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

A new head coach doesn't change the outlook in Buffalo. The franchise 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 essentially being 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 (4/15)

Selection (No. 26): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF

The Buffalo Bills must improve their pass rush and bring in a different type of edge talent than what they've traditionally preferred during Brandon Beane's tenure as general manager.

UCF's Malachi Lawrence has the physical traits to be a high first-round possibility, even if his tape doesn't suggest as much. Still, his athleticism, agility and length to impact the game as a pass-rusher certainly hold significant value.

"Run defense and, specifically, the ability to set the edge consistently are holding Lawrence back from being a lock for the first round," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "But he won't have to do those things right away in Buffalo, since the defense already has Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb at outside linebacker. The UCF product can spend some time in the weight room, while contributing off the bench as a pass-rusher during his rookie season, thus helping the Bills make a push toward the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selection (No. 26): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

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 (4/15)

Selection (No. 26): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF

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 seems most likely to do it. The Bills would be better off accumulating draft picks to add more young talent. Adding another pass-catcher for Allen or an edge rusher to build a new-look defensive scheme would be ideal choices if they decide to stick with their first-round pick.