2019 NFL Mock Draft: Buffalo Bills Seize Control of Top Pick
By Erik Lambert
![HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 01: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars rests on the sideline in the first half against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 01: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars rests on the sideline in the first half against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8e5ead7808bd4e23e9f499fbc03fa6617dcb1c36351e1a624589c9c800050681.jpg)
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This is the first 2019 NFL mock draft that has an early sense of how the pick structure may end up looking when the 2018 season comes to an end.
Granted there are 15 games left to play for all 32 teams and things can change rapidly. However, the first week of the season can often tell a lot about how it will end up going. Based on initial performance last Sunday, it’s clear who the worst teams are, at least for the moment. The race for the #1 pick figures to be a strong one, but there is a definite favorite.
The Buffalo Bills were utterly trounced in their opener against Baltimore. Their offense was non-existent and their defense wasn’t much better. Considering the Ravens aren’t viewed as one of the top teams in the league, this should be a genuine concern. Maybe Buffalo can turn it around but it just doesn’t seem like they have the talent to do so. That’s why they’re favorites for the #1 pick.
1. Buffalo Bills
. OT. Alabama. Jonah Williams . 1. player. 16
The Bills offensive line was basically gutted this past offseason. The team traded able left tackle Cordy Glenn to Cincinnati. Both center Eric Wood and guard Richie Incognito retired as well. That’s their three best players up front gone, and with a rookie quarterback coming in too. That’s a nightmare scenario for any football team.
If they’re going to ensure that Josh Allen doesn’t get wrecked by too many hits before his career can truly get started, that front five desperately needs an upgrade. It must start at left tackle> Jonah Williams has filled that role well for mighty Alabama. He’s big and strong as per usual with that school but is also quick on his feet, can anchor and is fundamentally sound.