Bills Gamble on Upside in 2-Round Mock Draft from ESPN

While still addressing areas of need, the Buffalo Bills seem to take a less-conservative approach in a recent two-round mock draft.

In order to help get over their postseason hump through the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills could either take the big shot or play it safe. And with multiple areas they could address once late April rolls around, it's anyone's guess what direction the Bills might take.

But in the two-round mock draft that ESPN released Monday, the Bills are projected to go on the less-conservative side of things by drafting two players with some high upside.

No. 27 - Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

Protecting Josh Allen should be at the top of the priority list. And with their first pick of the draft, the Bills signal they're not messing around when it comes to their franchise quarterback.

Despite playing against lesser competition, the Bills select Mauch at this spot in order to address an area that many feel is their weakest headed into the offseason.

Buffalo's veteran o-line isn't getting any younger, so drafting Mauch would give the Bills an versatile offensive lineman to build around for the future, as he played all over the line at North Dakota State and could use that experience to potentially carve out a bigger role in the offense.

No. 59 - Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

While it's hard to make a direct comparison, Buffalo's offensive line is in a similar spot to its secondary.

With a handful of veterans and injury concerns, the Bills are expected to put a focus on improving their under-performing secondary this offseason, which is exactly what the team does by selecting Banks in the second round here.

Banks played four seasons in the Big Ten, but isn't necessarily blowing anyone away with insane stats or highlights. Still, at 6-2, 205 pounds, he's got the build that should make scouts drool, especially if he's able to use that length to his advantage.

In four seasons with the Terps, Banks totaled 83 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions. In a 43-30 loss in November to an Ohio State Buckeyes team that's dripping with NFL talent, Banks registered two passes defended.

---

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

Thanks for reading our SI-powered coverage of your Buffalo Bills ... Bills Mafia!

Get your Buffalo game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!

You're a member of Bills Mafia hungry for more Buffalo coverage? Read here.