*Below is the sixth edition of Mock Draft Watch – a rundown of the latest mock drafts compiled by Buffalobills.com via local and national NFL reporters … *
Tuesday, March 20 – Dan Bilicki, Toronto Sun#10 CB Dre Kirkpartick, AlabamaBilicki's take: Defensive secondary was repeatedly shown up late in the season.
Tuesday, March 20 – Joe Buscaglia, WGR 550#10 WR Michael Floyd, Notre DameBuscaglia's take: - This was a tough call for me. It came down to picking between Michael Floyd and Stanford's Jonathan Martin. On one hand, I know the Bills' need for a starting left tackle is great. They constantly say Chris Hairston has a ways to go to become a dependable starter, I get that. But in the case of Martin, I just don't know if he's worth the pick with a talent like Michael Floyd still on the board. Sure, receiver isn't as pressing a need as an offensive tackle, but getting a firm, number two wide receiver to compliment Stevie Johnson is critical to what the Bills can do on offense. Donald Jones, while a good blocker, just isn't getting it done. Floyd has the size, speed, strength, jumping ability and hands to be a dependable target for his quarterback. With the way Buddy Nix has shown he'll draft in the past, they'll take the best player on the board. Floyd is it in this scenario.
#41 DE Vinny Curry, MarshallThis pick remains the same. Despite roping in the biggest fish in free agency in their franchise's history, defensive end remains a need. Mario Williams will assume the left defensive end spot from how Buddy Nix was talking after the fact. That means either Chris Kelsay or Shawne Merriman will assume the right defensive end, which isn't a good idea on a further-than-this-season basis. A replacement will have to be brought in to bring along and take over at that right defensive end spot for the long-term. I know that the Bills' defensive staff loves what Vinny Curry brings to the table. I continue to believe if he's on the board at 41, he'll be the Bills pick.
Wednesday, March 21 – Wes Bunting, National Football Post#10 T Riley Reiff, IowaBunting's take: Reiff is an athletic tackle with good range off the edge, natural change of direction skills and has the ability to sit into his stance on contact. He needs to get stronger and fill out a bit more. However, this former tight end recruit has the type of athleticism and demeanor to mature into the kind of blind side protector the Bills are looking for.
Wednesday, March 21 – Charley Casserly, NFL.com#10 DE Quinton Coples, North CarolinaCasserly's take: Coples could be an imposing bookend to newly signed Mario Williams.
Friday, March 23 – Clifton Brown, Sporting News#10 LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
Friday, March 23 – Don Banks, SI.com#10 OT Riley Reiff, IowaBanks' take: It's amazing how much good $140 million or so can do at the defensive end position. But with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson newly signed, the Bills can look to fill other needs at No. 10. Offensive left tackle is a glaring deficiency, and either Reiff or Stanford's Jonathan Martin should be there for the taking. Reiff is not this high on the draft board of some teams, and could fall in the first round. If the Bills want to continue to focus on defense, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw would add some edge rush ability.
