Predicting a pass rusher for the Buffalo Bills in a 2022 NFL draft mock sure is bold. USA TODAY recently took that route in some predictions.
In a recent mock draft from NFL analyst Nate Davis, the Bills take a defensive end in Arnold Ebiketie from Penn State. The reasoning why that is considered bold has nothing to do with Ebiketie.
Buffalo took Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham, both pass rushers, with their top-two selections at last year’s draft. In addition, AJ Epenesa was the Bills’ first pick in 2020.
That’s a lot of top-draft capital invested in pass rushers for the Bills.
First, here’s how Davis came his conclusion on Ebiketie:
25. Buffalo Bills – DE Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State: He had eight sacks among 52 QB pressures in 2021. Buffalo’s aging D-line is poised to be stripped of its depth in free agency, but Ebiketie and 2021 rookies Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham could form a next-gen nucleus up front.
While Ebiketie might be a tough sell, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane has proven to not be afraid to continually invest picks into a position. Specifically at defensive end.
The “aging vets” the Bills currently have that were mentioned are Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison. Much of the Ebiketie selection will depend on how Buffalo handles those two as free agency approaches in March.
March… which is thankfully before the draft in April.
Currently the Bills can’t re-sign either Hughes or Addison since the team is slightly over the salary cap. However, with a few moves, one or both could be back. If it’s both, Ebiketie won’t be in consideration.
Hypothetically, Ebiketie could still be on Buffalo’s radar if just one of them, like Hughes, is brought back. That’s because a few Bills players on the edge, like Basham, can also kick inside and play a pass-rushing defensive tackle role. That opens up opportunities for others.
Plus, Epenesa has also been very disappointing. He might be on the outside looking in next year if he doesn’t improve.
In Ebiketie, he is a touted pass rushing prospect by Bleacher Report. However, he might need to grow into a better run defender at the next level, according to B/R.