The Buffalo Bills, once again in 2022, suffered a disappointing end to their season with a bitter playoff loss. They still have a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl crown, but this year’s draft will be critical in adding pieces to get them over the hump. With no trading of picks allowed, and the Bills only owning picks through the sixth round, here are the predicted Buffalo selections by each of our pro football analysts – Connor Pohlman, Josh Pohlman, Scott Prelewicz and Ray Prelewicz:
Round 1, Pick #27
Connor Pohlman – Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU – his combination of size and speed make him an attractive option for Brandon Beane and company to add to Josh Allen’s arsenal of weapons.
Josh Pohlman – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College – a quick, versatile receiver who can play outside or in the slot. He would be a younger, faster, better slot option for Buffalo than either Cole Beasley or Isaiah McKenzie.
Scott Prelewicz – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame – he may or may not be the best tight end in this year’s class, but his contested catch ability paired with above average blocking ability would make him an outstanding addition to the Bills’ already potent offense.
Ray Prelewicz – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas – the Bills fill the hole left by the departure of Tremaine Edmunds with a high-motor, high production player.
Round 2, Pick #59
Connor Pohlman – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa – a steady and dependable player who tackles well and was a captain for the Hawkeyes. That’s a trait the Bills look for, and they get their replacement for the departed Tremaine Edmunds.
Josh Pohlman – Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin – a big, quick run stuffer fills the need on the interior defensive line for the Bills, where they have no players signed beyond the 2023 season.
Scott Prelewicz – Cody Mauch, T, North Dakota State – the darling of this year’s Senior Bowl leaped up draft boards since the college season ended. His ability to play any position on the offensive line make him an absolute target for Buffalo.
Ray Prelewicz – Steve Avila, G, TCU – with an eye toward improving protection for Josh Allen and giving a boost to the run game, the Bills add a mean-tempered solid technician who projects to be a day 1 starter.
Round 3, Pick #91
Connor Pohlman -Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan – as a five year college player he brings plenty of experience to the team as they look for backup options behind Dawson Knox. He’s a big 6’5 target and an adequate pass blocker.
Josh Pohlman – Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama – a running back in high school, he made the switch to defense and is a high level NFL prospect now. He combines speed with good tackling ability and is a smart, instinctive player.
Scott Prelewicz – Matthew Bergeron, T, Syracuse – another offensive line gem who played college ball just up the thruway at Syracuse so the Bills should have a complete scouting report on him. He could easily slide inside to guard, where the Bills have a bigger need.
Ray Prelewicz – Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State – Buffalo goes with a sleeper in the underrated Reed, a productive wideout, with this pick mirroring the Gabe Davis selection a few years back, as far as untapped potential.
Round 4, Pick #130
Connor Pohlman – Christopher Smith, S, Georgia – the Bills look to add depth to their back end with this pick. They’ll get a player who tackles well and excels in coverage.
Josh Pohlman – Jon Gaines II, C/G, UCLA – a 5 year player with the trait the Bills covet, position versatility. He could eventually become the heir apparent to Mitch Morse at center.
Scott Prelewicz – Emil Ekiyor, G, Alabama – he may not have the size to play in the NFL so he’ll have to bulk up to be successful, but he is sound and was a gritty three year starter so he doesn’t lack for experience.
Ray Prelewicz – Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State – this is mostly a future pick but with both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer surpassing 30 it’s a wise one. He should be an immediate special teams contributor as he develops into an NFL caliber safety.
Round 5, Pick #137
Connor Pohlman – Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn – quick and powerful, he will have to bulk up to play inside in the NFL, but his versatility will endear him to Buffalo’s coaching staff.
Josh Pohlman – SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pitt – Brandon Beane does love his later round Pitt prospects, and with this pick gets a player who excelled as a pass rusher, totaling 32 pressures and 11 sacks as a senior.
Scott Prelewicz – Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan – a technically sound player with good awareness and plenty of experience, playing at Virginia before transferring to Michigan.
Ray Prelewicz – Karl Brooks, DT/DE, Bowling Green – his position versatility will be what attracts him to the Bills, but lacking speed, he most likely will be an inside tackle in the pros. His 17.5 sacks in his last 2 seasons in the MAC are eye-popping.
Round 6, Pick #205
Connor Pohlman – Juice Scruggs, C/G, Penn State – a solid, consistent if not spectacular college player. He consistently wins at the point of attack against the run and pass, and moves well for a big man.
Josh Pohlman – Max Duggan, QB, TCU – a gritty athlete and team leader who would be an interesting option as Josh Allen’s backup. He could carve out a Taysom Hill-like role with the team.
Scott Prelewicz – Jalen Green, S, Mississippi State – he has good size at 6’1 and 203 lbs. and has good closing speed and ball skills that could translate well into the next level as a late round pick.
Ray Prelewicz -Payne Durham, TE, Purdue – a late round pick in a strong tight end class, he figures to fight for a backup spot opened up with the departure of Tommy Sweeney.
One thought to consider if you’re gauging the expertise of our analysts: Connor got 3 of the Bills’ actual picks correct in his 2022 mock draft – first rounder Kaiir Elam, second rounder James Cook (although he had him pegged for the third round) and the ill-fated selection of punter Matt Araiza.
GO BILLS!
