Matt Miller’s 7 Round Mock

[HappyDays]

7 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

 

Oh man you may be setting yourself up for supreme disappointment.  I wish I shared your optimism but I do not - they do this dance with top WR prospects every year and every year they manage to talk themselves out of it.  Yes McD is gone but Moore is in, now, and I just don't know.  Again I hope you're right but I am worried about you in advance, the crash is gonna be HARD.

 

I tend to agree. I want to believe Beane has changed his ways with McDermott leaving... But I won't really believe it until I see it. If Beane uses his 1st and 2nd round picks on a WR in the same offseason I will be very pleasantly surprised. As you say every year they find some excuse to do the bare minimum at the position.

[PonyBoy]

My biggest takeaway is that the Bills are adding a lot of guys named Moore this offseason.

 

The "Moore" the Merrier? 😏

[SoonerBillsFan]

12 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Shaq Thompson responded to a post yesterday that he’s trying to get back here (or something like that). I suspect, like the Cooks situation, it’s on hold until after the draft. If the Bills take CJ Allen, for example, Shaq Thompson probably isn’t coming back. If the Bills take a developmental guy on day 3, he probably is coming back. 
 

FWIW, I think Thieneman is my 2nd favorite option of the semi-realistic options. Jordan Tyson is probably ahead of him. I think those are your 2 best shots at a top talent.

I like Shaq he was clearly our best LB, has played in a 3-4 and weighs over 230lbs.  I would bring him back, draft an ILB in round 3 and go from there.  I have no problem with BPA at #26 IF we stay there, but I feel unless a stud drops, we trade down, which I am fine with as well.

 

We trade down take BPA the entire draft.  Great thing is really good talent can be found rounds 2-4 easily in this draft, just gotta not reach.

1 minute ago, PonyBoy said:

My biggest takeaway is that the Bills are adding a lot of guys named Moore this offseason.

 

The "Moore" the Merrier? 😏

[gonzo1105]

21 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

Cooper, Boston, and Concepcion are all on the board when the Bills pick. This feels like the ideal scenario. Beane will have his pick of the litter or I will have the right to get mad at him when he picks a different position 😁

 

As far as trading back, I think Hood and Terrell being on the board gives us an opportunity. Do the Jets want to jump all of the CB needy teams at the end of the 1st round? They are loaded with draft capital this year and next, and coming away from this class with 3 1st rounders at premium positions feels like a good jump start for a badly talent deficient team. I would take their 2027 3rd rounder plus maybe a swap of 4ths this year to trade back to #33.

Concepcion is being tied to the 49ers pretty good. I know Lomu is the hot name there but every year the 49ers need OL and they never take them high. They prioritize skill spots way more. Shanahan feels he can get away with it because of the system 

[GASabresIUFan]

5 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

For my money, Miller is the best in the business. Here’s his latest 7 round mock:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48299038/2026-nfl-mock-draft-seven-rounds-257-picks-projections-matt-miller
 

Bills picks:

26 - Omar Cooper - WR - Indiana

91 - Derrick Moore - Edge - Michigan

126. Devin Moore - CB - Florida

165. Billy Schrauth - G - ND

168. Xavian Sorey Jr. - LB - Arkansas

182. Nadame Tucker - Edge - Western Michigan

220. Dalton Johnson - S - Arizona

 

My biggest takeaway is that the Bills are adding a lot of guys named Moore this offseason.

 

You do know that sometimes less is Moore?

Edited March 30 by GASabresIUFan

[GunnerBill]

20 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

Concepcion is being tied to the 49ers pretty good. I know Lomu is the hot name there but every year the 49ers need OL and they never take them high. They prioritize skill spots way more. Shanahan feels he can get away with it because of the system 

 

I can totally see Concepcion to them. He has a bit of Aiyuk about him. But they were in on Guyton and Banks the last two years. They just didn't fall.

[gonzo1105]

I’m going to say this too. I understand this is a weak draft and I understand that the Cardinals need offensive line help but I do not understand taking Francis Mauigoa at 3. It drives me insane when I see it. Have we really reached the point where a good Right Tackle and possibly guard is a top 3 pick even in a weak draft. At least Will Campbell was a LT in College. 
 

If Monti Ossenfort repeats history again I’d fire him on the spot. I’d be having an Arthur Blank/Terry Fontenot discussion in the live War room. He already bypassed a top of the draft Edge rusher (Will Anderson) and traded down to take Paris Johnson who is good but no where near the level Anderson is. Are we really going to do this again bypassing Reese/Bailey to take Maiugoa? Really really? 
 

