Buffalo Bills: Defensive-heavy 2021 seven-round mock draft

A position (or positions) that I think is being overlooked when it comes to the Buffalo Bills 2021 NFL Draft needs in their offensive line. Their offensive line played fine last year, but they definitely have room to improve and look ahead to the future in this 2021 NFL mock draft.

Both tackles performed at a fairly high-level last season, so I focused my attention on the interior of the line. Whether he starts at guard in the near future or develops into the guy at center down the road, Trey Hill from Georgia is a very solid 2021 NFL Draft prospect for the Buffalo Bills.

Trey Hill really excels in the run game. With his heavy hands and driving lower body, Hill can easily engage and manipulate defenders to open up holes. For a man of his size, he is an excellent mover and does a great job of getting to the next level.

Primarily playing center over the past couple of seasons at Georgia, Hill also has experience at guard, giving him the versatility to help the Buffalo Bills in a variety of ways right away. He could compete for a starting job, fill in at any interior spot if someone goes down, and should certainly grow into a potential starting center if the team decides to move on from Mitch Morse in the next couple of seasons.

The Buffalo Bills have struggled mightily to run the ball lately, and revamping their offensive line could go a long way. I think they have solid running backs, and adding players like Trey Hill to their line could allow the offense to devote more time to the run game, diversifying their already dangerous offensive attack.

The Buffalo Bills already have some very talented players at the linebacker position. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the team selected young linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds, who is coming into his own as a solid young player in the league.

Matt Milano just received a new contract from the Bills, so he will be in the fold for the next few seasons as well. Add in veteran A.J. Klein who has been productive for the Bills over the past couple of seasons and the linebacking corps is in pretty good shape.

At this point in the 2021 NFL Draft, I am looking for upside. A player like Justin Hilliard really jumped out at me as a potential target. Even in a nickel-heavy defense, adding more talent and youth to the position is always a good idea.

Hilliard didn’t get a ton of time on the field as part of a stacked Ohio State linebacking corps, but he really excels on passing downs. Whether he is blitzing and coming at the quarterback or dropping back in coverage, Hilliard plays with great instincts and athleticism.

When Hilliard is in pursuit of the ball carrier, he gets there in a flash. He is a sound tackler who has a knack for knocking out the ball. These traits will transfer well to early downs, where he can use his physicality and relentless motor to make his way to the football.

A trio of Edmunds, Milano and Justin Hilliard would be a solid linebacker group for the future of the Buffalo Bills. Hilliard has the upside that you are looking for at this point in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Buffalo Bills make him the pick with their second selection of the fifth round in this 2021 NFL mock draft.