Buffalo Bills: Defensive-heavy 2021 seven-round mock draft
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. player. 16. Syracuse. Ifeatu Melifonwu. 2
Ifeatu Melifonwu is a very under-the-radar 2021 NFL Draft prospect who has snuck his way into the first round of the occasional 2021 NFL mock draft. Here, he is still on the board when the Buffalo Bills select at pick 61, and they happily bring him aboard.
The Buffalo Bills have a superstar cornerback in Tre’Davious White, but should really be on the hunt for a player to pair with him. Josh Norman had a solid season last year but is now a free agent. Levi Wallace has been serviceable over the years but has failed to stand out and Taron Johnson seems to have found a home in the slot.
Ifeatu Melifonwu can come in and be the starting outside corner across from White. I think that he fits perfectly in McDermott’s defense and would make a huge impact right away. Melifonwu has the makings of an elite zone corner, even at the next level with the traits that he possesses.
As a long and physical corner, Melifonwu is very effective at the catch point, often breaking up any pass that comes his way. He is athletic enough to stay with the fastest receivers and has impressive closing speed to make a play on the ball.
In the run game, Melifonwu is a great tackler. He’s not afraid to come up in the box or around the line of scrimmage to get his nose dirty. He is a heavy hitter with a relentless motor. This is exactly the type of player that the Buffalo Bills need to add in the 2021 NFL Draft.