2024 Mock Draft: Bills Take Georgia DB Javon Bullard in Early Projection

The 2023 NFL Draft ended only a few days ago, but mock drafts for 2024 are already rolling in - the latest of which has the Buffalo Bills selecting Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard.

The Buffalo Bills' roster is largely put together, with free agency and the NFL Draft both in the rearview mirror and summer practice programs just around the corner.

But still, that hasn't stopped some from looking ahead to next year - particularly the 2024 draft, set to run from Apr. 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.

Naturally, a lot - everything - will change between now and then, but in the meantime, who could the Bills be targeting next spring?

In ESPN's latest mock draft, Buffalo selected Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard at No. 29 overall.

"Bullard reminds me of Dax Hill, the Michigan defensive back who landed with Cincinnati at the end of Round 1 in 2022. He's undersized at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but he is super quick and versatile.

"Bullard -- who had two interceptions and 50 tackles for the national champs last season -- has experience at both corner and safety, though I could see him settling into a nickel role in the pros." - ESPN's Todd McShay

For those keeping score, picking at No. 29 implies a Bills loss in the AFC Championship - the Kansas City Chiefs are slated to pick No. 32, with the order being set by Super Bowl odds.

Nonetheless, the potential addition of Bullard, who's poised to transition to safety in 2023, makes sense when considering the Bills' options on the back end.

Starting safety Micah Hyde is entering the final year of his contract, and free agent signee Taylor Rapp is on a one-year deal.

Thus, while Buffalo re-signed starter Jordan Poyer to a two-year contract earlier this offseason, it could certainly be in the market for a difference maker next spring - with Bullard being an early candidate.

Two other names to watch, per ESPN, are Miami's Kamren Kinchens and Clemson's Andrew Mukuba, both of whom would fit if the Bills opt to pursue a "true safety" rather than the nickel/safety hybrid that Bullard embodies.

But for now, Buffalo has its eyes set on a larger prize, one that comes with the right to pick No. 32 overall next April ... which could just prove to be Bullard.


You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.