Bills Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Led by Josh Allen and one of the league’s most dominant passing offenses, the Buffalo Bills finally altered the AFC East’s landscape after years of domination by the New England Patriots. How do they maintain, retool, and come back even stronger next year through the NFL Draft? Get ready to jump through some tables, Bills Mafia, as you read my Bills 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.

Bills Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round Mock Draft

• Round 1, Pick 30: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
• Round 2, Pick 61: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
• Round 3, Pick 93: Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
• Round 5, Pick 147: Jack Anderson, OG, Texas Tech
• Round 5, Pick 160: Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
• Round 6, Pick 190: Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin
• Round 7, Pick 201: David Moore, OG, Grambling State

Bills 2021 NFL Mock Draft pick-by-pick analysis

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

On the face of it, the Bills’ offensive line was one of the strongest in the NFL in 2021. They allowed 27 sacks on Allen over the course of the season, ranking ninth in the league. However, that number could have been far more if it hadn’t been for Allen’s ability to use his legs to escape pressure. Only three quarterbacks had more rushing attempts than Allen in 2021. Buffalo has to concentrate their offseason efforts on protecting him.

Although the Bills extended left tackle Dion Dawkins last season, question marks remain at right tackle. Daryl Williams covered for the injured Cody Ford this season but is set to hit free agency this spring. Additionally, backup tackle Ty Nsekhe is sans contract.

In the first round of this Bills 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, they find the solution. Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins has the perfect skill set and mentality for the Bills. A 6’6″, 320-pound mauler, Jenkins may well have the heaviest hands of any offensive lineman in this class.

He is strong in pass protection and was a vital part of Chuba Hubbard’s rushing success in 2019. Furthermore, he has seen time at both left and right tackle, providing versatility and additional depth at the tackle position.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

The Bills tied down shutdown cornerback Tre’Davious White prior to the season. There are ample concerns about the opposite side, however. Josh Norman isn’t getting any younger — or better for that matter — and his contract will expire this spring. Fellow cornerback Levi Wallace is also a contender to be out of the door.

One of the main priorities between now and the start of the season should be to address the cornerback room. Although they may choose to do that in free agency, there are several intriguing cornerback options in the 2021 NFL Draft.

One of those intriguing options is Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu, and in this 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, the Bills secure him late in the second round. Melifonwu is one of those cornerbacks whose statistics don’t stand out, but his film does the talking for him.

At 6’3″ and just shy of 200 pounds, he has the ideal length to play outside CB in the NFL. He plays the game with incredible physicality, which should see him fit right at home in Buffalo. For a team whose defense has been poor against the run, Melifonwu also adds some bite against the run game.

Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami

In the third round of this Bills 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, they continue to focus on improving the defense. The Bills were a middle of the pack defensive unit in the 2020 NFL regular season in terms of points and yardage allowed. However, a deeper analysis of their 2020 defense shows where there are glaring needs for improvement.

Pass rush was a prime need in last year’s draft, and they drafted A.J. Epenesa to help fill that need. Despite this, the Bills still only ranked 22nd in quarterback pressures and 15th in sacks forced. To add context, the Bills sent the eighth-most blitzes in 2020. They were aggressive in getting after the quarterback; they just couldn’t get home consistently.

Quincy Roche should help make improvements to that pass rush. The former Temple star transferred to Miami last season, and although Jalen Phillips overshadowed him at times, he still represents great value in the third round. Roche was highly regarded at Temple for his toughness, earning a coveted single-digit number as a symbol of how he embodied the “Temple Tuff” culture.

His 54 tackles for loss, 30.5 sacks, and 8 forced fumbles across his career attest to the level of pass production that Roche can bring to this Buffalo offense. Additionally, he is productive against the run, which will be crucial for a Bills defense that allowed the sixth-most rushing touchdowns in 2020.

Jack Anderson, OG, Texas Tech

With Jon Feliciano and Ike Boettger out of contract at the end of the season, the Bills use their first of two fifth-round picks in this 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft to add further protection for Allen. The interior offensive line’s depth is one of the biggest weaknesses on the Bills’ current roster.

Jack Anderson brings a wealth of experience to the Bills’ offensive line. He has started 38 games for the Texas Tech Red Raiders despite missing time with an injury. Highly regarded as one of the best players on the Texas Tech team, Anderson brings strength and pass protection experience to the Bills’ offensive line. Texas Tech is one of the most pass-happy teams in college football. Anderson should fit right at home in Buffalo.

Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina

With Allen well protected earlier in this Bills 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, it’s time to get him some additional offensive weaponry. The trade for Stefon Diggs transformed the Bills’ passing attack. Gabriel Davis showed promise in his rookie season, and Cole Beasley impressed out of the slot.

Shi Smith gives an added dimension to an offense. The diminutive receiver can create havoc out of the slot but possesses enough physicality to be able to make catches on the boundary as well. His body control and ability to time his jumps also mean he can reel in catches that other players of his size may fail to secure.

After a productive season for South Carolina, Smith will be a desired player in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin

If Matt Milano leaves in free agency to capitalize on a stellar 2020 season, there will be a hole to fill in the Bills’ linebacker group. It is also a position group that doesn’t currently have a great deal of roster depth.

In the sixth round of this Bills 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, they secure an additional piece in Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn. The Badgers have been one of the most ferocious run defenses in college football, and Sanborn has been a pivotal part of that defense.

Strong against the run, efficient at tackling both at the line and in space, and with decent coverage ability, Sanborn can be an impact player and eventual starter in this defense.

David Moore, OG, Grambling State

With the final pick of this 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, the Bills do a double-dip at the offensive guard position. David Moore is an impressive small-school prospect out of Grambling State. 6’3″ and 320 pounds, Moore is built like an NFL offensive lineman and has the strength of one, too. Although the level of competition will be an issue to overcome, he appears to be able to dominate.

There are some fundamentals to work on. However, there is a chance that Moore can develop into a long-term option at left guard.

Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.

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