The Buffalo Bills’ plan to draft, develop and retain talent has paid dividends during the Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott era.
While the team cannot keep every draft pick, Buffalo has signed the likes of Tre’Davious White and Dion Dawkins, both key members of Buffalo’s first draft class under McDermott, to long-term deals and more will likely be on the way with Josh Allen and Tremaine Edmunds being in line for new contracts sooner rather than later.
Drafting well has never been more important for Buffalo. Addressing needs cannot come strictly in free agency with the cap being lower than expected so the Bills will need to find an immediate starter at No. 30 while landing some contributors on days two and three.
This year, the team will depend on a lot of tape, as well as Zoom meetings and pro days to hit on their selections. Keeping this in mind, here is a list of prospects that the Bills have met with to date.
RUNNING BACK
Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Source: Draft Network’s Justin Melo
From Buffalo to Buffalo? It’s possible. The UB product that rushed for 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns with the Bulls is on the Bills’ radar. Buffalo met virtually with Patterson and could be looking for a running back in the draft despite using day two picks in the past two drafts on Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.
Javian Hawkins, Louisville
Source: Melo
Speed and big play potential are two terms you will hear with Javian Hawkins. Buffalo’s current 1-2 punch at running back, Zack Moss and Devin Singletary, lack the speed that Hawkins would bring to the offense. Hawkins is a complementary back, but seems like a good fit for Buffalo knowing the team needs a few more playmakers on offense to keep up with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.
Shane Simpson, Virginia
Source: Melo
Simpson, a former first-team FCS All-American in 2018 when he played at Towson, has drawn interest from Buffalo. The running back played at Virginia in 2020 and finished with 278 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries while adding 133 yards and one score on 13 receptions.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Dazz Newsome, North Carolina
Source: NYUP/Syracuse.com
Dazz Newsome showed that he could be a playmaker during his career at UNC. The wide receiver does a good job creating separation at the line and is a threat to pick up yards after the catch. His best season came in 2019 when he caught 72 passes for 1,018 and 10 touchdowns.
In addition to his ability to make plays on offense, Newsome can handle return duties in the NFL. He averaged over 11 yards per punt return in college and added one score with the Tarheels.
Dax Milne, BYU
Source: Melo
Quarterback Zach Wilson is expected to be a top-10 pick after an outstanding season at BYU. His favorite target this season was Dax Milne. The wide receiver caught 70 passes for 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns. Milne is a solid route runner with good hands.
TIGHT END
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
Source: Melo
Tommy Tremble has no shortage of potential, but it could take time for the tight end to develop. Long-term, if drafted by Buffalo, Tremble could become a factor for Buffalo, but he would not be the answer at tight end opposite Dawson Knox in 2021. The Bills will likely need to find that answer in free agency.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
Source: Justin Melo
The Bills are one of many teams holding a virtual meeting with Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins. Jenkins, recently mocked to Buffalo by Mel Kiper Jr., is an ideal target at No. 30. With Daryl Williams possibly leaving in free agency, Buffalo could find a day one starter in Jenkins at pick 30.
Jack Anderson, Texas Tech
Source: Erik Turner
Jack Anderson has the ability to play center and guard at the next level. Buffalo loves players with position versatility so the Texas Tech product could be on Buffalo’s radar with Jon Feliciano and Ike Boettger (RFA) both potentially leaving in free agency. Anderson could also serve as a possible heir apparent to Mitch Morse.
LINEBACKER
JaCoby Stevens, LSU
Source: Melo
Jacoby Stevens said he had a “great connection” with Buffalo at the Senior Bowl. The LSU product could play linebacker or safety at the next level.
CORNERBACK
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Source: NYUP/Syracuse.com
Ifeatu Melifonwu is another prospect who reportedly had a strong meeting with Buffalo at the Senior Bowl. The Syracuse product has intangibles that would make him very appealing as a No. 2 cornerback candidate opposite Tre’Davious White. Melifonwu’s draft stock has him going anywhere from Round 1 to Round 2 so the Bills would have to spend one of their top picks to land him if his current draft stock holds.
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