Official draft rant over here 

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I’m going to say this too. I understand this is a weak draft and I understand that the Cardinals need offensive line help but I do not understand taking Francis Mauigoa at 3. It drives me insane when I see it. Have we really reached the point where a good Right Tackle and possibly guard is a top 3 pick even in a weak draft. At least Will Campbell was a LT in College. 
 

If Monti Ossenfort repeats history again I’d fire him on the spot. I’d be having an Arthur Blank/Terry Fontenot discussion in the live War room. He already bypassed a top of the draft Edge rusher (Will Anderson) and traded down to take Paris Johnson who is good but no where near the level Anderson is. Are we really going to do this again bypassing Reese/Bailey to take Maiugoa? Really really? 
 

Official draft rant over here 

 

100% right. I'd sack him on the spot too. I'd let him take Love if he truly thinks he is a generational back. Or even Ty Simpson even though I don't love him. But if he takes an out and out right tackle at #3 (Paris he took to be a left tackle although he played right as a rook) he should be fired on the spot.

[gonzo1105]

11 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

100% right. I'd sack him on the spot too. I'd let him take Love if he truly thinks he is a generational back. Or even Ty Simpson even though I don't love him. But if he takes an out and out right tackle at #3 (Paris he took to be a left tackle although he played right as a rook) he should be fired on the spot.

Agree I mean I wouldn’t love Simpson at 3 but you’re trying to address the most important position . Love is one of the best players in the draft. 
 

Really the Cardinals board should be Mendoza, Reese, Bailey, Simpson, Love that’s it . You can consider Styles, DeLane, and Downs and I wouldn’t fire you anything beyond that he’s dead to me 

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I've just had a look - 4 times since 2020

 

2022: #26 Jets for Jermaine Johnson & #27 Jaguars for Devin Lloyd

 

2024: #32 Panthers for Xavier Legette

 

2025: #26 Falcons for James Pearce

 

Thanks for confirming how common it is - now combine that with how Beane often likes to acquire more picks when he has moved a premium pick already.  That combo for me leads to believe that a move back is quite plausible.  Then again, every draft is different, needs to be a guy at our pick someone else wants, so no assurances it happens of course, but I think trading back would be my betting favorite right now - unless Theineman is there which I think we for sure make that pick (although I don't expect him to be there)

[BigAl2526]

Looks like an OK draft.  I'd like to see a nose tackle drafted, but there are still some free agent options if the Bills want to sign one. 

[BillyJoeBills]

Omar Cooper would be a coup at 26; more speed, better hands, better separation than Denzel Boston

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

Thanks for confirming how common it is - now combine that with how Beane often likes to acquire more picks when he has moved a premium pick already.  That combo for me leads to believe that a move back is quite plausible.  Then again, every draft is different, needs to be a guy at our pick someone else wants, so no assurances it happens of course, but I think trading back would be my betting favorite right now - unless Theineman is there which I think we for sure make that pick (although I don't expect him to be there)

 

I think if the option to go back is there Beane will take it. My sense though is to take it he would have to accept less than the trade chart value in this class. If he is willing to sell a move back that would normally net him a 2nd for a 3rd and a 6th or something he could be in business. 

 

My betting favourite is wide receiver. Not because I think the Bills are determined to take one, but because I think it is where value and need are most likely to align at #26. 

Edited March 30 by GunnerBill

[RocCityRoller]

7 hours ago, Gregg said:

While I do think the Bills will select a WR at some point, I don't think it will be in RD 1. I think Beane goes with a defense heavy draft and RD 1 will be a defensive pick.

LB/ NT or DE makes sense with a change to a 3-4

Despite drafting all the DBs last season, it is still a need.

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

So this is where we are going now? The information is probably wrong. Really? You’re a great poster but that’s crazy talk. Look at what has happened and add 2 + 2. Concepcion & Bell visits along with a Boston private workout were after. 
 

We get it, you don’t want WR at 26. I’m not sure that I do (although I’m okay with it). Their actions though are showing that it is under strong consideration. It’s one of the weakest starting spots on the team currently. It’s one of the most expensive positions to fill in FA. They’ve met with all the top guys there but at no other position. Beane said today, “we are in contact with Brandin Cooks agent but we probably won’t do anything until after the draft.” Help me understand what im missing? It looks pretty obvious.

 

I have never said what I actually want though - I have ONLY spoken about what I think is going to happen.  Let me be clear, I am not against a WR in the first - admittedly, I don't think its our biggest need, but I am not against it either.  Our gap in our convo is that I don't think its as likely as you do.

 

Plus, 2027 looks like a much better year to be in the draft looking for a WR to be the heir to Moore.  I can see Beane liking the idea of moving back and picking up a 2nd next year to have more ammo for that draft too.  

