Bills 3-Round Mock Draft: Buffalo Selects Pair of SEC Stars
The Buffalo Bills can go a number of different directions in the 2023 NFL Draft in April.
This makes it fitting that in a recent three-round mock draft from USA Today, the team touched on three areas of need with its first trio of selections.
Offensive line, receiver and defensive back are arguably some of the biggest position rooms that need new additions up in Orchard Park this offseason. So if this mock prediction comes true for Buffalo, it'll be hard to argue that the Bills had a successful haul of talent at the top of their draft board.
First Round, No. 27 - Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
Though the 5-7 Aggies struggled this past season, Johnson helped lead a solid A&M defense that was clearly the team's strength.
Johnson was second on the team in total tackles (71) and was tied for first with three forced fumbles. The forced fumbles all came in a three-game streak to end the season. He also added a sack and one pass defense.
Adding a young talent and takeaway-happy player like Johnson to a Bills defense that could be losing veteran safety Jordan Poyer would be an important move geared toward the future.
Second Round, No. 59 - Steve Avila, OL, TCU
Protecting Josh Allen should be at the top of the priority list. And with their second pick of the draft, the Bills signal they're not messing around when it comes to their franchise quarterback.
Avila played on the grandest of stages this past season with an out-of-nowhere TCU team that nearly shocked the country with a national title run. The bright lights that have tended to shine on the Bills in recent seasons will hardly be an issue for him.
Additionally, Buffalo's veteran o-line isn't getting any younger, so drafting Avila would give the Bills an offensive lineman to build around for the future.
Third Round, No. 91 - Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Bills seem likely to select a receiver at some point in the draft, and in this mock, LSU's Kayshon Boutte is the selection. Boutte's collegiate production shows that, despite being a potential third-round pick, he could provide some impressive value in his first NFL season.
Even while recording a career-best 48 catches this past season, Boutte was held way below his touchdown-happy standards, as he finished with a career-worst two receiving scores.
But focusing on just this past season would be a disrespectful oversight on Boutte's sophomore year. Despite only playing in six games, he finished with an impressive nine receiving scores, all of which came in the first fives game of the season.
With a clear knack for finding the end zone, Boutte could be an interesting depth piece that provides instant touchdown potential.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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