1. Buffalo moves up in the latest NFL Power Rankings
Even though we are months out from the 2021 season opener, it's never too early for some updated NFL Power Rankings. Around the NFL Writer Dan Hanzus released post-NFL draft ranks on every team, and the Bills moved up to No. 3 after the draft.
Hanzus thinks Buffalo deserved to move up one spot after addressing the pass rush in the draft.
3. Buffalo Bills
Previous rank: No. 4
If the Bills had a discernible weakness they needed to address entering the offseason it was their pass rush. No Buffalo defender had more than five sacks during the team's 13-3 campaign, so the Bills used the draft to add some firepower. The team gobbled up Miami edge Gregory Rousseau in the first round (No. 30 overall), then doubled down by selecting Carlos Basham Jr. one round later (No. 61). Both prospects will get the opportunity to contribute as rookies, and the Bills need at least one of them to hit in an offseason where the AFC-best Chiefs have fortified their offensive line.
2. Is this the biggest offseason question for the Bills?
The NFL Draft is over, but what questions remain for each team based on how they drafted?
ESPN dove into Buffalo's selections and thinks the biggest question ahead of the season has to do with how big of a role some rookies will play.
Will Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr. help revitalize the Bills' pass rush?
Buffalo surprisingly took defensive ends in the first and second rounds after failing to pressure Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game last season. With Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison not going anywhere in 2021, the Bills will need the two rookies to develop quickly alongside 2020 second-round pick A.J. Epenesa if they want to remain among the AFC's elite teams. With three premium picks invested in pass-rushers over the past two years, Buffalo needs to see results sooner rather than later. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
3. Bleacher Report gives the Bills draft grade after their 2021 haul
The Bills finished the 2021 NFL Draft with eight new players, including three offensive linemen and two defensive linemen. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team believes in being strong up front. Due to those additions, Bleacher Report gives Buffalo a B for their draft.
The Buffalo Bills were in a similar situation, and they also smartly hit a position of need early and often by grabbing edges Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr. in the first two rounds.
Some might have been clamoring for a running back or a cornerback, but drafting backs early has been proven to be a faulty strategy and the Bills at least have Tre'Davious White and Levi Wallace at corner. Rousseau in particular might need time, but he'll get it in Buffalo because Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are there for now.
I say "for now" because those two are 32 and 33 years old, respectively. The Bills need fresh blood beyond A.J. Epenesa on the edge, and they need as many pass-rushing weapons as they can find in order to get to Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in the quest for AFC supremacy.
However, third-round offensive tackle Spencer Brown didn't address an immediate need at all and came off the board with plenty of really intriguing corners available. In fact, they didn't hit corner until grabbing Rachad Wildgoose and never hit running back at all.
This particular class will need more time than most, but the good outweighs the curious for now.
Overall Grade: B
