2021 NFL Draft: Five trade-up targets for the Buffalo Bills
5. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami/UCLA
Jaelan Phillips was a player that I detailed as a top overall target for the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Another riser heading into the draft, Phillips could end up being the first edge defender off the board, likely not falling all the way to pick 30.
While some prior injuries and some off-the-field issues may cause the former five-star recruit and two-school collegiate star to slip a bit, a team like the Buffalo Bills may have to move up a few slots in order to lock in his services.
Defensive end seems to be one of the bigger needs that the Buffalo Bills have on their roster, even after drafting A.J. Epenesa with their first draft pick last year. Jerry Hughes is still playing at a high level, but adding a guy like Phillips could provide some security for the future of the Bills and their defense.
With a mix of guys like Phillips, Hughes, Epenesa and Mario Addison, the Buffalo Bills would certainly create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier’s defense, pressure from the front four is imperative to success, so adding talent to the line is a must this offseason and going forward.
Whether the guy is Phillips or any other top edge prospect that the Buffalo Bills value (Kwity Paye, Azeez Ojulari, Gregory Rousseau, Joe Tryon, Jayson Oweh etc.) Brandon Beane may feel like he has to jump up a few spots to grab “his guy”. Phillips seems like one of the more NFL-ready defensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft that could come in and make a difference for a contender like the Buffalo Bills.
Trade down targets:
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
As I have mentioned twice already, the Buffalo Bills really need to improve their offensive line. Wyatt Davis is a first-round talent whose draft stock has fallen lately and would be a perfect target in the second round if the team were to move out of the first.
Top first-round targets for Bills. dark. Next
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
While Kyle Pitts may be just out of reach and selecting any other tight end in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft would likely be considered a reach, moving out of the first could be a prime opportunity to grab a guy like Pat Freiermuth or Brevin Jordan if the team likes them.
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
If the Buffalo Bills miss out on the other NFL son cornerbacks (Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn) they could move back a bit and still get a great corner in Asante Samuel Jr.