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Buffalo Bills full 2021 NFL mock draft

By Rucker Haringey

Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws to running back Travis Etienne (9) against Miami Hurricanes defensive line Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first quarte at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws to running back Travis Etienne (9) against Miami Hurricanes defensive line Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first quarte at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bils mock draft, Sean McDermott
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

The Bills took control of the AFC East in 2020, but they need a productive 2021 NFL Draft if they want to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders. 

Josh Allen’s emergence as one of the top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL powered the Bills to an AFC East title in 2020. The challenge for Buffalo now is to go from good to great. The team’s front office needs to execute a perfect 2021 NFL Draft strategy to achieve that lofty goal.

Sean McDermott and his coaching staff will be particularly interested in adding more defensive talent as the draft rolls along. Finding an impact edge-rusher should be a high priority for Buffalo in the early rounds. High-priced veterans like Mario Addison and Vernon Butler could both be cut to free up valuable salary-cap space. That leaves the Bills with potential needs at both tackle and defensive end.

Cornerback is also a position the franchise should address in this year’s draft. Josh Norman is headed for free agency and he wasn’t all that productive last season. Finding a new starter opposite Tre’Davious White would be solid roster construction by Buffalo.

The Bills have done a nice job building their roster through the draft in recent years and they need that trend to continue their ascendancy up the NFL ranks.

Edge. 16. Pick Analysis. Miami. Jaelan Phillips. 30. player. Scouting Report

Even if Addison stays on the roster Buffalo still needs to add a young edge-rusher to build around. Phillip’s concussion history of concerns is a major concern for teams interested in drafting him, but the risk is worth the reward for the Bills at No. 30.

The former Miami standout needs to add weight to hold up as an end at the NFL level, but he’s got the burst required to become a quality sack artist from the perimeter. He represents just the sort of big swing the Bills should be taking in Round 1.

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