No. 30 – Edge Jaelan Phillips, Miami
The top two running backs are off the board, and it's a little early for Javonte Williams (North Carolina). So why not inject some life into a middle-of-the-road pass rush instead -- especially with Jerry Hughes turning 33 before the season. Phillips had 8.0 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2020.
No. 30 – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Bills got quality, albeit unspectacular individual contributions from young running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss in 2020, yet one thing was missing from the backfield -- home-run hitting ability. And that's precisely what Etienne would instantly provide. Plus, Brandon Beane was in Carolina when the Panthers had DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the early 2010s, and high up the organizational ladder when Christian McCaffrey was selected inside the top 10 in 2017. If Etienne's there, I truly think he'll be the pick.
No. 30 – OL Jackson Carman, Clemson
The Bills could use a running back, but it's not a first-round need with Zack Moss and Devin Singletary on the roster. They're set at wideout, so adding protection for Josh Allen makes sense.
No. 30 – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Well, I do know Bills fans are mad at me for predicting them to win nine games last year, so why not double down by suggesting they take a running back in this spot? I would like this move, too. It's kind of similar to what the Chiefs did last year with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (which might not be the best endorsement, but I digress). If you have a chance to add a guy who can solve your problems at running back and be a factor in the passing game, I suggest you do it.
TRADE No. 30, No. 61 and a third-round pick in 2022 to Arizona Cardinals for No. 16
No. 16 – Edge Kwity Paye, Michigan
The Bills really need to address their pass rush to push for the AFC crown in 2021. Their lack of pressure up front was evident in the AFC Championship Game last season. As such, in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft, the Bills give up pick 30 and 61 in 2021 and a third-round pick in 2022 to move up to 16. The Bills can add Kwity Paye, who is considered one of the safer EDGE options in this group.
No. 30 - LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Even after re-signing Matt Milano, the Bills pick Owusu-Koramoah to be their big nickel defender.
No. 30 – LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Buffalo already has a stout defense. With Matt Milano returning and Tremaine Edmunds in the middle, linebacker wasn't a high priority. However, they decide the talent and upside was too much to pass up and select Zaven Collins. Sean McDermott is building a defensive juggernaut.
No. 30 – DT Christian Barmore, Alabama
This would be a -- quite literally -- huge get for Buffalo. When considering the current DT market, this pairing drives a ton of value.
No. 30 – Edge Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
Mario Addison was tied for the team lead with five sacks and while there are also needs at linebacker and along the offensive line, Basham, who had a strong 2020 season for Wake Forest, has the talent to upgrade the unit on Day 1.
No. 30 – Edge Gregory Rousseau, Miami
A varied, devastating pass rusher, Rousseau can adapt to almost any scheme and make an impact. He's comfortable working from the outside and inside, giving the Bills a defensive tool to wreck havoc with.
No. 30 – CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
Farley's slotting in the first round is tenuous in the wake of an additional back procedure. While he's expected to be ready for camp, the Bills will need to have their team doctors clear him. This would be tremendous value if he ends up being ready to rock.
No. 30 – OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
Radunz is a big riser up draft boards coming off his stellar performance at the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl. He also earned 79.1 and 87.2 pass-blocking grades in his 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. The Bills already have starters at both left and right tackle in Daryl Williams and Dion Dawkins, but getting younger and cheaper at a premium position while adding depth is a good use of draft capital for a team with few holes and a soon-to-be highly paid quarterback.
No. 30 – Edge Jayson Oweh, Penn State
His college production (seven sacks in three seasons) was suboptimal, to be kind. But the 6-5, 257-pounder's pro day, which included a 4.36 40-yard dash, rekindled intrigue. Also, the AFC East champs can no longer rely on Jerry Hughes to consistently generate pressure.
TRADE No. 30 to Atlanta Falcons for No. 35, No. 108
The Bills are in a prime position to trade out of Thursday night's proceedings because of their solid roster; they receive a fourth-round pick from the Falcons in the deal and will likely send back a late fifth-round selection in return because it's only a five-spot move.
