New Bills Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

A new head coach doesn't change the outlook in Buffalo. This team will expect to make the Super Bowl as long as Josh Allen is the quarterback.

With general manager Brandon Beane gaining more control and Joe Brady being essentially promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach, it will be fascinating to see how Buffalo operates in its first draft since Sean McDermott's departure.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Bills will do with the No. 26 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/3)

Selection (No. 26): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

A certain amount of risk assessment must be taken into account when considering Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor, because he turns 25 before the NFL draft begins.

Some organizations won't consider him in the first round, while other teams may be a better fit because they are more focused on short-term goals. The Buffalo Bills certainly fall into the latter category.

"Mesidor's age makes him a tricky prospect to place in mock drafts," B/R scout Matt Holder said, "because some teams will be looking to use a first-round pick on someone who won't be 30 by the time their rookie contract is up. Still, there's no denying that the Miami product can make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher and help get a team over the hump to be a Super Bowl contender. Enter the Bills, who are in that exact position and need to find a replacement for Joey Bosa."

---

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 26): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 26): N/A due to projected trade with Arizona

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 26): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 26): N/A due to projected trade with Arizona

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 26): Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 26): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 26): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Summary

If any team trades down from the first round, Buffalo stands out as most likely to do it. The Bills would be better off accumulating draft picks to gain more young talent. Adding another pass-catcher for Allen or improving a flawed secondary would be ideal choices if they decide to stick with their first-round pick.