The Buffalo Bills were just 13 seconds away from being in the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. But they just couldn’t get a stop when they needed one.
So, what did they do this offseason? They added one of the best pass rushers in NFL history in Von Miller to improve their defense.
If the Bills want to win the AFC this season and reach the Super Bowl, they will need to nail the draft. They don't pick until No. 25 in the first round, but they should be able to get a quality player with their top pick. Where might they go in the first round? And where will they pick in every round? Here is our 2022 Buffalo Bills draft primer:
We recently reported on the Bills being tied for the highest win total in the AFC.
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1 (No. 25)
Round 2 (No. 57)
Round 3 (No. 89)
Round 4 (No. 130)
Round 5 (No. 168)
Round 6 (No. 204)
Round 7 (No. 232)
2022 Draft Needs
Wide Receiver
Offensive Guard
Cornerback
Draft Odds via Bookies.com Oddsmaker Adam Thompson
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama +400
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington +500
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas +500
Zion Johnson, G, Boston College +650
Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia +750
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida +800
Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M +900
The Field +550
2022 Draft Fits
This offseason, the Bills lost a few starting offensive linemen, including Daryl Williams and Jon Feliciano. They did their best to cover those spots with veterans, but they could use an infusion of youth on their offensive line. If either Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) or Zion Johnson (Boston College) were available to them at No. 25, that would be the ideal scenario. Both are plug-and-play starters at guard with a lot of positional flexibility.
But don't be surprised if Buffalo ignores the offensive line in the first round and instead opts to add more speed at wide receiver. This offseason, the Bills moved on from Cole Beasley (and likely Emmanuel Sanders), which improves their chances of selecting a wide receiver. Jameson Williams (Alabama) makes the most sense as he has home-run speed, but he is coming off a torn ACL. He should be ready during the 2022 season, but that might not be until November or December.
Treylon Burks (Arkansas) also would make some sense for the Bills as he can play in the slot or on the outside. He’s the most dynamic receiver in this class with the ball in his hands and would prove to be a monster target for quarterback Josh Allen in the middle of the field. Burks needs to refine his game some, but he would be an incredible fit in Buffalo with that offense and that quarterback.
Earlier, EmpireStakes.com speculated about the possibility of USC wide receiver Drake London falling to 25.
Another option for Buffalo in Round 1 could be a cornerback. The Bills lost Levi Wallace in free agency to the Steelers and need another outside cornerback. Trent McDuffie (Washington) doesn’t have great length, but he has some of the best agility and feet you will ever see from a cornerback. He is also the best tackling cornerback in the class and that is a must for head coach Sean McDermott on defense.
In Rounds 2 and 3, look for the Bills to add more depth to their offensive line and don't rule out them taking a running back reasonably high. Buffalo tried to sign J.D. McKissic this offseason, but he decided to return to Washington. Someone like Breece Hall (Iowa State) could be an every-down back for the Bills and he could be available when the team picks in Round 2.
While Buffalo doesn't have a ton of draft capital this year, the team should still be able to find one or two players who can contribute right away. And that's precisely what the Bills need to accomplish if they want to finally surpass teams like the Chiefs and Bengals atop the AFC.
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Coming soon: NFL draft primers for New York Jets, New York Giants.
