Mock draft season

[TheBeaneBandit]

  On 3/21/2025 at 12:55 PM, MikePJ76 said:

Joe Buscaglia has a new mock.  I have to say I do not like this one at all.

 

Bills 2025 mock draft class (3/21)

 

The pick at No. 26: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, BC

The pick at No. 56: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

The pick at No. 62: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

The pick at No. 128: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

The pick at No. 132: Caleb Rogers, G/T, Texas Tech

The pick at No. 173: Jake Brinningstool, TE, Clemson

The pick at No. 177: Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland

The pick at No. 206: James Burnip, P, Alabama

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Really? Because realistically I'd say that's probably about the best we could hope for honestly.

[MikePJ76]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:08 PM, RyanC883 said:

 

what don't you like?  Not being argumentitive, generally curious.  

 

I'm fine until the Rogers pick, then it seems to be dart throwing.  Seems like better OL, TE, and S options available when he picks.  

 

I think Horton may be underrated.  

 

@GunnerBill, why the vomit emoji?  Don't like the Grant pick, or the suspension, or both?  Who would you have taken if you dislike Grant here?  

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I don't like trading up for Ezeiruaku.  Not a fan of Collins and especially not at 56 when Dane Jackson is currently the other starter across from benford.

 

And then porter seems like a reach at 62 plus he seems like a guy who is not going to be good enough to step right in and play day one opposite benford.

 

It seems the corners who will be good enough to play day one will all be close to gone by pick 56.  I would rather they take one at 30 or move back a little and take one as opposed to trading up for a rotational pass rusher.  I have no problem with Ezeiruaku at 30 if they get one of the better corners at 56.  I just don't see them making it there.  

 

I just didn't like Joe Buscaglia's approach here.  I am worried all three of those players might be just guys in a year or two on an nfl roster.

[LEBills]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:44 PM, MikePJ76 said:

I don't like trading up for Ezeiruaku.  Not a fan of Collins and especially not at 56 when Dane Jackson is currently the other starter across from benford.

 

And then porter seems like a reach at 62 plus he seems like a guy who is not going to be good enough to step right in and play day one opposite benford.

 

It seems the corners who will be good enough to play day one will all be close to gone by pick 56.  I would rather they take one at 30 or move back a little and take one as opposed to trading up for a rotational pass rusher.  I have no problem with Ezeiruaku at 30 if they get one of the better corners at 56.  I just don't see them making it there.  

 

I just didn't like Joe Buscaglia's approach here.  I am worried all three of those players might be just guys in a year or two on an nfl roster.

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Yea I think we basically have to go corner Rd1 because it’s a shallower draft there. Their will be good DL available day 2 

[Maine-iac]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:44 PM, MikePJ76 said:

I don't like trading up for Ezeiruaku.  Not a fan of Collins and especially not at 56 when Dane Jackson is currently the other starter across from benford.

 

And then porter seems like a reach at 62 plus he seems like a guy who is not going to be good enough to step right in and play day one opposite benford.

 

It seems the corners who will be good enough to play day one will all be close to gone by pick 56.  I would rather they take one at 30 or move back a little and take one as opposed to trading up for a rotational pass rusher.  I have no problem with Ezeiruaku at 30 if they get one of the better corners at 56.  I just don't see them making it there.  

 

I just didn't like Joe Buscaglia's approach here.  I am worried all three of those players might be just guys in a year or two on an nfl roster.

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Take CB first, then your preference of DT.  I like Collins but there are several good ones who will be there at 56.  Take David Walker later in day 3.  He's got the production and actually a little more size.  Ezeiruaku wouldn't even be starting if we took him anyways.  He'd keep Solomon company.

[OldTimer1960]

  On 3/21/2025 at 1:51 PM, gonzo1105 said:

Ezeiruaku is super underrated on this board. He doesn’t have a jet like first step because, imo after watching a lot of his tape , he watches to see what the OT is doing before he decides which one of his many developed pass rush moves he’s going to use. 
 

