No strangers to putting talent in the NFL, it’s imperative to keep a watchful eye on scouting reports from the Buffalo Bulls for every draft, not just the 2022 NFL Draft. Buffalo has put talented pass rushers, running backs, and a slew of other positions in the NFL over the years. And 2022 may be no different. Kevin Marks Jr. could follow Jaret Patterson while Taylor Riggins may carry on the lineage created from Khalil Mack.
With an eye towards the 2022 NFL Draft, we take a look at just who from Buffalo could land on your favorite NFL team.
Buffalo Bulls 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The Buffalo Bulls, as a team, were extremely solid in 2021 under first-year head coach Maurice Linguist. He led them to a 4-8 record, but they were just a few points away from several more wins this past season. While quarterback play may have lacked, their prowess on defense surely made opponents take note.
Riggins recorded 4 sacks this past season while Kadofi Wright had 49 total tackles and 2.5 sacks himself. E.J. Brown was a great defender in space against the run. Aapri Washington locked down receivers as well. And yet, despite those aforementioned quarterback issues, Dominic Johnson finds himself on this list as well. Here are the full scouting reports from the Buffalo Bulls for the 2022 NFL Draft.
S E.J. Brown
Positives: Tough, disciplined safety who is best playing downhill. Quickly picks up assignments, remains disciplined, and displays a burst to the ball. Physical, gives it up defending the run, and aggressively goes after ball handlers. Immediately picks up assignments.
Negatives: Displays little in the way of lateral speed or range. Deep speed is an issue.
Analysis: Brown is a productive run-defending safety who is best between the numbers, but he has size and speed limitations for the next level.
WR Dominic Johnson
Positives: Former quarterback who moved to receiver as a junior and comes off a career year. Uses his hands to separate from defenders, nicely adjusts to errant throws, and gets down to scoop up low passes. Uses his frame to shield away opponents and protect the pass, gets vertical, and outmuscles opponents to come away with the reception. Tracks the pass in the air, displays outstanding hand/eye coordination, and possesses strong hands. Nicely settles into the soft spot of the defense to make the reception.
Negatives: Lacks quickness and speed. Unnecessarily lets passes get inside him at times. Not a smooth or fluid receiver.
Analysis: Since moving to receiver two years ago, Johnson has shown terrific development in his game and stood out in 2021. He’s a practice-squad prospect with an upside, though his lack of quickness and speed are limiting factors.
RB Kevin Marks Jr.
Positives: Once highly rated ball carrier coming off a disappointing season. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and flashes short-area quickness. Displays vision, finds the running lanes, and then turns it upfield. Keeps his feet moving, possesses a burst through the hole, and dishes out a lot of punishment. Drives his shoulders into defenders and falls forward when tackled. Gives a lot of effort blocking.
Negatives: Not a creative ball carrier. Lacks perimeter speed and is primarily a between-the-tackles running back. Rarely used as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Analysis: Marks was expected to take over the feature role at Buffalo after Jaret Patterson’s departure to the NFL. Yet, he turned into a rotational back in 2021 and never elevated his game. At one time considered a Day 3 pick by scouts, Marks will fall out of the draft and end up as a free agent.
EDGE Taylor Riggins
Positives: Undersized college pass rusher who shows flashes of ability. Breaks down well, remains disciplined with assignments, and nicely redirects to the ball handler. Fires upfield, bends off the edge, and moves smoothly when asked to twist or stunt. Comes out of a three-point stance or stands over tackle with equal effectiveness.
Negatives: Possesses average quickness in his game. Lacks a closing burst and does not show speed pursuing the action from the back side. Has a long injury history.
Analysis: Riggins got off to a quick start this season and had a very productive first half of the year before being sidelined with injury. He comes with average size as well as poor speed and possesses limited upside.
CB Aapri Washington
Positives: Explosive cornerback with excellent quickness and speed. Effective facing the action, stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks, and displays a burst to the ball. Quick-footed in reverse, breaks down well, and immediately reads and recognizes the action. Quickly picks up assignments, works hard to get off blocks, and makes plays up the field. Sells out on the blitz.
Negatives: Short and outmatched by bigger opponents. Has not had an interception the past two seasons.
Analysis: Washington is a cornerback who goes unnoticed in the scouting community, but he has the athleticism and ball skills necessary to line up in dime packages at the next level.
LB Kadofi Wright
Positives: Athletic linebacker who never truly elevated his game. Smooth, gets depth on pass drops, and covers a lot of area on the field. Breaks down well and holds his ground against blocks, even against offensive linemen. Looks the part, remains disciplined with assignments, and shows a ton of toughness defending the run. Possesses good change-of-direction skills and moves laterally with speed.
Negatives: Very inconsistent in his overall play. Shuffled in and out of the lineup the prior three years.
Analysis: Wright displayed flashes of next-level ability the past three seasons but never truly developed his game. He’s athletic and can play all three downs, but Wright must produce from the start of camp to even make a practice squad.