NFL Draft: Bills predicted to pass on DT for 6-foot-4 WR and high-motor DE in Round 2

In this Day 2 mock draft, the Buffalo Bills elect to pick WR and DE over a defensive need

Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team wide receiver Jayden Higgins of Iowa State (9) grabs a pass during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium / Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Both prospects carry second-round grades, and the Buffalo Bills have shown interest in long-term solutions at both positions.

Armed with the No. 56 and 62 overall selections, the Bills head into Friday night at the NFL Draft without needing to add a wide receiver and an edge rusher, but if the value presents itself, then general manager Brandon Beane will likely pull the trigger.

NFL Media's Eric Edholm simulated Rounds 2 and 3, and the results show the Bills passing up an opportunity to select a defensive tackle. Without trading up, Buffalo drafted Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson at No. 56 overall followed by Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins in the No. 62 spot.

RELATED: Sports Illustrated's Day 2 mock draft: Bills get their DT plus safety help

DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas

"He's a leggy, high-energy rusher who could take A.J. Epenesa's place in time." - Edholm

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman Landon Jackson of Arkansas (40) works through drills during Senior / Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-6 Jackson may look awkward at times, but he possesses a special athleticism. In addition to a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash, the two-time All-SEC selection dominated both jumping tests at the NFL Combine.

“I feel like I’ve talked to the Bills eight times by now," said Jackson back in March.

A three-year starter for the Razorbacks after transferring from LSU, Jackson tallied 23.0 tackles-for-loss over his last 24 appearances.

WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

"He's a height/weight/speed prospect who can provide more playmaking for Josh Allen" - Edholm

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins (WO18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-4 Higgins ran 4.47s in the 40-yard dash while weighing 214 pounds. He led Iowa State in receiving yards (983) in 2023. This past season, his nine TD receptions were a team high. His 40.5-inch vertical led all DE participants while his 10-foot-9 broad ranked second only to first-rounder Shemar Stewart.

Higgins played his first two collegiate seasons for DI FCS member Eastern Kentucky. He made a seamless jump up to the Big 12 Conference.

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