He’s light but he was fine as a run defender in college and at the senior bowl. Pearce is the same weight,  3 pounds lighter than Mike Green and 2 inch longer arms, 9 pounds lighter than Nic Scourton. He’s not significantly smaller than the other DEs in his range. 
 

He’s more of a tactician than a pure speed rusher and he’ll prob get swallowed up sometimes by 330 pound guys but so will the rest of the DEs in this class at times 

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Boy, Scourton has come down A LOT in weight.  He was 280 if he weighed an ounce during last season and not all of it was good weight.  I’m still thinking that Scourton at 260 is still considerably more powerful than Ezeiruaku.  I would say that Ezeiruaku has the advantage in pass rush moves and flexibility.  It will be interesting to see their 40 times and 10 yard splits.

 

i do worry that putting an undersized DE in Ezeiruaku out there with undersized DT (Oliver) in front of two undersized LBs playing 4-2-5 with a small nickel CB might not be a good idea.

  On 3/21/2025 at 5:23 PM, gonzo1105 said:

 

Pretty impressive for a man at 330 pounds 

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But *maybe* not so impressive that he would be a lock to be taken before 30.  I am not counting on him lasting until 30, but there is at least a slim chance.

[gonzo1105]

  On 3/21/2025 at 8:27 PM, OldTimer1960 said:

Boy, Scourton has come down A LOT in weight.  He was 280 if he weighed an ounce during last season and not all of it was good weight.  I’m still thinking that Scourton at 260 is still considerably more powerful than Ezeiruaku.  I would say that Ezeiruaku has the advantage in pass rush moves and flexibility.  It will be interesting to see their 40 times and 10 yard splits.

 

i do worry that putting an undersized DE in Ezeiruaku out there with undersized DT (Oliver) in front of two undersized LBs playing 4-2-5 with a small nickel CB might not be a good idea.

But *maybe* not so impressive that he would be a lock to be taken before 30.  I am not counting on him lasting until 30, but there is at least a slim chance.

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I’ve said I find it hard to believe he’ll be there at 30 too but I wish he played with more fire for a man his size. That’s usually what happens with big guys. He possesses everything to be dominant but at times I watch his tape and I’m like eh depending on the game 

[Stenbar]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:56 PM, LEBills said:

Yea I think we basically have to go corner Rd1 because it’s a shallower draft there. Their will be good DL available day 2 

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I only see 3 corners in rd one. Hunter, Barron, and Johnson. If Barron makes it to 30 then you have to take him. I would be very shy after that. Emmanwori if he is there, Grant if all of the above are gone.  Need to draft a game changer with our 1st pick no if and or buts about it.

[LEBills]

  On 3/21/2025 at 8:55 PM, Stenbar said:

I only see 3 corners in rd one. Hunter, Barron, and Johnson. If Barron makes it to 30 then you have to take him. I would be very shy after that. Emmanwori if he is there, Grant if all of the above are gone.  Need to draft a game changer with our 1st pick no if and or buts about it.

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Yea I think the problem is Beane will overdraft for need. I think Hairston, Morrison (medical red flag), Amos and Thomas are early second rounders that may not make it to our pick.

[Stenbar]

  On 3/21/2025 at 10:50 PM, LEBills said:

Yea I think the problem is Beane will overdraft for need. I think Hairston, Morrison (medical red flag), Amos and Thomas are early second rounders that may not make it to our pick.

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He did that with Elam, I'm not so sure he would take a chance with a 1st rd pick on a if come maybe CB again. I despise drafting CB's in the first rd. Very few make a huge impact, let alone stay more than one contract. Just aint worth it. 

[gonzo1105]

  On 3/21/2025 at 10:50 PM, LEBills said:

Yea I think the problem is Beane will overdraft for need. I think Hairston, Morrison (medical red flag), Amos and Thomas are early second rounders that may not make it to our pick.

