Buffalo Bills 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds, Updated After Free-Agent Signings

At the beginning of the month, I posted my first complete 2012 seven-round mock draft for the Buffalo Bills. Since then, Buffalo has made some very important moves.

What’s that one guy’s name they signed from Houston? Oh yeah, one Mario Williams.

The Bills complemented their signing of Williams with the addition of another pass-rusher in Mark Anderson.

With those two guys on board, Buffalo has made great strides toward fixing their problem of putting pressure on the quarterback. Now, they will have more flexibility to plug other holes through the draft while also staying true to their board.

We’re still about a month away from the draft, so there still may be some activity ahead that will rock the boat. But for now, here is my updated seven-round mock draft for the Bills.

Round 1, Pick 10: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Bills landed the top defensive free agent of 2012 in Mario Williams. They also inked pass-rusher Mark Anderson, who will probably bookend Williams as the RDE. Together, they immediately fill Buffalo’s pass-rushing need more than any rookie ever could, which helps clarify what the Bills might do at No. 10 overall.

Sort of.

I think this pick really comes down to three players: OT Riley Reiff, WR Michael Floyd and OT Jonathan Martin. Of the three, I think Reiff is the least likely to be available.

As of writing this, free-agent LT Demetrius Bell has yet to open up contract negotiations with the Bills, and as each day passes, it’s looking more unlikely that he’ll return next year.

What that means is the Bills have Chris Hairston projected to start. While I really like Hairston and think he’ll be very good for Buffalo, I’m not sure he’s ready to be handed the full-time job of protecting Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blindside.

For this reason, the Bills will likely opt to snag one of the draft’s elite left tackle prospects in Stanford’s Jonathan Martin.

Martin excels at run-blocking and demonstrates impressive hands and footwork in pass protection. He’s an intelligent, aggressive technician who has the potential to solve Buffalo’s LT problem for the next decade.

Round 2, Pick 41: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

I’m still a little bit skeptical about Alshon Jeffery, but I can see the Bills pulling the trigger on him in Round 2 if he’s there.

While there are a lot of big, fast wideouts in this year’s draft class, many of them aren’t as experienced and polished as Jeffery. He isn’t the fastest guy out there, but that’s not necessarily what Buffalo is looking for.

Bills GM Buddy Nix continues to emphasize that he wants a receiver who can be open even when he’s not open. Jeffery can be that guy.

At 6’3” and 216 pounds, Jeffery’s biggest strength is his ability to go up and grab jump balls. He has exceptional hands and is a physical receiver who can out-jump nearly any defensive back.

The knock on Jeffery, though, is his supposed weight issue and lack of deep speed. Hopefully he’ll be able to clear up some of these concerns at his pro day on March 28, but for now I can see Chan Gailey falling in love with Jeffery’s red-zone presence and jump-ball skills. 

Round 3, Pick 72: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

Jamell Fleming is being slightly overshadowed by other top cornerbacks at the top of this year's draft, but he is a quality corner who does a little bit of everything.

He displayed his pure combination of speed, strength and agility at the combine, putting up 23 reps on the bench and notching a 125” broad jump. In college, the former Sooner consistently showed his impressive skills in man coverage, which should be enticing to NFL coaches.

Today’s NFL corners have to be physical, and Fleming has proven he is. He’s compact at 5’11” and 206 pounds, and after running a 4.53 40-time, he’s been rising in many mock drafts.

Having played in the Big 12, Fleming is a tremendous value with experience and production. He may not be here in the third round, but hey, it’s a mock draft. If he’s available, Buffalo gets a high-quality corner to add to an already strong secondary.

Round 4, Pick 105: Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas

You can check out one of my earlier breakdowns of Texas OLB Keenan Robinson here.

Robinson has the frame and physical tools to provide real depth to the Bills’ linebacking corps. Buffalo already has Kirk Morrison and Arthur Moats ready to go on the strong side, but Buffalo knows better than any team that trouble is just an injury or two away. They need quality depth at the position.

What’s even better about the former Longhorn is that he spent a lot of time in college playing inside linebacker. Last year’s third-rounder, Kelvin Sheppard, is expected to man the middle for the Bills in 2012.

Veteran Nick Barnett will bounce out to the weak side. Having a linebacker with Robinson’s versatility will be something that defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt will like very much.

At his pro day, Robinson posted a 4.77 and 4.70 in the 40-yard dash while also recording a 36.5” vertical jump and a 10.5’ broad jump. As a mid-round prospect, he could be someone the Bills give a long, hard look when they’re on the clock.

Round 4, Pick 124: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

He’s only 5’11”.

There. I said it before you could.

