Buffalo Bolsters Defense With Two Studs In 2024 Mock Draft
Disclaimer! This mock was done on 12/5/2023, so the area of the pick might change, but the player selected and reasoning doesn't have to.
Many Buffalo Bills fans will be hoping for an offensive skill player here, but I don't think that side of the ball is what they should improve if they are serious about winning a Super Bowl. Buffalo was at its most dangerous when it had an elite defense. Quarterback Josh Allen and Steph Diggs can keep the offense respectable, so my strategy is to focus on the other side of the ball.
Round 1 Pick 13 Jer'Zhan Newtons DL Illinois
Newton is going to be a perennial All-Pro type of interior defender; if he had declared last season, he would have been a top-ten pick, but after most of the talent in the secondary left, his production dipped slightly; don't let that fool you, though. Jer'Zhan is a space-eater in the run game and significantly contributes to rushing the passer and collapsing the pocket on opposing quarterbacks.
"Jer'Zhan Newton stands out as a top-tier interior defensive prospect, thanks to his exceptional leverage and agility, projecting him as a potential first-rounder in the NFL Draft. His performance at Illinois, especially his flexibility and disruptive ability, compensates for his less-than-ideal size at 6'2", 295 pounds. Newton's skill in gap penetration and his effectiveness in NASCAR packages suggest he'll fit well in modern, versatile defensive schemes that value quickness and technical prowess over bulk." NFLDraftBuzz.com
Some Bills fans may point to Ed Oliver and how he didn't live up to the hype, but Newton plays slightly differently; he has more bend and plays with more leverage than Oliver. The two pairs together give the Buffalos' front a ton of versatility, and if Oliver leaves in the next few seasons, Newton can take his role and probably improve on it.
Round 2 Pick 49 Josh Newton CB TCU
Fully disclosure: I didn't realize both players I mocked to the Bills in this exercise had the last name of Newton. Back to why the Bills should pick up a young outside cornerback to possibly build around, Tre' White has had multiple significant injuries in the latter half of his career. When he returns, will he be the player he once was?
"Likely has the length and physical ability to fit in a press scheme but ideal fit as a zone defender because of his recognition skills and an above-average burst to close on the ball." NFLDraftBuzz.com
Newton possesses tenacity and the swagger necessary for a high-level corner. He has strong hands on the line and excellent ball skills. He isn't afraid to attack ball carriers and make a tackle. He is another attempt to get it right at the position after Kair Elam hasn't worked out. Johnson, Jackson, and Douglas are a good group that gets better with White and has depth with Newton being added into the fold.
End Of Rant
The Bills will probably be picking later in the draft if they continue to play well however the Newtons would be very beneficial adds for the short-term and long-term future of the team. Buffalo will need to start hitting more in the early rounds of drafts if they want to build a championship team for years to come.
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