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Drafting Hairston, Amos wouldn’t be a reach at 30. There is a possibility one if not both could actually go before the Bills pick imo. Morrison and Thomas who reportedly ran 4.55 today would be imo 

Edited Saturday at 05:58 AM by gonzo1105

[Richard Noggin]

Thoughts on this effort to concentrate picks into the top-100 range (by trading down from the top and up from the bottom)?

 

 

Really fills out the defensive depth chart in 2025 and beyond. Backup QB candidate who would be a lot cheaper and probably less gun shy than Mitch. Boundary WR with production and traits. The RB Johnson falling to the mid-3rd was unexpected, and might facilitate moving on from Cook sooner rather than later. 

[GunnerBill]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:28 PM, TheBeaneBandit said:

Really? Because realistically I'd say that's probably about the best we could hope for honestly.

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Meh. I don't like Ezeiruaku at 30. I'm probably lower than the consensus on him. But what I see is a guy who is very technically sound but is at his limit. He is physically what he is and there isn't much technical tidy up to do. So I kind of feel he is tapped out. Safe floor. Don't see a ceiling that is more than a pretty reliable 3 down edge who you will be content with as your #2 but when his rookie deal is up you'll let walk. And another team will sign him to a 3 year medium sized deal and then the pattern will repeat. He is my EDGE9. If the Bills pick him in round 2, absolutely no issue. But he won't get there. And I do not think he has the potential ceiling to be a first round pick.

[Dr. Who]

  On 3/22/2025 at 9:22 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

Meh. I don't like Ezeiruaku at 30. I'm probably lower than the consensus on him. But what I see is a guy who is very technically sound but is at his limit. He is physically what he is and there isn't much technical tidy up to do. So I kind of feel he is tapped out. Safe floor. Don't see a ceiling that is more than a pretty reliable 3 down edge who you will be content with as your #2 but when his rookie deal is up you'll let walk. And another team will sign him to a 3 year medium sized deal and then the pattern will repeat. He is my EDGE9. If the Bills pick him in round 2, absolutely no issue. But he won't get there. And I do not think he has the potential ceiling to be a first round pick.

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Unfortunately, you've just defined the usual Beane first round pick.

[GunnerBill]

  On 3/21/2025 at 7:44 PM, MikePJ76 said:

I am worried all three of those players might be just guys in a year or two on an nfl roster.

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I think Porter has some ceiling. I know he is 24 and was a 6th year senior but he has played one year of corner, is a bit of a freak athletically and has the traits you look for. The issue with him is more if he is your only corner pick for a team that needs a starter..... you are going to take some lumps early. The other two I do think are safe floor guys not dudes though. 

 

Collins is 23, and is going to be a starting 1tech in the NFL. He might legit be a two contract guy. That is a need for this team so I sort of get it. But he isn't a star. 

 

Ezeiruaku is another starter not star to me. I can actually see the Bills loving him. He is their type. But I think his ceiling in the NFL is solid DE2. I think, especially on a team like the Bills where the issue is not enough elite talent, you should be shooting higher with your first round pick. 

  On 3/22/2025 at 5:55 AM, gonzo1105 said:

Drafting Hairston, Amos wouldn’t be a reach at 30. There is a possibility one if not both could actually go before the Bills pick imo. Morrison and Thomas who reportedly ran 4.55 today would be imo 

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If Thomas is 4.55 as a guy whose calling card is supposed to be his man coverage ability he might even slide out of round 2. 

  On 3/22/2025 at 4:15 AM, Stenbar said:

He did that with Elam, I'm not so sure he would take a chance with a 1st rd pick on a if come maybe CB again. I despise drafting CB's in the first rd. Very few make a huge impact, let alone stay more than one contract. Just aint worth it. 

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Beane drafts his biggest need with his first pick. Always. His biggest need is a corner.

[Bill from NYC]

  On 3/22/2025 at 9:41 AM, GunnerBill said:

 

Beane drafts his biggest need with his first pick. Always. His biggest need is a corner.

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True. I'm sure that better receivers are a "secondary" need.