Russell Wilson’s height is undeniable. But you know what else is undeniable? This guy’s production in college and his physical tools as a quarterback.

I wrote about Wilson a few weeks ago in my previous Bills mock draft. In short, Wilson is an exemplary player who offers leadership, intelligence, a strong arm, accuracy, mobility and awareness at the most critical position on the field.

Bills fans are chattering about upgrading the backup quarterback position, and Wilson seems like a low-risk/high-reward candidate who can learn behind Ryan Fitzpatrick for the next couple of seasons.

He may not be the future franchise quarterback, but who said Buffalo had to find one of those this year?

Doug Flutie, who played quarterback at 5’10”, brought his magic to the Bills, and no one seemed to mind how tall he was when he was making plays. Wilson can make plays, and he won’t be asked to start. And if anyone can get the most out of Wilson, it’s Chan Gailey and new quarterbacks coach David Lee.

Round 5, Pick 136: Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

The Bills smartly re-signed free-agent tight end Scott Chandler, who had a breakout campaign in 2011. Chandler took advantage of regular playing time last year and notched 38 catches for 389 yards and six touchdowns—all career-highs.

New tight ends coach and former Bills great Pete Metzelaars says that Chandler “catches the ball great” and has “huge upside.” 

Chandler achieved his success last season as the sole receiving threat at the tight end position. Buffalo does have Lee Smith and Mike Caussin behind him, but Missouri’s Michael Egnew could be a nice upgrade to complement Chandler.

Egnew is 6’5” and 252 pounds, with natural athleticism. He is a sure-handed pass-catcher who needs to improve on his blocking. But after an impressive combine and pro day, it’s possible the Bills will look to upgrade their depth at the position. If so, they’d be able to field two huge targets for Fitz to look for in the red zone.

Round 5, Pick 139: Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State

Another linebacker here should help solidify the position for the Bills.

Arkansas State standout Demario Davis was a sparkplug for his defense in college. He is a fast, instinctive tackler who plays with controlled intensity. At 6’2” and 235 pounds, I view him as somewhat of a poor-man’s version of Nebraska’s Lavonte David.

Davis offers the kind of leadership qualities that head coach Chan Gailey and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt will be looking for out of their defensive players. Also, his burst and excellent speed will be put to good use in the Bills’ new 4-3 base defense.

In the fifth round, Davis is a good value at a position of need.

Round 6, Pick 167: Garth Gerhart, C, Arizona State

If you’re wondering if Garth Gerhart is related to Toby Gerhart of the Minnesota Vikings, you’re correct.

Gerhart is 6’1” and 305 pounds. NFL.com describes him as a “high-effort, big-motor player who has the frame to compete for a starting position at the next level.” The analysis of Gerhart goes on to say the following: 

"

He finishes blocks strong and is an apparent leader up front at the center position. He is a throwback center who finds a way to get a block, whether on the line or linebackers at the next level, and overcomes some small athletic ability issues with effort and football savvy. He is a guy with the type of motor you would want being the center and leader of your line.

"

If that doesn’t sound like a player the Bills' new regime would absolutely love, I don’t know what does.

To get a player of Gerhart’s caliber in Round 6 would be a great value for Buffalo, who need depth behind Eric Wood. Wood is one of my favorite players on the Bills, but it’s hard to overlook his recent injury history. He is tough in every sense of the word, and I believe he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

But Buffalo struggled in shuffling guys around last year to fill in for Wood when he went down. Right guard Kraig Urbik filled in adequately, but he’s a natural guard and is projected to start on the right side in 2012.

The Bills need a capable backup. Why not get a scrappy player in Gerhart who shows the same tenacity that Wood shows every Sunday? Seems like a good fit.

Round 7, Pick 200: Sean Cattouse, FS, California

With their last pick in the draft, Buffalo will address the secondary once more by taking Cal safety Sean Cattouse.

Cattouse is a big player in the secondary at 6’2” and 211 pounds. He started for the Bears at both free safety and strong safety, so his versatility would be useful for the Bills.

In addition, his big body and coverage skills enable him to match up better than most defensive backs with big tight ends. This would prove useful against the division rival New England Patriots.

According to cbssports.com, Cattouse is “Cal’s active leader for interceptions and pass breakups, while ranking third in tackles.”

At his pro day, the former Bear ran a 4.68 40-yard dash and posted a 36” vertical jump. Though not the most athletic player and not the best run defender, Cattouse is best in coverage.

With Buffalo’s revamped defensive line, hopefully Cattouse won’t be expected to play near the line of scrimmage too often. Instead, the Bills can use him to cover big tight ends and take on man duties in blitz packages.