2019 NFL mock draft: Full 7-round version
By Joe Romano
9. Buffalo Bills
Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
An interesting team to watch during the draft are the Buffalo Bills. They overachieved a bit last year and have some foundational pieces on both sides of the ball. Their defense specifically is vastly underrated and loaded with playmakers on the back end. Offensively there are holes that need to be filled but quarterback Josh Allen is proving many wrong already. Allen showcased exceptional athleticism during his rookie season and grew as a passer with the worst receiving corps in the NFL. That is why this would be an ideal landing spot for D.K. Metcalf.
Too bad Oakland jumped at those athletic traits five picks ago. Another eye to keep an eye on would be Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. Charles Clay has been injured and up-and-down as of late. Hockenson would give Allen a seam stretcher who can line up and block when they choose to run. A tight end is not called a quarterbacks best friend for no reason. Top ten still seems a bit rich, even for a versatile and clean prospect like Hockenson.
Instead, Buffalo should stick to the offensive side of the ball and turn their attention to helping Allen in another way. They need to figure out ways to protect him better so he does not have to be a 100-yard rusher in multiple games next season. Dion Dawkins is solid at tackle but on the other side there is a massive hole.
Enter Washington State’s Andre Dillard. Another big winner from the combine, Dillard showed his fluid movement skills both on the field and in drills. He’s a massive man at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds. Even at that size he was able to run a sub-5 40-yard dash. Dillard also was the best broad jumped of the offensive lineman and second best at the three cone drill of the group. That shows that he is able to combine explosive hips with fluid change of direction skills. His light feet make him the best pass blocker in the draft. Buffalo could pair him with Dawkins and protect Allen for years to come.