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Buffalo Bills 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Upgrading the rushing attack

By John Blair

Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss (20) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) and strong safety Khari Willis (37) after gaining a first down in the fourth quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss (20) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) and strong safety Khari Willis (37) after gaining a first down in the fourth quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alijah Vera-Tucker, Buffalo Bills
Alijah Vera-Tucker is the Buffalo Bills’ first-round pick in this mock draft (Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Buffalo Bills had a breakthrough season this year, as they won their first playoff game since 1995. The Bills also look like the team to beat in the AFC East as they have a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen and the other teams in the division are still rebuilding.

However, in order for the team to take the next step, they will need to upgrade a running game that struggled all last season. In this mock draft, the Buffalo Bills add several players who should help improve the team’s running game.

Buffalo Bills mock draft: Round 1, 30th overall

Scouting Report. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 1. player. 16. Pick Analysis. OG. USC

The Buffalo Bills start to upgrade their running game by taking USC offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker with the 30th pick in this mock draft. This is a need as the Bills had the fourth-highest percentage of runs that were stuffed.

The team also has several questions when it comes to their current starters on the offensive line as Jon Feliciano is scheduled to be a free agent. The other starter at offensive guard for the Bills was Cody Ford, who should be back next year but battled injuries last year. The team also might cut center Mitch Morse this offseason which makes the interior of the offensive line an even bigger need.

If the team was able to get USC offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker with this selection, they would be getting one of the best guards in the 2021 NFL Draft. Vera-Tucker is a well-rounded player as he was rated as the top pass-blocking and run-blocking guard in the Pac-12 by Pro Football Focus. He also has the versatility the Bills might be looking for as he has the ability to play both guard and center.

Vera-Tucker played left tackle for the Trojans in 2020 and could have a future at the spot, but he is a better fit inside at the next level.

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