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2022 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills 7-round mock

By Braulio Perez

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Head Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Head Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 25: Verone McKinley III #23 of the Oregon Ducks runs to make a tackle against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 25: Verone McKinley III #23 of the Oregon Ducks runs to make a tackle against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft – 3rd Round

Oregon. Verone McKinley III. S. 89. player. 16. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

The secondary was brought up earlier in this piece at cornerback, but what about safety? It’s important to remember that both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are about to enter the final year of their current contracts. Adding a rookie safety would be key for this defense.

In this case, let’s take a look at Oregon’s Verone McKinley III. If McKinley were to join the Bills, he’d be able to study behind Hype and Poyer, while also being able to provide the defense with some key playing time as well. He wouldn’t be rushed into things and thrown into the fire.

Should either Poyer or Hyde leave Buffalo after the 2022 campaign, which could happen, this would allow for someone like McKinley to take over a starting spot once 2023 rolls around. This would be a win-win for Buffalo, as he could get some needed experience next year before taking over a full-time spot.

In 2021 for Oregon, the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder recorded 44 tackles and six interceptions. He added six pass deflections and a forced fumble. You never know, McKinley could prove to be a third-round steal when fans look back on the 2022 NFL Draft. He sure makes plenty of sense for Buffalo.

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