  On 3/22/2025 at 4:15 AM, Stenbar said:

He did that with Elam, I'm not so sure he would take a chance with a 1st rd pick on a if come maybe CB again. I despise drafting CB's in the first rd. Very few make a huge impact, let alone stay more than one contract. Just aint worth it. 

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Off the charts, EXCELLENT post!!!

[LEBills]

  On 3/22/2025 at 5:55 AM, gonzo1105 said:

Drafting Hairston, Amos wouldn’t be a reach at 30. There is a possibility one if not both could actually go before the Bills pick imo. Morrison and Thomas who reportedly ran 4.55 today would be imo 

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I would be really happy with Hairston or Amos at 30. I’m not sure they would go first round if we don’t select them. Hairston is slender and missed half the year, Amos lacks top end speed despite how he timed in the 40. 
 

I don’t think the Bills will select Morrison due to his hip injury. Thomas I actually liked quite a bit more than I was expecting, though he had to grow on me. Seemed to get better as the games went along and got a feel for things and he totally beat WRs up by the end of games. Though you have seen more of him than me.  Not sure if he fits the Bills defense great unless we do make a philosophy switch.

 

My fear is we miss out on those guys though because the next tier of CBs is rough. If we don’t get one of those 4, I would just wait for Kone, Bryant or another day 3 prospect that makes it to our 4th round pick.

[nosejob]

  On 3/21/2025 at 8:01 PM, Maine-iac said:

Take CB first, then your preference of DT.  I like Collins but there are several good ones who will be there at 56.  Take David Walker later in day 3.  He's got the production and actually a little more size.  Ezeiruaku wouldn't even be starting if we took him anyways.  He'd keep Solomon company.

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I'd rather take Princely. 6'4+ 260-265. ...in the 2nd

[Maine-iac]

  On 3/22/2025 at 1:42 PM, nosejob said:

I'd rather take Princely. 6'4+ 260-265. ...in the 2nd

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Princely weighed in at 244 at the combine.  All being opinions.  There's many different ways to slice a draft.  With two picks fairly close here it's conceivable to get both a DT and Princely.  I wouldn't dislike that either.    I personally feel like projecting pass rushers is much like pass catchers and is very hit or miss and later pick guys will produce as much as early round guys.  That said I like the prospect and I certainly wouldn't be upset with the pick but I want a top DT more than a DE project.  If we got both I'd be all smiles.

[nosejob]

  On 3/22/2025 at 2:01 PM, Maine-iac said:

Princely weighed in at 244 at the combine.  All being opinions.  There's many different ways to slice a draft.  With two picks fairly close here it's conceivable to get both a DT and Princely.  I wouldn't dislike that either.    I personally feel like projecting pass rushers is much like pass catchers and is very hit or miss and later pick guys will produce as much as early round guys.  That said I like the prospect and I certainly wouldn't be upset with the pick but I want a top DT more than a DE project.  If we got both I'd be all smiles.

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 You and me both. I believe Bleacher report FWIW, likens Princely to Danielle Hunter.

Edited Saturday at 04:59 PM by nosejob

[GunnerBill]

  On 3/22/2025 at 12:48 PM, LEBills said:

I would be really happy with Hairston or Amos at 30. I’m not sure they would go first round if we don’t select them. Hairston is slender and missed half the year, Amos lacks top end speed despite how he timed in the 40. 
 

I don’t think the Bills will select Morrison due to his hip injury. Thomas I actually liked quite a bit more than I was expecting, though he had to grow on me. Seemed to get better as the games went along and got a feel for things and he totally beat WRs up by the end of games. Though you have seen more of him than me.  Not sure if he fits the Bills defense great unless we do make a philosophy switch.

 

My fear is we miss out on those guys though because the next tier of CBs is rough. If we don’t get one of those 4, I would just wait for Kone, Bryant or another day 3 prospect that makes it to our 4th round pick.

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Agree with the bolded. That is where I am. Would be happy with either of those but I think they have limited landing spots at the end of round 1. Vikings, Rams, Bills with the Bills being by far the most likely, or they go in the first 10 picks day 2.