There seems to be about a billion NFL mock drafts out on the internet right now and a common theme of most of them has the Bills taking a defensive lineman with their first round pick. Because of that, we’ll take a look at some of the possible options which should be there when the Bills are on the clock in late April.
Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner will likely already be off the board when it’s Buffalo’s turn to pick, so instead we’ll focus on some linemen who possibly could be available with the 19th pick. Even with those three gone, there will still be plenty of defensive line talent for the Bills to choose from if they decide address the unit with the 19th pick.
Robert Nkemdiche: DT: 6-3, 294 lbs, Ole Miss
The most common name linked with the Bills with the 19th pick seems to be defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. There’s no question Nkemdiche is extremely talented, especially after being the nation’s top recruit coming out of high school. Had it not been for some off-the-field issues, it’s likely Nkemdiche would be a top-10 pick next month. Then again, it isn’t like Rex Ryan is scared by players with some baggage.
What stands out about Nkemdiche is his athleticism. Even though he is more of a defensive tackle, he can run like a defensive end. Nkemdiche is great at wrapping up on tackles, and once he gets his hands on a running back, he finished the tackle.
For being so agile and talented, Nkemdiche’s lack of production is a little concerning. He has never forced or recovered a fumble and really hasn’t developed any pass-rushing moves. Not only did Nkemdiche miss some time last year due to a concussion, but he was also suspended for the Sugar Bowl following an incident at a Atlanta hotel.
A’Shawn Robinson: DT: 6-3, 307 lbs, Alabama
A’Shawn Robinson already looks like he has been in the NFL for 10 years. Imagine if the Bills were able to pair Robinson with Marcell Dareus, another monster Alabama defensive tackle. Robinson’s performance led to him being named an All-American as the Crimson Tide went on to win the national title.
Not only does Robinson have the size to keep him from being knocked off his spot, but he also has the pure power to be able to shake blocks. Robinson also eats blocks to create space to allow the linebackers to make plays.
Where Robinson can stand to improve his game is sometimes he plays a little too upright. If Robinson is able to fix his leverage issues it might help his pass rush, which wasn’t too impressive last year as he registered only 3.5 sacks for the Crimson Tide. If Robinson’s play matches up to how frightening he looks, the rest of the NFL could be in trouble.
Kevin Dodd: DE: 6-5, 277 lbs, Clemson
Unlike Nkemdiche who came into Ole Miss with high expectations, Dodd had to wait his turn on the defensive line at Clemson. After a couple years in which he played sparingly, Dodd made the most of his opportunity last year, registering 12 sacks, including three against Alabama in the College Football Playoff Championship Game.
Dodd might have the most upside out of any defensive end in this year’s draft. Not only is Dodd a relentless competitor, but he also has great instincts, which helped him have such a great season in 2015.
Not to say there isn’t still work for Dodd to do. The biggest area Dodd needs to work on is with his hand skills. If Dodd is able to polish some techniques, he could be a star in the league since he already has above average football intelligence. The jump he made last year was a great sign, now he’ll have to conquer the jump to the next level.
Shaq Lawson: DE: 6-2, 269 lbs, Clemson
Must have been nice for Clemson to lose Vic Beasley to the first round of the NFL Draft last year and have not only Kevin Dodd, but also Shaq Lawson to step up and be impact players on the defense. The Clemson pass rush was a huge reason they went undefeated all the way up until the College Football Playoff Championship Game against Alabama.
Whoever ends up drafting Lawson will get a player who can play in pretty much any scheme. In a 4-3 defense Lawson could play defensive end, or in a 3-4 he could play as an edge rusher. Lawson was so productive last year because of the power he has at point of attack. The work he does with his hands helped to shed blockers and register 25.5 tackles for loss last year.
Even though Lawson does have great strength, he has average athleticism. Lawson has to work on keeping his pad level lower, which could greatly help him create even more pressure than he already is in the backfield. Still, it’s hard to pass up Lawson just because he is so versatile.
Andrew Billings: DT: 6-0, 311 lbs, Baylor
Even before suiting up for Baylor, Billings had already made quite a name for himself in Texas off the football field. During high school Billings broke a 22-year-old Texas meet record previously held by Mark Henry, powerlifting a combined 2,010 pounds.
Needless to say what makes Billings so attractive to teams is the incredible strength he possesses. Billings is able to get his pad level low, which allows him to generate even more power and split double teams. For a big guy he is pretty quick too, especially with his closing burst to the sideline.
What might hurt Billings is he is short so he can become a little top heavy. Also, when he gets his momentum going in one direction it’s hard for him to stop and switch directions, which could hamper him if he happens to overrun a play. Still, his youth and strength is going to make him attractive to many NFL teams.
Jarran Reed: DT: 6-3, 311 lbs, Alabama
Reed combined with A’Shawn Robinson to create quite a combination in the middle of Alabama’s defensive line. Reed might not make quite the waves like Robinson should in the NFL, but he still could make an NFL team very happy.
What has made Reed so successful is plays with leverage, something that Robinson struggles with at times. Reed’s plus core power has helped in combination with his leverage to make him great when it comes to run defense.
Although Reed is good against the run, he doesn’t create much of an impact in terms of a pass rush. Reed has some short arms but he is able to make up for it with quickness and arm extension. With his lack of a pass rush, he might be replaced on more obvious passing downs.
Emmanuel Ogbah: DE: 6-4, 273 lbs, Oklahoma State
Ogbah made quite a name for himself the last couple of years, registering 11 sacks in 2014, followed by 13 sacks and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors. His work the last two years has been one of the bright spots on an Oklahoma State defense which had its troubles at times.
Even though he came into Oklahoma State undersized, Ogbah has grew into his body, and now has a powerful frame which will translate well into the NFL. Some have noted Ogbah has some very powerful hands which helped him to gain the distance to create pressure.
Ogbah might still be growing into his body a little since at times he can play pretty stiff. Ogbah’s sack totals are pretty impressive seeing as his awareness could stand to improve. At times Ogbah can look unimpressive on the field, but over the course of a game his power could wear the opposition down.
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