When day one of the NFL draft arrives in just over two weeks, Bills fans will have to remind themselves that Stefon Diggs is effectively their first-round pick this year. It was part of what Buffalo surrendered to acquire the dynamic receiver in a trade with Minnesota. Bills GM Brandon Beane will be doing much the same as he watches players come off the board, knowing he's very likely to sit out round one on April 23rd.
"Day one will be hard," said Beane. "We've just got to play some videos of Stefon Diggs when pick 22 comes up. But beyond that, we'll just be patient and go through it and watch it all."
Scroll through to view photos of prospects that some mock draft experts have Buffalo selecting in the second or third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) goes in for a touchdown against Wisconsin cornerback Faion Hicks (1) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins runs for a 33-yard touchdown against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) lines up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
Tulane running back Amare Jones is tackled for a loss by Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) signals to teammates before a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, in Gainesville, Fla. Davidson was selected to The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference football team, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland carries out a United States flag as the team takes the field to face Air Force in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) lines up on the edge to rush the quarterback against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) gets set against LSU during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
Miami offensive lineman Zion Nelson (60), right, blocks against Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
UT Martin quarterback John Bachus III scramble past Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
Colorado State quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels (1) scrambles as he is chased by Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard takes up his position during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, left, is hit by Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) as he releases the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) looks over his shoulder as he runs an 80-yard touchdown after recovering a Vanderbilt fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche plays against Rutgers in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche plays against Middle Tennessee in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche (6) pressures Western Michigan quarterback Jon Wassink (16) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
South safety Kyle Dugger of Lenoir Rhyne (23) participates in drills as the South squad practices for the Senior Bowl Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
South safety Kyle Dugger of Lenoir Rhyne (23) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
Lenoir Rhyne defensive back Kyle Dugger works out for scouts as the South squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
EDGE | Curtis Weaver | Boise State
Weaver is another versatile defensive lineman that could even slide inside at times to rush the passer. He might make sense for a DL that likes to rotate players a good amount.
Boise State linebacker Curtis Weaver (99) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
EDGE | Curtis Weaver | Boise State
Weaver is another versatile defensive lineman that could even slide inside at times to rush the passer. He might make sense for a DL that likes to rotate players a good amount.
Boise State linebacker Curtis Weaver (99) looks to the sidelines during in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
RB | Cam Akers | Florida State
Akers was a very productive back in college and is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. He could be a solid contributor as a rookie.
Florida State running back Cam Akers runs for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
RB | Cam Akers | Florida State
Akers was a very productive back in college and is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. He could be a solid contributor as a rookie.
Florida State's Cam Akers runs in the open field during an NCAA college football game with Syracuse, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 in Tallahassee Fla. Florida State won 35-17. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (83) reacts after a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Bowling Green, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool during an NCAA football game on Monday, Sept. 2 , 2019 in Louisville , Ky . (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (83) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in South Bend, Ind.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) runs for a touchdown past Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade (24) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, in Indianapolis. Taylor was selected to The Associated Press All-Big Ten Conference team, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor celebrates a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 38-0. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall (34) during an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. Virginia defeated William & Mary 51-17. (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Bryce Hall #34 of the Virginia Cavaliers in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Virginia's Bryce Hall (34) runs the ball following an interception as North Carolina's Jordan Cunningham tries to make the tackle during the first half an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara during an NCAA football game on Monday, Sept. 2 , 2019 in Louisville , Ky . (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) works against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) plays in the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson (3) is pressured by Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn. Darrell Taylor is coming off a breakthrough season but believes he’s capable of doing even better. Taylor recorded eight sacks last year, the most of any Southeastern Conference player who’s back this fall. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) plays against Mississippi State in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter (5) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
DE | Trevis Gipson | Tulsa
Long and fast. Trevis Gipson could be a sleeper prospect that could make a big impact as a rookie with his pass rushing ability.
Tulsa defensive end Trevis Gipson (15) attempts a tackle on Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
CB | Cameron Dantzler | Mississippi State
Dantzler is great in press coverage, and could be a good candidate to learn from Buffalo's current group at CB.
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) returns an interception against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
CB | Cameron Dantzler | Mississippi State
Dantzler is great in press coverage, and could be a good candidate to learn from Buffalo's current group at CB.
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) defends Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley (2) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Mississippi State won, 38-28. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
DT | Ross Blacklock | TCU
If Buffalo looks to add more size on the interior of the DL to help with run defense, Blacklock could make a lot of sense in the second or third round.
