No. 9 – DT Ed Oliver, Houston
With Kyle Williams retiring, the Bills have a need on the interior of their line. It's a need Oliver fills. He's coming off a three-year college career that saw him record 53 tackles for a loss. He might also be the best player available regardless of position.
No. 9 – DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
The Bills' defense gave up the third fewest yards per play last season (4.86) and were one of only four teams to allow 5 or fewer yards per play on first down (4.97). In the wake of Kyle Williams' retirement, fortifying the defensive tackle position is key. The Clemson product's ability to both stop the run and defend the pass meant he graded in the top three amongst interior defenders last season, per PFF.
No. 15 – (mock trade with Washington) OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida
Helping Josh Allen has to be the focus of this draft, and while free agency has added some solid pieces to the offensive line and receiver group, they could still use a stud for each. Here they give Allen the top tackle in the draft, who can play either side, and add an extra pick in the process.
No. 9 –TE Noah Fant, Iowa
The Bills could easily go with an offensive lineman here, and it would make sense even though they did spend some capital in that area in free agency. However, a young, developing QB like Josh Allen needs a TE who can become his go-to guy. I think Fant is the best TE in this draft.
No. 9 – CB Byron Murphy, Washington
… Byron Murphy fits perfectly opposite Tre'Davious White in that scheme, as Murphy is perhaps the best zone coverage corner.
No. 9 – DT Ouinnen Williams, Alabama
There's no way Williams falls to the Bills, right? Either way, he's is a monster, dominating just about every snap during the 2018 season. And he came to the combine and dominated there too, blazing a 4.83 40-yard dash, which only confirms what we already knew: Williams' physical abilities are off the charts.
No. 9 – DT Ed Oliver, Houston
There is a chance Oliver could go in the top five picks. He's certainly garnering some interest. Some mock drafts have him going as high as No. 4 to the Raiders, with whom he has a visit scheduled. The Cardinals, who own the first overall pick, are also bringing him in. It's with just cause that so many teams are fascinated by Oliver. He has elite get-off at the snap and creates pressure consistently. He's not the biggest, and his pass rush repertoire needs work, but he will make an impact early in his career.
No. 9 – T Jawaan Taylor, Florida
The Buffalo Bills need a physical presence in the trenches. In November and December when there's blustery, inclement weather at New Era Field, the offense could use a mauler on the offensive line; Jawaan Taylor fits the bill.
For the most part, Taylor lined up on the right side of Florida's offensive line. He could play the same position in Buffalo. General manager Brandon Beane signed offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe during free agency, but he's headed into his age-34 campaign. The Bills need a long-term solution with upside.
Taylor would hold the edge for running back LeSean McCoy and keep top-level pass-rushers off of Josh Allen. The strong-armed signal-caller would have enough time to deliver deep throws to John Brown and find Cole Beasley in the slot. Assuming 2017 second-round pick Dion Dawkins remains on the blind side, the Bills could bookend their front line with two early-round draft picks.
No. 9 – DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
If I have one goal for this draft and Buffalo, it's to improve the pass rush. It wasn't bad in 2018, but competitors have to have a strong 4-man rush in the modern NFL, and Buffalo's starting four is just lacking in juice (outside of the timeless Jerry Hughes).
While I looked at nifty edge bender Brian Burns here, I had to stay true to Sean McDermott's preferences and grab the size, strength, and athleticism of Montez Sweat. He isn't a great pure rusher, but he can win with his hand in the dirt or from a stand-up alignment, and his power and length can be devastating with further development.
No. 9 – DE Rashan Gary, Michigan
He's 6-6 and 283 pounds. He can play end and slide down inside to tackle. "Rashad Gary is an enigma," Kiper said. "You expect more than 10 sacks in a career for a guy with that kind of talent. You expect 20-plus career sacks with that kind of talent and you didn't get it. Will the scheme allow him to get turned it loose in the NFL? Will that allow him to be productive as a pro than he was in college. That's a roll of the dice."