 

End of the day, Beane genearlly sticks to his board...

 

NOTE:  A potential target I do really want:  Theineman - but I honestly do not expect him to get to us

[Coach Tuesday]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Honestly, I don’t really like this WR class (although I’m warming to Cooper who won’t be there). I’m just reading the tea leaves. At this point, that’s the group that they’ve spent the most time with. I’m not seeing them talking to any other 1st round guys (outside of Thieneman). I suspect that will change. I don’t think that the Bills are spending their time there without considering them. 

 

This to me though feels like Beane is doing the 180 on the WR room like he did on the DL last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if 2 of the 6 WRs they they keep aren’t yet on the roster. Add DJ Moore to that and half the room will be turned over.

So now they’re talking to Cooks about coming back.  Where would a first round receiver slot into the offense?  Again I’d love it - and view it as a need - but do they??

[Alphadawg7]

13 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think if the option to go back is there Beane will take it. My sense though is to take it he would have to accept less than the trade chart value in this class. If he is willing to sell a move back that would normally net him a 2nd for a 3rd and a 6th or something he could be in business. 

 

My betting favourite is wide receiver. Not because I think the Bills are determined to take one, but because I think it is where value and need are most likely to align at #26. 

 

I dont disagree that if value & need align with a WR at the top of Beanes board he can, and would, pull the trigger if a trade back wasn't there.  Where my skepticism is if with "need" not being what it once was before the Moore trade, and not convinced the WRs most often projected to us will be the actual BPA at our draft slot.  

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

So now they’re talking to Cooks about coming back.  Where would a first round receiver slot into the offense?  Again I’d love it - and view it as a need - but do they??

Cooks sounds like their fallback option. Basically, if they don’t land a guy high in the draft, he could come back for a year and play. It sounds like neither side wants to commit until after the draft (which makes sense for everyone). 

[GunnerBill]

10 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I have never said what I actually want though - I have ONLY spoken about what I think is going to happen.  Let me be clear, I am not against a WR in the first - admittedly, I don't think its our biggest need, but I am not against it either.  Our gap in our convo is that I don't think its as likely as you do.

 

Plus, 2027 looks like a much better year to be in the draft looking for a WR to be the heir to Moore.  I can see Beane liking the idea of moving back and picking up a 2nd next year to have more ammo for that draft too.  

 

End of the day, Beane genearlly sticks to his board...

 

NOTE:  A potential target I do really want:  Theineman - but I honestly do not expect him to get to us

 

Which is the exact reason WR in the 1st looks the betting favourite. This is the first year in about 5 I am not pounding the desk for wide receiver in the 1st. But I think looking at where value and need most likely line upnat #26.... one of KC, Cooper or Boston are likely there. The other value I see as likely around that spot is at OT and CB. If that was the choice... they'd take receiver. 

 

I am on record I think CJ Allen is very possible if he gets to #26. I just don't think it is a given that he will anymore. And Thieneman won't IMO.

6 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I dont disagree that if value & need align with a WR at the top of Beanes board he can, and would, pull the trigger if a trade back wasn't there.  Where my skepticism is if with "need" not being what it once was before the Moore trade, and not convinced the WRs most often projected to us will be the actual BPA at our draft slot.  

 

Who do you think will then? To me it is KC, Cooper, Boston, AJ Terrell, Caleb Lomu, or possibly one of the 3 DTs (and if its Banks the Bills likely pass given the injury concern). I don't think there is an edge rusher in that conversation. If Allen has gone there isn't a linebacker either (I have Golday in that range but the league doesn't seem to).

Edited March 30 by GunnerBill

[Alphadawg7]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Which is the exact reason WR in the 1st looks the betting favourite. This is the first year in about 5 I am not pounding the desk for wide receiver in the 1st. But I think looking at where value and need most likely line upnat #26.... one of KC, Cooper or Boston are likely there. The other value I see as likely around that spot is at OT and CB. If that was the choice... they'd take receiver. 

 

I am on record I think CJ Allen is very possible if he gets to #26. I just don't think it is a given that he will anymore. And Thieneman won't IMO.

 

I also think CJ Allen would be in play but probably doesn't get there.  I think he has a better shot to though than Thieneman, but if Thieneman gets there I think we spring to the podium.

 

And see that is why I think moving back is our betting favorite - we are not as needy at WR now, and a team wanting to come up for a WR, OT, or CB would make sense on a trade back and allow us to pick up another premium pick(s).  Then take a WR with our next pick if they wanted to as well.  Teams move up for those kinds of positions

Edited March 30 by Alphadawg7