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (90) rallies his teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 45-22. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
DT | Ross Blacklock | TCU
If Buffalo looks to add more size on the interior of the DL to help with run defense, Blacklock could make a lot of sense in the second or third round.
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Not having a first-round pick for the first time in his tenure as Bills general manager, Beane's strategy for the draft won't deviate from his overall philosophy of taking the best player available. It doesn't have to with the way he has built Buffalo's roster the past few offseasons, first in free agency and then the draft.
But without a first-round pick and the draft to take place virtually with he and members of his staff in separate locations, after a league decision Monday, the lens through which Beane and his personnel department views the draft will be different. As Buffalo's personnel boss sees it, the most ardent work for them will come when round one concludes.
"The big thing will be when day one is over, which we do whether we have a pick or not, we'll stay there for a little bit and stare at the board and start looking over what's still on the board that we like," he said. "Is there anybody left that we gave first round grades to? Obviously those are targets."
That proved to be the case in last year's draft. When the first round was over, Buffalo still had a player with a first-round grade on their board in Cody Ford. They began to formulate plans based on anticipated scenarios of how the seven picks in front of them in round two might go and when it might be time to move up the board to secure the offensive lineman.
When Ford was still on the board after pick 37 was made, Buffalo swung a trade with the Raiders sending their pick at 40 and a fifth-round pick to move up two spots to take the Oklahoma offensive lineman.
"How long do we let a guy stay there (on the board) before we make a move like Cody Ford last year," Beane said. "To solve that we start looking at all the teams in front of us and what their needs are.
"Let's just say we were looking at receiver and let's say we have three receivers there in the second round. And how many teams that didn't take a receiver in the first that we have penciled as a team that we see a receiver need for maybe they reach here in the second round for that guy and will the third guy get to us? Maybe we love to have any of these three, if two of them go, do we want to be aggressive and go get that other one? Or do we want to be patient? Maybe we get one in the third round and focus on another position. That'll be my plan. Watch day one. And then see what's on the board for us to be ready for day two."
Buffalo's personnel department has been hard at work trying to check off all the boxes on all the prospects with draftable grades despite the Covid-19 restrictions, which has prevented pre-draft visits to One Bills Drive, college pro days and player medical exams by team physicians.
"I really feel like our scouts have done a great job in the fall of talking about who these guys were. We had guys at the East-West Shrine game, the NFLPA and Senior Bowl. We did have the Combine. So we had our formal interviews, but we also try and get around some of the guys, and I can't get around them all, but I tried to spread things out. So I feel like we got to know some of these guys."
Beane said they have been making use of FaceTime and Zoom conferencing to replace the pre-draft visits to One Bills Drive that can't happen now.
"Is it the same as bringing a guy in your building or going on campus and being able to take him out to dinner, getting him in a meeting room? Probably not, but it's equal across the (board)," Beane said. "Everybody is dealing with the same thing. So we'll get to the right answer here within a few weeks."
As for getting the medical information to feel comfortable about drafting a prospect with an injury history, Beane and his staff are using their professional contacts to acquire as much background as they can to make the best decision possible on prospects.
"We're trying to close as many loops as we can, either through our medical staff making calls to trainers, doctors, whatever," said Beane. "The bigger medical concerns would be anybody that was supposed to come back to the medical re-checks, or non-combine guys. Our guys are working to get some answers from some of the fellow trainers, doctors, at some of these schools where these guys were that were not invited to the combine."
Beane admits that it's possible they can't check every box for every prospect under the current circumstances and it could affect the player grade due to uncertainty.
"There may be some loops that we can't close," he said. "If we can't close them, those would probably be guys that might slide a little bit for us. Maybe I'm not as comfortable in the second, third round, but maybe I'd be a little more comfortable in the fourth, fifth or beyond that."
Beane and his personnel department will be diligently working right up until day one of the draft to get all the information they need. Knowing 31 other NFL clubs are operating under the same restrictions leaves Buffalo's GM assured that they'll be able to make quality decisions based on all their additional leg work.
"I'm confident in our process," he said. "We know the timeline. We've scheduled everything, even though we've had to do things differently. We have split things up to connect with as many players, or people that have been around these players to close those loops. And I'm very confident that we're still going to find very good players with the seven draft picks that we currently own."
