Just a few plays away from the AFC Championship Game last year, the Buffalo Bills continue to be in win-now mode as they’re truly a contender in the conference. In our final 2022 NFL Mock Draft for the Bills, Buffalo attacks several positions of need early and often as they answer questions left after their playoff exit a year ago. Their 2022 NFL Draft haul could make or break their chances this season.
Buffalo Bills 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
Here are projections of every pick the Buffalo Bills could make within a 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft with the Pro Football Network staff as the general manager. This is what we would do with the picks after the board shook out while doing a full 7-round, 32-team mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Buffalo Bills need to replace Levi Wallace on the outside, and Trent McDuffie is more than up for the challenge. He’s a long cornerback who plays bigger than he measures. McDuffie is a ballhawk and possesses elite-level traits that will translate to the NFL. Whether it’s his oily hips or his backpedal, McDuffie is NFL-ready today.
Other players in consideration: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington; Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 57: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Bills’ defensive line has massive potential. This unit gets a big uplift of energy and skill with Perrion Winfrey in the fold. A large man with larger potential, Winfrey dominated at Oklahoma and can get after the passer or eat up double-teams in the run game. He wins with his quick first step, but he’s no slouch in terms of strength or punch with his hands.
Other players in consideration: Logan Hall, DT, Houston; Travis Jones, DT, UConn
Round 3, Pick 89: Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland
A dominant pass catcher, Chigoziem Okonkwo will become a favorite for Josh Allen to find all over the field (and quickly). Okonkwo can make every catch at all levels, and he displayed some terrific routes and ball-tracking skills at the Shrine Bowl. He’s an improving blocker but more of a receiving tight end immediately for the Bills.
Other players in consideration: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia; Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
Round 4, Pick 130: James Cook, RB, Georgia
Needing a back to separate themselves from the pack, the Bills grab this year’s best pass-catching running back out of the backfield in James Cook. Everything you thought about the importance of a running back, multiple that by a dozen or more as that’s what Cook will get you in yards after the catch no matter where he catches the ball. He’s a great runner with the ball in his hands and comes with much less wear on his tires than every back in this class.
Other players in consideration: Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor; Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 168: Luke Fortner, G/C, Kentucky
Versatility at this stage of the draft is huge — grabbing Luke Fortner is a big testament to that. Fortner can play all three interior positions and be counted on in a pinch to kick outside if necessary. He’s a natural guard and could eventually take over for the aging Rodger Saffold.
Other players in consideration: Alec Lindstrom, G/C, Boston College; Justin Shaffer, G, Georgia
Round 6, Pick 185 (from CAR): Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
Playing 17 games is a lot more difficult than it seems, as the wear and tear on NFL athletes through the regular season started to show its effect last year. As the 17-game season isn’t going away, a change will take place. Offensive linemen may start to rotate more, so teams are going to be looking for multiple starting-caliber linemen in free agency or the draft.
Obinna Eze is no project, but he’s a season or two away from earning reps at tackle. But with that in mind, Eze has the potential to develop into a starting tackle. His selection here is looking long term, not short term.
Other players in consideration: Devin Cochran, OT, Georgia Tech; Ryan Van Demark, OT, UConn
Round 6, Pick 203: Amaré Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Limiting players to just one specific position is difficult, especially in Amaré Barno‘s case. Listed as an EDGE, Barno is hardly just a pass-rushing edge defender. He uses his size and speed to drop in coverage well. Don’t get me wrong — Barno is also adept at rushing the passer. But his best asset right away will be using his athleticism in coverage.
Other players in consideration: Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss; Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, EDGE, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 231 (from ATL): Josh Thompson, CB, Texas
Helping to improve Buffalo’s secondary, Josh Thompson is the Bills’ final pick. He had a great career at Texas despite what some box-score scouts may say. He’s long and had a knack for finding the ball once he got in the mix at Texas. He’ll be a valuable CB4 or CB5 in the near future.
Other players in consideration: Tyreke Smith, EDGE, Ohio State; Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State