Will the Bills hit an early home run?
What happens in the draft is anybody’s guess, but maybe the Buffalo Bills will get lucky. Or maybe they’ll play it safe and trade down to acquire better depth. But here are three last-minute predictions in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Bills.
The Bills will have to wait a while before their team’s name is called as they sit at No. 30 in the first round. But they’ll be busy soon after as they also have two second-round picks (Nos. 56 and 62). They will miss the third round, but bounce back with selections in Round 4.
What direction will the draft take for the Bills? The pick at No. 30 will set the stage as they need help at edge rusher, linebacker, and cornerback.
Bills will take best-available edge rusher in Round 1
Things might work out nicely for the Bills and head coach Sean McDermott. A lot of mock drafts have good edge rushers still on the board when their first pick rolls around. Included in that mix is Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr.
He ranks No. 33 on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board, according to nfl.com.
“Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher,” Jeremiah wrote. “The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme, and he created havoc from a variety of entry points. His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush.
“When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. His pressure rate stands out among his peers in this class.”
Plus, Pearce can get it done against the run, which the Bills would love against the Ravens.
“Against the run, he plays bigger than his weight would suggest,” Jeremiah wrote. “He sets a firm edge, especially against tight ends. Overall, Pearce has double-digit sack potential and should make an immediate impact in the league.”
If the Commanders take Pearce at No. 29, look for the Bills to pivot to Nick Scourton. That’s not a bad consolation prize, according to nfl.com.
“Physical edge presence with the potential for creating havoc on all three downs,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “Scourton can power across the blocker’s face and into gaps, but is an average “set-and-contain” run defender. He plays with adequate hustle and range in pursuit and hits runners with heavy pads.
“(Scourton is) an eclectic rusher with a mature rush plan and rarely shows opponents the same look on consecutive plays. Scourton’s size, demeanor, and rush talent give him a chance to become a productive three-down starter off the edge.”
