit for Buffalo is ideal. Butler would enter as the top receiver but it slots former second round pick Zay Jones into the Z role where he can thrive. It also gives Allen another deep weapon to go with the surprising undrafted rookie Robert Foster who ended last season with a strong push. Finding this kind of value in round two would be an excellent haul for the Bills.