2018 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First Round Mock Draft
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2018 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Mock Draft
Buffalo Bills – Leigh Oleszczak
22. player. 16. . Outside Linebacker. Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch
Pass rush is a big need for most teams, but the Bills definitely need to add one in the draft. I debated having them go with a quarterback here, but the top five were off the board.
Buffalo has A.J. McCarron to start for them in 2018 and they still have Nathan Peterman, so that’s good enough to get them through until next year’s draft. They can certainly get their franchise signal caller in the 2019 draft, but for now, they’ll “settle” for landing one of the top pass rushing prospects in Leighton Vander Esch.
Staff Reaction: If Vander Esch is healthy, this is a solid pick by the Bills. His toughness and relentless motor will fit well on a Bills team ranked 29th against the run in 2017. His health is a big question mark though with rumors that some teams have taken him off their draft boards completely because of neck issues.
Taking a player with neck questions is risky, but I assume the Bills would have done their homework and are confident in his health. If that’s the case, he’s a great pick here. – Britt Zank