The first wave of free agency is now heading out for low tide, which allows us time to shift focus toward the 2025 NFL Draft. With the draft set to begin in just over a month, mock draft season is now in full effect.
Each week Buffalo Rumblings will feature some of the top mock drafts from across the internet, highlighting the first-round selections from various draft experts.
It should come as no surprise to Buffalo Bills fans that defensive players dominate the latest round of mocks. As you’ll see below, nine out of the 10 drafts that were highlighted feature a defensive player at pick 30, with one popular name appearing on half of the selections. Plenty can change in the weeks leading up to the draft, but for the foreseeable future I see defense remaining the focus in the majority of mock drafts.
We already covered Todd McShay’s latest pick for the Bills, which was defensive tackle Kenneth Grant out of Michigan. You may want to familiarize yourself with Grant’s name and game given how often he lands with Buffalo in mocks.
If there are any additional outlets you believe we should include in these round ups, let us know in the comments! Take a look at this week’s collection of mock drafts below, and be sure to share your thoughts with your fellow Rumblers. All selections were made at pick 30, Buffalo’s original, and current, draft slot.
What Kiper says:
“Buffalo should be eyeing the cornerbacks in this class, assuming it doesn’t bring back free agent Rasul Douglas, who is still unsigned. But with Jahdae Barron, Azareye’h Thomas
and Maxwell Hairston coming off the board in the previous six picks of this mock draft,the Bills probably would have to pivot. Perhaps they look at Missouri wide receiver Luther
Burden III to give quarterback Josh Allen another run-after-catch ace. But I’m going with Grant.
This 6-foot-4, 331-pound run stopper fits well in the middle of Buffalo’s defensive line with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Grant can push the pocket from inside too. He had three
sacks and 17 pressures in 2024.”
What Rang says:
“Grant is among the most talented defensive tackles in this class, but his inconsistent tape and conditioning could push him down the board slightly. I love his fit for a Buffalo defense that could use a little more girth and power inside.”
What Jeramiah says:
“Grant fills a need for the Bills. They recently signed DT Larry Ogunjobi, but he’s facing a six-game suspension. Grant’s raw upside and athleticism are tough to pass up.”
What Pasciolla says:
“The Buffalo Bills signed Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year deal in free agency, but since it’s only a one-year contract and Ogunjobi will turn 31 years old in June, Buffalo may want to land a long-term solution at defensive tackle. It’s also worth noting that Ogunjobi will be suspended for the first six games of the season after testing positive for PEDs.
Kenneth Grant capped off his illustrious career at Michigan with Third Team All-American honors. In 2024, Grant started 12 games and produced 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three quarterback hurries.”
What Edwards says:
“Buffalo will almost certainly use its first-round pick on the defensive side of the ball. Kenneth Grant is a good complement to Ed Oliver and gives the Bills much needed depth at an important position.”
What Trapasso says:
“The Bills pass on the wider Kenneth Grant to stick with what appears to be a theme of the offseason in Buffalo — get more explosive.”
What McDonald says:
“The Bills need some athleticism and speed at safety, so here comes the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Emmanwori, who was one of the stars of the scouting combine with a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 43-inch vertical. He would be a nice upgrade over what they have now, even though he’s got some room to improve in terms of physicality.”
What Cherepinsky says:
“Rasul Douglas is a free agent. Even if he’s re-signed, the Bills will need a new cornerback for the future.
Maxwell Hairston has plus size and has performed on a high level thus far in school.”
What Wilson says:
“Explosive is the best one-word description for Matthew Golden, who reminded me a lot of Jordan Addison coming out of USC. He doesn’t have the biggest frame but consistently creates separation at the top of his route, he has legit track speed (10.93 seconds in the 100-meter dash in high school and 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine) and also has return ability. His best football is ahead of him.”