Bills Draft Potential LB, WR Replacements in Latest Mel Kiper Mock

ESPN’s latest predictions show the Buffalo Bills using early-round capital to address needs at both linebacker and wide receiver in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

As the Buffalo Bills look to the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, they are keenly aware of the need to fill their greatest voids — some of which were made more evident from the departure of key contributors in 2022. 

With needs at both linebacker and receiver, ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bills addressing holes at both positions in his latest offering of first- and second-round predictions. 

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson: Round 1, No. 27 Overall 

Following the loss of veteran Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Chicago Bears at the start of the NFL year, the Bills' need at middle linebacker clearly intensified. 

Kiper’s selection of Simpson allows Buffalo to infuse both youth and athleticism into its front seven. 

“I don’t love drafting strictly for need, but that’s exactly what great teams can do when they don’t have many holes. Buffalo let middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leave in free agency and this could be a selection to fill that void. Simpson is a really good three-down linebacker who has some coverage traits in the pass game and is a strong blitzer. He ran a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the combine at 235 pounds. Middle linebackers in today’s NFL must have smooth hips and range in coverage, and those are Simpson’s strengths.”  -Mel Kiper, Jr. ESPN

During his final season with the Tigers, Simpson compiled 34 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. At his best, he projects as an aggressive nickel linebacker given the freedom to operate in coverage and zone blitzes. While his limitations in adapting to a more traditional style would not make him an immediate ‘plug-and-play’ replacement for Edmunds, he could gain the necessary experience in Buffalo’s system to become a starter in short order. 

Josh Downs, WR, UNC: Round 2, No. 59 Overall  

After the release of slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie, the Bills are expected to add an effective slot weapon to their arsenal of pass-catchers. 

Per Kiper’s assessment, Downs not only fits that mold, but could also challenge wideout Gabe Davis for second on Buffalo’s positional depth chart behind Stefon Diggs. 

“Downs caught 170 passes when lined up in the slot over the past two seasons. He knows how to get open. He’s a sudden receiver with precision in his routes. Gabe Davis never really put it all together to be the Bills’ No. 2 receiver last season, and time might be running out for him to do so. Downs could be an instant contributor for Buffalo.” -Mel Kiper, Jr. ESPN

While Downs projects best out of the slot, his versatility has caused him to project as high as a late-first round selection. In addition to catching a total of 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022, he also averaged 10.9 yards-per-catch; showcasing his ability to keep the chains moving when most needed. 

Though Downs has been praised for his above-average route-running capabilities, he can be an effective receiver in both short and long-yardage plays as well. He is also quite adept at making contested catches, having caught 72 percent of the passes for which he needed to fight to secure.

If Downs remains on the board at No. 59, the chance to pair a dynamic player with his slot talent alongside a star veteran like Diggs might be too great of a reward to ignore.

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.

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